The western region is the most popular region in Uganda. It has a lot of interesting things to see including the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park.
Craters Region
The crater lakes region lies south of Fort Portal in the shadow of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. The area is dotted with many picturesque volcanic crater lakes, each more beautiful than the next. They provide some of the country’s best hiking trails. The area is truly stunning framed by undulating hills and Matooke plantations. As most of the people who have never visited Kabarole district think of Victoria, Mburo or Bunyonyi, the crater lakes region near Fort Portal offer stunning scenery and relaxation.
Lakes & Rivers
One can ask himself a question that how can these attractive lakes be approached? Never get confuse, the only way to get to the crater lakes is to drive to Fort Portal from Kampala in about 5-6 hours’ drive. Once you reach there, turn left and immediately left again past the hospital. Continue on this road for about 30 minutes until you find yourself surrounded by picturesque hills, streams and lakes.
Where to stay in Western Uganda
Accommodation is varied for those looking to stay in the region and all budgets are catered for.
Those on a budget, campsites are particularly well-placed. Planet Ruigo Beach Resort is in the south of the region, on the shores of tiny Lake Kasenda. As the mist rises very early in the morning and the stream slowly trickles into the perfectly still lake, you will feel like you are a million miles away from Kampala. With camping as cheap as 20,000/= per person, Bandas at 40,000 – 45,000/= and Ugandan food at 30,000/=, the site is excellent with viewing.
Other campsites also offer very cheap accommodation and good food. The Chimpanzee Forest Guest House has a lovely view over the surrounding area, and camping is 20,000/= per person. Food is more expensive, but areas are available for self-catering as long as you move with your cooking equipment. There are more two campsites near Lake Nkuruba, that is, Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve and Community Campsite located along Kibale Forest about 20 km from Fort Portal. It has the best facilities, including a lakeside cottage with views over the lake. The campsite offers local walks to a variety of areas, including a hilltop known as “Top of The World”. For those looking for a truly special getaway, Ndali Lodge is in the middle of the area, straddling two huge crater lakes. There is no better view in this part of Uganda than that at the top of the escarpment. This luxury lodge would make a perfect honeymoon location.