For the most part, the swamps consist of areas of open water surrounded by permanent dense stands of Papyrus grass and Phragmites reeds which are only accessible by shallow canoe via an intricate network of narrow channels. Numerous termite mounds are scattered over a wide area. These raised mounds act as small islands safe for any flooding and allow the survival of various tree seedlings. Over time these trees have become well established with the result that a woodland has developed

The area is divided into 3 main habitats, open water to the North West (near Samfya), huge swamps in the middle and around the southern and eastern fringes, seasonally flooded grass plains. It is particularly this latter habitat and the swampy Lukulu river flowing through it which are of interest to visitors. They support an incredible diversity of water-birds and plains-birds including the Shoebill Storks and are home to massive herds of the Black Lechwe. Elephant, Buffalo, Tsessebe, Reedbuck, Oribi and Sitatunga are also adapted to life in this wetland environment. You don’t have to be a birding fanatic to love Bangweulu!

Bangweulu attracts a profusion of waterfowl. Wattled crane, Saddle-billed stork, Spur-winged goose, Sacred Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Black-crowned Night Heron, White-cheeked Bee-eater, Swamp Flycatcher, Pink- throated and Fulbourne’s Longclaw, Denham’s Bustard and numerous ducks live here. The papyrus swamps along the Lukulu river are also the breeding ground of the Shoebill, a massive grey, do-do like bird found nowhere else in the sub-region. Bangweulu is probably the best place remaining in the world to see Shoebill storks in the wild.

Shoebill Island Camp

Shoebill Island Camp offers accommodation in safari tents under thatch roofs. Each has 2 beds, an en suite shower and adjacent toilet. The island has panoramic views over the swamps and gets its name from the Shoebill, which are usually in reach of the camp. Boating can be arranged in banana boats or dugout canoes. March and April offer an amazing watering wilderness for the adventurous with Shoebills often visible from camp!

The main season is from May to August when Shoebills can usually be seen on canoe trips. September to November offer great birding (though maybe no Shoebill sightings) and the same amazing mammal spectacles.
Link to Camp web site.

Season: June to November inclusive

Price per person per night US$170