AFROTROPICAL
Freshwater (Rivers, Lakes & Wetlands)

The wetlands of sub-saharan Africa offer exciting (and dangerous!) wildlife -from yawning hippos to bizarre shoebills...

The wetlands of Africa are extensive, and contain huge lakes such as the Sudd, Lake Victoria and the famous Okavango Delta. 

There are a small suite of plants that are hydrophilic; that is is, they live exclusively in, on, or directly around freshwater. Across Africa, the most obvious species is Papyrus.

Birds are easy to spot on the open wetlands in Africa. This habitat includes some common and widespread species, such as Egrets, but also more secretive rare species, such as African Finfoot. One of the most bizarre and sought after birds in Africa is found in the freshwater habitat - the Shoebill.

While there is a huge range of mammals across the expansive savannas and drier areas of Africa, the fresh-water ways entice a lot of these species in for a drink.

For the page on the Plants of African freshwater wetlands

For the page on Amphibians & Reptiles of African freshwater wetlands

For the page on the Birds of African freshwater wetlands

For the page on the Mammals of African freshwater wetlands

Places to see African wetlands...

The capital and biggest city in Uganda is Kampala, and this is located on the massive Lake Victoria. Not too far from the city are the Mabamba wetlands. This is one of the best places to see the bizarre and elusive Shoebill. There are some great cruises along rivers in Africa. The Kazinga Channel is in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Another one is the Victoria Nile River, Murchison Falls National Park, which climaxes with views of the falls. The Lake Mburo cruise, Uganda is one the best places to see African Finfoot. For small wetland on the edge of tropical rainforest, check out Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, near Kibale, Uganda.