Shoebill Tracking In Makanaga swamp is arguably the most popular activity for visitors to this Ramsar site. The shoebill is an elusive, rare and prehistoric bird that dates back to the dinosaur era. It is considered and critically threatened bird species on the verge of extinction due to man’s selfish encroachment behaviour. However, through posts like this, we are hoping to save the habitat and all its inhibitors. Makanaga Swamp also doubles up as a prime bird-watching site not only for shoebill tracking but also other fascinating bird species; White-faced Whistling Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Yellow-billed Egret, Long-tailed Cormorant, Saddle-billed Stork, Greater Cormorant, Common Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Swamp Flycatcher, Long-toed Lapwing, Common Ringed Plover, Malachite Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Yellow-billed Duck, White-winged Tern, Yellow Wagtail, African Marsh Harrier, Winding Cisticola, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Black-headed Heron, Speckled Mousebird, Hottentot Teal, African Open-billed Stork, Barn Swallow, Fulvous-whistling Duck, Purple Heron, Red-chested Sunbird, Common Squacco Heron, African Jacana, African Fish Eagle, Common Bulbul, Black Crake, Vieillot’s Black Weaver, Wood Sandpiper, Cattle Egret, Angola Swallow, Augur Buzzard, Lesser Jacana, Pied Kingfisher, Hammerkop, Gull-billed Tern, Sand Martin and Black Kites among others. Some of the important items to pack/carry for shoebill tracking In Makanaga swamp include; Although Makanaga Swamp can be visited all year round, the best time for birding is the rainy season because there are higher opportunities of 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 centre for tourists who wish to participate in birding, not far away from Kampala (it is found within close proximity of Entebbe city about 60 kilometres from the City). Makanaga Swamp from Entebbe is approximately 6okm/37mi – a journey that could last 1.5 hours with a great section of the drive being on paved asphalt road. From Namugobo Landing Site in Kamengo district, you will take a motorised wooden canoe accompanied by a local site guide to assist in searching and probably finding the rare shoebill storks of Makanaga Swamp. The 20 minutes boat trip will take you through the sections of papyrus and other floating vegetation including the colourful water lilies. We remain hopeful that we will see the shoebill and return to base happy, However, if this does not happen, remember not to blame your guide – the shoebills in this swamp are on the move depending on their days’ activities which include paying close attention to possible prey within the swamp.
Shoebill Tracking In Makanaga swamp
What to carry on your Shoebill tracking Makanaga Swamp Trip
Best time for searching for the shoebill in Makanaga wetland.
Getting to Makanaga Swamp
Alternative Places to go shoebill tracking In Uganda
