“Classic,” is how Ruberto described the first crater lake we encountered on the Queen Elizabeth National Park crater drive. The word fit perfectly.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most visited parks. This popularity has nothing to do with its royal name. Instead, it comes from the park’s remarkable diversity of wildlife and landscapes.

The park is made up of many different habitats. These support an impressive range of animals and scenery. Visitors come to see the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, the open wildlife-rich Kasenyi Plains, predators around the Mweya Peninsula, and the busy waters of the Kazinga Channel. Yet beyond the wildlife lies another treasure that many visitors overlook—the crater lakes.

For millions of years, the Rwenzori Mountains have formed a dramatic backdrop to the park. They rise along the Albertine Rift Valley, silently watching the landscape evolve. Within this setting lies one of the park’s most scenic routes. The crater drive stretches for about 27 kilometers and offers some of the most beautiful views in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Surprisingly, it remains one of the least explored activities.

The explosion crater lakes run from Kikorongo to Katwe in the northern part of the park. The drive follows a raised ridge that reaches about 1,350 meters above sea level. At the start of the climb, visitors enjoy wide views of Lake George. As the drive continues, deep craters appear on both sides. Some are filled with thick vegetation, while others hold shimmering crater lakes.

Although often overshadowed by game drives and boat cruises, the crater drive leaves a lasting impression on those who experience it. It offers insight into the park’s geological history and the volcanic activity that shaped the region. These forces created dozens of craters that stretch beyond the park to Fort Portal, where the Kasenda Crater Lakes are found.

The drive begins near Kikorongo, with the Kasenyi Plains spread out below. This area is often rich in wildlife. As you climb higher, animal sightings become fewer. The atmosphere changes. You hear birds calling, spot a few monkeys, and occasionally see lone buffaloes or elephants. Flamingos can also be seen on some of the crater lakes. Even with fewer animals, the scenery remains breathtaking.

Most of the craters were formed from dormant volcanic vents. These vents once allowed magma to reach the surface. As a result, many craters are steep and deep, making them difficult for animals to access. Lake Nyamunuka is one of the few exceptions. Animals can reach it easily.

Lake Nyamunuka is rich in calcium and sulfur. Because of this, it is believed to have healing properties. Injured animals are often seen wallowing in its mineral-rich water and mud. The name Nyamunuka comes from a local dialect and means “something that smells,” referring to the lake’s strong sulfur scent.

Many visitors come to Queen Elizabeth National Park expecting wildlife. Few expect the dramatic beauty of the crater landscapes. The area is filled with different shades of green, short acacia trees, and open grasslands. Almost every viewpoint invites you to stop and take photos.

The craters vary in size and appearance. Most are no more than two miles wide and about 100 meters deep. Some contain saltwater lakes with high acidity and strong sulfur smells. Lake Katwe is the most famous of these. For decades, it has been known for traditional salt mining. Hundreds of hand-dug salt pans surround the lake, worked daily by local communities.

In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its wildlife, and rightly so. However, a visit without the crater drive feels incomplete. You may arrive prepared for game viewing, but you leave with a deeper appreciation of the park’s landscapes and geological history. The crater drive is not an optional extra—it is a must-do experience that completes the Queen Elizabeth story.