Mpanga Central Forest Reserve is a small equatorial rainforest reserve in Mpigi District of Mpambire in Uganda. It is located 37 kilometers southwest of Kampala City.
Located 37 kilometers southwest of Kampala City in the Mpigi District of Mpambire, the Mpanga Central Forest Reserve in Uganda is a small area of undeveloped equatorial rainforest measuring 453 hectares (1,120 acres).
A one-hour journey along the main Kampala-Masaka Highway will get you there. This makes the Mpanga Central Forest Reserve the only equatorial rainforest that is naturally closest to Kampala.
Since 2018, the Mpanga Central Forest Reserve has been under the management of Global Afric Safaris.
A brief History of Mpanga forest reserve
Since 1953, the Ugandan government has maintained this little area of the natural rainforest as a location for scientific research.
It previously belonged to a wealthy family with the name Mpanga, according to the farmsteads nearby. They say, Mpanga, the son of a wealthy family, inspired the name.
Animal and Plant Life
For such a little forest, it sustains an incredible diversity of life! It features 300 bird species, 97 butterfly species, 112 moth species, 500 tree and shrub species, and more.
Vervet, red-tailed, and black-and-white colobus monkeys are among the three types of monkeys that can be found in the jungle. Small mammals such as banded mongooses, squirrels, pottos, pangolins, and bushbabies are also present.
You have a chance of seeing the uncommon nocturnal pottos and bushbabies if you spend the night in Mpanga Forest.
The tough and weatherproof Celtis is the most common species of tree in Mpanga Forest. The undesired hard Celtis trees have significantly reduced the risk of the Mpanga Forest being exploited by the local community of traditional drum makers who search for soft trees appropriate for drum manufacture.
However, the communities continue to rely on the forest for resources like firewood, charcoal, and medical centers.
Tourist Activities in the Area
Nature Walks
You can take a day excursion to Mpanga Forest and go for a lovely walk through the cool forest beneath the canopies, where you can see different kinds of trees, monkeys, butterflies, and vibrant birds.
You can also stay the night there and go on a nocturnal forest walk to look for unusual nocturnal creatures like potto and bush babies. Near the beginning of the woodland route, there is a cleared camping area and accommodations in clean, reasonably priced eco cottages.
Bird Watching and Identification
Bird watching starts at the visitors’ information center location. It’s cleared land found on the border of Mpanga Forest. There are many birds in this area, which may be seen flying and at the border of the woodland.
Over 200 bird species have been identified in this reserve, so you can spend the day birdwatching there. Hornbills, spotted greenbuls, black and white casqued hornbills, African pied hornbills, Uganda woodland warblers, big blue turacos, and ross turacos are some of the common species to observe.
Primate Watching
The Forest has 3 monkey species that visitors can observe. These include the vervet monkeys, red-tailed and the black and white Columbus monkeys.
Butterfly Identification
Current records show an increase in the 87 butterfly species on the checklist of Mpanga Forest, Mpigi, Uganda. They have increased the number of known species to 401.
Some of the newly discovered species include the Skippers (Hesperiidae). These tend to inhabit more open habitats and forest margins as well as swampy areas or wetlands.
Other butterfly species include Procampta admiratio (Hesperiidae), Bicyclus rhacotis (Nymphalidae), Pentila alba, and Iolaus schultzei (Lycaenidae).
On the negative side, however, the Mpanga forest habitat and its butterfly fauna are in danger. This is due to the pressure from the rapidly growing human population and what appears to be a lack of real preservation measures.
Walk Racing
Although walk racing might look easy, in reality, it’s quite challenging. In the forest, visitors are invited to participate in this activity. It’s a kind of footrace in which the participants must walk and not run.
Every walker is observed by judges who decide whether or not to disqualify them.
Dirt Biking
One of the most well-liked adventure sports there is dirt biking. It is a terrific opportunity to spend time outside with friends and get a little dirty in the nicest manner possible.
Like other sports activities, riding a dirt bike requires some skill development if you want to have fun and stay safe.
Video & Photography
Visitors are allowed to record and take photos on their journey. Come with a good camera and enough memory because this place will have you taking photos & videos every second.
Mountain Cycling & Running
The location offers one of Uganda’s most secluded trail runs and mountain biking routes. At the Mpanga Forest, Trail Run and MTB Challenge are appropriate for both adults and kids.
Hiking Trails
Baseline Trail, Butterfly Trail, and Hornbill Trail are a few of the carefully created forest routes that will let you explore the forest.
Camping
For people that want to camp outside, it can be arranged. Here, they get to watch the bush babies which feed at night.
How to get to Mpanga forest reserve
The Mpanga eco-tourism center welcomes both local & international visitors. There are day tours and overnight excursions available to the forest.
To get there, one can take a minibus taxi from the new Kampala taxi park to Masaka or Mpigi town. Another option is to rake a boda-boda to the forest after arriving at Mpigi town. You can be dropped off at the Eco-tourism center site post by minibus taxis traveling to Masaka.
Conclusion
Mpanga Central Forest Reserve is a must-visit location for adventure lovers. It offers some of the best outdoor activities in Uganda such as hiking, dirt biking, camping, and walk racing among others.
For tourists that plan on staying a few days, getting accommodations is important. You may check out the Mpanga Ecotourism Site. The facility has two double rooms, two twin rooms, an 8-bed dormitory, and a great camping area. In addition, meals and a campfire are offered.
If you are considering a vacation to Uganda, Mpanga Central Forest Reserve is home to many must-see sights and exciting things to do. It is the perfect location for your Kampala gateway and relaxation.
Disclaimer: eastafricantrails.com is credited with all photos.
