The Nabugabo Wetland is one of the Important Bird Areas in Uganda, including areas of Lake Nabugabo (a shallow freshwater Lake extending for about 35 square kilometers), vast swamps as well as small forested areas to the south, north and East, and this is the site where Sango Bay interconnects. This wetland system and is adjacent floodplains extend across areas of Butambala, Kalungu, Gomba, Masaka and Mpigi districts. The wetland has extraordinary flora, fauna and fertile soils, hence making it one of the most significant biodiversity-rich areas in the Lake Victoria basin.
Several small Satellite Lakes (totaling to three)-Kayugi, Birinzi and Manywa are also set within the north-western side of the Nabugabo wetland system, although they are at a slightly higher altitude.
Interesting Bird species in the Nabugabo Wetland
As earlier mentioned, Nabugabo wetland is an Important Birding Area, given its significant role in the Conservation of several globally threatened Bird species as well as the Biome-restricted birds including the Papyrus gonolek, shoebill storks, Papyrus Canary and Blue Swallow among others. This site shelters a variety of species that inhabit Open Lakes (Lake Nabugabo and the nearby Satellite Lakes), verdant wetlands, forests, Rivers, swamps and savannah grasslands with more than 250 species recorded as of 2016.
Notably, the blue swallow, an Intra-African migrant and surprisingly a globally-threatened bird usually migrates into the country from South Africa during the months of May, June, July, August and September. Lake Nabugabo and surrounding wetlands is interestingly their home when they arrive into Uganda.
The Nabugabo wetland is also a safe haven to 7 of the 12 Lake Victoria Biome bird species such as the exceptional Papyrus Canary as well as the Papyrus gonolek which are easily spotted on one of the Satellite Lakes (Lake Kayugi). A guided walk through the forested areas around Lake Nabugabo is a perfect opportunity to spot the colorful Blue kingfishers and the Green Hylia among others.
The beautiful Sandy beaches around Lake Nabugabo and the Satellite Lakes offer a safe resting place for the non-breeding Palearctic birds such as Greenshanks, Sandpipers, Stints and Stilts. Undertaking a boat ride on the calm water of Lake Nabugabo, starting from the popular Kaziru Landing Site where large colonies of cormorants, white-winged terns and many others are seen roosting on the nearby tree stumps or shrubs floating on the shores of the Lake.
Other interesting bird species in Lake Nabugabo and surrounding wetlands include the Pallied Harrier, Speckled Mousebird, Swamp flycatcher, Yellow-billed Tinkerbird, Saddle-billed storks, Ross Turaco, long-toed lapwing, Great cormorants, Crowned hornbills, Cattle Egret, Black Crakes, Great white Egret, Grey-crowned cranes, white-winged terns, black-headed herons, Long-tailed cormorant, Grey herons, Yellow-billed Ducks, Goliath herons, Pink-backed pelicans, Little stilt, Pied Kingfisher, African jacana, African fish eagles and many others.
Other interesting attractions in the Nabugabo Wetland
The Open Nabugabo Lake, Satellite Lakes and wetlands support a wide array of fauna that include wildlife such as Hippos, the swamp-dwelling Sitatunga, duikers, vervet monkeys, bats and other smaller mammals such as shrews, rodents. There are also beautiful butterfly species, reptiles especially snakes (Puff adders, African Rock pythons), Monitor Lizards, Turtles as well as Amphibians.
There are also a number of heritage sites that include Caves (Najungula, Wabisunga and Nakawoza) and culture of the people-Buganda cultural dances and delicious dishes including Luwombo.
Best Time for Birding in Nabugabo Wetland
Birding in Nabugabo Wetland takes place all year round but migrant bird species can be seen during the months of May, June, July, August to September and eventually leave to their original home beginning in late September until early October.
Where to stay during Birding in Nabugabo Wetland
Travellers interested in birding or any other tourism-related activities in Nabugabo wetland can stay within any of the budget, midrange and luxury within the nearby districts. Visitors usually book to stay at Nabugabo Sand Beach Hotel, Maria Flo, Nabugabo Holiday Center, Brovad, Terrace View Beach and Hotel, Orchids Village Hotel and many others.
