Maramagambo Forest in Uganda
Maramagambo Forest is located in western Uganda in the Bushenyi district and is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is one of the rainforests in East Africa sitting on the Kicwamba escarpment stretching to Lake Edward. The name of this forest originates from a tale about a group of young people who got lost in the forest. As they found their way out, they couldn’t speak or talk for long. Maramagambo means someone who can’t speak or talk. That is where the name of the forest originated.
Maramagambo Forest is home to several wildlife like elephants, chimpanzees, bush pigs, pythons, bats, rare bates, and, many others. Additionally, it is a perfect birding area as well as a home to many primates. If you are passionate about spending time in the jungle, you may take a trip to Uganda and visit Maramagambo Forest.
What are the activities are done in Maramagambo Forest?
Quite several tourist activities are done in Maramagambo Forest. Below is a list of the common activities one can do in this spectacular forest.
Guided nature walks
Maramagambo Forest is one of the best places in Uganda where you can do a nature walk. Nature walks are done on foot and they offer an opportunity to encounter several wildlife species that call Maramagambo home. Nature walks are also done under the guidance of an armed ranger or guide. The guide ensures your safety in the forest. A typical nature walk in Maramagambo takes about 2 to 6 hours of the day. They are done on different trails of the forest. Some of the common trails include; the Palm Trail, Waterfall Trail, and Valley Trail.
Primate tour
Maramagambo Forest is home to many primate species. Some of the common primates present in the forest include; vervet monkeys, white colobus monkeys, L’hoests monkeys, chimpanzees, and baboons. If you are a primate lover, this forest will make your dreams come true.
Birding
Maramagambo Forest is home to several bird species and this makes the area a great birding destination in Africa. Common bird species encountered in the forest include; Rwenzori Turaco, Ross Turaco, white-napped pigeon, black-headed batis, dark-caped yellow warbler, African pigeon, forest flycatcher, and many others. Birding in this forest is done early in the morning and late in the evening. Birding is also done under the guidance of rangers and guides.
Visiting bat caves
Several bat caves in Maramagambo Forest offer a thrilling adventure to travelers. The forest authority constructed a site where bats can be viewed along with reptiles.
Cultural tours
While on a safari to Maramagambo Forest, there are several communities that travelers can visit. Engaging in community tours allows you to learn the lifestyle of the locals. Community tours allow you to participate in activities like cultural dances, cultural songs, coffee roasting, and many others.
How much is a permit to Maramagambo Forest?
One must pay entrance fees before they can do any activities in Maramagambo Forest. Permit to Maramagambo Forest costs 15 USD for foreign nonresidents, 10 USD for foreign residents, and 10,000 UGX for East African residents. This permit does not include other travel-related expenses like meals, transport, and accommodation.
Accommodation around Maramagambo Forest
Accommodation should be none of your worries if you plan to visit Maramagambo. There are several accommodation facilities near the forest. These facilities range from midrange to budget and luxury. Some of the lodges near the forest include; Kyambura Game Lodge, Kyangabi Crater Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Elephant Hab, Ihamba Cottages, Kikorongo Game Lodge, Pumba Cottages, Park View Lodge, Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, and many others.
How to get there?
The forest is accessed both by road and air. By road, it takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach the forest using the Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara – Bushenyi Highway. Alternatively, you can use the Kampala – Fort Portal – Kasese Highway which takes about 6 to 7 hours.
On the other hand, when using air transport, you can book a chartered flight from the Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. It will take you to any of the airstrips near Maramagambo. From either Kasese Airstrip or Mweya Airstrip you drive by road to reach the forest.
