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as
a scientific research site since 1953 and is criss crossed with
an extensive network of paths from which visitors can view the
prolific bird life that make this forest their home. The average
height and size of trees in Mpanga is very large with impressive
trees throughout.
Mpanga forest is easily accessed from Kampala and well worth
a stop on a visit en-route to the west of Uganda. Experience
the silence of a noisy forest, witness-floating paths of butterflies
and enjoy the peace and solitude of a beautiful forest setting
just one hours drive from the capital.
The drum making industry is concentrated at Mpambire village
near Mpanga, the home of the Royal Drum makers. The five main
tree species suitable for this traditional craft are found in
the forest and at the visitor reception you can learn about
the drum trees, which since time immemorial have been used in
Africa for communicating and calling people to festive occasion.
Access:
Mpanga Forest is signposted 37 kilometers west from Kampala
along the Masaka / Kampala Rd.
Tel. 077 488027 e-mail: mpanga@avu.org. Mpanga forest eco tourism
site is on the right five kilometers beyond the Mpigi turn off.
The main road passes through a dip where just after it enters
the forest. Immediately after the dip is a murram road on the
right marked by large Pepsi signpost. Follow the murram road
for 500m bearing right at a fork in the road until you reach
a clearing on the edge of the forest and the forestry station.
Park at the edge of this clearing and make your way to the visitor
reception.By public transport from Kampala, take a taxi from
the new taxi park to Mpigi and catch a Boda Boda to Mpanga (approximately
Ush 1000-) or alternately, take a taxi from the new park to
Masaka and ask to be set down at Mpanga forest entrance sign.
Bandas Camp site and Picnic area:
The clearing at the edge of the forest makes the ideal picnic
and camping site. Red tailed monkeys regularly play in the trees
around the camp site and visitors can often get within 10 meters
to photograph the more common hornbills who are quite used to
people.
There
are toilet/shower facilities and a camp shelter and campfire/BBQ
area available. Water and firewood can be organized at the
forest station but visitors must be self-sufficient and bring
their own tents and food.
Mpigi
town just 5 kilometers from the site can provide all basic
provisions for campers. A range of fruits, vegetables and
dry goods as well as petrol, kerosene and mentholated spirits
is available.An
alternative picnic site lies 100 meters into the forest in
a beautiful shady glade simply follow the path into the forest
and the site is on the left at the start of the Base Line
Trail.
Other accommodation:
Two twin bandas are available under a large thatched veranda.
Bed linen, towels, mosquito nets plus kerosene lamps are provided
and a spacious tiled shower room. Kitchen facilities are available
to campers and banda occupants. A simple dormitory with bunk
beds for budget travelers is also available. Dorm occupants
need your own mosquito nets and bed linen.
Activities:
There are 3 marked forest trails and guides on hand.
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