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. Mabamba Bay is home to over 300 bird species. It is near to the business capital Kampala and Entebbe, which presents it with bigger opportunities and a high potential for eco-tourism development. The wetland is now designated as a Ramsar site; a wetland of international importance and an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). Aware that this area is one of the known breeding sites for the Shoebill, the community around protects it from all forms of threats
mabamba swamp
Attractions and activities
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.You can enjoy a slow boat ride and be involved in interesting activities such as traditional rod and hook fishing and Shoebill trekking. The site boasts of the highest records of the Shoebills in one day within a small land size.
How to get there.
On-land Birding & Nature Walk
On-land Birding
Birds in Mabamba
- Shoebill
- Black-and-Whites Casqued hornbill
- Great-Blue Turaco
- Eastern-Grey Plantain-Eater
- African Fish Eagle