Sanctuary & Forest · Lake Victoria, near Entebbe
Mabamba Bay Wetland
A papyrus wetland on Lake Victoria, protected as a Ramsar Site since 2006, and one of the best places in the world to see the shoebill.
How to get there
About 1 to 1.5 hours by road from Entebbe or Kampala, or by boat from Entebbe.
What to find
Canoe trips through the papyrus channels looking for shoebills, plus hundreds of water birds.
Overview
Mabamba Bay is a large papyrus swamp on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, west of Entebbe. It was listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2006, and is an Important Bird Area.
It's famous for the shoebill, a huge, prehistoric-looking bird that stands motionless in the swamp waiting for lungfish. Local guides paddle you through the channels in wooden canoes, and sightings are very common.
Highlights
- The shoebill stork, often at close range
- Canoe trips through narrow papyrus channels
- Over 250 bird species, including papyrus specialists
- A community-run tourism experience
Things to do
Shoebill canoe trip
Usually 2 to 3 hours in the early morning.
Birding
Papyrus gonolek, African jacana and many more.
Best time to visit
All year. Early morning gives the best chance of seeing shoebills and the calmest water.
Getting there
About 1 to 1.5 hours by road from Entebbe or Kampala, or by boat across the bay from Entebbe.
Where to stay
Stay in Entebbe and go early in the morning.
Entebbe
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Uganda →
Good to know
- Bring binoculars, a hat and sun cream.
- A perfect activity for your first or last morning in Uganda.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.