A boat trip is laid-back, relaxing and one of the most tranquil ways to explore Uganda while seeing panoramic views. Boat trips are quite popular in Uganda because most of the national parks are near a water body or have one flowing right through them.
In a variety of locations throughout the country, boat cruises are available in the freshwaters of lakes and rivers. This is an opportunity for tourists to witness wildlife creatures that have gathered along riverbanks to draw water in groups. Without further ado, let’s take a look at five ideal destinations that tourists craving for an amazing boat trip in Uganda can visit.
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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 is the longest and widest channel in Africa. The channel, which is beneath the famous Mweya peninsula, is 40 kilometres long and connects Lake George and Lake Edward together. 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, buffaloes, 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 river bank.
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 a number of attractions, such as hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and different bird species.
4. Lake Bunyonyi
Boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi. Photo/ Daily Monitor.
With 29 islands and quaint villages to explore, a boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi should be on your bucket list during your next trip to Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi 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 a boat cruise in Lake Mutanda 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.
