TOUR OVERVIEW
Located just outside of Entebbe, you will find the the wildlife enriched location of Mabamba Swamp. Mabamba Swamp, translated to Lungfish Swamp is home to many species of birds, with at least 260 species on record. This birding photography hot spot is guaranteed to be one of our best birding destinations in East Africa. ​​
Found in this swamp is the Shoebill Stork that gets its well known name from its large and impressive bill, shaped like a shoe. This large bird reaching the height of 4 – 5 feet and weighs up to 7 kilograms, and is rather impressive to be in the presence of. The Shoebill Stork is one of the most sought after birds in Uganda and brings many wildlife photographers from around the world to photograph these birds in their minimal numbers that remain in the wild.
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Along with the Shoebill Stork, our photographic guests will also have the opportunity to photograph the hundreds of other bird species that reside in the area. With two boat excursions daily, this trip is full of photographic opportunities! Not only will you venture into the swamp each day, guests will also have the chance to walk through the surrounding forest in search of woodland birds found around the edge of Lake Victoria.
GROUP SIZE:
4 max.
LOCATION:
Mabamba Swamp, Uganda
DURATION:
5 days / 4 nights
ACCOMMODATION:
Mid-luxury
FITNESS LEVEL:
BRIEF ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport - transfer to lodge
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DAY 2:
Morning & afternoon boat ride - Mabamba Swamp photo excursion
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DAY 3:
Morning & afternoon boat ride - Mabamba Swamp photo excursion
DAY 4:
Morning & afternoon boat ride - Mabamba Swamp photo excursion
DAY 5:
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport / end of tour
(see detailed itinerary below)
*Option to add Gorilla Trekking or Chimpanzee Trekking to this trip
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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Stay right on the edge of Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria, providing guests with breathtaking views. Located just outside of Mabamba Swamp, guests will be able to jump straight into photography as early as possible each morning.
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Spend each morning and afternoon meandering Mabamba Swamp with your camera in search of the 260 recorded bird species of the area.
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​The Shoebill Stork is the highlight of Mabamba Swamp, standing tall at up to 5ft tall! This incredible bird can be photographed as it is hunting their favourite meal, the Lungfish.
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With a professional wildlife photographer as your host will be with you at all times, guests will be in great hands to ensure the get the best photographs possible.
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Post processing sessions along with tutorials will take place each afternoon, guaranteeing that each photo guest leaves with a professional level portfolio to share.
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LOCATION
MABAMBA SWAMP
One of central Africa's prime destinations for bird photographers. The place where just one hour on a boat can provide you with ample photographic opportunities. This swamp provides eye level bird shots at close distances bringing any wildlife photographer, beginner, amateur and professional, the chance to get those bird photographs of a lifetime.
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Located on the northern rim of the great Lake Victoria, lies the Mabamba Swamp. This fascinating swamp is situated one hour West of Entebbe, making this unique spot of wilderness a must visit location in Uganda.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
CAMERA BODY:​​
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Guests are encouraged to bring a camera body with a minimum of 24-megapixels to guarantee the best results while on safari. This can be mirrorless or a DSLR, as your photo host is experienced with both and will be able to offer assistance whenever need be.​
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A second camera body is always a great consideration, however, this is not mandatory. This can be used as a backup, or you can keep a second lens attached and switch back and forth between cameras.
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LENSES:​​​
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For the birds of Mabamba Swamp, a telephoto lens is a must. Something with a good reach of at least 500 mm is ideal to capture the birds of the swamp.
TOUR INCLUDES
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Airport pick-up/drop off (Entebbe International Airport (EBB))
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All accommodation (mid-luxury lodge)
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All transportation between lodge and airport
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All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner each day)
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Purified drinking water, coffee, tea, juice
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All beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
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All birding activities listed in itinerary
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All Mabamba Swamp entry fees
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All photographic guidance / tutorials
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one-on-one photo critiques (optional)
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Pre-Tour meeting with your photography guide
TOUR EXCLUDES
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International/domestic flights
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Personal Travel Insurance (required for all guests)
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Premium alcoholic beverages
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra activities, etc.)
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Activities not listed in itinerary
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Gratuities/tips for guides/porters/staff
ITINERARY
DAY 1:
ARRIVAL DAY
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Guests arrive in Entebbe (Entebbe International Airport)
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Transfer to Mabamba Swamp lodge (Approx. 2 hours drive) Option to travel via boat (45 min. ride)
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Meet and Greet with photo host at 6:00pm
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Overnight in Mabamba Swamp
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(Guests must arrive at Entebbe International Airport no later than 2:00pm on arrival day to transit to the lodge via boat or vehicle)
DAYS 2 - 4:
MABAMBA SWAMP - MORNING & EVENING EXCURSIONS
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Early morning Mabamba Swamp birding photographic excursion
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Afternoon Mabamba Swamp birding photographic excursion
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Introduction to image selection and post processing
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Overnight in Mabamba Swamp
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PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Birds of Mabamba Swamp - including the prehistoric Shoebill Stork. Once the group successfully photographs the Shoebill, the remaining time in the swamp will be spent photographing the 250+ bird species residing in the area. There are also plenty of woodland birds surrounding the lodge to photograph throughout the trip
DAY 5:
TRANSFER TO ENTEBBE
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Transfer to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) (Approx. 2 hours drive)
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END OF TOUR​
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Option to extend this trip:
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Option 1: Mountain Gorilla Trekking​
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Option 2: Chimpanzee Trekking
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(Guests must depart after 11:00am on this day)
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation provided during this trip is a comfortable mid-luxury lodge located on the rim of Lake Victoria.
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Mabamba Lodge, a family-owned has been designed with the inspiration of its surrounding, remotely located in one of Uganda's most exciting birding travel destinations , characterised by thick green vegetation, rolling hills and prime birding territory of Mabamba wetlands.
Mabamba Lodge celebrates nature, culture and aims to inspire a positive and meaningful guest experiences through the understanding of how to hold a loving and interconnected relationship with nature and surrounding communities.
