1 Day Mabamba Wetland Shoebill Birding Safari

Mabamba Bay swamp-wetland is located in Entebbe, and it is known to be a prime bird-watching site close to Entebbe and Kampala.  Mabamba Wetland is the perfect place where you can spot the shoebill stork, in addition to Murchison Falls Park. Elevated at 1130metres above sea level, this wetland can be accessed by a ferry. It has recorded slightly over 260 different bird species in addition to the shoebill stork. Mabamba Wetland is strategically located on the Northern shore of Lake Victoria.  With its excellent weather and habitat,  the wetland has been registered as a Ramsar site and an Important Birding Area. 

Mabamba wetland is home to 4 globally threatened bird species, including the Blue swallow, the White-winged warbler, the Pallid, and the papyrus gonolek. Migrant species like the White-Winged Black Terns, Gull-Billed Terns, and Whiskered Terns frequent this Ramsar site during October to March. Some of the resident species you should expect include:  Grey-Headed Gulls, Spur-Winged and Pygmy Geese, Malachite Kingfisher,  Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Canary, Goliath Herons,  Carruthers ’ Cisticola, and so much more.

Safari Highlights

• 1-day Mabamba Wetland shoebill birding safari
• Pickup from Kampala or Entebbe
• Birding by motorised wooden boat through the marshes
• Strong chance to search for the shoebill stork
• Good wetland birding for papyrus and water species
• Optional woodland and savannah trail extension

Detailed itinerary

Day 1, Transfer to Mabamba Wetland, shoebill birding by boat, return to Kampala or Entebbe

The 1-day Mabamba Wetland birdwatching safari starts with pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, followed by a transfer to Nakiwogo landing site. From there, you will take a ferry to Kasanje landing site and then continue to Mabamba Swamp. Watch out for birds en route as you transfer to the wetland. Using a motorised wooden boat, you will move through the marshes along different trails in search of birds. Watch out for the bird species mentioned above, especially the shoebill stork. There is also an option of continuing along the woodland and savannah trail, which leads toward a sand quarry and gives you the chance to see even more birds during the excursion. Later, return to the mainland and transfer back to your hotel. This marks the end of your 1-day Mabamba birdwatching tour

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Kampala or Entebbe
• Transport to Nakiwogo landing site
• Ferry crossing to Kasanje landing site
• Motorised wooden boat for birding in Mabamba Wetland
• Birdwatching activity in the wetland
• Driver guide or birding guide
• Bottled drinking water during transfers

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa
• Personal travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
• Optional activities not listed as included
• Items of a personal nature