1 DAY: UGANDA SHOEBILLS BIRDING EXPERIENCE TOUR
1 DAY: UGANDA SHOEBILLS BIRDING EXPERIENCE TOUR
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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.Â
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.
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation
- Professional Local english speaking Guide/Driver
- Accommodation if requied
- Full Board Meals Plan
- All entry fees- drives, ranger and entry fees
- Boat drive through the swamp to and from
- Full time 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel with driver
- Entry Visa Fees
- All Air fares
- Meals where not provided
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal Insurance
- Personal shopping bills
- Items of personal nature
- Personal Insurance
Day 1: Birding Tour Transfer to Mabamba Swamp on The Shores of Lake Victoria and Shoebill Boat Excursion Through the Wetland
After breakfast with your packed lunch on board, your birding experience in the Mabamba Swamps will start. Bird along the way to where birding in Uganda is done canoeing on a significant scale for waterfowl, and in the evening, the search for woodland and open grassland species will start around Mabamba bay. A variety of species for your eyes to catch sight of include: The elusive Shoebills, Papyrus Gonolek, White-faced Whistling-duck, Fulvous Whistling Duck, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Common Squacco Heron, Long-toed Plover, African Water Rail, Grey and Black-headed Herons, Striated Heron, Pygmy Goose, Yellow-billed Duck, Black Crake, Swamp Moorhen, Allen’s Gallinule, African Jacana, Rufous-naped Lark, Flappet Lark, Mosque Swallow (Monteiro race), Wyn’s Weaver, White-shouldered Tit, Sand Martin, Brown Snake-Eagle, Eurasian Hobby, Tropical Boubou, Striped Kingfisher, Common Stonechat, Little Bee-eater, Red-chested Cuckoo, Klass’s Cuckoo, Diedrick Cuckoo, White-browed and the Senegal Coucals, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow White-eye, common and black-capped Waxbill and over a hundred other bird species are a must-see for hardcore or lucky birder. You could also see a swamp antelope, the Sitatunga and much more wildlife. The swamp is a beautiful environment of papyrus plants and water lilies. You will cruise through on boats while looking out for the majestic Shoebill. The shoebill usually hides within the papyrus and is known for feeding on lungfish. Along the way, you will spot several different kinds of birds which live and hunt in the swamp. After 2 to 3 hours, you will return to the starting point where your driver’s guide awaits you. Transfer back to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe or continue with the day’s programme. Or you will be dropped off at your hotel/lodge or at any place of your inconvenience.