One Day Shoebill Photography Tour offers a rewarding opportunity to encounter the prehistoric Shoebill across the vast Mabamba Wetlands located near Entebbe. Suitable for all levels of photographers, the tour explores the over 100 sq km Mabamba wetlands which is the most convenient and reliable birding hotspot in Uganda to encounter the highly sought-after Shoebill in its natural habitat.
About the Shoebill
Named after its over-sized shoe-like bill, the Shoebill stands at about 1 m tall plumaged in uniform grey and is a resident of secluded and remote wetlands across Uganda. The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is neither a stork or an eagle although it shares a few attributes, but recent studies have placed it as a sole member of Balaenicipitidae, a monotypic African family. Its near affinities include Hamerkop and Pelicans.The Shoebill is classified as vulnerable on IUCN red-list and continues to face challenges from habitat conversion for agriculture, pet traders and competition from fishermen.
Shoebill Behavior
Across its vast territory, the Shoebill is a near-solitary species often encountered alone or when with juveniles, and only when it is a breeding season. Here, the Shoebill is a top predator, feeding mainly on lungfish, catfish and other crustaceans. Its unique hunting style of motionless stalking has earned the Shoebill as a “statue” name – where they have been observed stalking their prey motionless for a long time and when prey comes in range, striking with lightning speed. Even then, the Shoebill has about 50% of hunting success.
One Day Shoebill Photography Tour at Mabamba Wetland – Tour Itinerary
The One-day Shoebill Photography Tour is led by our own bird guide and driver that will pick you up from Entebbe or Kampala. Mabamba Wetlands lie about 1.5 hrs drive west of Entebbe and 2 hrs south of Kampala. Arriving at Mabamba wetlands, you will embark in smaller motorized canoes operated by local community guides to access the marsh interior across a maze of channels to bring you up-close to where the Shoebill feeds. On locating the Shoebill, you will have ample time photographing and insights by our guide.
Across these wetlands the Shoebill is top predator, feeding mainly on lungfish, catfish and other crustaceans. It hunts on short floating vegetation, where it stands motionless for a long time, stalking and patiently waiting for its prey which it strikes with lightning speed with its needle-hooked massive bill. This stalking behavior makes it the most photogenic bird species.
From the shoebill viewing experience, continue on to explore the wetland that support other exciting species. Other highlights here include; Yellow-billed Duck, Spur winged Goose, Northern Brown-throated Weavers, Blue-headed Coucal, Malachite and Pied Kingfisher, Long-toed Lapwing, Lesser and African Jacana, Straited, Purple and Grey Herons, Swamp Flycatcher among others.
Included in this One Day Shoebill Photography Tour at Mabamba Wetland
- Pick up and drop in Kampala/ Entebbe
- Photography/Bid Guide
- Community Fees
- Swamp Entrance and Boat fees
- Local taxes
- Lunch
- Drinking water
Excluded in this One Day Shoebill Photography Tour at Mabamba Wetland
- Tips to guides and driver
Packing essentials For One Day Shoebill Photography Tour at Mabamba Wetland
To your everyday used personal photography gear,
- Your camera back should be water proof
- Park in extra batteries and SD cards
- A mono pod will be helpful
- A longer lens between 200-600mm will be much helpful
- Bring along a water bottle
- Carry a hat and sun glasses to shield you from the strong African sun
- Pack lots of sun cream
- Pack a poncho in case it rains (very unpredictable regardless he season)
- Don’t forget a good attitude, this is nature!