Discovering Uganda – part 3: The unmistakable shoebill

One of the wonders of African wildlife is how endlessly diverse and curious is can be. While you might come with preconceptions of a quintessential scene where lions prowl the great savannah, there are a thousand other weird and wonderful creatures that might catch your eye while out on safari.
 
A creature that undoubtedly falls in this category is the fascinating shoebill. With its huge curving bill, mean eyes and menacing stature, the shoebill looks more like a character from Where the Wild Things Are than something evolution has produced. That fearsome prehistoric appearance is well-deserved too – the shoebill, standing at around four feet tall, is an impressive predator, preying on animals as large as baby crocodiles.
 

 

Among many other features that give Uganda special appeal, it is one of the best countries in Africa to seek out the shoebill. Its freshwater swamps provide the ideal habitat for the birds. And although there is never a guarantee of catching a glimpse of the notably solitary and shy shoebill in the wild, areas such as Mbamba Swamps, near Entebbe, and Murchison Falls, offer as a good a chance as anywhere.
 
The unique – and as the example of the shoebill shows – sometimes downright bizarre birdlife Uganda has to offer is one of the many attractions we’ve looked at in our three-part overview of this country’s natural attractions. Uganda is not the first destination people usually think of when considering a trip to Africa, but for those looking for something different from a more hidden Africa, it presents a genuinely unique travel proposition. We look forward to exploring further the possibilities of crafting high-quality options for our guests here. Without a doubt, Uganda is one to watch.