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Lake Edward

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Lake
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Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)

Weather…

Lake Edward is situated within the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift, forming part of the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. It was named in 1888 by the explorer Henry Morton Stanley in honor of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII. Covering an area of approximately 2,325 square kilometers, it sits at an elevation of 912 meters above sea level. The lake is fed by several rivers, including the Rutshuru and Ishasha, and its waters drain northward via the Semliki River into Lake Albert. Its shores are protected by the Virunga National Park in the DRC and the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, hosting diverse wildlife such as hippos and numerous bird species. Fishing is the primary economic activity for local settlements like Vitshumbi, though the industry faces challenges from regional instability and environmental degradation. The lake remains a vital part of the Nile River's headwaters and a key site for ecological research in Central Africa.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212121212020202020202020
Rain mm788815815013110287138162176164100

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access is generally restricted and requires coordination with Virunga National Park authorities. Entry usually involves traveling via regional dirt roads.
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Best season
The dry seasons, typically January to February and June to August, offer easier road conditions. Wildlife viewing is also generally better during these times.
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Terrain & paths
The lake is surrounded by varied landscapes, including savannas and wetlands. The shores can be muddy and dense with vegetation depending on the area.
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What to bring
Essential items include strong insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, and binoculars for wildlife. Sturdy, waterproof boots are useful near the water.
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Parking
Vehicles are left at designated park ranger stations or approved lodges. Unauthorized travel or parking near the lake shore is strictly prohibited.
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Safety
Hippos and crocodiles are present and pose a significant danger near the water. Regional security situations require strict adherence to park guidance.
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Time needed
A typical guided visit or boat tour lasts around 2 to 4 hours. Comprehensive wildlife safaris in the surrounding area can span a full day or more.

Geography

Coordinates
-0.20000, 29.60000

Facts

  • Total surface area of approximately 2,325 square kilometers
  • Situated at an elevation of 912 meters above sea level
  • Discovered by Henry Morton Stanley in 1888
  • Forms the border between the DRC and Uganda
  • Drains into the Nile system via the Semliki River
  • Adjacent to the Virunga National Park

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ishango Archaeological SiteIshango Archaeological Site7 km · EExplore →
Virunga National ParkVirunga National Park31 km · WExplore →
KatweKatwe32 km · NExplore →
Lake EdwardLake Edward33 km · NExplore →
Mount TshiaberimuMount Tshiaberimu37 km · SEExplore →
Queen Elizabeth National ParkQueen Elizabeth National Park37 km · NExplore →
Isasha RiverIsasha River39 km · WExplore →
LuberoLubero41 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lake Edward located?
It is located on the border of DR Congo and Uganda in the Albertine Rift.
Is swimming allowed in the lake?
Not recommended due to bilharzia risk and wildlife like hippos.
What animals live here in Virunga National Park?
Elephants, buffaloes, and numerous rare bird species are native here.
Is there fishing on the lake?
Yes, fishing is an important source of livelihood for local communities.
How can the lake be reached?
Mostly from Goma or Butembo, using a 4x4 vehicle on unpaved roads.
Lake Edward: where is it located?
Lake Edward is located in Congo - Kinshasa.
Lake Edward: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
Lake Edward: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Edward is situated within the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift, forming part of the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Congo - Kinshasa →

Nature

Lake Kivu — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes, known for its scenic beauty and unique dissolved methane and carbon dioxide.
Epulu River — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Epulu River
A river in the northeast, known for the Okapi center.
Lake Albert — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Lake Albert
Lake Albert is a large freshwater lake in the Albertine Rift, forming part of the border between the DR Congo and Uganda.
Ituri River — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Ituri River
The Ituri River flows through the famous Ituri Rainforest, known for its incredible biodiversity and indigenous cultures.
Ulindi River — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Ulindi River
A mountain river that flows into the Lualaba.
Elila River — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Elila River
A right tributary of the Lualaba River in the eastern DRC.
Aruwimi River — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Aruwimi River
A major tributary of the Congo River in the north.
Uele River — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Uele River
A large river in the north, a main headstream of the Ubangi.

More places

🗺️
Ruwenzori Mountains
The Ruwenzori Mountains, or 'Mountains of the Moon', are a range of snow-capped peaks on the border with Uganda.
Rwenzori Mountains — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Rwenzori Mountains
A range on the border between Uganda and the DR Congo.
Mount Sabyinyo — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Mount Sabyinyo
An extinct volcano in the Virunga Mountains.
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Mount Gahinga
An extinct volcano in the Virunga chain.
Mount Mikeno — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Mount Mikeno
An extinct volcano in the Virunga Mountains.
Nyamuragira — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Nyamuragira
A very active shield volcano.
Virunga Mountains — Lake Edward (Congo - Kinshasa)
Virunga Mountains
A chain of volcanoes on the border between Rwanda, Uganda, and the DR Congo.
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Mount Bisoke
An active volcano in the Virunga Mountains.