The Bat cave in Maramagambo forest

The Bat cave in Maramagambo forest

The Bat cave in Maramagambo forest:  This generally gives you a great experience to the bat caves that are tucked in the Maramagambo forest. Maramagambo forest is an extensive tropical rainforest which lies in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. The word “Maramagambo” in a local Runyankole language means “short of words”. It is a myth of the two young children who got lost in the forest for a couple of days trying to look for their way out in vain.

However, when they were rescued, they couldn’t speak out what really happened to them.. As a result,  the locals ended up naming it Maramagambo. Otherwise, it is a perfect destination for hiking and nature walk experience as you explore the bat caves and crater lakes that are nestled in the forest.  Besieds, the forest inhabits various species of mammals, primates and bird species. This is basically linked with its bat caves where tourists come all the way from other countries to visit this forest.

What to expect while here

Millions of bats do occupy and inhabit this cave, pythons are also observed in the crevices of the bats cave floor and usually prey on these bats. Besides, the bat cave experience, one can have a chance to hike through the forest to have a glimpse on different primate species. These include; chimpanzees, L’Hoests monkeys, red tailed monkeys, pottos, black and white colobus, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, etc. Apart from watching primates, one can also view a variety of bird species. These include; Rwenzori turacos, white napped pigeons, flycatchers, sunbirds, bee-eaters to mention but a few.

Also a visit to the Nyanz’ibiri community leaves you with great memories as you interact with the people with great stories about this place. A view point was constructed in 2008 after an incident whereby some tourists contracted the Marburg virus. This was contracted when they had gone inside this Cave. As a result, the caves were closed from human encounter but after a period of time, they were re-opened. However, the park in cooperation with the American center for disease control set up a safe viewing platform. This was put outside the cave where thousands of bats can be seen without any fear of contacting the virus.

Getting there

The Maramagambo forest can easily be accessed by either road or air transport. From Kampala city through Mbarara to Bushenyi is approximately a 5- 6 hours’ drive. However, the best access to the forest is through the Queen Elizabeth National Park gate close to Jakana Lodge. This is 12km off the main road from katunguru to Mbarara. Alternatively, you can fly from Kajjansi Airstrip to Mweya Airstrip nestled near Queen Elizabeth National Park via a charter flight.