Boat safaris in Uganda and Rwanda

Going for boat safaris in Uganda and Rwanda gives, you chance to see the endowed surrounding of fresh water lakeside and Riverbanks. Although Uganda and Rwanda are landlocked country in East Africa, you can enjoy some water activities on the lakes and rivers distributed within either countries.

The varied vegetation along the Uganda or Rwanda waterbodies gives chance to different animals to thrive like monkeys, birds, butterflies and so much more. Even great aquatic life enjoys the freebies of these water bodies.

Some of the boat safaris known in Uganda include Murchison Falls launch trip, Ssese Island ferry trips, Kazinga Channel launch trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Sunset cruises on Lake Victoria, lake Mburo boat trip and so much more.

The Rwanda boat trip safaris include Lake Ihema Boat trip in Akagera National Park and others

The cost of the boat safaris in Uganda or Rwanda depends on where your trip is booked. You may be required to pay park entrance fees in case you are doing the boat safari in a national park. Advance booking for private boat trips in Uganda is necessary so that you are schedules for the period you request for in case there is availability.

Ensure you follow the instructions given by the boat captain during the Uganda safari boat trip because most of the launch trips are in predator infested areas. Deviating from the instructions given by the boat captain may cause the boat to crash or you may slip and fall into the water. Rescuing you may not be easy because of the factors mentioned above and the fast flowing water of the rivers

Most Popular Gorilla Safaris

• 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking
• 5 Day Gorilla and Chimp
• 8 Day Gorilla Tracking
• 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Via Kigali
• 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Via Kigali
• 5 Day Chimp and Gorilla Habituation
• 3 Day Fly in Gorilla Habituation
• 3 Day Fly in Safari to Murchison Falls National Park
• 3 Day Bwindi Double trek via Kigali
• 5 Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Some Uganda Boat Trips Include

Boat Trip On Lake Mburo National Park

Right in the middle of Lake Mburo National Park is Lake Mburo. The boat safari on Lake Mburo may give you chance to see numerous birds like herons, Cormorant, fish Eagle, shoebills, pelicans and others. You may get to see schools of hippopotami, crocodiles.

The voyage starts from a jetty by the lakeside close to Rwonyo. The voyage may take about 2 hours of great views. You may get to see animals like zebras, waterbucks, reedbucks, Impalas, elephants, cape buffaloes, giraffes and others. They move to the lake to quench thirst.

You may get to see some fishermen casting there nets to catch some fish but this must be an arrangement with Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Kazinga Channel Boat Safaris

Within Queen Elizabeth National Park is the 40 km Kazinga channel that connects Lake Edward to Lake George. This is the wildlife prime point of the park because its where majority game gathers to quench thirst and cool off the day’s heat.

Some of the animals you may get to see include lions, herds of elephants, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, topis, warthogs,  giant forest hogs, several reptiles, leopards, hyenas and others. Watch out for the impressive array of bird that loves gathering to feed from the marshy banks including foreign migrants. Hippos and crocodiles love taking charge of the channel space.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority launch trips operate twice on Kazinga channel that is 1500hours to 1700hours. Another from 1100hour to 1300hours but this is upon demand.

Enjoy the rift valley beauties from dotted crater lakes to the rolling Rwenzori ranges with its snowcapped Magheritah peak that comes into view on a clear day.

You may have the chance to watch the sun fade way behind the horizon giving off its golden appearance as dusky draws in.

Murchison falls launch trip in Murchison Falls National Park

By taking the boat trip to Murchison Falls, you enjoy the strongest falls in the world. On River Nile which is the longest River in the world is crossing Uganda, South Sudan, having a tributary in Ethiopia, the Sudan and Egypt is aggressive Murchison falls.

This Victoria Nile section runs for about 80 km of white water rapids then squeezes through a 6 meters wide gorge to burst out and form a cloudy appearance. The water plunges down cliff 40 meters of the rift valley remnant wall to the bottom and continue with its course.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority launch trip departs at 0900hours or 1400hours daily. Watch out for serried ranks of crocodiles along the riverbanks and teeming hippos. Several animals love the freebies of the riverside like girafees, herds of hippos, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribis and others.

Enjoy the animals that love feeding from the river Nile banks and birds that keep gracing the shoreline all day.

 As you draw closer to the falls, you get to feel a change in the boat   turbulence as soapy appearance starts coming into view on the water surface. Finally, when the falls come into view enjoy every minute of that moment. Take as many photos as you can but start within the limits given during briefing. Wear tight your safety gears and balance the boat well in case you are in the group.

You may get to see a rainbow form right before you on a clear day.

You may opt for a private launch trip to Murchison Falls but this requires advance booking from the private companies that operate these boats.

Taking a hike to the top of the falls after the launch trip is exciting. You feel the sights and sound of River Nile at this point. You watch river Nile vigorously running over a bed of rocks then squeezes through the 6 meters wide gorge. This moment creates an assault on your senses.

You may opt to be picked from here by vehicle to your lodge.

Sun Set Cruise On Lake Victoria Entebbe

Upon request, you may take a sunset trip on Lake Victoria at your own convenience. Lake Victoria is the largest fresh water lake in Uganda with great activity along its banks like fish landing sites, beaches, sport fishing points and so much more.

The lush vegetation surrounding its banks gives you beautiful greenery dotted with impressive primates and birds. Watching fisher men cast there nets and feel the cool breeze off Lake Victoria.

You may enjoy some snacks too but these must be arranged for upon request. It is a moment away from the hassle of daily work and make memories that last a lifetime.

A Ferry Trip To Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria

Taking ferry trip to Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria is one of the remarkable close to Kampala city getaways. In case you wish to have some tranquility, you may opt to take this sessional trip to Ssese Island.

 You need to know the time when the ferry leaves Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe or Masaka ferry to Kalangala District in Lake Victoria.

Wear your safety gears and avoid deviating from the instructions given buy the ferry captain because you risk your life. Lake Victoria is one of the deep lakes in Uganda formed by down warping. There are not so many divers to rescue you so mind about your life while sailing on lake.

You may opt for a private boat trip using the speedboats but this limit with baggage weight allowance you need to carry.

Some of the activities you may get to do in Ssese Island include beach walks, swimming in bilharzia free water, sport fishing, nature walks, palm farm visits, camp fires and so much more.

Source Of River Nile Boat Trip

To get to the source of River Nile in Jinja in Uganda, you need to take a boat trip. Enjoy the amazing green along the River Banks. Several birds keep gracing the shores of River Nile and a lot of human activity happens along River Nile in Jinja.

Craft making and traditional Kisoga dances sometimes dominate the starting point for this adventure.

There is a launch trip to the source of River Nile but this is schedules and commences with numbers on ground. You may hire a canoe at departure point to sail you to the exact point where lake Victoria water calmly separates from river Nile waters that vigorously departs.

It is puzzling on what happens underneath the point where Lake Victoria water separate from River Nile water. That dramatic point is incredible and magical too.

White Water rafting on River Nile

Taking part in White water rafting on River Nile does not require any experience. Professional white water rafting instructors are on ground to take you through all the necessary training a short time. Itanda falls is the Uganda white water Rafting destination.

Follow the directives given by the instructors and wear your safety gears securely. Keep peddling so as to beat the River Nile tides and sail through. You used a tube boat and seat on the edges of the boat as directed by the boat captain. A Kayaker leads the way to establish the strength of the tides. Then gives you signs to follow in case its clear.

White water rafting has different levels so you can choose which level you can manage based on your strength and feeling.

You may do tubing in case you are not interested in white water rafting or bungee jumping from the high cliff to River Nile, Kayaking is available too.

Seasonal Boat Trips On Lake Victoria

Although this is private arrangement, sometimes-private boat trips are organized on Lake Victoria in Uganda.These boat cruises are advertised and you book at your own arrangement. A lot of private activities happen in those boat cruises and we advise people not to carry children with them.

Ferry crossing in Murchison Falls National park

When Victoria Nile crossed through Murchison Falls National Park, it divided the park into the northern and southern sector. You need to use a ferry in case you are overnighting in Paraa Safari lodge.

Even game drives in Murchison falls National park are best in Buligi area. This is the prima gaming area of Murchison Falls National Park with its lovely grasslands. This area is sand witched between Victoria and Albert Nile. It has great views of western wall of the rift valley and beyond Lake Albert.

You may get to see animals like lions in action, as they love sneaking on Uganda Kobs and others. from here the game drive from Paraa heads to the Delta point for over 3 hours.

Knowing the ferry crossing time is very important so that you are not delayed or left behind.

 Rwanda Boat Trip on Lake Ihema In Akagera National Park

Taking a boat trip on Lake Ihema is Rwanda gives you chance to enjoy the cool breeze off this beautiful lake. Watch over for the elevated highlands in Akagera National Park and surrounding. You may get to see some animals like zebras, waterbucks, bushbucks, lions, elephants, buffaloes and others.

Safety Measures For Uganda Rwanda Boat Safaris

• Wear your safety gadgets during the boat safaris just to protect your life
• Listen carefully to the instructions given by the boat captain because they have experience with most of the boats they operate.
• Carry some energy bites
• In case you have water phobia do not stand close to the rims of the boats or ferry
• Get details about the departure and arrival times for scheduled boats and ferry time to avoid missing out on this adventure.
• Carry a camera with great focus lens so that you can store memories of this once in a lifetime Africa safari activity.
• In case you have children, keep them close to you so that they do not fall over board. Most of the bodies where boat trips happen are infested with predators.
• Do not go for a boat trip without notifying your agent or anyone in your party so that incase of anything you can be traced.

When To Book Boat Trip In Uganda or Rwanda

Most boat trips in Uganda and Rwanda have all booked all year round you just need to know the time of departures. This is to avoid missing out on departure time because they are normally keen with timing especially the public boat trips.

 Incase of a vessel mechanical problem, be in the know so that you do not bounce when you appear for departure.

Contact us for more information and let us organize your boat safari in Uganda or Rwanda.