Best 7 Places To See Shoebills In Uganda
Here are the best 7 places to see shoebills in Uganda and they include Mabamba swamp on Lake Victoria, Ziwa rhino sanctuary, Murchison falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Makanaga Swamp, and Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe.
Uganda known as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a country renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. Among its many treasures is the elusive shoebill. Uganda has a vast collection of birdlife of approximately 1000 different bird species which is one of its treasured assets.
The mysterious shoebill, a bird that resembles a dinosaur has captivated birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts worldwide. Its most distinctive feature is its enormous shoe-shaped bill which it uses to catch fish and other prey.
Standing around 4 to 5 feet tall and weighing up to 6 kilograms. Shoebills are pretty rare and live in marshy areas where they blend in well with the surroundings. They are known for being solitary and mysterious creatures.
Come along as we delve into Uganda’s best 7 places to see shoebills.
1.Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba Swamp is situated on the northern banks of Lake Victoria, it is located near Entebbe in central Uganda. It is a vast wetland area covering approximately 30 square kilometers which is characterized by extensive stands of tall papyrus reeds which create a maze of water channels and open marshes. Mabamba Swamp is well known for having a diverse range of birds, with over 300 species identified there. Notably, it is among the best places in Uganda to witness the recognizable shoebill. Mabamba Swamp is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and efforts are underway to protect its biodiversity. Other bird species found in Mabamba Swamp include herons, egrets, kingfishers, African jacanas, and various species of ducks and plovers.
2. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a protected region that spans around 70 square kilometers and is home to over 30 southern white rhinoceroses. It is situated in central Uganda, close to Nakasongola district. Around 350 different bird species have been reported here, making it a popular place for birdwatchers.
Accessible by road from Kampala, the sanctuary offers guided rhino tracking excursions and birdwatching tours. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary promotes community-based conservation as well.
Commonly spotted birds include African fish eagles, African blue flycatcher, Black and White shrike flycatcher, Black Cuckoo, Black-crowned Tchagra, Grey crowned cranes, and various species of herons, egrets, and kingfishers.
3. Murchison falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park located in the northwest part of the country covering an area of approximately 3,840 square kilometers.
Established in 1952, the park is named after the majestic Murchison Falls and is renowned for its diverse wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, and leopards.
The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 451 bird species recorded. Visitors can enjoy activities such as game drives, boat safaris, birdwatching, and chimpanzee tracking.
Commonly sighted birds include the iconic African fish eagle, shoebill stork, Goliath heron, saddle-billed stork, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and numerous species of kingfishers, bee-eaters, and weavers.
4. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Bushenyi, and Rukungiri. It covers around 1,978 square kilometers and offers diverse ecosystems including savannah, forests, and wetlands.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is among the best 7 places in Uganda to witness the majestic shoebill in its natural habitat. Its diverse wetlands and the renowned Kazinga Channel provide ideal conditions for spotting these elusive birds.
It is also a paradise for birdwatchers with over 600 bird species alongside iconic mammals like African elephants, lions, Uganda kob and buffaloes recorded within its boundaries.
Commonly sighted birds include African fish eagles, shoebills, martial eagles, saddle-billed storks, and various species of kingfishers, herons, and egrets.
5. Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is located in western Uganda, near the town of Mbarara. It is situated approximately 240 kilometers southwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smaller national parks covering an area of approximately 370 square kilometers.
The park was established in 1982 and is named after Lake Mburo, one of its primary attractions. The terrain is made up of savannah grasslands, rolling hills, acacia woods, and sporadic wetlands.
Lake Mburo National Park is recognized as one of Uganda’s prime spots to observe shoebills in their natural habitat. Its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and reed beds along Lake Mburo, provide ideal conditions for spotting these majestic birds.
Key attractions within Lake Mburo National Park include game drives, boat safaris on Lake Mburo, guided nature walks, horseback riding safaris, and cultural encounters with the local Banyankole community.
6. Makanaga swamp
Makanaga swamp is located on Lake Victoria, and it is recognized as one of the best places to see shoebills in Uganda. A canoe from Entebbe can be used to reach the marsh. Along with a local guide to assist in locating the prehistoric bird and other bird species, the boat ride will take you past papyrus and floating greenery. It is also home to a variety of bird species like; yellow-billed duck, spur-winged goose, white faced whistling duck, African jacana, Malachite kingfisher, common squacco heron, little stilt and many more.
7. Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe.
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), also known as the Entebbe Zoo, is located in Entebbe, Uganda. It is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, approximately 40 kilometers south of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
One of the best locations in Uganda to see shoebills is the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), which is located in Entebbe. It provides guests with a rare chance to see these famous birds up close in a regulated setting.
It hosts over 300 wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. UWEC is home to more than 170 bird species, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers.
When to see shoebills in Uganda
Since these locations are accessible at any time of year, shoebills can be seen there all year round. But, given that there is less water in the wetland environments that are home to shoebills during the dry season, I would suggest that you visit during that time which is typically from June to September and December to February.
Furthermore, shoebills are more likely to be active in the early morning and late afternoon particularly during their breeding season from December to May.
Here are some of the other birds that can be seen in Uganda
Uganda is a birdwatcher’s dream come true, with an astounding variety of bird species found throughout its many habitats, which include marshes, highlands, savannas, and forests.
- Marabou stork: The marabou stork is a large scavenging bird commonly seen near water bodies and urban areas. It has a bald head, a massive bill, and a distinctive throat pouch.
Grey Crowned Crane: Uganda’s national bird, the grey crowned crane is known for its elegant appearance, featuring a distinctive golden crown of feathers on its head. It inhabits grasslands and wetlands, where it feeds on insects, small vertebrates and grain. 
African Grey Parrot: known for its intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, the African grey parrot is a sought-after species in the pet trade. In the wild, it inhabits forests and savannas, where it feeds on fruits, seeds, and nuts. 
Black-headed Gonolek: recognized by its striking black head and bright red belly, the black-headed gonolek is found in woodlands and thickets, where it hunts for insects and small vertebrates.
White- browned Coucal: This large, crow-like bird is distinguished by its white eyebrow stripe and distinctive call. It inhabits grasslands, scrubs, and wooded areas.
- African Jacana: With its long legs and distinctive spurs on its wings, the African jacana is a unique wader that can be seen walking on floating vegetation in marshes and wetlands.
- Secretary Bird: This distinctive bird of prey is known for its long legs which it uses to walk through grasslands in search of food such as insects, snakes, and small mammals. It has a crest of feathers on its head and is often observed hunting in pairs.
Where to stay in the best places to see shoebills in Uganda
All of the best places to see shoebills in Uganda offer three different types of accommodation namely Luxury accommodation, Mid-range accommodation and Budget accommodation.
Luxury accommodation is for clients who are more than willing to spend on expensive or lavish rooms, Mid-range accommodation is for clients that are willing to spend but not on luxurious amenities and Budget accommodation is the most affordable amongst the three and is for clients who are on a tight budget and do want to spend much for accommodation.
Luxury accommodation in the best places to see shoebills in Uganda include;
Paraa Safari Lodge: Set on the banks of the Nile River within Murchison Falls National Park, Paraa Safari Lodge offers upscale accommodation options, including rooms and suites with stunning views of the river and surrounding savannas.
Mweya Safari Lodge: Located on a peninsula within Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge offers luxurious accommodation options, including rooms and cottages overlooking the Kazinga Channel and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Mihingo Lodge: Located in Lake Mburo National Park, it offers a luxury experience to tourists and rooms and suites with stunning views.
Mid-range accommodation in the best places to see shoebills in uganda include;
Bwana Tembo Safari Camp: Nestled on the southern bank of the Nile River, Bwana Tembo Safari Camp provides tented accommodation in a serene environment, offering an authentic bush experience.
Ishasha Wilderness camp: Situated in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Wilderness Camp offers exclusive tented accommodation in a remote wilderness area famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Budget accommodation in the best places to see shoebills in Uganda include;
Eagles Nest Mburo: A budget lodge situated near Lake Mburo National Park, offering comfortable rooms and camping facilities at affordable rates. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, and bonfire area.
Red Chilli Hideaway: A budget-friendly accommodation option in Kampala and Murchison Falls offering dormitory beds, private rooms, and camping facilities. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.
Shoebill Campsite& Guesthouse: located in Murchison falls national park, this budget-friendly accommodation offers campsites and guesthouse rooms at affordable rates. Facilities may include basic amenities such as shared bathrooms, dining areas, and outdoor sitting areas.
How to access the best 7 places to see shoebills in Uganda.
By road, Mabamba Swamp is reachable from Entebbe or Kampala; depending on traffic, the trip takes 1-2 hours. You go by road to the landing site and then get a speed boat to the island. For those connecting from Entebbe International Airport, you can simply connect to where you will get the boat to the swamp.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is easily accessible by road from Kampala and other major towns in Uganda. The journey by car takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The sanctuary is located off the Gulu highway (A104), and directional signs are posted along the route to guide visitors to the entrance.
Murchison Falls National Park can be accessed by road from Kampala, with the journey typically taking approximately 4-5 hours depending on road conditions and traffic. The park is also accessible by air, with chartered flights available to Pakuba Airstrip, Chobe Airstrip and Bugungu Airstrip within the park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park can be accessed by road from Kampala with the journey taking approximately 5-6 hours depending on road conditions and traffic. The main entrance to the park is located near the town of Kasese, with several access points and gates allowing entry to different areas of the park. A number of chattered flights are organised to Queen Elizabeth National Park as well. And therefore, if one does not want to sit in the car for the long distance by road, then they can take a flight however, by road, you would have an opportunity to make stop overs and admire the beautiful scenary along the way.
Lake Mburo national park can be accessed by road from Kampala, with the journey taking approximately 3-4 hours depending on road conditions and traffic. The main entrance to the park is located near the town of Lyantonde, with directional signs posted along the route to guide visitors to the entrance. By air, you could fly into Mbarara Airstrip and then connect the rest of the distance to the park by road.
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre is easily accessible by road from Kampala and other major towns in Uganda. The journey by car typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on traffic. The center is located off Entebbe Road (Kampala-Entebbe Road), and directional signs are posted along the route to guide visitors to the entrance.
Frequently asked questions about shoebills in Uganda
- What is the estimated number of shoebill storks in Uganda?
Uganda is home to approximately 1000 shoebill storks, making it a prime location for birders seeking to observe these endangered yet enchanting birds.
- How long do Shoebill Storks live in Uganda?
In the wild, shoebill storks have an average lifespan of 35 to 50 years; those in captivity may live up to 60 years due to factors like consistent food availability and reduced predation risks.
- What are the behaviors of shoebills storks in Uganda?
Shoebill storks are known for their assertive and territorial nature. They primarily feed on fish but also consume small mammals, birds, and amphibians. During breeding season, they intensify their territorial instincts to protect nests and chicks from threats like predators and habitat disruptions caused by humans.
- Where can I see shoebill in Uganda?
In Uganda, you can see shoebills in the following destinations, Mabamba Swamp, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, UWEC, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Semuliki National Park, Lwera Swamp and Makanaga Swamp.
- Where is the best place to see shoebills?
Mabamba Swamp is the best place to see shoebills in Uganda. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, this wetland is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to a significant population of these magnificent birds. Visitors can embark on guided boat tours through the swamp, providing an excellent opportunity to observe and appreciate the unique beauty of shoebills in their natural habitat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Uganda offers unparalleled opportunities for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers to witness the majestic shoebill in its natural habitat. The diverse ecosystems of Murchison Falls National Park, the serene wetlands of Lake Albert, and the rich biodiversity of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are just a few of the prime locations where visitors can observe these remarkable birds. Additionally, the enchanting scenery and vibrant wildlife in the surrounding areas provide a rewarding experience for all.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or a casual observer, exploring these seven exceptional sites will undoubtedly enhance your appreciation for Uganda’s unique avian treasures. Plan your visit, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of shoebills and the breathtaking landscapes that make Uganda a premier destination for wildlife viewing.