Duration
5-Day
Mabamba Swamp, Uganda
5-Day Albertine Rift Birding Safari– Shoebill & Endemics
Overview
You'll search for the prehistoric Shoebill in Mabamba Wetland, then journey into the misty highlands of Bwindi and Ruhija for Africa's greatest concentration of Albertine Rift endemics. You'll track legendary species such as Grauer's Broadbill, Regal Sunbird, and Handsome Francolin. A short but powerful birding adventure ideal for serious birders and photographers.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Entebbe to Entebbe (City)
Via Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas), Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)
Country & park
Uganda / Mabamba Swamp
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
ViaVia Entebbe Guesthouse - Budget hostel in Entebbe (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Meals
Lunch & Dinner Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$2,455 USD
$1,637 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,576 USD
$1,705 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is not available to groups larger than 4 people.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Uganda
Start
Entebbe (Day 1)
Day 1
Mabamba Swamp
Day 2
Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas)
Day 3
Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)
Day 4
Lake Bunyonyi
End
Entebbe (City) (Day 5)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour uses tented camps and resorts.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives
Game drives: pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
ViaVia Entebbe Guesthouse
Budget hostel in Entebbe (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2-3
Broadbill Forest Camp
Budget tented camp just outside Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort
Mid-range resort at Lake Bunyonyi – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe & Birding in Mabamba Wetland (Shoebill Search)
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Naleyo Tours and Travel birding guide. After a brief orientation, you will head directly to one of Africa’s most important birding sites — Mabamba Wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria. Here, you'll board a traditional canoe and glide through papyrus-lined channels alive with bird calls and vibrant colors. Mabamba is the best place in East Africa to find the majestic Shoebill Stork, whose massive prehistoric appearance captures every birder’s imagination. Along the way, you’ll also encounter Papyrus Gonolek, African Marsh Harrier, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, and several kingfisher species. The wetland’s serenity, paired with suspenseful scanning, creates an unforgettable first day. Later, you'll return to Entebbe for a relaxed evening at your lodge. Budget hostel located in Entebbe (City) Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Mabamba Swamp Stay: ViaVia Entebbe Guesthouse Budget hostel located in Entebbe (City) Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Scenic Highlands (Birding En Route)
After breakfast, you'll begin the scenic journey to the Albertine Rift. The drive winds through rolling hills, terraced farmlands, papyrus wetlands, and open woodlands—each offering productive birding stops. Expect sightings of Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, African Harrier-Hawk, and Ross’s Turaco. You will arrive in the high-altitude forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija) by late afternoon. The cool air, mountain mists, and thick evergreen forest echo with the songs of rare montane species, setting the tone for tomorrow’s exceptional birding. You'll enjoy dinner as you listen to nightjars calling from the forest edge. Budget tented camp located just outside Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Stay: Broadbill Forest Camp Budget tented camp located just outside Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Full Birding in Ruhija (Mubwindi Swamp & Endemics)
Today is the highlight of the safari — a full-day birding expedition through Ruhija’s world-renowned trails. You'll descend toward the mystical Mubwindi Swamp, a hotspot for Albertine Rift endemics and home to some of Africa’s most elusive species. This region offers exceptional chances of encountering: Grauer’s (African Green) Broadbill – Uganda’s most sought-after endemic Regal Sunbird Handsome Francolin Rwenzori Batis Mountain Masked Apalis Doherty’s Bushshrike Stripe-breasted Tit Birding in this quiet, ancient forest is magical—mist drifting through tall trees, sunbirds flitting in flowering lobelias, and distant calls echoing over the valley. You'll return to your lodge in the late afternoon for a well-deserved rest. Budget tented camp located just outside Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Ruhija Sector (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) Stay: Broadbill Forest Camp Budget tented camp located just outside Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Birding Echuya Forest & Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, you’ll depart for the bamboo-dominated Echuya Forest, one of the last strongholds of the endangered Grauer’s Swamp Warbler. This compact but productive forest also holds Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and several bamboo specialists. Later, you'll continue to the scenic shores of Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest lakes and a wonderful birding refuge. You'll enjoy gentle birding along the islands, spotting species like Red-chested Sunbird, Carruthers ’ Cisticola, and numerous weaver species. The tranquil landscape is perfect for photography and relaxation after days of intensive forest birding. Mid-range resort located at Lake Bunyonyi All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Bunyonyi Stay: Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort Mid-range resort located at Lake Bunyonyi Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Return to Entebbe & Departure
You'll enjoy a slow lakeside breakfast before driving back toward Entebbe. The journey offers opportunities for roadside birding, market stops, and scenic viewpoints. Depending on your schedule, you may stop at the Equator for photos before continuing to Entebbe for drop-off. Your Albertine Rift birding adventure comes to an end with incredible memories and world-class sightings. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Entebbe (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Entebbe
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to/from Entebbe Airport (EBB - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Naleyo Tours and Travels
5.0 operator rating
8 reviews
We are a renowned and reputable travel agency in Uganda that takes pride in curating extraordinary and unforgettable travel experiences for our valued customers. With a deep passion for exploration and a commitment to delivering excellence, we have become a trusted name in the travel industry. At Naleyo Tours, we understand that travel is more than just visiting new places. It's about immersing yourself in diverse cultures, creating lifelong memories, and embarking on transformative journeys.
Office In
Uganda
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2020)
Member Of
USAGA & UTB
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Rwanda, Uganda
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5The visit to the Nile in jinja
I enjoyed bungee jumping, the stunning view of the Nile,zip lining, white water rafting. The team was hospitable and I had a nice experience with naleyo tours and travels.
Aisha · Uganda
She is professional
My wife and i had the best trip of our lives thanks to Naleyo tours and travels Our guide cathy .she arrived promptly on time with a warm welcoming smile that remained with us for the duration of our journey. She had good knowledge about ugandan wildlife with unmatchable expertise of birds and tree enhanced our experience and appreciation for the beauty uganda has to offer.
Jimmy · China
Mesmirizing!
A tour with Naleyo was more than just a trip; It was an invitation to fall in love with Uganda. Their commitment to customer satisfaction, environmental responsibility, and cultural appreciation makes them not just tour operators but ambassadors of Uganda's beauty and spirit. Our family felt welcomed at every stop, and the journey allowed us to reconnect in the most stunning settings. From the thrill of spotting elusive animals to the peaceful moments in Uganda's lush landscapes, Naleyo crafted an experience that was both exhilarating and soul-soothing.
Phillip · Uganda
Knowledgeable, Fun and Patient
We spent six days in Rwanda with David and we couldn't be more appreciative for his friendliness, skill, and remarkable insight. He took us on a thrilling and thorough city tour of Kigali, as well as driving us to and from Volcanoes National Park. We learned so much from him and would highly recommend him as a tour guide!!
Lawrence Kizito · United Kingdom
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour is unavailable for children.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
ViaVia Entebbe Guesthouse - Budget hostel in Entebbe (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included. Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Entebbe
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Naleyo Tours and Travels, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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