Mabamba Bay is a large papyrus wetland on the edge of Lake Victoria, about 1-1.5 hours from Entebbe or Kampala. It is one of the most reliable places in East Africa to look for the shoebill, a tall grey bird with a huge bill that draws birders from all over the world.
Visits are by canoe or small boat, guided through narrow channels by local boatmen who know where the birds feed. Even on days when the shoebill stays hidden, the wetland has many other species, from fish eagles to papyrus specialists.
Because it is close to the airport, Mabamba fits easily into your first or last day in Uganda.
Open water and dense papyrus swamp with narrow channels, small fishing villages and grassland at the edges.
The shoebill is the star, often standing motionless while waiting for lungfish. Many other wetland birds are common.
Guided canoe trip through papyrus channels to look for shoebill
General wetland birdwatching
Visit to a local fishing village with a guide
Trips usually start early, when the water is calm and the light good. You sit low in the canoe as the boatman poles quietly through the papyrus.
Year-round. Early mornings are best for calm water and light.
Read our full guide: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: How It Works and How to Prepare »
About 1-1.5 hours by road from Entebbe or Kampala, followed by the boat trip.
Most people visit as a day trip from Entebbe or Kampala.
Shoebill sightings are good but never certain
Suitable for most fitness levels
Bring binoculars, a hat and sun protection
Official park info: Nature Uganda
Chances are good here, but it is a wild bird and sightings can never be promised.
It is best to arrange it through us so a guide and canoe are ready at your time.
Tell us your dates and we'll build an itinerary that includes it.
