Lake Africa/Rutoto in Uganda

Lake Rutoto also called Lake Nkugute, is a uniquely beautiful crater lake in Bushenyi district and near Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. Located in a volcanic field in Bunyaruguru, Rubirizi district, this crater lake is also known as Lake Africa because of its shape like the African continent. Geographically, it was formed due to volcanic processes that left a crater and later filled with water, over 12 centuries ago. Lake Africa now lies at altitudes 4,645 feet above sea level.

Lake Rutoto is known for its mysteriousness, especially since its name Nkugute is a local name that means “swallow.” This is because of its brutal history that suggests that every year, at least one boy and one girl each are drowned in the lake forever. The indigenous people claim that some people here can predict when a person is swallowed by the lake making their folktales worth your attention as a traveler. Also, persons who attempt to save the child will have a similar fate.

The areas around the crater lake are dominated by the Banyaruguru people whose traditions and practices are influenced by the Baganda and Banyankole to a larger extent. This is demonstrated by people speaking Luganda and Lunyankole. However, before the Banyaruguru, the Bachwezi settled in this place. Today locals say that if you move by the lake at night, you could be confronted by these mythical and mystical people. Lately, the surrounding communities have been helping the Ugandan government to preserve the lake by not doing their laundry or washing cars at the site. However, people are allowed to fetch water for domestic use.

Tour Activities on Lake Rutoto

Sightseeing

Explore the volcanic features in and around Lake Rutoto, and learn about Uganda’s natural wonders and their impact on the ecosystem.

Nature walk

Come with your strong walking shoes to move on the ground while you view the beautiful landscapes and blue skies that make Lake Rutoto truly special.

Photography

This allows you to take breathtaking images of this geological wonder that dates centuries ago. Carry extra batteries because there are numerous angles to photographing the crater lake and its green surroundings.

Cultural encounters

For you to have a firsthand experience of the Banyaruguru people and their exciting cultural beliefs and practices. Learn more about their way of life and appreciate how they have existed and interacted with the crater lake for centuries.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Ensure to visit Uganda’s most visited national park and home to the tree-climbing lions. Queen Elizabeth National Park is only 15.2 kilometers away from Lake Africa and takes about 24 minutes to reach there by road. Tourist activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park include birding, game drives, launch cruises, photography, and so many others.

Best Time to Visit Lake Rutoto for a Tour

Visit Lake Rutoto during the dry season for a seamless exploration of the crater lake without interruption by rainfall. Lake Rutoto experiences the dry season twice a year with the first running from December to February and the other from June to September. The dry season allows smooth navigation on the rugged but dry terrain with clear skies, warm conditions, and low humidity conditions suitable for outdoor activities.

How to get to Lake Rutoto for a Tour

Lake Rutoto is at least 349 kilometers west of Kampala city and the road trip will take 7.5-8 hours via Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara. Book your road transportation with Standard Safaris for comfort, insight, and adventure. We have the best safari vehicles such as 4X4 land cruisers, safari vans, and many others here at Standard Safaris.

We are experienced in planning the tour packages with you to include as many amazing tourist activities as possible. We also include the best meal plans and accommodation during your tour experience. We can organize a chartered flight for you if you opt for faster transportation. This is from Entebbe International Airport to Mweya airstrip or Kasenyi airstrip. Upon reaching the Airstrip, we will organize road transportation for you to reach Lake Rutoto.

Packing List for a Lake Rutoto Tour

  • Light clothing consisting of trousers and a long-sleeved shirt
  • A raincoat or poncho to keep you dry, especially in the rainy season
  • Hiking pair shoes with enhanced traction to walk on rugged land
  • Water bottle that can be refilled with drinking water to hydrate yourself
  • A daypack to store snacks, camera, binoculars, basic first aid set, and others
  • Sun protection items (Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hat among others)
  • Bug repellent which protects you from insect bites (mosquitoes, tsetse flies).