Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometre or 20 Miles long water channel that connects Lake George in the east to Lake Edward in the west. The channel is among the most paramount geographical features in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel has a magnificent view of the most vital wildlife undertakings in the park.

Visitors having good times during a boat ride on Kazinga Channel

On the Eastern side of Kazinga Channel is where Lake George is found, it’s a tiny lake with a complete deepness of 2.4 meters and 250 square kilometers. The lake is fed by watercourses flowing from the mighty Rwenzori Mountains just north of it. the water flow from Lake George run through Kazinga Channel and furrow west into the neighboring Lake Edward, one of the main fresh water lakes in Uganda and occupies a total area of  2000 square kilometers. Most of the many safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park will offer you with an opportunity to enjoy a boat cruise on the channel as well as a game drive in the park among the many activities.

Kazinga Wildlife Sanctuary and Kazinga Channel Shores in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Kazinga Channel Shores, within Kazinga Wildlife Sanctuary and Queen Elizabeth National Park, attract large numbers of wild mammals, birds, and reptiles throughout the year. The area is home to Africa’s largest population of hippopotamuses, along with plentiful Nile crocodiles. Visitors can observe these animals closely on a boat cruise along the channel, which extends to the remarkable Lake Edward. During the water expedition, travelers may spot over 60 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

The Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise is one of Uganda’s most popular and enjoyable safari experiences. Cruises typically operate between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, with the most popular times being 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm for sunset views and optimal wildlife activity. Each boat accommodates about 40 passengers, providing seats with clear views while professional ranger guides narrate the fascinating stories of the animals and birds along the channel. The slow-moving vessels allow guests to observe hippos surfacing, crocodiles basking on the banks, and numerous bird species in their natural habitats.

The channel area encompasses sections such as the North Kazinga Plains and Kasenyi Plains, which serve as excellent vantage points for game viewing. On a boat or game drive, visitors can see buffaloes, elephants, hippos, Uganda kobs, and many other wildlife species thriving in their natural environment. For lion sightings, the eastern Kasenyi Plains and the Kasese Road corridor are the best locations, where lions often hunt the resident Uganda kobs.

Best Times for Wildlife Viewing
The ideal times for game drives and boat safaris are during the early morning and late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler and wildlife activity is at its peak. Night game drives are also possible with special arrangements and provide a unique opportunity to experience nocturnal wildlife behaviors.

Guided Experiences
Your park guide plays a crucial role in enhancing the safari experience at Kazinga Wildlife Sanctuary. Guides provide detailed information about the wildlife, help identify animals and birds you might otherwise miss, and ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience. Whether on a boat cruise or a game drive, the sanctuary offers a blend of adventure, education, and breathtaking scenery for all visitors.

Visiting Kazinga Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kazinga Channel Shores is a must-do safari activity in Uganda, offering a rare chance to observe large populations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, lions, and a wealth of birdlife, all within a pristine and protected ecosystem.

Getting to the Channel

The Boat trip starts the Mweya peninsula which is 20 kilometers west of Kasese-Mbarara/Bushenyi Highway. Travelers from Mbarara and Kasese move via Katunguru.

Kyambura Gorge – The Home Chimps

Kyambura Gorge is found in the far eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park in south western Uganda is roughly 1 km across and about 100 meters deeper. The gorge also known as the ‘Valley of Apes’ is drained by River Kyambura. Its a habitat to chimpanzees, other primate species and birds as well.

Lake George

Lake George found in western Uganda covers 250 square kilometres. The lake with an estimated depth of 2.4 meters is part of Africa’s Great Lakes system. Though the lake itself is not considered a Great Lake. This water body was named after a British Prince, George who later became King George V.

Ishasha Sector

The Ishasha Sector found in the Southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park is well-known for the amazing Tree-Climbing lions. Lions that hang in the big fig trees are an exceptional attraction and a key highlight of any Uganda safari tour this large national park. The Ishasha lions relax in the tree branches as they also spy on their preys from above.

Lake Edward

Lake Edward, the tiniest of the African Great Rift Lakes is positioned on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake is just few miles south of the equator. The first European to see the lake was Henry Morton Stanley, a Welsh explorer who visited the lake in 1888 during the Relief Expedition of Emin Pasha.

Kasenyi Plains 

Kasenyi Plains are part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is at these plains that the biggest percentage of game drive Uganda Safaris are carried out from. The plains are found on the western shores of the  spectacular Lake George adjoining to the Kazinga Channel onto which the water makes a convergence.

Maramagambo Forest

Maramagambo Forest is found in Bushenyi district and is a part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The forest is prominently associated with the Bat Cave and the Python. The forest is bounded by two crater lakes, Lake Nyamasingiri and Lake Kyasanduka and is a home to the red-tailed monkeys, chimps  and Bates’ pygmy antelope (Neotragus batesi) among others.

Mweya Peninsula

Mweya Peninsula is found within Queen Elizabeth National Park on the northeastern shores of Lake Edward. The peninsula is the corner point where Kazinga Channel joins the lake. This beautiful piece of land surrounded by water either sides is approximately 66 kilometres by road from Kasese town.