The papyrus swamps of this RAMSAR site are home to the semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope. One can spot the elusive Shoebill plus other native birds on the lake.
Lake George (Lake Dweru) is remarkably one of the most scenic lakes in western Uganda, set along the western arm of African Rift Valley. Lake George is found within Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kasese district about 5-6 hour drive and covers an area of about 250 square kilometers (97 square miles) making it one of the smallest lakes in Uganda. It has a depth of about 2.4 meters and it is supplied by numerous inflows from extensive Rwenzori Mountain ranges and from the northeastern agricultural area including River Dura, Mpanga in the northeast as well as River Mubuku, Nsonge and Rumi.
Lake George derived its name from Prince George a British royal family member who later became King George V. This lake drains the southwestern side to Lake Edward via the Kazinga channel. Lake George outflows into Kazinga Channel which drains toward the nearby Lake Edward. In the northern shore, Lake George is mainly lined with a thick papyrus swamp. The water levels in Lake George keep fluctuating but at a minimal rate and stands at elevation of about 914 meters sea level and its main water catchment area is around the Rwenzori Mountain ranges.
Lake George comprises of scenic islands including Akika, Iranqara and Kankuranga. The fauna within Lake George largely consists of herbivores including varied fish species like cyclopoid copepod, tilapia and many others. The nearby papyrus swamps of the Ramsar wetland area of Lake George inhabit the sitatunga antelopes, shoebill storks and many resident birds.
Things to do in Lake George
Game viewing is one of major safari activities that are conducted in Lake George. Game viewing in Lake George gets you the best sight at the sitatunga antelopes which thrive within the papyrus swamps on the northern shores.
Birding is another thrilling experience offered in Lake George and allows you spot out variety of birds that make up about 620 bird species in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Bird watching in Lake George allows you to spot out the elusive shoebill storks.
Boat ride along Lake George gets you the best view of aquatic birds, beautiful flora and varied fauna species.
Nature walks in Lake George take you along its shores and reward visitors with exciting sights at varied birds and the breathtaking sceneries.
Visit the fishing villages-this allows you interact with local residents, explore about their unique lifestyles, fishing methods and others.
Best time to visit Lake George
Lake George can be visited at any time of the year. However, June, July, August, September and December, January and February are the best dry months of the year to visit Lake George. But, the wet months (March, April, May and October, November) are also ideal to explore Lake George especially for birders.
Where to stay in Lake George
The nearby accommodation options for visitor stay in Lake George include Marafiki safari lodge set over viewing Lake George Ihamba safari lodge-gets you the best of untouched wilderness at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Simba safari camp, Mweya safari lodge-luxury lodge, Mweya Hostel-Budget and many others.
How to get to Lake George
Lake George is 5-6 hours’ drive from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. Your journey starts from Kampala or Entebbe through Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi route or Kampala-Mubende-Fort Portal-Kasese route. Alternatively, take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Mweya/Kasese airstrip then connect to Lake George by a 4 wheel drive car.
In summary, Lake George is one of the spectacular water bodies in Western Uganda. While on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, count Lake George a must to explore and you will have lots of memories.