Lake Mburo Boat Cruises | Boat Safaris in Lake Mburo National Park
Boat safaris in Lake Mburo National Park offer sightings of hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and various other wildlife, in addition to numerous bird species. The boat cruise departs at the Rwonyo jetty and runs for around two hours on the lake. The Uganda Wildlife Authority accepts reservations for these safaris both in advance and on arrival at the park. A breathtaking 2-hour boat journey allows you to observe Lake Mburo's wildlife-rich eastern beaches, making it a wonderful backdrop for a Lake Mburo boat safari.
As you launch your boat, be on the lookout for crocodiles, buffalo, hippos, and a diverse array of bird species. The beautifully colored kingfishers, magnificent fish eagles, egrets, hammerkops, and gigantic Shoebill stork nests, which resemble those of prehistoric birds, are unmistakable. The Rwonyo Jetty serves as the launching point for boat tours that leave every two hours, depending on demand.
Lake Mburo Boat Cruise
The boat cruise on Lake Mburo is a wonderful experience, and the ticket comes along with the opportunity to watch wildlife like no other. Taking a boat trip on Lake Mburo is a rewarding experience, and the money you pay helps to safeguard wildlife and the ecosystem in Lake Mburo National Park.
The local communities around Lake Mburo National Park get 20% of the annual park admission fees collected from tourists. This provides residents with an incentive to conserve and safeguard the park's species, since they are aware of its value as a result of the money spent on lake boat trips and park admission fees. Spending money on a boat cruise on Lake Mburo in Lake Mburo National Park is worthwhile because the money goes toward paying the local communities who serve on the lead committees, as well as, indirectly, infrastructure and projects that help improve the lives of the local communities by building schools, hospitals, and agricultural practices, hence indirectly protecting the wildlife in return.
When is the Best time to go on a boat ride across Lake Mburo
The best time to take a boat cruise in Lake Mburo National Park is during the dry season, which lasts from June to September or December to February. This is also when you'll see the most wildlife along the lake shores, making it an excellent time to take a boat trip. Even though Lake Mburo National Park is accessible all year, the ideal time to go on a safari is during the dry season, when you are more likely to see animals than during the rainy season.
And the best time of the day is as detailed below:
Early Morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
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Cool temperatures and soft morning light are great for photography
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Wildlife, especially hippos, crocodiles, and birds, are more active
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Increased chances of spotting rare birds like the African finfoot
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Calmer waters make for a smoother ride
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
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Ideal for sunset views over the lake
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Animals come to drink at the water’s edge, including buffaloes, antelopes, and birds
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Excellent time for birdwatching and scenic photography
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Cooler temperatures again make it a pleasant time to be on the water
Midday, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, is usually not an ideal time for birdwatching and photography due to hot and harsh sunlight.
What is the cost of a boat cruise on Lake Mburo?
The Uganda Wildlife Authority offers boat trips from Rwonyo Jetty at various times of day, most notably in the morning, at lunchtime, and in the late evening. African fish eagles, kingfishers, and buffalo are among the unique birds that may be seen in these areas.
A typical 2-hour boat cruise on Lake Mburo costs
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US $20 per person on small boats (4–8 passengers) for foreign non‑residents
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US $30 per person on a larger boat
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UGX 30,000 per person for East African Community citizens (foreign residents/locals)