Best spots to see the Shoebill stork in Uganda
The Pearl of Africa’s beauty comes into realization once you step on its land to see how well-endowed it is with rare wildlife species. Uganda is home to over 1,100 bird species among which include the elusive Shoebill stork. These bird species constitute 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world’s bird species. These abundant bird species make Uganda a top destination for birding experiences, offering value to the avid birders coming for bird watching in Uganda as a country, East Africa as a region, and the whole African continent. The magnificent and amazing prehistoric shoebill stork is one of the most sought-after bird species in Uganda. This wonderful ancient bird species has constantly attracted a number of bird enthusiasts into the country for birding safaris. Let’s look at different spots where to see the shoebill stork in Uganda.
Uganda birds
The shoebill stork weighs up to 6kgs but despite this weight, it can float on water weeds while on a fish hunt. Uganda is the best birding destination in the entire East African region, there are a number of top bird-watching spots spread across Uganda. A number of these bird-watching spots are habitats of the shoebill stork. The most prominent bird-watching destinations here include; Murchison Falls National Park along the banks of the Nile River specifically around the Delta point. While in Murchison Falls National Park, you can have a higher chance of spotting the shoebill during an early morning or evening boat cruise to the delta. Another hotspot for sighting the shoebill stork is Mabamba Swamp which is quite close to Kampala-the capital city of Uganda. Short notice and limited time travelers need just about 7 hours to do a bird watching excursion at Mabamba swamp with a high possibility of spotting this legendary bird species.Where to see the shoebill stork in Uganda.
Other destinations where there are higher chances of seeing the legendary shoebill stork are: the southern end of Lake Edward in the well-endowed Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rugogo swamp in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Mburo National Park, Makanaga Swamp, Lwera Swamp, Tooro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve; close to Lake Albert and in captivity the shoebill stork can be seen at Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre ( Entebbe zoo). When you pay a visit to any of these destinations in search of the shoebill stork, you also have chances of sighting other rare bird species like the papyrus Gonolek for the case of Mabamba swamp. Therefore the hunt for the shoebill stork is so rewarding and worthwhile during your birding safari in Uganda.
