Visit Mpanga Central Forest Reserve

Visit Mpanga Central Forest Reserve -Tree species, birding,primates and butterfly safaris in Uganda

Visit Mpanga central  Forest Reserve  – lies about 37 kilometers southwest of Kampala. It is one of the smallest natural equatorial rainforests in Uganda. This remarkable forest spans up to 453 hectares just as you are in Mpigi district. If you are nature enthusiast, then a trip to Mpanga forest reserve is worthy to explore the abundant forest species. The forest reserve is a home to over 500 tree species and shrubs, 300 birds, 97 butterflies and 112 moths.

Visit Mpanga central forest reserve Uganda wildlife

 there are also 3 monkey species that are protected within this small forest and they include the Vervet, red tailed and black and white colobus monkeys. You can as well spot some banded mongoose, squirrels, Pottos, pangolins and bush babies. For those who may spend a night around Mpanga forest, they can be in position to sight at notable nocturnal Pottos and bush babies. The main tree species in this forest is the hard and weather resistant celtis. The forest is surrounded by a community of traditional drum makers. This forest reserve was gazzeted in 1950 and then later in 1953. It first served as a scientific research site.

Birds of Mpanga central forest reserve.

Mpanga forest reserve is one of the best areas for birding around Kampala, the forest is a home to so many bird species including Great blue Turaco, African Emerald cuckoo, African Harrier hawk, Black goshawk, Narina trogon, crowned hornbill, African pied hornbill, Grey parrot, Western Nictor, Green Hylia.

 Tourist activities to do in Mpanga forest:

Birding:

Mpanga Forest Reserve is one of Uganda birders paradise sites that you can easily reach even when you are within the city. There are various birds to excite the mind with as you get into the walking trail. The trail is well established and stretches from the forest up to a water stream which is an area for shoebill and visitors can as well get a glimpse of water species. It takes you nearly 3 hours to do your birding experience where you will have opportunity to watch some of the 50 bird species that are popularly known to live in this remarkable forest. The birds to have a glimpse awhile in your nature walks in the forest include the long tailed cormorant, cattle egret, black headed heron, purple heron, Hadada ibis, Egyptian goose, black kite, lizard buzzard, great blue Turaco, yellow bill and African palm swift.

Forest Walk:

A walk through Mpanga Forest Reserve offers visitors opportunity to explore the remarkable hidden treasures of the forest while enjoying the natural setting of the forest, enjoy the cool weather conditions under the forest canopy. This will give you the opportunity sight at countless trees, monkeys, butterflies and many colorful birds. There are also nocturnal species for you to sight especially for those visitors who spend their night around the forest reserve. The forest walk is mainly conducted by the Mpanga Ecotourism centre which was launched in 1999.

Walk Trail:

This is sub divided into 3; Baseline trail, the butter trail and hornbill trail. This mainly offers incredible experiences on monkeys, common forest birds and several plant species to be explored.

Night camping:

This is basically for tourists to view the bush babies that eat at night.

Guided tours:

This leads you to Kiganda shrines just one kilometer from the ecotourism centre and the Nakibinge.

Hill climbing:

Tourists also have opportunity to view at the forest and surrounding valleys that are remarkably stunning.

Visit the local market and do some shopping at Mpambire trading area where you will get drums, baskets, mats, local tools and many other handcraft materials.

Best time to visit Mpanga central forest reserve.

Mpanga forest reserve is visited all year round as it’s easily accessible from Kampala and does not need a lot planning.

How to get to Mpanga central forest reserve.?

This forest is located 37 kilometers which is approximately 1 and half hour’s drive from Kampala along Masaka road. If you are in Mpigi town, it is 6 kilometers before you reach to Mpanga Eco tourism site sign post and from there you can take the main road which is about one kilometer.

Where to stay:

Some of the notable accommodation facilities to spend a night in the forest include;

Mpanga Ecotourism Campsite:

This is made of 2 double rooms, 2 twin rooms, 8 bedded dormitory and good place for camping. Meals and camp fire are also provided.

In conclusion, there are many attractions and activities that you must not miss out in Mpanga Forest Reserve if you are planning a trip in Uganda. Mpanga Forest Reserve is an ideal place for your gateway in Kampala.