Category: Travel Blog

Shoebill stork. Amazing facts- Uganda Birding Safaris- Bird tours. 

shoebill-stork-Amazing facts – Uganda Birding Safaris– Bird tours. If you have only seen pictures of it, it might look a little unreal until `you have jumped onto that canoe boat with your amazing camera and encounter this rare bird species first hand.

With its big ‘shoe-like’ bill, the shoebill a marvel to see. The shoebill looks mean and a little prehistoric compared to other species in the same bird Shoebill stork. 

Shoebill stork. Amazing facts – Uganda Birding Safaris- Bird tours.

• . Unique Physical Appearance.

Shoebill – stork-Amazing facts – The shoebill can be as tall as 4.5 feet and weigh up to 7 kilograms. Its most outstanding feature is the shoe-shaped bill and its greyish colour. The beak of the shoebill is curved at the tip and has very sharp edges with which the bird uses to cut through its food. The beak is almost 10 inches long, deadly and used for both feeding and protecting itself. The legs are slender and black in colour, very long, with such very large feet. The shoebill wings can spread up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) and can flap about 150 times per minute. This means that when a shoebill spreads its wings, it has a bigger wingspan.

Although it is called a shoebill stork, it is a member of the taxonomic order of Pelecaniformes. These are a family of medium to large-sized water birds. This means they are more closely related to the pelicans, anhingas and gannets than to the storks.

• Social Habits of the shoebill.

Shoebill stork. Amazing facts -The shoebill stork can live for more than 35 years in the wild. A shoebill stork becomes sexually active at 3 to 4 years of age. It’s such a very quiet and solitary bird. It usually only comes together for mating, building the nesting area and incubating the eggs.

The chicks of a shoe bill are known for being insanely competitive. It is the real survival for the fittest in the shoebill’s nest. They fight each other off until the weakest chick is pushed out. The bigger chicks often pick on the smaller ones especially when the mother is way, and this often drives the defeated bird to live outside of the family.

It is a quiet animal and can go for days without making any noise or sounds except for the flapping of its wings. However, when it does make a sound, it is indeed ground shaking.  This is most evidenced in the mating season when the male adult picks out its mate. It will make a resounding clapping-like sound attracting the said female while simultaneously scaring away any competitors and other small animals. The male and female bow to each other as a display of their courtship.The shoebill can fly but not for a long period of time considering it can only flap its wings 150 times a minute (Slowest rate of any bird). It can only fly up to 500 metres. A shoebill spends most of the time standing, hidden and watching out for its prey. It is said that a shoebill can stand motionless for hours while holding their bills close to their necks. Such a meditative and yet cunning hunter.

• The shoebill Natural Habitat. Shoebill stork. Amazing facts 

Shoebill stork. Amazing facts – The Shoebill is endemic to East and Central African, countries of Uganda, DRC, Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia and South Sudan. The shoebill tends to inhabit around freshwater swamps, wetlands and marshlands.

In Uganda, you can see these rare birds in Murchison Falls National Park, Mabamba swamp, Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and Lake Mburo National Park. Shoebill stork. Amazing facts 

• . The Conservation Status of a shoebill.

The population of shoebills is estimated to be around 5000 in the entire world. Although, it is hard to have the exact number of living shoebills because of their mysterious and elusive nature since they set up nests in hard-to-reach areas for humans. According to the IUCN Redlist, shoebill storks are considered as a vulnerable species. The available data indicate that the population of the shoebill is decreasing. The biggest threat to this interesting bird is humans. The constant encroachment on wetlands for human economic activity is a continuous threat to these birds. Shoebill stork. Amazing facts 

• . Food and Diet of a shoebill

Shoebill stork. Amazing facts -The Shoebill is a carnivorous bird that mainly feeds on fish and aquatic features and that explains why they mostly found in wetlands. Shoebills prefer to feed on lungfish but supplement this other assortment like water snakes, frogs, turtles, and occasionally baby crocodiles when the young one’s parents are not around. The bird is known for being a fierce hunter and a patient predator.  The shoebill will wait out its prey especially in the shallow ends of wetlands or any floating vegetation to stake out its meal. At the right moment, it strikes promptly and deadly possibly killing its prey in one swift move. Its beak is a fundamental instrument in eating. It is used to catch and kill the prey, as well as to chop off the heads of the prey for ease while swallowing. 

African elephant, member of the big Fives- Wildlife safaris through Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.

African elephant. member of the big Fives- Elephants are the largest land mammals on earth. They have distinctly massive bodies, large ears, long trunks. Globally, there are two elephant families and that’s the Asian elephants family and the African elephants, Uganda and most east African countries house only the African elephants. In Uganda, they can be found in, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and in Murchison Falls National Park. African elephants look somehow different from Asian elephants according to their physical appearance. They have concave backs, large ears, large ear flaps, long trunks, long tusks, massive legs and tough but sensitive skin. The trunk is called proboscis and it is used for breathing, taking food to the mouth and grasping objects. Their tusks are derived from incisor teeth and they serve as weapon and as tools for moving and digging. The large ear flaps assist in maintaining a constant body temperature as well as in communicating. The pillar like legs support and carry their heavy weight.

The African elephant is the largest of all elephant species and weighs up to 8tons. Two genetically different African subspecies exist, the savannah and the forest elephants with a number of characteristics that differentiate them both.  Elephant tusks serve many purposes like they are used to protect the elephant’s trunk, lift and move objects, gather food and strip bark from trees, they can also be used for defense. During times of drought, elephants even use their tusks to dig holes to find water underground.

African elephant

Reproduction.

The courtship of elephants is short lived; the male and female elephants rub their bodies on each other and wrap their trunks. The female tends to run away from the males and he will tend to seduce her and this takes sometime before they actually mate. The male elephants tend to fan their ears more when they are ready to mate than at other times. This allows them to get their scent out there at wider distance than before and attract females.

There’s plenty of aggression among males for rights to mate. The younger ones though are usually no match for the strength of the older elephants which is why they don’t get to mate until they are much older. This is a fact though that tends to make it harder to increase the number of elephants out there. The males rarely hurt each other physically when they are fighting for the right to mate. Most of the time the younger males will back away from the older ones. There’s plenty of speculation that this isn’t out of fear but out of respect and admiration for elders. However, there has been a documented case of male elephants engaging in sexual activities on each other due to their urge to reproduce but not being able to do so for a lack of available females to them. Elephants hold the record of the longest duration of time for conception to when the offspring is born. This period is 22months, the young elephants are extremely cute with their long ears and long tails. You may not realize it, but they are blind when they are born. They are well cared for within the herd of elephants. Their own mother as well as the other females will ensure that the baby is well protected. The babies often allow right behind their mothers when the herd is on the move. To ensure they stay where they should keep their trunk wrapped around her tail. Other females that don’t have babies will care for the young as if they were their own. This is done so as the mothers can feed like they need to in order to produce enough milk for the young ones.

African Elephants can drink up to 10 gallons of milk every day. It is believed that the off springs of elephants don’t have the same high level of instincts for survival as other animals. That is why they are so reliant upon their mothers and other females in the herd. They are faster learners though, and pick up new skills through observation all the time. They are praised for doing well and can be scolded when they don’t perform well. There has been an attempt to create to create hybrid off spring between species of elephants in captivity. Most experts believe that with elephant’s numbers so low we need to focus on successful breeding programs and not experimentations. Elephants mature later than many other animals. Females reach sexual maturity at 10-12years of age, males at around 25years. A male doesn’t generally start breeding until the age of 30 when it has reached a sufficient weight and size to compete with other breeding males, at a point, it will start to seek out females in estrus.

Elephant breeding seasons

Males enter a state called musth once a year and older bulls tend to stay in musth longer than younger bulls up to 6months. During this period, they have increased levels of testosterone, they secrete a fluid from their temporal gland between the eye and the ear will actively seek a mate. Dominant males, which are older, tend to come into musth when a larger number of females are in estrus, and males exhibit physical behaviors such as flapping their ears and rubbing their heads on trees and bushes to disperse the musth scent. They also have a particular rumble, a low frequency vocal call used to attract females who are ready to mate.

Females sometimes respond with their own call indicating interest, while a cow can mate with any male, those in musth maybe more attractive to females in estrus. When a male approaches a female in estrus may first show wariness, but if interested she will leave the family group, walking with her head up and turned sideways to watch with the male as he follows behind. The male may chase the female if she retreats and will chase off any other males. Elephants may stroke each other with their trunks before the male mounts the female from behind, standing almost vertically as they mate. Elephants sex last for up to 2mins and afterward, he will stay near the female and guard her from other males. Females may mate with more than one bull in each estrus cycle, which lasts up to 18weeks, they don’t mate for life, a female may repeatedly choose to mate with the same bull and bulls are sometimes seen being protective of females.

True African elephant adventures can be under taken in all the countries in the east African region including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya.

Bwindi the home of Mountain Gorillas-Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda- Bwindi Imentrable forest.

Discover Bwindi the home of Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi impenetrable forest derives its name from a local phrase.  “Mubwindi bwa Nyinamukari” which originally referred to the Mubende Swamp in the South Eastern part of the park. The story behind the name goes back to many years ago when a family migrating northwards from Kisoro found themselves standing at the end of the seemingly impenetrable forest. It’s believed that the parents asked the spirits of the forest for guidance on how to go through it and were told to sacrifice their beautiful daughter Nyinamukari So as to go through the forest without mishap. The family decided that they should not go back South and therefore threw their daughter in the water to drawn and finally went safely through the forest. When the news of sacrifice spread, people begun to avoid the swamp calling it Mubwindi Bwa Nyinamukari.

Discover Bwindi the home of Mountain Gorillas.

The Bwindi the home of mountain gorillas is regarded to be one of the most biologically diverse forests in the whole of Africa. It’s a true rain forest spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys that form the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift valley.

Bwindi forest National Park is a true definition of a beautiful wild jungle. But what makes Bwindi Impenetrable National park special, is the fact that it’s home to slightly more than half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas and an estimated number of 408 individuals live in trees within the forest.

Given the focus on gorilla tracking in the four locations of Buhama in the North west, Ruhija in the East, Rushaya in the South and Nkuringo in the South West,  it may come as a surprise to learn that Bwindi harbors at least  120 species of mammals, 11 types of primates including, Red tailed monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys,  olive baboons, L’etoest and blue faced monkeys and a healthy population of chimpanzees.

Bwindi the home of mountain gorillas is also home to a total of 350 bird species, remarkably high figure compared to other National Park check lists.  These include a few water associated birds, the African green broadbill,  White bellied Robin chat, Frazier’s owl white tailed blue flydather and so much more.

Booking a Gorilla Trekking Safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National park with Katland Safaris not only gives you an opportunity to encounter  cultures of the Batwa living around the park, it gives you the opportunity to spend time with some of the few remaining giants of the jungle and closest relatives to mankind, the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi.

Amazing Facts About Mountain Gorillas -Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda- Budget Gorilla trekking safaris.

The most amazing facts about Mountain Gorillas is, gorillas share a 98% DNA with the humans. Globally, gorillas in their natural habitat are found in three countries and these countries includes, Rwanda, Uganda and Congo with Uganda having almost half of the entire remaining population of the mountain gorillas.

In Uganda, these amazing creatures can be trekked in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national game park and in Mgahinga gorilla national park all found in the south western part of Uganda on the boarders of Rwanda and Congo. In Rwanda, the mountain gorillas can be trekked in the Virugas, part of Volcanoes national park in the northwest part of Rwanda.

Amazing facts about mountain gorillas.

The gentle giants are shy and strong. A mountain Gorilla will never chase you when you look into its eyes however if threatened, they can be aggressive, they beat their chests and roar.

Female Gorillas produce at the age of 10years they carry 1 to 2 babies in the womb and go through a gestation period of 8 and a half months bearing 2 to 6 off springs in a life time.

Mountain Gorillas are mainly herbivores – they feed mostly on Bamboo shoot, leaf plants, fruits.

Adult Mountain Gorilla can feed to about 30kg a day.

Mountain Gorillas share almost the same DNA with human beings 98%.

Gorillas build nests on both trees and ground the nests are built out of leaves and branches.

The hair grows in a greyish color on their back as they age this defines their name silverback. The silverback is in charge of all activities of the family and fathering the children.

The leaders and aged Mountain Gorillas are called silverbacks and the male silver back is in charge of leading families which includes females and young ones.

Mountain Gorillas can live in a group of up to 30 members including females and young ones.

The silverback will fight to protect the family as well as the mother will fight to death to protect her young ones.

Mountain Gorillas are intelligent they use communication methods including sounds.

Gorillas have a nose print such as human finger prints which is used to identify members of the family.

Feel free to contact us for any information concerning trekking mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda.

10 exceptional Things to Do on a Safari through Uganda- Wildlife Safaris- Gorilla trekking –  Chimpanzee Trekking

Things to do on a Safari. Uganda is one of the most beautiful and exciting holiday destinations in the whole world. Due to Uganda’s beautiful nature, it has ranked among the 10th listed touristic country in the world and it’s still ranking among the best safari destinations to visit in Africa. Uganda is the perfect destination for any tourist from anywhere in the world and that’s why Winston Churchill named it the pearl of Africa. Some of the activities any tourist can never miss out on while on a safari through Uganda Include the following.

Chimpanzee tracking

Chimps are researched on and said to be a close relative of humans and that they are 98% DNA. Due to their ways and characters in life like breastfeeding, giving birth, and caring for infants, the way they eat has made them close relatives to humans. These chimps can be spotted in Kibale national park, Kalinzu forest, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, and Budongo forest in Murchison falls national park. Are you interested in chimp tracking? Uganda is the perfect destination for this amazing activity.

Mountain gorilla trekking.

Things to do on a Safari. Going on a Uganda gorilla safari is one of the best activities carried out in Uganda’s thick rain forest of Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park. These two parks are located in the southwestern part of Uganda boarding Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park and Congo’s Virunga National Park. These two parks are historically known for keeping half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world. These gorilla families can be accessed in four sectors of Bwindi these include Buhoma sector, Ruhija sector, Nkuringo sector, and Rushanga sector one gorilla family in Mgahinga Park is the Nyakagezi gorilla family.

Before the trekking, visitors are briefed about the dos and don’ts of the trekking, and these include

Cameras are accepted without flashes, Visitors aren’t allowed to trek, Visitors below 15 years of age aren’t allowed to trek, and while visitors are with gorillas, they are supposed to keep a 10m distance from them to avoid making them sick in any way with cough, flu, and virus since they are 98% humans, each gorilla family is visited by 8 people to avoid congestion, Visitors aren’t allowed to throw rubbish in the forest to safeguard the lives of gorillas that may come along them.

Visit Murchison Falls

A large volume of River Nile water is forced through a narrow gorge of 7 meters in width before plunging about 45 meters downstream, creating one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world and that is called Murchison falls. These falls can be accessed in Murchison falls national park which is the largest park in Uganda followed by Queen Elizabeth national park. The Murchison falls are located in the northern region of the Albertine Rift valley in the Masindi district of western Uganda situated by 300km by road from Kampala. The Park is not only for falls but also for a boat cruise, birding, hiking, and game driving. During the tour safari, the visitors always experience the best and bird lovers can view birds like shoebill, Goliath Heron, Swamp Flycatcher, Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill, Red-throated Bee Eater, Northern Red Bishop, African Quail Finch, Giant Kingfishers among many others.

Bird watching

Things to do on a Safari.  It has been recorded that Uganda is the best birding paradise due to its conducive climate, abundant water sources, and diverse vegetation. Annually, different species of birds fly to Uganda searching for good pastures and it is been recorded that Uganda has over 1080 birds and amongst them aren’t found elsewhere but in Uganda. Bird lovers can access these birds in forests; national parks as well as on boat cruises where they are spotted at the river banks on water bodies including Shoebill at Mabamba bay wetland, African Open-billed Stork, Black Kite, African Marsh Harrier, Malachite Kingfisher, Swamp Flycatcher, Pied Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolex and Black-headed Heron.

Game Viewing Safaris

Things to do on a Safari. While on a safari through Uganda, visitors can’t afford to miss out on the game drive and due to 10 national parks, less amount is charged by UWA to make visitors have the best. This activity includes viewing wildlife in the comfort of a 4 by 4 open land cruiser which accommodates 4 to 6 individuals to give the classical safari feeling. The visitors are advised to use tour guides who are professional and good at spotting the big large number of mammals and who will make your trip a memorable one. These spotted mammals include giraffes, hippos, chimps, lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, zebras and buffalos, and so on.

Hiking in Uganda

Things to do on a Safari. Uganda not only challenges trekking but also challenges hiking mountains. Most hikes are explored by foot and it requires enough fitness for hikers to enjoy the hike. During the hiking on mount Rwenzori, hikers are spotted with black and white monkeys, birds, and other primate creatures. Some of the hiking places are mt Rwenzori, mt Elgon, mt muhavura, sipi falls, Murchison falls, and many others.

Nature walks

Things to do on a Safari. It involves walking on foot within the forest or moving around the local communities. This activity is always additional to other activities like gorilla trekking and boat cruise. Some places in Uganda need to be explored using foot and so places like local communities where vehicles don’t reach are advisable to move on foot. This activity is more fan to visitors because they see the local community where they interact with local people, involve in their traditional dances and buy their traditional crafts as well as involved in traditional herbs thus making the trip the best.

A visit to Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is located in the western part of Uganda in the Kabale district. It is known as one of the deepest lakes in Africa and it is not only a beautiful place to visit but also a place for fishing, zip-lining, bird watching, and boat cruising.  This is always a relaxation spot for visitors who are from gorilla trekking in mgahinga and bwindi impenetrable national parks. The lake is also a palace for honeymoon couples and holidaymakers. It has both luxury and budget accommodations like Bunyonyi Overland Resort, paradise Eco-Hub, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, and Amasiko Homestay Lake Bunyonyi.

Golden monkey trekking

Uganda is known for having extraordinary unique and rare primates that visitors can’t afford to miss out on their tour safari. Golden monkey got their names from the golden-orange and black silver color on their fur. If at all a visitor wants to try out tracking these rare primates, they can be accessed in Mgahinga national park thus the adventurous activity. The Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda neighboring Bwindi Impenetrable national park which is the best destination for gorilla trekking. These unique primates can also be found in volcano national park in Rwanda

Contact us with any inquiries about the things you can do while on a safari through Uganda