1-Day Shoebill Trekking Safari in Mabamba Swamp

1-Day Shoebill Trekking Safari in Mabamba Swamp

Offered by: USD Safari Tours
4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)
Journey Snapshot
🗺 Uganda, Rwanda ⏱ 1 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof
Mabamba
The Shoebill is the star attraction at Mabamba Swamp, a renowned birding hotspot along the shores of Lake Victoria. Famous for its striking, shoe-shaped bill, the Shoebill thrives in the dense papyrus channels of the swamp. Early morning canoe excursions offer the best opportunity to spot this rare and majestic bird as it silently hunts lungfish in the shallow waters, making Mabamba a must-visit destination for birding enthusiasts.

Route

Start Mabamba (Day 1)
End Mabamba

Tour Features

Day 1: Shoebill Trekking Safari in Mabamba Swamp

Activities & Transportation

  • Route: Mabamba
  • Duration: 1 DAY
  • Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
  • Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day
Accommodation
Meals
1
No accommodation
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day by Day

Day 1 Shoebill Trekking Safari in Mabamba Swamp
Morning 🏨No accommodation 🍽Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Your birding safari will begin with pick-up from your hotel and set off through scenic landscapes and vibrant fishing communities. The drive to the quiet landing site at Kasenyi or Nakiwogo takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Here, a traditional motorized canoe will be waiting to take you across the water. The early morning is the best time to spot the elusive Shoebill, which is most active during these hours, often seen standing still among the papyrus reeds as it hunts silently for fish and frogs. Upon arrival at Mabamba, you'll check in and receive a brief orientation about the Shoebill before heading into the swamp on wooden canoes, guided by experienced local birding experts. The excursion lasts about 2 to 3 hours and offers not only a good chance to see the Shoebill but also a variety of other bird species, including Herons, African Jacanas, and Kingfishers. After the trek, you'll bid farewell to Mabamba and return to Entebbe, bringing your birding adventure to a close.

Rates

From: $150 pp (USD)
Final quote depends on date, travelers and lodge level.

No upcoming group dates found in database (group_climbs).

Inclusions

Included
  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • pickup and drop-off
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water (On all days)

Exclusions

Not included
  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Note: Some items may vary depending on season and lodge level.

Getting There

Start: Mabamba

End: Mabamba

We can arrange airport pick-up and drop-off. Ask in your quote request.

Offered By

USD Safari Tours
USD Safari Tours
4.9/5 • 1600 reviews