Crater Lake Visit around Kibale National Park

Crater Lake Visit around Kibale National Park

Fort Portal, located 290 km away from Kampala, is encircled by a collection of crater lakes formed 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. The exquisite scenery of these lakes has become a major attraction, leading to the establishment of luxurious hotels in the area, including Papaya Safari Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, and Nkyaninga Lodge. These lodges offer stunning views of the crater lakes along with top-notch services.

The crater lakes, characterized by breathtaking beauty, provide an excellent hiking opportunity. After your chimpanzee trekking experience, taking a walk to explore the area is highly recommended. Tourists often hike to the summits of these crater lakes, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding tea and coffee gardens sprawling beneath the slopes. The landscape south of Fort Portal features picturesque crater lakes, some reaching depths of over 400 meters.

In addition to the beauty of the crater lakes, on clear sunny days, one can catch a glimpse of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the tallest African mountain ranges, in the distance. The area south of Fort Portal, with its dramatic crater lakes nestled under steep hillsides, provides an idyllic setting for long walks and road cycling. Biking safaris have gained popularity, offering a leisurely and enjoyable way to explore the region at your own pace.

For photography enthusiasts, capturing the stunning scenery of these craters is a visual delight. The region is known for its cultivated land, but pockets of small forested areas along the lake shores harbor primates and diverse bird species.

While some lakes like Lake Nyamugasani, Lake Ntambi, Lake Mubiro, Lake Lyantonde, and Lake Nyanswiga are inaccessible, Lake Kasenda is surrounded by fertile soils conducive to the growth of Arabica coffee. This has given rise to agro-tourism in the area. A visit to Mahoma Falls in Kabata village, near Ndali Lodge, can also be arranged for a serene encounter with nature.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore and visit these beautiful crater lakes as part of your chimpanzee safari tour in this enchanting region.