Lake Albert in Uganda: Rift Valley Lake, Fishing and Shoebill Country
A deep rift valley lake at the foot of the Western Rift escarpment, fed and drained by the Nile.
Lake Albert is one of the African Great Lakes, in the Western Rift between Uganda and the DR Congo. The Victoria Nile flows into its northern end and leaves it as the Albert Nile. It was reached by Europeans in 1864 when Samuel Baker saw it and named it for Prince Albert.
The lake shores around Butiaba and Ntoroko offer fishing communities, birdlife and scenery beneath the rift escarpment. See Murchison Falls and the shoebill boat trip at Toro-Semliki.
This guide is part of our Uganda facts and travel information guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Uganda tours and safari packages.
At a glance
- Location: Western Rift, Uganda and DR Congo
- Fed by: Victoria Nile and Semliki
- Outflow: Albert Nile
- Named by: Samuel Baker, 1864
Why Visit
- Dramatic views from the rift escarpment.
- Fishing villages and local markets.
- Shoebill and other waterbirds.
Getting There
Lake Albert is reached from Murchison Falls, Hoima or Fort Portal. See driving distances between the parks.
Planning a trip? Tell us your dates and we will build a Uganda safari around them.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Lakes in Uganda: Victoria, Albert, Edward, Kyoga, Bunyonyi and More
- The Nile River in Uganda: Source at Jinja, Murchison Falls and Beyond
- Lake Kyoga: Uganda's Shallow Nile Lake in the Heart of the Country
- Lake Edward and Lake George: Queen Elizabeth's Rift Valley Lakes
- Uganda Facts and Travel Information: Geography, Climate, Currency, Visas and Attractions
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