1-Day Shoebill Stork Birding Tour from Kampala – Uganda Wetland Adventure
Explore Mabamba Swamp and Spot the Elusive Shoebill on a 1-Day Kampala Birding Tour
If you’re in Kampala or Entebbe and looking for a unique wildlife experience, don’t miss our Msafiri Tours 1-day Shoebill Stork birding tour to the renowned Mabamba Swamp. This rewarding Uganda birding adventure offers the rare opportunity to spot the iconic Shoebill Stork, along with hundreds of other wetland birds, all within a day’s reach of the city.

Tour Overview
Join us for a full-day birdwatching experience in one of Uganda’s most important birding wetlands. Located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is a RAMSAR-listed site and a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially known for reliable sightings of the Shoebill, a globally threatened species and one of Africa’s most sought-after birds.
What to Expect
-
🕕 Early Morning Pick-up: The tour begins with a hotel pick-up from either Kampala or Entebbe.
-
🚤 Scenic Speedboat Transfer: From Entebbe, we transfer you via speedboat to Mabamba Swamp (approx. 45 minutes).
-
🛶 Canoe Birding Experience: Enjoy a tranquil canoe ride through the swamp with expert local guides. Most birding is done quietly from the canoe for the best chances of spotting the Shoebill and other species.
-
🐦 Shoebill Sightings & More: Witness the extraordinary Shoebill Stork, known for its massive, shoe-shaped bill and prehistoric appearance. You may see it hunting, preening, or soaring above the reeds.
-
📸 Bird Photography Opportunities: Great chances for photography with a stunning wetland backdrop.
Birds You May See
While the Shoebill is the highlight, Mabamba Swamp is home to over 300 bird species, including:
-
Lesser Jacana
-
African Pygmy Goose
-
Papyrus Gonolek
-
Blue-headed Coucal
-
Northern Brown-throated Weaver
-
Yellow-backed Weaver
-
Malachite Kingfisher
-
African Fish Eagle
This rich biodiversity makes Mabamba one of the best birding sites in East Africa.
What’s Included
✅ Round-trip boat and ground transport
✅ Park entrance and birding fees
✅ Expert birding guide
✅ Local canoe with paddler
✅ Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Kampala or Entebbe)
✅ Bottled water
What to Bring
-
Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
-
Binoculars and camera
-
Sunhat and sunscreen
-
Insect repellent
-
Light rain jacket (optional, depending on season)
Why Choose This 1-Day Shoebill Birding Tour?
-
⭐ High success rate for Shoebill sightings
-
🕘 Perfect for short stays in Uganda
-
🌿 Immersive wetland experience close to the city
-
🦜 Great introduction to Uganda birding
-
📍 Ideal for Entebbe layovers or day trips from Kampala
Book Your Mabamba Shoebill Tour Today!
This 1-day Shoebill birding tour is perfect for both beginner and experienced birders looking to experience Uganda’s unique wetland wildlife in a short time. Whether you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, or just curious about Uganda’s rich biodiversity, this trip promises a day full of unforgettable sightings.
Contact us today to reserve your spot and experience the Shoebill Stork in the wild!