Explosion crater lakes in Uganda
Crater lakes were formed due to ancient volcanic activities in Uganda 8000 to 10,000 years ago. These eruptions were extremely violent and instead of pilling debris about their vents like other volcanoes, they discharged ash over a wide area. These lakes caused tremendous damage in their time and in the case of Lake Edward they reduced it to a toxic mess. These explosion Craters did not build cones as Volcanoes do but they simply blew ash and rock far and wide. Today, they are the incredibly, beautiful lakes, some of which still have certain sulfur smell in their water. Some offer great places for swimming, viewpoints and nature trails that one can hike. They are surrounded by monkeys, tropical birds, and magnificent sights.
Western Uganda is home to some of the best places to see the Explosion Crater Lakes and Explosion Craters found along the Crater Lake Trail which takes in Kibale Forest Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and the Foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Basically there are 3 major concentrations; Katwe Explosion Craters found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the close by Bunyaraguru Crater Field on the impressive Kichwamba escarpment as well as the beautiful Ndali-Kasenda Crater Field close to Kibale National Park. Among the Katwe Explosion Craters is the enormous Kyemengo Crater and absolutely the most alluring. These crater lakes in Uganda are bordered with grasslands, verdant forests as well as farms which offer spectacular views and picturesque sights. Let’s look at these;
- Katwe Crater Lakes in Queen Elizabeth Park:
These are situated north of the Mweya Peninsula and are the highest elevation in this national park. The crater drive that runs on 27 km offers spectacular views of distant Crater Lakes. While on the drive, there is plenty of wildlife to see which include buffaloes and elephants. Tourists shouldn’t miss out Lake Kitagata, a lake fed by salty hot springs with no wildlife around but views which are breathtaking. Along this drive tourists are rewarded with sights of the great Western Rift Valley plus its escarpments, Lake George, the Ruwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the Kazinga Channel plus Lake Edward. A visit to the gorgeous Lake Katwe plus the salt works and the local community is memorable.
- Bunyaraguru Craters near Queen Elizabeth Park:
This Crater Lake is located on the Kichwamba escarpment of the Western Rift valley near Queen Elizabeth Park. Lake Bunyaraguru volcanic field contains more than 130 maars, 27 of which contain lakes with water ranging from fresh to saline. Although no dated eruptions are known, Reece (1955) noted that volcanic activity probably continued into historical times. Lake Nkugute is a beautiful crater lake that is visible from the Mbarara Kasese road. There are also viewpoints where you can see the Kichwamba Rift valley and also Queen Elizabeth Park. Bunyaraguru Crater Lake region is home to 52 crater lakes. Visit and explore this region with its magnificent landscapes, and discover these amazing volcanic crater lakes. Some of the activities to engage in the region include swimming, fishing, canoeing and hiking.
- Ndali – Kasenda Craters:
These are located approximately 25km south of Fort portal. Ndali – Kasenda Crater Lakes were formed in the ancient volcanic activity in Uganda between 8 – 10,000 years ago. Unlike inside of Queen Elizabeth Park, the crater lakes here can be explored on foot and one can take a hike to the “Top of the World” which offers one great views of the crater lakes, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, Tea Plantations, Kibale Rainforest Jungle, Lake George and the Kichwamba escarpment of the Western Rift Valley. These are perfect add to Kibale national park. This Crater Lake is stunning and provides remarkable walking opportunities from the community owned campsite allowing you to explore areas between Lake Nyabikere and Kibale Forest. Accommodation varies from up market to budget overlooking crater lakes within with easy reach of various hikes.
The Kibale – Ndali – Kasenda Crater Lakes are extinct however a few of them have volcanic gases said to be just 10kilometers beneath. These lakes give off a sulphuric smell and are characterized by green toxic water. Tourists/visitors are advised not to just jump into any crater lake, they should first find out whether it is safe to swim there. These crater lakes include; lake Lyantonde, lake Nyabikere, lake Nyinambaga and lake Kifuruka.
Activities depend on where the tourist/ visitor’s stays, and these include walking excursions, bird watching, canoeing and fishing. Conclusively the hills rise steeply from the shores promise strenuous walks and the playful monkeys are good to watch.
