Crater Lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Crater Lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park: When you think of an Uganda safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, there is more than wildlife, big game, birds to see, explore and experience. Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in Western Uganda, a region known for its dozens of dotted explosion craters.

Embarking on Crater Trail in Western Uganda is a great opportunity to explore these extinct volcanic formations while on Uganda’s safari holiday. Interestingly, the Crater Trail includes not only the beautiful Crater Lakes at Queen Elizabeth National Park but also those at Kibale National Park and around Rwenzori Mountain ranges base.

There are many ways that tourists on Uganda safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park can explore the different Crater Lakes. Visitors on tour in Uganda can engage in hiking, biking, boating, fishing, nature walks, and many more. Here are the different Crater Lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park- Uganda.

Katwe Explosion Craters

The Katwe Explosion Craters in Queen Elizabeth National Park are a group of scenic volcanic Craters. The individual Katwe Craters differ in size with the widest measuring up to 3kms in diameter, 100m deep. These explosion Craters formed due to a series of violent volcanic explosions about 1 million ago. They formed after a superheated gas and steam though no lava flow occurred regardless of their volcanic activity.

Most of the Craters that make up Crater Lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park are extinct, but there are some that still emit sulphurous smells. Katwe Crater Lake plus Salt Craters are accessible a distance from Mweya Safari Lodge, one of the luxury Uganda safari lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park. From Kabatoro Gate and Queens Pavilion, Katwe Craters are 27kms away and visitors get to enjoy excellent views of wildlife en route including elephants, warthogs, buffaloes, etc.

Katwe Explosion & Salt Craters are saline lakes through Katwe is the most popular one with a depth of about 3265ft and also notably, the highly saline Crater. Katwe Crater Area is an interesting area and amazingly, one incredible spot to observe birds such as flamingos and also salt extraction process. Besides, there is a great chance to enjoy the panoramic view of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, surrounding areas such as Kazinga Channel plus the Lakes it connects that is Lake George and Lake Edward.

Bunyarunguru Craters

Lying South of Lake George in the beautiful Bunyarunguru Craters, the extinct Crater Lake formations on the Western part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This massive Crater Area is comprised of about 20 Craters and they exist within Kichwamba Escarpment along the Western Rift Valley side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Amazingly, the Bunyarunguru Craters are recognized by the worldwide volcano discovery, and a visit to these natural wonders offers tourists a remarkable feel of nature and beauty.

Ndali-Kasenda Crater Field

Located near Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ndali-Kasenda Crater Field is another significant volcanic crater. Ndali-Kasenda Crater Field is easier to explore on foot because it is 10kms long, extending from Kibale National Park to Fort Portal. You can undertake 3 hours guided walk via the Crater Lake Area while enjoying the mesmerizing views of Mount Rwenzori, Kibale Forest, tea plantations, and a lot more.

Other attractions/tourist sites in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura Gorge

Located in the far East of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Western Uganda, Kyambura Gorge also known as Valley of Apes is one of the best places to see chimpanzees and other diverse primate species. The gorge has a depth of about 100m and it is visited mainly for chimpanzee tracking.

Mweya Peninsula

Mweya Peninsula lies on the Northern bank of Kazinga Channel that links Lake George and Lake Edward. It is one of the amazing places to undertake guided game drives while on Uganda safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The peninsula offers amazing sightings of animals such as buffaloes, warthogs, elephants, etc. It also rewards nature lovers with unforgettable nocturnal game viewing experiences- a chance for you to see hyenas and leopards.

Ishasha sector

Found in the Southern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Ishasha region is the most popular sport in Uganda, offering an incredible view of tree climbing lions. The main activity to enjoy at Ishasha is a guided game drive and from here, you can easily connect up to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to have the best gorilla trekking experience.