Page 29 - July-Sept 2024 Edition

Mweya Peninsula
Mweya Peninsula is at the western end of the Kazinga Channel where the
channel enters Lake Edward. There are 2 routes that you can take to access
the peninsula. The first one is via the Channel Track which can be a great
place to come across herds of elephant as they cross the road to access
the Kazinga channel. It’s quite a sight as herds cross the road with their
young and babies, grazing vegetation as they go, and are usually not in a
rush, which makes for excellent elephant encounters. The second and more
direct route to Mweya is to take the murram road from the main highway
to the Kabatoro gate, also know as Main gate. Along this route, you will
travel past a salty sulphurous crater lake called Lake Nyamanyuki which
literally translates to ‘bad smelling meat’. During certain times of the year, Kob
the sulphur smell is quite strong, hence the name. There is a spot to pull off
the road and get out of the vehicle to view this beautiful lake. There are
often lone buffaloes, lying on the shoreline and the lake changes colours
throughout the year because of algae bloom.
The Mweya peninsula sits in an elevated position which makes for some
excellent views of the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward. The oldest
lodge in the park is found here, Mweya Lodge was opened in the 1950’s
and offers stunning views. The UWA has a campsite, budget rooms and a
canteen on the peninsula. The canteen serves drinks and a basic menu. If
you are looking for a lunch spot, this is a nice place to sit at a table under
a tree and admire the views over the channel. There is an airstrip on the
peninsula for flights in and out of QENP as well as a boat launch below
Mweya Lodge. Boat trips can be arranged either through Mweya lodge by
visiting their reception or though UWA, from the visitors centre.

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