Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Pick up from your hotel in Kampala Or Entebbe at agreed time and drive straight to Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe. and take a one hour boat ride to Mabamba swamps which is located on the western shores of Lake Victoria.
- Arrive at Mabamba Swamps
you will enter the canoe which will slowly navigate for one hour through the narrow channels and papyrus-lined paths of the swamp,
searching for shoe bill, The guide will assist in identifying the shoebill stork.
Shoebill Observation: When a shoebill is spotted, the canoe will approach carefully to minimize disturbance. This is a rare opportunity to observe this iconic bird in its natural habitat, get nice pictures, and Along the way, keep an eye out for other bird species like malachite kingfishers, African fish eagles, herons, and a variety of water fowls.
After a successful birdwatching session, the boat will begin its return journey for one hour to Nakiwogo. and then drive back to your hotel.
that will mark the end of the tour.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Bird Watching
Pick up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala at agreed time and drive straight to Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe, and take a one hour boat ride to Mabamba swamps which is located on the western shores of Lake Victoria. - Arrive at Mabamba Swamps you will enter the canoe which will slowly navigate for one hour through the narrow channels and papyrus-lined paths of the swamp, searching for shoe bill, The guide will assist in identifying the shoebill stork. Shoebill Observation: When a shoebill is spotted, the canoe will approach carefully to minimize disturbance. This is a rare opportunity to observe this iconic bird in its natural habitat, get nice pictures, and Along the way, keep an eye out for other bird species like malachite kingfishers, After a successful birdwatching session, the boat will begin its return journey for one hour to Nakiwogo. and then drive back to your hotel. that will mark the end of the tour. *Please note those from Kampala will drive straight to Mabamba.
Options
Half day shoe bill tracking at Mabamba Swamps
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Entrance fees
Pickup points
Hotel Golden Tulip Canaan Kampala
12B Kafu Road Kampala Uganda
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Searching for the magical Shoebill
F6156NPsamanthag,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended for nature lovers.
A magical Mabamba swamp
atwinef,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.
Unforgettable Shoebill Adventure
nahwerad,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A peaceful and exciting bird experience with amazing guides and beautiful nature views.
Nature at it’s best
serumagaf,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Peaceful boat ride and an amazing chance to see the rare shoebill in the wild.highly enjoyable experience
Yes! You Want To Do This!!!
O528BYstephanieh,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Shoebill tracking tour with Steve and had an amazing day! He is knowledgeable and extremely funny and personable. We were lucky and saw a Shoebill but even if we hadn’t, we would have enjoyed it just as much!
Beautiful area amazing birds
SusanTKPK,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The swamp was fresh and teeming with life. Guide knew all the birds, found the shoe bill, and even otters.
Steve made the trip. ...
Harry M,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Steve made the trip. Knowledgeable, punctual, well prepared and infectiously cheerful, he gave us a brilliant time and by the end of the trip he had become a good mate! We found a magnificent shoebill, as well as viewing other wonderful birds. It was a wonderful way to spend the morning away, gliding through the marshes of Lake Victoria away from the madness of the boda bodas of Kampala! Top trip, top guide.
Wonderful tour!
Shirley K,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Steve as guide was great. We saw so many beautiful birds. Then we saw the shoebill standing and flying. It was wonderful!
Wonderful once in a lifetime experience!
Karen H,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Steve was very friendly and knowledgeable. The boat drivers were very good captains and followed our lead by making sure that we were able to get the best views of the birds along the lake and in the swamp. When we switched to a smaller boat, we picked up an additional guide, Eric. This young man was one of the best birders I’ve worked with! We saw the shoebills, gray crowned cranes, fish eagles and so much more! Truly a trip of a lifetime! Cannot recommend highly enough! Lake Victoria and the Mabamba swamp tour are must dos!
Very interesting, really local experience
markkxldor,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was great, all with the kind tour guide and the crew! We had a smooth 'sailing' with their boat to a smaller boat for the Mbamba swamp, at the magnificient Victoria Lake. We saw one big shoe bill male, it was quite close and looking at us. :) Cute but still respected 'dinosaur', apart the chicken. :) Sometimes it really moved like that. The way back was also good, we have seen a lot if different local birds, and could relax a lot in the boat, while the sun was still shining and the weather was perfectly fine.
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