Lake George - Brilliant Uganda

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Lake George

Too often overlooked in favour of its larger neighbour, Lake Edward, Lake George is an attraction in its own right. Designated as a wetland of international importance in 1988, Lake George contains rich biodiversity, including over 150 species of bird.

Introduction to Lake George

Located in southwestern Uganda, Lake George is a shallow lake with an average depth of around 2.4 metres. The lake is in the western part of the Great Rift Valley and the explorer Henry M. Stanley named it after King George V.

Lake George is fed by various rivers and streams which flow down from the Rwenzori Mountains.

The lake contains three small islands: Kankuranga, Iranqara, and Akika.

Above the clouds on the Ugandan border: last leg of summit hike

Lake George and the Kazinga Channel

Lake George drains into its larger neighbour, Lake Edward, via the Kazinga Channel.

This 32-kilometre-long freshwater channel is a key feature of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos (around 2,000).

Lake George’s 250km² surface area is almost ten times smaller than that of its larger neighbour, Lake Edward (2325km²).

Hippos are powerful creatures, an average adult male weighs 1,500kg.

Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park

How to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Access to Queen Elizabeth National Park is relatively straightforward thanks to the development of road networks and flight connections within Uganda. The park is easily accessible…

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Wildlife at Lake George

Lake George is surrounded by wetland grass and this wetland habitat is home to a plethora of wildlife, including over 150 bird species. Several mammals reside around the wetlands, including Sitatunga antelope and elephant.

In March 1988, Lake George was designated as Uganda’s first Ramsar site due to its rich biodiversity.

Lake George is inhabited by many fish species, including the Nile tilapia and the Haplochromis, and it supports several fishing villages.

Things to do at Lake George

Lake George is a birder’s paradise. The lake is home to over 150 bird species, including the African jacana and the rare saddle-billed stork.

Boat trips and canoeing are perfect for adventurers who want to explore Lake George’s inviting waters.

Long nature walks around Lake George are relaxing, and they are a great way to recover after a safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Lake George is home to the rare saddle-billed stork.

Where to stay around Lake George?

Kasenyi Safari Camp

Just 5.17 miles from Lake George, Kasenyi Safari Camp is situated on the banks of Lake Bunyampaka.

The camp features 8 tents which are raised on platforms and covered by thatched roofs. Each tent features an en-suite bathroom, a king-sized bed, and a private decking area with a stunning view.

The restaurant serves delicious food and offers complimentary Wi-Fi.

In the night, you can hear the sounds of the wilderness from the comfort of your king-sized bed.

Spacious tent at Kasenyi Safari Camp.

Elephant Plains Lodge

A new luxury lodge with a breath-taking location. Elephant Plains Lodge has sweeping views of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s grassland and Lake George.

The lodge offers 6 twin en-suite cottages with spacious private verandas, and family cottages with 2 en-suite bedrooms which can house up to 5 people.

Elephant Plains Lodge is designed to maximise its stunning surroundings and each room overlooks Lake Kikorongo.

The lodge’s eco-friendly swimming pool is the perfect place to relax at the end of a busy day.

Sweeping view from a cottage at Elephant Plains Lodge.

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