Mpanga Forest Reserve is a compact natural equatorial forest reserve in Uganda and its land area measures up to only 453ha, about 4.53sq.kms. Mpanga Forest is located in Mpigi District, Mawokota about 37kms Southwest of Kampala along Masaka highway. From Kampala city center, Mpanga is accessible within an hour’s drive.
Mpanga Forest Reserve is one of the oldest natural rainforest reserves in Uganda, gazetted in 1950. In 1953, the Ugandan government set it as a scientific research site and it stands out as the nearest rainforest from Kampala capital city center. In the surrounding side of Mpanga Forest, there is a community of traditional drum makers/Royal Drum Makers.
This forest has connection to the Ffumbe Clan, where Ffumbe in Luganda is translated as Civet Cat. The local residents often visit the well inside the forest especially during cultural festivities or fetch water. It is also believed that Mpanga Forest Reserve has a special tree which was cut down by a power saw, but it didn’t fall, instead, it regenerated.
Flora and fauna of Mpanga Forest
Mpanga Forest holds up to 500 species of trees and shrubs, 97 butterfly species, 113 months, 300 birds and 3 monkey species including the red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, bush babies, pottos, black and white colobus monkeys.
Top Activities to do at Mpanga Forest Reserve
Birding/bird watching
Mpanga Forest Reserve is a birder’s haven, protecting about 300 species of birds. The numerous birds in this forest can be spotted while on birding expedition along the trail that stretches up to the water stream also an ideal site to sight the shoebill stork. The birds of interest while on birding tour in Mpanga include Egyptian goose, great blue turacos, long-tailed cormorant, black kite, yellow bill and African palm swift, purple heron, black headed heron, cattle egrets, hadada ibis, lizard buzzard.
Nature/forest walk
Forest walk is what allows you to immerse yourself deep into Mpanga Forest Reserve to explore its different habitat with unique species. A nature walk/forest walk through Mpanga Forest is entirely involves sighting birds, colorful butterflies and some interesting nocturnal species. Mpanga Forest walks begin at Mpanga ecotourism center and this was introduced in 1999.
There are different walk trails worthy exploring on a tour in Mpanga Forest. These are available in 3 sections; the baseline trail, hornbill and butter trail.
Other amazing experiences to enjoy at Mpanga Forest include butterfly identification, hiking/hill climbing, camping, primate watching, cycling and more.
Mpanga Forest trails
The base line trail – this is a 3-kms nature walk trail, leading you through the forest to the papyrus swamp- Nakyetema located on the western part of Mpanga Forest. This trail is known for its rewarding sights, the amazing forest canopy view, butterfly watching, and ideal for mountain biking.
Hornbill trail- 5kms loop leading nature lovers deep into Mpanga Forest. It is 3 hours’ nature walking trail offering higher chances of spotting monkeys, watching butterflies, birds and not to forget the tree root arch.
Butterfly loop
The butterfly loop is 1km long trail and perfect for nature lovers seeking short forest walks. It introduces you through the different trees with opportunity for you to come across different primates like bush babies, etc. This is about 25 minutes’ guided nature walk.
Accommodation
Mpanga Ecotourism Campsite is a 2 double room facility available for guests to retire for the night. This also consists of 2 twin rooms, camping ground, and a dormitory with 8 beds.
Getting to Mpanga Forest
Mpanga Forest Reserve is just 37kms away from Kampala city, about 1 hour’s drive on Masaka road. From Mpigi town, it is 6kms to Mpanga Eco tourism site signpost where you can connect 1km. From Kampala, you can take a taxi or hire a car with driver who has knowledge of where this lush forest is found.