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.
JUNE 9 - 13, 2025
5 days / 4 nights
$3,450 USD per person shared accommodation
+ $350 USD single supplement fee
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.
Equipment to Bring
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 myself and Mark are 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.
LENSES:​
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A telephoto lens with a reach of at least 500 mm​
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​This can be a fixed/prime lens or a zoom lens
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If you intend to bring a fixed/prime lens of 500 mm or more, you will also need a closer range lens
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​A 100 - 400 mm or similar is a great option, as this will allow you to get shots of wildlife that comes closer to the vehicle
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If you are interested in taking landscape photographs during the trip, we recommend a wide angle lens that ranges anywhere between 12 mm - 105 mm. This can be used for landscapes, astro-photography, close range wildlife, and congregations of wildlife.
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.
Daily Itinerary
DAY 1
ARRIVAL DAY
The first day is designed for all photography participants to arrive in Entebbe at their own leisure. Untamed Photo Safaris will arrange transfers from Entebbe International Airport (airport code EBB) for each photographer’s arrival.
The tour will start at 6 pm on this day, where the group will meet for the first time. Your photo host will be awaiting you with welcome drinks as you go through the itinerary, ask any questions, and get to know the fellow photographers in your group. After our briefing/meet and greet, we will move over to the restaurant for dinner. After dinner you will have the opportunity to relax with the others in the group.
