Entebbe Eco Tour

Mabamba Shoebills Watching - Begin your journey with a pickup and sail to Mabamba Swamp, a wetland of international significance as recognized by Ramsar. This swamp is a haven for globally endangered bird species, including the rare Shoebill stork and the stunning blue swallow, which makes up nearly half of the world’s population of this songbird. The swamp, accessible only by canoe, is located northwest of the Entebbe Peninsula along Lake Victoria’s edge. It was named by local fishermen due to the abundance of lungfish, known as “Mamba,” a favorite of both fishermen and the shoebill. Besides the shoebill, you can expect to see birds such as the Blue swallow, Pallid harrier, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp flycatcher, Pigmy goose, Lesser jacana, Vie lot’s weaver, Grosbeak weaver, Black-headed weaver, Palm-nut vulture, Caruthers’s Cisticola, Papyrus canary, Malachite kingfisher, Gull-billed terns, Winding Cisticola, Goliath heron, and various Egrets.

Uganda Reptile Village - After the Shoebill experience, visit the Uganda Reptile Village, a Community Based Organisation founded in 2003 to educate the community on the ecological importance of reptiles and promote their conservation. The village is home to 20 reptile species and over 50 individual reptiles, including Black mambas, Jameson’s mambas, Rock Pythons, Vipers, Egyptian & Forest Cobras, Puff adders, Tortoises, Monitor lizards, Crocodiles, and Chameleons. You’ll have the chance to touch and take pictures with snakes, interact with colorful chameleons, and hold young crocodiles.

Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre - Tour the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, established in 1952 with the primary goal of rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife. The center houses over 400 native wild animals, 500 plant species, and more than 250 bird species. Enjoy close encounters with chimps as you assist their keeper, and get up close to lions and other animals while learning about their histories. The center protects animals such as zebras, antelopes, monkeys, chimps, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, warthogs, lions, and many more, including birds like the shoebill and African fish eagle, as well as reptiles. The latest additions are two tigers!

Kigungu - Continue to the Kigungu Historical Site, located on the shores of Lake Victoria. This site marks the beginning of the Catholic religion in Uganda, where the first Catholic missionaries (Brother Amans and Fr. Mon Maple Lourdel) landed over a century ago. Visit the nearby local Catholic Church built in their memory and interact with the local fishing community.

Entebbe Botanic Gardens - End your day at the National Botanical Gardens, an eco-zone on the shores of Lake Victoria. This spot is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering excellent birding experiences, nature walks, and biking. You might even encounter some monkeys—don’t forget to share a banana with them. The gardens are a conservation area for over 300 tree species, many of which have medicinal value and have existed for centuries. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and the cool breeze from Lake Victoria.

Kampala City Tour - Full Day

Kampala - Start your city tour in Kampala’s Central Business District and extend it to the suburbs. Highlights in uptown Kampala include the Independence Monument, Mutesa II Monument, World War II Monument, the Parliamentary Building, Bank of Uganda (established in 1966), Uganda National Cultural Centre (since December 1959), and Kampala Capital City Authority headquarters. Make a stop at Nakasero Market, established in 1895 and relocated to its current city center location in 1905. Enjoy sights of Hindu temples such as Shree Swaminarayan Mandir and other cultural sites.

Kabaka’s Palace - Proceed to the Buganda Kingdom to visit the Kabaka’s (king’s) Palace. See the Idd Amin torture chambers, a historical machine gun, and the palace pictorial. Explore Buganda’s rich history and drive past Kabaka’s Lake. The Buganda trail includes the Nantawetwa monument, built exclusively for the King and only opened when he is driven to or from the palace to the Buganda Parliament. Drive along the Royal Mile, sightseeing Bulange (Buganda Parliament), Kabaka’s monument, Zakaria Kisingiri House, and the Buganda Clan Symbols.

Gaddafi National Mosque - Stop at Gadhafi Mosque, built by the late Col. Muammar Gadhafi. Climb the tower for a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the city’s famous 7 Hills, including Fort Lugard (established in 1800 by Capt. Frederick Lugard) and Old Kampala Senior Secondary School (where Rwanda’s President Kagame once studied).

Kasubi Tombs - Visit the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major spiritual center for the Baganda. This site preserves traditional and cultural practices and serves as the burial ground for the last four kings (Kabakas), making it a religious center for the Royal family. Traditional rituals related to Buganda culture are held here.

Makerere University - Drive through Makerere University, Uganda’s largest and oldest university (established in 1922) and Africa’s third oldest. See landmarks such as the Old University Library (established in 1949), the Main Administration Building (since 1941), and the Education monument.

Baha’i Temple - On the way to the Baha’i Temple, drive through Kalerwe Market, the second-largest local market. You may stop for pictures or to buy fresh fruits. Explore the Baha’i Temple and Baha’i Faith in Uganda at Kikaya Hill, the only Baha’i temple in Africa. Access the temple for a moment of self-meditation and take pictures in the lush gardens. Note: The Temple is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Uganda Museum - The Uganda Museum is temporarily closed for renovations.

Visit the Uganda National Museum, East Africa’s first and oldest museum (established by the British government in 1908 and moved to its current site in 1954). This museum provides a summary of the city tour and the rest of Uganda. Note: The Museum is temporarily closed for renovations.

Uganda Martyrs Shrine - Break for lunch at a restaurant and continue your tour.

Your final stop is at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, where martyrs were persecuted between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda. This site is a popular pilgrimage destination in Africa, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every 3rd June. Visit The Basilica, constructed over nine years and sanctified on 7th February 1993 by the Pope. The shrine has hosted three Papal visits: Pope Paul VI (1969), Pope John Paul II (1993), and Pope Francis (2015). Tour the Martyrs Museum and Holy Water Lake.

After an informative tour of the shrine, return to your hotel or preferred location within Kampala.

• Mabamba entrance and Boat Transfers
• 01 Night’s accommodation + Breakfast
• Lunch
• Guide; In-person: English
• Private transport (4WD Minibus) plus fuel cost

• Drop off outside Kampala
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses and drinks

“Entebbe” means “seat,” a place where Buganda Chiefs once held legal proceedings. It served as a British colonial administrative hub in 1893. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is rich in natural beauty, offering numerous beaches, historical sites, and wildlife attractions. Journey to Kampala and enjoy a peaceful night at Gazelle Guest House, then wake up ready to explore the city’s famous landmarks. Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda, is divided into five divisions: Central, Kawempe (North), Makindye (South), Nakawa (East), and Rubaga (West), known for its seven hills.

Highlights:

• Uganda Reptile Village
• Kigungu Historical Site
• Shoebill sightings at Mabamba
• Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
• Entebbe Botanical Gardens
• Tour Nakiwogo Market
• Buganda Cultural Trail
• Visit the Baha’i Temple
• Buganda Palace and its pictorials
• Traverse Old Kampala
• Explore Local Markets
• Historical Monuments
• Uganda National Museum
• Uganda Martyrs Shrine
• Gadhafi National Mosque

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.