Mabamba Swamp

Mabamba Shoebill Excursion is the most popular birding site in Uganda to observe the rare Shoebill stork, which is the most sought-after bird in Uganda. The 25 square kilometre large and extensive  wetland is located along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, near Entebbe town. The marsh stretches through a narrow and long bay that is fringed with papyrus towards the main body of Lake Victoria. Spotting and observing the rare Shoebill stork is definitely one of the highlights for every bird watcher coming to Uganda. The Mabamba Swamp offers the best chances of seeing this majestic bird. The large bird with its prehistoric look fascinates many bird lovers. These solitary birds with the massive shoebill stork can grow up to 150 cm and weigh up to 14 pounds. 

The wetland is also home to plenty of other bird species, which can be seen during this mabamba tour,either in the early morning or late afternoon. For many bird enthusiasts, the place is ideal with over 300 bird species and is labelled an Important Bird Area. Such birds include: African Pigmy Goose, Black Crake, Black Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black-crowned Waxbill, Black-headed Heron, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Wagtail, African Firefinch, African Fish Eagle, African Green Pigeon, Pink-backed Pelican among others. Mabamba also hosts flocks of Paleartic migratory birds  from the October to March of every year. All these make Mabamba perfect for a bird watching safari. 

You will also have a chance to witness a few activities like fishing, which is done by the local people, some of which stay in the nearby village of Kasanje. Statungas, which is an antelope is also common at Mabamba as well as some rare plant species like the sand boxes.