This is one of the few and the largest remaining stand of indigenous forest in Central Uganda, covering an area of more than 300 sq. km along Kampala-Jinja road. Being close to the country’s two big cities, it gives a greater opportunity for tourist development.
A portion of this forest is now being cut down for power lines, while another portion has been threatened to be given away to sugar companies for more sugar plantations, a decision that has mean time been stayed off due to anti-Mabira give way protests.
Mabira forest is a combination of patches of open grassland, valleys with papyrus swamps, and more than 200 species of trees that have been identified typically native African tropical tree species.
Besides the lovely forest there are over 300 species of birds and over 218 kinds of butterflies. Aided by the lovely walking trails, one can have a good view of the red tailed monkey, but the white colobus, Grey-cheeked mangabey and blue duiker monkeys being very common.
Bird watchers are also not left out because the forest harbors species of forest birds like the African Grey parrot, hornbill species, sunbirds, weyn’s weaver, rare blue swallow and the best birding site at the forest-fringed pond.
Walking underneath this canopy of an African Rainforest viewing the gigantic buttress root trees is a fascinating experience. You will love the silence that is interrupted by the sound of lovely singing birds, or the shriek of duelling monkeys.
Being one of those places where the West African Rainforest meets East Africa, Uganda is home to many beautiful places such as Mabira Forest touring which is definitely breathtaking.