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Incredibly, there are more than fifty crater lakes in Uganda, all with their unique stories to share with visitors.
The oldest crater lakes in Uganda can be traced back to volcanic activity that occurred more than 8,000 years ago, and over time, the areas surrounding these lakes have become verdant and beautiful, making them perfect retreats for tourists.
The best crater lakes to visit are in western Uganda, which is ideal if you’re planning a safari in this wildlife-rich part of the country. So, without further ado, here are four of the best crater lakes in Uganda to visit, with an explanation as to why you should include them on your upcoming itinerary.
Bunyonyi
Located in the southwest of the country, not far from Rwanda, Lake Bunyonyi is one of my favorite places in the whole of Uganda, and it’s one of the most breathtakingly beautiful crater lakes in East Africa.
The rolling hills that surround the lake – as well as the hundreds of islands that exist within the lake itself – make Bunyonyi such a wonderful place to explore.
The name “Bunyonyi” literally translates to the place of many little birds, and you will see countless species during any visit to this serene part of Uganda.
However, one of the main reasons why so many tourists plan a visit to Lake Bunyonyi is that it’s safe for swimming, which isn’t the case with most water bodies in the country.
If you’re planning a trip to Bunyonyi, be sure to check out my recent piece, where I introduce ten reasons why you should visit. I also explain why, in my humble opinion, Bunyonyi Birdnest is the best place to stay on the lake’s shores.
Katwe
The Katwe Crater lake sits on the Mweya Peninsula in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and it’s one of the most aesthetically stunning lakes in the whole of Uganda. The lake itself is said to be 996 meters deep, making it one of the deepest in East Africa.
However, you shouldn’t think about swimming in Lake Katwe, as it’s too close for comfort to the National Park, even though it is said to be free of dangerous animals.
When you plan a trip to the Katwe Crater lake, you should also be sure to stop at the close-by Katwe salt plains, which is one of the star attractions in this part of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Local people have mined salt from the Katwe plains for decades before exporting it to neighboring DR Congo and Rwanda. That being said, salt mining at Katwe has lost much of its economic allure, and it’s not as prominent as it once was.
Still, should you plan a visit to Katwe during your upcoming Queen Elizabeth safari, you can take stunning pictures down across the salt plains, and there’s also a well-stocked craft market on-site, where you can buy handmade souvenirs from some of the locals.
Kasenda craters
One of Uganda’s best-kept secrets is the chain of crater lakes in Ndali, also known as the Kasenda craters. The craters are situated close to Fort Portal, a town in the west of Uganda, which is relatively close to Kibale Forest National Park.
Over a 10km stretch, there are a number of crater lakes for you to explore, and you can even arrange a ‘Top of the World’ crater trail tour, which I would highly recommend if you want to see some of the best crater lakes in Uganda.
What makes the Kasenda crater lakes so special is the fact that they’re unspoiled, and there are very few tourists here. As you hike, you have incredible views across the tea plantations, eventually reaching the Rwenzori Mountains or Mountains of the Moon.
Specifically, you can see Lake Nkuruba, Lake Lyantonde, Lake Nyabikere, and Lake Kifuruka, among others, should you add the Kasenda Craters to your itinerary.
If you need additional motivation to visit this part of Uganda, you can tie in your trip to the Kasenda craters with a chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale National Forest – something that is high on the list of many tourists who make it to the Pearl of Africa on vacation.
Bunyaruguru Craters
Like the craters at Kasenda, there are several crater lakes in Uganda that make up the chain of water bodies at Bunyaruguru. In fact, there are more than twenty crater lakes here, located to the west of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Most people head to the Nkugute Crater Lake, located in Rubirizi, as it has many ancient tales associated with its formation. Local folklore has it that the lake actually swallows one boy and one girl every year, which is why it is named as such – Nkugute is derived from a local word meaning swallow.
While visiting Bunyaruguru, it’s also worth visiting Kyema and Kamweru – twin crater lakes that provide stunning picture opportunities, making them well worth your time.
If you’re planning a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, be sure to ask your guide to take you to Bunyaruguru and Katwe, as they are two of the most stunning crater lakes in Uganda and provide you with the opportunity to see evidence of the unique historical geological activity that has shaped present-day Uganda.
Recap: Visiting the best crater lakes in Uganda
As is the case with many of the country’s tourist attractions, the most beautiful crater lakes in Uganda are in the west of the country.
If you only select one crater lake in Uganda to visit, my recommendation would be Lake Bunyonyi, near Kabale. This is because Lake Bunyonyi is perfect for swimming, has a huge amount of birdlife, and has so many stunning accommodation options to choose from.
That being said, if you can incorporate trips to multiple crater lakes during your time in Uganda, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Just make sure you have charged your camera because you certainly won’t want to miss out on the incredible views offered up at these pristine sites in the Pearl of Africa.