#mabamba swamp

[life-on-our-planet]

🪶👞shoebill stork👞🪶

[herpsandbirds]

Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), family Balaenicipitidae, Mabamba Swamp, Uganda

This bird is the only member of its family.

The taxonomic affinities of this bird have long been debated. It currently rests within the order Pelicaniformes It was, in the past, often places in the Ciconiiformes). Its closest living relative is most likely the Hamerkop.

photograph by Jean-Christopher Damond

[ezeraodoi]

I went to Shoebill Park in Uganda (around the Mabamba Bay marshes on the shores of Lake Victoria) to research about this endemic species- "Shoebill". Shoebills are aquatic birds that predominantly inhabit freshwater swamps in central and eastern African countries mainly; South Sudan, eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, western Tanzania, and northern parts of Zam

They can also be found in the Albert Delta, and up the Victoria Nile found in Murchison Falls National Park.

In this matter, I'll come back soon with a detailed blog on shoebills. In that article, I'll include the best places to trace shoebill, when, and how. I'll also add a sponsored affiliate link to a company that will offer you instant cheap ticket (s) anytime you want to visit such places. To save time, always book online For travel and tour experiences click the link below and subscribe to my YouTube channel

[coffeenuts]

Pied Kingfisher - Mabamba Swamp, Uganda by rldrummond https://flic.kr/p/2oougza

[africanrocksafaris]

Uganda Wildlife Safari: An Adventure of a Lifetime

A Uganda wildlife safari is an adventure of a lifetime, offering the chance to experience the diverse and abundant wildlife that makes Uganda such a unique and exciting destination. Here are some of the highlights of a Uganda wildlife safari:

Gorilla Trekking: Uganda is home to half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking is a thrilling experience that takes you deep into the heart of the forest to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Big Game Viewing: Uganda is home to several national parks that offer excellent game viewing opportunities. Embark on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, or Kidepo Valley National Park, and spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, and more.

Chimpanzee Tracking: Uganda is also home to several chimpanzee populations, and chimpanzee tracking is a unique adventure that takes you through the forests of Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve, or Kyambura Gorge.

Birdwatching: Uganda is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 1,000 bird species recorded in the country. Visit Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, or Kibale Forest National Park to spot rare and endemic bird species.

Cultural Tours: Uganda is a culturally diverse country, with over 50 different ethnic groups. Visit traditional villages, meet the local people, and learn about their customs and traditions on a cultural safari tour.

River Safaris: Take a boat safari along the Nile River and explore the stunning Murchison Falls, or cruise through the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Hiking and Nature Walks: Uganda is also known for its scenic beauty, and hiking and nature walks are great ways to experience the country's natural wonders. Explore the lush forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or hike to the top of Sipi Falls for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

A Uganda wildlife safari is an adventure of a lifetime, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in Africa.

[muafrikaadventuresafaris]

[tonkibear]

Dinosaur shoebill stork

He has enormous feet to support his large body, a broad wingspan, a piercing yellow-eyed gaze, and a Dennis-the-Menace cowlick at the top of his head. The bird walked carefully, opening his wings for balance, and making a noise that sounded almost like growling. This one stood taller than Craig’s waist - and reached Brian’s chest. We hadn’t been able to appreciate the shoebills’ height or their long legs when we saw them standing up to their thighs in swamp water. chewer shoebill shoebillstork shoebillbird birdphotography dinosaur. The enormous bird clacked his beak in response, and then came walking toward us at Brian’s side. Instagram photos and videos from Shoebill Stork community (shoebill). Zookeeper Brian was our guide, and he started our meeting with the shoebill by clapping his hands and calling out to it. Shoebill storks are birds avian dinosaurs that survived the Chicxulub Meteor (65 million years ago) evolved and speciated, but that took a long time. Now, since we had already seen shoebills in the swamp, getting to actually touch one was icing on the cake. I still wanted to see one in the wild, though, because just seeing it in the zoo felt like cheating. I knew they had a shoebill and that we would be able to interact with this magnificent bird. So my fingers were definitely crossed!Ĭonfession: Even if we had not managed to see a shoebill in the wild, I wouldn’t have been completely disappointed, because we had an afternoon date for a behind-the-scenes tour at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC - a.k.a. It was a one-shot deal: if we missed the shoebill that morning, we wouldn’t have another chance. In response, he proposed a guided boat trip to Mabamba Marsh on the shores of Lake Victoria for our last morning in Uganda. It is found in swamps and wetlands where it mainly feeds on fish. This giant bird has a large body, huge wings, and a bill that looks like a shoe. To find the shoebill, I had asked our ever-resourceful guide, Hassan, where I might see this unique bird. The appearance of the shoebill stork has sometimes been likened to a dinosaur.It’s characterized by long, spindly legs, blue to grey plumage, a powdered down on the breast and stomach, and a small tuft of feathers at the back of the head that forms a crest. The shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex) is a large, broad bird that is endemic to Central and East Africa. And every time, Mother Nature (or whoever) delivered. No matter where you stand, dorky muppet bird, or scary modern-day dinosaur, Shoebills are fascinating birds we should protect. Perhaps to Mother Nature or to the Mother of All Shoebills (or Ground Hornbills or Lions or whatever), or perhaps I was just plucking at the strings of the interconnected universe as I sent up my wish to see a particular creature. Subscribe to our channel for more conservation contentSushi lives at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and was rescued by their team after loc. It was simple: I sent up a prayer to… well, I’m not exactly sure to whom I was praying. Throughout our trip around Uganda, I had been remarkably fortunate to see - and photograph - every single animal I had asked for. This unusual bird looks like a cross between a stork, a pelican, and a dinosaur, both fearsome and comical. Once you see a shoebill - or even a picture of a shoebill - you never forget it.

[safari-2-gorilla-tours-blog]

Things to do & See when in Entebbe, Uganda 1) Shoebill stock Trekking Mabamba Swamp 2) Entebbe Botanical Gardens 3) Ngamba Chimpanzee Island Sanctuary 4) Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) formerly Entebbe Zoo We visited Port Alice at Nakiwogo Landing site to enlight the boy with Entebbe Exit to Kalangala and or exit to Mabamba Swamp for shoebill stock tour and or exit onwards to Mpigi to connect with main road of Kampala – Masaka. We’re also visiting Entebbe Botanical Gardens and the Ngamba Island Landsite to equip the boys with ideas of major things to do when in Entebbe. FAM TRIPS (Familiazation trips) is a best way to equip field guides with knowledge of what to do & how to connect to different areas of interests. End. (at Nakiwogo Ferry) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiFO2eOq4Jz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[adventureswithinreach]

Things To Do in Entebbe, Uganda

Fun things to do in Entebbe, Uganda before or after your gorilla trek! 1. Botanical Gardens 2. Uganda Wildlife Education Center 3. Mabamba Swamp Visit

If you have an afternoon or day to spend in and around Entebbe, there are several areas we can recommend visiting. Botanical Gardens Uganda Wildlife Education CenterMabamba Swamp Visit Botanical Gardens The Entebbe Botanical Gardens, which border the shore of Lake Victoria, are home to an impressive collection of indigenous forest, shrubs and plants. Laid out in 1898, these expansive gardens…

[safarisandtoursinuganda]

5 Best Spots for Birding Tours in Uganda

Considering the bird watching tours Uganda brings a colorful experience. It is because you get the chance to explore rare species and enhance your knowledge. There are various bird watching tours Uganda that you can keep in your mind. 

It is always essential to choose the best spots for birding tours. The reason is that there are various things which make the best birding tours unique from an ordinary one. Here comes the list of the five best spots for birding tours in Uganda. 

Mabamba Swamp at Lake Victoria

If you want to catch the grace of shoebill, you must consider this place. Lake Victoria has freshwater and provides shelter to 260 bird species. You will get the chance of exploring shoebill, pallid harrier pigmy goose, grosbeak weaver, palm-nut vulture, and so on. 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park 

Bwindi is another place that you need to add to your bucket list of birding tours in Uganda. It is a home of plenty of rare bird species that include 350 species. You can catch out the view of the olive long-tailed cuckoo, bar-tailed trogon, dusky tit, white-browed crombec, northern double collared sunbird, and many more.

Murchison Fall national park 

It is one of the oldest and enormous national parks. You will get the chance to explore the 45 bird species. Additionally, you can enjoy birding on the game drive via the boat trip. There are various types of habitat such as forest, swamp, riverine woodland, acacia-dotted plains. 

Queen Elizabeth National Park 

Do not forget to enjoy heaven's beauty and 600 different bird species. You will get the chance to explore different things right from sprawling to dense forests. Additionally, you can explore the Ishasha to Mweya. So, exploring this place feels like you are in heaven. 

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park 

This national park is the home of 180 bird species such as Albertine Rift Endemic. It is situated in the southern part of Uganda that provides you the immense opportunity for bird viewing. 

In the end, make your trip memorable by exploring all these places. These national parks will make your trip memorable and glorified. 

[expeditetours]

Shoebill Stork

Utterly unique bird that makes up its own family. The plumage is uniformly gray in adults and brownish in immatures. Structure is stork-like overall, but with a thick neck and massive hooked bill.

Location: Mabamba Swamp

Camera: Nikon Coolpix P900

📷 Phenny

For your inquiries and bookings👇👇

info@expeditewildlifetours.com

Whatsapp: +256788649334

www.expeditewildlifetours.com

#sunsets #bbcwildlifepotd #birdphotography #wildlifeplanet #wildbird #travel #wildlifephotographer #theexpedites #birds #wildlife_shots #wildlifeaddicts #protectnature #wildlifeonearth #lovenature #naturephotographer #safariphotography #wildlifephotography #bbcearth #wildlifeconservation #primates #wildlife_seekers #naturephotography #naturelovers #loveafrica #animalplanet #photographyjournal #traveltheworld #ukwildlife #bbcwildlife

[funnywildlife]

The Mighty Shoebill Stork on a rainy at Mabamba Swamps in Uganda by conservation #wildographer & photosafari guide @xavierphototravel ・・・ Join him on an upcoming trip to East Africa. #Wildography #Birdography #birdphotography #shoebill #birdsofafrica #birdwatching #visituganda #mabambaswamp #amazingwildlife #africanwildlife #africansafaris #africansafari #naturephotography #natgeowild #photosafari #safariphotography #wildlife #wildlifephotographer #wildlifephotography #wildafrica #wildlifephoto #nuts_about_birds #birds_adored #birdshots #wildlifeplanet #bird #ugandawildlife #exploreuganda #xavierphototravel https://www.instagram.com/p/CFF-46IAX-J/?igshid=1n87rnhu19ius

[gorillatripsafaris]

Best Places To Capture Prehistorically Shoebill Stork In Uganda Safari Tours

Uganda is famous for its green dense forest ration, majestic landscapes, classic Savannahs, waterfalls, spectacular mountains, and lakes. Known as “The Pearl Of Africa”, Uganda is full of chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys and birds of different species in its national parks, wildlife reserves, and lakes.

Uganda Safari is not only specialized for beautiful scenic view of Rwenzori mountain range, waterfalls, and Lake Victoria, it also offers gorilla trekking and Birding Safaris In Uganda.

In Uganda Birding Safari, you will get a chance to spot shoebill stork, a pre-historic bird and an ancient bird species among bird species.

Physical Description Of A Shoebill Stork:

With an enormous head size, Shoebill Stork bird is also referred as a “King Whale-Head”, because of its shoe-like bill. The bill can grow up to 24cm in length and 20 cm in width. The weight of shoebill stork can be reach up to 60 kg.

Habitats:

As Shoebill Stork birds are good at aquatic environments, you can find them in freshwater swamps and marshes in Uganda Birding Safaris. They can be mostly found in swamp areas with mixed papyrus plants and other vegetation. Shoebill stork birds choose the wetland has papyrus, typha, and phragmite plants.

Social Behaviours:

While searching or wandering the prey for hunting, these birds remain standing without a little movement. Their movement is slow whether in dense vegetation or in water. With a shy in their nature, these birds are solitary. They only meet for breeding.

Where To See Shoebill Stork In Uganda

Ishasha Sector- Queen Elizabeth National Park

As swamp is the habitat of Shoebill stork, you can find most of them are found on the swamp on the bank of Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lake Edward is located in the Ishasha sector and this sector is located in the south of Queen Elizabeth National of western Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited and one of the biggest national parks in Uganda. This national park is best for wildlife viewing in most popular savannah reserve, birding, chimp tracking, hiking, and cultural experience.  

Lake Albert Delta in Murchison Falls National Park

Found in the south western of Murchison Falls National Park, Albert delta is the home and haunting place of Shoebill stork. Murchison Falls National Park is famous for birding and you can watch them in game drives, boat cruise on the Albert delta and bottom of the falls and nature walks.

Spotting these birds or for birding in the dry season from January to March, will give you a unique experience. You can also enjoy boat ride on Nile, hot air balloon safari, fishing, etc.

Lake Mburo National Park

Located in western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is the best Park for birding and wildlife. You can watch shoebill stork on the swamp on the shore of Lake Mburo of Lake Mburo National Park. With a 350 bird species, it is the smallest park of Uganda.

Ziwa Rhino Reserve

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is famous for to see close the Rhino, the one of the African Big Five and also to watch shoebill stork. Out of the sanctuary, you can spot the Shoebill Stroke while boating.

You can also watch other birds, mammals and antelope in this reserve.

Lake Kyoga

Lake Kyoga offers water sport activities and bird watching in Uganda. You can watch Shoebill Stroke bird on the swamp on the shore of Lake Kyoga. In Uganda Birding Safaris, you will love to watch birds on the lake especially in morning time.

Semiliki Wildlife Reserve

Known as the most popular for Birding Safaris In Uganda, Semuliki National Park is a bird’s heaven and have 400 bird species. Located in south-western Uganda, the park is shared by Bundibugyo and Notoroko districts. The hot spring in Semuliki National Park, rivers, oxbow lakes offers beautiful scenic view and beautiful birds.

If you are a bird lover, then you shouldn’t miss birding safaris Semuliki national park in Uganda. On the bank of river or in wetland, you can watch Shoebill storks, and other birds. This park also hosts 5 endemic albertine bird species.

Makanaga Swamp Bay

Known as the best shoebill spots in Uganda, Makanga swamp bay is located on Lake Victoria. It is one of the incredible birding sites on the shores of Lake Victoria. You can go Makanga swamp bay from Kampala by a canoe boat to the swamp. When you visit the Makanaga swamp area, you can see the scenic view of the shoebill strock. You will also get the chance to spot the life of aquatic animals in the swamp. You can see lot of birds on the island of mudflasts and water lilies.

Lugogo Swamp Nakasongola

As the best place in Uganda to watch shoebill strock, Lugogo swamp hosts more than 300 bird species. To have a closer look, you can enjoy canoe ride. You can access this location through the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

During January and February, the birding in Lugogo swamp nakasongola can give you a unique experience.  

Mabamba Swamp

As one of the biggest swamps on Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is one of the most common areas to experience shoebill stork. Mabamba swamp can be easily reached from Entebbe city by motorized boat or canoe. At the morning and evening, you can spot shoebill stork in Mabamba swamp.

Uganda Wildlife Education Centre-Entebbe

Located in Entebbe city, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre is very close to Entebbe International Airport. This centre extended to the Lake Victoria and you’ll get an opportunity to Shoebill stork with other wildlife.

Uganda is not only famous for chimpanzee tracking and gorilla tracking, Uganda is also for birding. In case of Shoebill strock, Uganda has the biggest population of shoebill strokes. In the water bodies like swamps, shores of lakes, and bank of rivers, the shoebill strock can be easily seen.

Gorilla Trips is one of the best tour operator of East Africa which provides Uganda Birding Tours, Birding Safaris In Uganda, chimpanzee trekking, etc. To know more about us, visit @ gorillatrips.net

[africanrocksafaris]

Discover the Untamed Beauty of Uganda

Uganda is a beautiful country located in East Africa, known as the "Pearl of Africa" due to its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. It offers a wide range of attractions and activities for travelers interested in exploring its natural wonders and cultural heritage. Here are some popular Uganda tours you can consider:

Gorilla Trekking: One of Uganda's major highlights is its population of mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the main destinations for gorilla trekking. You can embark on a guided hike through the dense forests to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Wildlife Safaris: Uganda is home to diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park are popular destinations for wildlife safaris, offering thrilling game drives and boat safaris to spot the Big Five and other wildlife.

Chimpanzee Tracking: Kibale Forest National Park is renowned for its population of chimpanzees. You can go on guided treks to observe these fascinating primates up close and learn about their behavior and habitat. Other chimpanzee tracking opportunities can be found in Budongo Forest and Kyambura Gorge.

Birdwatching: Uganda is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 1,000 bird species. The diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and savannahs, attract a wide range of avian species. Popular birding spots include Mabamba Swamp, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Semuliki National Park.

Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in Uganda's rich cultural heritage by visiting traditional villages, meeting local communities, and experiencing their customs and traditions. You can explore the vibrant cultures of tribes like the Baganda, Acholi, Karamojong, and Batwa Pygmies.

Adventure Activities: For adrenaline seekers, Uganda offers thrilling adventures such as white-water rafting on the Nile River, quad biking, bungee jumping, and kayaking. Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa, is the perfect place to engage in these activities.

Nature Walks and Hiking: Uganda's diverse landscapes provide excellent opportunities for nature walks and hiking. From the Rwenzori Mountains in the west to Mount Elgon in the east, you can enjoy scenic trails, discover waterfalls, and explore the country's stunning flora and fauna.

When planning a Uganda tour, it's recommended to work with a reputable tour operator or travel agency that specializes in the region. They can help organize your itinerary, accommodations, transportation, and permits for activities like gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.