Visit Fort Portal, in western Uganda to explore the Ndali-Kasenda Craters, about 350 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. These scenic crater lakes are just 25 kilometers south of Fort Portal town and on the fringes of Kibale National Park. The region is found on a more elevated area than its surroundings therefore called the ‘Top of the World.’ You can explore the Ndali-Kasenda craters after an exhaustive chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park.

The Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes are old volcanic features that were formed over 8,000 years ago before forming calderas that formed the crater lakes. They are extinct and a few have volcanic gases, and bilharzia-free hence suitable for swimming adventures. The lakes have acidic water with a sulfuric smell caused by the continuous volcanic activity beneath the mountains. The crater lakes include some of the following.

Lake Nkuruba, located only 25 kilometers south of Fort Portal town offers incredible views of the surrounding areas and the exciting Mahoma Falls. There are many primates to be spotted here, including the red-tailed monkeys and the red colobus monkeys to mention but a few. Camping is an activity that can also be done at Lake Nkuruba for those who wish to escape the noise in Uganda’s cities.

Lake Nyinambuga is among the largest lakes in the place and is known for its mildly saline and clean water beneath the forest trees. Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking and nature walks, to spot primates and many bird species. This lake is featured on the back side of Uganda’s 20,000-shilling note.

Lake Kifuruka, located west of Lake Nyinambuga is the perfect place for visitors desiring a canoe expedition. There are points where you can stand and appreciate the beautiful scenery while relaxing in the soothing cool breeze from the lake. There are a variety of wildlife species including primates such as black and white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. You can also engage in birdwatching adventures to spot the African grey parrot and the great blue turaco. You can take beautiful photographs of the scenery and wildlife.

Lake Nyabikere, also called the Lake of Frogs is a crater lake 11 kilometers from Fort Portal town. It has very many frogs, and they usually croak in the night. Lake Nyabikere has at least 100 bird species including the pygmy goose, giant kingfisher, African eagle, and grey parrot to mention but a few. Visitors can also experience a hiking tour towards a small waterfall on the Nyabikere River and the Isunga hot springs. You can also have views of the tea plantation and the Rwenzori mountains.

Lake Lyantonde, a fairly small lake surrounded by hills and dense vegetation cover can offer tourists a perfect opportunity to view the forest canopy and a variety of bird species that live on them.

The other crater lakes at Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes include Nyamirima, Nyinabulitwa, Mubiro, Ntambi, Nyamugasani, Nyanswiga, Katanda, and Mwegenyi and others.

Activities to do at Ndali Kasenda Craters in Fort Portal

• Nature walks and hiking tours take you to the hills surrounding the crater lakes. While hiking, you could encounter chimpanzees on trees.
• Nature walks through the forest and the rolling hills towards the crater lakes
• Boat ride adventures on Lake Kifuruka.
• Birdwatching tours with over 400 bird species in and around Ndali-Kasenda craters, are typically done along the trails. You will have an exciting tour to encounter the shoebill, grey crowned crane, great blue turaco, white-winged warbler, papyrus gonolek, western tinker bird, and others.
• Mountain biking as you follow trails to the top of the hills while enjoying the cool breeze, the green think nature, and the beautiful views of the crater lakes and their surroundings.

The best time to visit Ndali-Kasenda Crater lakes in Fort Portal

Visitors to Fort Portal for the Ndali-Kasenda Crater lakes tour throughout the year. However, the dry seasons are the ideal time to visit the site, occurring from June to August, and December to February. The trails are relatively drier and navigable compared to the wet season which brings in a lot of rainfall to make them muddy and slippery.

For travelers who desire more quiet and challenging hiking experiences, the wet season is the ideal time to visit Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes. The wet season is experienced from March to May and September to November.

Getting to Ndali-Kasenda Craters in Fort Portal

For visitors on a Ndali-Kasenda craters tour in Fort Portal, you should start the journey from Kampala on the road. The scenic road trip from Kampala passes via Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara, westwards towards Fort Portal. This is a 4-5-hour journey depending on traffic and road conditions.

Alternatively, visitors can use air transportation to their destination faster and more conveniently. This is done on a chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airstrip to the nearest airstrip in Kasese district. This is followed by a shorter road trip to Fort Portal and the Crater Lakes.

What to carry for the Ndali-Kasenda Crater lakes tour in Fort Portal

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for hiking on the uneven terrain
• Lightweight clothes that are longed sleeved
• Lightweight raincoat or poncho
• Binoculars for birdwatching tours
• Camera or smartphone to take photographs or capture videos
• Insect repellent
• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sun cream to protect against ultraviolet sun rays
• Refillable water bottle to carry drinking water for rehydration
• Light snacks or energy bars
• Backpack that accommodates essential items such as water bottles, cameras, etc.
• Small first-aid kit