Where Can I See The Rare Shoebill Stork In Uganda In 2024

What are the best 10 places to see shoebill stork in uganda in uganda

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Uganda protects various bird species in Africa as well as offering wildlife species such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, cultural experiences, Mountains are the hottest spot for Uganda; bird watching is a must-do and active activity in Uganda that can be tailored with other tourist activities for travelers not to miss out. click here to check mountain gorilla trekking safaris 

 

The shoebill stork's search makes Uganda an attractive destination for bird watchers traveling across Africa. Uganda, which is diversified in terms of swamps, grasslands, forests, and the shores of various freshwater bodies, is home to more than 150 species of birds. 

 

The shoebill is considered a rare species that can be seen in more than 10 different locations in Uganda. Therefore, a shoebill-specific safari increases your chances of seeing the species in Uganda. View gorilla tracking tour

 

In Uganda, there are different varieties of storks. Specifically, the yellow-billed, saddle-billed, and open-billed storks, shoebills, and marabous All of these are also found in Uganda. The best locations in Uganda to see the shoebill stork are listed below.

 

Makanaga Swamp bay

Travelers interested in a Uganda’s birding safari should visit Makanaga Swamp Bay, one of the top Shoebill sites in Uganda, where they'll get a magnificent view of the shoebill stork and other birds. The swamp is on Lake Victoria and can be reached from Kampala or Entebbe by canoe.

 

The journey to Makanaga begins early in the day with a canoe voyage with a local guide who is familiar with the area's history and who also serves as a great resource for observing birds and other aquatic life.

 

Makanaga Swamp Bay is accessible to birders and tourists all year round because it has so much to offer. Devine African Safaris organizes birding safaris in Uganda; you can look at their various packages on the website.

 

However, we can also customize a trip to Makanaga to search for shoebill storks along with your gorilla trekking safari. You will hear back from us regarding a shoe-bill trip within the shortest time possible.

 

Mabamba Swamp

Mabamba Swamp, one of the largest wetlands on Lake Victoria, is one of Uganda's most frequent destinations to see shoebill storks. It is conveniently reachable from Entebbe by powered boat or by paddling a canoe across the swamp. Travelers have a greater opportunity of spotting other bird species and the shoebill stork.

 

Birders can either go in the morning or the evening. You have the option of seeing Mabamba Swamp at the beginning or end of your journey.

 

Uganda Wildlife Education Center-Entebbe (ZOO) 

Travelers can watch the shoebill stork at the Ugandan Zoo, one of the greatest places to see it, at any time of the day and throughout the entire year. If you are simply visiting Entebbe for a conference or business-related appointments, the Zoo, which extends to Lake Victoria, offers the chance to see all species.

 

The Zoo is only a 10-minute drive from Entebbe International Airport, giving you the opportunity to visit before going to the airport to catch a flight out or continuing to explore stunning Uganda.

 

Tourists have the option of choosing to eat lunch at the Zoo, and we can set this up for you on the beach there. With the Entebbe excursion to the zoo that Devine African Safaris arranges, you have a 100% chance of sighting the shoebill stork in Uganda.

 

The majority of Shoebill storks, which are estimated to number more than 1000 and are found in Uganda, may be found around swamps, lakes, and rivers because they mostly eat aquatic species. The majority of tourists find the shoebill storks to be quite attractive and unusual birds, so Devine African Safaris is eager to take you on a journey to see them.

 

Get in touch with us for customized packages that include gorilla trekking safaris, chimpanzee trekking safaris, golden monkey trekking, tree-climbing searching, and shoebill stork tours.

 

Lake Albert Delta in Murchison Falls National Park

The shoebill stork is another bird that can be observed in Murchison Falls National Park in the Albert Delta, and it is the main draw for every traveler who is interested in birds. Although the bird is uncommon, chances of seeing it are best from January to March, which is considered the dry season.

 

Birds can be seen in plenty in Murchison Falls National Park while on game drives, boat safaris of the delta and the base of the falls, and nature walks. For the shoebill stork tour to Murchison Falls National Park and the game safari, get in touch with Devine African Safaris.

 

Lugogo Swamp in Nakasongola

The Lugogo Swamp can be accessed via the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, one of the best spots in Uganda where a traveler can observe the shoebill stork. You can have a splendid time because the Lugogo Swamp is home to more than 300 different bird species.

 

To begin your shoebill tour in the swamp, you will paddle across the water with the local guides in the early morning. You may complete this activity in 4 hours or less because you'll be riding through a swamp and viewing many birds and other wildlife.

 

Travelers heading for a wildlife safari to Murchison Falls National Park and rhino tracking at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary can add the Lugogo Swamp Shoebill Expedition. You must bring binoculars and possibly a camera to document your wonderful experience, or you can let us know in advance and we can rent binoculars for you to enhance your view.

 

The Ishasha Sector- Queen Elizabeth National Park

The shoebill stork can be observed in the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, near the swamp beside Lake Edward, where you can see shoebill storks.

 

The shoebill tour can be added to the safari to see the lions that climb trees in the Ishasha Sector, and Devine African Safaris can customize your trip to include both the game drives and the shoebill tour. In addition to the opportunity to see shoebills, Ishasha Sector is situated in the southern portion of Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. 

 

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park, which hosts over 400 bird species and 66% of the nation's forest bird species, is one of the most well-known places for bird watching in Uganda. This gives you the chance to see a variety of birds while you're there. The park can be reached from the Fort portal.

 

While there, you will also have the opportunity to visit other parks, including Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and the Rwenzori Escarpments.

 

Semuliki National Park's main attractions you shouldn't miss are the hot springs, the meandering River Semuliki with its oxbow lakes, and unquestionably the lovely birds. The shoebill stork is the second attraction of a birding safari, and since the environment is unspoiled,

 

Semuliki National Park has about five endemic Albertine species, some of the highlights being the Black Dwarf Hornbill, Blue-billed Malimbe, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Great Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Blue and Ross's Turacos, and Piping Hornbill.

 

Other bird species in Semuilki National Park include the White-throated Blue Swallow, the African Piculet, the Leaf-love, the Afep Pigeon, the White-tailed Robin-Chat, the Eurasian Oystercatcher, the Red-thighed Sparrow Hawk, the Bates' Nightjar, the Double-toothed Barbet, the Sabine's Spinetail, the Yellow-throated Nicator, the Hairy-breasted Barbet, and the Red-trumped Tinkerbird.

 

Lwera Swamp and Kyabakuza Swamp

On your route to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Rwenzori National Park, and Mgahinga National Park, Lwera and Kyabakuza Swamps are also occasionally home to Shoebill Storks.

 

In order to attempt to spot the shoebill stork, the driving guide will always stop you along the journey. If you're lucky, you won't miss it. We will make sure you experience everything when we create your schedule.

 

Lake Mburo National Park

While on either a morning or afternoon boat safari on Lake Mburo, the guides will help you identify the birds on the coasts, and, by chance, you may even see the shoebill stork. Lake Mburo National Park is among the popular destinations for travelers who enjoy birdwatching and other forms of wildlife.

 

When is the best time for shoebill stork tours in Uganda In 2024

Shoebill stork safaris in Mabamba swamp start early in the morning when the shoebill stork parades in the swamp near Lake Victoria to search for food.

 

Searching for the rare shoebill stork within Mabamba wetlands gives many travelers an opportunity to watch them in their natural habitat. Shoebill tours are best done in the rainy season.