Crater Lakes in Uganda

Crater Lakes in Uganda.

Crater Lakes in Uganda : Uganda is renowned safari destination because of so many volcanic mountains which as a result of volcanic eruption. The history of Crater lakes in Uganda goes as far back as 8,000 years ago. That is when they were formed as a result of volcanic activity, the magma cooling leading to a depressive symptoms which with time water collected resulting to a the emergence of a basin lake known as a crater lake that we know today, imagine that, the sense of seeing that lake is a dream come true safari experience, most of these crater lakes are situated in the western part of Uganda, within queen Elizabeth national game park ,their breathtaking view is a lot more than what words can explain but it’s beautiful. Uganda has many large crater lakes, especially in the western part of the country, like Fort Portal, Kabale, and others.

In Western Uganda, there are a lot of crater lakes. If you plan to go to the nearby safari attractions of interest, these could be a great setting for the whole trip. The craters are also great places to take photos on tour as follows;

Lake Katwe.

Lake Katwe recognized for salt extraction, situated in southern western part of Uganda, on the volcanic mountain opposite ,its popular for the fact that it’s salty due to the tributary rivers that flow inwards but none that lead outwards, consequently a lot of production of salt taking place in the lake, the salt production process is something to observe on a Uganda safari, surely it’s something not to miss, getting to know how our edible salt comes about, there’s also a lot of safari activities that take place in the lake, like lake diving, nature walks around the lake, dealing with the site of viewing the animals like elephants. Since most of the people who live there mine salt, making salt is an important way for them to make a living. However, they also make beautiful handicrafts to make up for the fact that they don’t make that much. You can look at the beautiful accessories they make and have fun learning how to make such beautiful works of art.

The other great crater is the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, which is the second deepest lake in the world and the deepest in Africa and Uganda. It has 29 islands and is between Kabale (1962m above sea level) and Kisoro districts in the south-western part of Uganda. It is about 25km long and 7km wide. You are welcome to visit it any time of the year, as it is open to tourists all year. Great for camping if you want to get away from the noise and bustle of city life for a while.

Lake Nyinambuga.

The picture of Lake Nyinambuga is on the 20000 Ugandan shilling note. It is a beautiful place with the cleanest water. When you’re there, you can’t miss the chance to dive in the lake, and you can also do fishing experiences there on a Uganda safari.

Identified in in-between the mountain of the moon, Rwenzori and Kibale national park is the exceptional Lake Nkuruba,45 km from the cleanest district in Uganda, Fort portal, a place where you can take on bicycle tours, nature walks around the nature reserves adjacent to it resulting to a view of the primates, the distinctive red colobus, velvet and the black and white colobus monkeys offering you a feeling of being in the wild, a walk to the market is an excellent interaction site with the locals, plus the beautiful handmade crafts the women make add more spice to the cultural occasions that take place in the area. The dances from other cultures help you fit in better and enjoy every moment. Bird lovers can watch the blue Turaco and the black-and-white casqued hornbill.

Ndali – Kasenda Craters.

Ndali Kasenda crater field is near Fort Portal and Kibale Forest National Park. It is easier to get there on foot. There are a lot of crater lakes to look at along this 10 km stretch. The famous ‘Top of the world’ crater trail is a 3-hour guided walk through the entire crater area. On this path with your assigned guide, there is a lot more to see and learn.

This really is a piece of heaven that not many people have seen. You will be amazed by the view of the Rwenzori Mountains, the Kibale rain forest, and the huge tea farms. Around these holes, you can also ride a mountain bike. The thrill of hiking this area increases with every new crater you reach. There are many crater lakes in the area. Lake Nkuruba, Lake Lyantonde, Lake Nyabikere, Lake Nyinambuga, and Lake Kifuruka are just some of the lakes. Make sure this is on your list for your next safari to Kibale National Park to look for chimpanzees.

Bunyaruguru Craters.

On the western side of Queen Elizabeth National Park is where you can find these craters. Locals also call it the Kichwamba crater fields, because it is in the Kichwamba cliff. There are more than 20 craters in the Bunyaruguru area, but the Nkugute Crater Lake stands out. Nkugute is in the Bunyaruguru county, in the newly Rubirizi District. It is said to have taken the shape of Africa that is attractive way.

The name Nkugute comes from a Runyaruguru word that means “swallow.” This word comes from myths and old stories that have been told in the area for a long time. It was believed that the lake claims the lives of a boy and girl each year. Thus the ‘swallow’ reference. There was no proof that this neighborhood story was true. Nkugute Crater Lake originated as a consequence of volcanic activity in the Bunyaruguru Volcanic field which is further demonstrated by Kitagata hot spring in Sheema distinct. Other crater lakes in Bunyaruguru include the twin lakes Kyema and Kamweru, Mirambi and Katinda, Nyungu and Rwizongo, Lake Nkuruba, Lake Mafuro, Kamweru and Kyema, and Lake Kamunzuku.

Kyaninga Crater Lake.

Kyaninga Crater Lake with in Kyaninga lodge which is completely located just above the crater, it’s very visible and it’s surely not to miss. When you walk out of the valley, you can see how people in Uganda live in a simple way. There are tour guides at the lodge who can take you on a walk.

There are more than 50 crater lakes in Uganda. Some may be salty and have a strong smell, but a good number have freshwater and beautiful scenery. This is proof that 12,000 years ago, true and amazing beauty was made.

Many of these crater lakes are in the western part of Uganda, near Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Your wildlife safari to Queen Elizabeth or Kibale National Parks can include a stopover at any of the craters. Taking a half-day to see these crater lakes is a great way to spend your time on your safari that will give you unforgettable safari memories.