Mabamba Swamp’s proximity to Entebbe International Airport makes it a great starting point for visitors hoping to get to grips with Uganda’s birdlife. Typical African waterbirds range from the gorgeous purple swamphen and dainty African jacana to the outsized goliath heron and magnificent African fish eagle. Parrots, hornbills, turacos and raptors fly overhead, while colorful weavers and widowbirds nest in the reeds. Best of all, with a bit of luck, you’ll get to see the shoebill, a bizarre swamp-dweller that tops the wish list of many experienced African bird-watchers.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African fish eagle
- African jacana
- African marsh harrier
- African pygmy goose
- Black heron
- Black-and-white-casqued hornbill
- Blue-cheeked bee-eater
- Blue-headed coucal
- Blue-throated roller
- Eastern grey plantain-eater
- Goliath heron
- Great blue turaco
- Great white pelican
- Grey crowned crane
- Grosbeak weaver
- Long-toed lapwing
- Osprey
- Palm-nut vulture
- Papyrus gonolek
- Pink-backed pelican
- Purple swamphen
- Ross’s turaco
- Shining-blue kingfisher
- Shoebill
- Slender-billed weaver
Best Time for Bird Watching
Mabamba Swamp is worth visiting at any time. Birdlife is prolific year-round, and the odds of a shoebill sighting are always pretty good. That said, August to September and December to February are the most ideal months to visit. During the nesting season of June and July, shoebills tend to stay deeper in the swamp and are less frequently seen. The wettest months are March to May and October to November, which increases the possibility of your excursion into the swamp being spoilt by rain.