Kazinga channel is a
wide, 32-kilometre long natural channel connecting the two Lakes of Gorge
(which is to the east) and Lake Edward (which is to the west). The Kazinga
channel is among the most important features in Queen Elizabeth National Park which has the wonderful view of the most
important wildlife
ventures.
Lake George a tiny lake
with an overall depth of 2.4 meters and 250 sq km is found on the Eastern side of the Kazinga
Channel and it is fed by streams flowing from the Rwenzori Mountains.
The outflow from Lake Gorge flows through this Kazinga Channel and drains west
into the adjacent Lake Edward which is among the many fresh water
lakes in Uganda.
On the shores of this channel draw a
large number of wild animals, birds in addition to reptiles all through the
year, with one of the largest population of hippos in the whole world as well
as plentiful of Nile crocodiles. These animals can be seen well on a boat
cruise down the course of the channel or most likely at the entrance of Lake
Edward. The Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel is extremely rewarding and among
the finest and most liked launch trips in the country.
The operation time of the boat cruise is
between 3pm and 5pm local time, whereas additional expeditions are done at 11am
and 1 pm local time basing on the tourists’ preference.
Kazinga channel comprises
of sections such as the North Kazinga in addition to the Kasenyi plains. It’s recognized
that the plains of this channel offer breath taking view points of spotting
game. On embarking on a game tracking voyage, you will have a better way to see
the diverse wildlife living in this area within its very pristine natural
environment such as buffaloes, elephants in addition to other wild animals that
live within the grassland.
However, the most convenient and
favorable place to spot the lions is within the eastern section of Kasenyi plains as
well as the Kasese road on which they prey on the large number of resident Kobs within
that area. The best time to have game drives is in the mornings as well as late
in the afternoons. It is the duty of the ranger guide to offer you adequate
information about the wildlife within this park and also help you identify some
of the Uganda wildlife safari attractions that you may have
not have noticed and above all to ensure that you have the most pleasurable
times as well as memorable experience.
How to Get There:
The Boat cruise begins at the Mweya peninsula
which is 20 km west of Kasese-Mbarara main road. All tour vehicles are
channeled between Mbarara and Kasese and through Katunguru.
There are Special hire taxis available at the Katunguru trading centre. These
normally charge around Ush30,000 for a one way fare to Mweya Lodge. But before you arrange your boat cruise experience on
this channel, you need to know a number of facts about the channel and how to
arrange the boat safari;
- The Kazinga channel has two
starting locations for boat safaris. One is at Mweya peninsula and the
other is at Katunguru bridge.
- The boat cruise from mweya peninsular is accessed from inside the park and requires private transport
and payment of park entrance fee while the one at Katunguru bridge is
accessed from the community and doesn’t require private transport or park
entrance fee.
- A wild selection of wildlife can
be found both on land and water, the most common being the Hippos, the
elephants, water bucks, buffaloes, birds and others include crocodiles,
monitor lizards etc.
- There are two scheduled boat
cruises conducted daily. One at 11:00am and the other at 3:00pm.
- The boat cruises are shared
safaris that require a minimum number to be able to start the safari. The
minimum for the community boat is two people while the minimum of Mweya
boat is ten people.
- The boat cruise on the Kazinga channel takes two hours on the return journey.
- One or a group of people can
arrange a boat cruise that is longer than two hours for an extra payment
and on prior arrangement.
- One needs to arrive 30 minutes
before the starting time of the boat cruise
- The community boat cruise can
be conducted any time between 7:00am and 7:00pm on prior arrangement.
- The boat cruise comes with a
guide to interpret all the features and wildlife found during the safari
and payment for the boat cruise covers this guide.
- The place can be very hot
during the safari. To enjoy without limits, it is advisable to carry some
water, a sun hut and sun glasses.
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