Mabamba Shoebill & Entebbe Walking Tour

Discover the beauty of Mabamba Swamp, a serene wetland on the western shores of Lake Victoria and one of Uganda’s remarkable birdwatching destinations. This experience combines peaceful canoe exploration, exceptional birdlife, photography and meaningful local knowledge for an unforgettable day in nature.

Your Experience

Your woman tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe at the agreed time and drive you to Nakiwogo Landing Site in Entebbe. From here, you will take a scenic boat ride across Lake Victoria to Mabamba Swamp.

On arrival, you will board a traditional canoe and slowly navigate through the narrow papyrus channels of the wetland. Your guide will help you identify the different bird species and share insights into their behaviour, as well as the importance of the wetland ecosystem.

The highlight of the experience is the search for the iconic Shoebill Stork. When a Shoebill is spotted, the canoe will approach carefully and quietly to minimise disturbance, giving you a wonderful opportunity to observe this remarkable bird in its natural habitat and capture memorable photographs.

As you explore the swamp, keep an eye out for other bird species including malachite kingfishers, African fish eagles, herons and a variety of water birds. Beyond the birdlife, the peaceful scenery, papyrus-lined channels and local knowledge make this a rewarding experience for both keen birdwatchers and travellers looking to connect with Uganda’s natural environment.

After your birdwatching experience, the boat will return to Nakiwogo Landing Site, where your guide will drive you back to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe.

Optional Entebbe Botanical Gardens Visit

For guests who would like to extend their experience, you can optionally visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, established in 1901.

Take a relaxed stroll through the lush gardens, which include forest, wetland and open-country habitats. The gardens provide another opportunity for birdwatching, with species such as Great Blue and Ross’s Turacos, kingfishers, sunbirds, cuckoos and warblers regularly seen.

You may also spot monkeys within the gardens, while birdwatchers may occasionally encounter species such as the Bat Hawk.

The Botanical Gardens visit is optional and can be included as an additional part of your Mabamba experience according to your interests and available time.