Drive between Queen Elizabeth National Park and the south-west of Uganda and you’ll pass a crater lake that locals proudly say looks like a map of the continent. It’s called Lake Nkugute, also known as Lake Rutoto, and it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding short stops in western Uganda.
Where is Lake Nkugute?
The lake lies in Rubirizi District, in the hilly Bunyaruguru area, right beside the main Mbarara–Kasese highway. It sits at about 1,400 metres (roughly 4,650 feet) above sea level, in a volcanic landscape dotted with crater lakes. Queen Elizabeth National Park is only a short drive away.
The “map of Africa” shape
Seen from above, or from the right viewpoint on the surrounding ridges, the outline of the lake resembles the map of Africa: a wide northern bulge, a narrowing towards the south and even a hint of the Horn of Africa. It isn’t a perfect match, of course, but it’s close enough to make people smile, and it has given the lake its popular nickname, “Lake Africa”.
Like its neighbours, Nkugute formed in a crater left by volcanic activity many thousands of years ago, which then filled with rainwater. Its steep sides are farmed with bananas and other crops, and a road curves around part of its shore.
Local stories
The lake has its share of legend. The name is often explained as meaning “to swallow” in the local Runyaruguru language, and residents tell stories of the lake taking swimmers, and of spirits that guard its waters. Whatever you make of them, local people treat the lake with respect, and swimming isn’t something we recommend. Fishing is limited, and the district has rules to protect the water, such as not washing vehicles or clothes in the lake.
Things to do
- Stop at a viewpoint. Most visitors pull over on the higher ground near the road for photographs. A drone photo shows the shape best, but check the current rules before flying one anywhere in Uganda.
- Walk the crater area. Paths around the lake and along the ridges pass farms and villages, with changing views over the water. A local guide makes the walk more interesting and supports the community.
- Birdwatching. The mix of water, farmland and patches of trees attracts common but colourful species, from sunbirds to kingfishers.
- Meet the community. The Banyaruguru people farm the crater slopes, and a short village walk gives you a glimpse of rural life on the way between parks.
A landscape of crater lakes
Nkugute is one of many crater lakes in the Bunyaruguru volcanic field, which stretches across Rubirizi towards the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Several more lie hidden among the hills and forest, including Kyasanduka and Nyamusingire on the edge of the Maramagambo Forest. Each has its own colour and character, and together they make this one of the most scenic corners of western Uganda.
On the Queen Elizabeth–Bwindi route
There are two main ways to travel from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. One goes south through the Ishasha sector, home of the tree-climbing lions, and on to Buhoma. The other follows the tarmac highway east through Rubirizi towards Ishaka and Bushenyi, and then south, which is the easier road to Bwindi’s southern sectors and to Kabale. Lake Nkugute sits on this second route, so it takes almost no detour.
It also combines well with the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve, a chimp-tracking alternative a little further along the highway, and with chimps in Kyambura Gorge.
Practical tips
- Allow 30 minutes for a photo stop, or two to three hours for a guided walk.
- Mornings are often clearer; afternoon clouds can build over the hills.
- There are no big hotels at the lake itself, so we base guests at lodges in and around Queen Elizabeth, such as Simba Safari Camp or Katara Lodge, and see Nkugute on a travel day.
- The dry seasons, roughly June to September and December to February, make the paths easier.
Lake Nkugute is a small stop with a big reward: a view you won’t forget and a story to go with it. If you’re planning a route from Queen Elizabeth to the gorillas, we’ll build it in naturally. See our Queen Elizabeth safari guide and get in touch to start planning.
