Mabamba Shoebill Excursion is the most popular birding site in Uganda to observe the rare Shoebill stork, which is the most sought-after bird in Uganda. The 25 square kilometre large and extensive  wetland is located along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, near Entebbe town. The marsh stretches through a narrow and long bay that is fringed with papyrus towards the main body of Lake Victoria. Spotting and observing the rare Shoebill stork is definitely one of the highlights for every bird watcher coming to Uganda. The Mabamba Swamp offers the best chances of seeing this majestic bird. The large bird with its prehistoric look fascinates many bird lovers. These solitary birds with the massive shoebill stork can grow up to 150 cm and weigh up to 14 pounds. 

The wetland is also home to plenty of other bird species, which can be seen during this mabamba tour,either in the early morning or late afternoon. For many bird enthusiasts, the place is ideal with over 300 bird species and is labelled an Important Bird Area. Such birds include: African Pigmy Goose, Black Crake, Black Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black-crowned Waxbill, Black-headed Heron, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Wagtail, African Firefinch, African Fish Eagle, African Green Pigeon, Pink-backed Pelican among others. Mabamba also hosts flocks of Paleartic migratory birds  from the October to March of every year. All these make Mabamba perfect for a bird watching safari. 

You will also have a chance to witness a few activities like fishing, which is done by the local people, some of which stay in the nearby village of Kasanje. Statungas, which is an antelope is also common at Mabamba as well as some rare plant species like the sand boxes.

 

Activities

  1. Mabamba Swamp

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Birding

Transfer to Mabamba Swamp on the Shores of Lake Victoria & Shoebill Boat Excursion through the Wetland

  • Journey Time: 1 - 1,5 hours drive from Kampala


  • An early start is required to have the best possible changes of spotting the rare Shoebill stork as well as plenty of other bird species. Your guide will pick you at 7 am in Kampala and transfer you to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria, near Entebbe town. There you will be briefed by one of the professional birding guides, who will direct you to his boat. The excursion usually lasts for three hours although the option of a full day is also possible. The birding guides use local motorized boats. At the landing stage you will see many fisherman preparing for their daily fishing activities. 
    The swamp is a beautiful environment of papyrus plants and water lilies. You will cruise through on boats while looking out for the majestic Shoebill. The shoe bill  usually hides within the papyrus and is known for feeding on lung fish. Along the way you will spot several different kind of birds which live and hunt in the swamp. After 2 to 3 hours you will return to the starting point where you driver-guide awaits you. Transfer back to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe or continue with the day's programme.

General Tips:

  • Combine the Mabamba Swamp Excursion with an Entebbe City Tour and discover many other interesting places in and around Entebbe. Visit the Botanical Garden or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or go a relaxing sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria. 

What to bring: 

  • Sunscreen.
  • Insect repellant is advisable.
  • Cap/ Hat
  • Drinking water
  • Good camera
  • Binocular 
Mabamba Swamp Taken by Ellington Safaris
Bird watching at Mabamba Swamp Taken by Ellington Safaris
Shoebill Excursion Mabamba Swamp Taken by Ellington Safaris

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