THE SYNERGY OF UGANDA`S FORESTS, MOUNTAINS, RIVERS & LAKES
Uganda although famously referred to as ‘the pearl of Africa’, Uganda is more of an undiscovered oyster. It`s beauty is still unfolding and the natural untamed landscape of the country is testament to this. Located right along the equator, Uganda is one of 13 countries in the world that experiences warm tropical climate throughout the year. Because of this, Uganda has an abundance of a variety of traditional foods that can be grown/ cultivated throughout the year.
Sitted on 241,037 km², the greater part of Uganda consists of a plateau 800 to 2,000 m (2,600–6,600 ft.) in height. It also has the beautiful interplay of 6 major mountains namely; Mount Moroto, Mount Kadam, Mount Morungole, Mount Zulia, Mount Elgon and the Rwenzori mountains (5109m) that are the reason why Uganda has such excellent climatic and settlement conditions. Along the western border, in the Ruwenzori Mountains, Margherita Peak reaches a height of 5,109 m (16,762 ft.), while on the eastern frontier Mount Elgon rises to 4,321 m (14,178 ft.). By contrast, the Western Rift Valley, which runs from north to south through the western half of the country, is below 910 m (3,000 ft.)
To add to the flavor that is Uganda, this little East African diamond in the rough is one of the 11 countries that share the waters of the River Nile and is also home to a web of 27 other rivers, 8 of which are considered Uganda`s main rivers from which most of the other rivers flow namely; The River Nile, White Nile, River Kagera, River Turkwel, River Katonga, River Kafu, River Sezibwa and River Semliki. These rivers provide sufficient food, the generation of hydro-electricity and other sustainable economic activities for people throughout the country. They also sustain the many forests and wildlife that is still very critical to the lives of Ugandans.
For many visitors Uganda is considered to be one of the greenest countries in the world. This description is earned from the host of tropical rainforests, scattered across the country. Standing tall on 12,657.47 km2 of land, Uganda has 77 forest reserves some of which have never been explored by the modern world and they balance out the vast grasslands found in the Norther part of the country. These forests provide homes for the extremely diverse wildlife in Uganda along with food like wild berries and domestic materials like firewood for rural homesteads.
Although landlocked, Uganda has never had a problem with access to water for in addition to the 28 rivers, the country has 32 lakes most of them consecrated in the southern and Western part of the country. Some of the main lakes include; Lake Edward, Lake George, Lake Albert, Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga
Although generally equatorial, the climate is not uniform as the altitude modifies the climate. Southern Uganda is wetter with rain generally spread throughout the year. At Entebbe on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, most rain falls from March to June and the November/December period. Further to the north a dry season gradually emerges; at Gulu about 120 km from the South Sudanese border, November to February is much drier than the rest of the year.
The northeastern Karamoja region has the driest climate and is prone to droughts in some years. Rwenzori in the southwest on the border with Congo (DRC) receives heavy rain all year round. The south of the country is heavily influenced by one of the world’s biggest lakes, Lake Victoria, which contains many islands. It prevents temperatures from varying significantly and increases cloudiness and rainfall.
Come with us and check out some of the key defining geographical landmarks that you must visit to truly appreciate Uganda`s natural beauty. There is no other place in the whole world like this.
UGANDA`S MAJOR MOUNTAINS
Location: Eastern Uganda Type of Mountain: Volcanic Elevation: 3,063 metres People that live there: Soo Tribe Economic Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Cattle grazing and Subsistence agriculture Nearest Town: Nakapiripirit Town Interesting Fact: The Mountain was first climbed by Sailesh Kadam, the mountain’s namesake. During the colonial period Mount Kadam was known as Debasien. |
Location: Eastern Uganda
Type of Mountain: Volcanic
Elevation: 3,083 metres
People that live there: Karamojong Tribe, Soo Tribe
Economic Activities: Mountain Climbing, Biking and Hiking, Cattle grazing and Subsistence agriculture
Nearest Town: Moroto Town
Interesting Fact: The natural springs on the slopes of the mountain coalesce to form springs and small rivers. The water is harvested by the Karamojong people, stored and used to irrigate agricultural produce for household food and for income generation.
Location: North – Eastern Uganda
Type of Mountain: Volcanic
Elevation: 2,749 metres
People that live there: Ik Tribe
Economic Activities: Mountain Climbing, Biking and Hiking, Cattle grazing and Subsistence agriculture, Tribal Tours
Nearest Town: Usake Town
Interesting Fact: Mount Morungole lies within the Kidepo Valley National Park and is considered a sacred place by the IK people that live on its slopes.
Location: North – Eastern Uganda
Type of Mountain: Volcanic
Elevation: 2,149 metres
People that live there: Karamojong Tribe
Economic Activities: Mountain Climbing, Biking and Hiking, Cattle grazing and Subsistence agriculture, Tribal Tours
Nearest Town: Zulia Town
Interesting Fact: The Toposa people of Eastern Equatoria say that they originated in the Zulia Mountains, moving away during a severe drought that killed both people and animals. The forests of the mountain are partly protected by the Mount Zulia Forest Reserve.
Location: Eastern Uganda
Type of Mountain: Volcanic
Elevation: 4,321 metres
Peaks: 5 Namely: Wagagai, Sudek, Koitobos, Mubiyi, Masaba
Unique Features: Caldera, warm springs, 4 huge caves with salt deposits, very rare plants
People that live there: the Bagisu, the Sabiny Tribes
Economic Activities: Mountain Climbing, Biking and Hiking, Cattle grazing and Subsistence agriculture, Tribal Tours
Nearest Town: Kitale Town
Interesting Fact: Although there is no verifiable evidence of its earliest volcanic activity, geologists estimate that Mount Elgon is at least 24 million years old, making it the oldest extinct volcano in East Africa.
Location: Western Uganda
Type of Mountain: Non Volcanic
Elevation: 5,109 metres
Peaks: 6 Namely: Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, Mount Baker, Mount Emin, Mount Gessi and Mount Luigi di Savoia
Unique Features: Tropical Rain Forest, Alpine Meadows, Snow Capped Tops and very rare plants
People that live there: the Bakonjo, the Bamba Tribes (Members of the Rwenzururu Kingdom
Economic Activities: Mountain Climbing, Biking and Hiking, Cattle grazing and Subsistence agriculture, Tribal Tours
Nearest Town: Kasese Town
Interesting Fact: An ongoing concern is the impact of climate change on the Ruwenzori’s glaciers. In 1906, forty-three named glaciers were distributed over six mountains with a total area of 7.5 square kilometres (2.9 sq mi), about half the total glacier area in Africa. By 2005, less than half of these were still present, on only three mountains, with an area of about 1.5 square kilometres (0.58 sq. mi). Recent scientific studies, such as those by Richard Taylor of University College London, have attributed this retreat to global climate change and are investigating the impact of this change on the mountain’s vegetation and biodiversity.
Location: Central to North Western Regions of Uganda
Source: Latest findings as at 2010 put it either at the Ruvyironza, which emerges in Bururi Province, Burundi, or the Nyabarongo, which flows from Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda.
Mouth: Mediterranean Sea
Length: 6,758 km
Depth: Av 8-11 meters
Width: 2.8 Kms
Number of Falls: 10 Water falls in number, namely; Victoria Falls, Murchison Falls, Sipi Falls, Sezibwa Falls, Kisiizi Falls, Itanda Falls, Sisiyi Falls, Griffin Falls, Bujagali Falls, Karuma Falls
Common Fish: The Nile perch (which may attain a weight of more than 175 pounds), the Tilapia fish, the Barbel, several species of Catfish, the Elephant-snout fish, the Tigerfish or Water Leopard, the sardine like Haplochromis, the Lungfish, the Mudfish, Common eel and the Spiny eel.
Other Animals: The massive Nile crocodile, the hippopotamus, the soft-shelled turtle, three species of monitor lizard, and some 30 species of snakes, of which more than half are venomous.
Bridges: 2 Bridges- The Source of the Nile Bridge, and the old Owen Falls Dam Bridge
Major Hydro Electricity Power Dams:
Kiira Power Station, Nalubaale Power Station, Karuma Hydro Power Station and Isimba Hydro Power Station
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Boat cruising, white water rafting, canoeing, deep river diving and swimming, Tribal Tours and banji jumping.
Interesting Fact: The River Nile is the longest river on earth going through 11 countries and has at least three main tributaries: The White Nile, Blue Nile and Atbara.
Location: Southern Region of Uganda
Source: Lake Rweru in Rwanda (Other sources indicate Lake Tanganyika)
Mouth: Lake Victoria
Length: 597 km
Depth: Av 82 meters
Width: 240 Kms
Number of Falls: 1 Water fall, namely; Rusumo Falls
Common Fish: The Nile Perch, Tilapia, Barbel, the Elephant-snout fish, the Tigerfish or Water Leopard, the sardine like Haplochromis, the Lungfish, the Mudfish. River Kagera has at least 55 species known from the Rwandan section alone and at least 15 unclassified species of haplochromine cichlids that are endemic to some of the lakes in the upper parts of the river basin.
Bridges: 3 Bridges- Kyaka Bridge, Rusumo Bridge and Rusumo International Bridge
Major Hydro Electricity Power Dams:
There are no dams on River Kagera
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Canoeing, Tribal Tours
Interesting Fact: During the Rwandan genocide of 1994, the Kagera was used to dispose of corpses as thousands of Tutsis and Hutu political moderates were murdered on the river banks. The river carried the massacred bodies into Lake Victoria, some washing up on the various beaches in Uganda creating a serious health hazard in Uganda.
Location: Eastern Region of Uganda
Source: Mount Elgon in Uganda
Mouth: Lake Turkana in Kenya
Length: 340 km
Depth: N/A
Width: N/A
Number of Falls: Has No Water Falls
Common Fish: The river holds appx 40 fish species, including endemics like: the cichlids Haplochromis macconneli and the catfish and Non-endemic species such as Nile tilapia, mango tilapia, bichirs, the Elephant fish, Mormyrus Kannume, African Knife fish, the Nile perch and numerous others.
Other Animals: Crocodiles
Bridges: N/A
Major Hydro Electricity Power Dams: 1 dam called the Turkwel Dam
Activities: Irrigation, boat racing, Tribal Tours
Interesting Fact: The name Turkwel is derived from the Turkana name for the river, Tir-kol, which means translates to a river that “withstands the wilderness”.
Location: Central to South Western Regions of Uganda
Source: Lake Victoria
Mouth: Lake George
Length: 220 km
Depth: N/A
Width: N/A
Number of Falls: N/A
Common Fish: The Nile perch, the Tilapia fish, lung fish, several species of Catfish
Other Animals: monitor lizards, and some species of snakes
Bridges: 1 Bridge- The Katonga Bridge
Major Hydro Electricity Power Dams: N/A
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Boat cruising, water rafting, canoeing, deep river diving and swimming and Tribal Tours.
Interesting Fact: Located in Ibanda, Kyenjojo and Kamwenge districts, Katonga Wildlife Reserve occupies an area of 211 square kilometers and was established in 1998 and named after River Katonga. This reserve is a natural habitat to more than 30 mammal species. It has a viable population of sitatunga around the wetland area, a high population of waterbucks and a growing population of hippos. Other animals around the reserve include elephants, bushbuck, buffalo, reedbuck, Uganda kob, duiker and River Otter, impalas and zebras.
Location: Western Region of Uganda
Source: Swamps of Kibaale District, Uganda
Mouth: Victoria Nile
Length: 180 km
Depth: N/A
Width: N/A
Number of Falls: N/A
Common Fish: The Tilapia fish, lung fish, several species of Catfish
Other Animals: Monitor lizards, and some species of snakes
Bridges: 1 Bridge- The River Kafu Bridge
Major Hydro Electricity Power Dams: N/A
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Canoeing, River diving and swimming and Tribal Tours.
Interesting Fact: The swamp, out of which River Kafu arises, is also transversed by another river system called River Nkusi. River Nkusi however, arises elsewhere and passes through the said swamp and flows westwards to empty into Lake Albert, along the International border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Location: Central Region of Uganda
Source: Ngogwe in Buikwe District, Uganda
Mouth: Lake Kyoga, Kayunga District
Length: 150 km
Depth: N/A
Width: N/A
Number of Falls: 1 water Fall- Sezibwa Falls
Common Fish: The Tilapia fish, lung fish, several species of Catfish
Other Animals: Monitor lizards, and some species of snakes
Bridges: 1 Bridge- The River Sezibwa Bridge
Major Hydro Electricity Power Dams: N/A
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Canoeing, River diving and swimming and Tribal Tours.
Interesting Fact: According to traditional legend, two rivers named Sezibwa and its brother Bwanda, were born by a woman on her way to Kavuma Bukunja. The woman, Nakkungu Tebatuusa, whose husband was called Nsubuga Sebwaato, gave birth to twins in form of water, whereupon Sezibwa flowed west, passing many obstacles and deriving its name, while Bwanda flowed east, toward Nyenga. Many people come to the place for miracles as they believe the site has supernatural powers.
Location: Western Region of Uganda
Source: Lake Edward
Mouth: Lake Albert
Length: 140 km
Depth: N/A
Width: N/A
Number of Falls: N/A
Common Fish: The Tilapia fish, lung fish, Catfish
Other Animals: Monitor lizards, crocodiles and some species of snakes
Bridges: N/A
Major Hydro Electricity Power Dams: N/A
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Canoeing, River diving and swimming, Visit the Semliki National Park, Bird Watching, Tribal Tours
Interesting Fact: Legend has it that when the early white ‘explorers’ first came through the Semliki Valley, they happened to come across a wide river where a woman was drying fish on the bank. They asked her what was in the river, what kind of fish she was catching. “Semliki” she replied, protectively drawing her baskets over the fish to hide them from view, meaning ‘nothing here’ – clearly a ruse meant to deter the men from returning in numbers, stealing the bounty of the fish in the river. And so the name was born.
Location: Northern Region of Uganda
Source: Northwestern part of Katakwi Province, Uganda
Mouth: River Achwa
Length: N/A
Depth: N/A
Width: N/A
Number of Falls: N/A
Common Fish: The Tilapia fish, lung fish, Catfish
Other Animals: N/A
Bridges: N/A
Major Hydro Electricity Power Dams: N/A
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Bird Watching, Tribal Tours
Interesting Fact: River Agago is a seasonal river that fills up during the wet season and dries up during the dry season.
Location: Western Region of Uganda
Source: Lake Edward
Mouth: Lake Albert
Length: 140 km
Depth: N/A
Width: N/A
Number of Falls: N/A
Common Fish: The Tilapia fish, lung fish, Catfish
Other Animals: Monitor lizards, crocodiles and some species of snakes
Bridges: N/A
Major Hydro Electricity Power Dams: N/A
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Canoeing, River diving and swimming, Visit the Semliki National Park, Bird Watching, Tribal Tours
Interesting Fact: Legend has it that when the early white ‘explorers’ first came through the Semliki Valley, they happened to come across a wide river where a woman was drying fish on the bank. They asked her what was in the river, what kind of fish she was catching. “Semliki” she replied, protectively drawing her baskets over the fish to hide them from view, meaning ‘nothing here’ – clearly a ruse meant to deter the men from returning in numbers, stealing the bounty of the fish in the river. And so the name was born.
Location: Northern Region of Uganda
Source: Northwestern part of Katakwi Province, Uganda
Mouth: River Achwa
Length: N/A
Depth: N/A
Width: N/A
Number of Falls: N/A
Common Fish: The Tilapia fish, lung fish, Catfish
Other Animals: N/A
Bridges: N/A
Major Hydro Electricity Power Dams: N/A
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Bird Watching, Tribal Tours
Interesting Fact: River Agago is a seasonal river that fills up during the wet season and dries up during the dry season.
Location: Western & South Western Uganda
Area Coverage: 103,900 km2
Biome: Tropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion
Bird Species: 732
Animal Species: 228
People that live there: N/A
Economic Activities: Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Monkey Trekking, Wild life Tours, Bird Watching, Butterfly Tours
Nearest Town: Fort Portal Town
Interesting Fact: The rare mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) survives only in this ecoregion as do the L’Hoest’s monkey, and a subspecies of the Hamlyn’s monkey − as well as many endemic species of butterflies and birds including: Grauer’s warblers, Chapin’s flycatchers, and the Rwenzori turaco. The Lendu Plateau clawed frog is endemic to that landform in the ecoregion.
Location: North – Western Uganda
Area Coverage: 435 km2
Biome: Medium-altitude moist semi-deciduous forest (covering c. 42,800 ha), with areas of savanna and woodland. The majority of the reserve is covered by tropical high-forest communities.
Bird Species: 360 bird species
Animal Species: Some 290 butterflies, 130 moths, and 24 mammals, of which 9 are primates.
People that live there: N/A
Economic Activities: Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Monkey Trekking, Wild Life Excursions, Biking Tours
Nearest Town: Masindi and Hoima Towns
Interesting Fact: During the 1970s and 1980s civil war raged in Uganda, with an accompanying breakdown of law and order. Chimpanzee mothers were shot and the infants taken from the forest and smuggled to collectors in Asia, Europe and America drastically almost eliminating the entire population of Chimpanzees in the Forest. Populations stated rising again in the 2000s due to migrations from nearby forests.
Location: Western Uganda
Area Coverage: 411.42 km2
Biome: 260 species of tree are known to be in this forest reserve.
Bird Species: 225 species of bird
Animal Species: 23 species of mammal, the forest is home to a considerable number of chimpanzees which have started to undergo the habituation process in January 2016
People that live there: N/A
Economic Activities: Chimpanzee and Monkey Trekking, Wild Life Excursions, Biking Tours
Nearest Town: Hoima & Kikuube Districts
Interesting Fact: Bugoma forest is critically being threatened by illegal logging, and it is feared that it may succumb to settlement and agriculture. The situation is worsened by an influx of Congolese refugees, and burgeoning large-scale tea and tobacco farms on its outskirts that infringe on the reserve boundaries. In March 2012 some 1,500 land invaders were evicted, but by December 2013 some of them were returning to start subsistence cultivation and pit sawing.
Location: Western Uganda, Rwenzori Mountains
Area Coverage: 219 km2
Biome: Tropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion
Bird Species: 400
Animal Species: 60 mammal species, 8 primate species and almost 460 butterfly species.
People that live there: The Basua Tribe
Economic Activities: Tour Semliki National Park, Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Monkey Trekking, Tribal Excursions
Nearest Town: Bundibugyo Town
Interesting Fact: The rare mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) survives only in this ecoregion as do the L’Hoest’s monkey, and a subspecies of the Hamlyn’s monkey − as well as many endemic species of butterflies and birds including: Grauer’s warblers, Chapin’s flycatchers, and the Rwenzori turaco. The Lendu Plateau clawed frog is endemic to that landform in the ecoregion.
Location: South-Western Uganda
Area Coverage: 331 km2
Biome: Species diversity is a feature of the park. Floristically, the park is among the most diverse forests in East Africa, with more than 1,000 flowering plant species, including 163 species of trees and 104 species of ferns.
Bird Species: 348
Animal Species: 120 species of mammals, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos, and a host of endangered species.
People that live there: The very rare Batwa Pygmies
Economic Activities: Tour of the Bwindi National Park, Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Monkey trekking, Bird Watching, Tribal Excursions
Nearest Town: Kanungu District
Interesting Fact: “Bwindi” is derived from the Runyakitara word “Mubwindi” and means “a place full of darkness”. The forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth, where half the world’s population of the highly endangered mountain gorillas live in its jungles. The forest has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a World Heritage Site for its biological significance.
Location: South-Western Uganda
Area Coverage: 87 km2
Biome: Medium altitude moist semi-deciduous forest. 258 plant species have been identified within the forest of which trees compose 248.
Bird Species: 40-70 bird species
Animal Species: 120 chimpanzees have been reported to be living there.
People that live there: The very rare Batwa Pygmies
Economic Activities: Chimpanzee and Monkey trekking, Bird Watching
Nearest Town: Kyenjojo & Kabarole Districts
Interesting Fact: Itwara Forest borders tea plantations and communities living from subsistence agriculture. Serious challenges have arisen against local communities in the past that include poaching and encroachment in the northern part of the reserve.
Location: Western Uganda
Area Coverage: 766 km2
Biome: Contains both lowland and montane forests. In eastern Africa, it sustains the last significant expanse of pre-montane forest.
Bird Species: 325 bird species
Animal Species: 13 species of primates, 250 species of butterflies and 70 other mammal species
People that live there: N/A
Economic Activities: Chimpanzee and Monkey trekking, Bird Watching, Wildlife Excursions
Nearest Town: Kibaale & Fort Portal Districts
Interesting Fact: Primates are very common in Kibaale National Forest. However, many studies have found that the persistent logging seems to be having a negative effect on some primate species. Most primates flourish in the less disturbed areas of the forest in their natural habitats but logging is considered to be hindering the survival and thriving of some other primate species.
Location: Central Uganda
Area Coverage: 300 km2
Biome: Contains both lowland and montane forests. In eastern Africa, it sustains the last significant expanse of pre-montane forest.
Bird Species: Over 300 bird species
Animal Species: 9 species of primates, 23 mammal species and the spectacular griffin falls.
People that live there: N/A
Economic Activities: Chimpanzee and Monkey trekking, Nature Walks, Bird Watching, Wildlife Excursions, Zip Lining, Tour of Griffin Falls
Nearest Town: Mukono Districts
Interesting Fact: In 2007 the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited, a jointly owned by the Government of Uganda and by the Mehta Group, announced plans to clear one-third of the Mabira Forest (around 70 square kilometres (27 sq mi), for sugarcane plantations, and had proposed to the government to de-gazette this land and transfer it to SCOUL.
The deforestation plans were disputed by non-government Ugandan citizens. While environmental activists feared the loss of hundreds of endangered species, increased erosion, the damage of livelihoods of local people and negative impacts on water balance and regional climate, supporters hoped for the creation of jobs. A cabinet paper said the plan would generate 3,500 jobs and contribute 11.5 billion Ugandan shillings to the treasury.
The Kabaka (King) of Buganda Kingdom opposed the deforestation plan and he offered alternative land for sugarcane production. The Anglican church of Mukono has also offered land to SCOUL.
At least three people were killed during a demonstration of about 1,000 for the protection of the Mabira Forest. There were also riots against Asians, since the Mehta Group is Indian-owned. SCOUL plantations were set on fire, and e-mails and SMS calling for the boycott of SCOUL’s Lugazi sugar circulated.
President Museveni defended the deforestation plans, saying that “He shall not be deterred by people who don’t see where the future of Africa lies”. In May 2007, the Ugandan environmental minister announced that the deforestation plans were suspended and that the government is trying to find alternative land for the Mehta Group. Wikipedia
Basin countries: DR Congo and Uganda
Location: Western Region of Uganda
Age: Appx. 10 – 12 million years
Area: 5,300 km²
Maximum Length: 160 Km
Maximum Width: 30 Km
Type of Water: Fresh Water
Primary inflows: Victoria Nile, Semliki River
Primary outflows: Albert Nile
Average depth: 25 metres (82 ft)
Max. depth: 51 metres (167 ft)
Water volume: 132 cubic kilometres (32 cu mi)
Islands: 1 Island, Rukwanzi Island
Bird Species: 450 bird species, water birds are numerous and include pelicans, herons and the rare shoebill.
Animal Species: 76 other mammal species, Other Animals include: Hippopotamuses, Uganda kob antelopes, Nile Crocodiles, Nile monitors, African softshell turtles, Central African mud turtles, Williams’ mud turtles, various semi-aquatic snakes and various frogs.
Common Fish: There are 55 fish species in Lake Albert that include The Nile perch, Elongate Tigerfish, African Tigerfish, Marbled Lungfish, Cornish Jack, Bagrus Docmak, African Sharp tooth Catfish and vundu catfish among others. As much as 30% of the fish production in Uganda is from Lake Albert.
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Boat cruising, canoeing, Bird Watching, Wild Herd watching, Wild Life Excursions
Interesting Facts: Lake Albert was previously known as “Mwitanzige” (locust killer) by the People of the Kingdoms of Bunyoro and Tooro, as well as other peoples who had populated the region for centuries before the colonial age. This was because of the ancient belief that locusts (locally called “enzige”) perished in the lake as they tried to cross it. In 1864, the explorers Samuel Baker and Flóra von Sass found the lake and renamed it after the then recently deceased Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria. In the 20th century, Zairian President Mobutu Sese Seko temporarily named the lake after himself.
Basin country: Uganda
Location: Kabale & Kisoro in the South – Western Region of Uganda
Area: 60 km²
Maximum Length: 25 Km
Maximum Width: 7 Km
Type of Water: Fresh Water
Primary inflows: Numerous small rivers and streams
Primary outflows: River Lukuga
Average depth: 39 metres (128 ft)
Max. depth: 51 metres (167 ft)
Water volume: 132 cubic kilometres (32 cu mi)
Islands: 29 Islands but the 5 major ones are namely; Bushara Island, Akampene Island, Kyahugye Island, Bwama Island, Njuyeera (Sharp’s Island) and Bucuranuka (Upside Down Island).
Bird Species: Over 200 bird species
Animal Species: Various semi-aquatic snakes and various frogs.
Common Fish: Originally, there were no fish or crayfish in Lake Bunyonyi, but the catfish Clarias liocephalus, Nile tilapia, Singida tilapia, haplochromine ciclids originally of Lake Victoria origin and red swamp crayfish have been introduced.
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Boat cruising, canoeing, Bird Watching
Interesting Facts: One of the 29 Islands of Lake Bunyonyi is called Akampene (Punishment Island). In the Bakiga tribe, if a girl got pregnant outside wedlock, the girl would be taken to this Island and left there to die of hunger, disease, or while trying to swim to the mainland (of which the girls rarely knew how to swim). After girls were taken to this island, they would never be seen or heard from again. So men that could not afford to pay bride price could go to the island and pick up ‘free’ girls for ‘marriage’. The practice got abandoned in the first half of the 20th century.
Basin country: Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Location: Kasese District in the Western Region of Uganda
Area: 2,325 km²
Maximum Length: 77 Km
Maximum Width: 40 Km
Type of Water: Fresh Water
Primary inflows: Small rivers namely Rivers Nyamugasani, Ishasha, Rutshuru, Rwindi, Ntungwe, Lubilia
Primary outflows: River Semliki
Average depth: 17 m (56 ft)
Max. depth: 112 m (367 ft)
Water volume: 39.5 km3 (9.5 cu mi)
Islands: N/A
Bird Species: Over 200 bird species
Animal Species: Fauna living on the banks of the lake include – chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, and lions these animals are protected by the national parks. The area is also home to many perennial and migratory bird species.
Common Fish: The lake is home to 81 fish species which include: Nile Perch, Nile Tilapia among others
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Fish Market Excursions, Boat cruising, canoeing, Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda, White Water Rafting. White Water Rafting, Hot Air Balloon Sights, Bird Watching, Kayaking, Bird Watching, Wildlife Safaris and Tribal Excursions
Interesting Facts: Britain`s Henry Morton Stanley first saw the lake in 1888, during the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition. The lake was named in honor of Prince Albert Edward, The Prince of Wales, son of then British-monarch Queen Victoria, that later became King Edward VII. In 1973, Uganda and Zaire (DRC) renamed it Lake Idi Amin or Lake Idi Amin Dada after the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. After his overthrow in 1979, it recovered its former name.
Basin country: Uganda
Location: Central Region of Uganda
Age: Appx. 10,000 years
Area: 1,720 km²
Maximum Length: 90 Km
Maximum Width: 15 Km
Type of Water: Fresh Water
Primary inflows: Victoria Nile/ River Sezibwa
Primary outflows: Victoria Nile
Average depth: 2.26 m
Max. depth: 10.7 m
Water volume: 7.9 km3
Islands: N/A
Bird Species: Over 200 bird species
Animal Species: Fauna living on the banks of the lake include – chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, hippos and lions these animals are protected by the national parks. The area is also home to many perennial and migratory bird species.
Common Fish: The lake is home to 60 fish species which include: Nile Perch, Nile Tilapia, as well as a smaller number of other fish species like Lake Victoria sardine and marbled lungfish.
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Fish Market Excursions, Boat cruising, canoeing, Bird Watching, Kayaking, Bird Watching, Wildlife Safaris and Tribal Excursions
Interesting Facts: The lake reaches a depth of about 5.7 metres, and most of it is less than 4 metres deep. Areas that are less than 3 metres deep are completely covered by water lilies, while much of the swampy shoreline is covered with papyrus and the invasive water hyacinth. The papyrus also forms floating islands that drift between a number of small permanent islands. Extensive wetlands fed by a complex system of streams and rivers surround the lakes. Nearby Lake Kwania is a smaller lake but deeper.
Basin country: Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania
Location: Central to South Eastern Regions of Uganda
Age: Appx. 400,000 years
Area: 68,800 km²
Maximum Length: 359 km (223 mi)
Maximum Width: 337 km (209 mi)
Type of Water: Fresh Water
Primary inflows: River Kagera
Primary outflows: Victoria Nile/ River Sezibwa
Average depth: 41 m (135 ft)
Max. depth: 81 m (266 ft)
Water volume: 2,424 km3 (582 cu mi)
Islands: Lake Victoria is the largest fresh water mass in the world and is believed to have up to 3000 islands, but the following 24 are the largest documented island masses however some of them are clusters of islands like the Ssesse Islands having a group of up to 84 separate islands within. Many of the Islands are not inhabited except for a few fishermen and wildlife: Bubembe Island, Bugaia Island, Bugala Island, Bulingugwe Island, Buvuma Island, Damba Island, lemba Island, Kiringiti Island, Koome Island, Maboko Island, Mageta Island, Mfangano Island, Migingo Island, Nabuyongo Island, Ndere Island, Pyramid Island, Rubondo Island, Rusinga Island, Ssese Islands, Sumba Island, Ukara Island, Ukerewe Island, Yuweh Island, Musambwa Island
Bird Species: Over 250 bird species
Animal Species: For mammals, this lake is the house of Hippopotamus, Sitatunga and Bohor Reedbuck. More than that, there are also several different Otter species that you can find here, such as African Clawless Otter, Marsh Mongoose, Cane Rats, Giant Otter Shrew, Defassa Waterbuck and Spotted-Necked Otter. Apparently, this place is the perfect place for these mammals to live.
For reptiles, Nile Crocodiles seems become the king of this lake. It can be seen with high population of this animal. On the other hand, there is also several different turtle species, such as Helmeted Turtles and Mud Turtles. One of the Mud Turtle species, which is Williams’ Mud Turtle, can be said as one of the unique reptile in this lake, because it only live in Lake Victoria and the river and lakes that are connected to this lake.
Common Fish: The main group in Lake Victoria is the haplochromine cichlids (Haplochromis sensu lato) with more than 500 species, almost all endemic, and including an estimated 300 that still are undescribed. The lake is home to a wide variety species of fish which include: Nile Perch, Nile Tilapia, as well as a smaller number of other fish species like Lake Victoria sardine and marbled lungfish.
Activities: Sport and Domestic Fishing, Fish Market Excursions, Boat cruising, canoeing, Bird Watching, Kayaking, Bird Watching, Wildlife Expeditions, Island Expeditions and Tribal Excursions
Interesting Facts: Starting in the 1950s, many species have been introduced to Lake Victoria where they have become invasive and a prime reason for the extinction of many endemic haplochromine cichlids. Among the introductions are several tilapias: redbreast (Coptodon rendalli), redbelly (C. zillii), Nile (Oreochromis niloticus) and blue-spotted tilapias (O. leucostictus). Although these have contributed to the extinction of native fish by causing significant changes to the ecosystem, outcompeted natives and (in the case of the Nile tilapia) possibly hybridized with the highly threatened native tilapias, the most infamous introduction was the large and highly predatory Nile perch (Lates niloticus).
Due to the presence of the Nile perch, the natural balance of the lake’s ecosystem has been disrupted. The food chain is being altered and in some cases, broken by the indiscriminate eating habits of the Nile perch. The subsequent decrease in the number of algae-eating fish allows the algae to grow at an alarming rate, thereby choking the lake. The increasing amounts of algae, in turn, increase the amount of detritus (dead plant material) that falls to the deeper portions of the lake before decomposing. As a by-product of this the oxygen levels in the deeper layer of water are being depleted. Without oxygen, any aerobic life (such as fish) cannot exist in the deeper parts of the lake, forcing all life to exist within a narrow range of depth. In this way, the Nile perch has degraded the diverse and thriving ecosystem that was once Lake Victoria.
La Foret Gardens, Muyenga
Plot 3161 Bukasa Close, off Tank Hill Rd, Kampala