Boat Cruise Safaris
Uganda and Rwanda offer some of the most unique and serene safari experiences in East Africa—not just on land, but also from the water. While Uganda is world-renowned for gorilla trekking, it also stands out as a top destination for boat-based wildlife viewing. Boat cruise safaris in Uganda provides a peaceful yet thrilling alternative to vehicle game drives and primate trekking adventures, allowing you to experience the region’s rich biodiversity from an entirely different perspective.
From the mighty Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park to the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the bird-rich wetlands of Mabamba Swamp, each location offers its own unforgettable scenes. Glide past crocodiles, hear the grunts of territorial hippos, and watch elephants and buffaloes gather at the water’s edge. Bird enthusiasts can marvel at rare species like the Shoebill, while sunset cruises on Lake Victoria or Lake Bunyonyi promise pure relaxation and postcard-worthy views.
Whether it’s a calm canoe ride on Lake Mutanda or an intimate group boat safari on Rwanda’s Lake Ihema, these excursions are the perfect complement to your Orugano safaris. They offer a moment to pause, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of the wild.
Where to go on a Boat Cruise Safaris?
A boat safari offers a truly unforgettable way to discover Uganda and Rwanda’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Cruising across rivers, lakes, and wetlands allows you to enjoy peaceful encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a rich variety of birdlife. These water-based excursions provide a refreshing and immersive experience—perfectly complementing traditional vehicle safaris. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic waterfalls, tranquil crater lakes, or birdwatching havens, here are the top destinations to consider for an exceptional boat safari:
Murchison Falls National Park – Cruise the Mighty Nile
Boating safari is available in Uganda’s vast Murchison Falls National Park on the mighty Nile, the longest river in the world. The Nile flows through the heart of the park for a distance of 120km, on its 6500km journey from Lake Victoria to Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.
As the river winds its way through the park, it creates one of the world’s strongest waterfalls: Murchison Falls, where the river dramatically squeezes through an 8-meter-wide gorge and plunges 43 meters down the rocks.
On a peaceful boat ride, you’ll drift past crocodiles basking in the sun, hippos grunting in the water, and buffaloes cooling off near the banks. Curious monkeys might signal your arrival from the treetops, while colorful birds dive for fish nearby. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants and other animals that often come down to drink at the river’s edge. The highlight of the trip is reaching the foot of the powerful waterfall—an incredible sight and sound you’ll never forget. This three-hour cruise offers a perfect mix of relaxation, wildlife viewing, and raw natural wonder.
Queen Elizabeth National Park –Kazinga Channel
Queen Elizabeth National Park, covering nearly 2,000km2, sits in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, bordered by the majestic Rwenzori Mountains to the north and Lake Edward to the west.
At the center of this park lies the 32-kilometer-long Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George—and one of the best places in Africa for a boat safari. As you cruise along the calm waters of the Kazinga Channel, you’ll pass large groups of hippos, often visible only by their eyes and nostrils peeking above the surface.
This area is home to one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the world! You’ll also spot massive crocodiles lounging on the banks, buffaloes cooling down in the water, and elephants wandering in for a drink or even playfully spraying each other. The riverbanks are alive with birds—kingfishers, herons, storks, and more—adding color and music to the scene. This boat trip is a must-do activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering a relaxing and action-packed way to witness the park’s rich wildlife up close.
Boat trip in search of Shoebills in Mabamba Swamp
A boat trip through Mabamba Swamp is a dream come true for bird lovers, especially those hoping to spot the rare and mysterious Shoebill Stork. This unusual bird is easy to recognize with its large, shoe-shaped beak and bluish-grey feathers—truly a one-of-a-kind sight!
There are only a few thousand Shoebills left in all of East and Central Africa, and Mabamba Swamp, just a short motorboat ride from Entebbe, is one of the best places to find them. As you quietly glide through the swamp’s narrow channels, keep your eyes peeled not just for the Shoebill, but also for many other fascinating water birds and wetland creatures that call this peaceful place home.
Lake Victoria – Sunset Cruises and Island Adventures
Entebbe owes much of its charm to Lake Victoria, a vast body of water that Uganda shares with Tanzania and Kenya. Covering nearly 70,000 square kilometers, it’s the largest lake in Africa and the second biggest freshwater lake in the world—impressive, right? One of the best ways to enjoy this massive lake is by taking a boat ride.
As the sun sets, the lake shimmers in golden-orange hues, creating a magical scene best experienced from the water. For something extra special, you can join a cheese and wine cruise—perfect for relaxing and celebrating the end of a memorable trip. Another great option is a boat cruise to Ngamba Island, near the equator and close to Entebbe. This island sanctuary is home to rescued chimpanzees, once kept in zoos or circuses, who now enjoy a safe and playful life among the trees and vines of the island. It’s a peaceful and heartwarming experience you won’t want to miss.
Lake Mburo – Serene Waters and Rich Wildlife
Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest national park, but don’t let its size fool you—it’s full of charm and easy to get to. It’s just a few hours’ drive from Kampala, and if you’re coming from the southwest where gorilla trekking happens, you can reach it in less than a day. That’s why many travelers choose Lake Mburo as the perfect, peaceful ending to their Uganda adventure.
What makes this park truly special is that it’s the only one in Uganda where you can go on a walking safari—or even explore on horseback! But the real hidden gem is the boat trip on Lake Mburo itself. It’s calm, beautiful, and incredibly relaxing. As you cruise across the lake, you’ll enjoy amazing views and spot plenty of hippos, crocodiles, and colorful waterbirds along the way.
Akagera National Park (Rwanda) – Lake Ihema Safari
Akagera National Park is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, offering a stunning variety of landscapes, from golden savannahs and rolling grasslands to swamps and mountains. It’s a wonderful wildlife reserve, now even home to the famous Big 5! On the park’s southern side, you’ll find beautiful lakes, with Lake Ihema being the largest.
A boat trip on Lake Ihema is a must-do experience, especially in the afternoon. As you glide across the water, you’ll get the chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and animals coming down to drink, all while surrounded by diverse birdlife. The boat safaris are small and intimate, with a maximum of ten people, ensuring a peaceful and personal experience.
Lake Bunyonyi – Tranquil Island-Hopping
Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “place of little birds,” is one of Uganda’s most beautiful and peaceful destinations. Located in the southwest, it’s surrounded by terraced hills and is Africa’s second deepest lake at 900 meters. The lake has over 29 islands, some of which have lodges where you can stay overnight.
You can explore the lake by motorboat or even a traditional dugout canoe. It’s a perfect spot to relax and unwind after your gorilla trekking adventure, offering stunning views, tranquility, and a chance to experience local African culture. It’s the ideal place to take a break and enjoy nature at its best.
Lake Mutanda – Fairy-tale Beauty at the Foot of the Volcanoes
Lake Mutanda lies in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains in southwestern Uganda, close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. This enchanting lake offers breathtaking views and peaceful waters perfect for sunrise or sunset boat rides. Whether in a motorboat or traditional canoe, it’s a magical setting for beginning or concluding your gorilla adventure in the highlands of East Africa.
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Boat Cruise Safari Itineraries
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