Nestled in Ndeeba (outskirt of Kampala) between Ring Road and Nabunya Road, the Kabaka Lake – locally known as ‘Akayaanja ka Kabaka’ is just 5 kilometers from the centre of Uganda’s capital city, Kampala.
The word ‘Kabaka’ is a local duke given to a King of Buganda Kingdom, in central Uganda; simply the word ‘Kabaka’ means ‘King’.
This easy on the eye lake is the largest man-made lake in Uganda and has a rich history attached to it. The touristic lake was made by the 52 clans of Buganda Kingdom during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga – the lake’s construction was brainchild of Kabaka Mwanga.
The main aim of constructing the Kabaka Lake was for the King to have a shortest route to Lake Victoria where he would go swimming, fishing and also stay at another palace he had built at Mulungu hill near Lake Victoria. Meanwhile, the plans fell through because of the religious war that broke out in the kingdom.
However, something great came out of it; a water body was born and this was later used for sail games by the Buganda kingdom and also Kabaka Mwanga made it a spot for meeting his people secretly.
Until now, the Kabaka Lake is a tourist site and it annually attracts mammoths of tourists who go there to enjoy its exciting stories and also indulging in its extraordinary beauty.
The beautiful Kabaka Lake occupies an area of about 2 square kilometers and about 200 feet deep on an average. Besides the rich history about the lake, it is also a home to many bird species, and is recognized as an important conservation site.
Normally on a Kampala city tour is when most tourists visit this historical lake in the Buganda Kingdom. You get to learn a lot about this lake during your visit and above it all you will get to interact with the local people who live near the lake; who in turn will give you more knowledge about it.
The lake consists of two islands (islets) and one of the islands has the King’s throne where he normally sits when he gives a visit to the lake. When you visit the lake, you will be able to see the throne along with the spear and shield on a forested small island.
There is a variety of activities to indulge in when you visit the lake, among them include; bird watching, boat cruise on an ever-calm lake, community visits, photographing and others.
The lake can easily be accessed from the city center. There are taxis (matatus) available in both old and new taxi parks. These will drop you to Ndeeba where the lake nestles.
However, public transport is more convenient to the local people who are used to it but you as a tourist you are advised to hire a private vehicle from a reliable and authorized car rental company in Uganda, such as 4X4 Car Hire Uganda.
With your private car, you will have a lot of freedom, flexibility and independence allowing you to tour more other attractions in Kampala during your city tour.
Among the top point of interests to visit include; Bahai temple, Gaddafi Mosque (Uganda National Mosque), Namirembe Cathedral, Rubaga Cathedral, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), Uganda Museum, Lubiri King’s Palace, Bulange Mengo (Buganda Parliament), Namugongo Martyrs Shrines, Uganda Parliament, Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, New and Old Taxi Parks, and many others.