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Mabamba Bay is a wetland on the edge of Lake Victoria, Uganda. Mabamba was listed as a RAMSAR site of international importance and is one of Uganda's 33 important bird areas because it protects rare bird species.

Mabamba Wetland is home to more than 300 different bird species. Among the key protected birds in Mabamba Bay is the shoebill stork, the Papyrus Gonolek, and the blue swallow among many others. 

Most visitors come to see the elusive shoebill stork and navigate the narrow water waters through lily pads and papyrus in a wooden canoe.

Activities

On your visit to Mabamba bay wetland, you can partake in any of the following activities.

  • Bird watching
  • Photography
  • Canoe rides

Popular Birds In Mabamba

Here are some of the popular birds that can be found in the Mabamba Bay wetland.

  • Shoebill
  • Swamp Flycatcher
  • African Purple Swamphen
  • African water rail
  • Pallid Harrier
  • Papyrus Gonolek
  • Common Moorhen
  • Lesser Jacana
  • White Winged Warber
  • African pygmy Goose
  • Blue Swallow
  • African Jacana
  • Squacco heron
  • White-faced whistling duck
  • Blue Breasted bee-eater
  • Goliath Heron

When To Visit

Mabamba Bay can be visited at any time of the year but the best time is during the dry season months of June to September, and December to February.

The dry months are ideal to avoid the rain and make it easier to spot the elusive shoebill as it quietly stalks its prey. 

Getting There

Mabamba Bay wetland can be easily accessed by water and road from Either Entebbe or Kampala City. The easiest way is to get a motorized boat from the Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe.

By road, the drive from either Entebbe or Kampala will take around 1.5 hours to reach a starting point where you can start your Mabamba birding experience.

Where To Stay

Given Mabamba's proximity to Entebbe and Kampala, the accommodation options are endless. Where you want a budget stay or the familiar luxury of international hotel brands, you will have it less than 2 hours away.

Mabamba Bay is perfect for a day's visit from Kampala and is perfect as an addition to a longer safari or quick detour for those visiting on business.