Mabamba Shoebill Tour – Half Day
Overview
This one-day Entebbe eco-adventure immerses you in Uganda’s wildlife and natural beauty, beginning with an early morning canoe trip through Mabamba Wetland to spot the rare Shoebill Stork, Blue Swallow, and a variety of vibrant bird species. Continue to the Uganda Reptile Village for close encounters with snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, and chameleons, with opportunities to handle some of these fascinating creatures while supporting conservation efforts. Conclude the day at the serene Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Uganda’s oldest agricultural research site, where you can explore over 500 plant species, observe playful monkeys, and enjoy a tranquil lakeside setting with the gentle breeze from Lake Victoria.
Pick-up Time: 08:30AM
Drop-off Time: 01:30PM
Highlights
- Mabamba shoebill sighting
- Motorized Canoe Experience
- Lake Victoria at sunrise
- Visit the Reptile Village
- Entebbe Botanical Gardens
- Taste a local dish
The Shoebill is best sighted in the early morning. You will be picked up from your preferred location within Entebbe and transferred to Nakiwogo Landing Site—the gateway to Mabamba Swamp, a designated Ramsar Site and one of the finest birding hotspots in Uganda. Mabamba is renowned for hosting the rare and endangered Shoebill Stork, along with the Blue Swallow—nearly half of the world’s population of this songbird resides here.
Enjoy a scenic motorized canoe ride northwest of the Entebbe Peninsula to reach this remarkable Ramsar site. Its name “Mabamba”, was coined by local fishermen after the abundant lungfish (Mamba) once caught here—also the Shoebill’s favourite delicacy. Beyond the elusive Shoebill, the wetland teems with birdlife, including Pallid Harriers, Papyrus Gonoleks, Swamp Flycatchers, Pygmy Geese, Lesser Jacanas, Grosbeak Weavers, Palm-nut Vultures, Papyrus Canaries, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Gull-billed Terns, Goliath Herons, and several Egret species. Your birding adventure lasts between two & three hours.
Located just 3 km off the Kampala–Entebbe Road. Established in 2002, aimed at promoting awareness about the relative importance of reptiles in the ecosystem; the site showcases snakes like Black and Jameson’s Mambas, Rock Pythons, Vipers, Egyptian and Forest Cobras, and Puff Adders, along with chameleons, tortoises, crocodiles, and monitor lizards. Visitors can optionally handle a Rock Python or tortoise, with all proceeds supporting community development and conservation.
Uganda’s first and oldest agricultural research site (est. 1898), spanning 40.7 hectares along 1.5 km of Lake Victoria shoreline. The gardens protect over 500 plant species, including indigenous and exotic fruits, medicinal plants, spices, ornamentals, timber, and wild crop relatives. Spot Red-tailed, Vervet, and Colobus monkeys moving freely among the trees, and support conservation efforts by adopting or planting a tree.
With its serene atmosphere and the gentle breeze from Lake Victoria, the gardens provide a perfect climax to your Entebbe Eco Tour after a day of diverse explorations.
Thereafter, be dropped-off at the hotel or any other location within Entebbe.
Special Note: All transfers outside Entebbe will be offered at an additional cost.
Inclusions
- Return Boat transfer (Entebbe – Mabamba)
- An English-speaking guide
- Private transport in a 4WD Minibus
- Fuel Cost for the entire trip
- Birding guide on site
- Entrance fees per site visited
- Mineral water is provided per person
Exclusions
- Optional activities and services not mentioned above.
Additional notes:
- Pickup and drop-off outside Entebbe will be offered at an additional fee.
- Cash payments: US Dollar notes printed before 2017 will not be accepted.
- All notes must be clean and free of stamps, ink, markings, or dirt.
- Clients should specify their pickup point at the time of booking.
- The trip excludes optional activities.
- UWEC behind the scenes experience is an optional activity.
Pricing
| No. of Pax | Price P/Person – USD |
| Solo traveller | 340 pp. |
| 02 | 218 pp. |
| 03 | 165 pp. |
| 04 | 142 pp. |
| 05 | 134 pp. |
| 06 | 127 pp. |