SWAMP MABAMBA
Mabamba Swamp can be found on Lake Victoria's northern shore, 12 kilometers to the west of Entebbe. The Swamp spans more than 2424 hectares and consists of dense marshes populated with papyrus, water lilies, and various wetland grasses. Mabamba will enchant everyone, whether they are birdwatchers or not. Over 300 bird species inhabit the wetland, making it Uganda's premier birding location. Mabamba serves as an area of crucial ecological significance. In 2006, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands recognized Mabamba Swamp as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ due to its population of species that are threatened worldwide.
BirdLife International recognizes the Mabamba Swamp as an Important Bird Area (IBA)
The Ugandan government, with support from international partners, has diminished wetland encroachment and promoted the area as a premier birding destination in the country. To prevent encroachment and raise awareness of the swamp's ecological significance, the government has launched community sensitization initiatives in Mabamba Bay Wetlandas Uganda.
They have been motivated to make use of the prospects offered by local bird tourism as well. Some of the fishermen are now working as bird guides because they know every inch of the swamp. Thanks to community sensitization, individuals residing close to the swamp now understand the repercussions of wetland destruction.
They have also welcomed tourism and the prospects it offers. On Uganda safaris, tourists often make stops in the region to observe birds like the blue swallow, yellow warbler, papyrus gonolek, and Shoebill stork, which we will examine more closely soon. Other activities available in Entebbe might also pique your interest.
THE WAY TO MABAMBA SWAMP
You can reach Mabamba Bay Swamp from either Kampala or Entebbe. Travelers coming from Entebbe should use the old Entebbe-Kampala road and turn off at Kisubi. One goes from Kisubi to Nakawuka, then to Kasanje, and finally to Mabamba. Travelers coming from Kampala have two options. The first alternative is to grab a cab from the new taxi stand to the Kasanje trading center. Upon reaching the Kasenje trading center, hop on a Boda Boda (motorcycle taxi) to Mabamba, located 13.5 kilometers from there. Another option is to travel along the Masaka road for approximately 30 kilometers and then turn off toward Buyege. Mabamba and Buyege are situated around 22 kilometers apart.
A speed boat ride across Lake Victoria offers a more convenient and easier route to the swamp from Entebbe town than the road described above. Taking the lake route is more adventurous and offers views of Lake Victoria while bypassing Entebbe town and the airport. It takes 45 to 50 minutes to travel by speedboat from Mabamba to the starting point. Several hotels in Entebbe, as well as the Entebbe sailing club, offer speedboat rentals. The boats are well-maintained, comfortable, and come with life jackets. However, these large speedboats are not appropriate for maneuvering through the papyrus swamps. As you approach the Mabamba wetland, it's necessary to get ready to embark on smaller canoes that are used for navigating through the papyrus swamps.
When you get to the starting point, expect to see many birds. Fishermen and guides are prepared to take you into the depths of the wetland to observe the birds. Both boatmen and bird guides are well-organized. They possess a leader who represents them. This spokesperson assigns visitors a guide and a boatman. Only three birders (not including the guide and boat driver) can fit in the canoes. Initially, you need to pay a community charge of $7 at their little office. The combined cost of the boat and guide is approximately $35. You should either bring a life jacket or ask for one, as many boats do not carry them. The owners of these boats and birding guides are local residents from the surrounding communities. Paying for their services means you are helping to save the birds and other creatures in the wetland while also giving back to the community. Individuals are not as inclined to ruin something that is advantageous to them.
THE SHOEBILL STORK FOUND ON MABAMBA ISLAND
Mabamba Wetland is famous for its Shoebill, which is the bird that birdwatchers in Uganda want to see the most. The Shoebill's bizarre look and great size also attract tourists who do not engage in birdwatching. The rare bird is found in only a few locations in Uganda, and Mabamba Swamp offers the most accessible and dependable opportunity to see the Shoebill, possibly the best chance in all of Africa.Lungfish (known as “mamba” in the local tongue) are plentiful in Mabamba Swamp, and they are a preferred meal of the Shoebill. Nevertheless, due to its popularity among local anglers, the lungfish competes with the shoebill. The fishermen had a longstanding belief that spotting a Shoebill (locally referred to as ‘Boolwe’) would lead to a poor catch that day. This is not entirely implausible, as the Shoebill preys on lungfish, which will escape in the direction of the Shoebill. For the fishermen, encountering a Shoebill while heading out to fish in the wetland signified bad luck. They were hunted and killed, which led to a decrease in their population and nearly resulted in their extinction in this area.
In 2006, the Ramsar site provided some protection for the Shoebill. Nonetheless, the fishermen and community gained insight from bird watching on the wetland. The fishermen earn significant income from renting their boats to birdwatchers, and some have received training in birding and guiding. The fishermen now safeguard the Shoebill. When they are fishing and spot a Shoebill, they steer clear of it to avoid causing disturbance and are happy to direct tourists to its location. It is reported that around 12 Shoebills inhabit Mabamba Wetland.
OPTIMAL PERIOD TO OBSERVE THE SHOEBIll
The ideal time to spot the Shoebill in Mabamba swamp is early in the morning, around 7 a.m., before the wetland becomes busier. At this hour, the Shoebill is on the lookout for lunch fish, standing still for extended periods or even hours as it scans the water for fish to catch with its large, powerful shoe-like bill that crushes them upon impact.
OTHER BIRDS OBSERVED WHILE AT MABAMBA SWAMP
African Fish Eagle, Purple Swamphen, African Green Pigeon, African Jacana, African Marsh Harrier, African Pygmy Goose, Black Crake, Black Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black-crowned Waxbill, Black-headed Heron, Black-winged Stilt, Blue Swallow, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Cattle Egret, Common Moorhen, Common Sandpiper, Common Sqacco Heron, Double Toothed Barbet, Glossy Ibis, Goliath Heron, Great Cormorant, Great White Egret, Great White Pelican, Green Cuckoo, Grey Heron, Grey-crowned Crane, Gull-billed Tern, Hadada Ibis, Harmerkop, Little Egret, Little Stilt, Long-tailed Cormorant, Long-toed Lapwing, Malachite Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier, Northern Brown-throated Weather, Orange Weaver, Papyrus Gonolek, Pied Kingfisher, Pied Wagtail, Pink-backed Pelican, Pin-tailed Whyda, Purple Heron, Red-eyed Dove, Red-headed Love-bird, Shining Blue Kingfisher, Speckled Mousebird, Spur-winged Goose, Spur-winged Lapwing, Swamp Flycatcher, Veilots’ Black Weaver, Village Weaver, Wattled Crane, Cuckoo with White Brows, Whistling Duck with a White Face, White-throated Bee-eater, White-winged Tern, Winding Cistocola, Wood Sandpiper, Woodland Kingfisher, Kite with yellow bill, weaver with black head, duck with yellow bill.
BIRDWATCHING EXPERIENCE AT MABAMBA SWAMP
Birding on the water
In the Mabamba wetland, birdwatching is carried out from a motorized wooden canoe/boat. A lot of boats are at your disposal, and local boatmen are keen to show you the Shoebill. Once you are in the boat, your first task is to search for a Shoebill. Fishermen venturing out at dawn to check their nets for catches can occasionally share details about Shoebill sightings. Otherwise, it will turn into a search in the familiar vegetation where the Shoebill likes to hunt.
The Shoebill can best be seen in the morning, as it hunts lungfish by remaining motionless for extended periods—sometimes for hours—until a hapless fish happens to come within range. When the day heats up, the Shoebill rests by squatting among the grass and spreading its wings, which makes it hard to spot. It can also be seen flying high in the sky to cool off. After watching the Shoebill, continue with regular birding by exploring the various water channels leading to Lake Victoria and venturing deep into the wetland while wading through dense papyrus and grasses.
Among the water birds that are easily spotted are the following: Purple Swamphen, African Marsh Harrier, African Darter, Common Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Long-tailed Cormorant, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Yellow-billed Duck, and Malachite Kingfisher.
Birding in the vicinity of the landing site
As soon as you arrive at the Mabamba landing site and parking area, before even stepping into the wetland, you are greeted by some outstanding birdwatching opportunities. A variety of birds that may surprise you with a lifer or a rare sighting make their home among the tall trees, shrubs, and thickets. Before you embark on a boat trip to discover the water channels of the Mabamba wetland, you can take a few minutes or an hour to scan the habitats.
Here, the remarkable Superb Sunbird is often spotted in short trees and shrubs, catching insects from branches before encountering the ubiquitous Red-chested Sunbird (endemic to the Lake Victoria biome) in a collision.
Other frequently observed birds include the Yellow-breasted Apalis, Weyn’s Weaver, Village Weaver, Vieillot’s Black Weaver, Grey-capped Warbler, Yellow-throated Greenbul, Splendid Starling, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Lesser Striped Swallow, and Swamp Flycatcher.
Birdwatching at the periphery of Mabamba Swamp
A pleasant footpath meanders along the wetland; it can complete your birding trip to Mabamba and augment your list of field species.
Upon returning from the boat trip on Mabamba swamp, take the footpath that starts on your left just before you exit. The path traverses the wetland's edge, moves through cultivated areas and bushland, and goes by a sparse eucalyptus plantation that offers habitat for some unexpected woodland species. The trail is rather long, so you can walk for a few hours until you feel it’s enough.
FURTHER PURSUITS AND DRAWS IN MABAMBA SWAMP UGANDA ANGLING
fishing
While the Mabamba Bay swamp consists of muddy waters, papyrus, and reeds, it links to the clear waters of Lake Victoria. The interplay of pristine waters and marshy lowlands creates chances for fishing. Additionally, it should be mentioned that the main economic activity in the area is fishing. The fish that are most frequently caught include lungfish, tilapia, Nile perch, and mudfish. These fish are very delicious, with two of them (the tilapia and Nile perch) being sought after worldwide.
Observations of Sitatunga
In Uganda, the Mabamba wetlands sanctuary serves as one of the last bastions for Sitatunga. Also referred to as the swamp antelope, the sitatunga is a timid and hard-to-find animal. They are often found alone and only seldom with others. With a bit of luck, you may see one darting through the papyrus reeds. Sitatungas face endangerment as a result of habitat destruction and hunting/poaching for their meat. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is diligently striving to curb poaching and safeguard the last remaining habitat of these incredible beings.
Strolls through the village and trips to artisan stores
There is a settlement/slum with fishing stalls situated outside the Mabamba swamp. It is both enlightening and humbling to tour the nearby villages. You will have the chance to engage with the fishermen, their families, and other members of the community. After touring the settlements, you can buy souvenirs from the artisan shops located just outside the wetland. The available items include baskets, mats, huts, sandals, stools, and bags made from papyrus or reeds.
Canoeing activity
Canoes are usually utilized for fishing and birdwatching tours in the wetlands, but an adventurous visitor can rent one just to explore the wetland. You will be transported by the fisherman through the expansive swamp to Lake Victoria.
Accommodation options in Mabamba Nkima Forest Lodge:
Currently, Nkima Forest Lodge is the only respectable accommodation option close to Mabamba. Located centrally within the Nkima forest, this pleasant mid-range lodge offers views of the Mabamba wetland and Lake Victoria beyond.
The main building, which contains the library, restaurant, and lounge, is situated at the hill's summit and offers a lovely view of the woods.
Eight cottages belonging to the lodge are situated in different parts of the forest's interior, down the hill. The cottages boast beautiful furnishings, inside washrooms, and self-contained amenities. The lodge features a deck for sitting and taking in the forest views, where you can comfortably spot monkeys swinging by, squirrels, birds, and other forest dwellers.
There is also a deck at the lodge that is situated close to the forest canopy. Here, you can unwind while enjoying nearly eye-level views of monkeys and birds, as well as glimpses of Lake Victoria in the distance through the trees.
For nature enthusiasts, this is a lovely escape close to Entebbe. For birders starting their journey in Uganda, this lodge near Entebbe is an excellent choice for beginning your birding adventures in Mabamba and Nkima Forest.