No tour in the “Pearl of Africa” is complete without a boat cruise, and there are countless boat cruises in Uganda to try out, yet you might not know which one to take. Just leave that to us as we shall introduce you to the best places of boat cruises in a country that has created a name for being one of the top gorilla trekking destinations, wildlife safaris and birding experiences. There is nothing more refreshing and relaxing than undertaking a boat cruise in Uganda’s wilderness while getting treated to sights and sounds of animals and birds that Mother Nature provides.
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Where can you enjoy boat cruises during Uganda safaris?
Kazinga Channel Boat cruises
Converge at the Mweya jetty early morning as they sun is just setting or in the afternoon after a game drive and wonderful meal for the unforgettable boat cruise through Kazinga channel, a 40km natural channel that links two freshwater Lakes named George and Edward. This is one of the best and most rewarding boat cruises in the country because it not only offers relaxation after the game drive but also rewards you with the rich sights of different mammals, reptiles and birds roaming along the shores of the channel.
For most travelers to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the boat cruise along Kazinga Channel is the highlight of their trip. Get prepared to sight lots of Nile crocodiles, Monitor lizards (can be confused for baby crocodiles), Hippos, Elephants, Buffaloes as well as lots of birds that normally include African skimmers, the Great white and pink-backed pelicans, African fish eagles, Marabou storks, grey-crowned cranes, martial eagles, African spoonbills, Papyrus gonolek, cormorants, shoebill storks, pied and malachite Kingfishers, African jacanas, cattle egrets and many others. Has anyone ever told you that this 40 kilometer long natural channel has the highest concentration of hippos in the Africa Continent? Expect lots of fun, photography opportunities, jaw-dropping sceneries and so much more. Kazinga Channel Boat cruises are provided by Marasa Africa, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Lodges, and other private entities, and prices also vary from one Company to the other. You can opt for the scheduled or private/exclusive boat cruises depending on what you wish to see.
Boat Cruise on Lake Victoria.
This is one of the most exciting boat cruises in Uganda, discovering the stunning Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest freshwater Lake) on a small or large boat during any of our leisure cruises, fishing tours, and visits to the iconic Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. During the thrilling leisure cruises, which most travelers prefer, you can enjoy sunset cruises with drinks and snacks on board or simply take a trip to Ssese Islands for unwinding.
For the anglers, boat cruises are organized on Lake Victoria, to catch one of the largest freshwater fishes in the World (Nile Perch). You can opt for the day or overnight fishing excursions and also get the chance to watch beautiful sunset views that will spice up your experience.
Boat cruises on Lake Victoria also lead travelers to the magnificent Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island (part of the Koome group of Islands on this Lake). This Sanctuary is home to over 53 chimpanzees which you can visit to learn about the behavior of these Great Apes.
Boat Cruises in Murchison Falls National Park
Experience the calm waters and views of fringing wetlands, animals, and countless bird species during the boat cruises in Murchison Falls National Park. The Cruise is done on River Nile, which runs through this Protected Area and the highlight is breathtaking views of the Murchison falls (the World’s most powerful waterfalls formed when a large volume of water forcefully passes through a narrow gorge of only 7 meters wide).
These Boat cruises are done in the morning and afternoon, but if you opt for it during the latter, then you should be prepared to see a wide range of animals that converge at the banks of the River to cool off from the hot sunshine and even drink water. It is for this reason that most travelers opt for the afternoon cruises because there are higher chances of seeing lots of Nile crocodiles, Hippos, as well as elephants, Cape buffaloes, antelopes, and birds, which are unmissable. Starting from the Para area, the boat cruises until the bottom of the falls where travelers are allowed to take photos.
While on the boat cruise, you will not only sight animals and birds but also learn about the history of the Park which includes visits by Winston Churchill, Earnest Hemmingway, The Queen of England, Sir Samuel baker, and many other popular conservationists and Explorers. Enjoy views, a cool atmosphere, and animal sights during these Boat cruises. Whether you wish for a scheduled or private cruise including sundowners, it is possible here. Some of the popular boat cruise providers here include Uganda Wildlife Authority, Wild Frontiers, and Marasa Africa among others.
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Boat Cruises on Lake Mburo
Relish the unobstructed sights of Hippos, Nile crocodiles Lake shores, and Birds, and even get the chance to see different fishing methods during the Lake Mburo Boat cruises. These cruises are wonderful for complementing your wildlife safari and normally involve stopping at the Lakeside restaurant to taste Uganda’s delicious fish species which include Tilapia. Don’t miss out on sights of Hippos, Crocodiles, zebras, Defassa waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, bushbucks, duikers, and many others as they visit the shores for a drink. Don’t also miss out on the bird species that include Shoebill storks, pink-backed Pelicans, Black crake, African fish eagles, African Finfoot, Heron, Cormorant, Kingfishers, and many others.
Besides boat cruises conducted in National Parks (Protected Areas), travelers can also try out the Lake Victoria Boat cruises and Boat rides on Lake Bunyonyi with more opportunities for birding and photography.
How Safe are the Boat Cruises in Uganda?
Boat cruises in Uganda are safe because they are undertaken aboard modern, and well-maintained boats, in addition to visits being provided with safety gear like life jackets and rescue boats among others. Also, the majority of these boats are driven by trained and experienced helmsmen/Captains.
Besides Boat cruises, Uganda is also a wonderful safari destination for mountain gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking, game safaris, birding excursions, agro-tourism, cultural tours, mountain climbing, and so much more.
