Entebbe Eco-Tour: Wildlife and Nature Adventure

16 Ratings

Entebbe

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Immerse yourself in the rich culture, diverse wildlife, and fascinating history of Entebbe, Uganda’s gateway to the world. Explore fishing villages, historical sites, and monuments, and indulge in an authentic Ugandan meal.

Duration: 10 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Lake Victoria - Begin your journey at Mabamba Wetland (Lake Victoria), a celebrated Ramsar Site known for hosting endangered species such as the Shoebill Stork and Blue Swallow. This wetland is home to over 260 bird species. Embark on a motorized canoe trip across Lake Victoria to reach the wetland, named by fishermen for the large lungfish, or…

Lake Victoria - Begin your journey at Mabamba Wetland (Lake Victoria), a celebrated Ramsar Site known for hosting endangered species such as the Shoebill Stork and Blue Swallow. This wetland is home to over 260 bird species. Embark on a motorized canoe trip across Lake Victoria to reach the wetland, named by fishermen for the large lungfish, or “Mamba,” that inhabit the area—a favorite meal for the shoebill!
Other notable birds include the Pallid Harrier, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, Pygmy Goose, Lesser Jacana, Grosbeak Weaver, Palm-nut Vulture, Papyrus Canary, Malachite and Pied Kingfisher, Gull-billed Tern, Goliath Heron, and Egrets.
Uganda Reptile Village - Following the Shoebill visit, head to the Uganda Reptile Village – Situated just 3 km off the Kampala–Entebbe Road, this village immerses visitors in the captivating world of reptiles. Established in 2002 by Yasin Kazibwe, the park is dedicated to reptile conservation and education. Encounter snakes such as the Black Mamba, Jameson’s Mamba, Rock Pythons, Vipers, Egyptian and Forest Cobras, and Puff Adders, along with chameleons, tortoises, crocodiles, and monitor lizards. Visitors can even handle a Rock Python or tortoise. All visits contribute to community development initiatives, blending adventure with positive impact.
Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre - Proceed to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre – Founded in 1952, this center rescues and rehabilitates injured or orphaned wildlife. It houses over 400 native animals, 500 plant species, and more than 250 bird species.
Enjoy close encounters with chimpanzees alongside expert keepers, as well as lions, tigers, and various grazers including the renowned elephant “Charles”. Other inhabitants include zebras, antelopes, monkeys, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, warthogs, and birds such as the African fish eagle.

Enhance your visit with an optional behind-the-scenes experience, stepping into the role of a caretaker for the day, feeding giraffes, chimps, and other animals up close.

Kigungu Catholic Church - After lunch,
Visit the Kigungu Historical Site on the shores of Lake Victoria, where Uganda’s Catholic mission began. The first missionaries, Br. Amans, and Fr. Lourdel Maple, arrived here on 17 February 1879. Highlights include the fishing village, Entebbe Airport runway, and lakeshore birdlife.
Entebbe Botanic Gardens - Conclude your day at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Uganda’s first and oldest agricultural research site (est. 1898), covering 40.7 hectares along 1.5 km of Lake Victoria shoreline. The gardens protect over 500 plant species, including native and exotic fruits, medicinal plants, spices, ornamentals, timber, and wild crop relatives. Spot Red-tailed, Vervet, and Colobus monkeys moving freely among the trees, and support conservation efforts by adopting or planting a tree. With its tranquil atmosphere and the gentle breeze from Lake Victoria, the gardens provide a perfect ending to your Entebbe Eco Tour after a day of diverse explorations.

Afterward, relax as you are dropped off at your hotel or any preferred location in Entebbe, marking the end of a memorable day.

What's Included

Admission fees per site visited
English-speaking Driver-Guide
Ugandan lunch with a soft drink or mineral water
Mabamba Boat transfers and entrance fees
Shared transport in a 4WD Minibus plus fueling

What's Not Included

Travel and medical insurance
Tips and gratuities plus personal expenses
Extra meals and drinks/beverage

Additional Information

This comprehensive Entebbe eco-tour offers a full day of exploration into Uganda’s wildlife, history, and natural beauty. Start with a canoe journey through Mabamba Wetland to observe the elusive Shoebill Stork, Blue Swallow, and more than 260 bird species. Visit the Uganda Reptile Village for an up-close look at snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, and…

Location

Lake Victoria

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.5

(16 Ratings)

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Adventurer355665

Feb 11, 2025

Highly recommend!! - Our guide Hamlet was wonderful and went above and beyond to ensure our tour was informative and fun. We got to see the spectacular and endangered shoebill stork on the swamp tour. We really enjoyed the day and activities and lunch (which was included) was delicious.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Emilychen88

Nov 6, 2024

Must do in Entebbe - I have the best guide Hilary for this tour. He picked me up from the hotel early in the morning with a raincoat and a safari blanket. He is extremely knowledgeable with the history and customs of Uganda. Also knows a lot about wildlife. Loved finding a shoebill and all the birds in the swamp. Lunch was amazing and the rest of the activities memorable. Had a wonderful time.

Review provided by Viator

Victoria

Oct 28, 2024

Entebbe in October - A superb day. We got to see 2 shoebills and hold chameleons. Hilary and Brian were very knowledgeable and I would highly recommend the day.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Becky98

Jun 30, 2024

One of the Most Incredible Days Ever! - Hillary, our guide, provided me and my friend an absolutely amazing day exploring Entebbe and the nearby swamp! We started the day by being picked up and a basket with water and fruit was provided. We took 2 different boats to find the incredible, elusive, endangered shoebill stork and luckily we found one and got to take pictures and study him. Then we got to go to the Uganda Wildlife Center and see some animals up close, including the shoebill stork and chimpanzees. After a delicious traditional lunch, we visited the Reptile center and saw some scary snakes, got to hold a giant tortoise and hold a couple of chameleons. Then we went to Botanical Gardens and walked through the gorgeous place seeing rare trees and a few birds and monkeys too. All 3 places had a knowledgeable guide included to take us around. Then to my surprise Hillary set up a table with a birthday cake and sparkling grape juice served on China and wine glasses. What an amazing experience! Finally I had asked if we could top buy the markets some could buy a few souvenirs to take back home since it was my last day in Uganda and he obliged and didn’t make me feel rushed at all. This was a great way to spend a day when you have a late flight. It’s definitely worth adding an extra day to your itinerary. Just so you know, save back $50 or so to pay for one of the boats that isn’t included. It was still worth every penny! Thank you Hillary!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Carole_p

Apr 19, 2024

Great experience - Hillary was a great guide! We asked to focus on seeing the shoebill, the zoo, and the botanical gardens. We did just that and had a nice lunch. Overall a great time. All of the guides were very knowledgeable and interesting to talk with. We would definitely go again!

Review provided by Viator

Kajsa_b

Mar 5, 2024

Entebbe has so much to offer! - Thank you for an excellent day! We only had a short time in off in Uganda and weren't sure if there was anything to see in Entebbe.... Wow! We were so impressed with our day's adventure! From the boat ride to the botanical gardens, from the rare birds to the scary snakes to the adorable monkeys, it was a day full of incredible elements of Africa! Thank you!

Review provided by Viator

N2039mcalexanderc

Jan 25, 2024

Very good tour - The tour was amazing! Matthew did a great job as a tour guide. He explained everything to me and I can tell he is very knowledgeable.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Thesetter

Nov 11, 2023

Fabulous Day Out - Not the Eco Day Tour but a bespoke day.... I had an extra day in Entebbe before the rest of the tour group arrived and I decided to look for a tour that covered Mabamba Swamp and Entebbe Botanical Gardens. After a little research, I found Gazelle and I'm very pleased I did. Sorting out the details of the tour before I left the UK was easily done by email. The company did not try and rip me off (like another one I contacted who quoted more than double the going rate) and we settled on a price and itinery. On the day, Mathew Tusubira looked after me perfectly. He arrived at my hotel early and had even brought a waterproof (my luggage had not made it from Amsterdam). His knowledge of the history, geography, politics and organisational skills seemed second to none. The boatmen (across Lake Victoria and in the Swamp) were superb as well as being friendly and happy to slow down or change direction so I could look at wildlife. The bird guide in the Swamp was brilliant, taking me straight to a magnificent Shoebill with which we stayed for an hour. There was no disturbance of the bird and I enjoyed the 60 minutes so much!! Afterwards, we re-crossed the Lake (by the way, a much better way to get to Mabamba than driving) we were off to the Botanical Gardens. The local guide was collected and , again, was superb. Mathew was in close attendance all the time and did not mind that we overran the schedule, allowing me time to really look and appreciate the many new (to me) species of birds and monkey. I'm not a photographer (I like to look) but have tens of photos from the day). All in all, a day I will long remember thanks to Gazelle Safari Company.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Jeanmarie_p

Jun 13, 2024

Very nice trip - We give this only 3 out of 5 stars because out of one fact otherwise it would have been 5 out of 5. In the description it states that the transfer to see the Shoebills is not included. First to not include it is weird as you do not want to miss this part of the whole trip. But then after the trip to been told that this boot transfer costs $50.00 after already having paid $190 per person was just felt as being ripped of (just our opinion). So be aware of that fact. Now to the positives. Trip was very well organized no waiting everything on every part was immediately available. The driver was very courteous and did a very good job driving the mini bus which was necessary as part of the roads had very many and deep potholes (no trip for people with bad backs). At every stop we got a local guide and they were all excellent. Especially those in the swamps (shoebills they found 3 of them which is very rare) and the botanical garden (he showed us so many birds which we certainly would not have seen). Started with the trip to the swamps to see the shoebills a must if you have the time to do it. Many birds very nice. Second to the spot where the two priests landed. The church is half in the water so you cannot really walk around there. The road getting to it is not good either. In our view the time would be better spend in one of the other spots. Third the reptile refugee. Getting there was a challenge very bumpy. There are not a lot of reptiles to see (only 10 or so) and most of them you will see in the fourth stop the zoo. We understand that they want to support them as they save animals that would otherwise very likely not survive. So better might be to give them some money and use time elsewhere. Fourth stop the zoo (not allowed to bring in plastic bottles be aware to bring water in none plastic bottles or have money to buy water as it can be very hot). We like zoo’s so it was a nice stop for us and they have Shoebills in captivity but not in the wild so in case you do not have time to go to the swamps this would be an alternative. Last stop the botanical gardens. We have been to many botanical gardens but none was like this one. Our guide was excellent and a very good spotter. We spend more than two hours here but easily could have spend half day or more. In our view the highlight of this day trip. We skipped the included lunch as we wanted to use that time on the 5 stops. So in summary the company who organized the trip did an excellent job but we would have done only the swamp trip and the botanical garden each half a day if we would do it again.

Review provided by Viator

Rainescarolyn

Feb 3, 2024

Wished I knew ahead of time boat trip cost $52 cash - What I would have loved to know when I booked the tour was total price. Since I was solo cost $240 then area said extra price for boat ride to the swamp. Was a handmade boat and cost me $52 cash at end of day. Most of Uganda doesn’t accept credit cards so I was very limited on cash my trip. Then the reptile place had a sadistic jerk tour me around. He loved getting the poor creatures angry. He poked each snake with a stick and knocked on the glass to show teeth. Also poked crocodile hard with stick to show teeth. Then would flick his finger hard at the turtles head and legs to make it go back in shell. The wildlife conservation was the best. Had the best caring guide that really explained interesting facts about the animals

Review provided by Tripadvisor

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From $172

up to 6 guests

1 - Adult