1 Day Mabamba swamp bird watching Shoebill Experience and Equator

1 Day | Mabamba Swamp

1 Day Mabamba swamp bird watching Experience Shoebills, Africa’s endemic bird species that live only in marshy places. Uganda’s most sought-after bird. Like all birds, shoebills are a descendant of dinosaurs. Their beaks are massive shaped like shoes. On your 1 Day Mabamba swamp bird watching tour 

At 2424hectares, Mabamba swamp bird watching tour is one of the few remaining on Lake Victoria. This being a recognized International Ramser site, a local community association was formed which is tasked to preserve it for future generations. Mabamba swamp is characterized by small channels of marsh-filled water and lagoons and is a habitat to the shoe-bill 

 The shoebill’s feet and claws look very similar to many dinosaur fossils, including two that it is believed these birds came from. Finish your day with a trip to equator. A chance to taste some local food for lunch

TIP: We can customize any tour and can start any date.

What to expect –  1 Day Mabamba swamp bird watching Shoebill Experience and Equator: Itinerary 

7 am; meet your private guide at your hotel. Transfer by private car to Mabamba bay on Lake Victoria. 

Pass by townships and local suburbs on mixed surfaced and fairly maintained dirty roads, arriving at Mabamba bay landing site. Located at least 57kms from Kampala city. It takes 1.5 hours from Kampala City and /or an hour’s drive from Entebbe city to Mabamba bay – a massive papyrus swamp.

Canoe ride: You will board wooden boats with engine and there after traditional peddle canoeing in search of mainly the Shoebill which usually hides in the mash to looking for fish.

Getting on a motorized canoe in search for this pre-historic bird is a great experience. Recent sightings indicate Mabamba boasts of 9-15 shoebills and is a must-visit place for birders who come to Uganda. 

Local guides continue scanning around the mash for this amazing bird to behold and certainly one of the world’s most iconic. The bird’s massive beak and brilliant large eyes are usually noticed first. Shoebills like this bay because there is plenty of fish and the area has an extensive marsh which local people have been passionate to protect. Listen to Amazing stories including laying 2 eggs and has been known to hatch 2 chicks. Unfortunately, she will let one (the weaker one) to die leaving the other which appears healthy and strong. Mabamba Bay is the only place in Uganda with high chances of spotting the shoebill. Duration:   3 hours 

Re-discover common beautiful birds:

Right by the shores is a tree with a massive amount of nesting village weaver birds. On a canoe tour, look out for Harmer kop, papyrus gonolek calling, yellow billed ducks, Spur winged goose, purple and Squacco Herons, Palm-nut vultures, purple swampen, African Jacana, African Marsh – Harrier, Intermediate Egret, Wood Sandpiper, Malakite Kingfisher, Long-toed Lapwing, African Black Crake, Gargany, and White-faced Whistling Duck.

Finish your day with a trip to equator. Experience being north and south hemisphere at ago. A chance to taste some local food for lunch. After transfer back to your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe.

Pickup point 

Traveler pickup is offered – We will pick you up from any hotel or apartment in Kampala/Entebbe. Please include the address of your accommodation when booking. 

Pick-up time will be 7 am. We will send a message 24 hours prior departure by email or text to inform you on the specific pick-up time at your hotel as well as the name of your guide and the telephone number.