Lake Nyinambuga

When it comes to beauty, Uganda is just incomparable. On the far western side of Uganda, lies a little-known gem -Lake Nyinambuga, a scenic Crater Lake located within Bunyaruguru at an altitudinal range of about 1389m.

On the 20,000 Uganda shilling note, Lake Nyinambuga is fully represented. The Crater Lake is found on the Southern side of Fort Portal and it is credited for its incomparably scenic walking or road cycling tours.

In the surrounding cultivated area, a significant number of primates and birdlife can be spotted. The history of Crater Lakes in Uganda dates back to 9000 years when volcanic eruptions or activity occurred. Crater Lakes such as Nyinambuga formed due to violent volcanic/volcanic fissures or explosions resulting in the emission of lava with ash and rocks spreading far creating a vast basin that later was filled with water.

They are scenic natural features with lush green surroundings. Quite a good number of Crater Lakes exist in Uganda and they are among the best spots to go for photography safaris. At Lake Nyinambuga, it is possible to go nature walking, sunbathing, hiking, sky viewing, and more.

A visit to Lake Nyinambuga can be combined with primate safaris in Kibale National Park in Kabarole district, Western Uganda. Kibale National Park is 5 hour’s drive from Kampala and it is truly the primate capital of the world, priding itself on 13 primate species. These include 1500 chimpanzees, many l’hoest monkeys, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, mangabeys, blue monkeys, pottos, and bush babies.

Other wildlife species that call Kibale a home include forest elephants, bush pigs, leopards, duikers, reptiles, butterflies, amphibians, buffaloes, etc. On Kibale National Park safaris, the ideal activities to indulge in include guided chimpanzee tracking, birding, chimpanzee habituation experience, nature or forest walk, cultural tour, Crater Lake walk, and more.

For visitors interested in guided chimpanzee treks in Kibale National Park, permits are obtainable at USD200 per person if you are visiting as a foreign non-resident, foreign residents are issued chimpanzee permits at USD150, and Ugandans, plus East African citizens pay UGX150000.

In Uganda, chimpanzee trekking is also possible in other sites such as Budongo Forest in the Northwestern side of the country, Kalinzu, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Toro-Semliki National Reserve.

Birds in Kibale National Park are also among the key highlight and there are 375 bird species living in this park alone. These include the green breasted pitta, Abyssinian ground thrush, brown chested alethe, blue breasted kingfishers, black bee-eater, black-eared ground thrush, little greenbul, and more.

Other Crater Lakes around Kibale besides Nyinambuga include Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes- these are found in Fort Portal close to Kibale National Park. A visit to these Crater Lakes also allows you to trek for 3 hours to the Top of the World. The area also features Craters such as Lake Nyabikere, Lake Lyantonde,

Bunyaruguru Crater Lakes- these are found in the western part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Bunyaruguru has comprised of 20 Craters and the key one is Nkugute Crater Lake which is found in Rubirizi district, Bunyaruguru county. Other Craters include Lake Nkuruba, Kamweru, Kyema, Nyungu, Mirambi, Rwizongo, Lake Mafuro, Katinda, etc.

Accommodation around Lake Nyinambuga

The places for visitors to have a comfortable stay while on Crater Lake safaris in Lake Nyinambuga include Ndali Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, and Rweteera Safari Park.

Getting to Lake Nyinambuga

By road: Lake Nyinambuga is about a 6-hour drive away from Kampala and you drive via Mityana, Mubende-Kyenjojo via Matiri Forest Reserve-Fort Portal route. A 4×4 drive vehicle is the best choice for your road trip to Lake Nyinambuga in Kabarole.