Famous crater lakes in Uganda : In Uganda, there are more than 50 crater lakes. Although some might be saline with a strong smell, there is a good number with freshwater and beautiful scenery, evidence of 12,000-year-old creation of true and spectacular beauty.
Many of these crater lakes are found in the Western part of Uganda, near and around the two areas of Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park. A visit to any of the craters can be included as part of your wildlife safari to Queen Elizabeth or Kibale National Parks. Taking the half-day to visit the craters is totally worth your time and effort.
How craters were formed in Queen Elizabeth National park
The volcanic craters of Queen Elizabeth National Park are a result of earlier volcanic activities. About 7000 years ago. The crater lakes are true results of violent volcanic activities on an extinct volcano. Crater lakes are formed when molten rock is also known as lava, with a lot of blows off the surface of an extinct volcano and a lot of pressure. The lava with ashes blew further away from the vent forming a large basin instead of forming a volcanic cone.
Crater lakes in Uganda.
Katwe Crater Lake
At the highest point of Queen Elizabeth National Park of the Mweya Peninsula lies the amazing Lake Katwe. On your drive to the park, you will be able to have a 27km view of the spectacular Katwe. The park is only a glimpse away; you have a panoramic view of the rift valley, the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake George and Edward as well as the Kazinga channel.
Feel free to stop by the Katwe salt lake and experience the salt mining process by the locals. The lake has quite a number of inlets but no outlets which explains why the water is so salty. During the dry season, through the process of evaporation, the salt solution is concentrated to make salt rocks which are dried and sold by locals.
Interact with the minors; try out some craft making, walks around the lake among others.
Surrounding the Crater Lake is endless lush green vegetation and hills, combined with the reflection of the sky. This makes for a magical sight 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 mesmerized 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 Nyabikere, Lake Nyinambuga, and Lake Kifuruka among others.
On your next trip to Kibale National Park for Chimpanzee tracking, make sure that this is added to your itinerary. There are superb accommodation areas like the Ndali lodge, Rweteera Safari Park, Papaya lake lodge all 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 prominent is the Nkugute crater lake.Nkugute is located in the newly 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 myths 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 distinct, 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 trinkets that Uganda has in the outskirts of Fort Portal town, surrounded by the best atmosphere, filled with fresh air and cool breaths and offering spectacular views of the mountains of the moon which it overlooks. Lake Kyaninga is a delightful venue and site to be at and helps to beautify one’s travel appetite. 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 mean 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 is 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 color because they are still suphuric. 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 I one of the beautiful lake and has various accommodation like the papaya lake lodge where ne can sleep.
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.
