Crater lakes in Uganda - the best crater lakes to visit on a Uganda Safari

Located in the Eastern part of Africa, Uganda is a home to prime tourist attractions among which include national parks, volcanic mountains, crater lakes, rivers, waterfalls, cultural sites, sanctuaries, to mention but a few. The western circuit around the areas of Kibale Forest national park and Queen Elizabeth national park comprises of crater lakes. These were formed as a result of volcanic eruptions that took place years ago.

A basin was formed as result of melting magma forming a depression and later filled with water and a lake was formed. Touring these craters is turning your moments into memories. You get a chance to stay in any of the safari lodge or hotel within the respective national parks. Crater lake tours in Kibale forest national park and Queen Elizabeth national park are usually done on foot. This gives travelers an opportunity of exploring these lakes to the fullest. Crater lake tours provide scenic views of the near/surrounding areas such as the rolling hills and the neighboring Fort Portal city. Spending time near a crater lake gives you deepest feelings about nature as you take those memorable pictures. Majority of the crater lakes in Uganda are found in western districts of Kabale, Fort Portal, Kasese, Kabarole and Bunyaruguru.

A safari in Uganda with Beyond Travel gives you an opportunity to visit at least any of these lakes, learn about their history and formation as well as the traditional beliefs attached to them.

What are the major crater lakes in Uganda?

Lake Katwe

Bordered by Queen Elizabeth national park, Lake Katwe is located in western Uganda in the district of Kasese (Mweya Peninsula). Lake Katwe is one of Uganda’s prime safari destinations visited by many travelers from all corners of the world throughout the year. The lake receives travelers who come to tour and explore as well as those that come to do business that is salt mining.

Lake Katwe is famous for being a salt mining area in East Africa. The lake has streams that supply the water from the neighboring volcanic mountains, however, no river drains water out of Lake Katwe. This is one of the reasons why the lake has never run short of salt irrespective of the many decades mining has been taking place.

Visiting Lake Katwe crater gives you an opportunity to learn about salt mining. You will learn about different processes through which salt goes from the time of extraction to the time of consumption. Learn what some salt mining terminologies such as grade 1 and grade 2 mean. Additionally, it is an opportunity for you to interact with the locals and learn about their lifestyles. The locals will tell you about how they mine salt, how they cope up with the risk related with salt mining activities. If you are passionate about learning, do not leave your note book and a pen behind. There is nothing you ought to miss while at Lake Katwe.

There are other activities that one can combine with Lake Katwe Crater tour. These include; a game drive wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth national park, boat cruise at Kazinga channel, birding, guided nature walks and community tours. These activities come along with animal encounters. You encounter tree-climbing lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, antelopes, and warthog, to mention but a few.

Lake Nyinambuga

Located in Bunyaruguru district (western Uganda) with in the areas of Kibale forest national park, Lake Nyinambuga is one the best destinations for Crater lake tours in Uganda. Lake Nyinambuga was formed a thousand years ago as a result of volcanic eruption. Heat underneath the ground resulted into eruption as a result of radioactivity and geo-chemical reactions. The intense heat and pressure resulted into eruption which created a depression that was later filled with melted magma. As years went by, the depression was filled with water and the crater lake was formed as a result. The lake is on the “Twenty thousand Uganda shilling note” This is a testimony of the lake’s fame and beauty. It is one of the lakes in Uganda with cleanest waters when compared to other lakes across the country.

Lake Nyinambuga is of great importance to the neighboring communities as they draw water for day to day use. Its meandering shape and the surrounding trees make Lake Nyinambuga a good photography destination as the tree shades are always reflected in the waters.

Quite a number of activities take place at Lake Nyinambuga and these include; sightseeing, nature walks, swimming, sun bathing, camping and hiking. You should note that some of these activities happen throughout the night. It also provides scenic views of the surrounding areas such as Kibale forest and Mt. Rwenzori also known as the Mountains of the moon.

Visiting Lake Nyinambuga is usually combined with chimpanzee tracking or habituation safaris and Bigodi wetland tours.

Bunyaruguru crater lakes

Other than Lake Nyinambuga, there are quite a number of crater lakes within Bunyaruguru district in Kibale Forest national park. These craters were all formed as a result of volcanic eruption. The lakes include; Lake Nkuruba, Lake Nyabikere (lake of Frogs), Lake Nyamirima, Lake Nyanswiga, Lake Lyantonde, Lake Rukwanzi, etc. Exploring these lakes is best done during cycling adventures. These areas have good camping sites and additional attractions such as Mahoma falls.

If you are someone who likes being around lakes that are not as big as Lake Victoria, add Bunyaruguru on your list and make your dreams come true.

Ndali – Kasenda Craters near Fort Portal and Kibale Forest

While on your trip to Kibale forest national park, do not miss the Ndali – Kasenda Craters. The lakes can be explored on foot since they are a reward to hiking to the “top of the world.” The lakes come with spectacular views of Mountains of the moon (Rwenzori), Kicwamba escarpment forming part of the western rift valley, Kibale rain forests, neighboring tea plantations and Lake George. Visiting these Crater lakes come with spectacular photographic moments. Ensure to come with reliable a camera and smart phone if you do not want to regret missing such scenes.

Kyaninga Crater lake

Surrounded by the best atmosphere, filled with fresh air and cool breaths Kyaninga Crater lake offers spectacular views of the mountains of the moon (Mt. Rwenzori) which it overlooks. The lake is good for hiking and biking and gives scenic views. It is a good place for any vacation as it gives you an opportunity of being out of the usual noisy urban life and get more time to interact with nature.

Other Major lakes in Uganda

Other than the Crater Lakes, Uganda has quite a number of other lakes which can be added on every traveler’s safari. Each lake in Uganda is unique in its own way. Some have fresh waters while others have salty waters. Visiting Uganda gives you an opportunity to explore these lakes, learn about their history, the traditional beliefs attached to them and what they are famous for. The lakes have activities that take place some of which are major while others are minor. It is crystal clear that Uganda strongly depends on these lakes to get water to support both animal and plant life. Some of these lakes are located within the conservation areas such as national parks. Below are some of the major lakes in Uganda.

Lake Victoria

Covering an area of 68,800 square kilometers, Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake is nestled between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania with Uganda covering 45% of Lake Victoria’s total area. Lake Victoria is / was known as Lake Nalubale before it was renamed after Queen Victoria by one of European explorers by the name of John Hannington Speke. The lake is also famous for being the source of one of the longest rivers in the world known as River Nile which pours its waters in Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.

Wildlife in Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is a home to quite a number of animal, bird and fish species that support Uganda’s ecosystem. The lake comprises of reptiles such as the Nile crocodile and the African helmeted turtle, and many crustaceans, including four different species of freshwater crab. Lake Victoria also pays homage to invasive species such as the notorious Nile Perch.

What to do at Lake Victoria.

Visiting Lake Victoria is never boring, it involves participation in activities that are not only unique but also diverse in nature. Below are some of the activities that take place at Lake Victoria;

• Swimming
• Birding in Mabamba swamp
• Chimpanzee tour at Ngamba Island
• Beach activities at Ssese island beaches
• Visiting Uganda wildlife center/Entebbe zoo

Where to stay while on Lake Victoria safari

Accommodation in Lake Victoria is diverse in a way that travelers choose where to stay. The hotels and lodges range from budget (cheap) to mid-range (moderate) and then luxury (expensive). Below are some of the lodges and hotels from where you can choose;

• Lake Victoria Hotel in Entebbe
• Protea Hotel Entebbe
• Mirembe Resort Beach Hotel at Bugala island
• Ssese Island Resort at Ssese island
• Ssese Habitat Resort

What is the best time to visit Lake Victoria?

Lake Victoria is one of the destinations in Uganda which are open to travelers all year round. The best time to visit depends on what you love to do. For example if you love birding, swimming and nature walks, the best time would be during the dry season when the water levels are low. On the other hand, if you love flora, the best time would be during the wet months of December to March.

Lake George and Lake Edward

Located in southwestern Uganda, Lake George is a shallow lake with an average depth of around 2.4 meters. The lake is in the western part of the Great Rift Valley and was named after King George V by the explorer Henry M. Stanley. In March 1988, Lake George was designated as Uganda’s first Ramsar site because of its rich biodiversity. Lake George is fed by several rivers that come from Mt. Rwenzori. It is also made up of three small islands namely; Kankuranga, Iranqara, and Akika.

Lake George pours it waters in its neighbor Lake Edward thorough a channel that connects the two that is Kazinga channel. Lake Edward was named after Albert Edward by Henry Morton Stanley who visited the lake in 1888

Things to do at Lake George and Lake Edward

• Boat cruise
• Swimming
• Kazinga channel launch cruise
• Animal sightings
• Nature walks
• Canoeing
• Birding
• Fishing
• Etc.

Where to stay while on a safari to Lake George and Lake Edward

• Mweya Safari Lodge
• Njovu Park Lodge
• Kasenyi Safari Camp
• Elephant plains Lodge
• Etc.

Lake Bunyonyi

Located in western Uganda within the districts of Kabale and Kisoro, Lake Bunyoyi is one of Uganda’s destinations that every traveler would tiptoe to have a glance. The lake was formed 1000s of years ago and it is believed to be the deepest lake in Uganda. No traveler leaves Lake Bunyonyi the way they came, they are blessed and engrossed with mesmerizing melodies of multiple bird species that dwell in the area. The name “Bunyonyi” is a local word which means ‘small birds” which is a brief explanation of what the lake is famous for.

What to do while at Lake Bunyonyi

• Swimming
• Birding
• Boat cruise
• Community tours

Where to stay while at Lake Bunyonyi

• Birds Nest Lodge
• Arcadia Lodges Bunyonyi
• Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort

Lake Kyoga

Located in central Uganda, Lake Kyoga is a prime destination for travelers who do not fancy crowds. The lake is somehow isolated but its uniqueness can never get off your memory once you fully take time to explore it. Characterized by shallow waters and swamps full of flowers, Lake Kyoga is a home to multiple animal and bird species. It is a home to quite a number of crocodiles. It is also a good fishing spot.

A visit to Lake Kyoga enables you to pay a visit to the magical Nyero Rock Paintings – one of Uganda’s ancient historical sites.

Other Lakes in Uganda include; Lake Mburo, Lake Mutanda, Lake Nyamunuka, Kabaka’s lake (the only man-made lake in Uganda), Lake Kigere, etc.

In a nutshell, Uganda is one of the best crater lakes destinations in Africa and the world at large. With the major crater lakes located in the western side areas of Kibale national park, Kasese and Fort Portal. These lakes play a pivotal role in the day-to-day lives of the local communities as well as wildife conservation. Lakes like Katwe go an extra mile to serve different economic purposes such as salt mining. This is in addition to serving utmost experiences to tourists that visit the areas. Book a Uganda safari now and explore Uganda's beauty hidden in her crater lakes.