Kazinga Channel: the connection between L. George & Edward

Kazinga Channel is a wide and long natural waterway that connects Lake Edward to Lake George.  The channel is in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese district, and about 420km from Kampala Uganda’s capital. The channel is 32 kilometers wide and 8 meters deep and is one of the popular attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.  the channel comprises of two parts,  the North Kazinga and the Kasenyi plains. Lake Edward was named after Queen Victoria’s son Edward VII and Lake George after  King George V.

On the eastern side of the channel lies Lake George one of the freshwater lakes in Uganda located in the Albertine rift valley with many tributaries flowing from  Mountain Rwenzori.  Drainage from Lake George serves both the Kazinga Channel south to Lake Edward.  Lake George covers 250 square kilometers with a depth of 2.4 meters. Lake Edward too lies in the Albertine region and is shared by both Uganda and  the Democratic Republic of Congo with coverage of 2,325 square kilometres.

On the northern side of the channel lies a swamp low down the Mweya Peninsula. The swamp is home to various wild species like crocodiles, water birds, and the water and land sitatunga antelopes among others. When you opt for a boat cruise on the Mweya Peninsular many old elephants bathe in the mad to remove ticks and other biting insects from their bodies. In the afternoon hours, more animals can be seen along the shores of the channel trying to quench their thirst. Among the animals you can see is the rare African giant monitor lizard. The channel is one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos which are approximately 2,000.

 Activities on the Kazinga channel

The channel is a popular tourism destination for nature lovers and offers a range of activities which include the following.

Boat safaris

The most sought-after activity on the Kazinga Channel is a boat cruise. The highest number of tourists both local and international to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoy a boat ride on the channel. Boat cruises are usually carried out in the morning starting at 8:00 am and in the afternoon at 2:00 pm daily. Foreign non-residents pay $30, foreign residents pay $25 and East African natives pay 30, 000 Ugx to Uganda Wildlife Authority a body responsible for all tourism activities in Uganda. on a guided boat cruise tourists have great exposure to a variety of wildlife species including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalos.  Bird watchers also appreciate the chance to spot various bird species.

Viewing  wildlife at kazinga channel

Besides enjoying the cool waters of the channel on a boat cruise,  the shores of the channel are a flash point for different wildlife. Herds of buffalos, antelopes, and elephants are easily spotted drinking water along with a variety of birds.  You can luckily spot the rare African giant lizard too.

Bird watching at kazinga channel

The Kazinga channel is a favourite haven for bird watchers with over 600 bird species as recorded in Queen Elizabeth National Park. some of the bird species that can be spotted include the African fish eagle, the African skimmer, the yellow-billed stork, pelicans, the goliath heron, the black-headed gonolek, shoebill, African jacana, Nubian woodpecker, Knob-billed duck, swallows, and the ross’s turaco among others.

 Fishing

Sport fishing is a common activity on the Kazinga channel. At the banks of the channel is a specific part of the land, a fishing village that has nowadays turned into a conservation site where people live and continue working. Most of them depend on fishing as their main occupation. At times young boys can be seen on the shore using the traditional hook fishing method. You can join them for a sport fishing activity and some income received from the park is used to develop the local community.

Guided nature walks at kazinga channel

For tourists who wish to stay on land, they can engage in guided nature walks along the channel where they can spot and enjoy a closer look at the beautiful plant life. Through the walks, you can also see smaller wild animals which may have been missed on a boat cruise. The guided natural walk is led by experienced guide who will be taking you through the history of the park and the surrounding community. On to of the guide, you will be escorted by the armed ranger to ensure your safety throughout the walk.

Game drives at kazinga channel

Though game drives are not directly on the Kazinga Channel. They are always carried out in the areas close to the channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially in the Kasenyi plains. They can be used as a complement to your  Kazinga channel safari. On a game drive,  you will luckily spot different animals like lions, buffalos, antelopes, leopards, warthogs, bush pigs, waterbucks, elephants,  Kobs, and many other game species.

Photography

Kazinga Channel has scenic views that are suitable for photography. A traveler is free to take photos when carrying out any activity along the channel and any part of the park. the stunning views of the landscape, captivating wildlife, and beautiful sunset provide a favorable atmosphere for photography.

How to reach  Kazinga channel

Tourists can access the Kazinga channel through road and air transport. When travelling by road transport use Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi- Kasese road and then to Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is about 400 km which is approximately a 7-8-hour drive.

When you opt for air transport, take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kasese Air Strip or Mweya Air Strip, get to  Queen Elizabeth National Park then connect to Kazinga Channel in less than an hour.

The best time to visit  Kazinga Channel

Visiting the Kazinga channel is done throughout the year that is both during the dry season and wet season. The dry months from June to September and December to February are always considered the best for activities like boat cruises, and game viewing along the channel.  In the dry season, many animals are spotted gathering at the shores to drink water.

The wet season from March to May is so advantageous to bird lovers as many birds are always seen when you go for boat cruises on the channel and during game drives in the park. The rainy season is also best for photography of the flourishing green vegetation and many animals can be spotted feeding in the wide savanna grasslands.

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