Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Site — Local services in Entebbe City

Mabamba Swamp is one of Uganda’s most renowned bird-watching destinations, located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, about 50 kilometers west of Kampala. It is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and a key birding area that attracts bird enthusiasts from all over the world. The swamp is particularly famous for its population of the shoebill stork, a rare and prehistoric-looking bird that is a bucket-list sighting for many bird watchers.

Key Features of Mabamba Swamp:

Shoebill Stork: The shoebill is the star attraction. These elusive birds are often spotted standing motionless on the floating vegetation or gracefully flying over the swamp. Mabamba is one of the few places in Uganda where you can reliably see this species. Diverse Birdlife: The swamp is home to over 300 bird species, including globally threatened species like the papyrus gonolek, blue swallow, and lesser jacana. Other notable birds include the African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, malachite kingfisher, and African marsh harrier. Unique Ecosystem: Mabamba consists of a network of channels and lagoons surrounded by papyrus reeds. This ecosystem supports not only birds but also fish and other wildlife. Community-Led Conservation: Local communities play a key role in conserving Mabamba Swamp. The Mabamba Wetland Eco-Tourism Association (MWETA) is actively involved in promoting sustainable tourism and protecting the swamp’s biodiversity.

Activities at Mabamba Swamp:

Bird Watching: Birding is the primary activity. You’ll explore the swamp on motorized wooden canoes guided by experienced locals who know the best spots for shoebill sightings. Photography: With its scenic beauty and unique wildlife, Mabamba offers excellent opportunities for nature and wildlife photography. Fishing: The swamp supports a thriving local fishing community. Visitors can observe traditional fishing methods and interact with fishermen. Community Visits: Learn about the local communities and their efforts in wetland conservation.

Best Time to Visit:

The swamp can be visited year-round, but the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are ideal for birding. During these months, the chances of spotting the shoebill are higher.

How to Get There:

• From Kampala, you can drive or take a ferry to Entebbe and then proceed to Mabamba. • Alternatively, you can arrange for a direct canoe ride from Entebbe to the swamp.

Visiting Mabamba Swamp is a tranquil and rewarding experience, perfect for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts looking to connect with Uganda’s rich...

We thoroughly enjoyed the private Mabamba Swamp Tour to see the shoebill along with a variety of other birds. A driver picked us up from our hotel in Entebbe. We then transferred to a larger motorized canoe with a engaging guide who shared cultural information about the different regions of Uganda while we cruised across Lake Victoria toward Mabamba Swamp. Upon reaching the swamp, we transferred to a smaller motorized canoe with a captain, guide, and guide-in-training. Our captain took us to various areas of the swamp. Upon reaching a known shoebill's habitat, he turned off the motor and used a long stick oar to navigate the waterways. The shoebill is unlike any creature I've seen. This was a really lovely experience. After spending time observing the shoebill from a distance, we then headed back to our larger canoe and captain. We spent about an hour total in the swamp and about three hours on the tour. This peaceful and intriguing experience was a great way to spend...

We had an incredible experience at Mabamba Swamp with the coolest fish on Lake Victoria,Shaqur! (Shark cool) He was humble, knowledgeable about so many of the birds we saw, and made the trip unforgettable. Thanks to his dedication, we spotted three shoebills and even got up close to these fascinating “dinosaur ancestors.” It was truly a one-of-a-kind adventure! Plus the swamps alone and the small boats navigating through. It was , in simple terms , a romantic experience with nature. The swamps were beautiful. The trip started with us five getting into a big canoe boat with a motor at the back and of course the only “shark” in lake Victoria led us through it. We then got to a point where we switched to smaller boats that can navigate through the small pathways of the green swamp. It was great! The shoebill, weaver birds , blue kingfisher, little eglet, Jesus bird and the malachite? ,Are some of the birds we saw but there was...