Cost of Birding in Mabamba Wetland
Cost of Birding in Mabamba Wetland: Mabamba Wetland is one of Africa’s leading birding destinations, famous for the shoebill stork, one of the birdwatchers’ checklist bird species. It is located west of Entebbe along the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. Upon arrival at the wetland, you will take a few minutes of sailing using a traditional canoe through the papyrus reeds, which open up into a flat grassy wetland where you will spot a number of shoebill species daily. This wetland will also offer you a chance to see other unique bird species, among others.
Mabamba Swamp is located near Lake Victoria, and it is home to many shoebill species. Unlike Uganda, these birds can also be found in Zambia, Rwanda, and South Sudan. The drive from Entebbe to Mabamba takes about one hour, but to avoid traffic on a 1-day birding trip, it’s best for guests to leave early in the morning.
You can reach Mabamba Swamp by boat from the Entebbe Nakiwogo landing site using a ferry or speedboat. Once there, take a canoe to search for the rare shoebill among the papyrus plants. A site guide will help you find different bird species. The best time to see the shoebill stork is in the morning.
Unlike the Shoebill Stork, this birding powerhouse hosts several resident and migratory bird species from Europe and North Africa, such as the Grey-rumped Swallow, Spur-winged Goose, African Jacana, Swamp Flycatcher, African Fish Eagle, Weyns’s Weaver, Crowned Hornbill, Great Cormorant, Grosbeak Weaver, Malachite Kingfisher, Long-tailed Cormorant, Yellow-billed Duck, Little Stint, Glossy Ibis, and Common Squacco Heron. Black-winged Stilt, Sooty Chat, White-winged Tern, Madagascar Bee-eater, Red-billed Fire Finch, Hamerkop, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Grey-headed Gull, Angola Swallow, Spur-winged Lapwing, Olive-bellied Sunbird, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, African Pied, and Knob-billed Duck, among others.
What is the cost of birding in Mabamba Wetland
The cost of birding varies based on the group size and the number of days. A 1-day birding trip in Mabamba Wetland depends on the number of travelers. For one person, the cost is $220. It decreases for groups: $138 each for two, $110 for three, $102 for four, $93 for five, and $86 for six people.
The birding price in Mabamba wetlands includes ground transport, bottled water, birding fees, an English-speaking bird guide, lunch, and other planned activities, but excludes tips for porters and guides and insurance. For a great birding experience, guests should bring binoculars, a camera, light clothes, insect repellent, a raincoat, and a life jacket. It is also important to book tours in advance for proper preparation.
Things to do in Mabamba Swamp
Canoeing
Although canoes are used for fishing and birding in the wetlands. Adventure tourists rent canoes to explore the vast swamp. On the other hand, fishermen guide visitors deeper into Mabamba Bay up to the main waters of the stunning Lake Victoria, where they can enjoy and have an immersive adventure of natural beauty, and also see fishermen and villagers sailing to Entebbe.
Besides birdwatching in Mabamba Wetland, travelers should know that the wetlands offer other tourist activities such as fishing, butterfly watching, canoeing, and community visits, among others.
Fishing
Mabamba Bay has muddy waters, papyrus, and reeds, but connects to Lake Victoria’s clear waters, making it a good spot for fishing. You can catch tilapia, lungfish, Nile perch, and mudfish. Tilapia and Nile perch are popular and tasty.
Community visits and visiting craft shops
Mabamba wetland is surrounded by various communities around, where visitors can engage in community and village walks, enhancing interactions amongst community members. Additionally, you may purchase souvenirs and several crafts, such as baskets, mats, bags, and others, from the locals as a way of supporting their community and also to commemorate your unforgettable visit to Mabamba Wetland.
Butterfly Watching
Mabamba Wetland is home to various butterfly species. While watching for the shoebill and other birds, you can also look for butterflies. Some butterfly species found in Mabamba Wetland include Emperor Swallowtail Butterflies, Skippers, the American moth, Gossamer-winged Butterflies, Swallowtails, and Charaxes Butterflies, among others.
Conclusion
The cost of a Mabamba birdwatching trip is justified by the wonderful adventure and experience it offers. Visitors can enjoy the birding tour and then enhance their day by visiting Entebbe beaches to swim and enjoy Africa’s conducive climate.
