Kasese is ideally the main commercial center in Kasese area. It is located in western side of Uganda and it lies north of Lake George. The town became famous at the time of copper mining at Kilembe and later the attention was taken to cobalt mining. This remarkable town also comes with amazing history for the Uganda railway that runs from Kasese to Kampala and then continues to Tororo.
Kasese receives the largest number of tourists given its stunning environment and other big commercial centers. This district features more than 533000 people with 54000 people who live within the main town alone. It covers an area of about 3389.8 square kilometers. It is one of the fastest developing districts in Uganda when it comes to tourism activities and attractions. Kasese belongs to the Rwenzuru kingdom that is led by King Charles mumbere.
It is located 370km from Kampala via Mubende-Fort Portal highway, which is about 6hours drive. Kasese is also accessed by air to Kasese airstrip. Aero-link Uganda has daily flights from Entebbe Airport to Kasese region and the flight is about 60 minutes. Below are some of the best tourists attractions for you to enjoy in and around Kasese region;
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is Uganda’s second largest national park after Murchison Falls National Park and it also features as one of the best protected areas that are worth visiting while you are on safari in Africa. Queen Elizabeth National Park is shared between Kasese, Bushenyi, Kamwenge and Rukungiri. The park is credited with a number of attractions including four of the African big five (lions, elephants, buffaloes and leopards) and not to leave out the rare tree climbing lions plus other wildlife species like Uganda Kobs, hippos, crocodiles, topis, bushbucks, hyena as well as over 620 bird species both water and terrestrial species, primates and water bodies (Lake George, Lake Katwe, Lake Edward, Kazinga channel) and many more. It is credited for big game drives, birding, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge, Nature safari walk, community tours, Imaramagambo forest walk and boat cruise along the Kazinga channel, famous for the highest concentration of Hippos in Africa, with huge Nile crocodiles, Elephants and buffaloes seen basking along the shores. The boat provides a clear plat form for photographing.
- The Rwenzori Mountain ranges
If you love Mountain climbing adventures, consider Mount Rwenzori a must to include in your travel itinerary. This is one of the tallest mountains in the world which offer breathtaking adventures. It is the 3rd highest Mountain in Africa with 5109ft next to Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro!
The hikes last for about 6 to 9 days for one to reach to its stunning summit, Magherita peak (Mt. Stanley). For visitors who make it up to its top get certificate award. The mountain offers the best views of its surrounding areas which fills visitors with unforgettable experiences of lifetime. This is situated within Rwenzori national park which comes with remarkable attractions like primates, deep gorges, birds and many more.
- Kilembe mines
The mines are for copper and cobalt in Uganda. They are famous as one of the perfect commercial firms for mining in the east African community and they are situated in the town suburb Kilembe along the base of mount Rwenzori. Copper mining in Kilembe dates back in the 1950s where the first Canadian mining companies set up an equipment to mine copper. Today Kilembe mines produce about 4 million tones of copper and employ more people.
- Karinzu Forest Reserve
This is another place for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. It is located 2-hour drive from Kasese town / Queen Elizabeth National Park. Apart from chimps tracking, tourist can do spot some birds in the reserve.
- Hima cement limited
This features as one of the largest cement manufactures in Uganda. Hima is located about 334 kilometers off Kampala city center. The factory products are marketed and sold throughout East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC). It is best visited for study tours and school trips as it features several educative things.
- Kasese Airport
This is one of the 47 airports Uganda has. It has the most stunning background of the mountain peaks of Mount Rwenzori ranges and it is also nearer the international border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most of the domestic airlines land on this airport where they can connect to destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. It is also undergoing renovation so as to make it better.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
In the south of Queen Elizabeth National park, 3 hour drive from Kasese, we find the incredible Bwindi national park, the best destination for mountain gorilla safaris in Uganda, with currently over 17 habituated gorilla families. Bwindi National Park is one of the most visited destinations in Africa mainly for gorilla tracking and habituation experience!
Other things to do while on a safari to Bwindi National Park include the Batwa experience, bird watching, biking, forest walk and community visits among others.
- Kibale National Park
Kibale national park is located 90 minutes’ drive from Kasese. It is famous for the highest concentration of Hippos in Africa, with 13 species recorded, some of which include Chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, Mangabeys, Red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, golden monkeys and olive baboons among others. Over 350 bird species recorded in the park. Next to Kibale forest is Bigodi wetland, also famous for birding, primates watch and nature walk. Top things to do in Kibale include chimpanzee tracking, chimpanzee habituation experience, night forest walk, bird watching, guided walk and others.
There are also crafts and souvenir works, hotel and catering sector with more than 35 accommodation facilities, and capacity of 687 beds.
In conclusion, Kasese is Uganda’s most incredible tourist destination. It is surrounded with a number of amazing national parks and other tourist attractions that are all worth exploring and discovering while on a holiday in Uganda. For those of you who are looking for the best regions to explore on your next vacation, Kasese shouldn’t miss out in your travel plan.