1-Day Birding Mabamba Swamp & Botanical

Introduction

This 1-Day Birding Mabamba Swamp & Botanical full-day birding excursion takes you to two of Uganda’s most rewarding birdwatching sites: Mabamba Wetlands, located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, and the serene Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Mabamba is internationally renowned for its healthy population of the rare and prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork, along with over 300 species of wetland and water birds. The Entebbe Botanical Gardens, on the other hand, offers forest and lakeshore birding in a peaceful, tropical setting, perfect for a diverse range of species from woodland to aquatic.

Safari Highlights

  • Early morning birding expedition through the Mabamba Wetlands

  • Excellent chances of spotting the elusive and iconic Shoebill Stork in its natural habitat.

  • Peaceful canoe ride through papyrus-lined channels 

  • Over 300 bird species observed between Mabamba and Entebbe Botanical Gardens (including wetland, forest, and lakeshore species)

  • Guided nature walk in the lush Entebbe Botanical Gardens, known for its Great Blue Turaco 

  • Opportunity to spot primates such as black-and-white colobus and vervet monkeys within the gardens.

  • Professional birding guide with deep knowledge of Uganda’s birdlife and ecology.

  • Ideal for bird photographers, ornithologists, and nature lovers seeking a full-day birding.

Itinerary

Pick-up from Hotel / Entebbe or Kampala

Your professional birding guide will meet you at your accommodation with a pair of binoculars and field guides in hand. After a brief briefing, you’ll set off towards Mabamba Wetlands via Entebbe or the ferry crossing (depending on your location and route choice).

Arrival at Mabamba Wetlands & Birding in Mabamba Swamp

Upon arrival, meet your local canoe captain who will expertly navigate the channels of the swamp in a traditional wooden canoe. This area is a designated Ramsar site and is a birder’s paradise. You’ll spend the morning gliding silently through narrow papyrus-lined channels in search of the Shoebill Stork. Sightings are common in the early morning when these elusive birds are hunting lungfish in shallow waters. More Key Species to Look out for include Shoebill Stork (main target), African Jacana, Papyrus Gonolek, African Pygmy Goose, Malachite Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Lesser Jacana, Swamp Flycatcher, Goliath Heron, Black Crake.  Your guide will help identify bird calls and assist with photography or eBird checklists.

Depart Mabamba and Head for Lunch in Entebbe 

After the canoe trip, enjoy a short refreshment stop before beginning the scenic drive back to Entebbe. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a recommended lakeside restaurant. You can take in views of Lake Victoria while discussing your morning bird list with your guide.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens Bird Walk

In the afternoon, enter the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for a guided birding walk. Established in 1898, these gardens offer a mix of indigenous forest, cultivated lawns, and lakeshore habitat, making it a perfect spot to expand your bird checklist. The Target Species at Botanical will include the Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, African Paradise Flycatcher, Red-chested Sunbird, Palm-nut Vulture, African Grey Parrot, Ross’s Turaco, Orange Weaver, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Little Greenbul. You may also spot vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and enjoy views of the lake shore, all while walking under the cool shade of ancient trees.

Wrap-up the Bird List & Return Transfer 

Find a peaceful spot in the gardens to sit with your guide and review your full day’s sightings. Compare notes, fill in your checklists, and enjoy the satisfaction of a rewarding day in nature. Begin your transfer back to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Your guide will make sure you’re safely dropped off, with plenty of memories, photos, and species to add to your life list.

End of 1-Day Birding Mabamba Swamp & Botanical

Inclusions

  • Professional English-speaking birding guide

  • Private transport in a comfortable, safari-equipped vehicle

  • Entrance fees to Mabamba Swamp and Entebbe Botanical Gardens

  • Canoe ride at Mabamba Swamp

  • Guided nature walk at the Botanical Gardens

  • Bottled drinking water during the tour

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Kampala/Entebbe)

Exclusions

  • Meals and drinks (unless pre-arranged)

  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Items of a personal nature (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)