The Explosion Crater Lakes of Western Uganda
Western Uganda is dotted with dozens of extinct volcanoes called Explosion Craters
Best Places to see Explosion Crater Lakes in Uganda
The explosion crater are simply beautiful behold, provide great hiking in places near Fort Portal in Western Uganda, including the famous “Top of the World 
Hike” that leads you to several crater lakes, through villages and tea plantations – you have the beauty of the crater lakes before you and the tallest African Mountain range – the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon in the distance – simply an incredible and beautiful combination to the beholder.
These crater lakes were formed rather recent in the light of ancient volcanic activity in Uganda – a mere 8 to 10,000 years ago – though you see them as serene, scenic lakes today – when they exploded they caused tremendous damage in their time covering an area larger than Mount Vesuvius did at Pompeii – in the case of the Ugandan Explosion Craters – they reduced Lake Edward to a toxic mess. Fire and brimstone still erupted from these explosion craters as recently as 2000 BC while the Pyramids in Egypt were being built.
Even in local Folklore of Western Uganda the stories of some of the crater lakes are told and one crater at Fort Portal – Kasesankarange means – spewer of roasted material. The crater lakes are extinct however a few of them – have molten lava just 10 to kilometers beneath them and could explode again – most likely not while you are on Safari in Uganda.
Explosion Craters did not build cones as Volcanoes do – they simply blew ash and rock far and wide – today there are these incredible beautiful lakes-, some of which still have a certain sulphur smell in their water. Some provide great places for swimming, viewpoints and nature trails that one can hike surrounded by monkeys, tropical birds, and magnificent sights.
When you are looking down one of Uganda’s crater lakes – framed by grasslands, green forest, farms – one does not realize that these beautiful lakes were places out of which the earth exploded forth in a most violent manner.
Where in Western Uganda do you find these ancient Crater Lakes?
- Katwe Crater Lakes in Queen Elizabeth Park:
They are located north of the Mweya Peninsula and are the highest point of the park. There is the scenic Crater Drive – 27 kilometer where you see the beautiful crater lakes on your journey. There is not too much wildlife along the route, though Buffaloes and Elephants can be frequently seen. Be sure not to miss Lake Kitagata – the lake is fed by a salty hot springs – no appeal to wildlife but beautiful to behold. Along this route you have some beautiful panoramic views of the Western Rift Valley and its escarpments, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, Lake George, Lake Edward and the natural Kazinga Cannel. Along this route you have the opportunity to visit Lake Katwe and its ancient salt works where you can take a tour that will benefit the local community.
- Bunyaraguru Craters near Queen Elizabeth Park:
Located on the Kichwamba escarpment of the Western Rift near Queen Elizabeth Park Lake Nkugute is a beautiful crater lake that is visible from the Mbarara Kasese road, however there about 20 crater lakes found here and also many dry craters. There are also viewpoints where you can see the Kichwamba Rift valley and also Queen Elizabeth Park.
- Ndali – Kasenda Craters near Fort Portal and Kibale Forest:
Unlike inside of Queen Elizabeth Park – the crater lakes here can be explored on foot –there are numerous hikes that you can take here – the “Top of the World” gives one great views of the crater lakes here, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, Tea Plantations, Kibale Rainforest Jungle, Lake George and the Kichwamba escarpment of the Western Rift Valley. There are several hikes that you can take with a guide from several hours to an all day one. The Kasenda Craters are a perfect add on to a visit to Kibale Forest and its Primates – you can also stay at U-Market Lodging such as Ndali Lodge and budget lodging such as CVK Lakeside Resort – both overlooking a crater lake within easy reach of various hikes along the Kasenda Crater Lakes.
- Fort Portal Craters near Fort Portal: The Fort Portal Crater Field is the smallest amongst those in Western Uganda but there is a jewel amongst them and that is Lake Kyaninga and if you have a few dollars to spare there is the exclusive up-market Kyaninga Lodge – log cabin structures on a ridge overlooking the Lake Kyaninga Crater Lake and a breathtaking view of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. Simply a delightful and peaceful location with plenty of hikes of the nearby area.
The Crater Lakes are places to put on your must do list for your visit to Uganda – the beauty of these crater lakes are not something to be missed in Uganda – the are a delight to behold, great scenery but also provide great swimming, boating and some fishing opportunities…enjoy Uganda – the Pearl of Africa.
“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.” John Hemingway – African Journeys
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