Lake Edward and Lake George
Lake Edward and Lake George are found in the far western part of Uganda and are connected by the magnificent Kazinga channel which is a home to a wide variety of hippopotamus and crocodiles. These two great lakes are also strategically located near Queen Elizabeth national park. Lake Edward and George are located in the western arm of the rift valley and are found on the border of Uganda and Democratic republic of Congo. These two lakes are filled with numerous species of fish that include; Bagrus docmark, Oreochromis leucostictus, tilapia, cat fish, nile perch, tiger fish, lung fish, mud fish, Oreochromis niloticus, electric fish, cichlid haplochromis to mention but a few. The distance of Lake Edward from Kampala is approximately 362km while the distance from Lake George to Kampala is approximately 269km. These lakes are all fresh water body lake and are surrounded by beautiful scenic and panoramic views of hills, lush vegetation to mention but a few. while on a Uganda lake safari these two lakes would indeed provide a wonderful experience.
Tourist activities on Lakes Edward and George
Boat cruises; Kazinga channel that I approximately 32km and also the waters of lake George and Edward offer a wonderful opportunity for boat cruises that one can have while relaxing. one can also be able to view the beautiful lush vegetation and hills around. The beauty about the boat cruise along Kazinga channel that connects the two lakes is that one is able to view numerous hippopotamus and crocodiles as Kazinga channel is home to numerous hippos and be able take beautiful pictures. Boat cruise on Lakes Edward and George cost 30 USD for foreigners and 30,000 UGX for East Africa citizens and usually lasts up to 2 hrs.
Wildlife watching; while at Lakes Edward and George one can view numerous wildlife species ranging from Aquatic wildlife that includes fish, crocodiles, hippos to mention but a few. Thes two great lakes are located next to Queen Elizabeth national park which is filled with numerous wildlife species such as Lions, elephants, buffaloes that move in herds, leopards, crocodiles, chimpanzees, hippopotamus, Nubian giraffes, Jacksons hearte beast, Uganda Kob, sitatunga, warthogs, bush bucks, water bucks, Zebras to mention but a few.
Sport Fishing; On the waters of Lake Edward and George, sport fishing can be carried out as these waters are spotted with diverse variety of fish species such as; Bagrus docmark, Oreochromis leucostictus, tilapia, cat fish, nile perch, tiger fish, lung fish, mud fish, Oreochromis niloticus, electric fish, cichlid haplochromis to mention but a few. One must acquire a fishing permit from the local authorities or local tour guides and carryout fishing with different methods like fishing nets, fishing baskets and fishing rods. This whole activity is fulfilled and one can be able to catch fish that shall be prepared for a meal.
Cultural encounter; While on a Uganda Lake Edward and lake George tour, one can take a walk to meet the different people who live at the shores of Lake Edward and George take a chance to get to learn about their ways of living, the fishing methods they use and get a chance to participate or watch the beautiful tradition dances and songs of these people. There are numerous crafts from which one can buy as a souvenir. The people found at the shores of lake Edward and George include; Bakonzo, Bakiga and Banyabindi these group of people have a rich culture with very many stories and myths behind it making Lake Edward and George worth a Uganda cultural tour destination.
Water Tours; one can take a guided tour on the waters of Lake Edward and George using a boat or canoe and be able to view the different wildlife species on the lakes such as crocodiles, hippopotamus, snakes, elephants to mention but a few.
Bird watching; Lakes Edward and George have numerous species of birds that are that breed on the shores or on the trees around the lakes these bird species include; Papyrus gonolek, black and white casqued hornbill, pink backed pelican, saddle billed stork, red chested sunbird, African skimmer, black headed gonolek, grey heron, great blue turaco, glossy ibis, golden rumped tinkerbird, dusty blue flycatcher, eastern grey plantain eater, emerald-spotted wood dove, African open billed stork, black headed oriole, black headed lapwing, African fin foot, blue napped mousebird, crowned eagle, brown parrots among others. This makes it a beautiful Uganda Birding destination.
The best time to visit Lake Edward and Lake George is during the dry seasons /months of the year that include the months of January, February, June, July, August, November, September and December to mention but a few. During this season one is less likely to get interrupted by rain and be able to carry out tourist activities such as wildlife watching, birding, boat cruise, community encounter to mention but a few comfortably.
