Amabere Caves- Explore history and Crater lakes
Explore history and Crater lakes at Amabere Caves
Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru near Fortportal is a popular historical site worth your visit.
Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru
Amabere Caves, also known as Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru, is a cultural and historical site located near Fort Portal in Western Uganda. The site is known for its stunning rock formations and cave systems, as well as its rich cultural significance. Visitors to Amabere Caves can explore the area’s fascinating history, which dates back hundreds of years. The site is said to have been the home of a powerful king named Bukuku, whose daughter Nyina Mwiru is believed to have given birth to the milk-like formations on the cave walls. According to legend, these formations were created when Nyina Mwiru’s breasts were cut off and thrown into the cave, where they miraculously began to produce milk. Apart from its cultural significance, Amabere Caves also offer visitors a chance to explore the beautiful crater lakes and lush greenery of the surrounding area. The caves are nestled in the Nyakasura hills, which offer stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the surrounding countryside. If you’re interested in birding, Amabere Caves is a great place to spot a wide variety of bird species. The area is home to over 100 different species of birds, including the Great Blue Turaco, African Pitta, and African Grey Parrot. When you visit Amabere Caves, be sure to explore the various hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest. You can also take a guided tour of the caves themselves, which offer a unique glimpse into the area’s rich cultural and historical heritage. To get to Amabere Caves, you can book a tour with Vas Transport, who offer reliable and comfortable transportation services. The site is open daily, and admission fees are affordable, making it a great destination for budget-conscious travelers. A a visit to Amabere Caves offers a unique opportunity to explore Uganda’s rich cultural and historical heritage, while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, birding, or hiking, Amabere Caves is a must-see destination that should be on every traveler’s itinerary. So why not book a tour with Vas Transport and experience this amazing site for yourself?
Mabira Forest Eco-tour in Uganda
Mabira Forest Eco-tour
Uganda is a land of natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, and Mabira Forest is a prime example of this. Located in the central region of the country, just 56km east of Kampala, Mabira Forest is Uganda’s largest forest reserve, covering over 300 square kilometers. The forest is home to over 300 species of birds, 312 species of trees, and a variety of mammals, including primates such as the grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkey. If you’re looking for a unique and eco-friendly adventure, a visit to Mabira Forest is a must-do. There are numerous activities to choose from, including bird watching, nature walks, cycling, and zip-lining. The forest is also an important source of livelihood for local communities, with a number of ecotourism initiatives set up to promote sustainable tourism and support the conservation of the forest. Bird Watching Mabira Forest is a bird lover’s paradise, with over 300 species of birds to be found here. Bird watching tours can be arranged with experienced local guides who are knowledgeable about the different species and their habitats. Some of the species you may spot include the Great Blue Turaco, African Pied Hornbill, and Grey Parrot. Nature Walks Mabira Forest is home to a network of trails that offer a variety of walking experiences. You can opt for a leisurely stroll on the forest floor or take on a more challenging hike up one of the hills in the forest. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest, with opportunities to spot primates, butterflies, and a variety of plant species. Cycling Mabira Forest is also a great destination for cycling enthusiasts. The forest has a network of cycling trails that range in difficulty, from easy to challenging. Cycling through the forest is a great way to experience the beauty of the forest while also getting some exercise. Zip-lining For the more adventurous, Mabira Forest offers a unique zip-lining experience. The forest has two zip-line courses, each with six lines, that take you through the canopy of the forest. As you zip through the forest, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the forest and its inhabitants. Ecotourism Initiatives Mabira Forest is an important source of livelihood for local communities, and a number of ecotourism initiatives have been set up to support the conservation of the forest and promote sustainable tourism. One such initiative is the Mabira Forest Ecotourism Network, which offers a range of activities, including guided nature walks, bird watching tours, and cultural experiences. Another initiative is the Rainforest Lodge, which is located in the heart of Mabira Forest. The lodge offers accommodation in eco-friendly cabins and promotes sustainable tourism practices, such as composting and recycling. A visit to Mabira Forest is a must-do for anyone looking for a unique and eco-friendly adventure in Uganda. With its diverse range of activities, from bird watching to zip-lining, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And by supporting ecotourism initiatives, you’ll be contributing to the conservation of this important natural resource and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.
Mabamba Swamp: A Hidden Gem for Birdwatching in Uganda
Mabamba Swamp
Uganda is known for its incredible diversity of wildlife and is a popular destination for safaris and gorilla trekking. However, there is a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed by visitors: the Mabamba Swamp. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, this wetland area is a birdwatcher’s paradise and a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Getting to Mabamba Swamp is easy with the help of Vas Transport. Our reliable and professional transportation services will take you from Kampala to the swamp in just a few hours. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful sights and sounds of nature. The highlight of Mabamba Swamp is the shoebill stork, a large and unique bird that is highly sought after by birdwatchers. The swamp is one of the best places in Uganda to spot this elusive bird, and our experienced guides will help you locate and identify it. In addition to the shoebill, Mabamba Swamp is home to a wide variety of other bird species, including herons, egrets, kingfishers, and more. To fully experience Mabamba Swamp, we recommend taking a guided boat tour through the wetlands. This will give you a chance to see the birds up close and to appreciate the beauty of the swamp from a different perspective. Our boats are comfortable and safe, and our knowledgeable guides will share their expertise and insights about the wildlife and ecosystem. Aside from birdwatching, there are other activities to enjoy in Mabamba Swamp. You can take a nature walk along the trails that wind through the swamp, or try your hand at fishing in Lake Victoria. There are also opportunities to visit nearby villages and learn about the local culture and way of life. Visiting Mabamba Swamp is a unique and unforgettable experience, and Vas Transport is here to help you make the most of it. Our transportation services are reliable, efficient, and safe, and our experienced guides will ensure that you have a memorable and enjoyable trip. Contact us today to book your visit to this hidden gem of Uganda’s wildlife.
Bird watching at Mpanga Forest Eco-tourism site
Eco-tourism site at Mpanga Forest
Mpanga Forest
Mpanga Forest Eco-tourism site is situated 37km away from Kampala city, enroute to Masaka town. The Forest reserve was previously only reserved for scientific research. However today it is also a perfect destination for bird watching and a day or weekend escape from the city. It has over 550 tree species with some trees over 100 years old and over 220 bird species.
Birding excursion
Our 1 day excursion to this site was so exciting especially when it was time to see the shy White spotted fluff tail. It is not easy to see unless you imitate its calls. On our trip we were lucky to have Arshely Brian an avid birdwatcher on our birding team who can imitate the calls naturally. He managed to call it up several times for us to see.
You should have to see the anxious faces and smiles of the team before and after it was spotted. If you missed it, Brian was always ready to imitate its call so that you have a glimpse of this shy bird. It is always amazing to see him imitate the bird calls. You have to stand still or take cover like a sniper on a mission. This is done to avoid disturbing its presence when the White spotted fluff tail comes out of its hideout.The bird does not stay long since it has missed ‘meeting’ its imitator (bird) but for birders in the midst, the mission is accomplished.
Arshely Brian our expert bird imitator with a friend.
Our main mission of the day was bird watching so that we can polish our bird identification skills and also relax away from home. Our walk through the forest trail about 3km stretch to the swamp was worth it. It gave us a chance to enjoy the fresh air and also exercise your legs.
Forest Walk
During our forest walk to the swamp,we went off track,thus getting lost.We were lucky to meet young firewood harvesters who volunteered to lead us to the swamp. In this porous forest, firewood harvests are only allowed for fallen tree branches (i.e Old trees that fall naturally. Cutting of trees is illegal). This young team (Justine,Brian,Joel and Joram) with their dog in pursuit did well to show us some areas we had missed. We gave them a tip as a token of appreciation.
Bird watching
Bird watching is usually a rewarding adventure if you are patient. The birds seen on our day trip include: White spotted Flufftail ,Blue throated Roller ,Grosbeak Weaver ,Great spotted cuckoo ,Little Greenbul, Lizzad Buzzard, Marico Sunbird ,Green Hylia ,Western Nectar, Chestnut Wattle-eye ,White throated Greenbul, White throated Bee-eater ,Rufous Flycatcher Thrush ,Spotted Morning Thrush
Red headed Malimbe ,Splendid glossy Starling ,Green Backed Camaroptera, Red cheeked Cordon Bleu, Black and white Shrike Flycatcher ,African pied Wagtail , Vieillot’s black weaver ,Copper Sunbird, Scarlet Chested Sunbird ,Green Sunbird ,Pintailed Whydah.
Other bird species sighted included; Yellow throated Longclaw ,Eastern Plantain-eater, Brown backed Scrub Robin ,Dark capped Bulbul, Green throated Sunbird ,Northern grey headed Sparrow ,Black and white casqued Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Great blue Turaco, Blue throated roller, African Harrier Hawk, Ayres’ Hawk eagle, African Harrier Hawk.
We also sighted a Lesser bush baby and Red tailed monkeys.
Therefore a visit to the eco-tourism site is so rewarding that you have a full plate of activities like Forest walks, bird watching, butterfly identification and primate watching. You will also have a place to relax after a day’s adventure in the forest. Accommodation is available too for those who who like to spend more days away from home. It has double and twin rooms, space for camping and self catering facilities. For a day’s excursion,I recommend that you carry your own snacks.
Birding can be done twice in a day that is early morning when birds are still in their nests, leaving or hovering around their nests. In the evening when they return to their nests for a night’s rest.
Visit Mpambire trading centre for shopping on your way back for crafts. Items available for sale include Baskets, Mats, Drums, Stools and a variety of household tools.
Trip Destinations
You can extend your holiday to other exciting birding and wildlife destinations at Lake Mburo,Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
Semuliki Hot Springs-famous water bubbling attraction
Semuliki Hot springs
The hot springs found in Semuliki are a famous attraction in Uganda. They can be visited all year round. Most prominent of them is the “female hotspring “. It has water bubbling up to about 2 meters high creating a steam cloud. Its’s counterpart the male hotspring steams all year round at Semuliki National Park.
Male Hot spring.
You can visit the park any time throughout the year.It is about 390km away from the Ugandan capital Kampala.
Tourists at the hot springs can boil eggs that get ready in 8 minutes. Enjoy an egg snack later when ready.
Do not miss a chance to take a photograph of yourself or with fellow travellers near the female hot springs.
Birding paradise
Semuliki is also a famous birding habitat with a record of 441 bird species. The species to look for may include, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Crested Malimbe, Red-bellied Malimbe, Blue-billed malimbe, Black-casqued Wattled Horbill, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Piping Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, , Lemon-bellied Crombec. Other bird species include;Red-rumped Tinkerbird, African Piculet, White-throated Blue Swallow, Yellow-throated Nicator, Leaf-love, Swamp Palm Bulbul ,Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch, Orange-cheeked Waxbill.
Primates
Primates such as the chimpanzee, baboon,grey-cheeked mangabey, black-and-white colobus, Central African red colobus, blue, red-tailed, de Brazza’s, Vervet monkey, and Dent’s mona monkeys.
The batwa people are the natives of Semuliki who have been recently relocated near the park to give way to this wildlife conservation area. They are naturally hunters and had always sought food, medicine, shelter and working tools from the forest. Their life style is changing since their relocation. However they have maintained their folklore stories and dances that are part of their rich cultural history.
A visit to Semuliki National Park can be combined with other safari destinations to Queen Elizabeth and Kibale Forest National Parks.
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