3 days Mabamba birding safari. The Mabamba birding site is located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, west of Entebbe in the Mpigi district. The wetland is a perfect destination for the elusive shoebill in Uganda. You can access this wetland easily by ferry from Nakiwogo Entebbe to Kasenje and get a little adventure as you cruise on the waters of Lake Victoria. Mabamba is an extension of marsh consisting of papyrus and other swamp vegetation, which covers an area of 2424 hectares. With a record, you can also spot the Sitatunga antelope, a rare and unique antelope species in Uganda.
While Lake Mburo National Park is located on the Masaka-Mbarara highway and is home to 68 mammal species and 350 bird species and is most popular for its zebra population and one of the only places in Uganda where the Impala can be found, Mabamba has about 260 bird species spotted in the wetlands. The animal list includes buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, and lions, while birds include red-faced bracket, African finfoot, African scoop owl, etc., which can be spotted in the park. Lastly but not least, Lake Mburo National Park is part of a 50km long wetland system limited by a swamp, and the wetland habitat covers 20% of the park’s surface.
Highlights for 3 days Mabamba birding and Lake Mburo National Park
- Hotel pick-ups and airport transfers
- 4WD vehicle plus English-speaking driver/guide
- Ferry crossing and launch cruise along Lake Mburo
- Birding Mabamba wetlands
- Game drive and horseback safari
- Stopover at the equator
- Two nights’ accommodation and meals
Detailed itinerary for 3 days Mabamba birding & Lake Mburo National Park
Day 1: Mabamba birding wetland and travel to Lake Mburo national park
After having your breakfast, you’ll be picked up by your driver with your packed lunch in order to be in time for the 7:00 am ferry crossing from Nakiwogo to Mabamba wetland. Assessing the wetlands via water gives you an added advantage to a wonderful view that you would miss out on if traveled by land. Transfer from Kasenje to Mabamba wetlands, about 20 minutes’ drive for your birding experience. Birding is done on motorized canoes (1-3 hours), which you sail on through the papyrus wetland to see various birds like the shoebill, popular in this area.
You’ll then drive via the Masaka-Mbarara highway to Lake Mburo after lunch. Upon your arrival, you’ll check into your booked safari lodge. Get some time to relax before your evening game drive, where you’ll get to spot quite a number of antelopes, zebras, and so much more. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Meal plan: H/B
Day 2: Lake Mburo launch cruise and horseback safari
After your breakfast, you’ll go for your boat ride on Lake Mburo, where you may see hippos and aquatic birds around the lake area. Later on, return to the lodge, relax, and after lunch set out for a thrilling horseback adventure, an exciting way to view different wildlife in the park. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Meal plan: F/B
Day 3: travel back to Kampala and stopover at the Uganda Equator
Have breakfast, and then later check out of the lodge and exit the park to begin your journey to Kampala with a stop at the Equator for pictures, an early lunch, and a chance for you to do some shopping in the craft markets around. Meal plan: H/B
What to bring for 3 days Mabamba birding and Lake Mburo National Park
- Comfortable shoes to walk in.
- Warm clothes for the night as this part of the country gets pretty cold.
- Torch is essential for safety purposes.
- A good insect repellent to keep those persistent insects away.
- A good zooming Camera for photos.
3 days Mabamba birding and Lake Mburo National Park Excludes
- Airport transfers pick up and drop off at your destination.
- Meals per itinerary.
- Pure Bottled drinking water.
- Private Safari Vehicle.
- Services of an English-speaking guide.
- Accommodation in self – contained rooms / cottages for 2 nights.
- Park access fees.
- All activities indicated in the itinerary.
However, 3 days Mabamba birding and Lake Mburo Safari Excludes
- Airfares.
- Uganda Visas.
- Luxury drinks.
- Laundry.
- Tips to the local guide.
- Telephone fees.
- Personal insurance and shopping.
- Any other item not mentioned above.
