Species guide · Rarity
Where to see a shoebill
Standing up to 1.5 metres tall (about 5 feet), with a huge clog-shaped bill and an unblinking stare, the shoebill looks like a creature from another age. It lives only in deep papyrus swamps, which makes seeing one a proper expedition.
Quick answer
Zambia's Bangweulu Wetlands is the top place to see shoebills in the wild, best from May to July. In Uganda, the Mabamba Swamp near Entebbe gives good year-round chances on a short canoe trip, and the Nile delta at Murchison Falls is another option. Akagera in Rwanda has a small population.
Best regionBangweulu Wetlands, Zambia
Best timeMay to July (Bangweulu)
Easiest add-onMabamba Swamp, Uganda
The best places to look
Zambia
Bangweulu Wetlands
A vast community-owned wetland, managed by African Parks, where guides find shoebills on foot or by canoe, alongside huge herds of black lechwe.
Uganda
Mabamba Swamp
A papyrus swamp near Entebbe, easily added at the start or end of a gorilla trip.
Uganda
Murchison Falls
Boat trips to the Nile delta below the falls, with shoebill a possible highlight.
Rwanda
Akagera National Park
A small population in the park's lakes and swamps; a lucky bonus rather than a sure thing.
When to go
| Months | Chances | Why |
|---|---|---|
| May to July | Best | Bangweulu: the rains have eased and shoebills feed close to the camps. |
| August to December | Possible | Bangweulu: shoebills move away as the water drops, so sightings get harder. |
| All year | Good | Mabamba: reliable chances on morning canoe trips. |
Tips from the field
- Go with a specialist local guide; finding shoebills in the papyrus is an expert job.
- Pair Mabamba with gorillas in Uganda, or Bangweulu with South Luangwa in Zambia.
- Bring a long lens and patience. Shoebills can stand still for hours.
Questions travellers ask
Where is the best place to see a shoebill?
The Bangweulu Wetlands in Zambia, from May to July. In Uganda, the Mabamba Swamp is the easiest place to add one to a trip.
How big is a shoebill?
Up to about 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall, with a wingspan of over 2 metres (7 feet).
Why is it called a shoebill?
Its enormous bill is shaped like a wooden clog or shoe.
Add shoebill to your wishlistWe'll match it with the other species you want to see, and suggest the right combination of places.
Start my wishlist