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 in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
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.
If you’ve chosen the Pearl of Africa for your upcoming safari vacation, you might be wondering – is there a beach in Uganda?
After all, Kenya is home to the glorious Diani Beach, while Tanzania has Zanzibar – an entire island of beaches! So, in this article, I explain what to expect from beaches in Uganda and offer some options when it comes to relaxing and swimming in the country.
So, is there a beach in Uganda?
Yes, there is a beach in Uganda. However, Uganda is a landlocked country, and the beaches in Uganda are on the shores of Lake Victoria. There are several beaches in Entebbe, while the Ssese Islands are Uganda’s closest thing to a tropical beach paradise.
So, while Uganda does have some beaches, it would be wrong to think of the Pearl of Africa as a beach destination! Far from it, actually, as I explain below.
What are Uganda’s beaches like?
Sunset on Banda Island, the Ssese Islands.
Uganda’s beaches are not suitable for sunbathing and swimming. While some Ugandans do head into Lake Victoria for swimming, it’s not deemed safe to do so. This is due to the presence of a freshwater parasite called Bilharzia, which is present in many water bodies in Uganda, and in East Africa more generally.
So, as picturesque as Uganda’s beaches might be – particularly those in the Ssese Islands, they’re not in any way comparable to the stunning white sand beaches that are present on Kenya’s East coast or those that surround Zanzibar. If you’re planning to visit a beach in Uganda, keep your clothes on and head for a walk along the sand – don’t venture into the water!
Beaches in Uganda: Two main options
Even though they’re not good for swimming or sunbathing, you can certainly visit Uganda’s beaches, and they make for some beautiful photo opportunities! With that in mind, you have two main options if you want to visit one of Uganda’s beaches:
Entebbe
While you’re in Entebbe, heading for a meal at one of the beachside restaurants is a wonderful way to spend a lunchtime, looking out across Lake Victoria in the process. You can also walk down sections of the beach in Entebbe, although it’s not a particularly long stretch of sand.
There’s an excellent pizzeria on the beach, and you can share a pizza with your partner while sipping a cold bottle of Nile Special beer. While you might not be able to hop into the water, it’s still a lovely way to spend some time while you’re in Entebbe.
The Ssese Islands
I visited the Ssese Islands with friends in 2015, and it was definitely worth the effort. To reach the Islands, you need to take a ferry from Entebbe, which takes approximately three hours. There are lots of places to stay in the archipelago, which is made up of 84 small islands, but there isn’t much to do when you reach land!
The stunning white beaches are undoubtedly alluring, but the fact that the water is unsafe makes them tantalizing in many respects. Make sure you book into one of the beachside resorts that has a swimming pool, so you can cool off while enjoying the pace of life on the islands!
What are the best options for swimming in Uganda?
If you want to go swimming outside in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is the best option, which is located in the country’s extreme southwest, not far from the Rwandan border.
However, most major international hotels in Uganda have swimming pools, so there’s no reason why you can’t head to Entebbe or the Ssese Islands for swimming. You will just need to limit yourself to swimming in the pool, as opposed to the great outdoors!
I put together this super helpful resource about swimming in Uganda, so you can explore your options and know where it’s safe (and unsafe) to head into the water.
The verdict: Is there a beach in Uganda?
So, the bottom line is that, yes, there are beaches in Uganda. Entebbe beach is the most accessible, being in close proximity to Uganda’s only international airport. However, for paradise beach vibes, you need to head to the Ssese Islands, located within Lake Victoria.
But remember – Uganda’s beaches are not suitable for sunbathing or swimming. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation in East Africa, Diani Beach in Kenya and Zanzibar in Tanzania are much better options!
When you schedule a vacation to anywhere in the world that is hot, it’s likely that swimming is at the top of your agenda in order to cool off! As a landlocked country, Uganda doesn’t provide tourists with access to the sea, even though Lake Victoria is essentially an inland sea that is anchored in the center of East Africa.
So, when it comes to swimming in Uganda, what are your options? Can you swim in outdoor lakes, rivers, and streams? What do you need to be aware of?
Having taken a dip in several natural locations in and around Uganda, I explain what your options are for swimming in the country, as well as some of the safety aspects that you need to consider before grabbing your swimming costume.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the reality of swimming in Uganda.
Where can you go swimming in Uganda?
Enjoying a cold beer while swimming at Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara – a great way to pass the time!
The safest and easiest place to go swimming in Uganda is in a hotel pool. This might sound like an obvious thing to say, but there are so many international hotels in Entebbe, Kampala, and at other tourist sites throughout the country, meaning that you can cool off and take a break from the African sun.
But what about swimming in Uganda in the great outdoors?
One of the only outdoor water bodies in Uganda declared safe for swimming is Lake Bunyonyi, which is located in the extreme southwestern corner of Uganda, not far from the Rwandan border.
Lake Bunyonyi is breathtakingly beautiful, and it’s an absolute must-visit for anyone spending time in any of the natural attractions in this part of Uganda.
The reason that Bunyonyi is deemed safe is that there aren’t any dangerous animals in the water (no crocs or hippos, for instance), and the water is also deemed to be free from parasites, a big problem that faces other water bodies in Uganda – more on this shortly.
There are other crater lakes in Western Uganda that are locally regarded as safe for swimming – one being Lake Matanda, which is located in Kisoro, not far from Lake Bunyonyi.
While there’s conflicting information about the safety of swimming in the River Nile at Jinja – the river’s source – I have been in the water there on several occasions, as it is the location of white water rafting and other leisure activities. Should you decide to swim at Jinja, you should be aware of the potential dangers of doing so – more on this in the following section.
If you’re planning to swim outdoors in Uganda, you absolutely must seek local guidance beforehand, as conditions can change, and you need to be aware of any environmental factors that may deem a lake or river to be unsafe at a specific time of the year.
Why can’t you swim in all lakes/rivers in Uganda?
There are several reasons why many of the lakes and rivers in Uganda – and the Great Lakes Region more generally – are not safe for swimming.
Dangerous animals
The first is the presence of animals in these water bodies. Uganda is home to a large population of Nile Crocodiles, and I don’t need to tell you that you don’t want to share the water with them!
Granted, most Nile Crocodiles live in and around gazetted national parks like Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo, but there are instances where crocs can be found sunbathing on certain river banks – parts of the Nile included.
Another big threat to human life in Uganda is posed by hippos. Hippos are actually one of the deadliest animals, in spite of the fact that they’re herbivores, as they often come into contact with unsuspecting humans who enter their territories for various reasons. Many of the victims of hippo attacks are fishermen, but hippos are extremely aggressive when threatened, so you need to keep a wide berth if they’re in the vicinity.
Like crocs, most hippos in Uganda live in national parks, but again, you should be privy to local guides who are well-positioned to inform you about whether a water body has a population of hippos nearby.
Parasites
Second to threatening animals, the next reason why some water bodies in Uganda aren’t safe is due to parasites. One common parasite found in many water bodies in East Africa is Schistosomiasis – also known as Bilharzia – and it is an infection that is passed on by infected worms.
You can become infected with Bilharzia if you come into contact with contaminated freshwater, so it’s really important to avoid water bodies that are known to have a history of contamination. In Uganda, Lake Victoria is one such source, and it’s not safe to swim in the lake for this reason, above all others.
It’s also important to be aware of the fact that some water sources in Uganda may be contaminated or polluted for other reasons, which is why it’s so important to speak to local guides before taking the plunge into an inviting-looking water source during your upcoming vacation.
Tips for swimming in Uganda
Relaxing after a dip in Lake Bunyonyi, perhaps my favorite spot in Uganda.
The key thing to remember about swimming in Uganda is that some outdoor water bodies are safe, while others aren’t. This is why it’s so important to consult local guides before heading into an outdoor water body in the country!
But if you are planning to swim outdoors in Uganda, here are some simple tips that you should bear in mind before entering the water:
Always consult a local guide before entering a water body in Uganda, even if swimming has been declared as a safe activity.
Never enter a body of water that is in or around a National Park.
Many of Uganda’s crater lakes are incredibly deep – Lake Bunyonyi, for instance, has a disputed depth of between 900 – 3000 meters.
Most Ugandans can’t swim and have a general fear of the water. Therefore, you’re unlikely to see many locals swimming in crater lakes, even if it is safe to do so!
If in doubt, stick to the hotel pool. There are so many hotels in cities and at tourist hotspots around Uganda with swimming pools, meaning you don’t need to risk an outdoor swim if you’re unsure about the safety of doing so.
Recap: Swimming in Uganda
The bottom line is that outdoor swimming in Uganda can be safe, but it depends on where you’re planning to enter the water. Lake Bunyonyi is widely advertised as the safest outdoor swimming spot in the country, and I’ve enjoyed swimming there many times without issue.
Although I’ve mentioned this a few times already, I just want to reiterate the importance of checking with a local guide before going swimming anywhere in Uganda. The last thing you want is to hop into a water body that is contaminated with parasites or home to unseen Nile Crocodiles or Hippos!
Looking for reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda? Let me explain.
Lake Bunyonyi is paradise on earth. Hidden in the southwestern Uganda highlands, it’s a place like no other, with an incredible wealth of birdlife, stunning natural beauty, and a whole host of activities to keep tourists entertained.
I’ve genuinely lost count of how many times I’ve visited Lake Bunyonyi, but I would say I’ve been there on at least ten separate occasions. Therefore, I put together this article to provide you with ten reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, one of my favorite places on earth.
If you have any questions about any of the points I raise or need some help booking a trip or accommodation, drop me a line in the comments below, and I’d be delighted to help you out.
But without further ado – here are ten reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi, the jewel in Uganda’s crown.
10 reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is a destination that truly takes your breath away and comes highly recommended by practically everyone who visits. But, if you still need persuading, here are 10 reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi, a true paradise on earth:
Reason #1: It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth
There’s something magical about Lake Bunyonyi, particularly at sunrise.
I’ve traveled to lots of different places over the years, but I’m still yet to come across a place that I love as much as Lake Bunyonyi. I’m not just saying that for the purposes of this article; I genuinely think it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth.
When you arrive in Kabale – the nondescript town that serves as the gateway to Lake Bunyonyi – you almost certainly won’t be prepared for the natural beauty that lies in wait.
The journey up the steep hill from town gives way to rolling terraces before the lake comes into view for the first time. As you wind your way back down to the lake shore, you start reaching some of the resorts and guesthouses that house the tourists that make it to this stunning part of the world.
I guarantee that you will want to take photos at practically every turn you make on the road, but there’s no rush. The pace of life in and around the shores of Bunyonyi is super slow, so you can head for a casual walk when you arrive at your lodgings and snap photos until your heart is content!
Reason #2: It’s safe for swimming
There aren’t many places (swimming pools excluded) that are safe for swimming in Uganda. And much to many people’s surprise, the biggest threat in water bodies is posed by the ungainly hippopotamus, which is responsible for around 500 human deaths in Africa every year.
Of course, Uganda’s waterways are also home to a sizeable population of Nile Crocodiles, pre-historic beasts that can grow up to 20 feet in length. Suffice it to say that you wouldn’t want to get in the water when a croc is around!
And if the threat of crocs and hippos isn’t enough to put you off swimming in freshwater lakes in Uganda, the presence of bilharzia might just seal the deal. It’s a tropical disease that can live in snails that are present in some freshwater bodies, and it’s not an infection that you want to risk catching.
But the good news? Lake Bunyonyi is free from hippos and crocs, and has been declared free from bilharzia, too. As a result, it’s one of only a few freshwater lakes safe for swimming in East Africa, making it an extremely popular tourist destination for this reason alone!
Reason #3: It’s perfect for birding
Bunyonyi literally means “place of many little birds,” and it’s one of East Africa’s prime destinations for birding safaris. It would be impractical to list all of the bird species native to Bunyonyi here, but you will see everything from egrets to eagles in and around the lake shores, and it’s a wonderful place to add to your lifer list.
If you’re familiar with my articles, you will know that I’m a keen birdwatcher, and I’m so proud that a long-crested eagle has recently settled into one of the trees in my backyard!
Given that Bunyonyi is only a few hours’ drive from my home, I tend to visit several times a year, and I always take my camera with me in the hope of capturing images of as many birds as possible.
If you don’t want to go things alone when you visit Bunyonyi, you can arrange guided birding safaris with local experts, and it makes for a wonderful afternoon as you walk around the lake looking for the various species that call this part of Uganda home.
So, if you’re a keen birder and you’re planning an upcoming vacation in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is an absolute must-visit destination!
Check out my recent article about birdwatching for beginners in East Africa, to help you prepare for your first birding trip in the region!
Reason #4: There’s a lot of interesting local history
When you spend time at Lake Bunyonyi, you can learn about the fascinating history of the Bakiga tribe, who are native to the lake shores and the surrounding districts.
One of the main points of interest at Lake Bunyonyi is Akampene – known in English as Punishment Island. Up until the middle of the twentieth century, unmarried pregnant girls were abandoned on the island and left to die. You can pass the eerie Punishment Island on a dug-out canoe when you visit Lake Bunyonyi, as a local guide offers context to this abhorrent practice.
Another point of interest within Lake Bunyonyi is Sharp’s Island, which served as a leprosy treatment center during the 1930s. Again, knowledgeable local guides are at hand to take you past the island, informing you of the intricacies of Sharp’s work and his legacy to this day.
The Bakiga are extremely friendly and always willing to chat about their past, and the local history of the area is yet another reason to visit Lake Bunyonyi during your upcoming vacation in Uganda.
Reason #5: The crayfish is to die for
As a lover of seafood, I would travel a long way to enjoy the freshwater crayfish that is served by many of the restaurants and hotels that surround Lake Bunyonyi. Fortunately, I only have to drive for a few hours to enjoy this Ugandan delicacy, and the crayfish is truly out of this world.
Plucked from the lake on a daily basis, the restaurants surrounding Lake Bunyonyi serve up dishes that include avocado and garlic crayfish, crayfish linguini, and crayfish curry, the latter being my personal favorite.
While there are lots of nice places to eat at Lake Bunyonyi, I highly recommend the restaurant at Bunyonyi Birdnest – crayfish features heavily on the menu, and there is an awesome selection of beers and wines to wash it down with, as well as stunning views across the lake.
Reason #6: There are lots of accommodation options
This article isn’t intended as a review of accommodation in and around Bunyonyi – you can use TripAdvisor for that – but what I will say is that there are so many accommodation options for you to choose from, at very reasonable prices given how beautiful the setting is.
I’ve stayed at more than five different spots at Lake Bunyonyi on my many visits (and perhaps more, but I can only remember five!). The aforementioned Birdnest is perhaps my favorite, but I also want to give a shoutout to Byoona Amagara.
Located on an island, Byoona Amagara is an eco-friendly lodge in which you can sleep in purpose-built eco domes for unrivaled views across the lake. It’s the ultimate chill-out destination and a great place to get away from the world!
Reason #7: You can easily include it on your itinerary
When you look at Lake Bunyonyi on a map, you will be forgiven for thinking it’s not in a great location. After all, it’s tucked away in the far southwestern corner of Uganda.
But assuming that you’ve come to Uganda for safari, Lake Bunyonyi is only a few hours’ drive away from Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the drive from Kihihi is nothing short of spectacular, as you are provided with incredible views as you make your way to the lake.
Bunyonyi is also close to Uganda’s main gorilla trekking destinations and is a few hours’ drive from Buhoma, the main entrance to the Bwindi Impenetrable forest. So, if you’re in Uganda for safari or gorilla trekking, there’s absolutely no reason not to round off your trip with a few days at Lake Bunyonyi.
Another thing worth noting is that Lake Bunyonyi is around one hour away from the Rwandan border, which is ideal for visitors entering Uganda from the Gatuna border post.
Given that lots of people opt for the East African Tourist Visa and visit Rwanda and Uganda during the same trip, adding a trip to beautiful Bunyonyi to your itinerary is a wonderful way to relax before your flight back home.
Reason #8: You can take a boat cruise
Preparing to take a canoe out onto Lake Bunyonyi! They’re much more difficult to control than they look…
While this might seem like an obvious thing to say, one of the best activities to enjoy at Lake Bunyonyi is a pre-arranged boat cruise with a local guide. You can hop in a dug-out canoe and watch the world go by at a leisurely pace, or you can arrange a motor boat to take you around the lake more quickly.
Either way, hopping on a boat is a great way to explore the various islands that are dotted around the lake.
You will also see lots of wildlife, and your guide will be able to point out the various points of interest that are prevalent on the shores of the lake.
Boat cruises are relatively inexpensive, too, with our recent boat trip costing around $30 for a two-hour trip on a motorized boat. We arranged it for just before our evening meal, so it was the perfect way to watch the sunset.
Reason #9: There’s an outdoor adventure park
While I like to visit Bunyonyi to switch off and recharge my batteries, I know lots of people prefer to fill their vacations with various activities. For the outdoorsy among you, there’s actually an outdoor adventure park on an island in the middle of the lake!
Although I’ve never been to the park myself, my friends go there often and enjoy rope climbing and the zip wire, which I certainly would have enjoyed when I was younger.
You don’t need to make arrangements ahead of time and can simply turn up on the island to enter the park. However, you can always make arrangements with your tour operator if you like to be organized, as you need to at least arrange transport from the mainland to the park – something that can be arranged with staff at the park itself.
Reason #10: There’s nowhere else like it in East Africa
Given that the Great Rift Valley is located in East Africa, the region isn’t short of crater lakes and remnants of volcanic activity from centuries ago. However, Lake Bunyonyi is truly a one-of-a-kind destination for the nine reasons mentioned above.
It’s safe, located close to many of the other points of interest in this part of Uganda, and has an abundance of birdlife that cannot be found elsewhere in the Pearl of Africa.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Uganda in the near future, you cannot afford to miss Lake Bunyonyi.
Recap: 10 reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi
Of all the tourist destinations in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is probably my favorite – and I don’t say that lightly. Trust me, if you make the effort to visit this gorgeous part of the world, you simply won’t regret it.
While you can arrange a trip to Bunyonyi yourself, I have partnered with AJ Tours and Travel, who are specialist safari providers in East Africa. Andrew and the team can arrange all of your travel and accommodation needs in Uganda and can put together the perfect itinerary – with Lake Bunyonyi as a star attraction at the end of your vacation!
