FACTS ABOUT MABAMBA SWAMP

Introduction

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.

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.

BirdLife International recognizes the Mabamba Swamp as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Getting to Mabamba Swamp

From Entebbe, a one-hour road trip will take you to the village of Mabamba where a local boatman will take you out in local dugout canoes.

This is a lovely half day excursion that works well when you have a few hours between flights.

It is also possible to travel to Mabamba via boat, across Lake Victoria. The scenic journey gives you more time to appreciate the beautiful birds.

From Kampala, the journey takes around an hour by road, via Nakawuka-Kasanje.

Birding in Mabamba Swamp

You have the highest chance of spotting the Shoebill in the early morning.

Glide through the swamp’s channels in a traditional canoe and listen as your guide educates you about the complex ecosystem.

Mabamba is also home to many other majestic birds, including the African marsh harrier, the glossy ibis, and the long-toed lapwing.

The Shoebill

The Mabamba Swamp is Uganda’s best location for adventurers who wish to see the mysterious Shoebill. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Shoebill as vulnerable.

The swamp is named after the lungfish which inhabit its waters, and they form the staple of the Shoebills’ diet. The local fishermen also rely on catching the lungfish, and this tension led some fishermen to kill Shoebills and destroy their nest

accommodation around Mabamba

protea hotel Entebbe

lake Victoria Serena hotel

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