Guided nature walk in Maramagambo Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Discovering the best guided nature walk trails and the history of Maramagambo Forest is such an ultimate Uganda walking and birding experience. Tracing the name from a traditional tale about two brothers who got lost in the forest and could not say a word on their return, Maramagambo forest is one of the prime safari destinations found in Queen Elizabeth National Park. When the two brothers had become numb, a concept that means lack of words “kubura ebigambo” in the local language, thus the forest was named “Maramagambo.”

Maramagambo is located in the Bushenyi district and is part of the magical Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. The forest is known for being home to multiple wildlife species ranging from primates to bats, several bird species, and a harbor of several tree species. Some of the common primates in the Maramagambo forest include chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, red-tailed and blue-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and bush babies, to mention but a few. Other species that can be spotted in this forest are elephants, the rare Bate’s pygmy antelopes, bush pigs, and pythons.

What to do in the Maramagambo forest

Quite several activities can be done in this magical and traditional forest. Consider adding one of these activities while you plan a trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

1. Guided nature walks

Embarking on a guided nature walk in the Maramagambo forest is such a rewarding safari activity. Following different trails, travelers explore these forests and turn their moments into memories. The walk allows you to explore the forest on foot and thus can take away the safari vehicle fatigue and thus act as a refreshing safari experience. Nature walks will introduce you to multiple primate species, birds, and trees such as the famous frame trees whose leaves are believed to cause sexual arousal in women. This is more than a forest walk but rather a learning opportunity for you to discover the mysteries of the trees, and tales related to different features such as River Kajojo named after elephants, to mention but a few.

The following trails can be followed during the Maramagambo forest nature walks;

The forest trail: Somewhat difficult and suitable for physically fit travelers.

The river trail: connects to River Kajojo which was named after elephants. The trail is about one kilometer and it takes about one hour to walk it.

The palm trail: is about 5 kilometers in length and takes about two hours to walk. The trail is suitable for all travelers.

The valley trail: is about three and a half kilometers and it takes about two hours to walk taking you through the valley ridge and many forest features.

The waterfall trail: this is about 11 kilometers and it takes four to five hours to walk it. The trail takes you to Kilyantama waterfalls from where you can enjoy spectacular views of fig trees used in backcloth making.

2. Birding

Are you a bird lover? Maramagambo forest is a prime birding destination as it is home to quite several bird species. Some of these birds are Rift Valley endemics while others are elusive species. A walk in this forest comes with sweet melodies sung by different birds and an opportunity to dive into the life of birds. For instance, you will see how different birds make their nests and how they protect their nests from predators and rain.

3. Bat watching

A walk in the Maramagambo forest allows you to see quite several bats. Direct contact with bats is highly prohibited as they can spread diseases to humans. You will enjoy spectacular views of the bats from the established secure viewing platform.

4. Cultural encounters

A walk in the Maramagambo forest will introduce you to the native cultures within and around the forest. You will learn a lot of history from the Nyanziibiri community and the cave that was used to protect people from calamities and other misfortunes. Dive into the cultures, and learn about their ways of life, food, traditions, leadership, music, and standards of living.

Note: Chimpanzees in Maramagambo forest are not habituated for tracking but a walk in the forest will allow you to spot one or more. If you are typically interested in chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the best recommendation is Kyambura Gorge.

What is the best time to visit the Maramagambo forest?

Like Queen Elizabeth national park, Maramagambo Forest can be visited all year round, however, the best time is the dry season of December to February and June to September. This is the period when the trails are less muddy and the forests are not much thick hence clearer views. For travelers interested in a challenging experience, the wet seasons are the best.

How to access Maramagambo forest.

From Entebbe international airport or Kampala City, one can access Maramagambo forest by either road or air transport means.

By road: travelers can use public transport (buses) from Kampala to Bushenyi and then get a private car to the forest headquarters from where they meet the forest rangers. Alternatively, travelers can use private or safari vehicles and drive the Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara – Bushenyi road and connect to the forest headquarters. The drive takes 6 to 7 hours.

By air: travelers can fly from Kajansi Airfield to Mweya and then drive to the forest headquarters. The flight takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.

How much is a guided nature walk in the Maramagambo forest?

A guided nature walk in the Maramagambo forest goes for $30 for foreign non-residents, $15 for foreign residents, and UGX 10,000/= for members of the East African community.

Where to stay in Maramagambo Forest?

Looking for a comfortable accommodation facility while you take on a trip to Maramagambo Forest? Look no further, below is a list of some of the best lodges near Maramagambo Forest;

Katara Lodge: Located on the Great Rift Valley escarpment of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Katara Lodge is one of the best lodges to stay at as you visit Maramagambo forest. The lodge provides scenic views of Lake Edward, Virunga Mountains and the Rwenzori Mountains. Katara Lodge has a beautiful swimming pool, restaurant, bar and serene cottages for an ultimate experience. Read reviews of Katara Lodge for more insight. 

Jacana Safari Lodge: Having received many geo-lodge awards from the New York Times, Jacana Safari Lodge is located at the outskirts of Maramagambo Forest. The lodge is serene and allows visitors to enjoy exceptional views of Lake Nyamusingire. The lodge is designed in an African architectural way and reflects a true African wilderness. It has an outdoor swimming pool and comfortable lounges from where travelers enjoy scenic views of the surrounding areas. Book your stay at Jacana Safari Lodge and enjoy an extraordinary guided nature walk in Maramagambo Forest. 

Rift Valley Game Lodge: One of the most beautiful lodges located in the vast savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Rift Valley Game Lodge is an ideal accommodation for travelers taking on a guided nature walk in Maramagambo Forest and other safari activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge has several spacious cottages with en-suite bathrooms for a comfortable stay. Lunch is served at restaurant overlooking the vast savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. A picnic lunch can be organized for luxury travelers, talk to a travel expert at Beyond Travel for a special request on your accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

Enganzi Game Lodge: Located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Enganzi Lodge is a mid-range safari lodge that is suitable for all kinds of travelers including those taking on a trip to Maramagambo Forest. The lodge has different room categories (single, double and triple) customized to fit your travel needs. Are you a solo traveler, couple or a group? Add Enganzi lodge to your accommodation list for an ultimate Uganda guided nature walk safari experience. 

In conclusion, taking on a guided nature walk in Maramagambo Forest is such a rewarding Uganda safari and tour experience that should be part of your travel list. The walking safaris in Maramagambo Forest come with scenic safari activities such as bird watching, bat watching, community tours, wildlife viewing, to point out  a few. All these can be complimented with other amazing activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park such as lion tracking in Ishasha Sector, Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, Game drives in the Mweya Peninsular and Boat Safaris on Kazinga Channel. With a comfortable stay at any of the lodges near Maramagambo Forest, your Uganda Safari becomes a moment turned into memory.