Start off with Mabamba Wetland – Lake Victoria
Mabamba wetland is a renowned Ramsar Site: Home to endangered bird species such as the Shoebill Stork and Blue Swallow – It is also home to over 260 bird species. Enjoy a motorized canoe trip on Lake Victoria, North West of the Entebbe Peninsular to approach Mabamba Wetland. The site was named so by fishermen due to a significant quantities of large lungfish “Mamba” caught in this area; as well as the shoebill’s favourite food. The other important birds to expect at Mabamba include; Pallid harrier, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp flycatcher, Pigmy goose, Lesser jacana, Grosbeak weaver, Palm-nut vulture, Papyrus canary, Malachite and pied kingfisher, Gull-billed terns, Goliath heron and Egrets.
From the Shoebill visit Uganda Reptile Village (Snake Park) – Uganda Reptile Village is situated 3KM off the Kampala–Entebbe main road. It is a Community Based Organization, established in 2002 by a reptile specialist –Yasin Kazibwe, aimed at sensitizing the locals about the importance of reptiles and conservation. Some of the snakes protected here include Black Mamba, Jameson’s Mamba, Rock Pythons, Vipers, both Egyptian and Forest Cobras as well as Puff Adders; with other reptiles such as; chameleon, tortoises, crocodiles and monitor lizards. While at the reptile village, you will be offered an opportunity to lift an African Rock Python or a tortoise if you feel interested. Proceeds from your visit are channelled to community development initiatives.
Continue to Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre – This conservation site was established in 1952, aimed at rescuing and rehabilitating injured/orphaned wildlife. The place protects over 400 indigenous wild animals, 500 plant species as well as over 250 bird species. Enjoy a close experience of the chimpanzees in company of an expert keeper, you will as well get close to the lions and see the tigers plus numerous grazers including the famous elephant “Charles” which was just a calf at the time it was brought in. The other animals include; zebras, antelopes, chimpanzees and monkeys, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, warthogs, lions with birds like the African fish eagle and more.
Spice up your visit with an optional behind the scenes experience at 70$ pp – This is a beyond-tourism-experience which offers an up-close interaction with wildlife; you will be enrolled as a caretaker of the day and execute duties just like the staff. Get to feed the giraffes, chimps and other animals from within their enclosure.
This is followed by a local lunch and refreshment at a restaurant.
After lunch visit Kigungu Historical Site – The site is located on the shores of Lake Victoria; the Uganda Catholic Religion all started here. The first Catholic missionaries (Br. Amans and Fr. Lourdel Maple) first docked here as early as 17th Feb, 1879. Common sights incl.; Fishing Village, Entebbe Airport Runway and some birds around the lake shore.
End your day tour at Entebbe Botanical Gardens –Entebbe Botanical Gardens (Est. 1898) is Uganda’s first and oldest agricultural research site; this occupies 40.7 hectares and covers 1.5KM of the Lake Victoria shoreline. The botanical gardens currently protect over 500 plant species, both exotic and indigenous; categorized into indigenous and exotic fruits, medicinal, beverage, spices, ornamentals, timber, oils and important wild crop relatives, several of these threatened in the wild and agro-ecosystems. What to expect whilst at the botanical gardens; the Red Tailed, Vervet and Colobus Monkeys soaring in the tree branches, going about their daily duties unbothered by your presence. You may contribute to ongoing conservation programs by adopting/planting a tree!
A visit here is perfect as a climax for your Entebbe Eco Tour, due to the serenity of the gardens and Lake Victoria’s cool breeze – Following the day’s multiple site visits.
Thereafter, you will be dropped-off at the hotel or any other preferred point within Entebbe.
