Birding in Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba Swamp is a bird lover’s destination.it is an extensive papyrus swamp characterized by small channels of marsh-filled water and lagoons. This swamp is a popular home for Uganda’s most sought-after bird, the rare shoebill.
Mabamba Swamp lies on the north shore of Lake Victoria 12 kilometers west of Entebbe city covering 2,424 hectares. This swamp is a part of the list of wetlands of international importance as selected by the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands.
Mabamba is an important birding area that hosts over 300 bird species some of which are globally threatened.
The shoebill.
Birding in Mabamba Swamp
This is the type of bird that is mainly sought after by bird watchers in this swamp. This is because of its peculiar looks and massive size. It is found in few places in Africa and the Mabamba swamp is best sited in Uganda.
Mabamba swamp has plenty of lungfish which is a favorite food for the shoebill. Local fishermen too compete for the lungfish and at times have a perception that seeing this bird when fishing is a misfortune that results in a poor catch of the day. But in reality, the fish hides away from the shoebill. The fishermen hunted and killed the shoe bill leading to extinction in the wetland.
In 2006, the wetland was designated as a Ramsar site, and the fishermen were enlightened on the importance of conserving and protecting the wetland and its inhabitants. The fishermen have been trained in birding and guiding visitors who come for bird-watching activities.
The best time to watch the shoebill is in the early morning hours. This is the time when the shoebill stands in one place trying to spot food(lungfish).
This bird can stand in one place for more than an hour looking into the water and once it finds the food, it grubs it with its shoe-like beak and smashes it straight away.
Birding in Mabamba Wetland
Before going deep into the wetland. you are welcomed by nice birds in the tall trees, shrubs, and thicket. Spend some time having a look at other bird species in these places like the Red-chested Sun bird, yellow-throated Green bul, splendid starling, stripped swallow, swamp flycatcher, yellow-breasted Apallis, and many others.
When you are done with the birding on the island, sail into motorized boats or wooden canoes into the swamp. Many local riders are there ready and eager to give service. These fishermen always move out early morning to check on their nets. They also provide information on where you can best spot the shoe bills.
Shoebills in the Mabamba swamp are easily seen in the morning hours as they stand still to catch their prey. When it gets hot, they rest in the grass and are not easy to find. At times they fly in the space to cool their bodies as they flap their wings. As you sail on the waters of the swamp, you can spot some waterbirds like the purple heron, kingfisher, African Darter, and African Marsh Harrier among others.
Birding in the Mabamba swamp can also be done along the footpath. The path takes you through cultivated fields, bushland eucalyptus plantations, and other woodland species. The trail is too long, but you may decide to stop where you feel you have reached the climax of your expedition.
Another place that can’t be missed on a trip to Mabamba Swamp is the Nkima forest. This is a small forest on a hill with 2kilomters from the Mabamba landing site. It’s only a 20-minute walk from Mabamba. It’s not too big but gives a pleasant birding experience. This forest has a walking trail that starts from Nkima Forest Lodge. As you approach the interiors of the forest, you will be surprised by diverse wildlife species like birds, trees animals, and amazing thick undergrowth. In this forest are many birds with the shy but vocal white-tailed Flufftail best seen.
The forest also accommodates animals like monkeys, bush babies, and squirrels.
Getting to Mabamba swamp
You can easily reach Mabamba swamp in two different ways that is by road or water transport.
The easiest way to reach Mabamba Island is by using water transport from Entebbe-Nakiwogo landing site, taking 10 minutes on a ferry or engine boat to Kasanje landing site. From here drive for about 20 minutes to the swamp.
When using the road, transfer from Entebbe to Kisubi branch off to Nakawuka Road drive to Kasanje then to Mabamba. You may opt for a taxi from the new taxi park to Kasanje Trading Center from here hire a motor cycle(boda -boda) to Mabamba. The other route is using Masaka road then branch off at Buyege, drive to Mabamba which is 22 kilometers.
1 Day Mabamba Shoebill Tour
Birding in Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba Swamp is a unique place that fulfills Uganda as a blessed, natural, and bird lovers’ destination. Mabamba is strategically located for those with a day off and interested in birding. Mabamba is close to both Kampala and Entebbe, bearing different birds including the rare Shoebill Stork as the key attraction. Many birders find this bird very fascinating and seek out the Shoebill in various destinations in Uganda. We boast of around 1,000 individuals of Shoebill in Uganda with Mabamba Swamp having the best home.
Tour Itinerary: 1-Day Mabamba Shoebill Tour.
Our Safari driver guide will pick you up from your hotel to start your day’s tour to Mabamba Swamp. On arrival at Mabamba, a small canoe will be arranged for you with the help of the locals from the surrounding communities. As you look out for the Shoebill, enjoy watching other birds like the African fish Eagle, Madagascar Bee-eater, Knob-billed Duck, Glossy Ibis, and many more. The boat trip is more rewarding in the morning hours when the shoebills are feeding.
After birding, you will have lunch with tasty fresh fish and then choose to relax by the fresh waters of the lake. You may decide to do sport fishing or have a community walk.
When you take a village walk, enjoy a special moment with the local people, learn how they live and survive in day-to-day life. Many people living around this swamp are farmers and fishermen.
At the end of the day return to the hotel or airport to mark the end of your safari.