Boat cruise safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park: Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited and second-largest national park located in southwestern Uganda in Kasese, Kamwenge, Rukungiri and Rubirizi districts. The national park is a home of wildlife species including animals like elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, giant forest hogs, hippos, primates like chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, bird species like papyrus gonolek, pied kingfisher, African fish eagle among others.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only famous for its diverse wildlife and picture landscape but also for its unique boat cruise safaris along the Kazinga Channel. This natural channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward. It is teeming with wildlife and offers visitors a one-of-a-kind opportunity to view up close from the waters
A boat cruise safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular activity for tourists looking to experience the park’s wildlife in a different and exciting way. During a boat cruise safari along the Kazinga Channel, you will have the opportunity to spot a variety of animals such as hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and a wide variety of birds species such as Great White and Pink-Backed Pelicans, African Shoebill, Yellow Billed Stork, Great and Long Tailed Cormorants, Open-Billed Stork, Saddle Bill Stork, Darters, Black Crake and Jacana. The channel is also a great spot for bird watching with over 60 species now inhabiting the area.
The boat is usually led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the wildlife and can provide interesting facts and information about the animals and their habitats. The guides will point out some of the park’s most iconic species and ensure that the visitors have a memorable experience.
Boat cruise safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park are done in two sessions that is the morning session which starts at 9:00 am and the afternoon session which starts at 2:00 pm and typically lasts for 2 hours, giving visitors plenty of time to soak in the sights and sounds of the parks. the boats used for the cruises are comfortable and equipped with amenities such as shade, drinks and snacks, making for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Visitors can also take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the rolling hills and savannah plains that make up the park.

What is the best time to go on a boat cruise safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
The best time to go for a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry seasons, which typically run from June to September and December to February. During this time, the weather is typically dry and sunny, making it easier to spot the wildlife along the Kazinga Channel. The dry season also coincides with the peak wildlife viewing season in the park, as animals congregate around the water sources including the Kazinga Channel. This means that visitors are more likely to see a wide variety of animals during their boat cruise safari including the hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a plethora of bird species.
While the dry season is generally considered the best time for boat cruise safari, it is important to note that Queen Elizabeth National Park is a year-round destination with wildlife viewing opportunities available at any time of the year. The wet season, from March to May and October to November, can also offer its own unique experience such as lush green landscapes and fewer crowds.
In addition to the boat cruise safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers arrange to other activities for visitors including;
Game drives; take a guided game drive through the park to spot a variety of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, Uganda Kobs well as colorful bird species
Chimpanzee tracking; join a guided trek to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat in Kyambura Gorge or the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve.
Nature walks; nature walks in the park are one way you can explore the hidden gems of the park as well as offering you a deep connection with nature. Exploring the park on foot with a guided nature walk to see the scenery, plants and smaller wildlife up close.
Lion research tracking experience; this is one of the interesting activities in the park where visitors get an opportunity to track lions with radio collars. During lion research tracking you will get close to the lions, and spend more time with them learning about their behaviors, and habits among others.
Bird watching; Queen Elizabeth National Park Is home to over 600 colorful species of birds, making it a popular destination for bird waters. During your bird-watching safari in the park, you’ll have the opportunity to spot bird species such as blue-napped mousebirds, little bee-eater, African mourning doves, black-headed gonolek, Diederik cuckoo, red throat spur fowls, grey-backed fiscal, white-tailed lark, black lured babbler, black-headed gonolek among others
Cultural experience; visit the nearby community and learn about the local culture and traditions through activities such as visiting a traditional village, watching performances, or taking part in a homestay experience.
What is the cost of a boat cruise safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
The cost of the boat cruise safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park varies depending on the operator and the type of boat trip you choose, but for Uganda Wildlife Authority manages three bid boats for launch trips on the Kazinga Channel. these trips are more affordable, with a high number of tourists departing for boat cruises each day. The cost is approximately $30 per person for foreign non-residents, $25 per person for foreign residents and UGX30,000 per person for nationals and East African Citizens
What to carry for a boat cruise safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
When going on a boat cruise safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is important to pack appropriately to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable safari. Here is the list of items you should consider carrying;
- Binocular-to get a close-up view of the animals and birds along the shores
- Camera or video camera -to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife encounters
- Sunscreen- to protect your skin from the sun’s rays during the sunny days
- Hat and sunglasses – to shield your eyes and face from the sun
- Snacks and water- to stay hydrated and fuelled during the cruise
- Walking shoes or comfortable sandals – for exploring the park on foot before bad after the cruise
- Light jacket or sweater- as it can get cool on the water, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park
To get to Queen Elizabeth National Park by road, you will have to drive from Kampala, Entebbe, or another part of Uganda, depending on where you first stay when you land in Uganda. The drive to the park is about 5 to 6 hours, depending on the route you have used and the traffic you encounter on your day of travel. There are two major road routes that get you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and these routes are from Kampala, via Mbarara, getting you to the eastern entry of the park, and via Fort Portal, getting you to the northern entry of the park.
You can also get to Queen Elizabeth National Park by air. You should note that all people getting to the park by air have to start their trip at the Kajjansi Airfield near Entebbe International Airport. From this airfield, you will fly to Queen Elizabeth National Park and land at one of the nearby airstrips: Kasese Airstrip, Mweya Airstrip, or Ishasha Airstrip.
Where to stay while on a boat cruise safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
There are several accommodation safaris near Queen Elizabeth National Park where visitors on bird-watching excursions can stay. These accommodations are arranged in different levels to suit all classes of visitors, such as Queen Elizabeth Safari Lodge, Tembo Safari Lodge, Kabatoro Guest House, Katara Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Enganzi Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Elephant Hub Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Safari Lodge, Irunga Forest Safari Lodge, Marafiki Safari Lodge, Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, Pumba Safari Cottages, Kazinga Channel Eco, Kingfisher Camp, Jacana Safari Lodge, Simba Safari Lodge, and Hippo Hill Lodge, among others
