Bunyaruguru Crater Lakes 

Bunyaruguru crater lakes are found in western Uganda in the Rubirizi district. The crater lakes are near Queen Elizabeth National Park. These crater lakes were formed by volcanicity. It is believed that the formation of these crater lakes in Bunyaruguru were formed during the same period as the formation of the Rwenzori Mountains. These crater lakes are also recognized by the World Volcano Advisory. They are found on the Kicwamba escarpment of the western Rift Valley. These lakes are all accessible for travelers visiting Uganda for a safari. If you are planning a trip to Uganda (Queen Elizabeth National Park), ensure to pass by and take memorable pictures.

Some of the crater lakes in Bunyaruguru include;

Katinda and Mirambi lakes

These lakes are found in the Kicwamba village as you get off the main road of the Mbarara Kasese highway for 10 minutes. The lakes have a cultural meaning where the katinda means female and Mirambi means male. While on these lakes travelers have scenic views of the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Lakes kamweru and kyema

These lakes are connected by a narrow valley which cross-cuts the lakes. Each lake has its own level of depth and alkaline waters.  The lakes are surrounded by the green hilly vegetation which provides a scenic beauty of the area for travelers on their Uganda safaris.

Lake nyungu and Rwizongo

Part of the Bunyarugu crater lakes, these lakes have the different myths and stories of the communities around Bunyaruguru. The Nyungu lake is believed that each year it has to swallow a person in Kasungu village. On these lakes, travelers engage in several cultural activities of the community.

What activities do travelers engage in while on a tour of Bunyaruguru Crater Lakes?

Birding

This is an exciting activity for travelers on the Uganda safaris to these lakes. While on these lakes there are several bird species that travelers engage in to identify during a safari. The bird species in these craters are similar to those of the Queen Elizabeth National Park which is near these craters. Over 300 bird species are recorded on this crater lake. These crater lakes are one of the birding havens for travelers on their birding safaris.

Canoeing

Canoeing on these crater lakes is one of the amazing activities that travelers on their Uganda safaris can engage in. The canoes used are locally made by the residents living near the lakes. On the canoeing travelers will see different small primates like the colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and many others. Travelers will also have a viewing of the farmlands surrounding the crater.

Nature walks and hiking

Nature walks and hiking are some of the amazing activities on these lakes. To reach some of these crater lakes travelers are required to hike to reach the lakes in the different valleys and hills of the area. Nature walks are usually made through the surrounding forests of the crater lakes where travelers will have different views of the wildlife around the lakes.

Cultural encounters

While in the Rubirizi district is dominated by different Bantu communities of the Banyaruguru and Banyakole. These communities offer different cultural experiences to travelers on their Uganda safaris like cultural dances, alcohol brewing, flok songs and stories, and many others. The Banyaruguru crater lakes have different cultural meanings amongst the natives of the area which is so interesting for travelers to engage in for a safari.

Sight viewing

This is another interesting activity that travelers engage in during a Uganda safari. This activity can be made during the transfer or as an evening relaxation after a long day. Travelers engage in sunset viewing while on the raised platforms of the lakes and also usually take their picnics as they view the sunset. This creates an amazing memory for travelers on their safaris.

Game drives or game viewing

This is one of the primary activities that travelers do on their Uganda safaris in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. This activity is done in a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up to view the wildlife. This activity gives travelers a close encounter with wildlife during a safari like lions, elephants, hippos, warthogs, and many others. Game drives can be done in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Chimpanzee trekking

The encounter with the large primates of the country. Chimpanzees are one of the endemic primate species that live in the forested areas of the park in the Kyambura Gorge. The activity lasts for 2 to 4 hours of the day and travelers are recommended to plan accordingly since it involves hiking. Travelers doing this activity are required to have a chimpanzee trekking permit.

Experiential activities

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the savannah parks with several experiential activities like the experiential game drive, Mongoose tracking, and hippo census. All these activities offer a close encounter with wildlife in this park.

Boat cruise excursions

This is another amazing activity that travelers on their Uganda safaris engage in on the Kazinga Channel, Mweya Peninsular, and around Lake George. Cruising on the water with motorized boats during a Uganda safari will guide travelers to see different wildlife like elephants, hippos, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and many others.

What is the best time to visit Bunyaruguru Crater Lakes?

Bunyaruguru Crater Lakes are open for travelers throughout the year. The best time is usually the dry season June to September and December to February. This is the best time to visit the crater lakes since the area is clear and dry for the viewing of the wildlife and other attractions around the lakes.  Note that visiting these crater lakes is an all-year-round safari activity. It is one of the off-the-beaten-path experiences offered by Native Africa Tours.

Book your Trip to Uganda Now and get a chance to visit the Bunyaruguru Crater Lakes. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of travelers, a tour of these crater lakes is possible. Lastly, remember that a tour of these lakes can be easily combined with a tour of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It can also be combined with mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.