Just 13 miles from Kampala, the city’s noise gives way to birdsong, butterflies, and the rustling of leaves. Monkeys move through the trees, squirrels dart between branches, and indigenous woodland offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience nature within easy reach of Uganda’s expanding capital.
This is Maya Nature Resort, a 100-acre sanctuary in Wakiso district, established by Haji Moses Kigongo, the National Vice-Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and former Speaker of the National Resistance Council.
The resort combines recreation, environmental conservation and opportunities for learning, contributing to Uganda’s growing interest in ecotourism.
For a country famously described by Sir Winston Churchill as the Pearl of Africa, such initiatives demonstrate how natural heritage can be preserved while creating spaces for leisure, education and environmental awareness.
I recently visited Maya Nature Resort and spent two nights exploring its surroundings. As a former Member of Uganda’s Sixth and Seventh Parliaments and a recipient of the East and Central Africa Environmental Leadership Award, I have long maintained an interest in conservation.
My environmental advocacy included a nationwide campaign against water hyacinth, promoting approaches that avoided toxic chemicals. It was therefore particularly encouraging to encounter an initiative dedicated to protecting indigenous vegetation and wildlife.
A forest alive with wildlife
One of Maya Nature Resort’s greatest attractions is its proximity to Kampala. Situated on a quiet hill, approximately half a kilometre from the main road turning point, the resort offers visitors a peaceful escape from the surrounding urban environment.
Hibiscus, bougainvillaea and roses welcome visitors, while the forest beyond reveals a wide variety of trees, birds and other wildlife.
Butterflies move through shafts of sunlight. Monkeys climb among the branches, while squirrels forage on the ground and in the trees. Bird calls echo through the canopy, creating the atmosphere of a thriving woodland habitat.
The resort is home to several indigenous and locally familiar tree species, including Vernonia amygdalina (omululuza), Tamarindus indica (omukooge), Milicia excelsa (omuvule) and Maesopsis eminii (omusizi).
The Musizi Cottages take their name from one of these trees. Guests staying in this section can enjoy the sounds of birds, including African grey parrots and common bulbuls, whose morning calls add to the forest experience.
The eastern section of the property contains natural forest, which I found particularly impressive. Its dense vegetation provides habitat for monkeys, squirrels, butterflies and numerous other species.
Some areas are difficult to penetrate because of the thick vegetation. I observed several swallowtail butterflies, whose striking colours and movements added to the surroundings’ beauty.
Nearby, monkeys and squirrels search for food around the fruit orchard. The resort also has plans to develop an administrative block and a zoo intended to bring visitors closer to wildlife.
Such developments should be carefully planned to ensure that recreation and tourism remain compatible with the protection of natural habitats.
A place to relax and learn
During my two-night stay in a cottage overlooking the surrounding landscape, I enjoyed views towards Watoto Church, Katende Catholic Church and Nanziga village.
The location also lies near a flight path used by aircraft approaching Entebbe International Airport.
Beyond its natural attractions, Maya Nature Resort provides recreational facilities for different groups of visitors.
Families can use the children’s park, while couples can use a separate leisure area where romantic films and wildlife documentaries are screened.
The resort also offers space for conferences, workshops and other gatherings. Based on the information available during my visit, it can accommodate events with more than 1,000 participants and host over 10 separate functions simultaneously.
These facilities could make Maya particularly useful to universities, research institutions and organizations involved in environmental education.
Students could combine classroom learning with direct observation of indigenous trees, birds, insects and other elements of Uganda’s biodiversity.
The opportunity to study nature outside a conventional classroom is especially valuable as urban expansion places increasing pressure on green spaces.
Conservation deserves greater support
Maya Nature Resort demonstrates how private initiatives can contribute to environmental conservation while supporting recreation and tourism.
Haji Kigongo deserves recognition for investing in a project that brings people closer to Uganda’s natural environment.
However, the resort’s long-term significance should be measured not only by the number of visitors it attracts but also by how effectively it protects its forest, wildlife and indigenous vegetation.
The possibility of accessing carbon-related conservation financing also deserves exploration, subject to the relevant eligibility and verification requirements.
Environmental institutions, universities and conservation organizations should consider opportunities to collaborate with the resort on biodiversity education, research and sustainable tourism.
As Greater Kampala continues to expand, protecting remaining natural habitats will become increasingly important.
Maya Nature Resort reminds us that development and conservation need not be opposing ambitions. With careful management, Uganda can create recreational and educational opportunities while safeguarding the natural heritage that makes the country distinctive.
The real achievement will be ensuring that future generations can still experience the forests, birds and wildlife that visitors enjoy at Maya today.