Shoebill Tracking in 2025 – 2026 can only be done in just a handful of locations in East Africa. Uganda and Rwanda remain the best locations where travelers have a high chance of encountering this prehistoric, rare, elusive, and vulnerable bird – the shoebill stork.
In Uganda, the shoebill stork can be seen in nine (09) known locations; Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Lugogo Swamp inside the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lwera Swamp along the Kampala-Masaka highway, Mabamba Swamp near Entebbe, Semuliki National Park on the shores of Lake Albert, Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Makanaga Swamp, and at the Uganda Widlife Education Centre in Entebbe.
In Rwanda, the shoebill stork can only be seen in Akagera National Park.
Best time to go tracking for the shoebill stork
In general, the best time for bird watching and a chance to spot the shoebill stork is from late May through September, when there is less rain and food is abundant. The main nesting season in Bwindi and Mgahinga (key sites for the Albertine Rift endemics) is in May and June, but from mid-April to mid-May the rains might still be too heavy.
Top Places to go Shoebill tracking in 2025 – 2026
