Boat cruise safaris often go hand in hand with game drives. The activities are ideal for those intending to see both land and aquatic wildlife. The best places in Uganda to visit for a boat safari include Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo national parks.
Boat safari in Murchison falls
Murchison Falls national park is bisected by the Nile River and offers the best boat safari in Uganda. The main boat safari usually starts at 2 pm at Paara and cruises upstream along the Victoria Nile. It includes a visit to the base of the dramatic Murchison Falls. Where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge and plunges over a 45-cliff with a thunderous roar into the devil’s cauldron to form a trademark rainbow. The journey to and fro is 17 km with the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife from the boat. including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and buffaloes. A plethora of bird species like the kingfishers and herons. Those intending to see the shoebill stork can take a boat trip downstream to the Albert delta swamp. In addition to wildlife, the cruise winds through spectacular cliffs, making for a great spot for keen photographers.
Kazinga channel boat safari
Kazinga channel is a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George in Queen Elizabeth national park. There are two options to decide which might be more suitable for you: The community boat cruise at Katunguru bridge. Or the boat cruises at Mweya peninsular. Both experiences offer remarkable wildlife viewing. You will be able to see the ‘localized Kazinga Channel’s Big Five’ which include elephants, buffaloes, African fish eagles, Nile crocodiles, and hippos. However, each is unique and choosing where to go depends on location convenience.
Katunguru is a fishing village on the northern shores of the channel. The local people are directly involved in managing and benefiting from the boat cruise and other tourism activities. Go there if you intend to meet locals and support the community. Katunguru is also easier to access if you’re staying along Kyambura escarpment.
Mweya Peninsula is in the central part of the park and attracts high densities of wildlife. There are bigger and luxury boats that offer comfort, thus it can be busier and less tranquil.
Lake Albert boat cruise
The Lake Albert boat trip is an Eco excursion you can do from Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve. This protected area is located in the western part of Uganda near the border with the DR Congo. It forms part of the greater Semliki valley known for harboring central African wildlife species. The highlight of this boat trip is the shoebill stork and its commonly seen. The reserve also offers a primate walk with opportunities to see chimps, central African red colobus monkeys, de Brazza’s monkeys, and Dent’s mona monkeys. These are rare to find in other parks. Forest buffaloes and elephants may be seen during game drives. You will also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Congo blue mountains and escarpments of the Albertine Rift.
Toro Semliki can be reached by car in an 1 hour’s drive from Fort Portal tourism city and Kibale national park.
