Crater Lakes in Uganda
Crater Lakes in Uganda have an exciting history that dates back between 8000 and 10000 years. They were formed from volcanic activity but instead of creating the typical cone-shaped Volcanoes, these eruptions created large basin by spreading Unlike other volcanoes that make cones on top of the mountains, the explosion craters emitted lava with ash and lava, ash and rocks over a wide area. Over the times, these basins filled with water, turning them into beautiful Crater Lakes. These Crater Lakes are stunning offering breathtaking view and remarkably, they are worth exploring during a safari in Uganda. Most of them are distributed in Western Uganda.
List of Crater Lakes in Uganda
Ndali-Kasenda Craters
Situated near Fort Portal and close to Kibale National Park, the Ndali-Kasenda Craters offer a distinct experience for those on a safari in Uganda. Stretching over 10 kilometers, visitors can enjoy a three-hour walk along the scenic crater trail. These craters are hidden gems that showcase Uganda’s natural beauty, and not many people have had the chance to appreciate their charm. The Ndali-Kasenda Crater area is comprised of numerous Crater Lakes including Lake Kifuruka, Lake Nyabikere, Lake Nkuruba, and Nyinambuga and many more.
Bunyaruguru Crater Lake
Bunyaruguru Crater Lake is also known as Kichwamba Crater Fields, is a beautiful Crater Lake located in the Western part of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. If you’re planning a visit to the park for activities like game drives, boat rides, or birdwatching, be sure to include the Bunyaruguru Crater Lake area in your itinerary. This region features about 20 scenic Crater Lake however, most of them are dry Craters. Nkugute Crater Lake is the most prominent and it is recently created Crater Lake in Rubirizi district. The name Nkugute comes from the Runyaruguru word and means “swallow,” inspired by local legends that say a boy and a girl are taken each year. This lake was formed due to volcanic activity in Bunyaruguru Volcanic Area and this is also evidenced by the Kitagata Hot Springs in Sheema district. The Bunyaruguru Crater Field also Twin Lakes named Kamweru and Kyema, as well as Nyungu, Rwizongo, Lake Kamunzuku, Mirambi, and Katinda.
Kyaninga Crater Lake
Kyaninga Crater Lake is one of the beautiful craters is found in Uganda. The crater lake is located near Fort Portal, it provides stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. The Kyaninga Lodge, a luxurious safari lodge close to Kibale Forest National Park, takes its name from this lake. This spot offers a truly exceptional view of the impressive Crater Lake.
Lake Kifuruka.
Lake Kifuruka is a beautiful crater lake situated west of Lake Nyinambuga. Its water has a beautiful blue green, making for a unique natural scenery. The unique color comes from the presence of sulfur in the water, which gives it that distinct look. This lake also has hotels like Ndali lodge which is set on a narrow ridge overlooking this waterbody 100 meters below.
Lake Katwe Crater
Katwe Crater Lake is situated at the highest point of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Mweya Peninsula in Western Uganda. It’s about 5-6 hours’ drive from Kampala capital city. It is aa fantastic spot for anyone looking to experience a safari in Uganda. Visitors can enjoy game drives, birdwatching and boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, all while making a stop at Katwe Crater Lake. This unique lake is quite deep at 996 meters and is salty, which means it doesn’t have any wildlife living in it. The 27-kilometer drive to the offers stunning views, including the lake itself and the diverse wildlife found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, like buffaloes and elephants. You’ll also be treated to breathtaking sights of buffaloes, elephants and not to forget the panoramic view over the western rift valley, the surrounding escarpments and beautiful Lake George, Lake Edward, Kazinga Channel, and the Rwenzori Mountain ranges.
Lake Nyabikere.
Lake Nyabikere is situated about a half-hour drive from the main road at the outskirts of Kibale Forest National Park. The name Nyabikere translates to “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.
Lake Nyinambuga can be found just south of the lake Nkuraba, surrounded by stunning scenery and lush forest. There are several luxurious places of stay for people with very high budget one of them being Ndali lodge, making it a popular spot among visitors to Uganda’s famous crater lakes.
Lake Kasenda.
Lake Kasenda is surrounded by rich, fertile soils that helps crops and plants thrive, including Arabic coffee. this has boosted Agro tourism in the area.
Lake Nkuraba.
Lake Nkuraba can be found about 25 kilometers south of Fort Portal. It has a campsite called Enfuzi community campsite right by the water.
Lake Lyantonde.
Lake Lyantonde is situated on the south west of Lake Nyinambuga. It’s a stunning Crater Lake that offers various places to stay, including the papaya lake lodge where ne can sleep.
Lake Nyinambuga.
Lake Nyinambuga can be found just south of the lake Nkuraba, surrounded by beautiful scenery and lush forest. There are several luxurious places of stay for people with very high budget one of them being Ndali lodge, making it a popular spot among visitors to Uganda’s famous crater lakes.
