The 9 Best Boat Trips in Uganda

1.2 Days Safari To Queen Elizabeth National Park with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $1,350Our pick

This private two-day safari takes you from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a Kasenyi game drive and a two-hour Kazinga Channel cruise. You can look for elephants, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes, lions, crocodiles, and more. Meals, accommodation, park fees, and pickup are included, with an optional primate walk and a stop at Mpambire Drum Centre.

“My husband and I recently returned from a 2 day safari trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We were so happy that Inspire had a 2 day option as we were short on time but wanted to experience a safari and are we glad we did. The tour itself was very organized from pick uRead more”

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2.Equatar Line Tour & Victoria Lake Sunset Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 16 reviews · 1 day · from $130

From Entebbe, take a boat from Nakiwogo to Lwaji Island, one of Uganda’s equator points. Your English-speaking guide, possibly Amos or Jude, explains the lake and local sights while you look for pelicans, kingfishers, monitor lizards, and otters. The boat ride lasts about two hours, though the booking window can look much longer.

“The tour itself was listed as being from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but the tour itself lasts about 3 hours, which is a bit confusing. This could have been described better. In fact, there was an option to visit Chimpanzee Island, but I couldn't book or find it. I wrote to the guide, Amos, the day before, and it was only then that I realized this misunderstanding. We headed off in the early morning, so you might see some fishers returning from work, while the sea tiself is not so packed as it might be in the afternoon hours. He made a few comments at the beginning, but was…”

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4.3 days Murchison Falls, Boat cruise and wildlife game viewing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $1,159

You’ll travel by private vehicle from Kampala or Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park, with guide-led game drives, a Victoria Nile cruise, a hike to the falls, and an optional Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stop for $50. Guides such as Frank, Tony, Patrick, and Ashraf have led past departures, with Pakuba Safari Lodge among the accommodation options.

“Frank was a superb guide trying to make the best opportunities for us in the limited time we had. He was a great driver in what is (to us) a very chaotic driving environment and the recommendations he made to our schedule based on the needRead more”

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5.Lake Mburo National Park with Equator, Game Drive & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 12 reviews · 1 day · from $350

Spend a long day from Kampala or Entebbe visiting Lake Mburo National Park. You get breakfast at Kayabwe, a three-hour game drive, an optional guided walk, lunch, and a two-hour cruise among hippos and birds. Guide Andrew has earned strong praise for his wildlife knowledge and rapport with children. The group is capped at seven.

“Andrew the guide was an expert.We saw all the animals pertaining to this park (except nocturnal one) Thrilling experience with nature. Highly recommend this Tour!”

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6.Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Tracking Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 8 reviews · 3 hours · from $115Best value

Meet guides such as Paul and Lilian at Nakiwogo Landing Site, then cross Lake Victoria by motorized canoe to Mabamba Swamp. Spend about three hours tracking the prehistoric-looking Shoebill and spotting African Jacanas, Malachite Kingfishers, and Blue-breasted Bee-eaters. The group is limited to 10, and the tour can run longer when bird activity is good.

“Guides were very friendly and knowledgeable, the swamp is beautiful with a huge variety of beautiful birds and the shoebill is truly a sight to behold. Worth every penny”

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7.2-Day Murchison Falls Park Safari with Boat cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 2 days · from $680

Spend two full days exploring Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala or Entebbe. Your English-speaking guide handles the private transfer, lodge stay, game drive, Nile cruise, and waterfall visit. Guides such as Pius and Sharif tailor the pace, while the open roof of the safari vehicle gives you a clear view of wildlife.

“I did the 2 day safari tour + boat tour. The whole experience was amazing and I would give it a 10/10! I really liked that I could reserve my spot and pay later/cancel without being charged. Communication with Shalif was professional, quick, and organized. I was outside of the pick-up zone, but they were able to accommodate me for a reasonable amount. My driver and guide, Pius, was also amazing. I was picked up in a tourist van that had AC, a fridge for waters, and outlets. The roof popped open so I could see all the animals - so cool! Pius was an excellent driver and guide, and…”

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8.Full-Day Lake Mburo National Park Safari with Boat trip (2 day option available)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $400

Travel from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park with a private guide and air-conditioned vehicle. Look for giraffes, zebras, hippos, buffalo, and rare birds on a game drive and boat trip, or choose a walking safari. Arthur and Stephen can also arrange the two-day option with a night drive and cultural stops.

“It was part of a four day expereince. The tour was very well organised, the guide and driver were very helpful, and successfully endeavoured to make the visit a success.”

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9.1-Day Murchison Falls Park Safari with Boat cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 1 day · from $480

Set out early from Kampala, Entebbe, or Wakiso with a private English-speaking guide for a full day at Murchison Falls National Park. You’ll take a three-hour game drive, cruise the Nile past hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds, then see the falls from above. Lunch, snacks, water, and hotel transfers are included.

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