The Mpanga forest day hiking Epic: Why Mpanga forest is perfect for a day hike.
Mpanga Forest Reserve is about 1 hour west of Kampala, near Mpigi town, along the Masaka Road. Mpanga is recorded to have over 500 tree species and shrubs, with some trees estimated to be 100-years old. There are over 200 bird species recorded in this reserve. The common birds to watch include, hornbill, spotted greenbul, black and white casqued, African pied hornbills, Uganda woodland warbler, great blue turaco and the ross turaco. Mammals found in Mpanga include; bushbuck, red-tailed monkey and flying squirrels. Several butterfly species can also be observed throughout the reserve.
But what else makes this forest a perfect place for a day hike apart from it's closeness to the city and abundance in nature.
Mpanga forest has the perfect trails which have been used for years by locals to navigate the expansive green. The trails are;
The butterfly loop or trail
The butterfly trail stretches for about 1 kilometer distance covering the forest with lots of animals and vegetation types to be seen animals common on this trail are bush babies and red tailed monkeys. This trail takes about 30 minutes to walk through.
The baseline trail
This trail provides hikers with clear views of the forest canopy and the surrounding villages, it’s gifted with various bird species and numerous butterflies, and this trail ends at the papyrus swamp at the base of the forest. This trail can also be used for mountain biking for those not interested in hiking.
The hornbill trail
This is considered to be the best of the forest trails, it gives visitors opportunities to see bird life, spectacular rolling hills, forest streams, buttresses, fungi, root structures, monkeys, butterflies and much more. It covers a distance of about 5 kilometers, hiking this trail normally takes about 3 hours.
What is the hike day plan?
Set off from Kampala is at 8am from Lugogo mall. Be at Lugogo mall by 7.30am
Arrival at the Mpanga forest camp site by 10am. For unpacking, changing and putting on gear, snacking and warming up for the hike. Plus also briefing from the guides.
10.30 Start of the hike which lasts up to 4 hours for the slowest hiker.
14.30- Back to Camp site for lunch. Freshening up, hydrating, departure to Kampala . Estimate arrival is by 5pm.
Can you handle the hike?
It is a beginner's hike suitable for all groups and ages including kids from 4 years
What you need to pack?
It is a day's hike with optional over night camping at the end so you need to pack hiking and camping gear except tents and mats if staying for the camping. What to exactly pack depends on personal comforts.
Hiking gear:
Hiking backpack
Hiking boots(preferably) or trail running shoes
Thick hiking socks
Hiking pants
Waterproof jacket or poncho
Quick dry and light hiking shirt
Sun hat
Sun glasses
Neck gaiter or buff
Sunscreen/sun protection cream
Hiking pole
Hydration pack
This blog post on the Sunny Outdoors website can help https://sunny-outdoors.com/blogs/hiking-and-trekking/day-hike-packing-list
Don't forget lots of water and snacks.
Costs:
Day hike: Ugx 70,000
*Free for Sunny outdoors members(Subscription is ugx 50,000 monthly)
Bookings here for September 7th 2024 day hike----> https://sunny-outdoors.com/products/the-mpanga-forest-epic-hike?variant=42440215036092
The costs Includes;
Hiking - Transportation to and from
The Hiking experience
Lunch
Points to Note:
If you can self drive to the reserve, it is perfectly fine. Follow pin to the start point.
Kids are welcome
Directions: Here is the pin to the trail head at mpanga nature centre https://maps.app.goo.gl/A6G88KzyantpPCwR9
Contact:
Any questions and for private hikes, please contact Sunny at info@sunny-outdoors.com or on +256702590664
See you on the trail.