Eco Tourism

Eco Tourism

ECO-TOURISM SITES UNDER NFA

The National Forestry Authority was founded in April 2004 under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act. The prime mission of the Authority is to manage Central Forest Reserves on a sustainable basis and to supply high quality forestry products and services.

The National Forestry Authority has got conservation and commercial concepts in the management of Central Forest Reserves. NFA with the private sector have developed ecotourism sites considerable for tourism attraction and conservation.

Forest-based Tourism is therefore one of the activities that the Authority views as a key contributor to its revenue generation as well as building and enhancing partnerships with the private sector, Non-Government Organisations and local communities. Ecotourism is also expected to improve on the Authority’s public image both internationally and locally.

In the public eye, forest reserves are associated with consumptive forms of land use especially timber logging. However, there are a number of Central Forest Reserves that undoubtedly have features and attractions that are of real interest to domestic and international tourists on a sustainable basis.

Mabira Central Forest Reserve

Area coverage: Mabira Central Forest Reserve is one of Uganda’s largest surviving Natural Forests covering an area of 29,964 hectares (306 sq km).

Attractions: Mabira has Natural Habitat of 312 species of trees, home of 315 species of Birds, 218 Butterfly Species, 97 Moth Species, 23 Small Mammal Species,

Activities: they include Forest Walks with over 68 km of well-developed trail length, Mountain Biking, Bird Watching, Environmental Education and Research, Camping and Picnics, Primate Watching, Butterfly Identification and general Forest Exploration.

Accommodation
Mabira boosts of 3 Bandas which can accommodate a maximum of 10 Guests at the Eco – Tourism Site near Najjembe Trading Centre. The Bandas are self – catering although some light meals can be prepared for you by the House keeper. There is also a Camping Ground near the Site for do-it-yourself caravans at a modest fee. Mabira Forest Lodge, a modern eco – friendly facility by the Alam Group of Companies is nearing completion.

Accessibility
Mabira Central Forest Reserve is located on the main Kampala – Jinja Highway in Mukono District. It is 54 km from the City Centre of Kampala and 26 km from Jinja Town. The Eco – Tourism Site is about half a kilometre from the road head along a short dirt road off the Najjembe trading centre. The Forest is therefore accessible by all vehicles throughout the year.

Mpanga Central Forest Reserve

Mpanga Forest
Mpanga Central Forest Reserve - Nature at its finest

Attractions

Mpanga Central Forest Reserve is a natural forest rich in unique tree species and flora. It is home to:

  • 🐒 Red-tailed monkeys and other primates
  • 🦜 Birds including Grey Parrots, Owls, Hornbills, and Cuckoos
  • 🦋 A wide variety of butterflies and moths

Activities

Visitors to Mpanga can enjoy:

  • 🚶 Forest walks and exploration
  • 🐦 Bird watching and identification
  • 🐒 Primate watching
  • 🦋 Butterfly identification

The forest trails are well developed into four main routes:

  • 📍 The Baseline Trail
  • 📍 The Hornbill Trail
  • 📍 The Butterfly Trail

Accommodation

Mpanga offers:

  • 🛏️ One tourist banda at the Visitor Reception Centre (NFA-managed)
  • 🏠 A self-contained duplex and a double room in the main office block (capacity: 12 guests)
  • ⛺ A tent for hire at a modest fee

These are self-catering facilities, though light meals can be ordered from the house caretaker.

Accessibility

Mpanga Central Forest Reserve is located in Mpigi District, about 37 km from Kampala city center. It is accessible via the main Kampala – Masaka Highway.

The eco-tourism site lies approximately 1 km from the main road along a well-surfaced dirt road. The entire route is passable year-round via both tarmac and good dirt roads.

Mabira Central Forest Reserve

Mabira Forest
Mabira Central Forest Reserve - A natural haven

Area Coverage

Mabira Central Forest Reserve is one of Uganda’s largest surviving natural forests, covering an area of 29,964 hectares (306 sq km).

Attractions

Mabira is home to a rich natural habitat that includes:

  • 🌳 312 species of trees
  • 🐦 315 species of birds
  • 🦋 218 butterfly species
  • 🦠 97 moth species
  • 🐿️ 23 small mammal species

Activities

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including:

  • 🚶 Forest walks (over 68 km of trails)
  • 🚴 Mountain biking
  • 🐦 Bird watching
  • 📘 Environmental education & research
  • ⛺ Camping and picnics
  • 🐒 Primate watching
  • 🦋 Butterfly identification
  • 🌿 General forest exploration

Accommodation

Mabira offers accommodation in 3 bandas that can host up to 10 guests near Najjembe Trading Centre. These are self-catering, though light meals can be prepared by the housekeeper. A camping ground is also available for do-it-yourself caravans at a modest fee. In addition, the Mabira Forest Lodge, an eco-friendly facility by the Alam Group, is nearing completion.

Accessibility

Located on the main Kampala – Jinja highway in Mukono District, Mabira is:

  • 🚗 54 km from Kampala
  • 🚙 26 km from Jinja

The eco-tourism site is about half a kilometer off the Najjembe Trading Centre along a short dirt road and is accessible by all vehicles throughout the year.

Lutoboka, and Bunjazi Central Forest Reserves

Lutoboka Forest

Lutoboka Forest Reserve on Ssesse Islands

Attractions

These Forests, found on the legendary Ssesse Islands, are described as medium altitude moist forests. They form a belt along the lake and the lower ridges with a gentle slope from the lakeshore to the center. Forest Walks, Bird Watching, Primate Identification, and Butterfly Identification. In addition, visitors can also enjoy Sailing, Boating, Fishing, and Sun Bathing along the Lakeshores.

Activities

Forest Walks, Forest Trails are well developed, visitors to Lutoboka should not miss stretches from the landing site up to the Fort where the explorer Henry Morton Stanley pitched camp on his way to the famed mountains of the moon.

Area Coverage

378 ha, there are 31 gazetted Forest Reserves in the Islands with a total of 7,324ha under the control of the National Forestry Authority. The Ssesse Islands are a group of 84 Islands famous for their unexplored Forests some of which are completely uninhabited. They are a natural habitat for rare and endemic Birds and Butterflies. Primate Species especially the Monkeys abound. This rich and virgin Eco – System serenely blends into the aquatic expanse of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest fresh water lake, making these Forest Reserves a must visit.

Accommodation

Accommodation in the Reserves, especially in Lutoboka, is largely in the hands of Private Developers. There are a number of well-developed Beaches and Resorts.

Accessibility

Accessibility to the Islands is by Ship departing from Nakiwogo Landing Site near Entebbe at exactly 14 Hours daily. The Ship starts its return journey from Lutoboka Landing Site at exactly 8 Hours daily. Alternatively, one may approach the Islands by Ferry from Bukakata/Kachanga Landing Site near Masaka. The Ferry docks at Luku Landing Site near Kalangala.