Mpanga Forest & Mabamba Birding tour, Uganda - 1 Day

soroush-karimi-291353(1)
wu-jianxiong-239318(1)

This is a unique day trip that has three special elements to give guests and residents a little glance into the natural beauty of Uganda.

MPANGA FOREST:

Situated about 35 kilometers west of Kampala, Mpanga Forest is a natural evergreen tropical forest. The forest is an eco-tourism spot under the management and conservation of the National Forestry Authority. The forest consists of tree species like the Celtis Family species characterized with large buttress and the Ficus Family as well as the phenomenal Mahogany Trees.

Mpanga Forest is a birding hotspot with species like Weaver birds, Owls, Grey Parrots, black and white casqued hornbills and cuckoos among others.
The forest is home to red-tailed monkeys and bush-babies.

UGANDA EQUATOR

Uganda is among the 13 countries crossed by the Imaginary Line known as the Equator. It’s a great experience to stand in the middle of the planet for a photo-opportunity.
A local guide does a demonstration about the wonders of the Equator where flowing water spins clockwise or anticlockwise if you are a few degrees north or south of the Equator. Water flows without spinning at all if one pours water at the equator.
There are also coffee shops and craft outlets for those intending to buy curio items.

MABAMBA BAY

Mabamba refers to “a place of Lung Fish” in the indigenous language (Luganda). Declared a Ramsar Site in 2007, Mabamba Bay is a birding spot that stretches to L. Victoria.
It is one of the best places to see the rare Shoebill Stork! Among the 300 bird species recorded in Mabamba are Blue Swallow, White-winged Tern, Gull-billed Tern in the migratory category.
Papyrus endemics include Papyrus Gonolet, Papyrus Yellow Warbler among others. The Marshy Swamp is also a haven to spur-winged geese, yellow-billed ducks, and malachite kingfishers, African Jacana, Purple Heron and Squacco Heron among others.
We employ a motorized Canoe and navigate the narrow waterways in the swamp for a birding vantage point.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Faqs

This is a unique day trip that has three special elements to give guests and residents a little glance into the natural beauty of Uganda.

Day 1
Early Morning

MPANGA FOREST:

Situated about 35 kilometers west of Kampala, Mpanga Forest is a natural evergreen tropical forest. The forest is an eco-tourism spot under the management and conservation of the National Forestry Authority. The forest consists of tree species like the Celtis Family species characterized with large buttress and the Ficus Family as well as the phenomenal Mahogany Trees.

Mpanga Forest is a birding hotspot with species like Weaver birds, Owls, Grey Parrots, black and white casqued hornbills and cuckoos among others.

The forest is home to red-tailed monkeys and bush-babies.

UGANDA EQUATOR

Uganda is among the 13 countries crossed by the Imaginary Line known as the Equator. It’s a great experience to stand in the middle of the planet for a photo-opportunity.

A local guide does a demonstration about the wonders of the Equator where flowing water spins clockwise or anticlockwise if you are a few degrees north or south of the Equator. Water flows without spinning at all if one pours water at the equator.

There are also coffee shops and craft outlets for those intending to buy curio items.

MABAMBA BAY

Mabamba refers to “a place of Lung Fish” in the indigenous language (Luganda). Declared a Ramsar Site in 2007, Mabamba Bay is a birding spot that stretches to L. Victoria.

It is one of the best places to see the rare Shoebill Stork! Among the 300 bird species recorded in Mabamba are Blue Swallow, White-winged Tern, Gull-billed Tern in the migratory category.

Papyrus endemics include Papyrus Gonolet, Papyrus Yellow Warbler among others. The Marshy Swamp is also a haven to spur-winged geese, yellow-billed ducks, and malachite kingfishers, African Jacana, Purple Heron and Squacco Heron among others.

We employ a motorized Canoe and navigate the narrow waterways in the swamp for a birding vantage point.

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
  • Transportation to and from!!
  • Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
  • Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
  • Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
  • First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
  • All the required permits and paperwork

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare
  • Visa Charges
  • Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
  • Your travel and medical insurance
  • Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
  • Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
  • Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
  • Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
Expand/Close

Frequently asked Questions

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Mpanga Forest & Mabamba Birding tour, Uganda