Mpanga Central Forest Reserve
A tropical rainforest about 37 km from Kampala, easy to reach, with trails where you can see colobus monkeys, butterflies, and forest birds. It suits a half-day hike.
Mpanga Central Forest Reserve lies near Mpigi, beside the Kampala–Masaka road. Covering about 4.5 square km, it is the most accessible primeval tropical forest around Kampala. It is known for tall trees, more than a hundred species of butterflies, and primates such as red-tailed monkeys and colobus. The reserve has an eco-tourism center and several loop trails of 1–3 hours, and guides can lead bird-watching walks. Entry and guide fees are low. It is often combined with the Equator crossing as a half-day or full-day trip toward Masaka.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Lubaga (Rubaga) Cathedral
- Kabaka's Lake
- Bulange
- Namirembe Cathedral (St. Paul's)
- Kasubi Tombs
- Lubiri (Mengo Palace) & Idi Amin Torture Chambers
- Uganda National Mosque (Gaddafi Mosque)
- Owino Market (St. Balikuddembe Market)