Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba swamp is about 2,424 hectares on the shores of Lake Victoria. It is located on the shores and contains open water with a large open marshland of miscanthus and papyrus that make the swamp rich in different life species. It is home to over 300 bird species. Mabamba Swamp is famous for lungfish which is known as mamba in native language (Luganda)
Mabamba swamp is one of the Bird Watching hot spots in Uganda with a unique extensive marsh extending through a narrow bay, bordered with papyrus towards the main body of Lake Victoria; particularly in birds including the globally endangered Shoebill, large congregations of migrants such as Blue Swallow, Papyrus Gonoleks 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 swamp is home to over 300 bird species. It is near to the business capital city Kampala and Entebbe, which offers it with bigger chances and a high potential for eco-tourism development. Aware that this area is one of the known breeding sites for the Shoebill, the community around protects it from all forms of danger.
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 view of the wetland outlay and the massive number of bird species of about 200 in one full day of 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 brags of the highest records of the Shoebills in one day within a small land size.
How to Get to Mabamba Swamp.
Located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is just 12km northwest of the Entebbe peninsula in a village called Kasanje.
From either kampala or Entebbe, a one-hour road trip will take you to the village of Mabamba where a local boatman will take you out on a locally made canoes.
This is an exciting half day excursion that works well when you have a few hours in between flights.
It is also possible to travel to Mabamba via boat, across Lake Victoria. The beautiful journey gives you more time to appreciate the beautiful birds on the swamp.
From Kampala, the journey takes around an hour by road via Nakawuka-Kasanje.
Conservation Of Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba is one of Uganda’s 33 Important Bird Areas and since 2006 a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance. Key protected bird species in Mabamba are the shoebill, the blue swallow and the papyrus gonolek.
The wetland is now nominated as a Ramsar site; a wetland of international importance and an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) signifying its international importance and the need for its protection and sustainable management
Mabamba Bay is reinforced by Uganda’s National Wetlands Policy (1995) NEMA and other national laws related to wetland conservation.
Mabamba Bay Swamp and Wetland, recognized as a Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area, is conserved through a blend of national legislation, community engagement, and focused conservation initiatives, mainly driven by organizations like NatureUganda.
Local communities are actively involved in conservation efforts, benefiting directly from ecotourism, mostly through shoebill tours and the Mabamba Wetland Eco-Tourism Association (MWETA).
Fishermen who once competed with shoebills for food, now act as guides, sharing their knowledge of the swamp and contributing revenue to conservation projects.
This economic enticement encourages locals to protect the wetland and its biodiversity, rather than exploit it unsustainably.
If you are interested visiting Mabamba Bay, having any questions, making bookings, getting tour guides, and drafting a Mabamba Bay itinerary, do not hesitate to inquire from our company we shall be happy to help.
