The Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Kazinga Channel is one of the most impressive features found in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. This narrow waterway links lake George and to Lake Edward. The water in the channel is brought about by streams originating from the Rwenzori Mountains. These streams feed the smaller Lake George and after which flows though the Kazinga channel and to the much larger Lake Albert.
The Kazinga Channel is 32 km long and has a large concentration of birds, crocodiles and hippopotamus. Most of the major mammals in Queen Elizabeth National Park congregate on the shores of the channel to bathe, drink and feed hence making it a great place for animal viewing. The hippo population (about 1,600) in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Kazinga Channel is one of the three largest in the world. Regardless of how many you have seen elsewhere, you will be surprised by the sheer density of hippos here. Apart from hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, monitor lizards and many species of antelopes can easily be sighted near the shores of the Channel. The Kazinga Channel attracts many of the park animals at different times of the day. One might even spot lions and leopards drinking by the channel.
The Kazinga Channel is one of the best birding spots in Uganda with over 58 species. Some of them include the African Shoebill, African skimmers, Black bee-eaters, Black Crake, Crested Crane, Darters, Great and Long Tailed Cormorants, Great White and Pink-Backed Pelicans, Jacana, Marabou Stork, Open-Billed Stork, Pink-backed pelicans, Saddle Bill Stork and Yellow Billed Stork. The great variety of animals and birds found along the Kazinga Channel has made a boat cruise along the channel one of the top activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It has also helped Queen Elizabeth National Park become the most visited in Uganda.
Cost of a Boat Cruise at the Kazinga Channel
A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is one of the top activities while on a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Since 1952, a slow boat cruise is organized for tourists to spot 
mammals that come to drink, feed and bathe around the shores of the channel. The boat Cruise on the Kazinga channel costs $30 per person for foreigners. Foreigners who are Residents pay $25, East African Citizens pay 30,000 Uganda shillings. The above prices are for the boat operated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Private boats cost between $100 to $200. Private boats are smaller like the one owned by Mweya Safari Lodge. The one owned by UWA is big with a double-Decker. The boat owned by Mweya Safari Lodge and other private providers are generally more comfortable. They are suitable for those who wish to have a more private cruise. The Boat cruise cost is done in shifts between 9am to 5pm. How long does it take to cross the channel by boat? Each cruise lasts for 2 hours and starts from a landing site near Mweya Safari Lodge.
One of the interesting things about the slow boat cruise apart from the animals is the opportunity to pass by the local fishing villages. In the late afternoon, the fishermen can be seen preparing their fishing gear as they get ready to head for the waters in the night. There are no fishermen in the waters during the day because of the dangerous hippos. However during the night, all hippos go to graze on land allowing fishermen to catch fish without fear.
The best time to visit the Kazinga Channel is during the dry season. During this time the channel becomes an oasis that gathers more park and domestic animals. They all rely on the water to drink, cool 
off and feed. It is important to go for the boat cruise with a good camera to take photos of the animals and water. The best time to take photos is in the late afternoon
How the boat trip to the Kazinga Channel is arranged
Tourists visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park need to sign up for the activities they wish to take part in at the park offices. The activities include game drives in the different part of the park, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge or a launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel. How is the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel arranged? Our answer will apply to the large boat operated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. One needs to select which 
shift they prefer before a seat is reserved. Most tourists book their safari using a local Tour Operator. Using a Tour company to arrange your trip is more convenient. They can help you arrange for accommodation, transportation and the boat cruise along the Kazinga channel.
Before setting off to the water, visitors are led to the shores and allocated seats. Once everyone is on board, an announcement is made in which the captain, crew and guides are introduced to everyone. The guides are very important during the cruise as they help answer all questions related to the channel and the game park. They are able to give visitors all the facts about the park, birds and animals. After the spotting all the animals during the two hour launch cruise, it is time to head back to the park headquarters and to your hotel. By this time everyone is so excited after spotting all the animals and the beautiful scenery.