Crater lakes in Uganda near Kibale
The crater lakes of the Ndali-Kasenda field lie west of Kibale and south of Fort Portal. They fill old volcanic craters, many with forest on the rim. Nkuruba, Nyinambuga and Nyabikere are all maar lakes of this field. A boda-boda or a driver who knows the area helps, and it is worth asking about the state of the tracks.
The walks fit well after a morning of chimpanzee trekking. Most people see two or three lakes in a half day, or spend a night at one of the lakes.
Lake Nkuruba
A volcanic crater lake with a protected forest rim.
Lake Nkuruba is a volcanic crater lake with its forest rim kept intact. The reserve has been run as a non-profit project since 1991, and the income goes to conservation and the local community. Overnight guests have the entry fee included in their accommodation price.
The reserve offers guided walks. The table compares the main ones.
| Walk | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nkuruba forest walk | 45 to 60 minutes | Ask at the reserve | The shortest option |
| Crater lakes walk on foot | 3 to 4 hours | $13 per person | Several lakes along the way |
| Crater lakes trip by boda-boda | 2 hours | $15 per person | Covers more ground in less time |
| Mahoma waterfall hike | 5 to 6 hours | Ask at the reserve | Longest option; the reserve also offers a Top of the World viewpoint |
For most visitors on a half day, the crater lakes walk on foot or by boda-boda is the most practical choice. Take the forest walk if you have less than an hour.
The village of Rwaihamba is about 2 km from the reserve. Its market days are Monday and Thursday.
You can also stay at the reserve. Camping costs $10 per adult, and a tent can be rented for $8 per night. Cottages are available as well, with prices on the accommodation page. Staying overnight gives you the lake and the forest edge in the early morning, and the entry fee is already included.
Guided walks are the usual way to see the lakes and the forest rim. Income from the reserve supports conservation and the local community, so a guided walk also supports the people who look after the forest.
Our pick: a trip with the crater lakes
The crater lakes are part of this three-day trip with chimpanzee tracking and community visits.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Crater lake tours near Fort Portal
Guided hikes, chimpanzee trekking combinations and day trips in the Fort Portal area, with live prices and availability.
Lake Nyinambuga
Lake Nyinambuga is another maar lake in the Ndali-Kasenda field. Ask your guide or accommodation about access and any fee before you set off, because lake shores can be on private land.
Lake Nyabikere
Lake Nyabikere is another maar lake in the same field. As with Nyinambuga, check access locally rather than assuming you can walk to the shore.
Swimming and health
Treat every lake as unsafe for swimming.
Bilharzia risk
Health advice for Uganda warns against bathing and swimming in inland freshwater. Schistosomiasis can spread even from brief contact. Do not treat any crater lake as safe, and stay out of the water.
Access is not the same as a swim
A lake that you can reach on foot may still be private land. Water quality, ownership and fees are separate questions, and answers differ from lake to lake.
What to bring
Wear shoes with grip for muddy forest paths and carry water and rain protection. The ground can be slippery after rain.
Combine the lakes with other stops
The Amabere caves lie west of Fort Portal and combine well with a lake walk. For lodging at the lakes, see where to stay near Kibale. The Fort Portal guide lists more day trips.
Crater lakes: frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the crater lakes?
Do not. Health advice warns against swimming in Ugandan freshwater because of schistosomiasis, and no lake here should be treated as safe.
How much does it cost to visit Lake Nkuruba?
The day fee is UGX 10,000 for non-residents, UGX 8,000 for residents and UGX 2,000 for East Africans. Overnight guests have it included.
How long is the crater lakes walk?
The guided walk on foot takes 3 to 4 hours and costs $13 per person. The boda-boda trip takes 2 hours and costs $15 per person.
How many crater lakes are there?
The Ndali-Kasenda area holds many lakes, and there is no firm count. Plan around the lakes you want to see rather than a number.
Can I do the lakes and Kibale on one day?
Yes, if you trek in the morning and walk to one or two lakes in the afternoon. Allow time for rough tracks.