Birding in Mabira forest

Birding in Uganda is one of the most exciting safaris that one can experience in a lifetime because Uganda is gifted with a population of over 1000 different bird species spread all over the Country but with major birding areas one of which is the Mabira forest which supports over 300 bird species most of which are endemic to only Mabira Forest coupled with close to 218 butterfly species. An excellent Trail System allows access to both undisturbed primary and good secondary forest, Managed by the Forestry department with input from local community, Mabira Forest was opened to the public in 1996. The revenue generated from eco tourism is shared between the forestry department and the local community.

One of Mabira's strengths lies in the large number of birds which may be seen from the visitor's center. Flowering trees in the clearing attract a variety of sun birds such as green, Little Olive, Blue throated brown, Green throated, olive bellied and superb sun birds. Other forest edge species include speckle -breasted Woodpecker, Black throated Apalis, African blue Flycatcher and Grey-crowned Negro finch. Forest Ribon, Snowy headed Robin-Chat, Grey capped warbler, Black and white Flycatcher, Dusky Tit and common Wattle Eye occur around the Campsite where Buff-spotted Fluff tail and African wood owl may be heard in the evenings.

The beautiful Primary forest south of the main Kampala-Jinja road is a prime birding area harbouring a number of species that avoid secondary forest.

This birding safari takes you to Mabira forest, a tropical rain forest in central Uganda for the search of forest birds secluded in this largest forest block in the Central part of Uganda. Other safari activities include Forest walks, butterfly viewing, primate watching (monkeys) etc. The Forest offers camping, picnics and hiking activities.