Uganda’s beauty is defined by several things, and amazingly, its charm is incomparable. A visit to the Crater Lakes in Uganda is a great opportunity for you to experience its natural beauty. Crater Lakes in Uganda are dotted around the Western part of the country where much volcanic activity took place. The Crater Lake trail introduces you to the country’s most charming Crater Lakes and you will engage in many tourist activities.
The popular locations with Crater Lakes in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National Park where the Katwe Craters are found, the Kibale/Fort Portal/Kabarole area, and other parts of the Rwenzori Mountains. While on top of these Crater Lakes, you enjoy the breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, Kichwamba Escarpment, Kibale Forest, and Lake George.
Kasenda Crater Lakes consist of many Craters located on steep volcanic slopes. They are concentrated around the Rwenzori Mountains on the Eastern side and Kibale National Park on the Western part. Kasenda lies in the Kabata village and this area alone features up to 12 stunning Crater Lakes.
On the Crater Lake tour in Fort Portal/Kabarole district, the top Crater Lakes to visit include the Kyaninga Crater Lake. Kyaninga is small in size, but it is one of the most spectacular craters to explore whether on a guide or self drive Uganda safari. This Crater Lake is where Kyaninga Lodge gets its name, one of the luxury accommodation facilities in Fort Portal, Kabarole district. It is a preferred upmarket lodge for guests on chimpanzee tracking tours to Kibale National Park or Crater Lakes tours in Kabarole/Fort Portal area.
Ndali-Kasenda Craters are found close to Kibale National Park, and they can be accessed on foot. They stretch 10km and exist in large numbers. On the Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lake tour, it is also possible to visit the top of the world. The top-of-the-world Crater Lake trail takes 3 hours and you will be guided by an experienced local guide. It offers incredible views of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, extensive tea and banana plantations, other Crater Lake, and the lush Kibale Forest.
The Ndali-Kasenda Crater region is comprised of Lake Lyantonde, Lake Nyinambuga (this is also found on Ugandan 20,000-shilling note), Lake Nkuruba, Lake Kifuruka, and Lake Nyabikere.
Katwe Crater Lake
Located on the highest point of Queen Elizabeth NP Mweya Peninsula, the Katwe Crater Lake is one beautiful spot you shouldn’t return without exploring. Enjoy remarkable views of the park and the rift valley, Lake George and Edward, the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, and the Kazinga channel. You can also make a stop visit at the Katwe Salt Lake to explore how salt is locally mined in this area.
There are several inlets to this Crater and no outlets, a reason why its water is salty. The salt solution is concentrated especially during the dry season using an evaporation process. It is during this stage when salt rocks are dried and they can be ready to be sold. The Katwe Lake has a depth of 996 meters and it is salty making it unfavorable to animal life.
The Bunyaruguru Craters
The Bunyaruguru Craters are found on the Western part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Over 20 Crater Lake makes up the Bunyaruguru and this is also mostly referred to as the Kichwamba Crater fields. The most popular of Bunyaruguru Craters is Lake Nkugute and this is found in the Rubirizi district. This derives its name from a Runyaruguru word meaning “swallow.” Myths and ancient stories have been told about this area and there is a belief that every year, this Crater Lake claims the lives of a girl and a boy.
However, this has not been proven. Like most Craters, Lake Nkugute formed due to volcanic eruption activity that occurred around the Bunyaruguru volcanic field, and Kitagata hot springs in the Sheema district are typical evidence of this occurrence. Other Crater Lakes that make up Bunyaruguru include Mirambi, Lake Nkuruba, Lake Kamweru, Lake Kyema, Mafuro, Rwizongo, Katinda, Kamunzuku, Lake Nyungu, and others.
In summary, Uganda is a beautiful destination in Africa where you can explore more than the big five games, or primates such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys. Visiting Uganda’s magnificent Crater Lakes offers an unforgettable experience of its own.