Mabira forest is an eminent natural forest in Uganda situated in Buikwe district along the Kampala – Jinja highway, about 54 kilometers from Kampala capital city and 20 kilometers from Jinja. Mabira is a home to many tree species – including the endangered species, primates like monkeys, and various insect species. The forest was gazetted as a reserve and it is annually open for tourists of all kind and from different countries all over the globe. The visitor centre of the forest is located at Najjembe village about 500 meters from the main highway road.
The most amazing activities in Mabira forest include zip lining, nature walks, birding, camping and picnics, biking, hiking, and visiting the griffin falls, among others. The zip-lining activity is a very fascinating one but full of tension. With this activity, a pulley is suspended on a cable between two points, typically made of stainless steel, mounted on a slope and trees enabling someone to propel him/herself by gravity. It is such a memorable and worthwhile activity in the Mabira forest. Birding in Mabira is also a very interesting activity, and here you will also view a variety of colorful butterflies that call the forest a home.
Picnics in Mabira are unforgettable as well. The picnic area in the forest is large enough to accommodate you and your family or friends and it is encircled with the beautiful flowering trees, which attract many butterflies, thus offering you with charming views. You will spot a variety of things on your picnic such as the red monkeys and very many exotic birds, among other attractions in the forest. Camping is also a very unique experience in Mabira and the campsite is huge enough to billet up to 12 tents for campers and well equipped with camping facilities like campfire area, and a picnic table to allow you enjoy the self-catering on your group camping time.
Mabira forest is an all-year-round visited destination though most of the activities like camping and picnics are most convenient in the dry/sunny season, which runs from December to February and then June to August. Visiting Mabira can be done as an enroute to or from Jinja for the joyous white water rafting experience at the source of the Nile. However, Mabira also has some Bandas near the visitor centre, so you don’t need to worry about anything as you can stay for as long as you can and enjoy all the charming activities in this magnificent forest.