Mabamba Bay Ecotourism site is one of the Important Bird Areas (RAMSER sites) in the world. It is an extensive marsh stretching through a narrow and long bay fringed with papyrus towards the main body of Lake Victoria.
The wetland supports close to 300 bird species and is part of the wetland system which hosts approximately 38% of the global population of the Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea), as well as the globally-threatened Papyrus Yellow Warbler and other birds of global conservation concern.
Mabamba wetland is where there are over 90% chances of spotting the endangered shoebill stork. The shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex) is a large, broad bird that is endemic to the swamps and wetlands of Central and East Africa. This giant bird has a large body, huge wings, and a bill that looks like a shoe. This prehistoric-looking bird is also believed to be related to the now-extinct dinosaurs.
Adventure Consults’ guide will pick you from the airport/residence/hotel for a short drive to the pier located on the shores of Lake Victoria. You will have a detailed briefing on your day’s adventure, fill and sign safety indemnity forms then board the speed board to the swamp. The ride will take about an hour. When you get at the swamp, you will switch to a traditional motorized canoe/s.
Traditional canoes are normally used at the swamp because they can easily maneuver through papyrus swamps for a close encounter, giving the best photography opportunities.
Once you find the Gentle Shoebill stork, spend a good time for the best eyelevel photography.
While at the swamp, you have high chances of spotting the swamp flycatcher, African purple swamp hen, African water rail, Pallid Harrier, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler and the Blue Swallow Common moorhen, lesser jacana, African jacana, African pygym Goose, White-faced whistling duck, Squacco heron, Blue Breasted Bee-eater, Winding cisticola, Goliath Heron and many others.
The swamp is also known for colorful wild flowers including the water lilies of different shades. Different wetland plant species and shrubs. Listen to the bird calls, crickets and you may also have an encounter with the local fishermen using traditional fishing methods to catch fish.
You will later canoe back to the lakeside, switch boats and ride to Entebbe. You will meet Adventure Consults guide at the mainland. Get on the jeep, and with stops at places of interest including the local markets, shops and landing site, drop off at the hotel.
Adventure Consults conducts two trips to mabamba every day, with the morning schedule departing Entebbe at 0830 hours (or earlier) and afternoon departure at 1400 hours (latest). Private excursions with exclusive boats are most preferred due to convenience and flexibility.
The Mabamba birding excursion is ideal for anyone who has a free half or full day in Entebbe or Kampala. This can either be before the main safari or at the before you catch an evening flight.