Boat Tours in Uganda : Boat Cruise Safaris in Uganda are one of the major tourist activities that are done in the savannah national parks in Africa to see various wildlife found in these parks. In Uganda, boat cruise in Kazinga Channel, Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, source of the Nile, Lake Bunyonyi, among other stunning locations. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the boat tours are done on Kazinga Channel best for sighting various wildlife and birds which are commonly seen on the banks of the channel, in Murchison Falls National Park this is done on River Nile. Uganda is one of the best places in Africa to do boat cruises these can be done one different rivers and lakes in Uganda.
Boat tours in Uganda area a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the park of Africa. These guided excursions let you explore the beautiful lakes and rivers while enjoying breathtaking views. As you set off on your boat or lunch cruse, you’ll have the chance to see interesting wildlife like hippos, crocodiles and various bird species.
Taking a boat tour is a great way to discover the wonders of Uganda, especially in places that are hard to reach by 4×4 safari vehicle or on foot. A full boat crise typically last between 2 to 3 hours, and on trip to Uganda feels complete without including a boat cruise in your itinerary.
Here are the National Parks in Uganda where to go for Boat tours in Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park
Taking a boat tour in Murchison Falls National Park is a great way to explore the Victoria Nile and the nearby delta. The boat cruise on River Nile in Murchison falls national park is one of the exciting activities done using a boat in the morning or evening. On the Albert Delta cruise, you’ll glide along the Nile to a place where it branches out into floating islands made of papyrus. This tour is perfect for spotting shoebill storks and various other water-loving creatures. Many people also enjoy the special experience of a sunset cruise.
For a longer adventure, the Victoria Nile boat cruise starts at the Paraa jetty and takes you to the base of the stunning Murchison Falls. This trip lasts about 2-3 hours round trip, giving you a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, duikers, hartebeests, giant forest hogs, Uganda Kobs, elephants, monkeys, and much more. You’ll also encounter waterbird species such as saddle billed stork, goliath heron, African fish eagle, African jacanas, black-headed gonoleks, yellow-backed weaver bird, yellow-mantled widowbird, and malachite kingfishers while you’re out on the water.
Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel, located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, is a fantastic spot for boat tours in Uganda. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is one of the top highlights while on a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. this activity allows tourist fully explore all the best things that the channel has to offer. Since 1952, the slow boat cruise has been organized for tourists to spot several large mammals that come to drink, feed and bathe around the shores.
A typical boat ride lasts about 2 to 3 hours, allowing you to explore part of this 32-kilometer-long natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and the Gorge. It’s a perfect place to see Nile crocodiles, hippos, and various water birds. The boat tours on Kazinga Channel run twice a day, with the first tour in the morning and the last in the afternoon. Each trip has a knowledgeable park ranger and a boat captain to guide visitors.
While cruising the channel, you’ll likely see buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes along the banks. You’ll also be treated to a variety of bird African Shoebill, African skimmers, Black bee-eaters, Black Crake, Crested Crane, Darters, Great and Long Tailed Cormorants, Great White and Pink-Backed Pelicans, Jacana, Marabou Stork, Open-Billed Stork, Pink-backed pelicans, Saddle Bill Stork and Yellow Billed Stork among others.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is also a fantastic spot to go on boat tours in Uganda. the park is located in western Uganda it is the closest national park to Kampala and Entebbe. It is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks and has key selling points that are, it is the only park in Uganda with eland, impala, and klipspringer. It is also home to the largest population of zebras in Uganda. The boat rides take place on the beautiful Lake Mburo, and they are best experienced in the morning or afternoon. During these tours, visitors can expect to see amazing views and various animals, including hippos, crocodiles, and different types of fish. Besides the aquatic life, you might also encounter bushbucks, waterbucks, buffaloes, and other wildlife wandering around freely.
Lake Bunyonyi
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, a boat tour on Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda is a must. Situated in the southwestern part of the country, this stunning lake is dotted with more than 29 islands. Though Lake Bunyonyi is famous for its green and lush terraced hills that are punctuated with a plethora of over 200 bird species. The place combines the art of water birds and some migratory birds. This makes it a perfect ideal for many bird enthusiasts.
While you enjoy your ride, you’ll likely see a variety of beautiful birds and take in the amazing scenery around you. Some of the islands you’ll pass include Bwama, Kahungye, Punishment Island, and Bushara, among others.
Boat cruise on River Nile
Taking a boat cruise on the River Nile is one of the highlights of visiting Jinja City. Known as the longest river in the world, the Nile starts right in Jinja, Uganda. You might be curious about where the name “Nile” originates. This incredible river flows from the tropical areas near the equator all the way to the vast Sahara Desert and eventually reaches the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Stretching about 6,696 kilometers, it travels through nine countries, but Uganda and Egypt are its main focal points. Other countries along its path include Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zaire, and Ethiopia. The Nile has two main branches: the White Nile and the Blue Nile, which merge in Khartoum to create the primary Nile, including the Cataract Nile and the Egyptian Nile.
During the boat cruise to the source of the Nile in Jinja, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of birds, lush islands, and greenery along the banks. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some lizards and meet local residents. Additionally, there are craft shops where you can buy souvenirs. This experience is something you definitely shouldn’t miss while spending six days in Jinja City.
Best time to boat tours in Uganda
The best time to do the boat tours in Uganda is during Dry season, which typically occur from June to September and then from December to February. This time is when animals are very common on the shores. Uganda can as well be visited all year around and you will be able to see the wildlife and do a safari in boat tours, dry seasons offer great sighting of wildlife compared to wet seasons.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about boat tours in Uganda and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Uganda.
