Where to see a shoebill in Uganda?

A shoebill is a large bird known for its distinctive appearance and is native to swamps and wetlands of tropical central Africa. It is characterized by a large size standing approximately 110 to 140 centimeters tall. Its notable feature is the massive shoe-shaped bill which is bulbous and can reach lengths of up to 24 centimeters. You can identify this bird as it has a predominantly greyish and its facial skin is a striking blue-gray.

These birds are known for their solitary nature and are often observed standing still for long periods as they await for their prey.

Much of Uganda’s rich biodiversity can be explored in its national parks. With diverse landscapes and a wide range of wildlife, these parks offer the perfect opportunity to see a shoebill in its natural habitat. From the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park to the dense forests of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the unique wetlands of Lake Mburo National Park, each place provides a unique charm and experience.

Visitors can embark on guided tours and game drives to spot the elusive shoebill, among other fascinating species. These national parks are truly a haven for nature enthusiasts

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, is a diverse and captivating safari destination filled with varied ecosystems, including savannah, forests, and wetlands, providing an ideal habitat for a wide range of wildlife and birdlife including the magnificent shoebill. The park offers guided tours and game drives where visitors can spot these unique birds, along with other iconic African species such as elephants, hippos, and buffaloes. The Ishasha sector of the park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, adding an extra thrill to any safari experience. Queen Elizabeth National Park promises an unforgettable encounter with shoebills amidst its stunning natural landscapes.

2. Lake Mburo National Park

Nestled in the heart of Western Uganda is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. The park’s extensive wetlands and acacia woodlands provide an ideal habitat for the shoebill, making it a prime spot for sightings. Bird-watching enthusiasts can explore the park on foot or embark on guided boat safaris on Lake Mburo, marvelling at the diverse birdlife, including the iconic shoebill. In addition to bird watching, visitors can also enjoy game drives, horseback safaris, and guided nature walks, ensuring a well-rounded experience in this picturesque national park.

3. Mabamba swamp.

This is one of the best places to see this bird, it is located near Lake Victoria a renowned birding site and a designated Ramsar wetland of international importance. The best time to spot the shoebill is during the early morning or late afternoon because this is when they are most active increasing the likelihood of sightings. Consider joining a birding tour or hiring an experienced bird guide to help you easily identify this epic bird species.

4. Murchison Falls National Park.

In Murchison Falls National Park, shoebills are easily spotted around the Nile Delta since it water logged.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.Game drive security is assured.Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.

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