Kazinga Channel Exploration | Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kazinga Channel Exploration | Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kazinga Channel Exploration | Queen Elizabeth National Park: is a long natural channel connecting two lakes; Lake Gorge in the east and Lake Edward in the west. It is approximately 420 kilometers away from Kampala, has an estimated terrain of about 914 meters above sea level. The wetland is basically a home to crocodiles, numerous bird species, sitatungas, waterbucks, among others. In fact, this channel is one of the most important features in Queen Elizabeth National Park and has got two sections; the North Kazinga and the Kasenyi plains. Besides, the Kasenyi plains offer breath taking view points of spotting game whereby you will have a better way to see the diverse wildlife living in this area. These include; elephants, buffaloes, and other wild animals that live within the grassland thickets in the Northern Kazinga just next to Mweya peninsular.

What to expect while at Kazinga Channel

In 2005, large numbers of hippos were killed in Kazinga channel as a result of an anthrax outbreak. This basically occurs when animals eat remnants of vegetation in the driest months, absorbing bacterial spores that can live for decades in the dry soil. Nevertheless, the shores of this channel draw a large number of wild animals, bird species and reptiles throughout the year. Surprisingly, it has got one of the largest population of hippos in the whole world and also plentiful Nile crocodiles.

These animals can be spotted while on a boat cruise down the course of Kazinga channel or most likely at the entrance of the spectacular Lake Edward. Other animals include; sitatungas, waterbuck, elephants, Uganda kobs, monitor lizards and many more. The boat cruise on the channel is extremely rewarding and among the finest launch trips in the country. The channel is also known as a birding paradise in Queen Elizabeth National Park since it harbors over 58 bird species which can be sighted during the boat cruise. These include; pied kingfisher, fish eagle, pink-backed pelican, yellow billed stork, African spoonbill. Martial eagle, papyrus gonolek, long-tailed cormorant, black bee-eater, African skimmer, etc.

Best time to visit

The channel can be visited anytime of the year however, the best time is during the dry season. These include; the months of June to September and December to February. Here, the channel becomes an oasis that gathers large numbers of animals that come to bathe, feed and drink water. You can also visit during the wet season in the months of March to May and December to February. The months are considered to be ideal for birding since it’s the breeding season for the birds. In fact, there is always also plenty of fruits and food for the birds in this season.

How to get there

You will drive from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, Fort portal, Kasese and then Queen Elizabeth National Park.  In general, it is approximately 6 to 7 hours’ drive on a tarmac road.