Ecotourism in Uganda
Tourism in Uganda is built on the concept of ecotourism, mainly focusing on sustainable use of natural and cultural attractions which are foundations of the country’s tourism activity, as well as empowering the local communities.
In addition to 10 National Parks that offer diverse attractions and activities to tourists.
Uganda has a range of incredible nature reserves.
These forest ecotourism reserves are endowed with rich flora and fauna, endemic species of birds, wild animals, butterflies and evergreen vegetation.
Our aim is to have small groups of people who will have a unique experience with our experienced guides taking you through natural unique environments, educating you about the culture of people, the environment, and how to develop better instincts on how to contribute towards environmental conservation culture survival and other sustainable issues.
Ecotourism activities include village walks, bird watching, nature walks, culture tourism, community /rural tourism, Eco camping hill hiking, sightseeing photography, white water rafting, viewing chimpanzee , biking and bush camping.
Ecotourism sites of interest
Mabira Forest reserve
One of Uganda’s surviving natural forest which covers an area of 306 square Kms. This is a habitat of over 312 species of trees, including endangered Cordia Millene, Millia, Exclesa and the vulnerable Prunus Africana which ‘cures’ prostate cancer and boosts the human immune system.
Mabira Forest is located on the main Kampala-Jinja road near Kampala City.
Kalinzu Central Reserve
Located in western Uganda, this natural forest is rich with terrestrial bio diversity and famous for 414 species of trees and shrubs including Ficus and Prunus Africana.
The forest also harbours 378 species of bird and a visit here is a perfect quest for nature lovers, bird watchers and researchers. The journey takes approximately 5hours drive from Kampala and it is 30Kms from Bushenyi district headquarters.
Mpanga Central Reserve
This is a natural reserve with unique tree species including the colitis with large buttresses, the ficus family and mahogany.
Here you can also find primates like red–tailored monkeys and lots of bird species such as Rossturaco, weaver birds, the grey parrot and owls
Lutoboka, Kampala and Bunjazi Central forest reserve
These are medium altitude moist forests found in the legendary Ssese Islands with a gentle slope from the shores of Lake Victoria to the centre. The Islands have 31 gazetted forest reserves and Lutoboka is the largest covering 378 hectares, Kampala forest reserve is 139 hectare and Bunjazi is 80Ha.
The Islands can be accessed by ferry from Nakiwogo landing site near Entebbe International airport or; you can use a ferry Bukakata landing site near Masaka.
Other Ecotourism sites include Budongo forest reserve, Bugoma ecotourism site, Kirinya-Papidi ecotourism site, Kasyoha-Kitomi forest reserve, and Busingiro ecotourism site.
