The Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Kazinga Channel is one of Uganda’s must-visit tourist sites. It is a 32 km long, natural water channel connecting Lakes Edward with George within Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel is an oasis to which several animals converge daily to quench their thirst. Some of the wildlife you will see here are various bird species, mammals like very large schools of hippos and several Nile crocodiles.

Of the two lakes, Lake George is the smaller one having an average depth of 2.4 meters (7.9feet), and it’s fed by water streams from Mt. Rwenzori. Lake George’s outflow goes through the Kazinga-Channel draining into Lake Edward.

The Kazinga Channel Boat Ride

The Kazinga Channel boat ride is among the highlight activities to enjoy will o Uganda safaris in queen Elizabeth National park. The rides start at the docking areas located close to Mweya Safari Lodge in the morning and after lunch and each trip takes a maximum of two hours. Our wildlife safaris here incorporate this boat cruise during which you will see thousands of hippos plus very large crocodiles in addition to several birds. The boat cruise offers you a create opportunity to take beautiful photos.

Unfortunately, back in 2005, several hippos died within this channel due to a breakout of anthrax in the area. But today the number of hippos has multiplied yet again and it will offer very amazing views.

Wildlife on the Kazinga Channel

In the afternoon you will also see Buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, crocodiles and big monitor lizards which are the biggest on the African planet, plus a profusion of birds such as the Fish. There are over 60 bird species and some of the commonly seen during the boat ride are the Kingfisher species, numerous Falcons, Yellow Billed Stork, African skimmer, Open-Billed Stork, Darters, the Great White & Pink-Backed Pelicans, African Shoebill Stork, Black Crake, Jacana, Long Tailed Cormorants and Saddle Bill

If lucky you may see some locals from the adjacent Kazinga village in their boats fishing on the other side of the channel

The boats operated on the Kazinga channel have professional ranger guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) who will narrate to you stories about the different wildlife you will come across. There are also smaller boats managed by Mweya Safari Lodge available for hire for those interested in doing private boat rides.

Uganda Safaris News
AA Safaris and Tours Ltd