Rivers of Uganda: The Nile, Kagera, Semliki and Other Waterways
The Nile dominates, but Uganda's smaller rivers feed lakes, wetlands and wildlife.
Uganda's most famous river is the Nile. It leaves Lake Victoria at Jinja as the Victoria Nile, flows through Lake Kyoga and over Murchison Falls into Lake Albert, then continues north as the Albert Nile. See the Nile in Uganda.
Other rivers include the Kagera on the south-western border, the Semliki flowing from Lake Edward to Lake Albert, the Katonga across the central region, and the Kafu, Aswa and Manafwa. Rivers across East Africa include the Tana in Kenya and the Rufiji in Tanzania.
This guide is part of our Uganda facts and travel information guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Uganda safari holidays with Ameera Africa Safaris.
At a glance
- Main river: The Nile
- Border river: Kagera
- Rift valley river: Semliki
- Where to see them: Jinja, Murchison Falls, Semuliki
The Nile and Its Sections
The Victoria Nile links Lake Victoria to Lake Albert; below Murchison Falls the Albert Nile runs to South Sudan. Boat trips and rafting are the best way to experience the river: rafting in Jinja and Murchison Falls boat trip.
Other Rivers
- Kagera: forms part of the border with Rwanda and Tanzania and feeds Lake Victoria.
- Semliki: flows through the Semuliki valley; see Semuliki National Park.
- Katonga: crosses central Uganda and supports wetlands.
Rivers and Wildlife
Rivers bring hippos, crocodiles and birds; see wildlife you can see on a Uganda safari.
Planning a trip? Tell us your dates and we will build a Uganda safari around them.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- The Nile River in Uganda: Source at Jinja, Murchison Falls and Beyond
- Lakes in Uganda: Victoria, Albert, Edward, Kyoga, Bunyonyi and More
- Mountains of Uganda: Rwenzori, Elgon, the Virunga Volcanoes and More
- Tallest Mountain in Uganda: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley
- Volcanoes in Uganda: The Virunga Peaks, Mount Elgon and Crater Fields
- Uganda Facts and Travel Information: Geography, Climate, Currency, Visas and Attractions
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