Bird watching safari in Mabira Forest Reserve : Mabira Forest Reserve in Uganda is an extraordinary destination for birding safaris. The forest can be easily accessible via the Kampala-Jinja highway, and it’s located in Bukwe district. Located just 54 kilometres from the capital city, Kampala, it’s easily accessible for both local and international birding enthusiasts. The forest covers an area of about 306 square kilometres, making it a substantial habitat for a diverse range of bird species. The forest encompasses a variety of habitats, including primary rainforest, secondary forest, wetlands, and grasslands. Each habitat harbors its own unique bird species, allowing birdwatchers to explore different environments and observe a wide diversity of birds. Mabira Forest Reserve is home to a variety of diverse bird species. The forest offers an excellent opportunity for birdwatchers to immerse themselves in the captivating world of bird wonders. Birding in Mabira Forest Reserve is an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime. The forest boasts over 300 bird species, and its diverse ecosystems provide a home for both forest and woodland birds. While on your Uganda birding tour in Mabira Forest Reserve, expect to spot birds such as the magnificent African Grey Parrot, the striking Nahan’s Francolin, or the vibrant Blue-throated Roller, among others.
Uganda is known as the “Pearl of Africa” due to its stunning natural beauty and incredible biodiversity. Birdwatchers all over the world come to Uganda to experience the excitement of spotting rare and captivating avian species. With over 1,000 bird species, including some of the most sought-after birds in the world, Uganda is a haven for bird lovers.
List of birds in Mabira Forest Reserve
Great blue turaco, black-billed turaco, Ross’s turaco, bare-faced go-away bird, eastern plantain-eater, red-chested cuckoo, black cuckoo, African cuckoo, bleu-headed coucal, white-browed coucal, blue malkoha, Klaas’s, African emerald cuckoo, dideric cuckoo, dusky long-tailed cuckoo, black-bellied bustard, rock pigeon, speckled pigeon, lemon dove, mourning collared-dove, red-eyed dove, ring-necked dove, laughing dove, tambourine dove, African green-pigeon, fiery-necked nightjar, swamp nightjar, freckles nightjar, mottled spinetail, Sabine’s spinetail, Cassin’s spinetrail, scarce swift, common swift, little swift, African palm swift, white-rump swift, latham francolin, crested francolin, scaly spurfowl, Nahan’s partridge, helmeted guineafowl, western crested guineafowl, white-faced whistling duck, Egyptian goose, yellow-billed duck, Eurasian moorhen, white-spotted flufftail, buff-spotted flifftail, Gray crowned- crane, three-banded plover, wattled lapwing, common sandpiper, green sandpiper, Gray-hooded gull, white-winged tern, African openbill, African wolly-necked stork, marabou stork, yellow-billed stork abdim’s stork, African darter, long-tailed cormorant, great cormorant, great white pelican, hamerkop, shoebill, black-crowned night heron, black heron, little egret, striated heron, western cattle egret, yellow-billed egret, greater egret, squacco heron, Gray heron, purple heron, black-headed heron, glossy ibis, African sacred ibis, hadada ibis, African harrier-hawk, palm-nut vulture, banded snake-eagle, bat hawk, hooded vulture, lizard buzzard, Cassin’s hawk-eagle, African goshawk, little sparrowhawk, African fish-eagle, African wood-owl, pearl-spotted owlet, spotted eagle- owl, green woodhoopoe, crowned hornbill ,African Grey Parrot, striking Nahan’s Francolin, Blue-throated Roller, Mabira Forest has it all.
Pack list for the birding safari in Mabira Forest Reserve
When preparing for a birding safari in Mabira Forest Reserve, it’s essential to pack carefully to ensure you have everything you need for an enjoyable and comfortable experience in Mabika Forest. Birders are recommended to come along with items such as a binocular to allow you to spot far-distance birds up close, a field guide specific to the birds of Uganda or East Africa to help you identify the species you encounter, a notebook and a pen to jot down the birds you see, a camera to capture interesting bird species, sturdy and comfortable boots, rain gear, insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, enough drinking water and snacks to keep you hydrated, sun protection, and a and a backpack, among others.
Other activities to do at Mabira Forest Reserve
Besides bird watching, Mabira Forest Reserve offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as
Zip lining
Zip-lining is one of the main activities offered to visitors on a Uganda tour in Mabira Forest Reserve. The forest is home to Uganda’s first canopy zip line tour, offering an exhilarating way to experience the beauty of the forest from above. Zip-lining through the forest canopy provides an exciting adventure for thrill-seeking lovers. During the zip-lining, you will be offered breathtaking views of the forest and surroundings, as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife and birds along the way.
Nature walks and hiking
Nature walks and hiking are two of the amazing opportunities offered to many visitors on a Uganda safari in Mabira Forest Reserve. Nature walks and hikes offer visitors the opportunity to explore the hidden gems of the forest as well as connect to nature. It’s an activity that involves on-foot walking through the jungles of the forest. Nature walks here offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the lush greenery and diverse flora and fauna. Guided nature walks are available, providing insights into the forest’s ecology, medicinal plants, and wildlife.
Tracking monkeys
Tracking monkeys in Mabira Forest is an exciting and rewarding experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The forest is home to several species of monkeys, including the red-tailed monkey, the black-and-white colobus monkey, and the grey-cheeked mangabey. Tracking these captivating primates is mostly done in the morning when the monkeys are still active, making it the best time for primate tracking in Mabira Forest. During the tracking, you will also get a chance to meet up with other creatures that dwell in the forest, such as birds and wildlife. Once these fascinating monkeys are found, you will have the opportunity to observe their behaviour and interactions in their natural habitat.
Other activities: Apart from primates viewing, nature walks, zip-lining, and birding, visitors to Mabira Forest can choose to go for butterfly identification, visiting the Environmental Research Centers, camping or picnics, or mountain biking. The picnic grounds are well organized with food and access to forest creatures like primates and birds.
Accommodation safari around Mabira Forest Reserve
Visitors planning to go on a bird-watching safari in Mabira Forest Reserve shouldn’t worry about where to stay. There are various accommodation facilities for visitors planning a safari in the forest both within and near the forest reserve, such as Mabira Forest Reserve, Griffin Falls Camp, Jinja Nile Resort, River Side Hotel Jinja, Tusubira Village, Dorabo Tourist Hotel, Jinja Cal Suites, and Nile Hotel Jinja, among others.
