Uganda Eco-Tourism sites outside National Parks and Game reserves
In the public eye, forest reserves are associated with consumptive forms of land use especially timber logging. However, there are a number of Central Forest Reserves that undoubtedly have features and attractions that are of real interest to domestic and international tourists on a sustainable basis.
Mabira Central Forest Reserve
Attractions
Mabira Central Forest Reserve is one of Uganda’s largest surviving
Natural Forest covering an area of 306 sq km. The Forest is a Natural
Habitat of 312 species of trees including the endangered Cordia Millenii,
Mililia Exclesa.the Warbhugia Ugandanesis which has medicinal properties
and is known to cure over forty ailments; and the vulnerable Prunus
Africana which cures Prostate Cancer and boosts the Human Immune System.
Mabira is also home of 315 species of Birds such as the Nahan’s ,
Francolin , Cassin Hawk Eagle , the Forest Wood hoope, the Purple
throated Cuckoo, the Tit Hylia, the Red Headed Blue Bill, the Black
bellied Seed Cracker, the Shining Blue Kingfisher and the Blue headed
Crested Monarc. Some of these species can only be found in Mabira.
Other unique features to be explored in the Forest Reserve include 218
Butterfly species, 97 Moth Species, 23 Small Mammal Species especially
Primate Species of the Monkey Clan and the spectacular Griffin Falls!
Activities in the Forest Reserve include Forest Walks with over 68km of
well developed Trail length, Mountain Biking, Bird Watching,
Environmental Education and Research, Camping and Picnics, Primate
Watching, Butterfly Identification and general Forest Exploration.
Accommodation
Accommodation in the
Forest Reserve is available in 3 Bandas which can accommodate a maximum
of 10 guests at the Eco-Tourism site at near Najjembe Trading Centre.
The Bandas are self-catering although some light meals can be prepared
for you by the House keeper.
There is also a Camping Ground near the site for do-it-yourself caravans
at a modest fee.
Mabira Forest Lodge, a modern eco-friendly facility by the Alam Group of
Companies is nearing completion. Details and reservations can be got
from Geo Lodges, Uganda
Accessibility
Mabira Central Forest Reserve is located on the main Kampala-Jinja Highway in Mukono District. It is 54km from the City Centre of Kampala and 26km from Jinja Town. The Eco-Tourism site is about half a kilometer from the road head along a short dirty road off the Najjembe trading centre. The Forest is therefore accessible by all vehicles throughout the year.
Other Services
Specialized, Knowledgeable
and courteous local Guides are on site ready to take you for an exciting
interpretative Forest Walk.
Mabira Eco-Tourism Drama Group, a community Interest Group entertains
Visitors with Cultural Music, Dance and Drama. The Najjembe Women’s
Crafts Group ensures that visitors take a Souvenir home in form of
Handcrafts like baskets,mats,handbags,becovers, all made out of local
materials. The Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organization (MAFICO)
and Non Government Organization, is in advanced stages of developing a
community Eco-Tourism Site at the Griffin Falls located 20kms from the
Najjembe visitor reception centre.
Mpanga Central Forest Reserve
Attractions
Mpanga Central Forest
Reserve is a natural forest with unique Tree Species and other Flora.
Among the outstanding Tree Species are the Celtis Family Species with
large buttresses, the Ficus Family and Mahogany.
The forest also boasts of a number of primates especially the Red-
Tailed Monkeys,etc. Nocturnal visits can be arranged to see the Bush
Babies.
There is an array of birdlife including the Ross Turaco, Weaver-birds,
the Grey Parrot, Owls, Hornbills and Cuckoos.
The forest is also a home to a variety of Butterflies and Moths.
The main activities in the forest include Forest Walks and Forest
Exploration, Bird Watching and Identification.
The Forest Trails are well developed into four main routings namely;
The Baseline Trail, the Hornbill Trail, The Butterfly Trail, and the
Family Trail each with unique features and experiences.
Accommodation
There is basic
Accommodation at the Visitor Reception Centre at Mpanga under the
management of the National Forestry Authority. One Tourist Banda, a
self-contained Duplex, and a double Rom on the main office Block can
accommodate12 visitors at once. There is also a Tent for hire at a
modest fee.
These are self-catering facilities although light meals can be ordered
from the House Caretaker.
Accessibility
Located in Mpigi District 37km from the city centre of Kampala, The Forest Reserve is easily accessible through the main Kampala- Masaka High way. The eco – Tourism site is approximately1kmfrom the road head using a well-surfaced direct road passable throughout the year.
Other Services
Local Guides who are quite knowledgeable about the forest Bio-Diversity are available on the site.
Lutoboka and Bujanzi Central Forest Reserves
Attractions
These Forests, found on
the legendry Ssese Islands, are described as medium altitude moist
forests. They form a belt along the lower ridges with a gentle slope
from a lakeshore to the centre. However, the forest walks are not
strenuous.
The Forest Trails are well developed. One particular tail visitors from
Lutoboka should not miss stretches from the landing site up the Fort
where the explorer Henry Morton Stanley pitched camp on his way to the
famed mountains of the moon. There are 31 gazetted Forest Reserves in
the Islands with a total 7,324 hectares under the control of the
National Forestry Authority. Lutoboka Forest Reserve is 378 Ha; Kampala
Forest Reserve is 80Ha.
The Ssesse Islands are a group of 84 Islands famous for their unexplored
Forests some of which are completely uninhabited. They are a natural
habitat for rare and endemic Birds and Butterflies. Primate Species
especially the Monkeys abound .This rich and virgin Eco- system serenely
blends into the equatic expense of lake, making these Forest Reserves a
must visit .
Activities in the Forest Reserves include Forest Walks, Bird Watching,
Primate Identification, and Butterfly Identification. In addition,
visitors can also enjoy sailing, Boating, Fishing, and sun Bathing along
the Lakeshores.
Accommodation
Accommodation in the
Reserves, especially in Lutoboka, is largely in the hands of Private
Developers. There are a number of well developed Beaches and Resorts for
both the Upper Market and Middle Market. Some of them include Mirembe
Resort Beach , Ssesse Palm Beach Hotel , Pearl Gardens Beach and
Panorama Camping Site. All these have access to the White Sand Beaches
ideal for relaxation after a Forest Walk.
Budget Travelers are advised to seek modesty lodge Accommodation readily
available in Kalangala Town Council a few kilometers from Lutoboka
Landing Site.
Accessibility
Accessibility to the
Islands is by Ship departing from Nakiwogo Landing Site near Entebbe at
exactly 14 hours daily. The Ship starts its return journey from Lutoboka
Landing Site at exactly 8
Alternatively, one may approach the islands by Ferry from Bukakata/Kachanga
Landing Site near Masaka. The Ferry docks at Luku Landing Site near
Kalangala, four times a day starting at 8 Hours.
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve
Attractions
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is a Natural Forest teeming with
terrestrial Bio-Diversity in Bushenyi District in Western Uganda. The
forest is famous for 414 Species of Trees and Shrubs including the Ficus,
Prunus Africana, the Stroboia, and Parinari among others. The forest
also harbours378 Species of Birds such as the Great Blue Turaco, Black
and White Caskets, Cuckoos and Sunbirds. Six different Species of
Primates can be identified in Kalinzu including the Blue Monkeys, Vervet
Monkeys, Black and White colobus Monkeys, and Chimpanzees. The 2001
Primate Census put the total number of Chimpanzees in the Reserve at
approximately 240. However, only two Groups of about 70 can be accessed
by both Researchers and Tourists.
Other varieties of species include 262 Butterflies, 97 Moths, Reptiles
and Flowers. Standing at the Kishunja Hill Viewpoint, one can behold the
entire Forest Canopy, great parts of the Queen Elizabeth National Park
and some Peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Because of its proximity to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, the
Forest Reserve occasionally provides refuge to Savannah Grassland
Species such as the Duikers, Leopards and Wild Pigs.
Therefore, activities in the Reserve include Forest Walks, Research
Trails and Tourist Trails have been developed.
Pitched on top of an escarpment on the eastern edge of the great
Albertine Rift Valley, Kalinzu Forest Reserve is 147 sq.km.adjuscent to
the famed Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Maramagambo Forest. It
lies at an average altitude of 1,400 m above sea level.
Accommodation
Accommodation in the reserves is still informal with only a do-it-yourself camping site at the forest station at Nkombe. Visitors are advised to carry their own tents. Visitors can also seek modest accommodation inBushenyi/Ishaka townships.
Accessibility
The forest reserve is located in Bushenyi District in Western Uganda. it is approximately 375km (5 hours drive) from the capital city Kampala. It is only 30km from the district headquarters of Bushenyi along the main Kasese highway. Because of the Albertine Terrain with old logging and winding roads, a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Other Services
Kalinzu forest reserve has very professional, experienced and knowledgeable local guides who will make your forest visit a thrilling experience.
Kasyoha – Kitomi Central Forest Reserve
Located 35km from
Bushhenyi, Kasyoha-Kitomi central forest reserve is 433 sq. km.
Ecotourism in the reserve is just beginning to develop under the
umbrella of Ndekye Women’s Development Association. The main attractions
in the reserve include primates such as chimpanzees, blue monkeys, red
tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys and baboons. The
reserve also boasts of spectacular crater lakes such as twin lakes of
Kamweru and Kyema as well as the transparent lake Kamunzuku. Eing
adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the reserve hosts a number of
small mammals like duikers, antelopes, bush pigs and the Uganda kob.
Migratory elephants can occasionally be seen.
Other attractions in the reserve include waterfalls, water gorges
birdlife, butterflies and moths, reptiles and flowers.
Visitors to the reserve may enjoy forest walks, canoeing, bird watching,
sightseeing, conservation education, camping and community walks.
A three; hour walking trail has been developed from the camping site at
Magambo to the transparent lake kamunzuku.
Facilities in the reserve are still modest with a camping site at
magambo parish headquarters overlooking the amazing twin lakes. Please
bring your own tents and camping gear. A four wheel drive vehicle is a
must.
