Discover the Shoebill and the remarkable wetlands of Lake Victoria
Welcome to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s most remarkable wetland destinations and a renowned place to experience the magnificent Shoebill in its natural habitat.
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Bay Wetland System is a Ramsar Site and an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. Covering approximately 2,424 hectares, the wetland consists of open water, papyrus marshes, channels and other wetland habitats that support an impressive diversity of birds and other wildlife.
Mabamba is particularly famous for the Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), one of Africa’s most distinctive and sought-after birds. The wetland provides important habitat for Shoebills as well as many other resident and migratory bird species. (Ramsar Site Information Service)
Whether you are a dedicated birder, wildlife photographer, nature lover or simply looking for a unique experience on Lake Victoria, Mabamba offers an opportunity to slow down, explore and connect with nature.Explore Mabamba.
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