Lutembe Bay Wetland | Uganda birding

Lutembe bay wetland | Uganda birding : is a Ramsar site and Important Bird Area (IBA) on Lake Victoria located about 4 km off the Kampala–Entebbe highway from Namulanda. The Bay is generally one of Uganda’s 33 Important Bird Areas and since 2006 a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance. In addition, this bay is notable for its population of as many as 1.5m white-winged tern. This bay being a wetland on Lake Victoria is home to lots of water and wetland associated birds. However, the site extends beyond the papyrus filled lake shore to cover more wooded grasslands, thickets and gardens. As a matter of fact, these contribute to a high diversity and volume of birds in Lutembe area with over 200 species of birds. Additionally, the wetland is home to 8 of the 12 Lake Victoria biome species in Uganda.

Birds spotted at the bay

Bird species include; Tawny Pipit, Madagascar squacco heron, Purple starling, House sparrow, Brown twin spot. Fawn-breasted waxbill, Black-necked weaver, Holub’s golden weaver, Speckle-breasted Woodpecker. Africa-pygmy kingfisher, Scaly francolin, Black kite, Grey-backed fiscal, Black-headed gonolek. Black-crowned waxbill, Barn swallow, Helmeted guinea fowl, Wire-tailed swallow. Brimstone and the Yellow-fronted canaries, Little ringed plover, Collared pratincole, Splendid sterling.

Pin-tailed whydah, Yellow-browed camaroptera, Common waxbill, Marico sunbird, Tree pipit, Grosbeak weaver. Blue-breasted bee-eater, Cape wagtail, Africa wattled lapwing, Senegal lapwing, Yellow-throated longclaw. White-headed saw-wing, Broad-billed roller, White-browed and the Brown-backed scrub-robins. Whiskered tern, Lead-coloured flycatcher, African green pigeon, Sooty chat, Plain-backed pipit, Tropical Boubou, etc. 

Attractions at Lutembe bay
Bird watching

The bay just like a number of other bays, does support quite a big population of about 200 different bird species and 26 of these are migrants. This group of birds includes the endangered species like the Holub’s golden weaver, the African pygmy kingfisher, etc. Other birds include; the road-billed Roller, the Brown-backed Scrub-robins. Whiskered tern, Lead-coloured flycatcher, the tropical Boubou, African green pigeon, Sooty chat, etc. In fact, the existence of these birds makes it a great birding spot in the country.

The migratory species come from as far as Liberia and cross over into East Africa landing at the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe. There are also those that migrate from countries like Russia, the Scandinavian countries and also from the Main land of Europe. Once they land, they usually stay for about 6-9 months after which they fly back to wherever they came from to breed. Most of these birds usually start arriving in the bay around September or October and then depart in the middle of February or March. They always fly back when the weather is favorable for them to breed and the cycle repeats itself the following year.

Butterflies

The wetland is also a home to a great number of butterfly species and it is recorded that over 100 butterfly species exists. These include; the 3 rare species that are not recorded in any other IBA of Uganda. These species include; Acraea Pharsalus, Belenois solilucis and Cacyreus virilis. Thus, these makes it a perfect safari destination for Butterfly lovers in Uganda.

Bulago Island in Uganda

Bulago Island in Uganda : is one of the several scenic islands on Lake Victoria, located east of Entebbe International Airport. The word Bulago is a ‘Luganda’ word to mean neck because of their neck-like formation. It is generally the first island in Lake Victoria to be developed exclusively for leisure use. The Island has been equated to approximately 500 acres of paradise away from the hustle and bustle of city life. As a matter of fact, it has the best location among all the islands on Lake Victoria.

In fact, the eastern shores are covered with grasslands and the Island is all about enjoyment and relaxation. It also offers brilliant lake side views, sunbath and perfect for water sports like jogging around the island. Besides, you can also enjoy horse-riding and hiking trails are also an excellent base for bird-watching. The island is comprised of beautiful soft white sand and several resorts but one that stands out is the Pineapple Bay resort. In fact, it is the most beautiful resort on this Island, making it a perfect vacation spot for weekend gateways.

Activities
  • Sailing on the lake is great fun, and a laser is available free of charge for the use of club members. A small sailboat or a windsurfer is highly recommended for owners and can easily be launched from the beach.
  • Waterskiing and tubing is also available through the lodge or an owner could invest in a speedboat.
  • One of the great pleasures of Bulago is the sheer range and diversity of walks available. With two dominating hills on the island, the views can be magnificent. 
  • Bird watching is another great past-time on Bulago and the range of birds is dazzling since it  is home to over 300 bird species.
  • Horses thrive on the island and there are currently two Somali ponies used for riding. In fact, you can hire one at an affordable fee.
  • Ngamba Island locally known as a the Chimp Island, a home to over 30 orphaned chimpanzees. It is just 4 miles south of Bulago Island and therefore you are able to cross by and do the chimpanzee tracking.
Getting there
By Boat

Entebbe is located on the lake and therefore there are three locations for boarding a boat to Bulago. These include; Entebbe Sailing Club, the Botanical Beach Hotel and Entebbe Pier and each of these locations is less than ten minutes from the airport. Since Entebbe is located 10 miles from Bulago Island, it is possible to hire a local canoe. However, it is not recommended as these native boats are not compliant with safety regulations. Is takes about 30 minutes by speedboat from Entebbe to Bulago while from Kampala it takes forty minutes using a private boat. These can be boarded from Speke Resort and Country Club Marina located in the lakeside suburb of Munyonyo.

Accommodation at Bulago Island
Pineapple Bay

This is a luxurious accommodation located in Bulago Island on Lake Victoria. This lodge spreads amidst the mighty waters of Lake Victoria with rocky out crops on the shoreline along with low cliffs. Accommodation here is presented in 6 expanse cottages overlooking the lake and all the rooms consist of large verandah with views of the lake. They also have a sitting area, large showers and bath tabs overlooking the lake. Note that, the 4 cottages can take up to 4 people in beds.

One minute south villa

This is a seven room villa and this serene place is a complete home in the tropical waters marked by a range of wood work sculptures that give you company in this part of the world.