Lake Edward

Lake Edward

Lake Edward is the smallest of the African Great Lakes. It is located in the Albertine Rift, on the border between the Congo and Uganda, with its northern shore a few kilometres south of the Equator.

The region shows much evidence of volcanic activity in the last 5000 years. It is thought that Lakes George and Edward have been joined as one larger lake in the past, but lava from these fields flowed in and divided it, leaving only the Kazinga Channel.

Lake Edward lies completely within the Virunga National Park "Congo" and the Queen Elizabeth National Park "Uganda" and does not have extensive human habitation on its shores. About two-thirds of its waters are in the DR Congo and one third in Uganda.

Lake Edward is home to many species of fish. Fishing is an important activity among local residents. Fauna living on the banks of the lake  including lions, crocodiles, elephant, and chimpanzees  are protected by the national parks. The area is also home to many perennial and migratory bird species.