Chosen Uganda as your preferred travel destination? Great choice! Uganda is blessed with an abundance of tourist attractions, not limited to hosting half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks and her Kibale National Park named the World’s Primate Capital. Uganda is home to the world’s second largest fresh water lake, largest tropical Lake, and largest Lake in Africa (Lake Victoria).
Okay enough about the boosting. Am here to talk about the magnificent shoebill.
I definitely recommend tracking this shoe shaped beak stork in the Mabamba Wetlands of Lake Victoria. You will not only have a chance to come in close proximity with this bird that stares at you as though it’s looking right deep into your soul, but also cruise on our beloved Lake Victoria. The shoebill is an excellent hunter. The level of patience it practices to capture it’s prey is out of this world!
Now, what you need to know;
- Mabamba Wetlands in Uganda is one of the best places to track the shoebill stork
- It might take you between one hour to many hours to finally see this bird.
- The shoebill stork is a rare bird species known for its large shoe-shaped bill
- It is important to hire a knowledgeable and experienced guide who can lead you through the wetlands and help you spot the shoebill stork
- Be prepared for wet conditions while tracking the shoebill stork as you will be exploring the wetlands. It can rain any second. Carry a rain coat.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens to get a closer look at these magnificent birds.
- Patience is key when tracking the shoebill stork as they can be elusive and blend well with the surroundings.
- Respect the environmental rules and regulations of the area and avoid disturbing the birds or their habitat.
One important note! Please understand this is nature and completely out of our control. It might take longer or shorter to see this bird.