3 Day Shoebill Birding Safari in Mabamba Swamp

Discover some of Uganda’s most rewarding birdwatching locations on this 3 Day Shoebill Birding Safari in Mabamba Swamp with Arcadia Safaris. This short private birding tour combines a guided boat excursion through Mabamba Wetland, one of Uganda’s best-known locations for searching for the rare Shoebill, with birdwatching in the beautiful Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, west of Entebbe, Mabamba is an internationally recognized wetland and an important habitat for numerous waterbirds and papyrus specialists. Its winding channels, papyrus vegetation and shallow waters create excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

This three-day Uganda birding safari suits birdwatchers, photographers, nature lovers and travelers with limited time who want to explore birdlife near Entebbe International Airport. With private transportation, an experienced English-speaking driver-guide and comfortable accommodation in Entebbe, you can enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace. In addition to searching for the Shoebill, you may encounter African Jacanas, Malachite Kingfishers, African Fish Eagles, herons, egrets and other wetland birds. Every birding excursion is different, and sightings depend on the season, weather and wildlife movements.

Safari Highlights:

Pickup from Entebbe International Airport

Shoebill Stork tracking in Mabamba Wetlands

Birding in Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport

A Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Transfer to Your Hotel

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your professional Arcadia Safaris driver-guide will welcome you to Uganda and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity to enjoy a short birding excursion in Entebbe Botanical Gardens. The gardens offer a pleasant introduction to Uganda’s birdlife, with mature trees, landscaped grounds and vegetation that attract a variety of forest-edge and garden birds. If your flight arrives later in the day, you can check in, relax and prepare for the following day’s Shoebill birding excursion.

Entebbe provides a convenient base for exploring Mabamba Wetland and other birding sites near Lake Victoria. During the evening, your guide can brief you on the following day’s arrangements, including the departure time, boat excursion and birding equipment to bring. Binoculars, a camera, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable clothing are useful for the trip. Your accommodation will provide a comfortable place to rest before an early start for the Mabamba Shoebill birding tour.

Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 2: Shoebill Birding Expedition in Mabamba Wetland

After an early breakfast, depart for Mabamba Wetland for your main birding experience. Accompanied by a local boat guide and your Arcadia Safaris driver-guide, you will explore the wetland’s winding channels and papyrus-fringed waterways by boat while searching for the remarkable Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex). The Shoebill is one of Africa’s most distinctive birds and the main attraction for many visitors to Mabamba. Your guides will help you look for this impressive species while sharing their knowledge of the wetland and its birdlife. Other birds you may encounter include African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, African Fish Eagle and various egrets and waterbirds.

Continue birdwatching as you explore the wetland, taking time to observe bird behaviour and photograph the species you encounter. Depending on the arrangements and prevailing conditions, additional birding on foot around the wetland may also be possible. Mabamba is particularly rewarding because the experience extends beyond the search for the Shoebill to include papyrus habitats, waterbirds and the everyday life of communities around Lake Victoria. After the excursion, return to Entebbe for relaxation and overnight accommodation. Although Mabamba offers excellent opportunities to search for the Shoebill, a sighting cannot be guaranteed.

Destination: Entebbe (Mabamba Swamp)
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Birding in Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Transfer to the Airport

After breakfast, visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens for a guided birdwatching walk through the gardens’ varied vegetation and lakeside surroundings. This is an excellent opportunity to look for species that inhabit wooded areas, gardens and the Lake Victoria shoreline. Depending on the conditions, your birding list may include Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, African Grey Parrot, Palm-nut Vulture, African Fish Eagle and several weavers, sunbirds and kingfishers. Your guide will help you identify the birds you encounter and explain how the gardens’ habitats support a wide variety of birdlife. The pace of the walk can be adjusted to suit your interests, photography needs and available time.

After the birding excursion, enjoy lunch if your departure schedule permits, then transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight. The Botanical Gardens visit and lunch will be arranged around your flight time to allow sufficient time for airport check-in. If you have an early departure, the garden visit may need to be shortened, moved to Day 1 or omitted. Your 3 Day Shoebill Birding Safari in Mabamba Swamp concludes with a private transfer to the airport.

Destination: Entebbe International Airport
Accommodation Option: No (End of tour) Unless on request

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

SAFARI COST: From $500 Per Person

PRICE INCLUDES

• Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
• Private Transportation in  4×4 Safari Cars
• Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
• Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
• Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
• English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
• All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
• All Applicable Taxes
• Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
• Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
• International Flight Fares (unless requested)
• Country Entry Visa
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Telephone Charges
• Laundry Services
• Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
• Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• All related medical tests and vaccinations

We appreciate you choosing us. Let’s explore the wild together!