Mazao Beach is one of Eco-Lakes International’s signature artificial lake projects — a shining example of how water can transform rural landscapes into thriving eco-tourism and livelihood hubs.
Located in Uganda’s countryside, Mazao Beach combines sustainable water resource management with tourism, aquaculture, agriculture and conservation to create a balanced ecosystem for both people and nature.
This project reflects Eco-Lakes International’s mission to build a water-secure, food-secure and environmentally resilient Uganda, while inspiring similar initiatives across Africa.
Our Purpose
Mazao Beach was developed to serve multiple goals:
Provide water security for nearby farming and pastoral communities.
Promote eco-tourism and recreation through a beautiful lakeside destination.
Support sustainable livelihoods via aquaculture, irrigation, and small business ventures.
Enhance climate resilience through water conservation, afforestation and ecosystem restoration.
Educate and empower local youth and women through training and entrepreneurship programs.
Key Features
Artificial Lake & Water Systems
A purpose-built artificial lake that stores water year-round, ensuring reliable supply for:
Crop irrigation and livestock watering
Cage fish farming and aquaculture
Small-scale domestic and commercial use
Aquaculture Zone
Mazao Beach supports modern fish cage farming, giving local cooperatives access to training, fingerlings, feed management and market linkages.
This program has already created new income sources for youth and women’s groups.
Recreation & Tourism
Mazao Beach is designed as a green leisure destination, offering:
Lakeside cottages and gardens for family retreats
Boat rides, fishing, and scenic nature walks
Event lawns for weddings, conferences and community celebrations
Birdwatching and photography spots for nature lovers
Conservation & Reforestation
Eco-Lakes International planted native trees and grasses along the lakefront to prevent erosion, restore biodiversity and create shaded recreational areas.
Wetland zones were also restored to enhance water filtration and wildlife habitat.
Community Empowerment
Mazao Beach actively involves surrounding communities through:
Employment in lake management, hospitality and aquaculture
Training workshops in water resource management, agribusiness and tourism
Local vendor spaces for crafts, food and produce markets
Impact Highlights
| Impact Area | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Water Access | Reliable source for nearby farms and households |
| Livelihoods | Jobs in tourism, aquaculture and services |
| Climate Resilience | Reduced drought vulnerability, greener environment |
| Tourism Growth | New visitor traffic and local economic boost |
| Biodiversity | Reforested shores and restored wetlands |
Experience Mazao Beach
Mazao Beach welcomes families, tourists, and investors looking for a sustainable and scenic retreat.
Enjoy the tranquil water, vibrant community and breathtaking sunset views — all while supporting rural development and environmental conservation.
Activities available:
Boat cruises & fishing
Family picnics & camping
Birdwatching & photography
Eco-learning tours
Weddings, retreats & events
Partnership & Investment Opportunities
Eco-Lakes International invites development partners, investors, NGOs and government agencies to collaborate on expanding the Mazao Beach model.
Partnership options include:
Co-management of tourism or aquaculture facilities
Investment in hospitality infrastructure
Climate resilience and reforestation programs
Research and education collaborations
Artificial Lake Establishment Cost Estimates
| Component | Item Description | Unit | Qty | Unit Cost (UGX) | Total Cost (UGX) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Feasibility & Design | Feasibility Study & Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) | Lump Sum | 1 | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | Includes site surveys, EIA, consultations |
| 1. Feasibility & Design | Topographic & Hydrogeological Survey | Acre | 2 | 1,500,000 | 3,000,000 | Drone/GPS + soil & water table tests |
| Feasibility & Design | Engineering Design & Drawings | Lump Sum | 1 | 4,000,000 | 4,000,000 | Detailed designs with CAD output |
| 2. Site Preparation & Earthworks | Site clearing and bush removal | Acre | 2 | 1,000,000 | 2,000,000 | Manual/mechanical clearing |
| Site Preparation & Earthworks | Excavation and basin shaping | m³ | 2,000 | 12,000 | 24,000,000 | Depth and contour-based costing |
| Site Preparation & Earthworks | Embankment construction | m³ | 800 | 15,000 | 12,000,000 | Using excavated or imported soil |
| Site Preparation & Earthworks | Compaction of lake bed and embankments | m² | 5,000 | 3,000 | 15,000,000 | Compacted with rollers |
| 3. Lining & Sealing | Clay lining (imported/local) | m³ | 1,000 | 20,000 | 20,000,000 | If soil is not clay-rich |
| 4. Water Supply & Inlets | Intake structures (gravity-fed) | Lump Sum | 1 | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | Canals or pipes |
| Water Supply & Inlets | Water pumping system (solar powered) | Set | 1 | 15,000,000 | 15,000,000 | Optional backup system |
| 5. Drainage & Control Structures | Spillway (stone masonry) | m | 20 | 100,000 | 2,000,000 | Overflow control |
| Drainage & Control Structures | Outlet pipes and culverts | m | 30 | 80,000 | 2,400,000 | Controlled water release |
| Drainage & Control Structures | Silt traps & sediment basins | No. | 2 | 1,500,000 | 3,000,000 | Protect lake lifespan |
| Sub Total | 112,400,000 | |||||