A Mabamba Swamp Tour, Shoebill Birdwatching On Lake Victoria

A Mabamba Swamp tour is a popular birdwatching trip in Uganda, focusing on seeing the rare shoebill stork in its natural papyrus wetland habitat on the shores of Lake Victoria near Entebbe. Visitors take a motorized boat or traditional canoe through the narrow water trails of the swamp, guided by local experts to find the shoebill and other bird species. These tours are available year-round and can be booked as half-day or full-day excursions, often including other local attractions like Mpanga Forest for a more comprehensive birding experience.

1 Day Mabamba Swamp bird watching tour is a day tour excursion for birding in the Mabamba wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria (Mabamba swamp birdwatching). This is a birding safari in Uganda in search of the shoebill stork which is one of the elusive bird species in Africa.

Mabamba wetland is one of the Important Bird Areas and a Ramsar-listed wetland of Important since 2006. Mabamba wetland is an extensive marsh stretching through a long narrow bay, fringed with papyrus towards the western main body of Lake Victoria.

Mabamba bay has grown into one of the most interesting and spectacular birding areas in Uganda. This is the closest point in Uganda where any birder can spot a Shoebill stork after Murchison Falls National Park. In Africa, it is rated as one of the best spots to spot the Shoebill stork at any time of the day.  In recent years, Mabamba Swamp has become one of the strongholds for the migrant Blue Swallow with over 100 birds recorded each year. Over 260 bird species have been recorded in the boundaries of Mabamba Swamp with at least 157 bird species recorded in a day.

One-Day Mabamba Swamp Itinerary

Early Morning (6:30 AM – 7:00 AM): Departure

Start your day with an early pickup from your hotel or residence in Kampala or Entebbe. The drive to the Mabamba Bay landing site takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by road. This early start is crucial to maximize your chances of seeing the elusive shoebill.

Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Canoe Safari

Upon arrival, you will board a motorized wooden boat (and potentially transfer to a smaller, traditional canoe) accompanied by an expert local guide and boatman.

  • Navigate through the narrow, papyrus-lined channels of the swamp.
  • The primary goal is to locate the shoebill stork, which often stands motionless while hunting for fish.
  • Keep an eye out for other diverse bird species, such as the African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, and various herons and egrets.

Midday (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Extended Exploration / Optional Activities

Continue exploring different sections of the vast wetland. Your guide will offer insightful commentary on the local ecology and wildlife.

Optional: The swamp is also home to the elusive Sitatunga antelope, which you might spot.

Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the tranquil and scenic surroundings of the swamp.

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Return Journey

Head back to the landing site. You can also opt for a more scenic return journey via boat across Lake Victoria to the Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe, which offers more birdwatching opportunities.

Late Afternoon (3:00 PM onwards): Transfer Back

Your guide will transfer you back to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, concluding the tour. Some tours may include an optional stop at the Uganda Equator line on the return trip.

A Complete Full-Day Mabamba Swamp Tour Itinerary

Your 1 Day bird watching tour to Mabamba wetland starts with pick up using a safari vehicle by your Uganda tour guide. You then take the drive to Mabamba Swamp where you meet a local tour guide who will go along with you on the paddle canoe to the wetland.

Your local guide will help you identify where to spot birds and move in the swamp marsh. Some of the bird species that you should expect include the four globally threatened bird species which are the Pallied Harrier, White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, and the Blue Swallow. Other bird species include the popular shoebill stork that feeds primarily on lungfish mostly spotted in pairs. Other bird species include the Gull-billed Terns, Whiskered Terns, White-winged Black Terns which are migrants, and the Grey-headed Gulls that are residents.  The Malachite Kingfisher, Spur-winged and papyrus Geese, Goliath Herons, Papyrus Canary, Carruther’s Cisticola, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, and many more bird species can be spotted at Mabamba Swamp.  After the excursion, you have lunch then embark on a bird-watching within the areas before driving back to Kampala. Your safari guide ensures a drop-off at your place of residence.

Meal Plan: Lunch

Inclusions

  • Tour guide
  • Safari vehicle
  • Bird watching fees

Exclusions

  • Tips
  • Any other personal expenses
  • Personal purchases