Let's go!

Every bird watcher’s trip starts from Mabamba Swamp, found in Kasanje town council, 12km west of Entebbe international Airport & 48km Kampala.  Mabamba Swamp is found on the shores of Lake Victoria, situated on 2424 hectares of papyrus, ferns, water lilies, and grasses in the shallow water.

Mabamba Swamp is the only wetland near Kampala that hosts the globally threatened shoebill  also locally known as Bulwe. At 48km from Kampala, Mabamba Swamp is conveniently located allowing bird watchers & non-birders to spot many bird species (300) ,  acting as an ideal starting point for those after long safaris in Uganda. 

The swamp is home to many endemic water birds and a place to find the endangered shoebill. Shoebills are listed vulnerable according to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 

The Site support group in Mabamba is called the Mabamba Wetland Eco-Tourism Association. The swamp is  a bio-diversity area and an  Important Birding Area (IBA), recognised by BirdLife International  that was launched as a Ramsar site in 2006 due to its rare bird species. 

Working with the Local Community 

Birding in Mabamba swamp is done from an engine powered wooden boat, taking you through a maze of lily pads and papyrus trails.  Mabamba Lodge has a private boat & continues to work with a group of  professional  local guides and boat operators who have grown up within the area, understanding every inch of  the swamp and it's habitat. 

Since opening in December 2021, Mabamba Lodge has hosted individuals and groups from Africa, Europe and America.  From customer feedback 'birdwatching tour' has been voted the 'must do' activities at Mabamba Lodge even for non birders..