Boat Cruise Safaris in Uganda
Boat Cruise Safaris in Uganda; Uganda, popularly known as the Pearl of Africa, is famous for its foggy forests and mountain gorillas, but some of the most amazing wildlife safari experiences in Uganda do not take place on land; they are seen from the comfort of your boat.
Boat safari is one of the major characteristics of wildlife tourism in Uganda, giving tourists a very different yet peaceful and rewarding experience. Plying silently on the waters of the Nile River or sailing through a channel filled with wildlife gives you up-close and personal experiences with some animals that cannot easily be observed while game driving.
Why a Boat Safari Is a Mandatory Experience.
The boat safari is not just an option that exists in place of the game drive. It is something that opens up a whole new world for you. The wildlife will act much more naturally when seen from the water. You will get to see the elephants bathing and drinking, hippos wallowing together, and crocodiles sunbathing by the river bank. All this will be made possible through the smooth ride of the boat. The diverse network of lakes, rivers, and wetlands makes Uganda one of the best destinations in Africa for this kind of adventure.
Top Destinations for Boat Safaris in Uganda.
1. The Kazinga Channel; Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Arguably the most celebrated boat safari in Uganda is on the Kazinga Channel. The 32-kilometer-long water channel links two lakes – Lake Edward and Lake George, being known for the largest number of hippos – more than 2,000. A boat ride here will provide an excellent experience of viewing wild animals.
You will witness large groups of hippos gurgling and wrestling in the shallows, Nile crocodiles sleeping on the banks, and elephants and buffaloes drinking and bathing in the water. Birdwatching enthusiasts will be charmed by this channel as there are 600 different bird species in the park. From the famous African fish eagles and pelicans to kingfishers and the magnificent saddle-billed storks – you can view all these birds. The ride is especially picturesque when viewed at late afternoon against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains with sunlight shimmering on the water. The cost of this ride is typically about $30 per person.
2. The Nile River at Murchison Falls National Park.
Another world-class boat safari takes you along the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park. This is a journey of two halves: a wildlife viewing extravaganza and a close-up encounter with one of nature’s most powerful displays. The boat cruise typically departs from Paraa Jetty and heads upstream toward the base of the Murchison Falls. Along the way, you will see elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and a plethora of antelope species coming to the river’s edge to drink. There are crocodiles sunning themselves along with hippo pods on the banks while there are plenty of birds flying above the river such as the rare shoebill stork, Goliath heron and the African fish eagle.
The climax of the tour comes when you approach the falls as the Nile River pushes its way through a narrow seven-meter gorge dropping a distance of 43 meters into a powerful fall. The boat will drop you at the bottom of the falls where you will be able to enjoy the mist and take amazing pictures. The entire trip will take about 2-3 hours costing $30 for non-citizens. Alternatively, one can do a downriver trip to the Nile delta in search of birds including the rare shoebill stork.
3. Lake Mburo in Lake Mburo National Park.
Lake Mburo offers a more intimate, peaceful, and less crowded boat safari experience, which is perfect for birders and photography enthusiasts. The tranquil water bodies are lined with papyrus, with hippos and crocodiles living in them. While cruising on the lake, one can witness various animals such as buffaloes, zebras, and bushbucks coming down to the lakeshore for drinking. The number of birds is quite high here, including African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, and herons/cormorants. The tranquil setting is ideal for relaxation and provides a wonderful contrast to the more dramatic river cruises.
More Famous Boat cruise desinations.
If you need a break, then going on a boat ride at Lake Bunyonyi “lake of little birds” can be fun as it has 29 islands with magnificent scenery of terraced hills. Just like Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Victoria can be accessed on a boat trip from Entebbe for an opportunity to see the fishing villages, explore the islands, or watch beautiful sunsets.
Planning Your Safari On The Boat.
The best time to take part in boat safari in Uganda is during the dry seasons, June to August and December to February when the animals can be found near the source of water. Most cruises last from 2 to 4 hours and are led by experienced guides who provide valuable insight. Remember to bring your binoculars, a good camera with a zoom lens, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for cooler evening breezes.
Boat safari cruises in Uganda provide a very special view of the natural legacy of the country. If you find yourself on a boat safari to see hippos on Kazinga Channel, to witness the awesome Murchison falls, or just relax under a setting sun at Lake Mburo, you are sure to have an amazing Ugandan experience.