Activities to do in Mabamba Wetland
Activities to do in Mabamba Wetland: It’s situated on the outskirts of Lake Victoria, is a remarkable tourist destination renowned for its unique activities, primarily birdwatching for the iconic shoebill, as well as several other attractions due to its rich biodiversity and diverse habitats, which provide homes to numerous wildlife species.
There is much more to Mabamba Wetland than birdwatching. The wetland offers other adventure tours such as butterfly, nature walks, cycling, canoeing, fishing, and packrafting tours, among others. Mabamba wetland is a protected Ramsar Site of global importance. The local community organizes boat trips with experienced and competent guides for birding, canoeing, butterfly, and fishing tours.
The guided tours are popular for birders, researchers, and nature lovers, offering a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of this magical wetland.
Additionally, the local community has worked tirelessly for several years to protect and preserve this wetland through sensitization of the masses about its ecological and economic importance. The community provides boats that travel to Busi Island and guided boat tours for visitors to see the incredible Shoebill Stork. The local community also came up with an initiative of supplying life jackets to travelers and child life jackets on request.
Activities to do in Mabamba Wetland
Birdwatching
Mabamba Wetland is one of Uganda’s leading birding destinations, famous for the elusive shoebill species. Mabamba Wetland guarantees about a 95% chance of seeing this shoe-shaped-billed feathered species, and this has attracted quite a number of people, especially avid birders from different parts of the world, to come and have a glimpse at this iconic bird.
Other bird species to see include the African pygmy goose, snow-headed robin-chat, papyrus gonolek, pied hornbill, western-banded snake eagle, western nicator, and whistling cisticola, among others.
Nkima Forest Nature Walks
There are several nature walks available from Nkima Forest, including short and long options. A perimeter walk goes through the forest and visits an important old fig tree for the Mamba clan, part of Uganda’s largest ethnic group, the Baganda. A short hill walk of Nansubuga Hill offers great views of Mabamba Wetland, Bussi Island, and Entebbe. Longer walks to Mabamba village and along the wetlands are also possible. Guided walks can be arranged mainly for Nkima Lodge residents upon request.
Butterfly Watching
Mabamba Swamp is home to several plants and insects, such as butterfly species. These butterflies are regularly seen during birding excursions. As you search out for the elusive shoebill and several other birds, get an opportunity to look out for butterflies as well. Butterfly species to see in Mabamba Wetland include the Emperor Swallow Butterfly, Brush-footed Butterfly, Green-banded Swallowtail, Gossamer-winged Butterfly, Skippers, American Moth, Acrea cansaquine, Papilio ophidicephalo, Pieridae, Bicyclus sebetus, abisaraneavei, Hairstreaks, and Charaxes, among others.
Fishing
Being a swamp, this Mabamba Bay is composed of papyrus, reeds, and muddy waters; however, as you extend further, it connects to the clear fresh waters of Lake Victoria, which supports fishing activities such as spot fishing for species like lungfish, tilapia fish, mudfish, Nile perch, and many others. However, tilapia and Nile perch are the most favorite and delicious species, with a high demand on both the Ugandan market and globally.
Canoeing
Though canoes are normally used during birdwatching and fishing activities around the swamp, adventure seekers and nature lovers do hire canoes to explore the natural beauty of the swamp. Using canoes, fishermen drive you deeper into the Mabamba Wetland up to the main Lake Victoria. During your trip, as you glide along the wetland, on a lucky day, expect to meet several fishermen laying their nets and lots of village dwellers sailing to the neighboring communities of the Entebbe environs.
Community Visits
Mabamba swamp is surrounded by various communities where travelers can participate in village walks and community interactions about their lifestyle and sustainability. Additionally, you may buy some souvenirs to honor your visit to Mabamba from the local communities, like bags, mats, bungles, scarves, baskets, sandals, huts, and stools, among others.
How to access the Wetland?
To access Mabamba Wetland, you can arrive by boat from Entebbe-Nakiwogo Landing Site or by using a speedboat. Upon arrival at the wetland, board a canoe to start exploring the swamp’s natural beauty, where it will introduce you to several wildlife species, such as bird species like shoebills, plant species, and butterflies, among others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a tour in Mabamba Wetland is worth it if compared to the activities and the experience you can derive from your safari. Unlike the famous birding experience, visitors can combine it with other activities such as canoeing, fishing, butterfly watching, nature walks, and community encounters as part of the visitor complement.
