Lake Edward

Located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lake Edward is shared between the two nations.

Lake Edward’s surface area of 2,325 km² renders it the smallest of the African Great Lakes.

The lake’s northern shore is just a few kilometres south of the equator. Lake George drains into Lake Edward via the 32km long Kazinga Channel, a major attraction within Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Although Lake Edward’s name has changed several times, its majesty has remained constant.

In 1888, the British explorer, Henry Morton Stanley, named the lake after Prince Albert Edward, the son of Queen Victoria.

In 1973, the Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin, named the lake after himself. However, the original name was reinstated after Amin was overthrown in 1979.

The lack of a definitive border between the Ugandan and Congolese sections of Lake Edward has led to tension in recent years. In 2018, there was a naval skirmish between the two nations on Lake Edward.

Like Lake George, Lake Edward is designated as a Ramsar site due to the importance of its wetland habitat. The lake is inhabited by many fish species, including the Nile tilapia and the blue-spotted tilapia.

Fishing is an important economic activity, and it provides an income for the local residents. Vitshumbi is the largest of the local fishing villages.

The banks of Lake Edward are home to elephants, chimpanzees, buffaloes, and crocodiles.

Lake Edward is visited by many species of migratory water birds, and the lesser flamingo has been spotted several times.

Climb aboard and explore the wonders of the Kazinga Channel from a new angle. An expert ranger will guide you through the beautiful flora and fauna.

Whether you encounter energetic elephants or bathing buffaloes, you will certainly have a memorable trip.

There are two independent boat cruise operators, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Mweya Safari Lodge. Both trips cost around $30 per person and last around 2 hours.

Located on the Mweya Peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, this luxury lodge has an excellent location.

The lodge offers unforgettable views of the winding Kazinga Channel, the towering Rwenzori Mountains, and the distant grasslands that merge into Lake George and Lake Edward.

The lodge offers a broad range of accommodation, from standard rooms to spacious private cottages which offer complete seclusion.

The Mweya Health Club is a great place to unload excess stress. The Health Club has a steam bath and sauna, and it offers massages, body treatments, and facials. 

The lodge’s central location within Queen Elizabeth National Park provides convenient access to Lake Edward.

Njovu Park Lodge prides itself on its sustainability and respect for the local wildlife. The lodge seeks to immerse its guests in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and guests often leave with an enlightened perspective on their relationship with nature.

The accommodation ranges from a ‘Junior Suite’ which contains one single bed, to a ‘Grand Superior Room’ with two king-sized beds.