Are you looking to join a trip that is a little different and offers options for people of all levels of fitness and ability who like to get outdoors in beautiful surrounds?
If so….. then this is the trip you have been waiting for!!!!!
We are planning on heading to Mabira Forest, about 1.5 hours drive east of Kampala. The Mabira Forest is a rainforest area covering about 300 square kilometres (120 sq mi) (30,000 hectares (74,000 acres)) in Uganda, located in Buikwe District, between Lugazi and Jinja. It has been protected as Mabira Forest Reserve since 1932. There are options to bird watch, trek to see Mangabey monkeys, hike (both relaxing and long and adventurous options available) and bike through the forest and nearby sugar cane and tea plantations, or just simply come to relax with the sounds of the forest…
The trip will run from Saturday 27th August to Sunday 28th August, which gives ample time to explore the serene forest and surrounds.
Accommodation:
We will stay at the basic, but peaceful, Griffin Falls camp (also known as Mabira Forest Camp). As part of the MCU, we have been fortunate to be able to negotiate some great savings off their normal prices and rates, and we have all been offered a FREE 2-hour forest walk! (Normal price UGX15k). Longer hikes are also available (UGX10k per person).
The accommodation options are:
- 3 x Self-contained eco-nests (twin) (UGX80k per night (normal price UGX100k)),
- 1 x Modest banda (twin) (UGX40k per night (normal price UGX60k)),
- 1 x Quadruple banda (four beds) (UGX20k per person, per night (normal price UGX30k)) or
- Unlimited: Bring your own tent and camp under the stars (UGX10k per person, per night).
Please mention that you are part of the MCU when booking to take advantage of these discounted rates. To get in touch with the camp, please contact them on 0754 031 769, 0751 949 368, 0712 955 671 or 0752 920 515. Alternatively, you can email them on griffinfalls@yahoo.com.
Cold showers are available, and there are eco-friendly toilets. And if you ask nicely, they will heat a bucket of water for you to enjoy a warm shower under the forest canopy.
Food:
Catering wise, the staff at the camp can prepare local meals (UGX10k a plate), and we are also planning on cooking a BBQ on the Saturday night. Please bring your own meat/ vegetables to put on the BBQ, and we will bring some staples (sauces, bread etc). There will be a nominal charge for the BBQ, to cover these costs in addition to the charcoal, UGX5k – UGX10k per person, depending on numbers.
The staff will also prepare a campfire for us in the campsite area. If you have musical talent, feel free to bring along instruments/ voices for us to enjoy whilst we sit around the campfire etc…
Breakfast (eggs/ fruit/ bread/ coffee and tea) can be purchased from the camp for UGX7-10k per person.
Beers and sodas are available for purchase at the camp, although there are no refrigeration facilities, so if you are partial to a cold drink, a cool box/ esky might be a good idea.
Points to Note:
There is a park fee of UGX30k per person for the weekend.
If you would like to bike, the camp does not have bikes for rent, so please bring your own.
And please also remember bug spray/ insect repellent
Directions: The camp can be found on google maps- however, we recommend do not take the “recommended route”, which basically takes you almost through people’s houses… Instead, continue past the recommended turn off the road to Jinja, and in Lugazi, turn left just before the Minnah/ Minah restaurant on a corner on the left in the town. This road is MUCH better than the other one, especially if it has been raining, and there are various signs to the camp along the way to assist- but do keep a watch on google maps, as not every turn is signposted.
Please note: there are options for zip lining in the forest for USD$50 a person. Should you wish to do this, please note that this activity is not supported by the MCU, as we are not able to guarantee the safety of the activity.
Contact: Any questions or if you would like to come but are struggling to find transport, please contact Sally Holbrook at madsally@hotmail.com or on 0752 184057.
Please follow the link to book (please only complete if you are 100% sure you will be attending): Mabira Forest Trip 27th– 28th August 2016: Sign Up Sheet
Hope to see you there!