There is no better way to conquer the vast tropical rainforest of Mabira than by embarking on a zip lining experience. There is no small adventure, as even the fun adventures off the beaten path of wildlife in Uganda still deliver an unforgettable experience. Mabira Forest is a fortress of tropical vegetation that has stood the test of time for generations.
Zip lining in Mabira Forest is an incredible adventure that brings together all nature lovers, birding enthusiasts, and holidaymakers to an epic showdown of speed and stamina over the giant forest. This adventure is quite different from what is usually packaged for a standard tour or safari. Zip lining is fun and adventurous, making visitors step aside from their usual busy work schedules to experience a touching and exciting time in the jungle.
How unique is zip lining in Mabira Forest?
The most striking uniqueness of this particular zip lining adventure in Mabira Forest is that it is one of a kind in the country. This specific zip lining experience in Mabira Forest is the first canopy-type zip lining. By canopy-type, it means one that is done above forest vegetation. Most of the many zip lining adventures in the country are operated above water sources.
Zip lining in Mabira Forest does not stop at offering an unmatched adventure experience, but adds to this adventure with epic sightings of several wildlife and bird species. Mabira Forest is an ancient habitat that secures the lives of many species, including primates, birds, and numerous reptiles.
During a zip lining experience across this giant forest, visitors can spot species like red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and the grey mangabeys, and some birds like the great blue turaco. This zip line in Mabira extends to over 250 meters by cable at an epic height of 35 meters above the ground.
Where is it done from?
This particular zip lining adventure is in Mabira Forest, Uganda’s largest secondary forest. It is located in Buikwe District along the Kampala-Jinja highway. Inside Mabira Forest, zip lining is done at the site near the Griffin Falls Camp. Mabira Forest is approximately 44 kilometers from the capital, Kampala.
Mabira Forest is an ancient rainforest, covering an area of approximately 300 square kilometers. It is the country’s largest forest by land area and hosts some of the indigenous tree species that date back over 500 years. It is also home to a vast population of birds and primates, with an endangered primate species, the Uganda mangabey, also nesting here.
How is it done?
Zip lining involves visitors secured tightly on an inclined cable using ropes in a seated formation connected by a pulley system, sliding above the tree canopies with incredible views of the forest. The ropes connected to a pulley guide you across the suspended cable at a regulated speed controlled by the visitor’s body weight and gravity.
Visitors are secured on the cable with a full-body or seat harness that is fastened to the inclined cable using a pulley. The harness is tightly secured using carabiners that allow the ropes and harness to be tightly fixed to the cable while allowing a smooth slide. From the platform or the launching site, a visitor is pushed to start the glide down the cable, with gravity steering the way as the visitor controls the speed until they arrive at the other end.
How much does it cost?
The costs charged to visitors embarking on the zip lining experience in Mabira Forest are classified: international visitors pay USD 50, Ugandans pay UGX 100,000, and East Africans pay UGX 150,000. The money collected from this activity goes to the maintenance of the cables and other equipment used to keep them functioning at their best. A small portion of the fees collected goes to supporting the conservation and management of the forest.
What is the best time?
The dry season is the best time for zip lining in Mabira Forest because this activity is an outdoor adventure experience. The dry season offers exceptional weather conditions that favour this activity. Mabira Forest is a giant forest that supports the formation of rainfall through the process of evaporation; thus, visitors must be equipped for any weather type.
What to pack?
There is a lot of equipment involved in participating in the zip lining experience in Mabira Forest. Visitors embarking on this activity need to pack for the success of this adventure in the forest. Below are some of the items or equipment to pack for the zip lining experience in Mabira Forest.
- Garden gloves
- Jungle boots
- Camera/ phone with enough battery
- Light clothing like shorts and a T-shirt
- A rain jacket/ sweater
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen, etc.
It is also important to note that the zip lining equipment, such as helmets, harnesses, ropes, and carabiners, among others, is offered. Any additional equipment can also be hired at the site at an affordable cost.
How to get there?
Mabira Forest is situated about 44 kilometers from Kampala, and thus it can take about an hour to get there. However, this highly depends on the traffic on the road, since it is located along the major highway. Mabira Forest can only be accessed by road, as there is no airport situated in or close to the forest. Visitors can therefore enjoy a road trip filled with exciting roadside snacks and views of the communities and the trading culture of the locals.
