Canoeing and Kayaking Destinations on a Uganda Safari – Uganda has many lakes, rivers, and wetlands that make up about 18% of its total surface area.
Two of the most important are Lake Victoria, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Africa, and the Nile, the longest river in the world.
During your safari in Uganda, you will have the chance to canoe and kayak on different water bodies in the country.
Best Canoeing Destinations in Uganda
Below are some of the best canoe boat tour destinations in Uganda.
Ssese Islands
The Ssese Islands are among the best places for kayaking and canoeing on a Uganda safari. The waters are clear and fresh, making them perfect for these activities or even a simple boat ride.
Many resorts and hotels near the islands arrange canoe and kayak trips. However, the boats and canoes are not free; visitors must pay a small fee to rent them for a set time.
Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba Wetland is home to the Shoebill Stork, a rare bird in Uganda. Most bird-watching tours here include canoeing through papyrus swamps and lily pads.
Mabamba Swamp is a large wetland that extends into the western part of Lake Victoria through a long, narrow bay. A local guide will take you through the marsh in a canoe or fishing boat.
Each canoe can carry only three bird-watchers (not including the guide and boat driver). Visitors must first pay a community fee of about $35 at a small office. This fee includes the boat and guide.
Related Article: Mabamba Swamp – Premier Destination for Shoebill Stork Bird-watching in Uganda
Lake Mutanda
Visiting Lake Mutanda and canoeing or kayaking on the lake is a great way to experience its beauty and the local culture. You can go on a guided tour where a local guide will show you how people live around the lake.
You can also rent a dugout canoe and explore the lake’s islands on your own. A trip around the lake in a dugout canoe is an unforgettable adventure.
You can choose to canoe in the evening or at sunset, or start early in the morning at sunrise.
Lake Bunyonyi
The name “Bunyonyi” means “place of little birds” and comes from the many small birds found in Kabale District, southwestern Uganda. This is the deepest lake in Uganda and remains calm all year with very few waves.
Lake Bunyonyi is the only lake where you can paddle by canoe to all 29 islands, including the floating island and the Punishment Island. Punishment Island was a place where unmarried pregnant girls were once abandoned and left to die.
Each island has its own history, and a good guide will share these stories with you during the two-hour canoe trip.
Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Between Lake Albert, the Kijura escarpment, and the Rwenzori highlands lies a rift valley that is home to Semliki Wildlife Reserve.
The area has open woodlands and grassy Savannah, with large wetlands near Lake Albert.
There are also riparian forests along the main rivers and palm forests scattered throughout.
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