Thinking about visiting Uganda? Mabamba Swamp is one of the places you go to and realize just how blessed Uganda is by nature. The Mabamba bay Swamp is just one of the many important birding areas in Uganda.
Located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is just 12km west of Entebbe. Mabamba will captivate birders and non-birders alike. The wetland is Uganda’s most important birding site, and it is home to over 300 bird species. The Mabamba Swamp is Uganda’s best location for adventurers who wish to see the mysterious Shoebill.
Mabamba is an area of immense ecological importance. In 2006, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands awarded Mabamba Swamp the status of a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ since it contains globally threatened species. Because of this international recognition, the Mabamba Swamp has become an Important Bird Area (IBA) helping attract a lot of birders to Uganda.
Mabamba Bay Wetland is about 2424 hectares on the shores of Lake Victoria. It is located on the shores and contains open water with a large open marsh of miscanthus and papyrus that make the swamp rich in species, particularly in birds including the globally threatened Shoebill, large congregations of migrants such as Blue Swallow and Papyrus Gonolekss and Papyrus Yellow Warbler.
Mabamba Bay is a major breeding site for the Shoebill and is one of the places with the highest concentration of this species in the whole world, with over 12 birds being recorded in one day, over a relatively small area. The wetland is now designated as a Ramsar site; a wetland of international importance and an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
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Mabamba Bay Wetland is one of the vast swamps found in Lake Victoria. It is located close to Entebbe town (40km) and Kampala city in a small village in Kasanje. The main economic activities among the communities living close to the wetland are hunting, fishing and and mining. The Mabamba Swamp is more renowned for its amazing bird collection (Over 260 species recorded). It is one of the top tourist attractions in Entebbe town.
The Elusive Shoebill Stork
Mabamba Swamp is popular for its shoebill tour where you can spot these species from a closer point of view. The best time to view these birds is in the morning when you stand a chance of spotting them prey on the lungfish or frogs.
The swamp is named after the lungfish which inhabit its waters, and they form the staple of the Shoebills’ diet. Their favorite food in Mabamba is Lungfish. The fish thrive here because many Baganda people do not eat them.
Known locally as “Bbulwe”, the Shoebill Stork gets its name from it huge shoe-shaped bill. The Shoebill stork is the most sought out bird in Uganda. It is a shy and intriguing bird with a mysterious physical appearance. Its most striking feature is a massive, uneven, large and yellow colored bill. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Shoebill as vulnerable.
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The Shoebill resembles no other bird on Earth. It stands nearly four feet tall with a massive beak and weird eyes and a cowlick on the back of its head, and always seems to be glowering down with curious disapproval.
Shoebill Storks are considered by some to be an ugly bird which looks like a creature straight out of the Jurassic age. Regardless what some think, tourists and seasoned birders find them very fascinating. The chances of seeing the Shoebills in Mabamba are very high. One of the reasons for the high success rate is the great corporation and teamwork among the Birding guides.
The Shoebill Stork is a solitary bird. Two pairs only get together during the breeding season. The breeding season generally occurs during the dry season - perhaps to prevent the nests from getting damaged by heavy floods. Females lay between one to three eggs. The male and female both share incubation roles until the chicks hatch. After hatching, the pair has a task of feeding their young until they are can look for food on their own. It takes between 3 to 4 years for the young ones to start breeding. Usually only one survives up to adulthood (the strongest one). Adult Shoebills weigh about 14 pounds and can live for more than 50 years.
Shoebill Storks love Lungfish but will also feed on smaller water birds, water snakes, frogs, lizards, Turtles, Crocodiles (young), Snails and Rodents.Shoebills are found in the papyrus swamps of Sub-Saharan Africa including DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Sudan. Uganda has about 1000 individuals. The Shoebill Storks in Uganda can also be sighted in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector), Nabajuzi Swamp (in Masaka), Murchison Falls Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Mburo National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve and around Lake Kyoga.
We can work together in ensuring both the shoebill and sitatunga don’t get to the point of extinction. A visit to Mabamba Swamp does help increase awareness and also brings in some money that supports the Mabamba Bay Community Action Plan (MWETA) programs. Interested parties can also take part in saving the near-to-extinction shoebill by directly donating money to the conservation program. This money can be to implement the various conservation plans by the Mabamba bay Wetland Eco-Tourism Association (MWETA).
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Birding Uganda - Shoebill in Mabamba Swamp
A Birdwatcher's Paradise
Besides, the shoebill stork, there are quite a number of other birds that inhabit this swamp, these include the blue swallow, pallid harrier, papyrus gonolek, swamp flycatcher, pigmy goose, lesser jacana, white-winged warbler, Viellot’s weaver, grosbeak weaver, black-headed weaver, northern brown-throated weaver, Clarke’s weaver, palm-nut vulture and Carruther’s cisticola among others.
Mabamba Bay is home to over 300 bird species. It is one of the best places for birding safaris in Uganda. Bird watching is the main highlight of the Mabamba Swamp but apart from the shoebill storks and other bird species, you can spot countless butterfly species that will leave you awestruck.
The Mabamba swamp is not only home to the Shoebill stork but to over 200 other bird species. The swamp is also home to rare creatures like the Sitatunga antelope.
Mabamba wetland is not all about Shoebill Storks, it is a sanctuary to four threatened species including the Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, Pallid Harrier and White-Winged Warbler.
Mabamba bay wetland is one of the Bird Watching hot spots in Uganda with a unique extensive marsh stretching through a narrow bay, fringed with papyrus towards the main body of Lake Victoria. Beautiful natural scenery with a variety of unique species like Papyrus Gonolek, Shoebill and the much sought after Statunga.
Bird watching is not only on the Lake but also on a well-established path moving you from the raised end of the wetland boundary through cultivated land to Nkima Forest. This allows you to enjoy the panorama of the wetland outlay and the vast birds species of 200 of one full day birding.
The swamp is home to more than 200 species of butterflies that have attracted tourists from all walks of life. Whereas birdwatching is the main highlight of a tour of the Mabamba wetland; the countless butterfly species also catch the eye.
Activities in Mabamba Swamp
You can enjoy a slow boat ride and be involved in interesting activities such as traditional rod and hook fishing and Shoebill trekking.
Here are some of the activities at the Swamp:
- Shoebill Birding: Mabamba Swamp is best known for its Shoebill and is the primary tourist attraction in Mabamba Swamp.
- Birdlife: Mabamba Swamp is a biodiversity area renowned for its diverse birdlife. The swamp has a unique environment-characterized by its mix of wetlands, reedbeds, and adjacent forested areas. Mabamba Swamp environment supports a variety of bird species, both resident and migratory.
- Shoebill Birding around the Mabamba landing site/parking: The Mabamba landing site serves as the main entry point to the swamp, which is a convenient location for birdwatching. The basic amenities and parking availability make it a great starting point for birding excursions.Tourists can spot several bird species at the landing site, including Purple Heron, African Jacana, and various kingfishers.
- Birding on cultivations and bushland along the edge of the Mabamba wetland: The areas along the edge of the Mabamba Swamp offer diverse birding opportunities that contrast with the Swamp’s aquatic environment. During bird watching at Mabamba Swamp, tourists spot different bird species depending on the location around the swamp.
- Birding in Nkima Forest: Birding in Nkima Fores is a must-do activity for every tourist on a Mabamba Swamp Safari. Nkima Forest has a dense, forested habitat, providing opportunities to spot forest bird species.
- Spot fishing: Before tourism became more prominent, the main activity in Mabamba was fishing. Fishing is still the main economic activity in the area and the most popular species are the Tilapia, mudfish, lungfish and the large Nile Perch.
- Spotting the Sitatunga antelope: The Mabamba swamp is an important sanctuary for the Sitatunga. While on a birdwatching tour in the vast swamp, it is possible to encounter these elusive antelopes.
- Canoeing: Canoeing for longer periods of time can be arranged to spot more of the birds, go fishing and touring the nearby islands of Lake Victoria. It is important to board the canoe with life jackets.
- Village walks and visiting Craft Shops: The village walks provide opportunities to mingle with the locals as you learn about how they live and make ends meet. You can also go to one or two of the crafts shops to admire beautifully crafted bags, mats, baskets and huts. Most of these items are made with reeds got from the swamp.
- Visiting other spots in Entebbe: After birding at the Mabamba bay wetland, one can relax by the Lake Victoria or visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (zoo). Entebbe is a small but beautiful town to tour.
Table: Bird Species Commonly Spotted in Mabamba Swamp
| Bird Species | Habitat |
|---|---|
| Shoebill Stork | Deep within the swamp |
| Blue Swallow | Open marshes and grasslands |
| Papyrus Gonolek | Papyrus thickets |
| African Jacana | Water lily pads |
| Malachite Kingfisher | Near water channels |
Getting to Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba bay swamp can be accessed from both Kampala and Entebbe. Those coming from Entebbe can follow the old Entebbe- Kampala road and branch off from Kisubi. From Kisubi, one drives to Nakawuka then Kasanje before reaching Mabamba.
Those coming from Kampala have two options. The first is to take a taxi from the new taxi park to Kasanje trading centre. After reaching Kasenje trading centre, one can hire a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) up to Mabamba which is 13.5 km away. Alternatively one can use the Masaka road and branch off after about 30 kilometers to Buyege.
Instead of using the road as described above, a more convenient and easy way to reach the swamp from Entebbe town is by taking a speed boat through Lake Victoria. Using the lake route is more adventurous and allows one to marvel at the beautiful Lake Victoria while bypassing Entebbe town and the airport. Using a speed boat to the starting point in Mabamba takes between 45 to 50 minutes. The speedboats can be hired from some hotels in Entebbe town or at the Entebbe sailing club. The boats are in great condition, comfortable and with life jackets.
On arrival at the starting point, expect to find many birding Guides and fishermen waiting to escort you deep into the wetland to spot the birds. The boatmen and bird guides are well organized. They have a leader who speaks on their behalf. It is this spokesperson who assigns a boatman and guide to visitors. The canoes can only take three birders (excluding the guide and boat driver). You need to first pay a community charge of about $7 at their small office. The boat and Guide together cost about $35. You need to move with a life Jacket or request for one because many of the boats do not have them. The owners of these boats and birding guides are locals from the nearby communities. By paying for their services, you are giving back to the community and helping save the birds and other creatures in the wetland.
As soon as the boat starts moving into the reeds, pay attention on both sides of the narrow pathways and in the air. Your guide and boatman will help you get close to the birds by navigating through the papyrus and lily pads. After rowing for a few minutes, the narrow papyrus reeds open up to reveal flat grassy swamps. Have your binoculars and camera ready.
The number of birds here will surprise you if you are not prepared. Watch out for the bee-eaters, kingfishers and other species. Don’t miss the beautiful butterflies and lotus flowers. The best time to find the Shoebills is during the morning hours when they go out to feed. Talking photos of the Storks is easier compared to many of the other bird species. This is because they stay still for long periods as they observe the movement of fish, frogs and other prey before making a lightning strike.
When there are several visitors at the bay, the guides spread out and head to different sections of the swamp. They are in constant communication and any who spots the Shoebills first alerts the others about their presence. Within no time all the boats gather at the same place stealthily to allow birders spot the birds.
Birding tours are arranged daily and takes about 4 hours. Full day birding can also be arranged on request. The period between September and March are the best for birding. There is a lot of activity within the wetland as migratory birds arrive from Europe. It is important to book a tour of Mabamba swamp a day in advance for better planning. Your tour company or private driver should pick you up very early in the morning from your hotel or residence. A one day birding tour in Mabamba costs about $400 per person.
The Mabamba swamp can be visited at any time of the day but if you wish to enjoy the birding tour, it is best you go in the morning hours. Make sure you carry your sunglasses, hats, insect repellent, sun protection, and a rain jacket in case it rains.
If you are a bicycle lover, you can opt to cycle your way to Mabamba Swamp in the company of a trained local cyclist guide. Cycling to Mabamba takes ± 2 hours. Getting to Mabamba Swamp by boat is our most preferred style. We get you onto a motorized wooden canoe at the Nakiwogo landing site.
Accommodations Near Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba Swamp offers diverse accommodations for every tourist on a Mabamba Swamp Safari.
- The Protea Hotel Entebbe is a luxury 4-star resort hotel which serves as a great base for your adventures at Mabamba Swamp. Its restaurant offers a delicious à la carte menu and its speciality dishes are Tilapia and Nile Perch. The Fitness Centre is open 24/7 and The Tides Spa offers a wide range of beauty and massage treatments.
- Entebbe is renowned for its small and characterful guesthouses and our favourite is The Karibu Guesthouse. The charming boutique hotel was once a presidential residence, and it is just ten minutes from Entebbe International Airport. Karibu’s team of dedicated staff go the extra mile to provide a personalised service. The hotel offers bespoke accommodation, and its 8 en-suite rooms have unique designs. The main house maximises its stunning surroundings and its rooms have a spectacular view of Lake Victoria’s sapphire waters.
- Nestled in a leafy suburb, the Boma provides a warm and homely welcome, with comfortable rooms, a lovely garden and excellent food. The accommodation blends modern luxuries with the charm of 1940s architecture. If you like small lodges on safari, then The Boma will be perfect for you.
- Nkima Forest Lodge at the moment is the only decent place to stay in/near Mabamba. Nkima Forest Lodge at the moment is the only decent place to stay in/near Mabamba. It is a nice midrange (3 star) lodge located in the heart of the Nkima forest overlooking Mabamba wetland and Lake Victoria in the distance. The main house that houses the lounge, restaurant, library is on top of the hill and is a nice place to chill and observe the forest. The lodge has 8 cottages well situated down the hill in different spots of the forest interior. The cottages are spacious and beautifully furnished and are self-contained with washrooms inside. They have a deck where you can sit and enjoy views into the forest and from the comfort of your lodge you observe monkeys swinging by, squirrels, birds and other forest inhabitants. The lodge also has a deck standing high up near the forest canopy where you can sit and relax as you have near eye-level views of birds and monkeys, plus partial views through trees of Lake Victoria in the distance. For nature lovers this is a nice getaway near Entebbe.
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