Mabamba Shoebill Tour from Entebbe: Spot the rare stork

Canoe through papyrus to find the shoebill stork

A 1-day shoebill birding tour from Entebbe takes you by private transport to Nakiwogo Landing Site, then by boat into Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria. You paddle a canoe through papyrus channels to spot the rare shoebill stork alongside kingfishers, papyrus gonoleks and over 300 other species. The tour supports community conservation and fits inside a morning and early afternoon, leaving the rest of your day free.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mabamba Shoebill Bird Watching Tour

• Meet guide in Entebbe early morning
• Transfer to Nakiwogo Landing Site
• Embark boat to Mabamba Swamp
• Bird watching for shoebill and others
• Return to Entebbe

The experience

Five hours is the maximum you need for this tour, which means it works whether you have a few days in Uganda or just a stopover in Entebbe. You meet your guide at a preferred pickup location in Entebbe by 7 am, then transfer to Nakiwogo Landing Site where the boat departs for Mabamba Swamp. The swamp is one of the world's best places to see the shoebill stork in its natural habitat: a prehistoric-looking bird that draws birders and photographers from across the globe.

Once on the water, you glide through papyrus channels by canoe, moving slowly enough to spot the shoebill and the other species that live here: Blue swallows, Pallid harriers, papyrus gonoleks, and colorful kingfishers among them. The guide speaks English and knows where to find the birds. The tour supports local conservation efforts, so your visit directly helps protect the swamp and its wildlife.

Private transportation from Entebbe, bottled water, and admission to the swamp are included. The route is wheelchair accessible, and all areas and surfaces accommodate mobility needs. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Entebbe pickup location to Nakiwogo Landing Site.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• admission to Mabamba Swamp.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Nungi Safaris

Is this one for you?At five hours maximum, the tour fits easily into a morning and early afternoon, leaving your afternoon free for other plans in Entebbe or Kampala: ideal if you're on a short stopover or building a multi-day Uganda itinerary around it.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How early do I need to start the Mabamba Shoebill tour from Entebbe?

You meet your guide at your preferred pickup location in Entebbe by 7 am, then transfer to Nakiwogo Landing Site where the boat departs for Mabamba Swamp.

What birds can I expect to see in Mabamba Swamp besides the shoebill?

Mabamba Swamp is home to over 300 bird species. You're likely to spot Blue swallows, Pallid harriers, papyrus gonoleks, and colorful kingfishers as you canoe through the papyrus channels.

Is the Mabamba Shoebill tour suitable for first-time birders?

Yes, the tour is designed for both first-time birders and experienced birders. Your English-speaking guide will help you locate and identify the birds, and the canoe pace allows time to watch and photograph.

Can I book this tour if I'm staying in Kampala instead of Entebbe?

The tour departs from Entebbe with free pickup within Entebbe town. If you're in Kampala, you would need to arrange your own transport to Entebbe or contact the operator about pickup options.

What happens if I have mobility concerns or travel with a young child?

The tour is wheelchair accessible with all areas and surfaces accommodating mobility needs. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available on request.