Mabamba Lodge
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    • HOME
    • ROOMS
    • BIRD WATCHING
    • ACTIVTIES
    • RESTAURANT
    • OUR STORY
    • LOCATION
  • HOME
  • ROOMS
  • BIRD WATCHING
  • ACTIVTIES
  • RESTAURANT
  • OUR STORY
  • LOCATION
EXPLORING MABAMBA WETLANDS

Let's go!

Everyday in this village of Mabamba is a  thrilling adventure into the unknown. Lets see how many bird species we can spot today? Grab your binoculars, camera, keep your eyes open and let the adventure begin … 

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Birding at Mabamba Wetlands

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 in preserving Mabamba Wetland  

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.. 


"Mabamba Wetland is arguably the best spot to see the shoebill in Africa"

Mabamba Lodge is privileged with lake shore access which facilitates a smooth boat ride to the swamp, giving customers an ease of returning every day to a comfortable bed and a good meal at the end of their birding days.  

Shoebill Boat Tours

Conserve and Restore Mabamba Swamp

"Challenges and Solutions in Preserving the Shoebill Stork's Habitat in Mabamba Bay Wetland - 2023" Conservation challenges highlighted by Kasasa Hannington (Chairperson of Mabamba Wetland Association) ,"Mabamba Lodge has taken proactive steps to address the issue of environmental conservation. The lodge has formed a strategic partnership with Green Lens International, an environmental NGO, to spearhead awareness creation and community education programs aimed at promoting the conservation of the wetland and the environment in general".  Full read: https://www.greenlensug.org/post/challenges-and-solutions-in-preserving-the-shoebill-stork-s-habitat-in-mabamba-bay-wetland 



List of Birds of Mabamba

Waterfowl

White-faced whistling -Duck, Yellow-billed Duck

Cormorants & Anhingas

Long-tailed Cormorant

Shoebirds 

Water Thick-knee

Long-toed Lapwing

Sur-winged Lapwing 

African Jacana

Shoebill 

Hamerkop

Storks

African Openbill

Herons, Ibis and Allies

Goliath Heron

Great Egret, Intermediate Egret & Little Egret

Hadada Ibis

Piegons & Doves 

Red-eyed Dove

Vultures, Hawks and Allies 

Osprey 

African Cuckoo-Hawk

African Fish-Eagle

Owls

Barn Owls

Martins and Swallows 


Turacos

Great Blue Turaco

Ross's Turaco

Cuckoos

African cuckoo Hawk

Kingfishers

African pygmy kingfisher

Woodland Kingfisher

Pied Kingfisher

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