Sanctuary & Forest · Buikwe, between Kampala & Jinja
Mabira Forest Reserve
The largest remaining rainforest near Kampala, famous for ziplining, forest walks and hundreds of bird species.
How to get there
About 1.5 hours by road east of Kampala on the Kampala–Jinja highway.
What to find
Ziplining over the forest, walking and cycling trails, birding and red-tailed monkeys.
Overview
Mabira Forest Reserve covers about 300 km² of tropical rainforest between Kampala and Jinja. In 2007, large public protests stopped plans to clear part of it for a sugar plantation, and it's now a much-loved forest close to the capital.
It's home to more than 300 bird species, several monkey species and many butterflies. It also has ziplines, walking trails and cycling routes, making it a perfect stop on the way to Jinja.
Highlights
- Ziplining above the forest canopy
- More than 300 bird species
- Red-tailed and grey-cheeked mangabey monkeys
- Walking and mountain bike trails
Things to do
Zipline adventure
Canopy ziplines near Griffin Falls.
Birding
Early morning forest walks.
Hiking and cycling
Marked trails through the forest.
Best time to visit
All year. The drier months are best for cycling.
Getting there
About 1.5 hours by road from Kampala on the Jinja highway.
Where to stay
A forest lodge inside the reserve, or stay in Jinja or Kampala.
See accommodation options in Uganda →
Good to know
- Makes an ideal half-day stop on the way to Jinja.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.