Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Kampala, Uganda
1. Lake Bunyonyi
A scenic lake located in Southwestern Uganda, offering crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. It's home to 29 islands and a variety of fish species.
- Island Exploration: Visit the many unique islands, each with its own character and stories.
- Water Clarity: Experience outstanding underwater visibility, perfect for observing aquatic life.
- Cultural Experience: Interact with the local Batwa community and learn about their traditions.
2. Ssese Islands
A chain of 84 islands on Lake Victoria, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The islands are famous for their pristine beaches and rich marine life.
- Island Hopping: Explore multiple islands, each with its own distinct charm.
- Marine Biodiversity: Discover a wide variety of fish and coral species in the clear waters.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Enjoy a serene and tranquil environment away from the bustle of city life.
3. Lake Mburo National Park
A unique park where you can snorkel in the saltwater lakes and spot hippos and crocodiles. It's also home to various wildlife species.
- Wildlife Encounter: Observing animals such as zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes in their natural habitat.
- Saltwater Snorkeling: Experience a different type of snorkeling adventure in the saltwater lakes.
- Night Game Drives: Spot nocturnal wildlife on guided night game drives.
4. Kasenge Landing Site
A historic site where the British landed during their invasion of Uganda in 1890. It offers a unique snorkeling experience with views of the Nile Perch.
- Historical Significance: Visit a site steeped in Ugandan history and learn about its role in colonial times.
- Nile Perch Observation: Spot the giant Nile Perch, one of Africa's largest freshwater fish species.
- Freshwater Snorkeling: Experience snorkeling in the mighty River Nile.
5. Mabira Forest
A lush rainforest on the shores of Lake Victoria, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving in its mangrove-lined creeks.
- Rainforest Exploration: Explore one of Uganda's largest remaining rainforests.
- Mangrove Snorkeling: Discover the unique underwater world in the mangroves.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Spot a variety of bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco and the African Grey Parrot.
6. Kalangala Island
A picturesque island in Lake Victoria known for its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
- Beach Relaxation: Relax on pristine white-sand beaches with stunning views of the lake.
- Marine Life Discovery: Explore a rich underwater world filled with diverse fish species.
- Community Interaction: Engage with the friendly local community and learn about their culture.
7. Kibale Forest National Park
A tropical rainforest home to a variety of primates, including chimpanzees. It also offers opportunities for snorkeling in its swamps.
- Chimpanzee Tracking: Follow the habituated chimpanzee groups on a thrilling tracking adventure.
- Swamp Snorkeling: Snorkel in the swamps to observe aquatic plants and wildlife up close.
- Primatology Research: Learn about ongoing primatology research projects in the park.
8. Semuliki National Park
A national park bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, featuring swamps and forested hills. It offers snorkeling opportunities in its hot springs.
- Hot Spring Snorkeling: Snorkel in the mineral-rich hot springs.
- Forest and Swamp Exploration: Explore the diverse forest and swamp ecosystems.
- Chimpanzee Habituation: Participate in the chimpanzee habituation process with researchers.
9. Maramagambo Forest
A forest reserve located within Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering opportunities for snorkeling in its swamps.
- Swamp Snorkeling: Snorkel in the swamps to observe aquatic plants and wildlife up close.
- Bat Cave Exploration: Visit the Bat Cave, home to an estimated 500,000 bats.
- Forest Walks: Take guided walks through the forest and learn about its diverse flora and fauna.
10. Queen Elizabeth National Park
A savannah national park known for its diverse wildlife and birdlife. It also offers opportunities for snorkeling in its saltwater lakes.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot animals such as elephants, lions, and hippos.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Spot a variety of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans.
- Saltwater Lake Snorkeling: Snorkel in the saltwater lakes to observe fish and other aquatic life.
11. Kibale-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
A wildlife reserve located between Kibale Forest National Park and Semuliki National Park. It offers snorkeling opportunities in its swamps.
- Swamp Snorkeling: Snorkel in the swamps to observe aquatic plants and wildlife up close.
- Chimpanzee Habituation: Participate in the chimpanzee habituation process with researchers.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Explore diverse ecosystems, including forest, swamp, and savannah.
12. Rwenzori Mountains National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring snow-capped mountains. It offers opportunities for snorkeling in its lakes.
- Mountain Climbing: Climb the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains.
- Lake Snorkeling: Snorkel in the mountain lakes to observe aquatic plants and wildlife up close.
- Flora and Fauna Diversity: Explore a diverse flora and fauna, including unique alpine vegetation and various primates.
13. Mount Elgon National Park
A national park located on the border of Uganda and Kenya. It offers snorkeling opportunities in its caves and waterfalls.
- Cave Snorkeling: Snorkel in the caves to observe unique rock formations.
- Waterfall Exploration: Explore the waterfalls and enjoy their natural beauty.
- Safari Opportunities: Go on a safari to spot elephants, buffaloes, and various other wildlife species.
14. Mount Moroto National Park
A national park located in the Karamoja region. It offers snorkeling opportunities in its rock pools.
- Rock Pool Snorkeling: Snorkel in the rock pools to observe unique aquatic life.
- Cultural Experience: Engage with the local Karimojong community and learn about their culture.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot animals such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in their natural habitat.
15. Lake George
A lake located within Queen Elizabeth National Park. It offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
- Marine Life Discovery: Explore a rich underwater world filled with diverse fish species.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot animals such as hippos and crocodiles on the shores of the lake.
- Boat Tours: Take guided boat tours to explore the lake and its surrounding wildlife.