SIMPLE FACTS ABOUT MABIRA FOREST
Mabira forest is one of the unique attractions that make
Uganda very attractive. The beautiful and serene forest lies along the Jinja -
Kampala highway and it is very close to Uganda’s capital city. If on a Uganda safari and you’re looking for a
nearby gate away destination close to Kampala, don’t look any further, Mabira
rainforest is the best option.
The forest is the prime destination for nature walks, biking,
and birding among others. It also gives you a chance to have a picnic in the
forest. It has 10 forest trails catering for travelers of all time schedules
and abilities. If you’re coming from east, maybe after seeing the source of the Nile River and not
rushing to reach Kampala, Mabira forest is a pleasant backwater and stop over
to consider.
Mabira forest sits on a stretch of valleys, hills and some
parts are edged by papyrus swamps and savannah on the shores of Lake Victoria.
This forest is one of the destinations you can experience
nature without any disruptions of vehicles. Be ready to get lost in nature once
you visit mabira rain forest. It is comprised of 200 different tree species,
patches of grassland, various papyrus swamps, peaceful waterfalls and simple
beautiful streams.
It was gazetted in 1932. The forest has been under attack for
so many times and it is a miracle that it still exists. Some of the portion of
the forest has been given away to investors that has angered a big population
of Ugandans. Still illegal logging from way back in the colonial times goes on
till today for timber and rubber.
A number of trees were cut down from this forest in 1960s and
in 1980s about aquater of the forest was cut down and turned into farmlands.
Besides the forest being highly encroached by humans, deforestation
and charcoal burning, it has still managed to maintain a lush eco system with
several species of animals and birds.
The forest hosts 9 endangered species of mammals with some
not found anywhere else in Uganda including the Short tailed fruit bat,
Mangabey, Baboon, colobus monkeys, butterflies and several birds. It is
believed that the forest has 218 species of butterflies, 23 mammals including
primates and 95 moth species.
Be sure of spotting bird species like red headed blue bill,
bellied seed cracker, Cassin hawk eagle, purple throated cuckoo, forest wood
hoope and tit hylia among others making it an important bird watching area in Uganda.
The forest is filled with more than 300 endemic plants and
species that are only sighted in guinea forests like Phyllanthus atripennis,
francolinus nahani, Macrosphenus concolor, caprimulgus nigriscapularis, and
trochocercus niten and among others. A number of trees in the forest are used as
a traditional medicinal herbs, perhaps this explains the value attached to it
by the local people around.
Some of the trees found in the forest reach up to 60 feet in
height. And others have protruding buttressed roots along with an abundance of
lianas and vines. It is believed that some trees are 80 to 100 years old.
The forest has a number of nature walk trails that will lead
you through the forest and experience the feel of an African rainforest. Hiking
the radio hill rewards you with an amazing panoramic views over the forest
canopy.
Apart from hiking, other activities in Mabira forest are ran
by the communities like the zip lining at griffin falls. Travelers are treated
to a ride above the tree canopy. MAFUKO offers zip lining in Mabira and it is a
community based project under the corroborative forest management.
Mabira forest has a number of comfortable accommodation with few lodges and cottages established
to match the serenity of the forest reserve. Those interested in camping, the
public campsite is available for outdoor camping and educational tours with 12
tents and water.
Mabira forest has a lot for you to see and experience, make
it a must to visit when on a Safari in Uganda. Still it is a perfect place to
make a stopover on your way to white water rafting and bungee jumping adventures
in Jinja.
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