Covering an area of 300sqkm, Mabira Forest Reserve is the largest block of moist semi-deciduous forest in central Uganda, located 50km east of the capital Kampala. Mabira Forest is a protected Important Birding Area (IBA) with a checklist of over 310 bird species that comprise of up to 74 Guinea-Congo biome species and a quality list of tropical forest proper specialists. The rainforest is an island of bird biodiversity and is Uganda’s most rewarding birding hotspot featured on all our tailored packages.
Birding Trails at Mabira Forest
Birding trails at Mabira Forest begin from Najjembe Eco-Tourism office which lie 50km along Kampala-Jinja highway and Griffin Falls Camp branching off north-west at Lugazi town some 35 km from Kampala. From these two eco-tourism offices, birding trails traverse forest sections from riverine, secondary and primary forest structures extending onto savannas and forest edge. From Najjembe Eco-the Campsite and Baseline trails are the most productive while the road to Buwoola bypass a seasonal pond where Shining Blue Kingfisher is known.
Bird Highlights at Mabira Forest
Mabira Forest top bird highlights include; the shy White Spotted Flufftail, Forest Scimitarbill, Grey-headed Sunbird, Green Hylia, Grey Longbill, Brown-eared and Yellow-crowned Woodpeckers, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Narina Trogon, Yellow-mantled Weaver, Weyn’s Weaver, Red-headed Malimbe, Green-throated Sunbird, Green Twinspot, and Grey Parrot. Nahan’s Partridge is hard luck!
More highlights include; Great Blue Turaco, African Wood Owl, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, Western Nicator, Velvet-mantled Drongo, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Least Honeyguide, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Speckled Tinkerbird, Congo Pied Hornbill, Western Black-headed Oriole, Purple-headed Starling, Red-headed Bluebill etc.
Forest floor specialists include; Orange-breasted Robin (Forest Robin), Scary-breasted Illadopsis, Brown-chested and Fire-crested Alethe and Red-capped Robin Chat, all specialists that usually follow ant swarms. Crested Guineafowl, Yellow-browed and Olive Green Camaroptera, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Yellow-eyed Bristle bill, Red-tailed Greenbul, Blue-shouldered Robin Chat and Snow-crowned Robin Chat.
Raptors are well represented in; African Crowned Eagle, Black Sparrowhawk, with African Goshawk, Shikra and Lizard Buzzard patrolling the forest edges.
Recommended Birding Tour Duration at Mabira Forest
While on Uganda birding tours Mabira Forest feature as a day-trip from Kampala, Entebbe or Jinja, from our expereince as birders we would recommend a minimum of 2 full-days to explore a fraction of this bird-rich rainforest. And with longer time available, one can easily spend up to 4 days birding here.
Where to stay while Birding at Mabira Forest
The long-standing RainForest Lodge set along the ridge in the heart of Mabira Forest is atop notch facility boasting an excellent birdie location and is suitable for birders seeking to explore Najjembe eco tourism center and surroundings. Elsewhere Griffins Falls Camp run a moderate and comfortable accommodation for birders seeking to explore the northern part of Mabira Forest.
In practical sense any accommodation in Jinja City and along the southern banks of River Nile can serve birders to Mabira although an early start is highly recommended.
Featured Birding Tours To Mabira Forest
28-Days Uganda Birding, Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari