Crater lakes of Uganda

By Bujuku Eco Tours Activity, Uganda Trips 1 Comment

Uganda, usually called the “Pearl of Africa”, is home to more than 50 crater lakes formed by earliest volcanic explosions along the Albertine Rift valley. Although some might be saline with a strong smell, there is a good number with freshwater and beautiful scenery. These natural formations create some of the most magnificent landscapes in Uganda Surrounded by lush forests, tea plantations, and villages. The crater lakes of Uganda offer tranquil beauty, biodiversity, and cultural absorption.

Crater lakes of Uganda were formed during the same period as the Rwenzori Mountains

Many of these crater lakes are found in the Western part of Uganda in Rubirizi district, Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Rubirizi district is known for its numerous crater lakes, created by the past volcanic activities. These include the twin lakes Kyema and Kamweru, Lake Nkugute, Nyungu, Rwizongo, Kamunzuku, Mirambi, and Katinda. The area is also known as the Bunyaruguru Crater Field and is located near Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Rubirizi has a total of 32 crater lakes

A visit to any of the craters can be included as part of your wildlife safari to Queen Elizabeth or Kibale National Parks. Taking half of the day to visit the crater lakes is totally worth your time and effort.

Crater lakes of Uganda are a significant natural resource to societies of different areas. To the local people, the crater lakes provide a source of livelihood, to the Ugandan government the lakes are a boost to the tourism industry, to researchers, the crater lakes play an important role in studies of relative limnology and, on a global scale, the Western Uganda volcanic crater lakes are heritage sites to be preserved. Despite their numerous values, the crater lakes continue to experience pollution challenges largely due to ecosystem disturbance from human activities around the crater lakes, but also due to some natural causes.

The Crater lakes in Uganda.

Craterlakes of Uganda are grouped into four main geographic clusters: Fort Portal, Kasenda, Katwe–Kikorongo, and Bunyaruguru clusters.

Katwe Crater Lakes

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 are sold by the locals. The Katwe Lake has a depth of 996 meters and it is salty making it unfavourable to animal life. Feel free to stop by the Katwe Salt Lake and Interact with the local people try out some craft making and walks around the lake.

Surrounding the Crater Lake is endless lush green vegetation and hills, combined with the reflection of the sky. This calls for a magical view for your eyes.

Ndali – Kasenda Craters

Located in Fort Portal near Kibale Forest National Park, the Ndali Kasenda crater field is an easier trek on foot. Stretching 10km, there are quite a number of crater lakes that you can explore, Famous crater lakes in Uganda

The famous ‘Top of the world’ crater trail is a 3-hour guided walk through the entire crater area. There is a lot more to see and learn on this trail from your assigned guide. This is indeed a piece of paradise that most people have not experienced. You will be fascinated by the great view of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kibale rain forest and the vast tea plantations. You can also do some mountain biking around these craters. The thrill of hiking this area increases with every new crater you reach.

The area has many crater lakes. The lakes include Lake Nkuruba, Lake Lyantonde, Lake Nyinambuga, Lake Kifuruka and lake Nyabikere, among others.

On your next trip to Kibale National Park for Chimpanzee tracking, make sure that this is added to your itinerary. There are wonderful accommodation areas like the Ndali lodge, Papaya Lake lodge, Rweteera, Safari Park all of which are in close distance to Kibale National Park and the crater lakes.

The Bunyaruguru Craters

These are located on the Western side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is also known as the Kichwamba crater fields by the locals located in Kichwamba escarpment.

There are over 20 craters in Bunyaruguru area however the most protruding is the Nkugute crater lake also known as Rutoto lake. Nkugute is located in the recently created Rubirizi District in the Bunyaruguru County. It is said to have mysteriously taken up the shape of Africa.

Nkugute is a name derived from a Runyaruguru word that means “swallow”, from the legends and ancient stories that have been told in the surrounding areas for years. It was believed that the lake claims the lives of a boy and girl each year. Thus the “swallow” reference. There was no actual proof to confirm this local myth.

Nkugute Crater Lake was formed as a result of volcanic activity in the Bunyaruguru Volcanic field which is also evidenced by the Kitagata hot spring in Sheema district, Famous crater lakes in Uganda

The lake was earlier on surrounded by a thick forest, but it was removed during the construction of the Mbarara-Kasese highway.

Other crater lakes in Bunyaruguru include the twin lakes of Kyema and Kamweru, Mirambi and Katinda, Nyungu and Rwizongo, lake Nkuruba, Lake Mafuro, Kamweru and Kyema as well as Lake Kamunzuku.

Kyaninga Crater Lake

Lake Kyaninga is one of the gems that Uganda has in the borders of Fort Portal town, surrounded by the best atmosphere, filled with fresh air and cool breaths and offering remarkable views of the mountains of the moon which it oversees. Lake Kyaninga is a pleasant venue and site to be at and helps to beautify one’s travel taste. It’s one of the best places for hiking and biking. Lake Kyaninga is a Crater Lake that gives breath-taking views of the Rwenzori Mountains also known as the Mountains of the Moon.

Lake Nyabikere.

This is 30mins drive from the main road at the edge of Kibale Forest national park. And when translated Nyabikere means ‘frog’. One can possibly access Lake Nkuraba from Lake Nyabikere via Lake Nyinabulitwa to lake Nyamirima. Lake Nyabikere is a popular base for the chimp treks in the primate kingdom of Kibaale.

Lake Nyinambuga.

This lake is located south of the lake Nkuraba and has got amazing landscapes around it which are full of forests. This lake has got many luxurious places of stay for people with very high budget one of them being Ndali lodge, Famous crater lakes in Uganda

Lake Kifuruka.

This lake is located west of Lake Nyinambuga and has blue green waters which offer stunning views of nature. The waters are of that colour because they are still sulphuric. This lake also has hotels like Ndali lodge which is set on a narrow ridge overlooking this waterbody 100 meters below.

Lake Nkuraba.

Lake Nkuraba is located 25 kilometers south of Fort portal. On this lake there is a campsite known as Enfuzi community campsite.

Lake Lyantonde.

This lake is located south west of Lake Nyinambuga. Lake Lyantonde Is one of the beautiful lakes and has various accommodation like the papaya lake lodge where one can sleep.

Lake Kasenda.

This lake has fertile soils around it therefore it Favors the growth of crops and plants like the Arabic coffee which has led to the growth of Agro tourism in the area.