1 DAY: UGANDA SHOEBILLS BIRDING EXPERIENCE TOUR
Uganda Shoebills Birding Tour Experience, shoebill also known as a whitehead, whale-headed stork, or shoebill stork is a very large stork-like bird. It derives its name from its enormous shoe-shaped bill. It has a somewhat stork-like overall form and has previously been classified with the storks in the order Cuculiformes based on this morphology. Where to see the shoebill in Uganda.
Mabamba Bay Swamp
is one of the top destinations to see the Shoebills, which is one of the endangered bird species in Uganda attracting massive numbers of birders. Mabamba Swamp is located west of Entebbe on the adjustment wetland connected directly to Lake Victoria on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, covering 2420 hectors with thick marshes of papyrus, water lilies and other wetland grasses with narrow channels which a just big enough to get through a small traditional motorized canoe boat. Mabamba swamp is a Ramseur site and Important Bird Area in Uganda, the wetland hosts over 250 bird species that include many globally threatened species, 7 of Uganda’s 12 Lake Victoria biome restricted species (notable is the Papyrus Gonolek) and plenty of wetland species. The wetland also hosts huge flocks of Palearctic migrants every year from October to March which is one of the best seasons for bird watching in Uganda. Mabamba Swamp can be reached by a number of rout. From Kampala or Entebbe, the easiest route is via the Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe where you take a 10-minutes ferry crossing to Buwama landing and from there drive for about 40 minutes to Mabamba passing through fields that will provide plenty of garden birds like Turacos.
Travellers that do not want to drive may hire a speed boat from Entebbe and cruise down to the entrance of Mabamba swamp and meet up with the canoe boat guides and interchange and head into the swamp to search for the endangered shoebill and later return to the waiting speed boat for return back to Entebbe. Birding in the Mabamba swamp is done from a motorized wooden canoe boat by riding through a maze of trails cutting through the thick marshes. Other more places to see the Shoebills include: Nile Delta in Murchison falls, Lower Lake Albert region in Toro-Semuliki National Park, Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Lugogo Ziwa wetland swamp, Makanaga swamp off Kamengo town, Lake Mburo swamp in Lake Mburo National Park, Lwera swamp after the Equator on Masaka –Mbarara road, Nabajjuzi swamp Masaka-Mbarara highway, Edward flats in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Entebbe, Lake Bisinia and Kyoga near Mount Elgon National Park.
A 1-day shoebill birding experience tour in Uganda can be an exciting and focused way to see one of the most sought-after bird species in the world. The Mabamba Swamp, located near Entebbe, is a renowned spot for shoebill sightings. This one-day tour is designed to maximize your chances of spotting the elusive shoebill stork, while also allowing you to enjoy the rich birdlife in Mabamba Swamp. We pair you with our a knowledgeable birding guide who’s crucial for a successful shoebill sighting, as they are experts at locating these remarkable birds. Keep in mind that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but Mabamba Swamp is one of the best places in Uganda to have a chance at seeing the shoebill in its natural habitat.
Please note that this is a general itinerary, and the actual duration, activities, and accommodations may vary depending on your preferences, available time, and the specific arrangements made with you. It is advisable to consult with us to customise your itinerary and make any necessary adjustments.