Uganda has several water safari activities you can do including launch trips, visit the beaches, white water rafting and more. Even though Uganda has no sea port, the water bodies within its boundaries play the same role as that of the larger water bodies like oceans.
When on holiday in Uganda, you can choose to engage in some water activities including sports fishing but you need a fishing permit and hire a boat if you are to fish away from the main land. For tranquility and enjoy life away from the chaotic towns, the choice of a visit to Islands within these water bodies is a great choice Islands like Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria, Bushara Island in Lake Bunyonyi, Bulago Island and more.
What to Do As water safari Activities in Uganda
Launch trips on Uganda safari
There are two significant launch trips to do during Uganda safaris that is in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The launch trip in Murchison Falls National Park starts from the pier at the Paraa area, you sail passed a number of wild animals that are regular visits to the River Nile banks, hippos, crocodiles and more. Watch out for the huge colony of cliff nesting red throated bee eaters. Finally when facing the Murchison Falls, enjoy River Nile as it squeezes through the 6 meters wide gorge to form a cloudy appearance and cascade the 43 meters high cliff to the rift valley floor.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park the launch trip is on Kazinga channel which is the link between Lake George and Edward. This is the prime wild animal viewing spot were several animals make their way to the channel banks to quench thirst and enjoy a bath long the shallows.
White water rafting on Uganda safari
Peddle through the heavy rapids of River Nile on a tube boat during white water rafting. This adventure has different levels and you can stop where you most feel comfortable. No experience is required to do white water rafting but adhere to the instructions given by professionals on ground.
When on Uganda safari, you can do white water rafting at Itanda falls in Buikwe or in Murchison Falls National Park where River Nile flows for over a bed of rocks for 80 kilometers before pushing its way through the gorge.
Do secure your safety gears well and keep peddling during white water rafting.
Beach Tours in Uganda
Various large water bodies around Uganda have beaches like around Lake Victoria especially Entebbe side, Lake Kyoga and more. Even though most of these beaches are privately owned and not up to world standards, you can still enjoy sunbathing, sand walks, swimming, Kayaking and more. Do not forget to pay entrance fees at the gate of the beaches.
Sports fishing During Uganda safari
Anglers can catch some fish during Uganda safari by choosing to do sports fishing. Purchase a fishing permit in advance from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If you hope to fish away from banks hire a boat for the time you hope to use but this needs to be done in advance.
Some of the fish species you may catch on a Uganda sports fishing adventure include Nile Perch, Tilapia, Cat fish, Lung Fish and more.
Do carry own equipment to be comfortable while catching fish.
Bungee jumping During Uganda safari
For a thrilling adventure while on Uganda safari, you can choose to do bungee jumping where you are let down the high cliff overlooking River Nile while being supported by a rope. A rescue boat awaits beneath to receive you. This adventure is not for the faint hearted.
You may opt to do quad biking along River Nile to enjoy the amazing green cover that grows along the banks, drive through gardens of the locals and more.
Boat Trip On Uganda safari
When on safari in Lake Mburo National Park, you may choose a boat ride on Lake Mburo. From the secure boat, you get to see a number of animals that move to the shores of this lake to quench thirst, several swamp birds flock the banks and more. There are chances of spotting local fishermen at Lake Mburo but these have to be licensed by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Lake Mburo National Park is home to wild animals like elands, impalas, zebras, giraffes, elephants, cape buffaloes and more. By using the track network in Lake Mburo National Park, you get to enjoy the several resident animals, birds and other features within the lake.
Island Visits During Uganda Safari
Several Islands within the large water bodies in Uganda provide a convenient environment for a get way where you wish to unwind from the chaotic town environment. Some of the islands where you can enjoy some tranquility include Ssese Island, Bulago Island, Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary, Bushara Island and more.
Most of the Islands withing Uganda water bodies have accommodations of different categories but advance booking is necessary for better preparations.
Sun set or Sunrise cruising during Uganda safari
Boat Cruise
There are private boat cruise arrangements that commence from the shores of lake Victoria but you need to book in advance.
Visit Amabere Ganyina Mwiru stalagmites and stalactites
In Fort Portal District are the stalactites and stalagmites called Mabere Ganyina Mwiru. These features are under a cave and a sparkling water falls are besides. The hike to these features is quite steep and it gets more challenging in the rainy season. The vegetation composed of shrubs and forest is close by so you have to dress for this environment.
While at the stalactites and Stalagmites, there are amazing folk tales that the locals in this area have believed in for over time concerning these features. Listen to what your guide will narrate and take photos or film as you wish too. It is moist most of the time.
Visit the source of River Nile
The point where River Nile separates from lake Victoria is dramatic. By using a boat, you enjoy the amazing features along the River Nile banks, watch several birds flock the shores and much more. At the point where River Nile separates from lake Victoria, River Nile water appear to be late for its journey the way it rushes leaving calm Victoria water.
At this point is the Mahati Maghandi monument where the ashes of his remains were poured as hos last wish.
A number of crafts shops are situated in this spot and you can purchase some souvenirs to remind you of your visit to the source of River Nile the longest river in the world. River Nile flows through Uganda, South Sudan, The Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt into Mediterranean sea where its delta is .
Ssezibwa falls in Uganda
A visit to Ssezibwa falls which is believed to be the dwelling spot for the spirits of Buganda kingdom are believed to dwell is mesmerizing. En route to or from Jinja where the source of river Nile is situated you can make a stop at the Ssezibwa falls.
Take a guided walk through the forested parts around the Ssezibwa Falls, enjoy the amazing view of the falls as they cascade the cliff to continue with the course. You may encounter some traditional worshipers who believe in the spirits around these falls.
Visit Lake Bunyonyi
A tour to lake Bunyonyi the deepest fault lake in Uganda is amazing and a place of tranquility. Lake Bunyonyi is a rift valley lake with about 29 Islands but the most outstanding is Akampene Island where girls who got pregnant before marriage were abandoned to die of hunger or drown trying to swim back to the main land.
You can engage in a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi if you wish you explore the amazing scenery around this tranquil lake.
Hike to Sipi Falls on Uganda Safari
The Sipi Falls in eastern part of Uganda are amazing to visit and a great location to take nature based photographs or film with the backdrop of a water fall.
A guided hike through the dense vegetation to the Sipi falls is mazing as you enjoy the stunning views around the falls including several highlands close by and far.
What Other Uganda safari Activities to Do
Gorilla safaris in Uganda
Gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation Experience are some of the amazing activities you can be part of when in Uganda. At the moment Uganda has over 23 gorilla trekking families and 4 gorilla habituation experience families open to the public. Booking a gorilla permit is very important before confirming any of these safaris.
Uganda has two gorilla safari destinations that is Bwindi impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National Park.
Game safaris in Uganda
Uganda is a hot spot for game safaris in East Africa hosting atleast four of the big five yet rarely overcrowded by safari vehicles. Some of the game parks in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth national Park.
By taking an early morning or late afternoon game drive during Uganda safari, you may get to spot a variety of wild animals before they face the day or on returning home.
Some of the wild animals living in the game parks of Uganda include lions, leopards, water bucks, hyenas, cheetahs, herds of elephants, cape buffaloes, hartebeests, giraffes, Oribi, elands, Impalas and more.
Birding in Uganda
Uganda is home to more than 1000 bird species including endemics on the IUCN red list. Several destinations are host the different bird species but you need a well planed itinerary to do birding in Uganda.
Some of the birds living in Uganda include shoebill stork, Egyptian geese, Handsome francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Turaco and more. Having ample time for your birding Uganda safari is very important and starting early morning too. Carry a bird guide too to enjoy the best of Uganda.
The Uganda birding destinations include Mpanga forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mabira forest, Mabamba swamp, Botanical gardens, Lutembe beach, Queen Elizabeth National Park and more.
Chimpanzee safaris in Uganda
Uganda has over 5000 chimpanzee species and these are some of the endangered species in the world. One can engage in chimpanzee trekking or chimpanzee habituation experience during Uganda safari. World over, chimpanzees are kept in confinements which prevents them from living naturally but in Uganda, these primates are living on their own terms.
Some of the chimpanzee safari destinations in Uganda include Kibale National Park as the primate haven, Kyambura Gorge, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, Budongo forest, Bwindi forest, Ngamba Chimpanzee sanctuary and more.
One must book a chimpanzee permit to be allowed to join the morning or afternoon chimpanzee safari in Uganda.
Cultural Experience In Uganda
Uganda is a culturally rich destination with a variety of people all practicing different cultures but living in the same boundaries. The cultural institutions in Uganda play a vital role in promoting the cultures of the people they head. The kingdoms under kings are a symbol of strong cultural beliefs and hold different titles based on their subjects.
Some of the notable cultural institutions in Uganda include Buganda kingdom, Tooro Kingdom, Busoga kingdom, Bunyoro Kingdom, Rwenzururu Kingdom and more. The Bagishu tribe in Uganda has a unique culture where they do circumcisions every even year preceded by amazing dance. A visit to cultural centers like Nakayima tree in Buganda, Walumbe Tanda the death spot and more gives you extra understanding of the cultures of the Baganda tribe.
It is best to select the niche of your Uganda cultural safari so that you do not have to waste so much time.
Mountain Climbing In Uganda
Test your fitness level by taking a mountaineering adventure in Uganda where you can hike several highlands within the country. Mountain Rwenzori is the highest mountain in Uganda and completing its return trip may take about 7 days. There are guided excursion mountain climbing adventures in Uganda in especially the western part of Uganda. Hiking Mountain Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo, is scenic. You need to have some level of fitness to get to the top. Book Now