Boat Safaris
Explore boat safaris in Uganda & Rwanda—from the Kazinga Channel to Murchison’s Victoria Nile. See hippos, crocs, birds & more. Custom itineraries available.
Discover Africa’s Wildest Waters — Boat Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda’s Top Wildlife Havens
From the crocodile-filled waters of the Nile to hippo-studded channels at sunset, boat safaris in Uganda and Rwanda offer a quiet, cinematic way to experience East Africa’s rich biodiversity. Unlike land-based game drives, these waterborne journeys immerse you in the rhythm of rivers and lakes where wildlife comes to drink, hunt, and roam.
Perfect for photographers, birders, and those seeking a fresh safari perspective, our boat safaris deliver unforgettable close-ups with elephants, buffalo, birds, and predators along scenic shorelines—all with fewer crowds and a more peaceful pace.
Featured Boat Safari Packages
Each of our boat safaris is fully customizable and can be paired with game drives, gorilla trekking, or cultural encounters. Whether you’re gliding through the Kazinga Channel or drifting past Murchison Falls, every itinerary is tailored to your interests, travel dates, and accommodation style.
Uganda Big Five Safari Adventure
AvailableALL YEAR
Duration6 DAYS
From$1,673
Best of Uganda's Top Attractions
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration10 DAYS
- From$3,350
Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration4 DAYS
- From$915
Uganda Primates Safari Adventure
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration8 DAYS
- From$2,748
Best of Uganda's Top Attractions
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration10 DAYS
- From$3,350
Safari Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration4 DAYS
- From$937
Best of Rwanda Tour Adventure
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration4 DAYS
- From$6,762
Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife via Kigali Airport
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration10 DAYS
- From$1,909
Uganda Primates Safari Adventure
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration8 DAYS
- From$2,748
Let the wild waters lead your next adventure.
Whether you’re seeking silence among hippos, birding from the bow, or just a fresh way to explore Africa’s iconic parks, our boat safaris are the journey you didn’t know you were waiting for. Connect with a specialist today—we’ll help you design a personalized itinerary that flows with your pace, your passions, and your safari dreams.
Why add a boat safari to your wildlife tour in Uganda & Rwanda?
Boat safaris offer something uniquely serene and soul-stirring. You float quietly through prime wildlife corridors, observing natural behavior from the waterline. It’s immersive, unobtrusive, and perfect for capturing raw, candid moments of Africa’s most iconic creatures.
Compared to vehicle-based safaris, boat excursions offer:
- Closer wildlife encounters at water's edge
- Spectacular photography from stable platforms
- Ideal birdwatching in wetland and river habitats
- Cooler, more relaxed excursions ideal for all fitness levels
What to Expect on the Water
Wildlife Sightings: Witness a tapestry of wildlife including pods of yawning hippos, sunbathing crocodiles, wallowing buffalo, and herds of elephants cooling off along the shores. The rich avian life includes kingfishers, herons, African fish eagles, and—if you're lucky—the elusive shoebill stork.
Comfortable Boats: Glide on stable, low-draft vessels designed for wildlife photography and quiet approach. Most boats are covered for sun protection, with open viewing platforms that keep you close to the action without disturbing the wildlife.
Expert Guides: Each boat safari is led by certified local naturalists trained in birding, animal behavior, and regional ecology. They’ll share stories, track movements, and reveal the hidden life of wetlands and riverbanks.
Photographer-Friendly Experience: These safaris offer optimal shooting angles from a low vantage point and smooth water movement—ideal for capturing dramatic reflections, golden-hour light, and frame-worthy portraits of both animals and landscapes.
Flexible Timings: Choose from morning rides when birds are most active and predators are on the move, or afternoon cruises to bask in warm light as elephants and buffalo approach the water to drink. Sunset sails offer magical views and cooler temperatures.
Let's help you start planning your boat safari right now!
Whether you’re drawn to the hippos of the Kazinga Channel or the birdlife of Lake Ihema, a boat safari invites you to experience Africa in its most fluid form—calm, wild, and unforgettable.
