Lake Albert
Lake Albert is found in the western rift valley along the border of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo it is shared between Uganda and Congo. This is a fresh water body lake that is filled with numerous fish species like Lung fish, Catfish, tilapia, Nile perch, Angara, tiger fish, mud fish to mention but a few and it is strategically located next to Murchison falls national park Uganda’s greatest game drive destination. Lake Albert is found in the north western part of Uganda approximately 246 km from Kampala capital city of Uganda. Lake Albert’s Location next to Murchison falls makes it a habitat to numerous wildlife species such as lions, crocodiles, elephants, Buffaloes, Hippos, Uganda Kob, Antelopes, bush bucks, hyenas, Giraffes, duikers, bush babies, warthogs to mention but a few. There also rich oil deposits on the shores of Lake Albert in Hoima district with an oil mining Plant which would be nice to explore.
Tourist activities at Lake Albert.
Boat cruises; Lake Albert provides a great opportunity for tourist while at Murchison Falls National Park to Take cruises. This is a fun filled activity that can be relaxing and yet thrilling. Boat cruises offers one the opportunity to view the different wildlife species, birds, sun set and sunrises. Boat cruise usually coasts 100 USD for foreign non- residents, 80 USD for foreign residents while UGX 100,000 per East African citizen usually taking between 4 to 5hrs. While on a boat cruise, one can be able to view the beautiful sceneries around and in the lake for example the hills, islands, green trees, birds among others.
Wildlife viewing; Lake Albert is strategically situated next to Murchison Falls National Park home to Uganda’s best Wildlife drive destination. It is filled with numerous species of wildlife such as Lions, elephants, buffaloes that move in herds, leopards, crocodiles, chimpanzees, hippopotamus, Nubian giraffes, Jacksons hearte beast, Uganda kob, sitatunga, warthogs, bushbucks, water bucks, hyenas, monkeys, oribis, Rhinos which are at Ziwa sanctuary, baboons, fish among others making it a great tourist destination.
Sport Fishing; Lake Albert is spotted with a variety of fish species such as Lung fish, Catfish, tilapia, Nile perch, Angara, tiger fish, mud fish to mention but a few. While on a walk around the shores of Lake Albert or Canoe ride one can acquire a fish permit for the local tourist offices or trusted tour operators like Explore Rwanda Tours and go fishing aiming to spot any of the mentioned fish species. One can also prepare a delicious Uganda meal from the fish caught.
Guided nature walks; Along shores of Lake Albert are trails that tourists can use to explore the adverse beauty of the lake. While moving with a guide one can view the various wildlife species, birds, sun sets and sun rises and also get an opportunity to connect with nature not forgetting taking beautiful pictures that act as souvenir.
Cultural experience; One while on a Uganda lake Albert tour can move around meeting the local residents who live around the lake Albert shores and can learn about their ways of living, their fishing techniques the olden day folk stories, participate in traditional dances, songs and also purchase local crafts as souvenirs among others.
Water Tours; while on Lake Albert one can take a guided tour on the waters in order to view the different wildlife on the lake such as souvenirs among lions, crocodiles, elephants, Buffaloes, Hippos, Uganda Kob, antelopes, bush bucks, hyenas, Giraffes, duikers, bush babies, warthogs and birds species like Abyssinian ground hornbill these usually migrate from other country, blue-headed coucal, swamp flycatcher, African fish eagle, silver bird, Senegal thick-knee, Goliath heron, malachite kingfisher, African jacana, yellow-fronted tinkerbird among other.
Chimpanzee trekking; From Lake Albert the forest reserves of Bugoma and Budongo are close by. These forests are filled with over 500 chimpanzees. Giving a good opportunity for one to trek chimpanzees that is spend time feeding and learning how to interact with them, and learning their behaviours. However, one needs to have a Chimpanzee trekking permit in order to carryout chimpanzee trekking. These permits cost; 250 USD for foreign non-residents, 200 USD for foreign residents and 100,000UfGX for East African citizens and this process usually takes 1 hr and is really thrilling.
Bird watching; Lake Albert is filled with variety of bird species that will indeed fulfil a birders bird viewing experience. There over 450 bird species at Lake Albert and Murchison falls national park for example; Abyssinian ground hornbill these usually migrate from other country, blue-headed coucal, swamp flycatcher, African fish eagle, silver bird, Senegal thick-knee, Goliath heron, malachite kingfisher, African jacana, yellow-fronted tinkerbird, black –billed barbet, giant king fisher, Black –headed gonolek, Denhards bustard, malachite kingfisher, speckle-fronted weaver, silver bird, shoe bill, osprey, weaver birds, African jacana, African qualifinch, piapiac, osprey to mention but a few.
The best time to visit the Lake Albert is during the dry months of January, February, December, June, July, August and September.
