Mpanga Forest

About

Although there are larger and more diverse forests in Uganda, there are few that are as accessible as this one. An easy drive from the capital, and only a few minutes from the facilities of Mpigi, this is a great place for a whole range of outdoor activities. With around 180 different confirmed species, bird watching is a big one here. Sometimes you can even see red-tailed monkeys frolicking with them up in the trees. For more fauna spotting, follow one of the forest trails: the 1km Butterfly Loop where bush babies and leopards may be seen, or the longer Hornbill Trail for a 5km walk encompassing gentle hills, root structures, fungi, forest streams and snakes. Right next door to the reserve is the royal drum-making village of Mpambire, where you can watch artisans construct these culturally important percussion instruments, vital for sending signals between the more remote villages.