Tracking Shoebill in East Africa.
Tracking Shoebill in East Africa: In a few East African birding safari locations, shoebill tracking safaris are among the most popular activities. The most sought-after bird species in East Africa are shoebill storks, which are more common in Rwanda and Uganda. Referred known as the shoebill stork, Uganda and Rwanda seem to be the greatest places for tourists to have a high chance of seeing this endangered, elusive, and archaic bird.
There are more than nine “9” best places to see the shoebill stork in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mabamba Swamp, Lugogo Swamp inside the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lwera Swamp along the Kampala-Masaka highway, Makanaga Swamp, Semuliki National Park on the shores of Lake Albert, Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe.
The only place to see the shoebill stork in Rwanda is Akagera National Park.
The ideal time to track the Shoebill Stork
From late May to September, you have the best chance of seeing the shoebill stork and birding. There may be less rain and plenty of food during that time. Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the primary site for seeing Albertine bird species. The park opens in May and June, but the rains may still be too intense between mid-April and mid-May.
Where in Uganda can I track shoebill storks?
The greatest place to spot shoebills that gives us life-changing experiences is Uganda. The shoebill, on the other hand, is a rare species of prehistoric bird whose history dates back to the dinosaur era. The shoebill known as the “stork” was recently renamed a pelican. Even more so, shoebills and pelicans have identical DNA and lay eggs differently.
According to facts, the shoebill stork typically measures 40 to 50 inches, yet the size may vary based on the species.
Male shoebill birds are slightly heavier than females, typically weighing 12 pounds “in 5 kilograms.”
All shoebill birds have enormous bills that resemble shoes, and their young have brown, grey plumage.
In contrast to their stork and pelican relatives, shoebill storks have short necks and a huge wingspan for soaring; yet, their body and wings are formed like condors, which they are not related to.
Shoebills kill and consume their prey using their strong shoe-like bills. Although it’s uncommon, they might also consume tiny birds, turtles, and some rodents.
In addition to using their bills to communicate with one another, they occasionally create noises that resemble speech.
Murchison Falls National Park
The shoebill, which stretches farther north through Sudan into the Mediterranean Sea, can be observed in the delta region of Murchison Falls National Park, where the Victoria Nile splits into Lake Albert and the Albert Nile. In addition to being a well-known location for shoebill tracking, the delta area is also home to numerous other noteworthy Ugandan birds. In Murchison Falls National Park, a boat safari downstream is the most effective way to track shoebills. Another choice is to go on the boat tour to follow the shoebill, which takes visitors on a wildlife drive through the vast savannah plains of the enormous Murchison Falls National Park under the guidance of a guide.
It should be noted that the best approach to monitor shoebill storks in Murchison Falls National Park is by boat safari, which necessitates careful preparation beforehand. Your guide will be waiting for you at the delta area, and it is advised that trackers bring their own lunch from the resort.
Shoebill Tracking Safaris Lake Victoria’s Mabamba Swamp
The renowned Lake Victoria, which is the second-largest lake in the world after Lake Superior, is where the Mabamba marsh is located. Furthermore, a traditional powered canoe can be used to reach Mabamba Swamp near Entebbe, which is home to the endangered shoebill stork. While both morning and afternoon are ideal times to track shoebills in the Mabamba marsh, we prefer to track in the morning when it’s cooler.
The dry season, which runs from January to March, is the ideal time of year to follow shoebills in Mabamba Swamp. You can choose to take a one-day Shoebill excursion into the Mabamba Swamp when you visit Uganda Wildlife Safari.
Lake Mburo National Park
The park, which is around four hours from Kampala, is the smallest game park in Uganda. Another fantastic place for birdwatchers is Lake Mburo National place, where they can see the endangered shoebill stork in Uganda and track shoebills in East Africa.
A three-day Lake Mburo safari that includes shoebill tracking is an option.
Reserve of Toro-Semuliki
Among the more than 400 bird species found in Uganda’s bird sanctuaries is the Toro-Semuliki reserve, which includes shoebills. Fort Portal Town provides access to this reserve, which is located in southwest Uganda.
March and the comparatively dry season, which runs from December to February, are the ideal times to visit the Toro-Semuliki reserve for birdwatching. The majority of bird species breed best around this season.
In Uganda, Toro-Semuliki Reserve is another well-liked location for shoebill tracking.
“Queen Elizabeth National Park” in the Ishasha Sector
In addition to being one of the greatest places for visitors to track shoebill storks around the marshy beaches of Lake Edward, the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is noted as an excellent place to watch the uncommon tree-climbing lions. Although many tour operators overlook it, this area of the park offers a distant wildlife viewing experience in addition to the opportunity to spot the elusive shoebill stork.
The Makanaga Swamp
Additionally, Makanaga Swamp is a fantastic location for shoebill observation. It is around a 60-kilometer journey from Entebbe, and Kampala-Masaka Road is another way to get there. Makanaga has fewer visitors than Mabamba Swamp. As a result, Makanaga is the ideal destination for any serious birder who enjoys visiting fewer visited locations.
Swamp of Lwera
A nice place to see the shoebill is the Lwera Swamp, which is on the same path as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Forest National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda. In order to spot some storks, your guide will frequently pause in the marsh.
Swamp of Lugogo
Additionally, this is one of the nine locations for shoebill stork tracking, which can be conveniently paired with a trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking, Budongo Forest for chimpanzee tracking, a boat safari or game drive, Murchison Falls National Park for shoebill tracking, or East Africa for shoebill tracking.
You can have a four-day safari vacation at Murchison Falls Safari.
Uganda Wildlife Education Center
Entebbe Zoo was the old name of this place. Currently known as the Uganda Wildlife Education Center, or “UWEC,” it serves as a rehabilitation facility for animals that have been rescued from poaching and human trafficking.
It is a warm and inviting environment for all visitors, especially children. A proper understanding of what Uganda has in store for animal species can be gained by visiting the Uganda animal Education Center.
When on a Uganda safari vacation, visitors who want to track shoebills combine it with other activities like a game drive, boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking, or a trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinag National Park for gorilla trekking and a visit to Batwa.Plan now for an amazing safari filled with unforgettable experiences.
