Detailed Itinerary

What to expect –  1 Day Mabamba swamp bird watching Shoebill Experience

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 the Mabamba Bay landing site. Located at least 57 km 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 engines and then after traditional peddle canoeing in search of mainly the Shoebill which usually hides in the mash to look for fish.

Getting on a motorized canoe in search of this pre-historic bird is a great experience. Recent sightings indicate that 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 brilliantly large eyes are usually noticed first. Shoebills like this bay because there are plenty of fish and the area has an extensive marsh which local people have been passionate about protecting. Listen to Amazing stories including laying 2 eggs and have been known to hatch 2 chicks. Unfortunately, she will let one (the weaker one) die leaving the other who appears healthy and strong. Mabamba Bay is the only place in Uganda with a 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.

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. 

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