1-Day Mabamba Shoebill Canoe Tracking Tour

A Day with the Elusive Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Swamp

Experience an unforgettable birdwatching adventure on this 1-day Mabamba Shoebill Canoe Tracking Tour, perfectly tailored for nature lovers, birding enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers. Located just a short drive from Entebbe and nestled along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is a birding paradise and a recognized Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. It is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) and ranks among the top birdwatching destinations in Uganda, especially for the highly sought-after Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex), an elusive and prehistoric-looking bird that continues to intrigue birdwatchers from across the globe.

Mabamba Swamp provides sanctuary to over 300 bird species, including a mix of rare, migratory, endemic, and wetland-specialist birds. During this expertly guided canoe safari, you’ll glide silently through narrow papyrus channels, surrounded by swaying reeds and tranquil waters. This quiet and immersive journey offers the best chances to observe the Shoebill in its natural habitat, along with other notable species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, African Pygmy Goose, and Blue-breasted Bee-eater.

This 1-Day Mabamba Shoebill Canoe Tracking Tour adventure is designed for travelers with limited time in Uganda or those with early arrivals at Entebbe International Airport. Whether you are starting your safari or wrapping up your stay in Uganda, this short yet highly rewarding tour offers a memorable and enriching encounter with Africa’s most fascinating birdlife.

Day 1: Pick-up, Mabamba Shoebill Tracking Experience & Drop-off

Morning Transfer and Birding Introduction

Your 1-Day Mabamba Shoebill Canoe Tracking Tour guide from Terenga Safaris will pick you up early in the morning from either your Kampala hotel, Entebbe hotel, or directly from Entebbe International Airport, depending on your prior arrangements. For travelers flying in, we recommend scheduling an early morning arrival (between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM) to maximize your birding experience. The drive to Mabamba Swamp takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.

As you depart the city behind, you’ll drive through lush countryside roads lined with banana plantations, roadside markets, and panoramic views of Lake Victoria. Keep an eye out for early morning bird species such as Pied Crow, Black-headed Heron, Marabou Stork, and Hadada Ibis that frequent the farmlands and wetlands on your way to Mabamba. Your birding guide will provide an overview of the day, sharing facts about Uganda’s avifauna, conservation initiatives, and what to expect once you arrive at the swamp.

Arrival and Canoe Safari in Mabamba Wetland

Upon arrival at the Mabamba wetland landing site, your 1-Day Mabamba Shoebill Canoe Tracking Tour guide will coordinate with the local canoe operator and community bird guides who will brief you on the excursion. The real adventure begins as you board a locally crafted wooden canoe powered by a paddle guide. You’ll venture into the maze-like marsh channels covered in papyrus, which serves as the ideal habitat for the Shoebill and other aquatic birds.

The canoe ride offers a serene and stealthy way to explore the swamp without disturbing its feathered inhabitants. The Shoebill, often motionless and blending perfectly into the reeds, is known for its remarkable hunting technique—standing still for extended periods before launching a swift strike on lungfish or frogs. With luck and patience, you may witness this fascinating behavior firsthand. Your guide will also help identify a variety of birds, including the Lesser Jacana, African Marsh Harrier, White-winged Warbler, Squacco Heron, and more. If traveling in the right season (typically November to April), you may even spot migratory birds like the Blue Swallow.

Lunch and return to Entebbe/Kampala

After approximately 2 to 3 hours on the water, you’ll return to the landing site where your safari vehicle will be waiting. We then proceed to a local restaurant or lakeside resort in Entebbe for a delicious lunch. This is a good time to relax, freshen up, and reflect on the incredible sightings of the morning. Following lunch, your 1-Day Mabamba Shoebill Canoe Tracking Tour driver-guide will transfer you either to your Entebbe hotel, Kampala, or Entebbe Airport for your departure flight, depending on your travel plans. The drop-off will be scheduled between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, ensuring flexibility for both domestic and international connections.