Kazinga Channel in Uganda
The Kazinga Channel is a spacious freshwater strait that connects Lake Edward with its smaller neighbor, Lake George, spanning 32 kilometers (20 miles). King Edward VII, the son of Queen Victoria, and King George V, his successor, are the names of the lakes. A prominent feature of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the waterway is a well-liked destination for wildlife tourists.
Numerous species of animals and birds can be found in the canal, including innumerable Nile crocodiles and one of the biggest concentrations of hippos (about 2,000) in the world. Elephants, buffaloes, and more than 100 kinds of water birds, including the African Skimmer, are among the other sights to behold.
The Kazinga Channel connects Lake Edward to Lake George, which receives its water from streams that originate in the Rwenzori mountains. The surface area of Lake George, at 250 km2, is about ten times less than that of Lake Edward, its larger neighbor, which is 2325 km2. The maximum depth of the waterway is eight meters.
BOAT CRUISER IN KAZINGA CHANNEL
Take a ride and discover the panoramic splendor of the Kazinga Channel. Enjoy the sights of playful elephants and bathing buffaloes while you are taken on a tour of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s flora and animals by a knowledgeable ranger.
Mweya Safari Lodge and the Uganda Wildlife Authority are the two independent companies that offer boat rides in the Kazinga Channel. Each excursion takes about two hours and costs about $30 per participant. Visitors at Mweya Safari Lodge have an option between two elegant boats: the twelve-seater Kingfisher and the cozy ten-seater Sunbird. Both boats have knowledgeable guides and staff, but the Kingfisher has canopies and refreshments, so you may travel in style. You will catch a peek at one of the eleven fishing communities found within Queen Elizabeth National Park, in addition to witnessing fascinating creatures.
HOW TO GET TO KAZINGA CHANNEL
Traveling 408 km on the A109 from Kampala takes about 7–8 hours. Flying is another way to cut down on travel time. There are daily flights (one hour and thirty-five minutes) from Entebbe (EBB) to Kasese (KSE). The last part of the trip is a 40-mile drive that takes around 1.5 hours from Kasese to Kazinga Falls.
WHERE TO STAY AT KAZINGA CHANNEL
Mweya Safari Lodge
Located on the Mweya Peninsula within the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge is an excellent location for your explorations in the Kazinga Channel. The lodge was once a government structure before it was expanded into a sizable hotel. The vistas of the far-off grasslands merging into Lake George and Lake Edward are breathtaking, and the central location is perfect for taking boat cruises across the Kazinga Channel.
Mweya Safari Lodge offers a wide selection of lodging. One of the 32 basic rooms, all with private balconies and en suite bathrooms, is the less expensive choice. There are 12 deluxe rooms with air conditioning as an extra bonus.
Kyambura Lodge
One of the best places to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park is Kyambura Lodge, which is located near Kyambura Gorge in the eastern section of the park. Chimpanzee trekking and game drives are available to visitors, in addition to being an excellent starting point for boat trips.
The main lodge is housed in a building that was formerly a coffee plantation shop. Large windows, a mix of wooden and tiled floors, and hung artwork adorn the expansive living, dining room, and bar of the main lodge. High-quality food is served in the dining room by attentive and amiable staff. Additionally, a spa and swimming pool were added in July 2019.
Four of the eight opulent bandas that surround the main lodge are extra-special premium bandas. There is a calmness about the structures’ casual design, which is mainly composed of stone, wood, and thatched roofs.
Each room features a spacious four-poster bed, a separate balcony, an en suite bathroom, and a lounge area furnished with tasteful yet utilitarian furnishings. The design is modern, but it doesn’t lose the unique charm of an old safari lodge. Additionally, each visitor is entitled to a personal butler service.
Shasha Wilderness Camp
We love Ishasha Wilderness Camp for its affordable lodging. Ishasha Wilderness Camp provides a genuine tent camp experience without sacrificing elegance or comfort. The camp is situated on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the banks of the Ishasha River, and it blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp, which overlooks the Ntungwe River, is constructed with thatched roofs, wood, and canvas to blend in with the surrounding forest. A cozy lounge, bar, eating area, large veranda, and even a peaceful library for bookworms are all located in the camp’s center.
Ten private canvas tents are thoughtfully positioned to maximize the breathtaking surroundings. From the veranda of each tent, one may enjoy an amazing view of the nearby hippos and elephant herds. They are roomy and comfortable, with an East African Meru-inspired pattern. To reduce the camp’s environmental impact, each tent features an en-suite bathroom with eco-friendly showers and toilets, in addition to solar panels that power the tents. Travelers who are concerned about the environment will love this eco-friendly lodging.
