Lakes Near National Parks in Uganda
All the lakes near national parks in Uganda: Uganda is located in the eastern region of Africa in the Great Lakes region. The country is crossed by the equator and experiences a tropical type of climate. Though other areas experience a semi-arid type of climate. The country hosts over 10 national parks and 12 game reserves. National parks in Uganda have different attractions which make it a unique destination. They are situated all around the country. Parks in Uganda include Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and many others. Some national parks in Uganda are situated near lakes. These lakes are usually the primary source of water for these wildlife and the park at large.
Which lakes are near national parks in Uganda?
Uganda has several lakes which are near the national parks and they include;
Lake Albert
The lake is located near the Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda and also the Semuliki National Park in western Uganda. The lake also extends towards the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. While in the Murchison Falls National Park on Lake Albert, travelers will see different wildlife and other attractions.
Lake George
Part of the Great Lakes, the lake is located within the Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. It is a home to a variety of wildlife. The lake is surrounded by fishing communities. Initially, the lake was called Lake Katunguru. It is also covered by several wetlands with the several wildlife found in these wetlands. The lake is also connected to the Kazinga Channel.
Lake Edward
Lake Edward is located within the Queen Elizabeth National Park and is one of the small great lakes within the Great Rift Valley. The lake was initially called Rweru or Rwitanzigye. The lake extends towards the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and also a few kilometers towards the equator. The inflow sources of water in this lake are the Ishasha River, Ntungwe River, and the Rutshuru River.
Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo is one of the largest lakes within the Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda. The lake covers over 260 square kilometers of land. The lake is surrounded by the Banyankole community which are cattle keepers, fishing, and farming.
Lake Bunyonyi
This is one of the deepest lakes in Uganda in Kisoro near the Rwanda border and the Bwindi impenetrable national park. It hosts several islands and each island with its meaning. The lake is near the Bwindi impenetrable National Park where travelers take 1 to 2 hours to reach the lake.
Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda is near the Mgahinga gorilla national Park and the Bwindi impenetrable national park. It is in the shadow of the Virunga mountains. This a great destination for travelers on their gorilla trekking safaris.
What activities are done on lakes near national parks in Uganda?
There are several activities that travelers do on their safaris to the lakes near the national parks and they include;
Boat cruise
This is one of the primary activities that travelers on their Uganda safaris engage in during the safari. Travelers use motorized boats to cruise on the lakes where they will see several wildlife. During the safari, travelers will see different wildlife like elephants, hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and many others. The boat cruise is done on the lakes like Lake Albert, George, Edward, and many others.
Canoeing
Canoeing is done by travelers on their Uganda safaris on the lakes like Bunyonyi and Mutanda. These canoes are sharp-pointed at all ends. During the sailing on the lakes, travelers use manually powered canoes which are operated by man.
Birding
These lakes near the national parks are great places where travelers can see wildlife during the safaris. The bird species live near vegetated areas around the lakes. The bird species that are usually seen on the lakes include the shoebill, African fishing eagle, martial eagle, Abyssinian hornbill, and many others.
Sport fishing
This is one of the exciting luxurious activities that travelers engage in. This activity is trophy rewarding upon the number of fish caught. In Uganda the activity is done in the Murchison Falls National Park where travelers have to book the sport fishing permits to ensure availability.
What is the best time to visit the lakes near national parks in Uganda?
The lakes near National parks can be visited by travelers throughout the year. The best time is during the dry season June to September and December to February. During this time, the area is more dry and clear for the viewing of the wildlife and engaging in the different activities. The other is there are fewer waves on the lake. In the wet season, travelers can also visit the lakes and though affected by the weather conditions. During this time there is less traffic and travelers have more time on the lake.
