Mabira forest is one of Uganda’s rainforests that have been existing for years and is a habitant of various species of mammals, primates, trees, and many more wildlife species. Mabira Forest is situated in Buikwe district and lies between Lugazi and Jinja in the eastern part of Uganda. The forest is approximately 300 square kilometers and was gazetted as a forest reserve in 1932.
Mabira forest is a home of 315 bird species such as Nathan’s francolin, Cassin’s Hawk-eagle, White –spotted fluff tail, Afep pigeon, grey parrot, Blue-throated Roller, African Dwarf-kingfisher, wood hopes, Coraciiform, Black-shouldered Nightjar, Dusky long-tailed cuckoos, Forest Robin, Sabine’s spine tail and many more. The forest also habor primates like the velvet monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, bush pigs, Red-tailed monkeys and over 200 tree species, 218 butterflies species, 97 moth species among others. Mabira Forest is managed by the National Forestry Authority.
Mabira forest reserve has been surviving since 1960 until they brought up a deforestation plan in 2007 when the Mehta group wanted to destroy the forest. The plan had to be discussed within Uganda, in so doing the environmental activists got scared of losing hundreds of endangered species, damage of the livelihood of the local people and regional climate. A cabinet paper was issued out showing all plans. It showed that when this plan becomes successful it will generate 3500 jobs and also contribute 11.5 billion Ugandan shillings to the fund.
Ugandans had to come out disagreeing with the plan that was issued by the Ugandan government, and they had to riot against the Asian Company since the Mehta group because they wanted to cut off 70 square kilometers from the forest and transfer it to the sugar corporation Uganda limited. During the demonstration, three people were killed and about 1000 people came out protesting against this deforestation. The president of Uganda persisted with the plan-making for the deforestation plan to go forward. However, Uganda environmental minister came out to serve the voice of the people and also to rescue Uganda’s nature of Mabira forest through announcing that the plan was totally suspended from the hands of the Indians and the government had to look for another alternative of the land to offer to the Mehta group.
Mabira forest reserve has been existing for centuries on the shores of Lake Victoria as a protection of wildlife, providing ecosystem services for the water balance, timber resource to the local residents and it is a touristic destination. The values of the forest are calculated by local researchers. The government of Uganda has gained a lot in this forest and also its core partners the European Union since 1990 to restore formally degraded areas.
Mabira forest is the source of firewood and charcoal to the local residents in villages who are surrounding the forest such as Buikwe and Lugazi.
Mabira forest is also a source of income to the people of Uganda who invest in selling charcoal to people and some benefit from market vendors which are located at the entrance of the forest. It also acts as a source of food in the form of honey to the people of Uganda. Though people are aware that deforestation can bring drought and climate change and also can cause less water in rivers, lakes thus leading to famine in an area.
However, when it comes to exploring the beauty of this forest, you can encounter many species through these fantastic activities such as mountain biking, forest walking. bird watching, forest zip-lining, visiting the local residents and many.
Skyway zip lining.
This is the best-enjoyed activity within the promises of the mabira forest. The zip line was tied up with enough care within mabira forest by trained engineers to act as an attraction to the tourists and the local residents. When it comes to visit this place, travelers can be guided with well-trained guides who are always there for the help of tying them up to enjoy an activity. The panoramic view is rewarding to the tourists with great sightseeing of primates, mammals, rolling hills, green species of trees and many more.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is best done at Griffin fall camps outside the forest at national forestry departments facility or can be carried out in well-maintained routes through the forest and venture beyond the forest into the communities and enjoy your ride while wiping out the surrounding gardens and also meeting the local resident.
Bird watching
When a traveler visits this natural forest which hosts 315 bird species, you can be able to see very many birds and these include; Nathan’s francolin, Cassin’s hawk-eagle, White-spotted fluff tail, Afep pigeon, grey parrot, blue-throated roller, African dwarf –kingfisher, wood hopes and many more.
Forest walk
This activity is conducted within the forest which lies on the large scale of its land of about 300 square kilometers, to start your nature walk which is guided by one of the trained local residents who take you through this nature wonders which has been existing for years. You can be able to see different species of primates, trees, plants and many more.
Mangabey monkey trekking
This is a unique and rare monkey that can be found in Mabira forest, which can be easily accessed by road from Kampala City to Jinja, approximately 2.5 hours only. Within this forest, there are three habituated groups and they can be easily tracked with guides who have been here for quite a long time as residents. As you’re tracking you can be able to spot other kinds of monkeys such as red tailed monkeys, birds, butterflies, flower plants and tree species from the ancient years.
Things to carry for your safari at mabira forest reserve include Binoculars, day packer safari bag, mineral water, rubber shoes, and a hat.
Where to say
While you’re at mabira forest you can sleep in nice lodges such as Rain forest lodge, Villa Annona Guest, The Liz motel, Eden Rock Resort, Ecolodge and many other beautiful lodges in here.
Accessibility
The forest is located on the Jinja high way approximately 2.5 hours by road from the city center Kampala covering a distance of 56 kilometers.
