Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill Stork at the shores of Lake Victoria

Mabamba Swamp sanctuary for Shoebill Stork at the shores of Lake Victoria

The Mabamba wetland is a Ramsar site located in the Mabamba Bay, adjacent to Lake Victoria in Kasenje town council, Entebbe, Uganda. The Mabamba Bay is Ramsar Site and considered an “Important Bird Area” due to its ecological significance in conserving the Shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex).

The Mabambas Ramsar Site covers 2,424 hectares and is managed by the Wetlands Management Department of Uganda’sUganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment.

The Mabamba wetland is a popular tourist destination for those interested in sighting the famous shoebill stork. Other activities at the Mabamba Bay beside the Shoebill trekking include boat rides, village walks, bird watching, and cultural experiences.

Half-Day Mabamba Bay Shoebill Stork Tour

The Mabamba Wetland is one of the best and most convenient places to encounter the elusive shoebill and a prime birding site. After a few minutes in a small canoe, the papyrus reeds open up into a flat grassy wetland where several shoebills are regularly sighted. The shoebills are most relaxed in the morning when they stalk their main prey( fish or frogs) though they can be spotted all day. The shoebills may stand still for long periods awaiting the movements of their prey, and then suddenly strike with astonishing speed.

Most of Bamboo Ecotours’ wildlife safaris such as the 11-Day Western Uganda Classic Wildlife Safari via Lake Mburo include an option to trek the shoebill at Mabamba swamp as an optional activity. If you are interested in booking the Shoebill stork tour outside of an organized wildlife safari, contact us and support organizing the birding trip.