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.
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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