The Shoebill is best sighted in the morning; be picked from your preferred pick-up point within Entebbe and transfer to Nakiwogo Landing Site –Gateway to Mabamba Swamp (Ramsar Site); which is one of thebest places to spot the Shoebill Stork and other birds in their hundreds. Mabamba is home to most endangered bird species especially the Shoebill stork as well as the Blue Swallow – close to half of the world’s population of this songbird is found here: It is home to over 260 bird species.
Mabamba is situated within Lake Victoria off Entebbe mainland – 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. This activity takes between two to three hours.
From Mabamba Swamp, visit Uganda Reptile Village (Snake Park) – The snake park 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.
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, be dropped-off at the hotel or any other preferred point within Entebbe. Note: All transfers outside Entebbe will be offered at an extra cost.
Special Note: All transfers outside Entebbe require an extra cost. Such should be communicated in advance and a reasonable amount will be quoted.
