Located 44km East of Kampala, outside Lugazi Town, Mabira Forest hides one of this region’s best kept secrets— the opportunity to shed off your city skin and soar from tree to tree in one of Uganda’s few surviving natural rain forests. Being on this aerial runway in Mabira’s high canopy makes you feel like a monkey in the trees!
Mabira is among the rain forest reserves that is constantly under threat of encroachment by communities and corporations eyeing its rich soils for agricultural activity, or its large trees for timber.
The activities on this walking safari take a minimum of 6 hours and will contribute significantly to the preservation of this aged forest. If you need adventure outside the city, doing the Mabira Excursion is the way to go.
Activity 1:Zip-lining in Mabira
The adventure begins with a monkey climb up to the tall trees where the skyway experts coach you on the dos and don’ts, then let you soar from one tree to tree like a monkey in the wild. After sailing beneath Mabira’s high canopy, we trek its floor, through dense jungle to experience a waterfall few locals know about.
Activity 2:Griffin Falls Trek
The Griffin Falls are a small set of waterfalls made by a river that runs through Mabira forest, all the way down to Mukono where it forms the better known Sezibwa Falls. The trek to this barely known gem goes through dense forest where the keen eye will spot some of the 315+ bird species available in the forest and the usual suspects, the monkeys swinging from tree to tree. Look out for the grey-cheeked mangabey, one of the oldest species of monkey in the world. At the end of the trail, we break off for snacks in the jungle then rest our feet for the final trek.
Activity 3:Village Trek
Our hosts at Griffin Falls Camp takes us for a guided trek through village trails neighboring the forest. Most natives and tourists in Uganda know Mabira only as the great forest you drive through on the way to Jinja. This trek introduces you to the way of life around the forest. You will see some of the villages around the forest, interact with locals, and experience a side to the forest only locals know about.
Quote per person in USD
| 1 pax | 2 pax | 4 pax | 6 pax | |
| USD | 295 | 180 | 125 | 105 |
Included
- Government imposed increase of park fees and/or taxes
- All entrance fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Excluded
- International flights (from/to home)
- Tips (Communities here do survive most on tips, though it is not necessary a must to tip, tip at will, tipping guideline to your guide could relevantly be US$ 30.00 pp per day upon how you feel)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day)
- All alcoholic drinks and cigarette
- Meals
Laundry
- Can be arranged at the lodge we are going too.
Additional Information
Please find below a check list, it is rather elaborate but you could get what is relevant for you.
Checklist
- Travel Documents
- Insurance info
- Flight info
- Cash, credit and debit cards
- Vouchers and pre-departure information
- Required visas or vaccination certificates
- Yellow Fever certificate
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Fleece or wool jumper/jacket
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swimwear
- shirts/t-shirts, cool and breathable
- Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings and hike into the forests
- pair of shorts
- pairs of long trousers
- pair hiking pants/track pants
- Comfortable shoes
- Sport sandals
- Sun hat, Bandana
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Watch or alarm clock
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Toilet paper
- Day pack
- Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
- Personal Entertainment
- Binoculars
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Flashlight/Torch
- Universal outlet adapter
- Insect Repellent
- Moneybelt
- Antibacterial wipes/gel
- Reusable water bottle
Your FIRST-AID KIT should contain Lip balm with sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofin , Malaria pills, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamine, Antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
Terms and conditions
Trekking Timmy Limited will be grateful that you take time and read terms and conditions for better service delivery. Confirming a safari with Trekking Timmy Limited, we assume that you have fully read and agreed with the terms and conditions as below
- BOOKINGS
- Trekking Timmy Limited provides services as detailed in client’s itineraries to their best basing on the latest information possible. Trekking Timmy Limited cannot be responsible for modified information from other sources or third party
- To reserve flights, Chimpanzee permits and gorilla permits, your full names as they appear in passport, passport number and your nationality will be required.
- In case of any preferences and special requests the client should inform Trekking Timmy Limited before confirming a safari in order to meet with the requests if possible
- All packages are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed.
- Trekking Timmy Limited reserves the right to change and re-adjust the tour schedule, transportation, accommodation and services indicated in the itinerary in the event of unforeseen circumstances before arrival. Any changes to the itinerary will be communicated to the client as soon as possible.
- PRICES
- The prices quoted for the various safaris are as per the itinerary
- Prices on the website or quoted to our clients are subject to change without notice and are not guaranteed until confirmed in writing. Trekking Timmy reserves the right to adjust prices at any time should there be any fluctuation in the exchange rate or increase in the cost of any element of the tour. The company will however make every effort to minimize any increases.
- Accommodation is based on a single, twin or double bedded room, tent or Banda, with private bathroom, dormitories where possible. Single rooms may be available with the payment of a supplement fee. Trekking Timmy Limited reserves the right to substitute equivalent or superior hotels. If a hotel of equivalent standard is not available Trekking Timmy Limited may substitute the next best quality hotel or suggest superior standard accommodation (extra charges may apply).
- The mode of transport used will be dependent on the number of clients and the route taken, based on the specifications of the chosen itinerary. Experienced English speaking driver/guides are a key part of your tour. We also have guides who are experienced in other foreign languages, culture, birds, butterflies and photography.
- PAYMENT
- All tours will be booked and confirmed only upon receipt of 70% deposit of the basic program rate. For gorilla and chimpanzee permits, a full advance payment of the permit fee is required in order to make the reservation.
- The payment balance is due no later than 30 days prior to the safari, unless agreed otherwise.
- Bookings made within 30 days before arrival must be paid in full at the time of confirmation.
- If payment is not received in accordance with the above, Trekking Timmy Limited has the right to cancel the booking.
- The costs of international transactions (or 5% service charge in case of credit card payments) are to be fully paid by the client.
MODE OF PAYMENT:
- All prices are quoted in US dollars foreign currency with notes starting from 2009 to date.
- cheques, telegraphic transfers, bank transfers, western union money transfer, cash (including local currency), traveler’s cheques and payment by credit card may be accepted, subject to bank charges at the prevailing rate. All transactions are subject to Manager’s discretion.
- CURRENCY: The Uganda Shilling is the national currency. ATM machines are readily available in big towns. Thereafter only cash can be changed once on safari. Larger bills ($50 and $100) attract a significantly better rate of exchange than smaller bills or Traveler’s cheques. Uganda Shillings can be changed back to US Dollars at the airport on departure. US Dollars cash notes MUST be dated 2008 or newer and must be in good condition otherwise you will be inconvenienced.
- CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
- All cancellation requests MUST be made in writing and shall be effective on the date of actual receipt by Trekking Timmy Limited.
- The following cancellation charges apply as shown below;
60 days or more prior to arrival 10% charge
59 – 32 days prior to arrival 30% charge
31 – 8 days prior to arrival 50% charge
7 – 3 days prior to arrival 75% charge
48 hours or less prior to arrival 100% charge
Trekking Timmy Limited reserves the right to deduct all expenses incurred from money paid.
NOTE: Gorilla permits, Chimpanzee permits and air tickets are 100% non-refundable, No refunds will be made for any unused services, late arrival or no-show of any of the members of the tour.
- COMPLAINTS
In case of any complaints, we advise you to report to Trekking Timmy Limited immediately to be resolved and if the problem is not resolved to the clients’ satisfaction the complaint should be put in writing not later than 30 days after the tour, we shall be willing to listen and take the necessary actions in order to keep improving the quality of the service to meet the clients expectations.
Note that any Liability for any complaints not notified in accordance with the above described procedure cannot be accepted by Trekking Timmy Limited.
- INSURANCE AND LIABILITY
We strongly recommend you to have a fully inclusive travel insurance including death, medical insurance, delays, loss of property and injuries. Trekking Timmy Limited will not be held responsible for any claims.
Trekking Timmy Limited shall not be liable for any loss, damage or injury of any nature whatsoever whether to person or property.
Trekking Timmy Limited cannot accept liability or pay compensation for unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the company or its staff, including flight delays/cancellations or force majeure such as war or threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist acts, border closure, acts of government or other authorities, strikes, thefts, epidemics, road closures, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, extreme weather conditions, fire, technical and/or mechanical problems to transport and all similar events beyond the company’s control.
- DOCUMENTS:
A passport valid for at least six months after your departure is required to enter Uganda as well as a yellow fever vaccinations certificate. Visa can be obtained upon arrival at Entebbe (cost at time of writing is $50.) For more information check with Ugandan consulate/embassy for instructions
- HEALTH:
It is the responsibility of the travelers to take proper medical and practical precautions in regard to health and safety. Medical advice should be sought well before traveling.
It is important to note that modern medical facilities and prescription drugs in the developed world are not common in Uganda, so you should be in reasonable health to consider this tour. Although food hygiene and quality is excellent and we rarely experience any serious stomach problems, you may want to bring the remedy you prefer or are prescribed for an upset stomach. Moist wipes are useful for keeping refreshed and clean during traveling and before packed lunches.
If you are taking prescription medication or over-the-counter medicine, be sure to bring an ample supply that will allow you to get through the tour safely. Please consult your physician as necessary. Remember to pack all medication in your carry-on baggage, preferably in original containers or packaging. As airline baggage restrictions can change without warning, please check with your airline for procedures for packing medication.
Yellow fever vaccinations are required for entry into Uganda by all. Malaria is present, including the chloroquine-resistant strain; most areas are at risk. There have been some recent changes in recommendations for malaria prophylaxis. Mefloquine (Lariam) is now the drug of choice in areas where chloroquine-resistant malaria is found. A single dose should be taken one week before the start of the tour, continued throughout the tour, and for four weeks after its conclusion. Mefloquine is available by prescription only, and may not be suitable for those using cardio-vascular medication; consult your physician.
- SAFETY:
Uganda is one of the safest and most politically stable countries in East Africa. Petty crime is minimal like any other destination in the world.
It is very important that your passport and traveler’s checks be on your body at all times. We caution against carrying these items in your backpack or purse. Like anywhere in the world this precaution is very important.
The respective laws of the country govern Trekking Timmy Limited’s liability to passengers carried in its own vehicles. All claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Ugandan government in which the cause of action arises.
- TIPPING:
Tipping (restaurants, porters, drivers, and local guides) is not included in our tours. “This is entirely upon oneself”. Porters for Gorilla tracking are tipped US $ 20 per person per day. Drivers and Tourist drivers are tipped $20 per person per day. Other than the Gorilla tracking porters, tipping remains optional.
- CLOTHING:
Recommended for the field is light-weight, neutral-colored clothing that can be easily rinsed out and quickly dries (cottons or cotton blends) is recommended for the field. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants will help protect you from insects, thorny plants, and sunburn. Shorts will be appropriate for some occasions; long pants that convert into shorts by unzipping the legs are generally very useful and popular. A sweater or jacket is useful for cooler nights and early mornings. You should also bring raingear, including a small umbrella. Strong-soled shoes or hiking boots are essential, as we will spend a good amount of time on our feet. Dress is casual throughout. Laundry service will be available regularly during the tour, which should help you in deciding what to pack. Making use of laundry service means you will not need to bring as many items of clothing as you would otherwise. Note: this service is not included in the cost. Alternatively, to lighten your load, you may consider bringing some clothes you have planned to discard. These can be worn on tour and left behind; they will be well received by local communities or our local guides.
- EQUIPMENT:
You should pack a pair of binoculars in good repair, along with a belt pack or backpack (for carrying books, sunscreen, extra film, etc.). As a precaution, it is a good idea to pack your binoculars, a change of clothing, toiletry items, medication, and travel documents in your airline carry-on bag.
If you have a scope and wish to bring it, you are encouraged to do so. You will want to pack an alarm clock, a water flask or container, a strong flashlight, a washcloth, film and batteries for your camera, and between-meal snacks such as trail mix. A small day-pack for carrying essentials in the vehicles on game drives and bird walks is useful. Insects are generally not a problem. Bring your preferred insect repellent and plenty of sunscreen. You should also bring a supply of indigestion and diarrhea medicines in case they are needed.
MISC: Departure Tax – none
Electricity – 220-volt AC, with British type 13-amp 3-prong plugs.
Language – English is the official language and widely spoken.
Time – Uganda is at +3 GMT
