Guided Boat Cruises in Uganda

Launch into unforgettable safari boat cruises in Uganda on beautiful waterbodies and have remarkable experiences as you explore various wildlife.

Uganda has various waterbodies and forms where remarkable safari launch cruises occur. Some include Lake Victoria, River Nile, Lake Goerge, Lake Edward, Lake Albert, and Kazinga Channel, among others.

The launch cruises in Uganda occur in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Afternoon boat cruises are often considered the best as many animals gather around the water sources as they look for water and various experiences.

Boat cruises provide a rare opportunity for tourists to experience the beautiful water animals, birds, and amazing sceneries of nature.

Your guide will help you identify various wildlife species as you take their photos for memorable experiences.

These beautiful boat cruises can also be tailor-made to suit your interests and thus the experiences that you would like to have.

Let us help you prepare for an amazing safari trip today!

Where to do a Boat Cruise in Uganda 

The major places to go for a safari boat cruise in Uganda are Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo National Park, and Lake Victoria.

Below, we look at the incredible safari boat cruise experience for tourists in Uganda.

Boat Cruise at Murchison Falls National Park to the Bottom of the Falls on River Nile 

Murchison Falls National Park is renowned for the Murchison Falls that flows from the River Nile and is its major tourist attraction in the country.

River Nile which passes through Murchison Falls National Park is the longest river in the world, making the park a major Ugandan destination to explore the amazing safari boat cruises.

Safari boat cruises at Murchison Falls National Park will take you on the Delta to the bottom of the falls and the shores of Lake Albert.

You will experience the beautiful waterfalls, the wild animals, bird species, and the water vegetation.

Along the Victoria Nile Delta is a 20km voyage that goes downstream the Paraa lane where you can watch various papyrus endemic species, the shoebill species, the Goliath Heron, Yellow Billed Stork, Black Headed Plover, Rock Pratincole, and the Secretary Bird, among others.

Among the many remarkable wildlife, a Nile boat cruise at Murchison Falls National Park is a chance for you to experience amazing wildlife like thousands of Hippos, Shoebills, Lions, and various Antelope species.

The morning boat cruise at Murchison Falls NP is at 9:00 am, the afternoon boat cruise at 2:00 pm, and the evening boat cruise at 5:30 pm.

Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel at Queen Elizabeth National Park 

Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda is also another amazing destination to experience beautiful boat cruise adventures. Launch cruises at Queen Elizabeth National Park occur at the Kazinga Channel which is a 45m stream that links Lake George and Lake Edward.

Kazinga Channel outflows from Lake George through the Kazinga Channel and it drains into Lake Edward.

Some of the wildlife at Queen Elizabeth’s Kazinga Channel include the home to over 3000 Hippos, various Antelope species, Lions, Nile Crocodiles, and Elephants as they bathe.

You will also have the chance to watch various bird species for example the Black Crake, Papyrus Gonolek, African Skimmers, Shoebill, Martial Eagles, African Spoonbills, and Pelicans, among others.

These launch cruises are organized by the  Uganda Wildlife Authority which manages the bigger boats and the Mweya Safari Lodge.

The morning boat cruise at Kazinga Channel is at 9:00 am, the afternoon boat cruise at 2:00 pm, and the evening boat cruise at 5:00 pm.

Boat Cruise/Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi 

The remarkable Lake Bunyonyi is among the best places to have a beautiful boat cruise or canoeing experience in a beautiful scenic environment.

A Lake Bunyonyi canoe ride will allow you to explore about 29 islands with captivating historical and heritage insights. The common islands to explore on a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi are Akampene Island, also known as Punishment Island, Bushara Island, and Njuyeera(also called Sharp’s Island).

Others include the Bwama, Kahugye, and the Bucuranuka Islands, among others.

A local tour guide will take you through the stories and legends behind these different islands and how they affected the lives of the locals of the African traditional societies.

Boat Cruise at Lake Victoria 

Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and among the largest in the world. The lake is shared by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania with a total area of 69, 484 square kilometres.

The boat safari in Lake Victoria, especially at the source of the Nile is a chance for you to experience various wildlife species for example different bird species like Egrets, Geese, Kingfishers, Jacanas, and Eagles. You will also explore different mammals, reptiles, and over 200 fish species, among others.

A Lake Victoria boat cruise will also allow you to explore the different islands for example the Kalangala, Sssese, and Ngamba Islands,

Boat Cruise at Lake Mburo National Park –

A boat cruise at Lake Mburo National Park is a two-hour voyage that occurs at Lake Mburo.  

Your boat cruise is a chance for you to watch various animals and birds for example the Crocodiles, Hippos, Bushbucks, Buffaloes, Shoebill, Kingfishers, Eagles, Turacos, and Egrets, among others.

Cost of a Boat Cruise in Uganda 

Below are the costs of the different boat cruise trips in Uganda.

DESTINATION	COST
Murchison Falls National Park	$30 (Foreign nonresident) $25 (Foreign resident) UGX 30,000 (East African Citizen)
Queen Elizabeth National Park	$30 (Foreign nonresident) $25 (Foreign resident) UGX 30,000 (East African Citizen)
Lake Mburo National Park	$30 (Foreign nonresident) $25 (Foreign resident) UGX 30,000 (East African Citizen)

The costs of canoeing or boat cruises on Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Lake Victoria vary depending on the different circumstances like the season of visit.

Conclusion

Boat cruises are among the most common and best safari adventures in Uganda. Prepare for gleeful anticipation of experiencing the great sceneries, various wild animals, birds, and enthralling vegetation.

Book and inquire with our professional and trustworthy tour consultant at Orinoco Expeditions for the best boat cruise adventures in Uganda.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why Should You Book a Boat Cruise Safari in Uganda? 

For wildlife enthusiasts, a boat cruise is a way in which you can explore various animals along the shores of the water bodies as they come to drink, bathe, or look for prey. Additionally, some captivating animals along or in the waters for example the water bird species, Hippos, and the Crocodiles.

A young, trained, and energetic team of guides will lead through a safe launch cruise experience.

2. When is the Best Time to go for Launch Cruise in Uganda 

The best time to go for a boat cruise in Uganda is during the dry season which is from about June to September and December to February. The dry season is hot thus attracting various animals to the water sources or shore where you can easily view them on a safari boat cruise.

However, a boat cruise is also possible during the wet season during your safari trips.

3. What Should You Pack for your Boat Cruise Safari Adventures 

There are different important things that you can pack for your launch cruise in Uganda. Some of them include a camera, a pair of binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, a notebook and pen, sunglasses, and sturdy shoes, among others.

On the other hand, it is important to wear clothes that cover your legs and arms to prevent insects from biting you.

4. What Other Safari Activities Can I do in Uganda Apart from Boat Cruise Adventures 

Other than boat cruise adventures, Uganda is also a beautiful place where you can enjoy various other safari experiences. The most common safari activities to do in Uganda include,

a. Gorilla trekking

b. Gorilla habituation

c.  Chimpanzee trekking

d. Game drives

e.  Bird watching

f.   Nature walks

g. Cultural encounters

h. Lion Tracking

i.   Hippo Census, etc