Signature Safari

1 Day Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Birding

A day trip to Mabamba Swamp to search for the elusive shoebill stork starts with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala. Mabamba Wetland Swamp lies on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, approximately 25 km from Entebbe town. Depending on your starting point, the drive takes about an hour, passing through beautiful rural landscapes and charming villages along the way. This trip offers a unique opportunity to spot the rare shoebill stork in its natural habitat, surrounded by the serene beauty of the wetland.

Uganda Safaris Uganda

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About this tour

ay 1: Kampala to Mabamba Swamp

The journey to Mabamba Swamp begins early from Kampala, taking about an hour through scenic rural landscapes and charming villages. Upon arrival at the docking site, you meet your knowledgeable local guide who understands the swamp’s delicate ecosystem and knows the best places to spot the elusive shoebill storks. You embark on a traditional wooden canoe, skillfully propelled by the guide using a long pole. This quiet, close-to-nature experience allows you to glide through narrow waterways and dense papyrus reeds with minimal disturbance to the wildlife—a highlight of any Uganda safari.

Mabamba Swamp is home to over a dozen shoebills, one of the rarest and most fascinating birds in Africa, known for their prehistoric appearance and impressive hunting skills. They feed mainly on lungfish, locally called “Emamba,” which thrive abundantly in the swamp’s waters, supporting the growing shoebill population. Beyond the shoebill, Mabamba boasts over 260 bird species, including unique Lake Victoria Basin endemics like the pallid harrier, papyrus gonolek, blue swallow, and northern brown-throated weaver. Other commonly seen birds include African jacana, Caruther’s cisticola, swamp flycatcher, water thick-knee, mourning collared dove, golden-backed weaver, and pied kingfisher. Bird enthusiasts can easily spot and identify up to 100 species during their visit. After the memorable birdwatching experience, you return by road to Entebbe town, concluding your enriching one-day Mabamba Swamp shoebill birding adventure.

Cost of Safari

Pricing varies by travel dates, accommodation class, transport, and group size. Contact us for a tailored quote.

Price From: USD 250.00

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