A mere 55 Km’s outside Kampala lies the place of tranquillity, the Rain Forest Lodge Mabira, an hour’s drive from Kampala. The lodge is two kilometres from the main road on a winding murram road, however apart from the village as you turn right, there is a distinct lack of people and activities and the feeling of being in the wild is almost immediate. I was not sure what to expect when this trip was planned, as I had not heard of the lodge, plus, in all fairness my knowledge of the forest is limited. Nestled in amongst the bushes, newly built and blending into the scenery is the lodge.

Arriving we made our way to the Reception which has been beautifully built out of natural raw materials – as has the rest of the lodge. A welcoming cold drink was on offer and the manager, Chris met us and showed us to the Lounge/Dining area for lunch (we opted to go down to our cabin a bit later as opposed to immediately) We both had a beer and chatted to the staff who are knowledgeable enough to tell you how the lodge was built and from which materials they used. The whole place is completely natural and it blends into the environment. Lunch was a set menu, simple with three courses, soups / starters, main course and dessert. On the day there was a choice of three starters, four main courses and two desserts – if you are a vegetarian then your choice was vegetable pasta, with a salad to start. I had the steak, which was really good, with the soup to start, also great.

After, lunch it was off to the room. We were in VIP area and although I did not get a look at the non VIP cabins, they did look slightly smaller but as secluded.

The Rain Forest lodge is built on a small hill and all the cabins and are at a lower level than the main eating area. The walks are up and down and be prepared to raise the heart rate every time you move around the place.
That all said the cabin was stunning. Each cabin is spacious and very tastefully furnished, ours with a big king size bed and all the “luxuries” one would need for a really comfortable stay. There is plenty of hot water and the shower pressure better than most. An added feature is the ability of the all the windows to fold away, so that the cabin almost becomes part of the forest. Taking a shower one could feel as though we were literally showering in the middle of the rain forest, which was so liberating. The windows are all equipped with mosquito gauze and drinking water was available (drinking from the tap is not advisable).

Our cabin had a small outside area with table and chairs for an afternoon drink and a massive couch to cuddle up with a book. All the cabins are located so that you cannot see the one next one, nor can you hear them which make them very private and perfect for a romantic getaway. With all the windows folded away you feel as if you are surrounded by the tranquillity of the rain forest itself with the sound of birds, which makes for an excellent setting for an afternoon siesta.

After a good nap, we went for a quiet walk. The lodge manager had recommended that we stick to the road when we walked, as the paths can be confusing and we could get lost. We agreed and also booked a guided walk for the morning at 9:00 a.m. We set off and I was looking mainly at the trees, potential bird life and other forest type activities, but at the same time working off a big lunch and getting the heart rate up. The trees are huge and each with its own character. We returned just on an hour later and headed for the bar for sundowners. We ordered a Pimms cocktail, but the barman, although having stocked Pimms, did not know how to mix the up the cocktail drink. So together, we bumbled through creating a drink, nothing like the original Pimms cocktail, but great all the same – The barman made a note of what we did and named the drink, a FOREST PIMMS, and added it to his range of cocktails.

We then headed back to our cabin for a good shower, change of clothes and back for a hearty dinner. We were disappointed by dinner that evening as we had the same menu as lunch. I had already had the steak, so needed to have something else. My partner too, had already had the vegetarian option, so also needed fancied something different. We both opted for the grilled Tilapia, which was very good with the exception of having a little too much garlic. I started with the tomato soup (At lunch, I had the cold Cucumber soup) and both were excellent.

At dinner, the staff light up a bonfire and to sit around, enjoy some coffee and watch the flames, whilst listening to the night sounds. Heaven. There is a local resident rodent in the forest, called a hyrax. This little fellow marks his territory at night and does so by making the most eerie screaming sounds I have ever heard. Throughout the night this rodent goes about his business and I would recommend any person to stay at the lodge just to hear this sound – Africa at its best!

Next morning, after a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast and sausages (and instant coffee – in Uganda!) we set off for a guided walk through the forest. Our guide, Kigozi has worked in the forests for the last twelve years and his knowledge is immense. There are 312 bird, 24 small mammals and 3 primate species in the forest plus a host of butterflies. We saw the red tailed monkeys. The real beauty of the walk is the trees. All shapes, sizes and the strangler trees are magnificent. The walk is as long as you want it – we choose a two hour walk, down to the valley and back up – good cardiovascular exercise!

After the walk and at least three bottles of water we visited the pool. The pool area is down in the valley and is well laid out, positioned to get sufficient sunlight during the day and was exactly what my partner had in mind. Sun, relax and the odd dip in the pool, although the water was quite cold. On the whole, we enjoyed our stay, although, the lodge is fairly new so some issues need ironing out. The convenience of proximity to Kampala adds much value and compensates the lack of wildlife – nature reserve may be a better description. In terms of a “get away” from the city – Rain Forest lodge is right in the zone - secluded, private comfortable and close to Kampala.

Rain Forest Lodge was established in 2007 and is 57 Km’s from Kampala on the Jinja highway. Rates are US $100 per person sharing per day and include all meals, a guided walk and use of all facilities.

For more information, please contact:
GeoLodges Uganda, 4th Floor, Impala House,
Plot 13/15 Kimathi Avenue, Kampala
Tel: 041 425 8273 / 0312 260758
Fax: 041 423 3992, Email: iou@africaonline.co.ug.

Website: www.geolodgesafrica.com