Lake Kamweru, located in Magambo Sub-county in Rubirizi District, in Western Uganda, is one of Africa’s few truly conjoined crater lakes. The presence of an actual stream flowing through a heritage cave called Nyanza Ibiri ( translates as the “two lakes”). Lake Kamweru is believed to have been formed as a result of a volcanic eruption that took place in the 17th century. It is rumoured that the present-day Lake was originally just a crater (without water in it), but later had water flow into it from the neighbouring Lake Nzuguto, now turned into a wetland. In other words, Lake Nzuguto drained its waters into the Kamweru crater to form Lake Kamweru. The once Lake Nzuguto now remains as a wetland, not a lake anymore.
Things to see & do around Lake Kamweru
Bird watching: Lake Kamweru is a very fruitful birding location, especially in the dry season months of June-August, and December-February.
Boating & fishing: In the company of a local guide, you may try out your skills and luck with fishing for Bile tilapia, Nile Perch, Lung fish, silver Cyprinid, semutudu Catfish, among others.
Hikes & Nature Walks: Explore the scenic crater lakes and surrounding areas, including the Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest. The nature and views that surround Lake Kamweru are amazing, thus making it worthwhile a walk. While a self-guided walk is possible, we recommend always taking a local guide on this walk. Local guides carry a lot of information and are very knowledgeable when it comes to explaining or interpreting nature.
Cultural encounters, & Community Tours: You can visit the communities that surround Lake Kamweru, and get to learn more about the local legends and the stories behind the creation of Lake Kamweru. If you can, we recommend trading your comfort a little and staying at the Nyanzibiri Eco-Community Camp. This camp is basic, but wins as an ideal base to explore the area in the company of local guides who will tell you a lot of folklore.
Getting to Lake Kamweru.
Most travellers who visit Lake Kamweru do this as part of a bigger/organised tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The majority do this by road. The drive from Kampala to get to Lake Kamweru is approximately 350km and lasts about 6 – 7 hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way. However, if your budget permits, the easiest and quickest way to get to Lake Kamweru is to fly from Entebbe to Kasese, and here you should have arranged a vehicle to transfer you from Kasese to Bunyanruguru. Aerolink Uganda operates daily flights out of Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airport.
Where to stay around Lake Kamweru
