Tours & experiences

1 Day Shoebill Stork and Birding Experience

About this experience

This day tour is the quickest way to do birdwatching around Kampala and Entebbe with the main attraction being the elusive shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamp.

The Mabamba Swamp is the best place to view the famous Shoebill in Uganda. It is located west of 40 kilometres west of Entebbe and can be accessed by both road and a boat tour across Lake Victoria.

At a glance

  • Duration: 9 hr
  • Private experience

Choose your tour option

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1 Day Shoebill Stork and Birding Experience
Pickup included
Shoebill Experience
Afternoon Shift
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour9 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 9 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • All Fees and Taxes

Itinerary and highlights

Begin early, head to Mabamba Swamp, 15km west of Entebbe. This swamp is located on a marshy bay on the northern shore of the Lake Victoria and is identified as one of the best ornithological sites associated with excellent water- associated bird species and the best place to see the great blue Turaco using the Entebbe route. Look out for pygmy goose, lesser jacana, Papyrus Gonolek, yellow-backed weaver, Northern brown-throated weaver, blue-headed caucal, and other swamp specialties. At the swamp, most of the birding is on a canoe, paddled by our local site guides. It is truly a life-changing moment looking at this bizarre bird as it preens, showing off its huge grinning, and wooden-looking, clog-like bill. You may also have marvelous views of it as it soars on broad wings. And others like the swamp flycatcher, African purple swamp-hen, African water rail, common moorhen, white-faced whistling-duck, Squacco, Rufous-bellied and purple heron, blue-breasted Bee-eater, winding Cisticola, Goliath heron, black crake, African marsh harrier, malachite , common waxbill, yellow-billed duck to mention a few.

See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Gorilla safari uganda

Accessibility and practical details

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 9 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Adult tickets: age 5+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveller reviews and photos

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More context for a careful visit.

Regional guides and reading about habitat, preparation and the people behind conservation.