Mabira Forest. What to Do in Mabira Forest? Where to Go for Zipling Activity in Uganda?

Mabira forest is a rainforest located in three districts that is Mukono, Buikwe, and Jinja covering about 300 square kilometers and has been protected as a forest reserve since 1932 and are home to many endangered species. Mabira central reserve lies North of Lake Victoria and consists of flat-topped hills with elevations ranging from 1070m to 1340 meters above sea level.

It is one of the largest remaining blocks of the semi-green rainforest in the Victoria basin forest-savanna mosaic ecoregion. However, the reserve is subject to long-term human influence together with encroachment on the reserve for settlement and agriculture.

Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL) in Mabira

In 2007, the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL) owned by the Uganda Government and the Mehta group had proposed to clear some part of the Mabira forest for sugar cane growing but the plan was later laid down by activists as well as conservationists together with the minister of environment who boycotted with demonstrations.

The Kabaka of Buganda also opposed the deforestation plan and offered alternative land for sugarcane growing at that time. Also, the Anglican Church of Mukono offered land for sugarcane production. During the protests against sugarcane growing in Mabira, at least three people died and so much property was lost as the SCOUL plantations were set on fire by the demonstrators.

birding in Uganda

Things to do in Mabira Forest

Different activities can be done in the Mabira forest and these include the following;

Zip Lining

This is situated on a 250 meter at Griffin falls and during this activity, you can see the beautiful views of the forest and rapids right from above. This is all made possible with the help of well-experienced guides and the activity takes approximately 4 hours. This is one of the activities you should not miss on your bucket list for the Pearl of Africa.

Nature Walks

These are conducted in the Mabira forest and these give you opportunities of seeing a variety of tree species with different uses the locals living around the reserve are allowed to collect them for medicinal use. During this nature walks, different primates are also spotted for example red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and vervet monkeys.

Forest Hiking Tours

Bird Watching in Mabira Forest

Mabira forest boasts over 350 bird species and this is a great opportunity for bird lovers on their birding trip to this particular forest.  These include the white belied kingfisher, African pied hornbill, hairy-breasted barbet, Red-capped robin chat, grey woodpeckers, and grey-green bush shrike among others.

The forest also has rare bird species for example the purple-throated cuckoo shrikes, Nahan’s francolin, and Jameson’s wattle eye among others. It is believed that 46% of the forest birds can be seen in Mabira than anywhere else in Uganda. Bird lovers are reminded to carry with them their birding equipment to enjoy this great birding adventure.

Butterfly Identification

Mabira forest is considered to be home to over 220 butterfly species and over 98 Moths. During the identification process, you pass through paths with blossoming plants and this leads you to the areas where you can see as many butterflies and moths as you can.

Biking/cycling

This is also a common activity done in the Mabira forest and is taken on the main trails as it involves climbing up and down the hills. This cycling exercise also passes through the neighboring villages and provides you with beautiful views of the forest. If you are interested in taking part in this activity, you are reminded to carry with you packed food and enough drinking water.

Forest Hiking Tours

Mangabey Tracking

This is only carried out in the Mabira forest and nowhere else in Uganda. Three habituated grey-cheeked mangabey families can be tracked on any day.  This is one of the most carried out activities in the Mabira forest and they are also considered tree dwellers so sighting them can depend mostly on the time, season, and the availability of food but coming face to face with them at the end of the day is very rewarding.

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