What Are The Names Of The Lakes In Uganda? Uganda is usually referred to as the “the Pearl of Africa” and this was situated by Winston Churchill. And it is a landlocked country found within East Africa which is also known for good warm temperature and climate compared to other countries because it is usually sunny unlike in other countries like; Europe which have the winter season hence making Uganda a perfect destination to visit while planning to go for a vacation or a safari. More so, this country has stunning natural beauty which includes the array of lakes of lakes and these waterbodies are not only vital to the country’s geography but it is also contributes a lot towards the culture, cool environment and economy. Therefore, in the essay below we will have an extensive exploration of different lakes found in Uganda and then delve into their names, characteristics and there importance. In addition, some of these lakes include;
Lake Victoria.
Lake Victoria is arguably the most famous and largest lake in the whole of Africa and it is ranked as the second largest lake in the whole world. Lake Victoria is therefore, other East African countries like; Kenya and Tanzania share not only found in Uganda but also it. More so, Lake Victoria in Uganda covers a total surface area of about 68,800 square kilometers hence ranking it as the largest lake in the country and it crosses of several cities such as; Kampala, Entebbe, Kisumu, Mwanza, Jinja, Musoma, Bukoba, Homa Bay, Kendu Bay among others. In addition, it is has a surface elevation of about 1,135 meters above the sea level. Lake Victoria is also famously known as the largest freshwater fishery in the whole world due to the fact that it produces over 1 million tons of fish per year therefore, this lake does not only supports the livelihood of the local communities but offers numerous recreational activities such as; fishing where individuals get to catch fish species like; Nile pearch and Nile Tilapia among others.
Lake Albert.
Lake Albert National park is ranked as Africa’s seventh largest lake as well as the second biggest lake in Uganda covering a total surface area of about 5,300 square kilometers having an average depth of about 25 meters (82ft). Lake Albert was originally known as Lake Mwitanzige, it is now also commonly referred to as Albert Naynza, it is one of the major lakes located within the western part of Uganda, and it crosses over to the boarders of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This lake was named after Prince Albert Edward who was the first European to document its existence.
Lake Kyoga.
Lake Kyoga is a large shallow lake in Uganda which covers a total surface area of about 1,720 square kilometers and stands at an elevation of about 1,033meters having a depth of about 5.7meters and flows through the White Nile. In addition, this lake is famously known for hosting a variety of bird species that are always encountered along its shore. More so, people who live around Lake kyoga always thrive on fishing and farming.
Lake George.
Lake George covers a total surface area of about 250 square kilometers and it is known to have been named after Prince Edward. In addition, this lake is a known to be a good natural habitat to many wildlife species such as; hippos, crocodiles. More so, this lake is a UNESCO World Heritage, which is a popular destination for tourists to visit while on a Uganda safari tour .
Lake Edward.
Lake Edward is considered to be one of the smaller African great Lakes which covers a total surface area of about 2,325 square kilometers and it is located in the Albertine Rift within the western branch of the rift and it shares boarders with other countries like; the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lake Bunyonyi.
Lake Bunyonyi is located in the Southwestern region of Uganda and it is commonly referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa” due to the fact that it is a picturesque and because of its hilly surroundings. In addition, visiting this lake gives tourists chances to interact with the Bakinga people who reside around the lake and get to know more about their culture.
Apart from the above mentioned lakes, there are more lakes that found in the country and some of these include; Lake Mutanda, Lake Nabugabo, Lake Kwania, Lake Opeta, Lake Salam, Lake Bisina, Lake choga which is found in the Karamoja region within the Northeastern region, Lake amala, Lake Nyamusingire, Lake Lemwa, Lake Nyabikere, Lake Katwe which is famously known of being a source of salt extraction, Lake Nyamasana, Lake kachera, Lake saka which is found in the central part of Uganda and many others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about what lakes are found in the country and then book with tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Uganda.
