Mabamba Swamp: Bird Watching & Photography Safari in Uganda

Mabamba Swamp 

Mabamba Swamp is a prime wetland birding site famous for the Shoebill, a popular bird species for Ugandan birding tourists. It is a Ramsar site recognized by Birdlife International as an IBA (Important Bird Area) and is majorly known for its birding activities.

The wetlands have over 300 bird species. This includes many globally threatened species, seven of Uganda’s Lake Victoria biome-restricted species, and plenty of wetland specialties.

Facts and Information about Mabamba Swamp 

  • Location: It is in the West of Entebbe on the Northern shore of Lake Victoria
  • Area: It covers an area of 2424 ha
  • Vegetation: Thick mashes of papyrus, water lilies, and other wetland grasses.
  • Main activity: Birding
  • Key Protected Birds: Shoebill, Blue Swallow and the Papyrus Gonolek
  • It is known for Shoebill which is Uganda’s most sought – after bird among Uganda birding tourists.
  • It hosts a huge flock of Paleartic migrants every year from Oct to March
lewa wildlife conservancy

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Safaris and Tours

Mabamba Swamp Attractions 

Here are some of the attractions at the Swamp: 

Shoebill

Mabamba Swamp is best known for its Shoebill and is the primary tourist attraction in Mabamba Swamp. This prehistoric-looking bird is characterized by its large, shoe-shaped bill and striking appearance. It is considered one of the most sought-after bird species for birdwatchers due to its rarity and distinctive looks.

Uganda Primates and Uganda Birding Safari

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 Stork
  • African Jacana
  • Great Egret
  • Black-headed Heron
  • White-faced Whistling Duck
  • Purple Heron
  • Malachite Kingfisher
  • Yellow-billed Duck
  • Black-crowned Night Heron
African jacana

Mabamba Swamp Activities 

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.

Shoebill

Mabamba Swamp offers boat rides guided by local fishermen who are well-oriented regarding swamp vegetation and birds. They provide insights into the behavior and the habitat of the birds. On the boat rides, tourists get an opportunity to watch and take photographs of birds. The boat rides are tailored for shoebill and other wetland species hunts. During this adventure, tourists can spot bird species such as; Great Egret, White-faced, Whistling Duck, Cisticolas

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.

  • Edge Species: The transition zones between wetland and cultivated land host various birds, including the Black-headed Heron and Yellow-billed Duck.
  • Varied Habitat: Birdwatchers can observe species adapted to different environments, such as bushland species like the Green-backed Eremomela.

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.

Among the birds that can be spotted during birding at Nkima Forest include the following;

  • African Grey Parrot
  • Blue-shouldered Robin
  • Sunbirds

Best Time to Visit Mabamba Swamp

Mabamba Swamp is an all-year-through tour site. However, the best time for Mabamba Swamp tours is between October to March.

During this time, the swamp hosts huge flocks of Paleartic migrants making it the ideal period for bird watching and photography.

  • From Kampala: The journey from Kampala to Mabamba Swamp takes around an hour by road via Nakawuka – Kasanje route.
  • From Entebbe: The journey entails boarding a 10-minute ferry crossing to Kasanje landing then drive for about 20 minutes to Mabamba passing through cultivations and open fields.
sabaki river sanctuary

Mabamba Swamp Popular Routes

Mabamba Swamp tours are the most scenic tours in Uganda. There are 2 popular routes that lead tourists to Mabamba.

  • By Air: The easiest way to Lewa Conservancy from Nairobi is to fly there. It has an airstrip where planes land and deliver visitors.
  • By Road: Secondly, you can drive from Nairobi to Lewa for approximately 4 hours. Take Thika Road and Turn Right before arriving at Nyeri Town (16 km away from the town). Pass through Nanyuki and Timau to the Meru/ Isiolo Junction. Take Isiolo Road, about 3 Km in, and you will find the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy gate.
Hell's gate national park

Mabamba Swamp Accommodations

Mabamba Swamp offers diverse accommodations for every tourist on a Mabamba Swamp Safari. The Mabamba Swamp accommodations meet every interest, preference, and budget.

Below are some of the Mabamba Swamp accommodations;

  • The Protea Hotel Entebbe
  • Karibu Guesthouse
  • The Boma Hotel
  • The Lake Victoria Serena Hotel

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