Birding Safari in Uganda
Overview
Shoebill Stork Safari | Wetland Birdwatching Tour from Kampala or Entebbe
Safari Overview
Experience one of Uganda’s most famous birding destinations on this immersive 1day birdwatching safari to Mabamba Swamp located on the shores of Lake Victoria. This Ramsar wetland is internationally known for its resident Shoebill Stork, as well as over 300 other bird species. It’s the ideal birding day tour from Entebbe or Kampala, offering close encounters with wetland birds from the comfort of a canoe.
Top species include:
Shoebill Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, Blue breasted Bee eater, and African Pygmy Goose.
Birding Safari Highlights
- Search for the rare Shoebill Stork, Uganda’s birding icon
- Glide silently by canoe through Mabamba’s papyrus channels
- Spot colorful wetland birds like Kingfishers, Jacanas, and Bee-eaters
- Led by a professional local birding guide
- Easy access from Entebbe or Kampala for day trips
Target Bird Species
Some of the exciting species you may see include:
- Shoebill Stork (high success rate at Mabamba)
- African Jacana
- African Pygmy Goose
- Malachite & Pied Kingfishers
- Blue breasted & Little Bee-eaters
- Purple Heron
- Swamp Flycatcher
- Goliath Heron
- White winged Terns (seasonal)
Included/Exclude
- Professional birding guide with wetland experience
- Private 4x4 transport from Kampala or Entebbe
- Canoe ride through Mabamba Swamp
- Community fees and entrance permits
- Packed lunch or local restaurant meal
- Bottled drinking water
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
Tour Plan
Your birding tour guide will meet you at your hotel. Begin your day with a scenic drive in a private 4x4 safari vehicle toward Mabamba Bay on the edge of Lake Victoria.
On arrival, transfer into a wooden canoe steered by a local guide. Glide through lush papyrus swamps, where you'll scan for the elusive Shoebill Stork and other marshland specialists like the African Pygmy Goose, Purple Heron, and Swamp Flycatcher. Enjoy close up encounters and great photography opportunities.
After the canoe experience, take a short birding walk through surrounding open areas and farmland for additional species like the Long crested Eagle, African Pied Wagtail, and Northern Brown throated Weaver.
Enjoy a local Ugandan meal at a restaurant in Kasanje town or a packed picnic lunch, depending on your preference. Relax and review your sightings with your guide.
Begin the return drive to your hotel, with chances to stop for additional bird sightings in grassland or roadside habitats. Your guide will adapt the route based on time and birding interest.
Return to Kampala, Entebbe, or drop off directly at Entebbe International Airport for outbound travellers. Expect to end your Uganda birding day tour with a rich species list and memorable encounters.
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