Page 30 - July-Sept 2024 Edition

Kyemengo Crater

Explosion Crater Drive
If you are looking for incredible scenery, then the Explosion Crater Drive is highly recommended!
The scenic 27-kilometre drive winds through the Katwe-Kikorongo Crater Field between the
Kabatoro (Main Gate) and the Queens Pavilion. The explosion crater drive should not be confused
with the crater lake region of Fort Portal. You might have seen the numerous and beautiful crater
lakes in and around Fort Portal, however the craters in Queen Elizabeth are unique and shouldn’t
be missed, it’s like visiting another world. The explosion craters were formed from violent volcanic
activity that created massive deep depressions in the earth, without having the traditional vent
cones associated with volcanic activity. To get the most out of the drive and admire the scenery,
you should plan 2 ½ hours for the drive. Take your time to stop and appreciate the views. Some
of the craters are filled with forests, one looks like a bowl of broccoli, some have salt lakes and
others, rolling savannah grasslands. The scenery is often likened to Jurassic Park. In the rainy
season, the lush green craters are a good place to see elephants, the herds go to this area and
the pregnant mothers give birth here. With a keen eye, you can sometimes see mothers with their
newborn baby grazing away from the family. The craters are deep and wide, so binoculars are
recommended for the best viewing. The largest crater along the drive is the massive Kyemengo
Crater at Baboon Cliffs. It is a good spot to get out of the car and marvel at the expansiveness of
this crater. Standing on top of the rim can be slightly dizzying and it’s difficult to gauge how deep
and wide the crater is. Keep your eyes open for the Red Duiker which has been sighted several
times in this area and is a shy and rare antelope to see. Another impressive lake along the drive
is Lake Kitagata, a mesmerizing dark lake which on a sunny day reflects the clouds in the sky. A
unique aspect of the drive is watching birds of prey soar in the craters, it is not unusual to see birds
from above which is a rather special sight. A personal favourite is the Bateleur which can soar and
glide for long periods of time without a single wing flap. The Explosion Crater Drive is certainly one
of the gems of Queen Elizabeth NP.

Lake Kitagata

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