Kasese
Kasese is a major hub for tourism in western Uganda, serving as the gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and a key access point for Queen Elizabeth National Park. The town is strategically located near several of Uganda’s most significant natural and cultural attractions.
Primary tourist attractions
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The town of Kasese sits at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon”. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a prime destination for:
- Mountain climbing and trekking: Trekkers can ascend to Margherita Peak, Uganda’s highest point, or explore various shorter trails.
- Unique flora and fauna: The park’s diverse alpine vegetation, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes create a surreal landscape.
- Community-based experiences: Local tour guides, organized through associations like KAMOTOGA, enhance the trekking experience.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kasese is the closest major town to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a significant portion of the park lying within the Kasese District. Visitors can easily access the park’s main attractions from Kasese:
- Game drives: Spot a wide array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards on the park’s game tracks.
- Kazinga Channel boat safari: Enjoy a boat tour to see the channel’s high concentration of hippos, as well as crocodiles and numerous bird species.
- Kyambura Gorge: Trekking here offers the chance to see chimpanzees.
Local and cultural attractions
- Lake Katwe: This hypersaline lake is known for its salt mining industry, an activity practiced by the local community for centuries. Visitors can observe the traditional salt extraction process.
- Kasese Equator Monument: A recently renovated monument at Kikorongo marks the equator and is a popular photo opportunity for tourists.
- Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve: Located near Kasese, this forest is an excellent spot for chimpanzee tracking and birdwatching, featuring a diverse ecosystem.
- Local culture: Kasese is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Bakonzo and Basongora, with rich cultural traditions that visitors can experience.
Accessibility and infrastructure
- Road access: Kasese is well-connected by road, though the journey from Kampala can take 7 to 8 hours.
- Air travel: Kasese has a domestic airport with flights to and from Entebbe International Airport, significantly reducing travel time.
- Accommodation: The town offers a range of lodging options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to more comfortable lodges catering to tourists heading to the nearby national parks.
