Lake Bisina Uganda – Kidepo Valley National park
Lake Bisina Uganda – is a freshwater lake in eastern Uganda. It is also known as Lake Salisbury connected upstream via a wetland to Lake Opeta and drains into Lake Kyoga.
Lake Bisina Uganda – is one of Uganda’s 33 Important Bird Areas and since 2006 a Ramseur-listed wetland of international importance.
It is used as a feeding ground by wading birds, including the globally vulnerable Shoebill. The system is also important as a refuge for fish species that have gone extinct in the main Ugandan lakes such as Lakes Victoria and Kyoga.
Lake Bisina Uganda is most renowned for birding activities a small canoe can be contacted in the edge of the lake in search for bird species like malachite kingfisher, pied kingfisher, grey heron, grosbeak weaver, common Squacco heron, brown capped warbler, purple heron, gull billed terns, goliath heron and many other species of birds can be seen.
Lake Bisina Uganda is located near pian upe wildlife reserve so you can easily combine the two areas for your birding
A shallow freshwater lake with a thin strip of fringing papyrus swamp, part of the Lake Kyoga Basin lakes. Water lilies, a declining habitat in much of Uganda, dominate the shallow areas, which is important for its diversity of macrophytes. It is used as a feeding ground by wading birds, including the globally vulnerable Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex). The system is also important as a refuge for fish species that have gone extinct in the main Ugandan lakes such as Lakes Victoria and Kyoga. The lake is very important for the surrounding communities in terms of fishing, transport, and supply of water for domestic use and livestock. It is especially critical during times of famine, e.g., a rhizome of the Nymphea genus is used as food during droughts. The site falls outside the Karamoja Protected Area system and there are no legal protections proposed. A community-based management plan has been prepared, and a local fisheries association promotes sustainable fisheries development
Also visit Sipi falls and things to do
Visit sipi falls. The Sipi falls are a phenomenon to many tourists both local and foreign all year round. Regarded as one of the most romantic and amazing places in Uganda, the falls are a series of three prominent Waterfalls with the longest drops as high as 100metres. The second Waterfall drops 75metres below and has upper cascades before the plunge. The third Water fall measures 85metres and is tall and columnar and it has a vigorous flow with mist which creates mini rainbows when the sun hits it. However, there are countless other less prominent falls nearby which make it a wonderful place to visit with your loved ones and family to spend some time together.
The Falls get their water as it flows from the slopes of Mountain Elgon which is located in Eastern Uganda in Kapchorwa District North-East of Mbale and Sironko Districts. These Falls are situated at the edge of Mountain Elgon National Park near the Uganda-Kenya border. Sipi Falls is as well the starting point for many hikers looking to scale Mountain Elgon and also popular for the cool weather, the ice cold water which some people describe as healing when you dive into and the Bugisu Arabica coffee plantations nearby known to be grown at altitudes of about 1600mtres above sea level.
The breathtaking Waterfalls derive their name from the Sipi River which in turn was named after the local plant growing along the River banks called the “Sep”. This plant resembles a type of wild banana with translucent green fronds with a bolt of crimson red used for medicinal purposes like treating diseases like measles and fever. Local folklore has it that British sightseers once found a lady picking wild plants in a nearby plantation and asked her the name of the Falls; she thought they were asking the name of the plant so she replied “Sep”.
When to Visit sipi falls in Uganda
Sipi Falls can be visited any time of the year. Uganda has got a tropical climate and this means that it is warm all year round and has no drastic changes. Sipi Falls is always cool and cooler than all the areas surrounding it and it’s a wonderful place to visit and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. As mentioned before a swim in the Sipi waters can be next to heavenly and environment is good for meditation with its beautiful scenery which makes your stay at Sipi Falls a memorable.
Accommodation around Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls has got many options of safari lodges around where you can stay and enjoy your time and relax in the cool environment. There are different categories of accommodation ranging from backpackers, budget and mid-range. These include: Crow’s Nest situated 2000mtres on the slopes of Mountain Elgon which offers a stunning view of the Sipi Falls, Sipi Falls resort located within Mountain Elgon National Park and it is made up of self-contained grass thatched huts which will heighten your enjoyment by staying the way the indigenous people of the fantastic Karamojong plains. You can also choose to stay at Sipi River Lodge which is made up of very nice cottages with very tasteful décor and is perfect for you to stay on your visit. Other options are Mbale Resort Hotel, Lacam Lodge, Mountain Elgon Hotel and Noah’s Ark among others.
Hiking
Hiking is the best activity for many tourists who visit the Sipi Falls. You can select one of the numerous popular waterfall walks either a short one or a longer one as the shortest takes 15 minutes and strenuous hike can take three quarters of the day or the whole day depending on your interests. The cool breeze of the amazing Sipi Falls will offer you comfort on any walk of your choice.
Sipi Arabica Coffee
Sipi Arabica Coffee plantations are also marvel for many tourists who visit and take time at Sipi Falls. These plantations are set mainly around Mountain Elgon which has volcanic soils which are fertile and perfect for this type of coffee couple with cool weather to ensure healthy coffee plants. Sipi Arabica Coffee plantations are found in the Bugisu region and you will have fun hanging out and interacting with the local people in the coffee plantation chain like the farmers, processors, exporters and roasters among others. You can take part in some activities here and even prepare and serve yourself with a cup of coffee straight from the source. The Sipi Arabica Coffee is some of the best coffee on earth and is daily winning respect World over. Appreciate the process and every cup of coffee here as you visit a local farmer to learn about his day to day work and life cycle of the coffee plants.
Mountain Elgon Adventure
Mountain Elgon is one of the highest mountain continental and the second largest volcanic in the World measuring about 3000metres above sea level and is imperious to the landscape. Hiking on this majestic giant can be a thrill to you as a thrill seeker.
Abseiling
This the Art of descending rock and slopes using a friction device attached to your harness. Abseiling descents at Sipi Falls can be organized at Chebonet Falls and are made up of 15 sport climbing routes ranging from 10-35metres and you can enjoy the descent and also have fun climbing all the way up. You always have to make sure you have a climbing helmet and other gear before.
Bird Watching
Get immersed in the beauty of the Uganda Wildlife and challenge yourself to spot as many bird species as you can. It will be both soothing and fun. This World renowned activity can be enjoyed at the Sipi Falls.
Fly Fishing
Participate in the Fly Fishing on the remote section of the Sipi River above the waterfall, and learn the art of fly fishing which requires different techniques from other kind of fishing, for example luring the fish with a “Fly”.
Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve
Take a game as you look out for some of Uganda’s Wildlife in Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve and enjoy the diversity in the countryside. This reserve has got some intriguing animals including the biggest birds known as the Ostrich.