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1 Day Shoebill Birding Tour
Tour Overview
The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is one of Africa’s most iconic and sought-after birds, known for its prehistoric appearance and calm, mysterious demeanor. This 1-Day Shoebill Birding Tour offers an unforgettable experience exploring Mabamba Swamp, Uganda’s premier location for the Shoebill, along with other wetland specialists. Guided by expert birders, you will enjoy a peaceful canoe ride through papyrus channels, spotting rare waterbirds in their natural habitat.
Included in the Cost
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All trekking and entrance permits for all activities
- Pick and Drop Services
- All Activities listed in itinerary
- Accommodation in lodges or safari camps
- All meals as per the itinerary
- Transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle
Excluded in the Cost
- International flights to and from Uganda
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Personal items and beverages outside the meal plan
Day-by-Day Program
Early Morning Pickup
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Entebbe at sunrise. Early morning is the best time to spot the Shoebill, as they are most active during these hours.
Transfer to Mabamba Swamp
Drive approximately 1–1.5 hours to Mabamba Swamp, enjoying roadside birding and occasional sightings of raptors, weavers, and kingfishers en route. Your guide will brief you on the day’s plan.
Canoe Excursion in Papyrus Channels
Board traditional dugout canoes and quietly glide through the papyrus channels. Expect close encounters with the elusive Shoebill, African Finfoot, malachite kingfishers, and other wetland species. The canoe ride offers excellent photographic opportunities.
Birding Around the Swamp
After the canoe ride, explore nearby swamp edges and open waters on foot. Spot bird species like the Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, and African Jacana. Your guide will provide detailed information about each species and their habitats.
Lunch and Relaxation
Enjoy a picnic lunch or return to a nearby lodge for refreshments. Take in the serene swamp scenery and listen to the chorus of wetland birds.
Afternoon Birding and Return
Continue afternoon birding to ensure all target species are observed. Afterward, drive back to Entebbe, with possible stops at roadside habitats for any missed species.
Drop-off at Entebbe
Arrive back at your hotel in Entebbe in the late afternoon. Reflect on an exciting day and the unforgettable sight of the Shoebill in its natural environment.