Nyabiku Central Forest Reserve is located in Kibale District situated in the sub countries of Nyamarunda and Mugarama, the reserve covers an area of 3,4000 hectares and 8400 acres approximately. The reserve its managed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) by developing its eco-tourism. This has been possible through a number of strategies, such as carrying out bio diversity inventories, afforestation and demarcating the boundaries.
It’s proved that people leaving around the Nyabika Central Forest Reserve, with in the sub countries of Mugarama and Nyamarundi were faced with the great challenge of poverty. They lacked enough resource to sustain their living so this has led to heavily encroachment of the forest, because most people carried out harmful activities like deforestation, grazing their cattle’s, cutting down trees for firewood, timber and charcoal in order to survival for the living.
Flora and Fauna of Nyabiku Forest
Nyabiku Central Forest Reserve its gifted with a variety of flora and fauna it owns over 300 bird species namely the coland, white -collared olive back, grey parrot, fly catcher grey capped warbler, black bee eater, dusky long- tailed cuckoo, blue throated roller, blue headed sun bird white winged tern malachite, pied kingfisher, African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek papyrus canary, African mourning dove among others, with the endangered primates such as the red tailed monkey, white and black monkeys, vervet monkeys baboons and chimpanzees.
Things to See and Do in Nyabiku Forest Reserve
Bird Watching
Nyabika Central Forest Reserve it’s a haven of about 300 bird species, so it is a good spot where one can see a variety of birds. It’s always done in two sessions in the morning because most birds have left their nests to go and search for food and afternoon hours when some birds are returning back. Birding is done with the guidance of well trained and experienced armed rangers and guides.
During the walk expect seeing a variety of dwelling bird species namely the blue turaco, papyrus gonoleks, grey-throated, yellow-spotted and double-toothed barbets, speckled, yellow-rumped and yellow throated, tinkler birds, blue malkoha, brown-eared woodpecker African grey parrots, bronze sunbird, black-crowned waxbill among others.
This rewarding activity also enables tourists to see the numerous primate species namely the red-tailed monkeys, mangabeys, white and black monkeys, vervet monkeys’ baboons as well as seeing the chimpanzees in the forest, it is allowed to take photos for purpose of keeping memories.
When to Visit Nyabiku Forest
Nyabiku Central Forest Reserve can be visited all year round however mostly good during the dry seasons of June to August and December to February because during these periods the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities, with less rainfall making the forest trails easier in navigate and the wildlife more visible. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding in these months as many bird species are more active and easier to spot.
Where to Stay
One can make use of the accommodation near Kibale Town because it’s only 10kilometer from the Nyabiku Central Forest Reserve and there are all types of hotels namely the luxurious, midrange and budget facilities as analyzed below.
Premium Hotel Kibale
This hotel is located within the Kibale Town, this lodge comprises of nice-looking luxurious rooms and is situated close to the Nyabiku Forest Reserve. This one is certainly one of the best hotels in kibale the accommodation is provided in luxury and private positioned giving allowance of viewing the outside beauty.
With nice looking bathroom showers, restaurant well stocked bar free parking yard, WIFI, lounge near swimming pool to enjoy the breeze and sunset atmosphere.
Comfort Guest House Kibale
This guest house is situated at Kibale owning a well-established restaurant that offers meals including fruit salad, or pine apple, with clean toilet, warm basin showers in the rooms providing comfortable and private accommodation, comprising of double a single bed hence a good place for visitors to have an overnight stay. soft drinks are sold from there like the sodas, snacks, quality services are being provided and the workers are so welcoming.