The swamp is home to 300 bird species which makes it Uganda’s most important birding site. In 2006, Ramsar convention on Wetlands awarded Mabamba the status of a Wetland of International Importance because it contains globally threatened species. Birdlife International also considers Mabamba swamp as an Important Bird Area. A visit to Mabamba swamp is a lovely half day excursion and can be done even with short hours between flights or as a last activity after a long Savannah safari in the wilderness of Uganda.
WHAT TO DO IN MABAMBA SWAMP
BIRD WATCHING: The swamp is a birder’s haven, therefore birding (bird watching) is the main activity to do in Mabamba swamp. The swamp is home to the most sought after Shoebill and is one of the few places in Uganda one can spot this prehistoric bird. Not only that the swamp boasts abundant bird life and one can be sure to spot bird species like the African Marsh harrier, glossy ibis and long-toed lapwing. The best time to see the shoebill is in the early morning hours and one can glide through the swamp in a traditional canoe with a local guide.
THE SHOEBILL (WHALE HEAD)
Mabamba swamp is the best place in Uganda to see this mysterious bird. The swamp is named after lungfish (locally known as Mamba) which inhabit the swamp and form the staple diet for the shoebill. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the shoebill as vulnerable. This is because there was a competition for the lungfish between the local fishermen and the shoebill where the fishermen killed the bird and destroyed its nests.
The IUCN has therefore forged a partnership with local fishing communities in pursuit to preserve the stork and create a livelihood for the fishermen. The fishermen now work as guides for bird enthusiasts through the Mabamba Wetland Eco-Tourism Association. They share their knowledge of the swamp and part of their revenue goes to conservation projects that protect the shoe bill.
FACTS ABOUT THE SHOEBILL
It has a foot-long Dutch clogged bill which gives it the name, shoebill. Its sharp edges and hook at the tip enable the bird to grab, grip and kill live prey. The bird feeds on fish with lung fish as a favorite. It also preys on frogs, monitor lizards and baby crocodiles.
The bird is a solitary species which appreciates its space. They stay at least 20 meters apart and during breeding, you can find 2 nests per square kilometer. They live in Marshes and swampy areas. They live for 35 years in the wild. They are large water birds which are genetically related to pelicans and herons instead of storks.
WHERE TO STAY AROUND MABAMBA SWAMP.
The swamp is strategically located at the shores of Lake Victoria which attracts beautiful accommodation facilities ranging from luxury to budget. Some of the facilities include; Lake Victoria Serena hotel, Karibu Guest house, The Boma hotel and the Protea Hotel, Entebbe.
