MARAMAGAMBO FOREST
From the escarpment of Kichwamba and right through to Lake Edward, Maramagambo forest stretches a portion of queen Elizabeth National Park. Hiking and nature hikes across the paths make the land scape suitable for such pursuits. Comprising half a day activities, the hiking and wildlife walks last 11/2 hours. You will appreciate the picturesque perspective of the rich tree canopy.
The local folk lore tells us the name maramagambo forest. Years ago, it is said that two small boys stayed in the forest for a few days after losing their way home. And the incident that stunned all the people to name the forest by its current name was; when the boys got back home they could not say a word; they had gone dumb, thus the name; Maramagambo, assigned to the situation the young lads came out of the forest with.
Maramagambo forest is located within Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Bushenyi District. It exists in the southern portion of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is well-known for the bat caverns. Two crater lakes, Lake Kyasanduka and Lake Nyamasingiri, round the Maramagambo forest. Among the primate species it boasts are bêtes pygmy antelopes, red tail monkeys, and chimpanzees.
monkeys including Chimpanzees, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, L’hoest Monkeys, Baboons, Red Tailed Monkeys, the Blue Monkeys, as well Vervet Monkeys and most fascinating are the two nocturnal monkeys; the Pottos, and the bush babies.
maramagambo woodland
You can have opportunity to see a range of forest birds at maramagambo forest. Maramagambo forest is a particularly good place for birders because of its several unusual bird species, which include the fly catchers, white napping pigeons, and Rwenzori Turoco. And this special and large collection of the matching ants will excite you. From side to another side, these big clusters of matching ants span 100 meters in width.
The perspective of the bat cave from the viewpoint built for visitors following the Marburg incident in 2008 will also appeal to you. The caves were closed from human access, but eventually the ministry of tourism decided to reopen them; this time, a view point was built to prevent any catastrophe. From the vantage point of the bat caves, you can see large serpents either inside or outside seeking some heat from the sun light during the day.
Tracking these threatened species and learning about their behavior will naturally draw your attention to the presence of chimpanzees in Maramagambo forest. Furthermore, climbing Lake Kyasanduke crater will provide you a great deal of information about the area, including tree types among others.
The categorized activities available in Maramagambo forest allow you to enjoy:
- Hiking a forest walk will expose you to a number of interesting objects. But this kind of activity might not be appropriate for those who are not fit enough to climb the hills.
- River trail is trekking along River Kajojo. The climb covers two 1/2 miles in approximately one hour. River Kajojo is named for elephants who used to shower from this water stream, therefore Kajojo meaning a small elephant. You will pass some climax tree species, including Parinari excels, and also notice primate behavior.
- Over a rather level terrain, the 5km palm trail is a 1 1/2 to 2 hour walk. All guests should find it appropriate. You will learn their purposes as well as find several breath-taking elements including fantastic tree species. For instance, Raphia Palms provide raw materials women use to create mats; the amazing dragon tree among others; the frame tree claimed to be in charge of igniting sexual desire in women.
- Comprising three and a half kilometers, the Valley Trail takes roughly two hours to walk across the valley. This is also quite fascinating; you will stroll down the ridge past several fascinating forest characteristics, including Viagra tree among other unique trees.
- About 4-5 hours throughout the forest, the 11-kilometer waterfall trail winds across the valley and across the rainy terrain to the hilly sections of Maramagambo forest. Translated from the local tongue, the trail will lead to the amazing water falls known as Kilyantama or sheep eating falls. Among others, the local men use plants like the backcloth figs to create custom attires, curtains, purses, mats, table covers.
Further fascinating pursuits in Maramagambo woodland include:
When you make the wise decision to include Maramagambo forest package to your schedule, you will discover among other fascinating things forest research and conservation education from the visitor information center and locals.
