Nyamuriro Swamp is one of the outstanding and biodiverse rich Important Bird Areas in Uganda, found within the stunning Ruhuhuma swamp in Kageyo Valley. This Valley is drained by a River from Lake Bunyonyi and is comprised of a large natural swamp characterized by Papyrus cyperus and in other areas herbaceous plants. This swamp covers an area of 51 square kilometers (5100 hectares) and boasts of extraordinary bird species that are typical of papyrus swamps.
The drainage from Nyamuriro Swamp links to Lakes Murehe and Mutanda within the district of Kisoro. Little is said or known about this Swamp but it is interesting to discover that it is a remnant of the vast papyrus swamp system that once extended over the entire area of Ruhuhuma Valley although it was tremendously drained in the 1970s for cattle rearing, dairy farming and vegetable growing.
For more than four decades, a local Kagunga Cooperative has been growing different crops-cabbages, tomatoes, Irish potatoes and onions within the swamp. The stunning hill to the south of the swamp is currently managed and operated by Boodle Mining Company for different mining activities. The most popular was open-cast mining of wolfram until late 1970s when commercial mining was stopped. However, smallholder and restricted mining is still conducted by some members of the nearby community.
Boodle Mining Company set up a road across this swamp although it was later destroyed by heavy rains and what now remains of the road is the prominent swamp, only crossed with small canoes.
Bird species in Nyamuriro Swamp.
Nyamuriro Swamp is home to globally threatened bird species that include Papyrus yellow warblers (common in undisturbed papyrus swamps), grey-crowned cranes, lesser swamp warblers, Carruther’s Cisticola, Blue-headed Coucal, Greater swamp warblers and many others. This swamp is still the best place for papyrus specialists with unique species being the Malachite and pied kingfishers, Thick-billed warblers, Marabou storks, black kites, white-winged terns, African marsh harrier, lesser jacana, African fish eagles, African open-billed storks, black-headed herons, white-winged swamp warblers and papyrus canary among others.
Besides bird species, the swamp of Nyamuriro is also a renowned shelter to several mammal species that include the swamp-dwelling sitatunga, the Cameroon clawless otters and giant forest hogs among others. Other swamps in Uganda that are also Important Bird Areas include Mabamba swamp, Nabugabo, Lutembe Bay and Sango Bay area.
Best time for birding in Nyamuriro swamp.
Birding in Nyamuriro Swamp is conducted from January to December but wonderful memories are attained between the months of October and March when numerous migrant bird species arrive the country.
These months also fall under the rainy season when avifauna breeding is also at its peak, thus many species are guaranteed.
Packing list for your Nyamuriro Swamp Birding tour.
Your Birding tour in Nyamuriro swamp can be complete with the necessary equipment such as insect repellant to keep you protected from insects like mosquitoes, Bird Field guide for different Ugandan bird species, Notebook and pen, waterproof field bag, enough drinking water, a brimmed hat to protect your head from the scotching sunshine, pair of binoculars, a good camera with enough memory space as well as appropriate clothing and footwear-hiking boots.
Places to stay during birding tours in Nyamuriro Swamp.
The accommodation facilities near Nyamuriro Swamp are found as far as the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda and the Town of Kisoro. Visitors can therefore stay at Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Heritage Lodge Habuharo, Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort, Mutanda Lake Resort, Arcadia Cottages, Bushara Island Camp, Travellers Rest Hotel and Kansiime Backpackers among others.
