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Mabamba Wetland: Home to the endangered Shoebill and heaven for bird lovers

Mabamba Swamp is located on the northwestern peninsula of Lake Victoria, about 35 kilometers from Entebbe International Airport, in a small village called Kasanje. Covering approximately 2,423 hectares, the swamp supports a range of activities, including fishing, hunting, and tourism, especially birdwatching. Its name is derived from the local word for the lungfish, Mamba.

The swamp is home to over 300 bird species, most famously the Shoebill, along with three other endangered species: the Blue Swallow, Papyrus Gonolek, Pallid Harrier, and White-winged Warbler. This makes Mabamba an important birding site and a top destination for birdwatchers. In 2006, the swamp was designated a Ramsar site of international importance, drawing visitors from around the world in search of the elusive Shoebill and other bird species.

Mabamba’s proximity to both Entebbe International Airport and Kampala makes it an ideal location for a short, one-day birding safari.

However, the Shoebill, locally known as Bbulwe, is not without its controversies. Fishermen from nearby communities who rely on the swamp to catch lungfish—a local delicacy—often find themselves in competition with the bird for their primary catch. There’s a local belief that where the Shoebill is spotted, fishing prospects are poor. In fact, it’s true that when a Shoebill is in the area, lungfish tend to hide, making it harder for fishermen to catch them.

Lungfish, however, are not widely consumed due to cultural reasons. A portion of the Baganda population belongs to the Mamba clan, which strictly forbids its members from hunting or eating lungfish. Historically, women were also not allowed to consume it, a tradition that remains alive today. In addition to lungfish, Shoebills also feed on snakes, young crocodiles, rodents, and other small animals.

The Shoebill is Uganda’s most sought-after bird due to its unique prehistoric appearance, characterized by its large, shoe-shaped bill. Although Mabamba is the most famous site to see this bird, the Shoebill can also be spotted in Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Nabajuzi Swamp, and Lake Kyoga.

Other Bird Species in the Mabamba Wetland System:

Waterbirds:

  • African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus)
  • Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
  • Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus)
  • Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri)
  • White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata)
  • Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)
  • Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
  • Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
  • Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath)
  • Long-toed Lapwing (Vanellus crassirostris)
  • Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata)
  • African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
  • Grey-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus)
  • Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)

Raptors:

  • African Marsh Harrier (Circus ranivorus)
  • Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
  • Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis)

Papyrus Endemics:

  • Papyrus Canary (Crithagra koliensis)
  • Papyrus Yellow Warbler (Calamonastides gracilirostris)

Migratory Species:

  • Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea) – A globally vulnerable migratory species.
  • White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)
  • African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris)

Other Noteworthy Species:

  • Swamp Flycatcher (Muscicapa aquatica)
  • Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
  • Grey-crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
  • Great Egret (Ardea alba)
  • Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash)
  • Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
  • Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostra)

Mabamba Wetlands attract a wide variety of ducks, herons, and shorebirds, making it an essential destination for both casual birders and serious ornithologists alike.