1 Day Birding Safari in Mabamba Bay Swamp

The 1 Day Birding Safari in Mabamba Bay Swamp offers one of the best birdwatching experiences in Uganda. Located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Bay Wetland is internationally recognized as an Important Bird Area and is famous for being one of the most reliable places in Africa to spot the rare and prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork.

This day trip takes you through papyrus channels by traditional canoe while searching for a variety of wetland bird species. The safari is ideal for birdwatchers, photographers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a short excursion from Entebbe or Kampala.

Day 1: Transfer to Mabamba Bay Swamp, Canoe Birding Safari and Return

Your guide will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala and transfer you to Mabamba Bay Wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Upon arrival, you will meet your local birding guide and board a traditional motorized canoe. The birding excursion takes you through narrow papyrus channels and open wetland areas where many bird species can be observed.

The main target species is the famous Shoebill Stork, one of Africa’s most sought-after birds. Early morning offers the best opportunity to find the Shoebill hunting lungfish in the swamp. Your guide will also help identify the many other species that inhabit the wetland.

Other birds commonly recorded in Mabamba include African Jacana, Purple Heron, Goliath Heron, Squacco Heron, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, African Fish Eagle, Long-toed Lapwing, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Duck, African Openbill, Great Cormorant, and numerous egrets and weavers.

After the canoe excursion, enjoy lunch before beginning the return journey to Entebbe or Kampala.

Accommodation: No Overnight Accommodation

Meal Plan: Lunch

Birds Commonly Seen in Mabamba Bay

• Shoebill Stork
• African Jacana
• Purple Heron
• Goliath Heron
• Squacco Heron
• Grey Heron
• Papyrus Gonolek
• Malachite Kingfisher
• Pied Kingfisher
• African Fish Eagle
• Long-toed Lapwing
• Blue-breasted Bee-eater
• African Openbill
• Yellow-billed Duck
• Swamp Flycatcher
• Great Cormorant
• Black Crake
• Little Egret
• Intermediate Egret
• Great Egret

Optional Activities

• Entebbe Botanical Gardens Birding
• Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Visit
• Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Victoria
• Fishing Experience on Lake Victoria
• Entebbe City Tour
• Photography Excursion
• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visit
• Reptile Village Visit