Birding in Uganda’s Mabamba Wetland is the best decision one can ever make. This wetland is one of the main birdwatching destinations In Uganda. It is home to the rare shoebill stock which is one of the most sought-after birds in the world. Different people have different stories to tell about the shoebill stock bird with some suggesting this special bird has the ability to cause rain to fall or not.
Mabamba Swamp is situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria (the second largest freshwater lake in the world). About 4.8 kilometers from Entebbe Golf Club 12 kilometers from Entebbe town, and about 600 meters from Bunga Beach on the northern shores. At the Labyrinth, lagoon, and papyrus swamps different bird species will be identified.
The shoebill stork, hadada ibis, black crave, green cuckoo, double-toothed barbet, shining blue kingfisher, yellow-backed weaver, red-eyed dove, cattle egrets, pied kingfisher, great blue Turacos, common squacco heron, lesser jacana, Goliath heron, orange weaver, the grey crowned cranes, weaver bird, marabou stocks, the Kori bustard, Long-tailed hawk, black-throated cuckoo, piping hornbill, white-bellied kingfisher, Nkulengu rail, Grant’s bluebill, crested malimbe, leaf-love, Rwenzori ibis and more are among the over 300 birds present at the wetland. Mabamba wetland covers about 24.2 square kilometers of water, grassland, and lilies.
Uganda is a beautiful landlocked country in the east of the continent of Africa. It is a great destination, rich in flora and fauna, and well-secured. The neighboring countries are Rwanda and Tanzania to the south, South Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. About 10 % of the total bird species in the world can be found in the different birding destinations across the country. Mabamba swamp is the nearest birding sight, accessible on road and water. All birding sessions last for approximately 6 hours.
Best time to do a birding tour of Mabamba Swamp.
Birding in the Mabamba swamp is an all-year-round activity. However, during the months of October, November, March to May, the numbers get higher with the arrival of migratory birds. It is also a rainy season which is good for the birds as they have plenty of food. The rest of the months June to September and December to February are the peak travel seasons with no or fewer rains hence birding is uninterrupted.
Birding watching is best done in the morning hours when the birds are out of their territories feeding and in the open papyrus. Though Mabamba Island doesn’t require a prior booking, it is advisable to plan your trip with the help of an experienced tour operator.
What to Pack for a birding tour on Mabamba Swamp?
When it is travel time, what is important is having the right selection of packing list suitable for the activity. This packing list can include the following.
- A professional camera for photography
- Binoculars to watch distant birds
- A birders book to help in identifying other bird species
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Long trousers
- Insect repellants and other personal effects.
It is important to note that on the birdwatching day, you should carry only what is vital for the activity.
Other activities to combine with the Mabamba Swamp Tour.
Other activities in Mabamba include sport fishing, canoeing, and community walks.
In addition to the Mabamba swamp, you can pick interest and explore other attractions in and beyond Entebbe City. Around Entebbe town soak yourself in the pristine white-water beaches, visit Entebbe Zoo, check out the different reptile species at Entebbe Reptile Village, or take a deep breather in the Ssese Islands. Other places to visit include the world’s most powerful waterfall at Murchison Falls National Park, the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the true wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park, chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park and all adventure activities at River Nile in Jinja.
In conclusion, the Mabamba swamp is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Uganda. It is in Entebbe Town, at the shores of Lake Victoria the largest freshwater lake in the continent of Africa. The Swamp is a reliable place for encountering the rare shoebill stock one of the most sought-after birds in the world. Several other birds co-exist in the same territory and while on the search, you will be in a position to discover their different names and character. Mabamba Swamp is a one-day Journey, and the activity is done on a boat.
