Boat rides in Uganda are laid-back, relaxing and tranquil. They are among the most exciting ways to explore hidden gems in Uganda, and they are quite popular. Several of the national parks, such as Murchison Falls National Park, are near a water body or have one flowing right through them. Thus, boat cruises add to the safari thrill.
This is an opportunity for tourists to see wildlife that gather along riverbanks to quench their thirst. You also enjoy the dramatic scenery surrounding these parks.
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Where are the Best Places for Boat Rides in Uganda?
1. Lake Victoria
Tourists enjoying a boat cruise on Lake Victoria. Photo/ Eco Adventure Safaris.
Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and is shared by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. It is the source of the River Nile, which is the longest river, making it a perfect place to engage in various boat safaris.
A boat trip on Lake Victoria will take you up to Ngamba Island, where you’ll get the opportunity to see the chimpanzee. The trip will also lead you to the Sese Islands, where you’ll get the opportunity to view different bird species while engaging in other activities. The boat cruise kicks off at 4 or 5 p.m. at the waterfront, which is the perfect time for photography.
2. Boat Trip on Kazinga Channel Uganda
The Kazinga channel in Uganda. Photo/Uganda Safaris
The Kazinga Channel is the longest and widest channel in Africa with amazing boat rides in Uganda. The channel, which is beneath the famous Mweya peninsula, is 40 kilometres long and connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The boat cruise here is done twice a day and is a 3-4-hour activity conducted by experienced professional guides.
Kazinga Channel is where to take a boat ride if you’re a bird lover. During your trip, you can see up to 60 different species of birds, including the Saddle Bill Stork, Long Tailed Cormorants, Yellow Billed Stork, and the Great White and Pink-Backed. Apart from bird watching, you’ll also be treated to an awesome sight of the highest concentration of hippos, buffalo, elephants, and antelopes during your trip.
3. Murchison Falls National Park
Boat trip on Murchison Falls National Park Uganda. Photo/ Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park is one of the biggest national parks in Uganda. The boat trip here has always proven to be the most entertaining activity. There are two boat cruises in Murchison National Park: the bottom of the Falls boat cruise and the Albert Delta boat cruise. The bottom of the falls is the most admired boat cruise here and it starts at Paraa dock, then sails upstream towards the falls.
The boat sails through hippo schools floating on water, crocodiles, and herds of elephants showering on the riverbank. Just like the bottom of the falls, the Albert Delta boat cruise also starts from Para dock and takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. During the boat cruise, you will be exposed to several attractions, such as hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and different bird species.
4. Lake Bunyonyi
Boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi. Photo/ Daily Monitor.
With 29 islands and quaint villages to explore, boat rides in Uganda should include Lake Bunyonyi. The lake is situated in southwestern Uganda and acts as one of the most beautiful places to explore in the East African country. The lake does not harbour hippos and crocodiles, but the boat cruise offers an opportunity to have clear views of the landscape, terraced hills and community homesteads. You will also spot different bird species, including the White-tailed blue monarda, African fish eagle, Grey-crowned cranes and Cardinal woodpecker, among others.
5. Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda is situated in southwestern Uganda in Kisoro district and offers a dugout boat cruise along the water body. During your cruise, you will have beautiful views of the mountain ranges and the Island while also seeing different species of birds.
The best time for boat rides in Uganda – on Lake Mutanda, particularly, is in the morning, when the waters are still calm and easy to navigate. A boat trip on Lake Mutanda is one of the memorable experiences you don’t want to miss during your safari in Uganda.
Conclusion
Uganda is a true travel gem despite being a landlocked country. You get the best from it in an authentic way. The beauty about the Pearl of Africa is that it is affordable, and people are painfully kind.
