Discover the Explosion Crater Lakes in the Pearl of Africa
Do not miss the Stunning-Scenic Crater Lakes found in Western Uganda Scenic Explosion Crater Lakes are located in. They are between Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you track the Mountain Gorillas, and Kibale Forest, the best spot to track Chimpanzees. Western Uganda is one of the Best Places to see the scenic Explosion Craters.
Most visitors to Uganda are unaware of them, and few plan to make them a part of their time in the Pearl of Africa. They, however, provide the scenic plus to your safari in Western Uganda. You will see them near Kibale Forest, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, and Queen Elizabeth Park.
The Explosion Crater Lakes in Uganda are places of discovery on hikes, bike rides, and relaxation areas. Those who live in Uganda know that the crater lakes are some of the best spots for hiking, nature walks, climbs, Biking, birding, boating, and fishing.
The Scenic Explosion Crater Lakes found in Uganda is also where you find some of the best Safari Lodges. Lodges located on Crater Lakes include Crater Lake Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Papaya Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, and Kasenyi Safari Camp.
The Scenic Explosion Crater Lakes – Background and History
The Scenic Explosion Crater Lakes found in Uganda were formed relatively recently in the light of 
ancient volcanic activity in Uganda – a mere 8 to 10,000 years ago. Today you see them as serene, scenic lakes. They caused tremendous damage in their Time when they exploded, covering an area larger than Mount Vesuvius did at Pompeii. The Ugandan Explosion Craters reduced Lake Edward to a toxic mess. Fire and brimstone erupted from these explosion craters as recently as 2000 BC while the Pyramids in Egypt were being built.
Even in local Folklore and Legends of Western Uganda, there are tales about some of the crater lakes still told today. One crater at Fort Portal named Kasesanka range means the spewer of roasted material.
The crater lakes are extinct today. However, a few have molten lava just 10 kilometers beneath them and could explode again. Most likely, not something that will happen while you are on Safari in Uganda with us.
The Explosion Craters did not build cones as Volcanoes do. Instead, they blew ash and rock far and wide. Today there are these incredible, beautiful lakes, some of which still have a particular sulfur smell in their water. Some offer great places for swimming, viewpoints, and nature trails, and one can hike surrounded by monkeys, tropical birds, and magnificent sights.
When you look down on one of Uganda’s crater lakes framed by grasslands, green forests, and farms, you miss these beautiful lakes where the earth powerfully exploded.
Where do you find The Scenic Explosion Crater Lakes found in Uganda?
Katwe Crater Lakes in Queen Elizabeth: Park
They are located north of the Mweya Peninsula and are the park’s highest point. There is the scenic Crater Drive – 27 kilometers where you see the beautiful crater lake calderas on your safari.
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 spring – no appeal to wildlife but beautiful to behold.
Along with this route, you have some stunning panoramic views of the Western Rift Valley and its escarpments, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, Lake George, Lake Edward, and the natural Kazinga Channel.
On this route, you can visit Lake Katwe and its ancient salt works, where you can take a tour that will benefit the local community. Read more about Lake Katwe Salt Works here.
Read more about the Lake Katwe explosion Crater Drive here.
Bunyaruguru 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 visible from the Mbarara Kasese road.
Additionally, there about 20 crater lakes and many scenic dry crater calderas are found here.
There are also viewpoints where you can see the Kichwamba Rift valley and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Most Visitors are unaware of these crater lakes that dot Western Uganda, and they become an added plus for most who are on a safari and come across them.
Your Time on a safari can be increased to include the Crater Lakes and the activities that can be done on them and around them, from Hiking to Boating on the Lakes. Some of the best and easy hikes involve the crater lakes.
Ndali – Kasenda Craters near Fort Portal and Kibale Forest:
Unlike in Queen Elizabeth Park – the crater lakes here can be explored on foot –there are many hikes you can take here.
The “Top of the World Hike” gives one a great view of the crater lakes, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, Vanilla Plantations, Tea Plantations, the Kibale Rainforest Jungle, Lake George, and the Kichwamba escarpment of the Western Rift Valley.
You can take several hikes with a guide ranging from a few hours to an all-day one. The Kasenda Craters are a perfect add-on to a visit to Kibale Forest and its Primates.
If you want to enjoy the crater lakes up close, we suggest you stay in one of the crater lake lodges. They are listed below and give you an up-close experience of a volcanic caldera.
You can also stay at Upmarket Lodges, such as Crater Lake Safari Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kayinga Lode, and Papaya Lake Lodge. All lodges overlook 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 among those in Western Uganda. Still, there is a jewel among them, and t: Lake. If you have a few dollars to spare, the exclusive up-market Kyaninga Lodge is available. It is a log cabin structure on a ridge overlooking Lake Kyaninga Crater Lake and a breathtaking view of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. It is a delightful and peaceful place with plenty of hikes nearby.
The Crater Lakes in this field have become more known and famous as Lodges, such as Kyaninga Lodge, came to the area. Hiking and Biking organized by lodges have gotten the word out regarding the beauty and range of activities that can be done here.
The Scenic Explosion Crater Lakes found in Uganda are places that should be on your must-do list during your visit to Uganda. The beauty of these crater lakes is not something to be missed. They are a delight to behold, with magnificent scenery and great swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities…enjoy Uganda – the Pearl of Africa.
We highly recommend them as places for you to take a few days where you can relax and chill out and unwind during your Safaris.
Ask us to include a stay at Crater Lake Lodges, such as Crater Lake Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, and Ndali Lodge.
Combine the Primates of Kibale Forest with the nearby Crater Lakes. Enjoy your time along Uganda’s Crater Lake Trail.
Including the Scenic Explosion Crater Lakes in your Safari with us:
You can easily include the Scenic Explosion Crater Lakes on a Safari if it includes visits to the Mweya area of Queen Elizabeth Park or Kibale Forest. Just let us know an we will make all the arrangements to visit the Crater Lakes in your safari with us.
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