Mpanga forest Ecotourism site

Mpanga forest Ecotourism site

Mpanga 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. 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 gazetted in 1950 and then later in 1953. It first served as a scientific research site.

Tourist activities:

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. This destination can be added to Your Uganda safaris destinations.