Mabamba Bay Swamp is synonymous with shoebill storks but there is more to this wetland (especially birds) than what everyone knows. This site is undeniably a wonderful spot for seeing these Globally-threatened bird species and is one of the 33 Important Bird Areas of Uganda. The wetland system is simply a boundless area of marsh extending through a narrow as well as long Bay surrounded by thick papyrus vegetation, in the direction of the main body of Lake Victoria-largest freshwater Lake in the African Continent. At just 35 miles from Kampala, Mabamba Bay is the only Swamp close to the Capital where shoebill storks can be spotted. It was interestingly recognized as a “wetland of International Importance according to the Ramsar Convention.

Location of Mabamba Bay Swamp

Mabamba Bay Swamp is located in Wakiso district (western Uganda) along the untouched shores of northern part of Lake Victoria, west of Entebbe, marked by water lilies, papyrus and other outstanding wetland vegetation. It is about 57 kilometers from the Capital (Kampala) and can be accessed by a 45-minute bot ride from Entebbe Dock.

Size of Mabamba Bay Swamp

The magnificent and incredible popular Mabamba Bay Swamp covers an area of about 24.2 square kilometers (approximately 2420 hectares) of protected open water as well as marshes of water lilies, papyrus and other remarkable wetland grasses, although the entire area extends for over 165 square kilometers (16500 hectares).

Common bird species in Mabamba Bay Swamp

There are currently over 250 bird species, and it is a widely irrefutable fact that Mabamba Bay Swamp is one of the best 5 places to see shoebill storks in Uganda but did you know that about 40% of the global population of Blue Swallow is found in this wetland system? Also expect to see the Papyrus yellow warblers as well as other numerous birds of global conservation concern are also found in the area. So far 7 of the country’s 12 Lake Victoria Biome restricted Bird species are found here in addition to the Swamp being a host to large flocks of Palearctic migrants that arrive between the months of October and March.

Birders also come across the Grey-headed gulls, pallid Harrier, common bulbul, crested eagles, Goliath herons, grey-crowned cranes, cattle egrets, Hammerkop, whiskered Terns, pygmy geese, Papyrus gonolek, northern brown-throated weavers, Malachite kingfishers, Papyrus canary, Carruther’s cisticola, Pygmy Geese, Black-winged Stilt, African fish eagles, Yellow-backed weavers, Glossy ibis, March Harrier, Black-faced Rufous, Yellow-billed ducks, yellow warblers, Ross Turaco, Hadada Ibis, Great cormorant, Great white pelicans, Red-shouldered Cuckoo Shrike, Yellow-billed tinkerbird, Eastern grey plantain eater, Orange weavers, Common greenshank, African marsh harrier, Spur-winged lapwing, Tambourine Doves, African Jacana, Red-chested Cuckoo, guinea fowls, Pin-tailed Whydah, Pied kingfishers, Grey parrots, Great Blue Turaco and many others.

Other attractions in Mabamba Bay Swamp

Besides birds, Mabamba Bay Swamp also shelters a number of wildlife species that include Sitatunga (the wetland-dwelling antelope), Hippos, Crocodiles, bushbucks and duikers in addition to several fish species that include Lungfish (the main diet of shoebill storks), catfish and Tilapia.

Best time of the year to explore Mabamba Bay Swamp

You can explore Mabamba Bay Swamp all year round much as the dry season-June to September and December to February is every visitor’s most preferred time because shoebill storks can be spotted in large numbers. The wet season-October to November rewards visitors with the most wonderful birding opportunities although with less shoebill stork sighting.

Getting to Mabamba Bay Swamp

Mabamba Bay Swamp is situated about 57 kilometers from the Capital (Kampala) and approximately one hour’s drive from the Town of Entebbe. On getting to Entebbe, branch-off at Kasubi then continue to Nakawuka-Kasanje then to Mabamba. Visitors travelling from Kampala can use Masaka road then branch-off to Buyege, then continue for about 22 kilometers and finally to Mabamba area.