Uganda being in the great lakes region a third of it is covered by water. Uganda has 165 lakes with internal surface resources and numerous rivers to such an extent that some are not known. There is no region in Uganda that lacks a water body as rivers and lakes run from the top to the bottom of the country. Some of the water bodies in Uganda are world highlights like Lake Victoria being the largest inland water body in Africa and second largest fresh water body in the world and river Nile arguably being the longest river in the world.
Many tourists find Uganda’s lakes and rivers a source of attractions since there lots of mass tourism activities and that are done on them. On the lakes and rivers of Uganda, there are very interesting features like waterfalls, rapids, caves, sunset at the sea, the beaches and resorts that tourists enjoy on encountering them. These water bodies in Uganda make tourists unwind, explore and discover something new and also have a good time while inhaling fresh air and also feeling the sea bliss.
There are different water based activities done on the lakes and rivers of Uganda namely whitewater rafting, sightseeing, boat cruise, sunbathing, picnics, beach partying, bird watching and also resting and relaxation.
Here are some of the popular lakes and rivers that are enjoyed by tourists on their stay in Uganda
Lake Victoria
It is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world at 68,800 sq km of area and 1100m above sea level it is shared by three main east African countries of Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. In Uganda, it is found in the central region. Lake Victoria harbors lots of beaches and resorts where to revelers go for swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, partying, holding picnics and also have a retreat in their resort accommodation. There are also sport games that can be enjoyed on the beaches of the lake like beach soccer and volley. Fishing is also undertaken at Lake Victoria where visitors have an opportunity of dining on a Nile perch which is one of the most delicious fish one can ever eat. On this lake in Jinja, there is the source of the Nile the longest river in the world. There is rich history to visualize while at the source of the Nile.
River Nile
This is the longest river in the world as starts its long journey of 6,853 km from east Uganda Jinja where its source is located, through Sudan till Egypt north of Africa where it ends its course. This river has so much history to encounter from its source’s discover to being the backbone of the three nations of Uganda, Sudan and Egypt. While the Nile makes its journey northwards, there are lots of interesting features that enhance tourism that it holds namely the water falls, rapids, caves and cliffs. For instance the Itanda falls are used for whitewater rafting which is one of the most adventurous water activities that many tourists enjoy. The Bujagali cliffs on river Nile are used for bungee jumping unfortunately this amazing activities has been quashed by the development of the area as the cliff is to be removed soon to pave way for other social infrastructures.
The Nile has some many river tributes like the Albert Nile and the Victoria that have interesting features for sightseeing and photography. For instance the Victoria Nile has the top of the falls where the Nile is witness forcing its self through a 7metre narrow stream to make a rainbow fountain as it settles in its basin.
Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is located in the southwest part of the country in kigezi region where the mountain gorillas are found. This amazing lake is the deepest lake in Africa. Lake Bunyonyi has so many islands and these have been turned into resorts where holiday makers can unwind, have a retreat and escape from the noisy urban environment. Lake Bunyonyi has very magnificent scenic views and also harbors other tourism activities like boat cruise, bird watching and also zip lining. This place best interests lovers due to its serenity and good resort accommodation that can enhance romantic moments.
Kazinga channel
The Kazinga Channel in Uganda is a wide, 32-kilometre (20 mi) long natural channel that links Lake Edward and Lake George, and a dominant feature of Queen Elizabeth National Park located in the west of Uganda The channel attracts a varied range of animals and birds, with one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos and numerous Nile crocodiles. A boat cruise on this wonderful water channel is pinnacle of water experience in Uganda. It is really phenomenal!
Uganda has some other lakes and river as stated above that there are 165 lake and several river but the above water bodies stand out when it comes to attractiveness. Below is the list of other known river and lakes in Uganda
Lake Edward and George, Lake Kyoga, Lake albert, River Katonga, River Semliki, River Achwa, Kagera River, River Kafu to mention but a few.