Lake Kyoga : Uganda is located at the heart of the great lakes region and Lake Kyoga is among the many lakes in the pearl of Africa. Lake Kyoga is a large shallow lake in Uganda, about 1,720 square kilometers (660 sq mi)in the area and at an elevation of 1,033 meters. The Victoria Nile flows through the lake on its way from Lake Victoria to Lake Albert. It was formed by the Victoria Nile in its middle course. The many-armed lake is shallow, with swampy, papyrus-reeded shores; masses of papyrus are broken loose by strong winds and at times have completely blocked the river. Navigation for shallow-draft vessels is possible between Namasagali and Masindi Port. The lake is about 80 miles (129 km) long and is 3,390 feet (1,033 meters) above sea level. The main inflow from Lake Victoria is regulated by the Nalubaale Power Station in Jinja. Another source of water is the Mount Elgon region on the border between Uganda and Kenya. While the lake is part of the African Great Lakes system, it is not itself considered a great lake.
Of the big part of the lake, a large part is occupied by lake extensions most of which are seasonal and dry up in the dry season. They include lake kwanza, lake bikini, and lake operation surrounded by yet more seasonal swamps.
Lake Kyoga is a quieter alternative to Lake Victoria for travelers who have an interest in fishing or aquatic wildlife.
Lake Kyoga contains 46 fish species, and the majority are endemic. However, many of Lake Kyoga’s endemic species are closely related to species that are found in Lake Victoria.
Like Lake Victoria, Lake Kyoga has experienced a loss in biodiversity since the introduction of the Nile perch in the 1950s.
It is also home to the Nile crocodile, which can reach up to 5m in length. These large animals are a main attraction to the lake.
Nile crocodiles are numerous, as is aquatic fauna.
Activities to indulge in.
The Nyero rock paintings are just 12km from Lake Kyoga. These ancient geometric paintings are one of the most important rock art sites in Uganda. Guided tours of this magnificent attraction are available at the entry gate.
In 1997, the Nyero rock paintings were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
Fishing and birding are also popular activities at Lake Kyoga. The lake is home to several rare bird species, including the Fox’s weaver.
Lake Kyoga is quite a shallow lake with an average depth of just 3m and a maximum depth of 5.5m The swampy shoreline is thus the largest reason for the numerous bird species that are found along its shores which are frequented by birders.
People around Lake Kyoga thrive on fishing and a little farming. Some local communities keep livestock but on a smaller scale as well as just for survival. The lake has over 46 fish species most of which are endemic found there only.
Tribes around Lake Kyoga.
Burundi is a semi-desert area where the lake is their main source of food, employment, and wealth. The Baruuli people are herdsmen, farmers, fishermen, and charcoal burners. They too carry out trade with the neighborhood in fish, charcoal, and food. Their staple food is sweet potatoes and matooke. They too grow millet, peanuts, yams, cassava, and other kinds of vegetables.
Their land is very dry almost all months but they do farming near the shores of their cherished . The water from the lake is used to irrigate the different crops including millet, maize sorghum etc. It’s being shallow papyrus reeds are harvested which is used to do different craft work.
