Lugogo Swamp situated only a 3.5-hour drive from Kampala is arguably one of the top 3 Places in Uganda to Visit for Shoebill tracking. Shoebill tracking in the Lugogo swamp is a unique experience! The swamp is located inside the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary – the only place in Uganda where you can track the Shoebill alongside White Rhinos.
Shoebill Tracking in Lugogo Swamp: What to Expect.
Travellers Digest: While some tour operators might sell this to you as a day trip. We like to Plan an overnight stay at either Amuka Safari Lodge or the pocket-friendly Zziwa Guesthouse. Wilderness camping (with own equipment) is also possible.
Anyhow, Typically your shoebill trip with us would start with you leaving the lodge as early as 6:00 am – with your driver-guide transferring you to that start point where you will get onto a wooden canoe and head into the swamp. The early start gives you more chance to particularly enjoy an amazing sunrise over the swamp, and a tonne of birds as you comb the papyrus vegetation for a sighting of the shoebill.
**Because the Shoebill canoe trip In Lugogo Swamp starts as early as 6:00 am, all interested visitors must plan to stay overnight at either the fairly-priced Zziwa Guesthouse or the upmarket Amuka Safari Lodge – we are sure your budget will best guide you on where to stay. If a little confused, ask us and we will advise you.
What to carry on your Shoebill tracking in Lugogo swamp
Some of the important items to pack/carry for shoebill tracking In Lugogo Swamp include;
- Long-sleeved shirt & trousers.
- Repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- a hat.
- A rain jacket.
- A camera (including all accessories especially batteries and extra SD cards).
- A pair of binoculars.
- A guidebook ( Optional: the guides will assist you in identifying the birds)
- A waterproof Day pack to carry all your belongings.
- Water & a snack. (**Included on all Realm Africa Safaris™ Trips)
Best time for searching for the shoebill in Lugogo Swamp
Although Lugogo Swamp can be visited all year round, the best time for birding is the rainy season because there are higher opportunities for spotting the Palearctic migrant species from several African countries such as Kenya and South Africa and as far as Europe.
This destination is a perfect stop center for tourists who wish to participate in shoebill tracking, and birding in general, not far away from Entebbe about 208 km/129 mi from the City.
A visit to Lugogo swamp can easily be combined with a safari visiting the Northern Parks of Kidepo and Murchison Falls National Park
Getting to Lugogo Swamp
Assuming that you are traveling from Entebbe, Lugogo Swamp located inside Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary is approximately 208km/129mi from Entebbe – a journey that typically takes about 3.5 hours – with most of the driving being on paved asphalt road.
While it does seem that you could drive from Entebbe to Lugogo Swamp in just 3.5 hours, clients intending to do the shoebill tracking here must plan to stay overnight as the shoebill trip in Lugog Swamp is Best done at 6-10 am.
