Time Stands Still At Opeta Lake, Uganda

In the Northeastern region of Uganda lies a large, remote, seldom visited lake: Lake Opeta. The lake was designated a national conservation area in 2006 due to its numerous bird species— including the globally endangered shoebill (balaeniceps rex).

Lilly pads stretch endlessly across the calm waters to the horizon. Rare birds soar past. The setting is extremely tranquil. A large crash of a tree branch
hitting the water breaks the peace. The lake is not only home to rare wildlife, but also to a local tribe of

Teso people. They fish the waters of the lake and live in basic grass huts on swampy floating islands. Living the same simple lives of their forefather’s, they have everything they need to survive. The fish are in high demand with the neighboring communities who often come to the lake shore to buy fish and trade items which cannot be grown on the islands such as flour and maize.

The fishermen rely on nothing from the outside world, they don’t use power, they don’t have mobile phones and they don’t have modern fishing equipment. They have lived, fished and traded this way comfortably for generations.

Getting to the Lake involves driving down dusty tracks, past previous insurgent’s camps, a 4 x4 is a necessity. In dry season the water is another 10 minute walk across the huge flood plains.

People from surrounding villages used to survive on the islands as well, escaping the killing sprees of the Karamajong Tribes in 2003. Violence and constant raiding became part of normal life in the region and peace has only been restored in recent years. 

Seeing fishermen from a neighboring island plying their trade is quite a sight. They furiously beat the water with long sticks to attempt to get the fish to swim right into the nets which have been carefully setup close by. The method is tried and tested and has been passed on from one generation to the next.

There is another prolific fisherman on the lake competing for the fish. Strange looking, standing around 4ft with a huge wedge shaped face giving the appearance of something from prehistoric times. It is the shoebill. The shoebill, with one genus and species, has been placed within its own family and has traditionally been grouped with the storks and/or herons. It was first spotted in 1850 by Gould, who saw the creature along the banks of the upper White Nile and called it "the most extraordinary bird I have seen for many years".

This species wasn’t classified until the 19th century when skins were brought to Europe. However, the bird was familiar to both ancient Egyptians and Arabs, who refer to the bird as abu markub, which means one with a shoe. There are Egyptian images depicting the Shoebill as well.

Very few foreigners have visited these areas, so it will be a privilege to see the authentic culture of these friendly fishermen which has not been modernized at all. They enjoy a completely sustainable existence.

Find out more exotic places around the world from the travel consultants of Tamimi Travel & Tours.