Bird watching in Mabamba swamp.
One of Uganda’s top spots for bird viewing is Mabamba Swamp, which is situated west of Entebbe on the northern bank of Lake Victoria. Because it is home to species that are globally threatened, Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar site, was designated a wetland of international significance in 2006. Birdlife International has designated Mabamba Swamp as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Covering 2424 hectares, the swamp is made up of dense papyrus marshes, wetland grass, and water lilies.
One of the best places in Uganda to observe birds is Mabamba Swamp, which is home to more than 300 kinds of birds, including wetland species, seven of the twelve species limited to the Lake Victoria biome, and species that are globally threatened. You can go birdwatching in Mabamba Swamp early in the morning or late in the afternoon on a motorized wooden boat that will take you through the dense marshes.
A knowledgeable bird guide will help you identify various bird species, such as the ancient Shoebill Stork. White-winged Warbler, Yellow-backed Weaver, Blue Swallow, Yellow-throated Greenbul, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, White-faced Whistling Duck, Yellow-billed Kite, Kingfisher was stripped, Pied Kingfisher, Pink-backed Pelican, Pygmy Geese, Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrike, Tawny Eagle, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Ross’s Turaco, Slender-billed Gull, Spur-winged Lapwing, Speckled Mousebird, and Saddle-billed Stork Grassland Pipit, Grey Crowned Crane, Long-crested Eagle, Lesser Jacana, Grey Crowned Crane, Little Stilt, Marsh Harrier, Great White Pelican, Great Blue Turaco, Fork-tailed Drongo, Grey Parrot, Double Toothed Barbet, Common Stonechat, Cattle Egret, Common Bulbul, Brown Snake-eagle, Blue-headed Coucal, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Black Crake, African Jacana, African Fish Eagle, African Pied Wagtail, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Orange Weaver, Long Tailed Cormorant, Wood Sandpiper, Yellow-billed Duck, Hadada Ibis, Malachite Kingfisher, Shining Blue Kingfisher, Great Cormorant, Black-crowned Waxbill, Ashy Flycatcher, Long Toed Lapwing, Levaillants Cuckoo, Flappet Lark, and more.
The ideal time to go
Although you can go bird watching in Mabamba Swamp throughout the year, the best time to see European migratory and colorful bird species is during the rainy season, which runs from March to April and September to November.
Directions to Mabamba Swamp
It takes approximately one hour to drive from Entebbe to Mabamba village, where you will take a local dugout canoe to the swamp. From Kampala, it takes approximately one hour to drive via the Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe, where you will take a ferry crossing to the Nakawuka-Kasanje landing site and then connect to Mabamba swamp. Mabamba swamp is situated on the northern shore of Lake Victoria.
A speed boat that takes roughly 45 to 50 minutes and can be rented from a hotel in Entebbe can also take you across Lake Victoria to the Mabamba launching point, where you will board a canoe through the papyrus swamps. You will be able to take in breathtaking views of Entebbe town and Lake Victoria while operating the speed boat.
Where to stay while on a safari to observe birds
During your bird-watching safari, you can stay at a variety of lodging options close to Mabamba Swamp. Protea Hotel Entebbe, Mabamba Lodge, Karibu Guesthouse, Nkima Forest Lodge, Lake Victoria Serena Hotel, Best Western Hotel, Papyrus Guest House, Sundiata Beach Resort, and Buvi Lodge are just a few of the lodging options that range from affordable to luxurious.
Things to bring
Insect repellent, long sleeves, a waterproof rain jacket, binoculars, a camera and extra batteries, a field guidebook, a backpack, a water bottle, and a wide-brimmed hat are some of the essentials you should bring with you on your bird watching safari in Mabamba Swamp.
Other activities available during your safari in Mabamba Swamp include spot fishing, wildlife viewing (where you can see sitatunga antelopes), butterfly viewing, canoeing, and village walks where you can have conversations with the locals, in addition to bird watching.
A variety of activities in other national parks, like as boat cruises, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, wildlife drives and viewing, mountain climbing, guided nature walks, and cultural excursions, can be coupled with bird watching in Mabamba Swamp.
