The Fox’s Weaver: Uganda’s Endemic Bird Specie
January 9, 2025
Rwanda’s Unique Birding Areas
January 10, 2025
Mabamba bay is one of Uganda’s 31 Important Bird Areas awarded as a Ramsar site of international importance in 2006.located at the edge of Lake Victoria northwest of the Entebbe peninsular in a small village called kasanje. The wetland captivates both birders and non-birders and it’s a true definition of Uganda’s natural beauty with over 300species living there including the rare threatened shoebill stock. The swamp got its name from a lungfish locally known as “emamba” and mabamba is a Luganda word meaning lungfish swamp.
The designate Important Bird Area by Bird Life International (IBA) lies on 2424 hectares with an extensive marsh stretching through a narrow and long bay fringed with papyrus towards the main body of Lake Victoria. The Uganda government together with the help of international partners has initiated community sensitization programs in Mabamba Bay Wetlands to deter encroachment and inform people about the importance of the swamp to the Eco-system.
The shoebill stork in mabamba wetland
Locally known as “Bbulwe” in Luganda, the shoebill stork gets its name from a shoe shaped bill. Mabamba wetland swamp is one of the few destinations where birders can spot the shoebill which is Uganda’s most sought after bird because of its unusual appearance and massive size. The shoe bills can also be found in papyrus swamps of Sub-Saharan Africa including Zambia, Tanzania, Dr Congo, Uganda and Sudan, Uganda has about 1100 individuals which can also be seen in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls national park, Lake Mburo national park, Semliki national park, Ziwa rhino Sanctuary, Nabajuzi swamp in Masaka and Lake kyoga. These birds feed mostly on lung fish that’s why they are so common in mabamba bay.
Activities to do in Mabamba swamp
Birding watching
Bird watching is the main activity on mabamba bay done on a motorized wooden canoe/boat; there are many boats available and local guides are eager to take you around. This vast swamp attracts over 300 bird species including the shoe bill stork which dominates as the key attraction. Birding tours usually take 4hours and morning hours are the best to see birds but one can also watch these stunning birds throughout the day depending on their presence. The swamp is also home to 4 threatened bird species which include blue swallow, pallid harrier, white-winged warbler and papyrus Ganolek. Other species in the swamp include yellow-backed weaver, yellow warble, yellow-rumped tinker bird, striped kingfisher, Spur-winged Geese, Sand Martin, shining blue king fisher, red-eyed dove, red-billed fire finch, little egret, Grey-headed kingfisher, Flycatcher, Grey-headed sparrow, Grey parrot, Goliath herons, blue-headed coucal, yellow billed stork, to mention but a few.
Fishing
Fishing is the most popular and primary economic activity of mabamba area and the most common fish caught are lungfish, Nile perch, tilapia and mudfish. There are several fishermen you can see around the area or join them to fish or just watch them.
Community walks and craft shop visits
A tour around mamba community offers visitors humbling opportunities to mingle with the locals in the area as they learn about their way of living, culture and customs. You can also visit 2 of the craft shops and buy souvenirs like mats, Baskets, huts, stools, and bags made from reeds and promote small projects through buying these items.
Spotting the sitatunga
The Mabamba wetland is one of sitatunga’s last strongholds sanctuary in Uganda. these shy swamp antelopes can be seen while on a bird watching tour in the vast swamp. The Uganda government and wildlife conservationists are working in hand to protect and sensitize the community about these exclusive endangered antelopes that have dwindled in numbers in the recent past due to uncontrolled poaching.
Butterfly watching
Apart from bird watching being the main highlight of the Mabamba excursion, butterfly watching is also another thrilling activity enjoyed by many in this area. Mabamba swamp attracts over 200 different butterfly species and some of these include, the Bicyclus sebetus, Acraea consanquine, Acraea aganice, Achaea aurivilli and Abisaraneavei.
Canoeing
canoes are usually used for fishing and birding tours around the wetlands, an adventurous tourist can hire one for the sole purposes of exploring the wetland and the fisherman can tour you through the vast swamp and nearby islands of Lake Victoria. Don’t forget to put on a life jacket.
Best time to visit Mabamba wetland
the swamp can be accessed throughout the year although the wet season of September and march is the best time for birding in Mabamba wetland because this period attracts a lot of migratory birds from Europe and much breeding and nesting of different bird species also takes place during this wet season. The best time to see shoe bill is early morning at 7am
How to get to Mabamba wetland
By road– Mabamba wetland can be accessed via kisubi- Nakawuka road turning at kasanje and this is the popular route for those who can’t afford a boat
By boat– You use a speed boat from Entebbe sailing club or a motorized boat from nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe through Lake Victoria.
Where to stay
Nkima forest lodge Located near Entebbe, Nkima Lodge offers a serene escape surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for bird watching and nature walks. It’s close to Lake Victoria and Mabamba Wetland, providing easy access to top birding spots. The lodge features cozy accommodations, a restaurant with local and international dishes, and guided tours for nature enthusiasts. Nkima Lodge is the perfect base for those looking to explore Uganda’s wildlife in a tranquil setting
Mabamba Lodge, nestled in Wakiso District near the Mabamba Wetlands, is a serene retreat ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The lodge offers stunning views of Lake Victoria, comfortable accommodations, and a variety of amenities including a pool, private beach, and a family-friendly restaurant. Guests can enjoy guided Shoebill boat tours, nature walks, and other outdoor activities, all while supporting local conservation efforts. It’s a perfect base for exploring the rich birdlife and natural beauty of the area
