Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a signature feature of the national park, it is a freshwater stream running across 2 rift valley lakes of Edward and George, the park is the second largest of Uganda’s conservation areas enclosed by the leeward side of the snowcapped Rwenzori mountains, a variety of ecosystems makes up the park including acacia woodland, forest, wetlands, water bodies these sustain wildlife while the park sustains a remarkable list of birds, it was gazette in the 1952 as a way of protecting animal species that call this home and is managed by the Uganda wildlife authority.
Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a long stream of approximately 32kilometres connecting lakes, it consists of north Kazinga Kasenyi plains flowing slowly towards the Mweya peninsular, the channel collects water from streams originating from the Rwenzori mountains, it is known for its large concentration of hippos in the world, initially, crocodiles had disappeared from the channel, however recently they returned following the opening of streams from the lake Albert, the animal view around the Kazinga channel is phenomenal, regardless of how much wildlife you have seen you will be surprised by the fusion of species around here, it acts as an oasis in queen Elizabeth national park more so during the dry season. Animal species that can be seen here include Lions, leopards, buffaloes, waterbucks, hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards and antelopes of different species.
Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park has been recorded as an important birding area in Uganda, species found here include the critically endangered shoe bill stork, pink-backed pelicans, marabou stock,yellow-billed stock, darters, sunbirds, pelicans, herons, Abyssinian ground hornbills, to mention a few, to enjoy a birding experience along the channel it is important to consider having binoculars, long-sleeved clothes, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, insect repellants. A boat cruise along the Kazinga channel is the highlight of a safari to western Uganda, it is the one thing one would prefer doing on repeat while visiting, boat cruises are conducted in sessions, in the morning and the afternoon,it takes 2-3 hours doing the activity while enjoying the spectacular views of numerous wildlife along the channel.
The channel can be visited all year round but is best during the dry season when the water levels are lower hence an easy boat cruise, short grasses for animal views, and game drives along this circuit will take you to indulge deep within the national park. The park can be accessed by road from Entebbe via the Kampala – Mbarara highways, stop over at the equator for a picture moment and later proceed to the park, and it takes 7 hours to drive passing through rolling hills, banana plantations, small villages and towns.
There is available accommodation in the park ranging from the best budget to Luxury Examples of facilities include Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Bush Lodge, Buffaloe Safari Lodge Ishasha Wilderness Camp, and Mweya hostels among others facilities.