Private Tour
1 Day Best Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Birding Tour, Lake Victoria
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
The wetland is Uganda's most important birding site, and it is home to over 300 bird species. Mabamba is an area of immense ecological importance. In 2006, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands awarded Mabamba Swamp the status of a 'Wetland of International Importance' since it contains globally threatened species. Mabamba Swamp is located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, The Swamp covers over 2424 hectares & is covered in thick marshes of papyrus, water lilies, and other wetland grasses. Mabamba will captivate both birders and non-birders.
The Mabamba Swamp is designated as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International (IBA).
With the help of international partners, the Ugandan government has reduced encroachment on the wetland & helped promote it as a leading birding destination in the country. The government has initiated community sensitization programs in Mabamba Bay Wetlands Uganda to deter encroachment and inform people about the importance of the swamp to the Eco-system.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Entebbe
Pickup in from Entebbe and Travel To Mabamba Swamp.
Mabamba Shoebills Watching
This is a quick trip to Mabamba wetlands to look for the Shoebill for those who just want to see the Shoebill, but it will also be a full-day birding excursion for birdwatchers who want to see the Shoebill & tick off several wetland specials and other birds of Uganda one can find in this area. This large pre-historic-looking bird is such a marvel that wildlife lovers want to see it on their safaris or during a business visit in Uganda. For birdwatchers, the Shoebill is a special sighting that is often number one on their wish lists of birds to see & photograph in Uganda. Few places in Uganda can give you a sighting of the Shoebill and Mabamba wetlands is by far the best that will give you the highest chances. It is also the most accessible, being located on the shores of Lake Victoria, an hour’s drive from either Entebbe. Mabamba is a RAMSAR wetland and Important Bird Area (IBA) hosting more than 300 bird species which include 7 of Uganda’s 12 Lake Victoria Basin restricted species.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Any thing that is not added in the itinerary, we only give a bottle of water pay entrance charges
Options
Kampala Picpup and Dropup
picpup from Kampala and dropup
saloon
1 Day Best Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Birding Tour, Lake Victoria
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent even for non-birders
rsnokes,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Picked us up, provided information for novice birders like us, and kept looking until we found shoebills. Got us close and helped us get good photos.
Shoebill/Bird watching
Arse5,Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Musa is a complete gentleman and guide. The ride across Victoria was scenic and the canoe through the swamp very cool. And the shoebill is something to see.
Well organized Trip
trishilaa2025,Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was actually so surprised and amused at how easy it was to book and how everything was arranged for us by Diana. From the airlines to Uganda and end of trip from gorillas , meeting local people and safaris and special ending of tour to see the shoebill at Mabamba swamp. We literally had to show up with our luggages on the day we flew out and everything else was sorted. seemed too easy, but sure enough, we had everything taken care of and had an amazing holiday in Uganda .
South Sudan Tour
difaseo,Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00South Sudan culture and Andaman relaxation We headed to South Sudan for 10 Days to enjoy the tribes and a relaxing boat trip on the Nile River in Juba. We then experienced cultural performances and live band music, the incredible architecture of the churches in Juba, travel chaos, and friendly village families traveling from Mundari to Toposa. The tour was well worth it. We were really lucky to be in South Sudan,
A brilliant adventure in Kenya
74okelloe,Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00we wanted to do more than just go to safari in Kenya, so asked for something different and some travelling around, and what an adventure it turned out to be. Went to Lake Turkana and traveled around there. Highlighting visiting the tribes in the north, Turkana people, Samburu, Rendile, and Pokot, was a fantastic experience with our very experienced guide, Andrian. Before that, we had the very friendly Mousa helping us in the book, and another great guide who showed us around Kenya. Mousa has great knowledge of tribes and people. Did a safari in Masai Mara and Buffalo Springs, which was great fun. We do recommend this Company!
Fantastic Holiday and excellent planned Holiday in Uganda
518alenim,Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic holiday, excellently planned Mousa listened to our requirements and planned a fantastic holiday for us in Uganda. Loved every minute. Great hotels, interesting cultural experiences, very well looked after. Will certainly book with Ultimate Wild Safaris again!
Amazing 10 Day Uganda Trip
hanningt0nb,Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From northern Uganda and visiting Karamoja, amazing landmarks, and the warmest people entire Uganda. Different but still the warmest of people and amazing sites and more a chance to see the gentle bird at mabamba Wetland in like Victoria, seeing the shoebill was like meeting the gorillas in the Jungle of Bwindi Forest.
Mbamba swamps and Shoebill birding.
675dinao,May 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Beautiful swamps and amazing bird life. A half day boat trip through the swamps, guided by experts with knowledge, enthusiasm and a willingness to give us the best possible experience
Super tour in uganda to the wildlife life
naigagam2025,May 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a superb tour... our 12 Day trip in uganda was beautifully crafted, taking us through the long history of the Mabamba wetland and travelling from the busy Kampala to the green West of uganda . The accommodation was wonderful and the food, local banana wine in kibale forest prepared by locals the experiences truly memorable and finishing the trip with a visit to Mabamba wetland at lake Victoria to see the shoebill after failing to see it at Murchison falls national park. The guides both went to great lengths to provide us with experiences much beyond expectations and I cannot thank them enough. I recommend this company !
Amazing Shoebill bird tour
phixb,May 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing boat trip on Lake Victoria, the warmest people I met were our guide and boat captain. Seeing the shoebill was wonderful.
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