Lake Albert

Lake Albert locally known as Lake Mwitanzige by Banyoro and Batoro, Nam Ovoyo Bonyo by Alur is positioned in the mid-west of Uganda forming a border with Democratic Republic of Congo. Lake Albert is the 2^nd biggest of the Ugandan great lakes, ranks 7^th on the African continent and 27^th in the World in terms of volume. Lake Albert is 160 km ( 99 mi) long, 30 K ( 19 mi) wide, a surface elevation of 619 m ( 2031 ft) above sea level and a maximum depth of 51 m( 167 ft).

Lake Albert is surrounded by a beautiful and dramatic landscape in the East by the Congolese mountains, south by Rwenzori Mountains, Blue Mountains on the northwest and in the west by striking rocky escarpments. It features swampy vegetation to its southern where River Semuliki enters the lake

The lake is part of the upper Nile Complex system meaning the main source of Lake Albert is the White Nile flowing from Lake Victoria southeast and the other inflow is Semliki River flowing from Lake Edward to the southwest. The out lake of the lake is on its northernmost tip called the Albert Nile and becomes Mountain Nile when it enters South Sudan and finds its way to the Mediterranean Sea.

Lake Albert is home to a number aquatic and semi aquatic species like River hippos Nile and Red Lechwe, Uganda Kobs, Nile Monitor lizards, Nile Crocodiles, African Central African Mud Turtles, African Softshell turtle, Rock Pythons, Giant African Bullfrogs , snakes among others. Water birds on the lake include Goliath Heron, African Fish Eagle, Wattled Plover, White-faced Whistling Duck, Greater Flamingo, Goliath Heron, Several Stork, Open-billed, Saddle billed, Yellow billed and Hamerkop, Rare Shoebill storks among others. The lake is home to over 55 fish species like Electric Catfish, Nile perch, Tiger fish, African Tiger fish, Marbled lungfish, African sharp tooth catfish, Vundu catfish, Cornish jack, Nile Tilapia among others.

History of Lake Albert

Sir Samuel Baker was the first European and big game hunter to explore Lake Albert and named it Lake Albert after prince Albert who was the consort of Queen Victoria. The first European to circumnavigate Lake Albert was Romolo Gessi in 1876. During the colonial times, the lake had a well-developed shipping network and the colonials showed interest in adding it to the railway network to connect East, North and south Africa and assist them in linking their interests.

ATTRACTION AT LAKE ALBERT

Game Viewing

Lake Albert is home to a variety of wildlife species that live in the nearby Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and Semiliki Wildlife Reserve. The wide life to spot include Hippos, Crocodiles, Leopards, Buffaloes, waterbucks, Orbis and primates like baboons, black and white colobus monkeys. Wildlife can be explored on foot, boat cruise, game drive, mountain biking in the reserve.

Boat Cruise

This is the best activity to carry out while on a trip to Lake Albert, Boat cruise that can be done in the morning or evening, exposing you to the lake’s aquatic and semi aquatic life, if lucky enough you can spot the rare Shoebill stork hiding in the papyrus and weed on the shoreline. While on the cruise you will be amused by the scenic views of the blue mountains, Rwenzori Mountains and more.

Mountain Biking

Cycling at the lake can be done in the nearby Kabwoya Game reserve close to its wildlife. The reserve offers several trails and terrains that suites all kinds of mountain bikers, even beginners. Bikes are available for hire or you can choose to carry your own.

Quad Biking

This activity gives tourists chances to visit the remote places of the area that can’t be reached by safari vehicles. This is your opportunity to enjoy breathtaking scenery, wildlife and the countless bird species of the area among others to enjoy while on Quad Biking.

Guided Nature Walk

This is the best opportunity to encounter the lake’s wildlife and bird species up close on foot, visit the Albertine escarpments and the shore lines. The area has a number of walking trails to choose from to suit your fitness levels. This activity is led by experience site guided that knows the trails best.

Fishing Safari

What a visit to a lake without fishing. This is your opportunity to catch your own dinner on a fishing safari on lake Albert, the lake as a number of fish species that can be caught like Nile Perch, Cat Fish and others. Fishing is only done in designated areas on the lake.

Where to Stay at Lake Albert

Being that Lake Albert is a popular tourist destination, a great place to relax while on a safari on Murchison Falls National Park, Semuliki National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. it has a number of accommodation tourists can host their stay ranging from Luxury, Mid-range and Budget. Some of which include Lake Albert Safari Lodge, Kikono Lodge and Semuliki Safari Lodge.

How to get to Lake Albert

Lake Albert Is approximately 260 km drive from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda that’s like 4 hours of road drive.

Best Time to Visit Lake Albert

The lake is open to visitors all year round but the best time to visit the lake is during the dry season when the waters are low in the months December to February and from June to August.