Discover the beauty of lake Opeta | Mum and Dad Uganda Tours
Discover the beauty of lake Opeta, Lake Opeta is a hidden gem located in the eastern part of Uganda, approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Kumi Town in the Teso sub-region. Covering an area of about 68,913 hectares and standing at an elevation of 1,050 meters above sea level, it is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in Uganda.
This Ramsar site marks the southern edge of the vast arid region of Karamoja, which stretches along Uganda’s eastern flank between Mount Elgon and the distant Sudan border.
Lake Opeta’s primary source of water is rainfall from Mount Elgon. It drains into Lake Kyoga via the Lake Bisina Ramsar site.
The bio-diversity of lake opeta#Discover the beauty of lake Opeta
Lake Opeta comprises of rich ecological system with breathtaking landscapes endowed with the flourishing wetlands which serves as a place of safety to many numerous wildlife animals such as ground squirrels, marsh mongoose, bush squirrels, Sender black tipped mongoose, cane rat, shrew, cape clawless, otters, and a marsh dwelling for sitatunga and antelope to mention but a few.
The lake is a haven to different bird species the easily seen are the rare Uganda’s Fox weaver, papyrus gonolek, handsome silver bird, elusive shoebill, African Pygmy goose, beautiful black -headed plovers, Yellow bellied eremomela, Jacksons hornbills, fawn-colored lark, African grey flycatchers, sun birds, yellow-necked spur fowl to mention but a few.
How to reach lake opeta#Discover the beauty of lake Opeta
Lake Opeta can be reached by use of road transport you are to travel from Kampala to Moroto Road out of Soroti for 55 kilometers turning right a few hundred meters past the village of Katakwi.
Then continue to drive almost 50kilometers to the lake passing through the villages of Toroma and Magora. The travel time is about 5-6 hours depending on the traffic jam and your driving speed.
Best time to visit lake opeta
Lake Opeta can be visited all year round however mostly good during the rainy season of the year that typical runs in the month of March to May as well as October to November because during these periods Bird watching is particularly rewarding as many bird species are more active and easier to spot.
During this rainy season tourists are advised to use 4×4 tourist vehicle because most of the roads are slippery and muddy and also carry heavy clothes because much rainfall is received.
Activities carried out at lake opeta
Discover the beauty of lake Opeta, Tourists engage in to numerous activities while at Lake Opeta such as bird watching, fishing as well as pay a visit to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve because it’s near the lake. among others as analyzed below
Bird watching
Lake Opeta is a home to over 160 bird species so it is a good spot for bird watching experience. Tourists are granted with the chance to engage in the activity which is done with the aid of well-trained tour guide who ensures tourists with the information
Tourists are sight at the notable bird species such as the rare Uganda’s Fox weaver, papyrus gonolek, handsome silver bird, elusive shoebill, African Pygmy goose, beautiful black -headed plovers, Yellow bellied eremomela, Jacksons hornbills, fawn-colored lark, African grey flycatchers, sun birds, yellow-necked spur fowl to mention but a few.
You are advised to carry a portable camera, a pair of binocular and pack enough drinking water and eatables because the activity can last for about three hours.
Community tours
Lake Opeta is being surrounded by the Karamojong and the Pokot community’s tourists are granted with the opportunity to visit the local people home stead engage in to the interaction learning more how they spend their day-to-day activities hence a rewarding opportunity.
Fishing
Tourists will be granted with the chance to carry out fishing the activity is led by the local fishermen who ensure guests with the different methods used while fishing. The luckily participates will catch some fish species such as silver fish, lung fish among others hence unforgettable experience.
Pianupe wildlife reserve
On a visit to Lake Opeta paying a visit to Pian Upe Wild life Reserve its really unavoidable this reserve is the second largest wildlife reserve in the pearl of Africa situated in the north direction of Mountain Elgon covering an area of almost 2788 kilometers. The reserve is home to different wildlife animals such as dik-dik elands, roan antelopes, Zebra, Cheetah, greater bustard Jackson, oribi among others
As well as a haven to primate species such as olive baboons black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, among others
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve offers a variety of activities to tourists such as guided nature walk, bird watching, community tours all these reward visitors with memorable experiences.
Accommodation facilities near lake opeta
There are no accommodation facilities at Lake Opeta tourists can have an overnight stay around Kumi town and near Sipi Falls below are some of the facilities.
- Kumi Hotel.
- The Plains Spring Hotel
- Green Top Hotel
- Rock garden Sipi
- The Pearl Hotel
- Rafik Lodge Sipi
- Sipi Back packers
- Sipi travelers lodge Uganda
- Frontiers Resort Hotel Kumi
- Nyero alternative guest houses and many more
Come and have a relaxed overnight and enjoy the amenities offered such as free parking, security, restaurants, bars free internet to mention but a few.