Ndali Kasenda crater lakes are crater lakes that were formed by volcanic activity over 10,000 years ago which left depressions that were later filled with rain water to form these crater lakes.
The Ndali kasenda crater lakes are found between Kibale national park well known for Chimpanzee tracking and Queen Elizabeth national park the home of tree climbing lions in Uganda. Ndali Kasenda crater lakes in Fort portal, western Uganda are worth visiting either on a tour to Kibale national park or Queen Elizabeth national park.
These Ndali kasenda crater lakes are located on a higher elevation than the surrounding areas and hiking up to these crater lakes gives you great views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kibale forest, Kichwamba escarpment and different lakes around. These lakes are said to be extinct though some emit volcanic gases and have a sulpheric smell from them.
Some of the Ndali kasenda crater lakes have clean water but others have sulpheric water with a green color and are toxic with a bad smell. This is caused by continued volcanic activity which gives out volcanic gases and acidic water. People who wish to swim need to consult before so as to know which of the crater lakes have clean water for swimming and good enough the waters are free from bilharzia.
Ndali kasenda crater lakes offer spectacular views and a number of activities can be done around these crater lakes. The crater lakes include;
Ndali Kasenda crater lakes are so many and the rest include lake Nyamirima, lake Nyinabulitwa, Mubiro, Lake Ntambi, Lake Nyamugasani, lake nyanswiga, lake katanda, lake mwegenyi and many more.
Nature Walk, Hiking tour, Bird watching & Swimming
Ndali kasenda crater lakes region has many adventure tour activities that visitors can engage in to make their visit memorable. The best tourist activities to do around the craters include; Hiking tour, Bird watching, Nature walking tour, Boat rides, Biking, Fishing and Swimming. Ndali crater lakes can be explored on foot so there are many hiking trails including the Hiking to the top of the world. While on top of the world, you will enjoy the beautiful views of the tea plantations, the Rwenzori mountains, Kibale rain forest and Kichwamba escarpment.
All activities around the crater lakes are guided by an interpretive local community guide who knows the best trails that connect each lake to other. A small fee ranging between $10 -$20 is charged for a guided tour which must be paid to the community tour office before the begining of the walking Safari. The time and length of the nature walk or hiking usually depend on arrangements with the guide but mostly it takes between 2 – 4 hours or even to a full day.
Accommodation around the Ndali kasenda crater lakes range from budget to midrange and luxury lodges. These lodges are well situated on the edge of the lakes to give you perfect views of the surrounding, enough comfort and a beautiful environment for relaxation so as to carry out all your activities on time.
Tourist lodges near the crater lakes region include; Ndali lodge, Kyaninga lodge, Papaya lake lodge, Primate Lodge kibale, Isunga lodge, Crater Safari lodge, Chimpanzee Forest lodge, Rweteera Safari park, CVK Campsite, Lake Nkuruba nature reserve and community campsite, kibale forest camp and many more.