Top Shoebill filming Locations in Uganda
Top Shoebill filming Locations in Uganda are those destinations where you shall be sure to encounter the rear shoebill stork, and film it for your purposes. Uganda is one of the best bird watching destinations in the world, with over 1064 bird species recorded. Of these, the shoebill, which is one of the rarest bird species in Africa, can be seen and filmed in a number of places in the country. Uganda has the highest population of shoebill storks, usually found around swampy areas, and on shores of lakes and rivers mostly due to the fact that they do feed on aquatic life.
The fact that the shoebill stork is rare and endangered, many people do interest themselves in spotting, and filming them for various reasons. Filming safaris are possible in Uganda, and travellers interested in filming the shoebill stork can visit Uganda and enjoy the activity. They may even include on their stork list the Marabou stork, Saddle Billed stork, Yellow billed stork, and the open billed stork on their stork filming list.
Below are the top shoebill filming locations in Uganda, and definitely also the best places to see shoebill storks in Uganda;
Mabamba Bay swamp
Mabamba bay swamp is one of the best places to spot the shoebill storks in Uganda, and definitely one of the top shoebill filming locations in Uganda. Mabamba bay swamp is one of the biggest swamps on Lake Victoria, and a number of shoebill storks can be spotted here as well as other bird species. Mabamba bay swamp can be accessed from Entebbe using a motorised boat. For filming purposes, you may be require to hire more boats to carry both your crew and the production equipment.
Makanga Bay swamp
Makanga bay swamp is also found on the shores of Lake Victoria, and is one of the best places to spot shoebills, as well as film them. Makanga bay swamp can also be accessed from Entebbe by canoe, along with your equipment. Take your time to catch the best shots you want of the shoebill, as well as a number of other aquatic life therein.
Lugogo Swamp
The Lugogo swamp, in Nakasonga, is another of the top shoebill filming locations in Uganda. Lugogo swamp is close to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and gives great shoebill filming opportunities. Lugogo swamp also has about 300 bird species recorded, making it one great place to also enjoy bird watching, or filming other bird species if they do interest you.
Delta point in Murchison Falls National Park
The Delta point in Murchison Falls National Park is another great place to film the shoebill stork, though rarely spotted. The best time to spot the shoebill, and consequently filming it in Murchison Falls National Park is during the months of January through March. The extra advantage to have your shoebill filming here in Murchison Falls National Park is that you shall enjoy the wildlife here, say lions, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, other bird species as well as the great scenery, not forgetting the thunderous waterfalls.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park boasts of over 400 bird species, including the shoebill stork, making it one of the top shoebill filming destinations in Uganda. You could complement your shoebill filming with other bird species in Semuliki National Park, like the red billed dwarf hornbill, the white crested hornbills, among so many others.
Ishasha wilderness area in Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is another of the top shoebill filming locations in Uganda. The shoebill here is often times found along the shores of Lake Edward at the Ishasha sector part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Ishasha sector is most famous for the tree climbing lions, what a great opportunity then to film even the tree climbing lions, perfectly complementing your shoebill filming adventure.
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Entebbe (UWEC)
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre is a great place to film the shoebill stork, especially for those with very limited time to spare. Given that the location is just near Entebbe International Airport, one could also do it in the last hours that one has to spare while in Uganda. Flying from Entebbe to other shoebill destinations could also be an alternative.
Requirements for shoebill filming in Uganda
Shoebill filming in Uganda is allowed, as well as a number of other filming safaris you may need. To be allowed however, one needs a filming permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Media cards from the Uganda Media Council, pay filming fees of 40% of the activity fees, 15% monitoring fees on top of the actual filming fees. You shall also need to clear your filming equipment with customs upon entry in Uganda. Transportation of you and your crew with your equipment, accommodation and meals should all be considered when planning a shoebill filming safari in Uganda. All the above mentioned required and considerations can be dealt with by an experienced tour operator, be sure to have services of one for a successful shoebill filming experience.
Shoebill filming can be done all year round, but the dry season is most definitely the most recommended for you shall need to access most of the top shoebill filming locations in Uganda using water transport, and accidents should best be avoided. Reach out to a tour operator and have them plan for you one of the most productive and yet memorable shoebill filming safari, in any of the above mentioned top shoebill filming locations in Uganda.
