Straddling the road to Jinja, a two hour’s drive from Kampala, Mabira forest supports over 300 bird species many of which are difficult to see elsewhere in Uganda and close to 218 butterfly spicies. An excellent Trail System allows access to both undisturbed primary and good secondary forest. Managed by the Forestry department with input from local community, Mabira Forest was opened to the public in 1996. The revenue generated from ecotourism is shared between the forestry department and the local community.
One of Mabira’s strengths lies in the large number of birds which may be seen from the visitor’s centre. Flowering trees in the clearing attract a variety of sunbirds such as green, Little Olive, Blue throated brown, Green throated, olive bellied and superb sunbirds. Other forest edge species her include speckle -breasted Woodpecker, Black throated Apalis, African blue Flycatcher and Grey-crowned Negro finch. Forest Ribon, Snowy headed Robin-Chat, Grey capped warbler, Black and white Flycatcher, Dusky Tit and common Wattle Eye occur around the Campsite where Buff-spotted Fluff tail and African wood owl may be heard in the evenings.
The beautiful Primary forest south of the main Kampala-Jinja road is a prime birding area harbouring a number of species that avoid secondary forest.
This birding safari takes you to Mabira forest, a tropical rain forest in central Uganda for the search of forest birds secluded in this largest forest block in the Central part of Uganda. Other safari activities include Forest walks, butterfly viewing, primate watching (monkeys) etc. The Forest offers camping, picnics and hiking activities.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Kampala – Mabira Forest
After breakfast, you will drive towards eastern Uganda and get to Mabira Forest reserve- the largest remaining reserve in Central Uganda. On arrival, you will check in the Lodge and have lunch. Later in the afternoon you will go for an afternoon birding in the forest. Expect birds like the Weyn’s weaver Nahan’s francolin, great blue Turaco, pretty tit hylia, Leaf love, African grey parrot, and many more. Dinner and overnight at the peaceful eco lodge called The Mabira Rain Forest Lodge.
DAY 2: Birding safari in Mabira Forest
Have a cup of coffee and go for the early morning birding. You will bird for the whole day to drive back to Kampala in the evening. You will reach Kampala in the late evening. Dinner and overnight at Emin Pasha/ Serena Hotel / Capitol Palace Hotel, Hotel Africana, Grand Imperial, Sheraton, The Common Wealth Resort Munyonyo and many more.