Crater Lakes are among the top tourist attractions that draw most travelers to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Located in different craters of the park, crater lakes are water bodies believed to have been formed by Volcanic eruption very many years ago. The lakes offer breathtaking sceneries and a unique ecosystem worth exploring. Each crater lake has s unique geographical and historical belief attached to it.
Crater Lakes in QENP
Lake Katwe
Located in Kikorongo Volcanic field, Lake Katwe is one of the famous and most visited cater Lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The hypersaline lake is famous for salt mining and is mostly visited by researchers especially students from different colleges from all parts of the country. The Lake is the most famous and largest Crater Lake within the park’s boundaries.
Its waters are highly saline, a result of the high mineral content in the surrounding volcanic rocks. For centuries, locals have harvested salt from Lake Katwe, a tradition that continues to this day. While the lake itself may not teem with aquatic life due to its salinity, the surrounding landscape is captivating, with stark, mineral-rich shores contrasting with the vibrant green vegetation.
Lake Munyanyange
Famous for the white and pink Flamingoes, Lake Munyange is a must-visit for any birder to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The season lake is home to the beautiful lesser and greater flamingoes not seen anywhere else in Uganda. In addition to the flamingoes, Lake Munyanyange shelters other migratory birds hardly seen in other parts of the country. Travelers visiting the lake can spend their nights at Lake Munyanage Caves Lodge for luxury and comfort.
Lake Nyamunuka
Located in the kasenyi plans of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Nyamunuka is another popular cater lake you should not miss. The lake is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills which offer beautiful sceneries. The waters of the lake are believed to cure injured animals which is something unique about this lake. The mall size of the lake offers an intimate charm best for nature walking, photography, and scenic viewing. Some parts of the lake shelter various bird species which makes it a spot for bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Lake Kyemengo
This crater lake is renowned for its lush, verdant surroundings. The dense vegetation that fringes the lake’s shores creates a haven for a diverse array of birdlife. Birdwatchers will delight in the opportunity to spot a variety of species, from colorful bee-eaters to majestic eagles.
Lake Kikorongo
Similar to Lake Katwe, Lake Kikorongo is another significant crater lake in the region known for its salt production. Visitors can witness the traditional salt-making process, gaining insights into the local culture and the importance of this natural resource.
Lake Nkuruba
Situated in the northern part of the park, Lake Nkuruba offers a more secluded experience. Its calm waters and pretty setting make it an ideal location for camping and enjoying the serenity of the African wilderness.
Other attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
In addition to crater Lakes, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers travelers a variety of other interesting attractions that reward them with memorable experiences. These include
Wildlife
Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for sheltering a shih concentration of wildlife. Guided game drives in the open plains of the park is the best way to explore wildlife in this amazing park. Expect to see wild animals such as Elephants. Lions, Buffalos, Leopards, Hyenas, Uganda Kobs Waterbucks, Warthogs, and wild pigs among others. The park is also home to the rare tree-climbing lions seen in Ishasha sector south of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Birds
Sheltering over 610 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the largest birding area in Uganda. A wide range of habitats inclusive of swamps, forests, and shrubs favor the habitation of different bird species some of which are hardly found anywhere else in Uganda. Some of the notable bird species in Queen Elizabeth National Park include Long Crested Eagle, Grey Crowned Crane, Black Headed Gonolek, Yellow-throated Long Crawl, Great white Pelican, African Finfoot, Lesser Flamingo, African Skimmer, African Hobby, Black Bee-eater, Papyrus Canary, Shoebill, Crab Plover, Great Blue Turaco, Great Blue Pelican and Yellow Billed Stork among others. May to September is the best time for bird watching in Uganda while Migratory birds are best seen from November to April.
Kazinga Channel
Any Uganda safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park without touring kazinga channel is counted as incomplete. The 40-kilometer-long River that connects Lakes Edward and Goerge is a center of water sports activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. A launch cruise at the channel offers you great views of the park, birds, and wildlife seen on the river banks.
Visit local communities adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a rich cultural experience. The community visit is the best way to meet and interact with local people who share their traditions, norms, customs, and beliefs. Cultural tourism is an indirect way of supporting local people and improving their standards of living.
Other activities done in Queen Elizabeth National Park include nature walking, camping, and scenic viewing among others.
Safari packages to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depending on the traveler’s available time, Queen Elizabeth can be explored in two or more days. The 3 Days Queen Elizabeth Park tour offers travelers a chance to do game viewing and boat cruise. You can also combine Queen Elizabeth with other nearby destinations such as Kibale Forest National Park. Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The 5 Days Uganda chimpanzees and wildlife safari offers you the best of Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Superfine Safaris Limited is your trusted travel agent for a customized Uganda tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We offer guided game drives in the park and collaborate with UWA for a launch cruise at the Kazinga channel rewarding you with a memorable experience.
