Top activities to do in Maramagambo Forest

Top activities to do in Maramagambo Forest range from primate adventures to bird watching. Maramagambo Forest Reserve is one of the most endowed natural forests Uganda prides itself on. It is one spot worth of visiting to experience the ultimate tranquility on the Uganda safari.

Location of Maramagambo Forest, Uganda

Maramagambo Forest is one of the central forest reserves in Uganda, and it is located in Bushenyi District. This is dominated by a natural tropical forest, and forms part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Western Uganda. This scenic natural forest supports both primates, birds and other species of animals, floral species and butterflies.

Tourist Activities to do in Maramagambo Forest, Uganda safaris

Primate watching

Primate viewing in Maramagambo Forest Reserve is with no doubt the leading safari activity you should expect to indulge during your next visit. A total of 7 primate species all reside within Maramagambo Forest, and they include olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, bush babies, pottos, black and white colobus monkeys. During your primate walk, you will be escorted by an experienced guide with in depth knowledge about every bit of Maramagambo Forest and its rich attractions.

The best time to go primate walking in Maramagambo Forest is during the dry season, and there are two dry seasons; long & short. The dry months to plan your primate tour to Maramagambo Forest Reserve, June, July, August, September, & December, January, to February. Unlike Kibale Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest Reserves, Maramagambo Forest doesn’t have already habituated chimpanzee community.

Birding

If you are interested in forest birds, then a visit to Maramagambo Forest is 100% the wisest decision you could have made. Maramagambo Forest Reserve is rich in bird species, and most of them are forest birds and majority are endemic to this area. On birding expedition, expect to keep an eye on special avifaunal species such as black headed batis, pink backed pelicans, white tailed lark, martial eagle, papyrus canary, Rwenzori turacos, Chapin’s flycatchers, African skimmers, flamingos, white napped pigeon, red-tailed bristle bill, forest flycatchers, African green pigeon, dark capped yellow warblers, Sulphur breasted bush shrike, to mention but a few.

Tour the bat caves

A Uganda safari to Maramagambo Forest offers more than birding tours or primate walks. The bat caves are a must-visit while on Uganda safari tour in Maramagambo Forest. There are many caves inside Maramagambo Forest where millions of bats live and at the viewing spot, there is a chance to also see African rock pythons while they feed on bats.

Guided Nature Walks

Uganda has plenty of destinations offering nature/hiking experiences, but a guided forest walk through the dense Maramagambo Forest Reserve is an experience of a lifetime. A complete Maramagambo Forest walk lasts from 2 to 6 hours, and you get to soak yourself into the rainforest to explore its natural wonders. Visit the remarkable caves, the inhabitants to millions of bats and there are also several nature trails leading to various attractions. The popular trails not to miss hitting on a nature walk tour in Maramagambo Forest include the palm trail, forest, valley, waterfall, river trail, and many more.

Cultural tours

Tours in Maramagambo Central Forest Reserve offer more than primate encounters, there is a chance to also interact with local residents after or before you go primate walking. Adjacent to Maramagambo, there is Nyanzibiri community and this is located near the historic cave. Most people have myth and often visit the cave for protection from misfortunates.

Wildlife/game viewing

Maramagambo Forest safaris can also be incorporated with a range of other exciting activities in the sweeping savanna grassland of Queen Elizabeth National Park. These include guided game drive via Kasenyi track to see the big game such as elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, plus diverse antelope families, birds, etc. Or visit Kazinga channel for a boat cruise, a long channel that connects Lake Edward and Lake George- all this, is possible on 5 days Uganda safari or 4 days Queen Elizabeth safari tour.

Where to stay

• Jacana Safari Lodge
• Kyambura Gorge/Game Lodge
• Katara Lodge

When to visit Maramagambo Forest

Safaris to Maramagambo Forest Reserve can be conducted all year-round. However, for uninterrupted primate adventures, the most favorable time to go tour the forest is during the dry season; from June to September, December to February.

Getting to Maramagambo Forest Reserve, Uganda tours

By road: You will spend about 6 hours to drive from Kampala to Maramagambo Forest Reserve in Western Uganda. Or by air, fly from Entebbe Airport/Kajjansi airfield to Kasese/Mweya airstrip and be transferred to Maramagambo for your primate safari tour.