MPANGA FOREST RESERVE

Mpanga Forest Reserve also know as Mpanga Central Forest Reserve is a 45km2 Mpanga Forest Reserve, which lies near the small town of Mpigi, roughly 36km from Kampala along the Masaka road, makes for a rustic alternative to staying in the capital.

The reserve protects an extensive patch of medium-altitude rainforest, characteristic of the vegetation that once extended over much of the northern Lake Victoria hinterland, but has largely been cleared over the past century due to human activity.

The forest reserve was gazetted in the 1950s, and is criss-crossed by an extensive network of wide footpaths, initially made by researchers but now open to the public.

A selection of forest walks run from the Mpanga Forest Ecotourism Centre.

Though the site infrastructure is sadly dilapidated, the maintenance of the picnic/ campground and forest trails still lie within the NFA's modest capabilities. You can wander alone if you wish or take a guide.

Since this service is included in the modest cost, a decent tip would be appropriate, especially since NFA paydays can be irregular.

The undemanding 3km Base Line Trail is the main route through the forest, crossing two streams before it emerges on the western margin at Nakyetema Swamp, where sitatunga and shoebill are resident, though seldom seen.

The 5km Hornbill Loop covers more undulating terrain, and involves fording several streams along minor footpaths, passing a striking tree-root arch along the way.

For those with limited time, the 1km Butterfly Loop offers a good chance of seeing monkeys and common forest birds, as well as myriad colourful butterflies, and can be completed in less than an hour.

In addition to forest walks, guided visits can also be arranged to two important Kiganda shrines that lie within walking distance of the forest.

Less than 1km from the ecotourism centre, Nakibinge Shrine, dedicated to the eponymous 16th-century king, is housed in a small thatched building in the style of the Kasubi Tombs.

The Kibuuka Shrine near Mpigi, 3-4km back along the Kampala Road, is dedicated to a god of war who hailed from the Ssese Islands.

Beyond the forest, the flat-topped hill south of the main road is worth climbing for the attractive grassland environment and views over the forest and surrounding swamp valleys.

The National Forest Authority (NFA) fee tariff quotes US$15/25/35 for foreign visitors US$10/20/30 for foreign residents for 1/2/3 days, a guided walk is an additional US$15/10.

All foreign visitors to Mpanga Forest Reserve pay UGX 5,000 entrance and UGX 5,000 for a forest walk)