LAC EDOUARD

Lake Edward is shared by the DRC and Uganda. Located at an altitude of 916 meters, the lake has a total surface area of 224 hectares, 74% of which is Congolese territory. Lac Édouard is shallow and very rich in fish, and fishing is authorized for the riparian population on the Congolese shores. 20 years ago, this was the site of the world's largest hippopotamus population, of which a few groups remain. The meeting point between the Semliki River and northern Lake Edward in the Ishango area also represents an interesting option in terms of tourism, thanks to the presence of numerous savannah animals (elephants, hippos, crocodiles, birds...) and the magnificent view of the volcanoes and the Ruwenzori. There are also opportunities for hiking along the river and lake, and discovering the archaeological site of Ishango, where the famous sticks of the same name were found. Ishango is little-used and little-visited at present, but the site is accessible on request (enquire at the park's Beni office). From Mutsora station to Ishango, allow 78 km. There are plans to integrate this area into the "plains circuit", with a crossing over the lake to link the Rwindi plains (Lulimbi) to Ishango. This will enable "safari"-type tourism for the large savannah mammals that live there.