Day 1: Mabamba Swamp – Species-Targeted Birding

Location: Mabamba Wetland (Lake Victoria shoreline)
Focus: Shoebill & Papyrus Endemics

After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe or Kampala for Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. Upon arrival, transfer to a traditional motorized canoe and begin a slow, silent birding excursion through dense papyrus channels.

This wetland is one of the most reliable places in Africa to see the Shoebill Stork, often at close range. The morning hours provide the best light and bird activity.

Key species often recorded:

• Shoebill Stork | Main Focus 

• African & Lesser Jacana

• Papyrus Gonolek

• Blue-breasted Bee-eater

• African Pygmy Goose

• Malachite Kingfisher

• Carruthers’s Cisticola

Your guide will focus on vocalizations, behavior, and habitat interpretation, allowing time for photography and observation without disturbance.

After the canoe experience, return to shore for lunch and later transfer back to Entebbe or a nearby lodge for overnight.

Day 2: Lutembe Bay – Density & Diversity Birding

Location: Lutembe Bay Ramsar Site & Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Focus: Waterbirds, Migrants & Woodland Species

Begin the day with early morning birding at Lutembe Bay, a shallow lake system and one of Uganda’s most important Palearctic migrant stopover sites. The bay is famous for its sheer bird density, especially during migration seasons.

Species commonly encountered include:

• Grey-headed & Black-headed Gulls

• Black Heron
• Lesser and Greater Swamp Warblers

• Gull-billed, White-winged & Whiskered Terns

• African Skimmer (seasonal)

• Spur-winged Goose

• Long-toed Lapwing

• Various sandpipers and plovers

After wetland birding, proceed to Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where forest-edge and woodland species add another layer of diversity.

Possible sightings include:

• Great Blue Turaco

• Black-headed Weaver
• Orange Weaver
• Golden-backed Weaver

• Ross’s Turaco

• Bat Hawk
• Green Hylia

• African Grey Parrot

• Woodland Kingfishers

• Sunbirds and flycatchers

The safari concludes in Entebbe in the afternoon, with drop-off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport.