A little closer to extraordinary.
Explore Mabamba’s papyrus waterways and Mabira’s forest trails on a birding journey with the shoebill on your wish list.
Your journey begins at Mabamba Swamp, an internationally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA) and one of the best places in the world to see the elusive Shoebill Stork. Glide quietly through the papyrus channels in a traditional canoe as you search for this prehistoric-looking bird and many wetland species.
From Mabamba, you’ll head to the enchanting Mabira Forest, a tropical rainforest teeming with over 300 bird species, including forest specialists and endemics like the Nahan’s Francolin, Tit Hylia, and African Dwarf Kingfisher. Your guided walks will also introduce you to beautiful butterflies, primates, and the sights and sounds of one of Uganda’s largest natural forests.
This is more than just birdwatching – it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, slow down, and observe Uganda’s vibrant biodiversity in its most pristine form.
Kampala · Mabamba Swamp · Mabira Forest
Room for the remarkable.
DAY 01Transfer from Kampala to Mabamba Swamp – Birding Canoe Experience
You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Kampala at 6:30 am and transferred to Mabamba Bay, located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria. On arrival, hop into a wooden canoe with an experienced bird guide and glide through papyrus channels in search of the famous Shoebill Stork — Uganda’s birding icon.
Other notable birds include the African Pygmy Goose, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Papyrus Gonolek, and Malachite Kingfisher. After a fulfilling morning, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Lugazi, where you’ll check in at your lodge near Mabira Forest. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 02Birding in Mabira Forest
After an early breakfast, head into Mabira Forest with a professional bird guide. Explore the forest trails while searching for key species like the Forest Wood-Hoopoe, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, Jameson’s Wattle-eye, and the African Dwarf Kingfisher.
Primates like the red-tailed monkey and the grey-cheeked mangabey may also appear. Enjoy a packed lunch in the forest or return to the lodge to rest. In the late afternoon, take an optional community nature walk or visit the Griffin Falls for more birding and butterfly watching. Return for dinner and overnight.
DAY 03Morning Birding Walk & Return to Kampala
Start your day with a final morning walk through the forest trails, focusing on species you may have missed. After a late breakfast, check out and begin your return journey to Kampala. Enroute, stop for lunch before arriving in the city by late afternoon.
Bank Account Details:
ACC NO. VISIT UGANDA TOURS &TRAVEL LIMITED
ACC NO. 50344321001 DOLLAR ACC
BANK . I&M BANK UGANDA LTD
SWIFT CODE. ORINUGKA
SKT CODE: 110147
What’s included
- All park and activity fees
- Shoebill canoe excursion at Mabamba
- Guided birding walks in Mabira
- 2 nights’ accommodation (based on category)
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- English-speaking birding guide
- Full board meals
- Bottled water during transit
- All local taxes and fees
Not included
- — Tips to guides and lodge staff
- — Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- — Personal expenses
- — Meals enroute (unless specified)
Your final quote confirms accommodation, activities, permits and any transport supplements for your travel dates. Wildlife sightings and activities depend on conditions and availability. Ranger instructions and current park rules apply.
