A boat ride on Lake Albert, located in western part of Uganda, is one of the best activity in Semuliki National Park. The park has more than 441 bird species, 40% of Uganda’s total species and 66% of the forest birds found in Uganda. So, there are also many birds found in this area that is considered to be part of the Congo-basin region of Africa. Besides, some these species are only found in the Albertine Western Rift, which makes it a greater place for bird watching as an activity.
Semuliki National Park offers a boat ride that is conducted on Lake Albert, as an idea area to spot the rare shoebill stork, because its loves to live around swampy areas. Visually, a cross between a dodo and a dinosaur is visible. Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve might not be the best destination for wildlife viewing, but it is a birding paradise.
The adjacent Semuliki National Park offers a great opportunity to add several species associated with the Congolese rainforest. Migratory birds are also present from November to April. The drive across the park to the lake gives you a great chance to see borassus palm, the acacia savannah and a number of other wildlife.
What to Experience on a Boat Ride on Lake Albert
The lake is superb with a great ambience, that’s why only the sound of birds can be heard from a distance. There are sand cliffs where brightly colored colonies of red-throated bee-eaters dart in and out of their burrows. Not forgetting the waterfalls which are several kilometers up the lake. In combination, this provides a great picnic spot and several fishing villages along the way, because the area is virtually untouched by the ‘western world’, leaving it in its virgin state.
Shoebills are one of the rare birds to spot in the park, however, the boat ride may put a smile on your face as you take a local canoe. Get lost in lake swamps in search for this rare amazing specie. A local guide will help you through the entire process. They will pick you up at the landing site through the entire search since they are very keen and versed with the water body while searching for this rare specie.
On seeing the shoebill, you will be able to pull out your cameras and take a shot of the bird. Besides, other bird species can still be seen as you gaze around in the same area.
Shoebills love swampy areas because they are their breeding and feeding grounds. They feed on frogs, fish and other small birds, indeed they are predators in their own nature. A shoebill’s big beak enables it do the catch and kill.
After your search, you’ll board the boat back to the landing site and drive back to your lodge. You can opt for a brief game drive to spot other wildlife along the way, to wrap up your day.
The boat ride on Lake Albert is comparable to a boat cruise along Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This has been termed by many visitors as the highlight of their entire African wildlife safari.