Lake Saka is located in the Kabarole district in the western region of Uganda, close to Kibale Forest National Park. It is part of the chain of crater lakes of the western region of the country. Lake Saka’s beauty stretches its hilly neighbourhood to the tourism city of Fort Portal and extends to the Rwenzori ranges that surround the region. The striking beauty of Lake Saka is one of the main reasons for the large turnout of visitors in the area. This lake often does not get the credit it deserves for its many advantages it brings to the community close to it. Lake Saka may not be a major powerhouse of this region, but one thing is for sure, and that is the value it adds to the region, not forgetting the beauty. The lake stands at an average height of about 1,591 meters above sea level.
Lake Saka was formed as a result of volcanic activity that took place in this area over ten thousand years ago. This area experienced volatile volcanic conditions where molten lava beneath the Earth’s crust was forced out to the Earth’s surface in a violent manner. As a result of this violent and explosive eruption, the surface and volcanic pile were shot up and pushed aside. This deposition of volcanic waste or pile and the surface aside, left a large bowl-shaped depression or hole called a crater. This crater was later filled up with water, which became a lake and is now the present Lake Saka of Kabarole.
Activities done at Lake Saka in Kabarole district.
From the time of its formation many years ago, the lake has seen several changes, even in the areas surrounding the lake. These changes saw a variety of biodiversity in and around the lake, hence attracting a lot of visitors to the area. Some of the activities done at Lake Saka include the following.
Birding
Lake Saka hosts a large population of bird species that nest in the different ecosystems around the lake. The lake provides a lifeline to these bird species by blessing them with food inform of fish, water, and material to build their nests. A birding adventure on Lake Saka invites visitors to embark on an exploration adventure to find and spot some of the bird species in the area. Several birding trails along the shoreline of the lake help to bring the visitor straight to the bird habitats. The bird species hoped to be spotted include the pied kingfisher, lesser flamingos, green-breasted pitta, herons, egrets, and the great blue turaco, among others.
Swimming
Visitors to Lake Saka have a chance to swim in the pristine waters as the lake is safe, free from any hazards like bilharzia and dangerous animals like hippos and crocodiles. The lake does not possess any volcanic mineral residuals that may cause harm to the skin. Therefore, a swimming experience in Lake Saka is an epic adventure.
Cycling tours
Although rarely done, cycling tours are also done along the shores of Lake Saka. This cycling experience paints an adventurous picture by giving the visitors incredible scenic views at the top as they ride. Since this is a rare activity, and can best be organized by a local tour company.
Canoeing
Canoe riding is a rewarding activity done directly on Lake Saka, where visitors hop on canoes and get to explore the beautiful lake. This canoe ride is the best activity to explore the epic adventures of Lake Saka. During this activity, visitors have a chance to even spot several bird species on top, capturing the best views of the raised crater walls that surround the lake.
However, other than the mentioned tourist activities done at Lake Saka, there are other activities done in areas close to the lake, like Kibale Forest, as unveiled below.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the major tourist activities done close to the lake. A few kilometers from Lake Saka lies Kibale Forest National Park, known as an incredible chimpanzee destination. Kibale is known as the primate capital of the world since it hosts several chimpanzee individuals, the most in the region. Approximately 1,500 chimpanzees occupy the massive area of Kibale Forest National Park. Chimpanzee trekking involves visitors traversing through the dense vegetation of Kibale Forest looking for chimpanzee primates. An hour is spent with them upon locating the primate, which they spend in their presence as they take pictures and record videos for future memories.
Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru caves tour
The Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru caves are also located not very far from Lake Saka and are an epic sight of cultural, historical, and geographical significance. This is a top adventure that entails the mythical description of the caves of the Batembuzi dynasty. After a trip down memory lane with a professional guide, enjoy the history and the scenic views of the caves.
