The Kazinga Channel is an all-natural channel of water between Lake Edward and Lake George, part of the great beauties of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 32 km channel gives you a chance to encounter the amazing diversity of wildlife of the park, all while on a boat cruise.
It is a sure thing that the Kazinga Channel is a must-see for an individual touring Queen Elizabeth National Park, giving visitors another point of view of animal activity in water and along the shore.
Wildlife of Kazinga Channel
The Kazinga Channel is blessed with wildlife, thus being one of the most rewarding game viewing sections of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Many animals are attracted to the channel, more so when all other sources of water within the park are dried up during the dry season. Elephants can be observed as they wander down to the water’s edge for an afternoon drink and bath; their huge silhouettes are reflected in the water.
Buffalos are everywhere, hippos too, and huge pods can be seen milling the shallows, with only their eyes and nostrils above the water, extremely watchful towards the threat of danger from predators.
The other common sighting along the Kazinga Channel is crocodiles. These looming killers are always spotted basking on the banks or moving without a single ripple of water, waiting on their unsuspecting prey to get too close. The waters are rich in fish, which is an adequate food supply to both the crocodiles and the many species of birds in the park.
Now, when it comes to the birds, the Kazinga Channel is a paradise. It has one of the biggest concentrations of birds in Africa, hosting over 600 species recorded within the area.
Some of the more famous ones are the African fish eagle, often seen diving down to snatch fish from the water, and the beautiful malachite kingfisher, a small bird with brilliant blue and orange plumage.
Other common species are pelicans, storks, herons, and different kinds of waterfowl. It is a canal for bird watchers and other naturalists. The Kazinga Channel provides one of the world’s best platforms with a rich diversity of birds.
Boat Cruise Experience
One of the most explosive moments of life on the Kazinga Channel is the boat cruise. It is rewarding as one observes the wildlife close-up from the boat, without scaring them, during the guided boat trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
These boat cruises normally last from two to three hours and have brilliant photographic settings because animals tend to be very close to the waters’ edge as compared to going on a conventional game drive.
During the cruise, you’ll be able to witness the daily routines of the park’s inhabitants as they drink, bathe, and interact with each other.
Here the calm, reflective waters of the channel allow for some beautiful photo opportunities, mainly during the golden hours of early mornings and late afternoons where the light is soft and warm.
This cruise not only offers a view of the animals but also provides an opportunity to learn more about the Kazinga Channel and general ecology of the surroundings from guides who do not only provide insights into behaviors of the animals but also on the place or importance of the channel within the entire park’s ecosystem.
For those who would like to mix relaxation with adventure, then a sunset cruise on the Kazinga Channel will be very memorable.
The sky is splashed with all shades of red, pink, and purple when the sun goes down of the Rwenzori Mountains, providing an outstandingly beautiful backdrop to viewing wildlife.
This would be an experience not to miss, with bush sounds springing to life, a time when most of the nocturnal animals wake; a golden hourmeant to be on the water.
Planning Your Visit
This is great since a visit to the site can easily be harmonized and integrated with the overall safari itinerary in the area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is approached from Uganda’s capital Kampala by road or by domestic flights of short duration to the nearby Mweya Airstrip.
Most of the accommodation categories reside inside the park, from luxury lodges to budget campsites, most of which have great vantage points for the channel and the environment at large.
In planning for your visit, it is important to bear this in mind, considering the fact that the boat cruise is best undertaken during the best time for spotting wildlife. The climate offered contours that are perfect for clear visibility.
Most of the animals congregate around the channel during these two dry seasons. Nevertheless, the Kazinga Channel is an all-year-round destination, with each season offering unique wildlife experiences.
The Kazinga Channel is that one place in Queen Elizabeth National Park that has a bit of everything for both the seasoned and first-time safari visitor. Its rich wildlife diversity, combined with serene landscape beauty, makes it a highlight to any Ugandan visit.
Whether you are cruising along the channel with your camera in hand or just being captivated by the peacefulness of the surroundings, Kazinga Channel is sure to remain in your memory for years to come.
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