Maramagambo Forest Uganda | The Bat Cave
Maramagambo Forest Uganda | The Bat Cave : located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth national park and famous for the cave bat experience. The forest is from Kichwamba escarpment all through Lake Edward and its canopy shade is good for activities. These include; hiking, bird watching, nature walks as you view different trees, waterfalls, and also the impressive bat caves.
Additionally, a view point was constructed where you will be able to see bats and big pythons that live in here. Some of the primates here include; vervet, colobus, red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest monkeys and baboons. Animal species include; the giant forest hog, African buffaloes, pygmy antelopes, etc. Bird species include; the white napped pigeon, Rwenzori Turaco, forest flycatcher, red tailed bristle, among others.
Activities in Maramagambo forest
Cave bat experience
Maramagambo forest is basically well known for its cave bats with a volcanic tube like caves that attract a given number of bats. On the other hand, the bats also attract large numbers pythons to this place since they are their source of food. Information about this place circulated after a tourist from Netherlands was believed to have acquired Marburg from the bat cave in this forest. Later, the outbreak led to the closure of the area until a viewing platform was constructed by the American Centre for Disease control.
Apart from bat cave experience, the forest also inhabits primates, birds as well as other animals. It also has an historical cave at Nyanzibiri community which is used as a place for sacrifices and cleansing misfortunes. Besides, the historical cave is also considered as hiding grounds for the past Ugandan presidents during the dictatorial regimes.
Birding
This is the best activity for bird lovers which cannot be missed out while on your tour here. The forest is generally a home to several bird species which include migratory and raptor birds. Common bird species seen around here include; purple headed starling, Rwenzori turaco, White-spotted fluff tail, etc. Therefore, don’t forget to pack your binoculars and a camera for the best adventure.
Hiking and nature walk
The forest has some well designated hiking trails that can easily be accessed while hiking and during nature walks. Trails include; the waterfall trails leading to Kilyantama waterfalls, river trails leads towards river Kajojo and the forest trails. During hiking and nature walks expect to come across some primates such as monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees. Along the way, also expect to spot a lot of bird species, butterflies and different caves.
Primate viewing
The forest harbours different primate species such as colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, L’Hoests monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, etc. However, chimpanzees in Maramagambo forest are not yet habituated so they are not easy to track. They keep running away from human presence however it’s easy to see them roaming around in search of fruits.
Best time to visit Maramagambo forest
This can be done all year round but best in the dry months of December and February then June and September. This is due to the fact that the bush is always minimal for easy viewing and hiking trails have fewer terrains.
