Mabamba Bay

Mabamba Bay
Mabamba Bay
Coordinates	0°5′N32°20′E / 0.083°N 32.333°E / 0.083; 32.333
Basin  countries	Uganda
Surface area	16,500 hectares (64 sq mi)
Surface elevation	1,130 metres (3,710 ft)
Ramsar Wetland
Official name	Mabamba Bay Wetland System
Designated	15 September 2006
Reference no.	1638 [1]

Mabamba Bay is a wetland on the edge of Lake Victoria, northwest of the Entebbe peninsula in a village called Kasanje. ^{[2] [3]} It covers an area of 2424 ha and is a home to over 300 bird species. ^[4] Mabamba Swamp is famous for lungfish which is known as mamba in native language(Luganda). ^[5]

Conservation

Mabamba is one of Uganda's 33 Important Bird Areas and since 2006 a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance. ^[6] Key protected bird species in Mabamba are the shoebill, the blue swallow and the papyrus gonolek. ^[7]

Biodiversity

In addition to over 300 bird species, Mabamba Bay provides habitat for fish such as tilapia and lungfish, reptiles like monitor lizards, and small mammals. Its ecosystem services also include water purification and flood control for surrounding communities.

While the shoebill is the star attraction, Mabamba’s true magic lies in its astonishing diversity. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded here, including African pygmy geese, papyrus gonoleks, malachite kingfishers, blue-breasted bee-eaters, and swamp flycatchers.

Awards

Mabamba swamp was internationally recognized by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands the status of a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ since it contains globally threatened species in 2006. ^[8]

• 
  Uganda's Iconic Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Wetland
• 
  Wetlands after heavy rain
• 
  View of Mabamba bay from nearby hill

References

https://www.africawildlifesafaris.net/destinations/uganda/mabamba-swamp/ Mabamba Swamp, A Hidden Gem on the Shores of Lake Victoria

1. "Mabamba Bay Wetland System". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
2. admin (2022-01-05). "Mabamba Swamp and Wetland - Birdwatching and Shoebill Tours". Silverback Gorilla Tours. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
3. "Mabamba Swamp | Brilliant Uganda | Brilliant Uganda". www.brilliant-uganda.com. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
4. "Mabamba swamp in Uganda – wetland birding, shoebill, birds". www.eastafricantrails.com. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
5. "Mabamba swamp in Uganda – wetland birding, shoebill, birds". www.eastafricantrails.com. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
6. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. "The Annotated Ramsar List: Uganda". Archived from the original on 7 January 2013. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
7. Byaruhanga, Achilles; Kasoma, Pantaleon; Pomeroy, Derek. "Uganda" (PDF). Country Profiles. BirdLife International . Retrieved 16 August 2013.
8. admin (2022-01-05). "Mabamba Swamp and Wetland - Birdwatching and Shoebill Tours". Silverback Gorilla Tours. Retrieved 2024-06-22.