Located in western Uganda, Lake George is one of the freshwater lakes within Queen Elizabeth National Park that extends for a total surface area of about 97 square miles. This great lake was originally known as ‘Lake Katunguru’ from the word ‘Akatunguru’ due to its ‘onion-like’ shape.
This shallow lake was later renamed ‘George’ after then Prince George who later became King George V of England.
The lake drains towards the southwestern side into Lake Edward via the Kazinga channel. It is fed by a number of streams and rivers the flow from the nearby Rwenzori mountains also known as ‘Mountains of the Moon’.
Lake Gorge boasts an average depth of about 2.4 meters only and sits within the western arm of the great rift valley. There are three small and spectacular Islands in the lake and they are known as ‘Akika’, ‘Kankuranga’, and ‘Iranqara’.
Size and history of Lake George
Lake George is over 9 times smaller than Lake Edward that currently covers a total surface area of over 898 square miles. Sir Henry Morton Stanley is believed to be the first European Explorer to see this lake. This was in 1875 during his trans-African expedition while tracing the course of River Katonga from Lake Victoria. He at first thought it was part of Lake Albert hence renaming it the ‘Beatrice Gulf’. His plans of discovering more about the lake were prematurely brought to an end because of the Bunyoro Kingdom conflicts.
Over 13 years later (in 1888) on his second visit to the area and during the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, Henry Morton Stanley later came across Lake Edward, which he found out was actually two different lakes hence giving Lake George its present-day name.
The lake was designated a Ramsar Wetland site on the 4th of March 1988, owing to its diverse wetland species and its Global importance.
Wildlife and birds to be spotted around Lake George
The shores of Lake George are characterized by exceptional wetland vegetation, which offers shelter to different wildlife species that include sitatunga. The shores are also frequented by Hippos, elephants, Nile crocodiles, and lots of antelope species. Its waters also offer shelter to Haplochromis and Nile Tilapia, among other fish species hence supporting different fishing villages.
Lake George is a renowned birding paradise with over 150 bird species, including the saddle-billed storks, Marabou storks, Nubian woodpeckers, grey-headed Kingfishers, and African fish eagles. Don’t miss the Great white and pink-backed pelicans, Swamp nightjar, Black-headed weavers, yellow-billed storks, Black Crakes, African Jacana, long-tailed cormorants, African mourning Doves, African skimmer, Pied Kingfisher, to mention but a few.
Interesting things to do within or around Lake George
Boat rides and canoeing
Boat rides and canoeing are the most popular activities provided on Lake George. These boat rides can start from Kazinga channel pier and then head towards George to discover its beauty. Alternatively, the boat/canoe rides can begin from the Fishing Village (Humukungu) with greater opportunities of discovering what this small shallow lake has to offer.
Birdwatching
Birding tours , through the boat ride or a guided nature walk, introduce visitors to the beautiful Nubian woodpeckers, grey-headed Kingfishers, African fish eagles, Great white and pink-backed pelicans, Swamp nightjar, and many others.
Community tours
One of the most renowned community tours around Lake George is the ‘Kasoga Community tour’ where visitors undertake guided walks through the Humukungu fishing village, enjoy community birding experience, the canoeing Regatta (competition), and many other adventures.
Places to stay near Lake George
Some of the nearest accommodation facilities to the lake are Mweya Safari Lodge, Kasenyi Lake Retreat Lodge & Campsite, Kasenyi Safari Camp, Elephant Plains, Mweya Hostels, Tembo Safari Lodge, Engiri Game Lodge & Campsite, and Marafiki Safari Lodge among others.