Griffin Falls is a scenic waterfall hidden deep inside the western stretch of Mabira Forest near Lugazi town in Buikwe District, Uganda. Managed sustainably by the Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organisation (MAFICO), this ecotourism hub brings its revenue directly into local environmental conservation and community development initiatives.
It is centred around Griffin Falls camp; it is a popular eco-tourism spot famous for nature hikes, bird watching and the famous canopy skyway zipline. It serves as a major destination for nature lovers, campers, and adrenaline seekers traveling along the Kampala–Jinja highway.
The Griffin Falls is nestled on the edge of a vast trail system in the beautiful Mabira Forest. Located just 10 kilometers off the highway between Kampala and Jinja, Griffin Falls offers a serene escape into nature where a lot of activities can be done in the area
After a scenic 30-minute walk through the rainforest, you will reach the breathtaking Griffin Falls that is managed by the Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organisation (MAFICO), which focuses on environmental conservation and community development.
Whether you’re interested in ziplining, bird watching, nature walks, or simply relaxing in the lush surroundings, Griffin Falls has something for everyone.
Location of Griffin Falls.
Griffin Falls is located in the beautiful Mabira Forest, near the town of Lugazi in Uganda. The falls is conveniently situated just 10 kilometers off the highway between Kampala and Jinja.
It sits approximately 50-54km eat of Kampala and is a neighbour to Griffin Falls Camp that serves as a main entry and starting point for hikes and canopy zip lining. To reach the waterfall, it requires a guided 30-minute to 1-hour walk along the scenic forest trails
Mabira Forest offers a serene and lush environment, perfect for nature walks, bird watching, and other outdoor activities. The falls is managed by the Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organisation (MAFICO), which focuses on environmental conservation and community development.
Griffin Falls is located in the beautiful Mabira Forest near Lugazi, Uganda. The camp has a rich history intertwined with environmental conservation and community development.
Griffin Falls Camp is owned and managed by MAFICO, a Non-Governmental Organisation. MAFICO’s mission is to improve the livelihoods and welfare of local communities by conserving the environment through sustainable development projects.
It was established to look after the areas surrounding Griffin Falls in Mabira Forest and other projects under the initiative, to improve general activities and living standards in the area based on the available projects.
MAFICO encourages the stewardship of the forest by surrounding communities through environmental education, networking, and mobilization of Community-Based Organisations (CBOs). The proceeds from the camp are reinvested in community projects such as tree planting, HIV/AIDS-positive living groups, water and sanitation, and education.
Activities at Griffin Falls Camp in Uganda
The camp is situated on the edge of a vast trail system in Mabira Forest. Visitors can enjoy a 30-minute walk through rainforest to reach the breathtaking Griffin Falls. The trail system also includes longer hikes, such as the one to Namusa Hill and others that provide one of the most memorable experiences.
Adventure and Eco-Tourism:
Griffin Falls Camp offers a variety of activities, including ziplining, bird watching, nature walks, and mangabey tracking. These activities not only provide visitors with unique experiences but also promote environmental awareness and conservation. These activities provide the most memorable experiences as they conserve nature.
All profits from Griffin Falls Camp are directed towards sustainable development projects in the villages surrounding Mabira Forest. These projects aim to improve the quality of life for local residents while ensuring the conservation of the forest. These projects also provide employment opportunities to the local people in the surrounding areas.
The camp plays a crucial role in educating both locals and visitors about the importance of environmental conservation. Through various programs and activities, Griffin Falls Camp fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the environment.
Griffin Falls stands as a testament to the successful integration of eco-tourism and community development. This attraction’s history is marked by a commitment to environmental conservation and the well-being of local communities, making it a model for sustainable tourism in Uganda.
Griffin Falls Camp, also known as Mabira Forest Camp, is located in the lush Mabira Forest near Lugazi, Uganda. The camp offers a serene escape into nature. Visitors can enjoy activities like ziplining, bird watching, nature walks, and exploring the breathtaking Griffin Falls
This is done across a tree-based system featuring seven lines and platforms reaching heights up to 40 meters above the forest floor. It is located 44 km east of Kampala near Lugazi town and features a thrilling five-line zip line network stretching 250 metres across the River Musamya, offering high-altitude views of wildlife like monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and Forest birds like the great blue turaco.
The activity takes approximately 2- 4 hours, and this time includes a safety briefing, nature walks, and involves both hiking and coming back
This is a 30-minute educational trek through primary rainforest trails led by knowledgeable community guides to reach the waterfalls. These waterfalls provide one of the best experiences that one can live to remember and have the best moments
The falls area provides a hot spot for primate tracking where you can spot distinct monkey species thriving in the canopy, specifically the unique Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Red-tailed monkeys, and Colobus monkeys. These primates are usually seen jumping through the forest trees, moving from one tree to another
Bird watching is one of the main activities that can be done in the Mabira Forest in the areas surrounding Griffin Falls, and therefore search for some of Mabira’s 315 recorded bird species, including the rare Nahan’s Francolin, African Fish Eagles, and Great Blue Turacos, amongst some other birds in the area.
This is where people from different areas participate in structured group dynamics, including competitive target archery and outdoor survival games. These activities are very essential and influential in capacity and brain building, improving the thinking capabilities of some of the people who participate in those activities
Low season
Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, may
Peak season
Jun, July, Aug, Sept, Dec

