5 Things to see and do in Mabira forest

The 5 things to do and see in Mabira forest include nature walks, primate viewing, Ssezibwa Falls detour, Visit the source of River Nile, birding and others. Mabira forest is one of the natural forests in Uganda that covered a very big area but because of land grabbing, agriculture especially sugarcane growing, settlement, the size of this once largest natural forest in the country is currently reducing.

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Mabira forest is situated along the Kampala Jinja highway but covers so many parts of eastern Uganda. even though most of the grown trees especially deep in the forest have been cut down for lumber Jacks, charcoal burning and many other atrocities. Despite these hazards, a part of the former vast Mabira forest is still existing and one can participate in activities within and out of this forest.

The management of Mabira forest is under the supervision of National Park forest Authority a well trained team of ranger guides on ground to keep law and order. They are on ground to direct you on which direction to take during the walk in Mabira forest.

What to do and see in Mabira forest

Birding in Mabira forest

Keen birders have a chance to enjoying birding in Uganda within Mabira forest. The environment within this forest favors the survival of a number of birds including Black collared Apalis, cuckoo shrike, African blue flycatcher, blue turaco, green headed, African Citril, Yellow crowned Canary and others.

Mabira forest has a number of trails that tourists and there birding guides follow to locate the several birds that are residents of this forest. Do not forget to have a ranger guide in your company because the forest may have some harmful inhabitants that may hurt you or some hard to go to spots.

An early morning or late evening start during the birding safari in Uganda is amazing as this gives you chance to have more chance to identify a number of birds that are residents

Primate Viewing In Mabira Forest

While in Mabira forest, you may get the chance to spot a range of primates including grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus and others. You need to have some patience because these primates are not habituated. Most of the primates still posses wild behaviors so do not expect them to be steadily around you. But you need to have some level of patience and open your mind to seeing other inhabitants.

Ssezibwa Falls detour in Mabira Forest

The Ssezibwa falls is situated on the way to Mabira falls. The Ssezibwa falls is believed to be the dwelling spot for the spirits of the Buganda kingdom. These falls are surrounded by woodland where locals normally go to perform rituals. The falls are charming to watch as the water cascade the high cliff.    

Before flowing down the cliff, the water from River Ssezibwa staggers over a bed of underlying rocks and splashes its water creating a beautiful scenery. You can take a nature walk into the forested part of Ssezibwa falls.

The Ssezibwa falls have a well-kept environment where picnics can be organized but advance preparation is necessary. It is very important to plan with the management of the Ssezibwa falls. Before flowing down the cliff, the water from River Ssezibwa staggers over a bed of underlying rocks and splashes its water creating a beautiful scenery. You can take a nature walk into the forested part of Ssezibwa falls.

Nature Walks In Mabira Falls

Mabira falls is a biosphere reserve so taking a guided nature walk in this forest is an amazing choice. During the nature walk, you may get the chance to see a number of butterflies, different plants, birds, wild fruits and much more. Within Mabira forest are some recreation centers which are getaways for the distraction of nature.

Ensure to follow the trails constructed by regular visitors so that you do not create more paths in the forest that can end in environmental distraction.

Visit the source of River Nile

From Mabira forest, you my head to the source of River Nile in Jinja town. The source of River Nile is situated on lake Victoria and at this point there is dramatic separation. The River Nile is the longest River in the world crossing Uganda, South Sudan, The Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt with its delta in the Mediterranean.

To get to the source of River Nile, you sail but at this point, you watch the drama of River Nile that dramatically starts off as though it has a journey and Lake Victoria slowly gets away without a rush. Visiting the source of River Nile opens more chances to viewing the rich banks of River Nile that are dotted with evergreen vegetation, flocked by an array of mainly water birds, cool breeze off the River and much more.

Other activities to do close to Mabira forest

White water rafting on River Nile

Experience the amazing tides of River Nile on a tube boat with no experience since on ground there are professional instructors to take you through the necessary steps. During the peddling, you get to beat the tides where river Nile taggers over underlying rocks at Itanda falls on Buikwe.

There are different levels you can sail over but you can stop where you most feel comfortable during the white water rafting adventure.

Bungee jumping on River Nile

Engaging in Bungee jumping is a thrilling adventure where you are let down the high cliff and only supported by a single rope to touch the surface of River Nile. At the bottom of the cliff a boat awaits to receive you as you get touch the surface of River Nile.

Tubbing on River Nile

Enjoy the beauty of River Nile by engaging on a boat trip on River Nile.

Quad Biking On River Nile

Get the chance to do quad biking along the banks of River Nile. You get the chance to immerse yourself into the aromas of nature in the countryside. There is no need to have experience in quad biking since on ground there are instructors to take you through the necessary procedures.

Sports fishing on River Nile

Participate in sports fishing on River Nile by purchasing a permit to catch some fish at your own pace. While close to River Nile, you can carry your own gears including fishing rods and much more. As a keen angler, some of the prominent fish species you may get chance to see include Nile perch, tilapia, cat fish, lung fish and others.     

When Is The Best Time To Visit Mabira Forest

The dry season provides better chance to spotting a number of forest inhabitants. The dry season which is normally June to September and December to February allows more sunlight deep in to the forest. The dense network of rivers is more controlled as it flows within normal course. The undergrowth along the trails is lower permitting faster movement to different parts of Mabira forest.

The primates and birds in the forest are quicker to identify as the environment is less moist. There is normally less food availability up in the tree so the primates and birds spend much of there time closer to the ground.

Note that more tourists may be found engaging in some activities within and outside Mabira forest. The more the merrier so enjoy the entire guided natural walk with in forest. Even when doing the birding safari in Mabira forest, there are better chances to access the numerous points where these birds survive in the forest.

The wet season which is normally March to May and November presents conditions where more rains are experienced. Even under these conditions, there are some activities where tourists can engage because Uganda is not normal affected by extreme weather. If you wish to have more time with less disturbance from intruders in Mabira forest, you can take advantage of the low season.

How Safe Is Mabira Forest For Activities

Mabira forest is safe to visit as in ground there re professional ranger guides from National Forest Authority. Before starting any safari activity in Mabira forest, you need to be in company of an armed professional guide and donot try to stray from him or her because you will get lost.

Before moving in Mabira forest, you receive briefing from the ranger guide bout what is expected of you during the walk. Wear the right clothes to use during the walk in Mabira forest because there are some rough surfaces especially biting nettles or stinging insects that may come across you.

Do not forget to wear the right attires for the time you are in Mabira forest.

How Long Are Activities In Mabira Forest

The time to take in Mabira forest varies with activities you hope to engage in. The guided nature walks in Mabira forest may take a half day or full day. To find the forest inhabitants of Mabira forest you need some level of patience and determination. In order to enjoy the entire experience of spending time within Mabira do not forget to wear the right gears including safari attires, safari hat, insect repellant, backpack and many others.

Do not forget to pack some snacks to eat during breaks on the way to search for the inhabitants of the forest.

Why Visit Mabira Forest

A visit to Mabira forest is worth the experience as you get to interact with nature and immerse into the amazing aromas of the wilderness. Mabira forest has different plants that are currently hard to find elsewhere in the world.

In the forest there are other occupants you may come across. The conservation of Mabira forest is still necessary as its land has been encroached on by squatters and for agricultural purposes. For research, purposes, taking a nature walk in Mabira forest is a result oriented adventure.

How Much Is A Visit To Mabira Forest

The cost of a visit to Mabira forest varies with the activities but you need to pay the ranger guide fees. As you need to be in company of a ranger guide. In case you have some items that may weigh you down, hiring a porter to assist with carrying your belongings.

Include some tips in case you wish to have extra information from the locals especially those that have history about the existence of Mabira forest.

Other costs likely to be encountered during the Mabira forest visit include transport costs, accommodation costs and much more.

What to pack for Tour To Mabira Forest

• Insect repellants to protect your skin from biting nettles,
• Garden gloves in case you need to grip on the creepers tightly.
• Safari boots comfortable for a trek in the wilderness
• Camera to keep memories of your wild encounter with the primates with in Mabira forest as a few places are still left in the world at this moment.
• Safari hat with a larger brim to protect your hair from water that drips off the leaves.
• Rain coat in case it falls
• Long trousers and shirt to cover your body. They must be in wilderness friendly colors like tan, khaki, forest green .
• Backpack to carry with your forest walking gears as right now you can carry your items to use while searching for the inhabitants of this forest.
• A sweater or warmers because this area gets so cold in the morning and afternoon.
• A torch to use for night lighting in case lights run out
• Extra hard cash for on ground purchases in case you need to them. Credit cards are not a common means of exchange in Africa because of the lengthy process of acquiring money from them.
• Flip flops to wear after the walk in Mabira forest as the shoes may be quite strenuous.
• Light Shoe bag to keep in your dirty shoes so that they do not stain other clothes as you park.
• Toiletries in case your lodge doesn’t offer them.
• Sun glasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects in the jungle.
• Extra fully charged batteries to exchange with in case one runs low

For more information, please get in touch with our team.