Positioned in the western region of Uganda in Kaseese district, Lake Bujuku is one of the beautiful crater lakes situated between the ranges of the highest Uganda mountain – Rwenzori. It is one of the destinations not to miss on the trek in the Rwenzori Mountains. The crater lake lies in the Bujuku Valley of Rwenzori mountains and it stands as the second nearest lake after Lake Mahoma. Located in between the most common Rwenzori mountains- Stanley, Baker and Speke mountains, Lake Bujuku is one of the eight delightful lakes in the mystical mountains.
A hike to Lake Bujuku
During the hike to the amazing Bujuku crater lake, expect to take spend your 3 precious days crossing several vegetation types and beautiful creatures like Bujuku river, the lower Bigo bog and then hike up to the upper Bigo Bog. When you reach here, you will walk across a boardwalk that was constructed to assist the walkers as you enjoy the superb views of Mt. Stanley.
From the bog, you will continue with the climb steadily over the glacial moraine cross the river and then later reach the amazing Lake Bujuku which stands at a height of 3,962m above the sea level with a length of 1.37km.
After the exploration of the lake, you will proceed to Bujuku Camp for an overnight stay and dinner. The camp is surrounded by the alpine savannah zone and it consist good and clean facilities like toilets, cooking equipment plus sleeping facilities that include single rooms in the tin made huts.
Camping at Lake Bujuku
Camping experience around the crater lake is done at Bujuku Hut which offers spectacular views of the features around the lake plus the surrounding peaks. On the clear days, you will fancy your eyes with the excellent views of Scott Elliot Pass, the Stanley Plateau and Mt. Baker. For the climbers heading to Mt. Baker, Bujuku camp is one of the best spots and it also offers opportunities to spot several wildlife species like the elusive duiker antelopes and many others.
Best time to hike to Lake Bujuku
Lake Bujuku can be visited anytime throughout the year but the best season is during the dry season which is in the months of July, August and September and then December, January and February. These months are generally the best months to hike the Rwenzori mountains and other mountaineering destinations in Uganda. This is because the trails are always dry and unslippery thus making hiking friendly and easier.
Besides Rwenzori mountains, there are also other destinations where one can enjoy the hiking experience and among these areas include Mount Elgon, the second highest mountain in Uganda, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Moroto and Mount Gahinga.
For a fantastic experience during your trip in Uganda, mountain climbing can be spiced up with the add-ons of wildlife and primate safaris in destinations like Queen Elizabeth National park, Murchison Falls national park Kidepo valley national park, Lake Mburo National park, Kibale forest national park for chimpanzee trekking safaris, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi Impenetrable national park for gorilla trekking trips.