Mabamba Shoebill Half Day Tour

The Shoebill is best sighted in the early morning; meet your guide at a preferred pick-up point and transfer to Nakiwogo Landing Site – a gateway to Mabamba Swamp.

Mabamba Swamp (A Ramzar Site; and a wetland of international importance): This is the best place to see the Shoebill Stork with other interesting birds in their hundreds.

It is home to globally endangered bird species especially the elusive Shoebill stork and the beautiful blue swallow – close to half of the world’s population of this songbird is found here. It is a sanctuary for over 260 bird species.

Mabamba can be accessed by a canoe and it is located on the North West of Entebbe Peninsular, along the northern edge of Lake Victoria. The wetland was named by the fishermen resulting from huge quantities of lungfish “Mamba” – the most sought-after and a favourite food for the shoebill.  In addition to the endangered Shoebill Stork, the other birds to expect include: Blue swallow, Pallid harrier, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp flycatcher, White-winged warbler, Viellot’s weaver, Grosbeak weaver, Black-headed weaver, Clarke’s weaver, Palm-nut vulture, Caruthers’s Cisticola, Black kite, Papyrus canary, Goliath heron and Malachite kingfisher with others.

Return to the mainland and visit the Uganda Reptile Village: A Community-Based Organisation established in 2003 to sensitize the community regarding the relative importance of reptiles in the eco system and conservation. The reptile village is home to 20 reptile species; and over 50 reptiles including Black mamba, Jameson’s mamba, Rock Pythons, Vipers, Egyptian and Forest Cobras, Puff adders, Tortoises, Monitor lizards, Crocodiles together with Chameleons are protected here. Visiting the reptile village offers an opportunity to interact with reptiles: touch or pause for pictures with the python, chameleons and tortoises, feed the crocodiles and hold their hatchlings but considering safety measures in place.

From here, make a final stopover at Entebbe Botanical Gardens: This eco-zone; situated on the shores of Lake Victoria is an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts! It is highly commendable for a nature based birding experience, biking and be sure that you will come across monkeys – remember to share a banana with them.

The gardens protect over 300 tree species which have existed for centuries, most of which are known for their medicinal value (herbs). The botanical tour is crowned with the serenity of Lake Victoria’s cool breeze and sounds of birds.   

At 02: 00PM, be dropped off at your hotel/any choice location within Entebbe.

Special Note: All transfers outside Entebbe require an extra cost. Such should be communicated in advance and a reasonable amount will be quoted.