Home › Destinations › Kasese
Kasese, Uganda - Things to Do in Kasese

Kasese

Kasese, Uganda - Complete Travel Guide

Kasese is a busy town located in western Uganda at the foothills of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, often called the 'Mountains of the Moon.' This gateway city serves as the perfect base for exploring some of Uganda's most spectacular natural attractions, including Queen Elizabeth National Park and the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori range. The town sits at an elevation of about 950 meters and enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, making it an ideal starting point for mountain adventures and wildlife safaris. The region is rich in cultural diversity, home to the Bakonzo people who have lived in harmony with the mountains for centuries. Kasese offers visitors a unique blend of mountain trekking, wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, and agricultural tourism, with the area known for its copper mining heritage and thriving farming communities. The town itself may be modest, but it provides essential services and serves as a crucial hub for accessing some of Uganda's most pristine wilderness areas.

Top Kasese

Rwenzori Mountains Trekking

start multi-day treks through the mystical Rwenzori Mountains, Africa's third-highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountains offer diverse ecosystems from tropical rainforest to alpine zones with unique flora like giant lobelias and groundsels. Treks range from day hikes to challenging 7-10 day expeditions to Margherita Peak.

Booking Tip: Book through certified operators like Rwenzori Mountaineering Services, with costs ranging from $50-80 per day for guided treks including meals and accommodation. Best attempted during dry seasons (December-February, June-August) when trails are more accessible.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Explore Uganda's most popular national park, famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and diverse wildlife including elephants, hippos, and over 600 bird species. The park offers game drives, boat cruises on Kazinga Channel, and nature walks through various ecosystems from savanna to wetlands.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are $40 for foreign non-residents per day, with game drives costing $30 per vehicle. Book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons, and consider 2-3 day packages for $200-400 including transport and guide services.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Take a scenic boat cruise along the 32-kilometer natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George within Queen Elizabeth National Park. This waterway hosts one of the world's largest hippo populations and attracts elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species to its shores, offering excellent photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Boat cruises cost around $30 per person for 2-hour trips, with departures at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm daily. Book through park headquarters or reputable tour operators, and bring sun protection and binoculars for the best experience.

Bakonzo Cultural Experiences

spend time in the rich culture of the Bakonzo people through village visits, traditional dance performances, and learning about their mountain-adapted lifestyle. Experience local customs, traditional medicine practices, and hear ancient stories about the Rwenzori Mountains while participating in daily activities like farming or craft-making.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost $20-40 per person and can be arranged through local cultural centers or community-based tourism organizations. Best experienced as half-day or full-day programs, often combined with homestay options for $15-25 per night.

Kilembe Mines Historical Tour

Explore the fascinating history of copper mining in the region at the former Kilembe Mines, once Uganda's largest copper mine. Learn about the industrial heritage, see remnants of mining equipment, and understand the economic impact this operation had on the region from the 1950s to 1980s.

Booking Tip: Tours can be arranged through local guides for $15-25 per person, typically lasting 2-3 hours. Contact the Kasese tourism office or local operators in advance, as access may be restricted during certain periods for safety reasons.

Getting There

Kasese is accessible by road from Kampala via a scenic 5-6 hour drive covering approximately 470 kilometers through Fort Portal. Regular bus services operate daily with companies like Link Bus and Post Bus, costing around $10-15 for the journey. The town has a small airstrip that can accommodate charter flights, though most visitors arrive by road. From other major Ugandan cities, you can connect through Fort Portal or take direct routes from Mbarara (3 hours) or cross from the Democratic Republic of Congo via the Mpondwe border post.

Getting Around

Within Kasese town, motorcycle taxis (boda-bodas) are the most common and affordable transport option, costing 1,000-3,000 UGX for short distances. Shared taxis and minibuses connect different parts of town and nearby attractions, while private car hire with drivers can be arranged for $40-60 per day for trips to national parks and mountain bases. Walking is feasible within the town center, but for accessing attractions like Queen Elizabeth National Park or Rwenzori trailheads, organized transport or 4WD vehicles are recommended due to road conditions.

Where to Stay

Kasese Town Center
Kilembe Area
Nyakasanga
Queen Elizabeth National Park Lodges
Rwenzori Foothills
Mpondwe Border Area

Food & Dining

Kasese's dining scene centers around local Ugandan cuisine with fresh ingredients from the fertile mountain region. Local restaurants serve traditional dishes like matooke (steamed bananas), posho, and fresh tilapia from the nearby lakes, with meals typically costing $3-8. The town has several modest hotels offering both local and international cuisine, while guesthouses often provide home-cooked meals. For real feels, try local markets for fresh fruits, vegetables, and street food, or arrange meals with cultural tour operators to experience traditional Bakonzo cooking methods and ingredients unique to the mountain region.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Uganda

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Café Javas

4.5 /5
(3542 reviews) 2
cafe

Rooftop at K

4.9 /5
(1929 reviews)

Emiboozi Restrobar

4.9 /5
(1097 reviews)

ANMOL THE FINE DINING BEST RESTAURANT

4.7 /5
(523 reviews)

Muti Garden Café & Restaurant

4.5 /5
(200 reviews) 2
cafe

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Kasese is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to August when roads are more accessible and mountain trekking conditions are optimal. These periods offer clearer mountain views and better wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, though temperatures can be quite warm during the day. The wet seasons (March-May and September-November) bring lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but hiking can be challenging due to muddy trails and limited visibility in the mountains. However, this is excellent for birdwatching as migratory species are present and vegetation is at its most busy.

Insider Tips

Acclimatize for at least one day in Kasese before attempting serious mountain treks, as the altitude change can affect some visitors even at the town's moderate elevation.
Pack layers of clothing regardless of season - temperatures can vary dramatically from the warm town to the cool mountain slopes, and weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Exchange money in Kasese town before heading to remote areas, as ATMs and banking services are limited in national parks and mountain areas, and many local services only accept Ugandan shillings.

Activities in Kasese