Population: 650,000
Economy: Farming
Attractions: Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth NP, L.George & L. Edward
Distance from Capital City: 418kms Via Fortportal
Kasese lies in the footsteps of the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the moon) in the southwestern region of Uganda on the border of D.R.Congo and Uganda. According to the 2002 census, Kasese is one of the most populous districts in Western Uganda and this once industrial town of Uganda is most popular for expeditions into the Rwenzori ranges Africa’s 3rd highest mountain.
Being one of the districts that lie along the Uganda Equator, the weather conditions characterised by extreme heat during the dry seasons & sometimes Mosquitoes at night, make Kasese very unpleasant town for travelers, instead use it as a stopping point before heading to the Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Rwenzori Mountain National park – one of the most popular hiking destinations in East Africa.
Getting There & Away
Kasese can be accessed via both Air & by Road. Mweya Airstrip & Kasese Airstrip are the popular airports in the area, and charter flights can be arranged at Entebbe Airport, Kajjansi Airstrip also along Entebbe Road. See Air Charters in Uganda
By Road:
Well surfaced roads run on both directions from Kampala to Kasese. From Kampala via Fort-Portal and Mubende Road which is 418Kms and the most recently completed. Kalita Coaches, Link Buses operate this route and travelers can board at Kampala bus station next to Taxi Park.
The Post bus also runs from Kampala via Mubende & Fortportal and leaves at 06:30am from the post office. There is also a daily bus service from Fort Portal, Kasese, Mbarara to Kabale and vice verse.
Another route is to take the bus that run from Kampala to Kasese via Masaka & Mbarara, the jouney takes around 6 hours. From Kampala to Mbarara, this route takes you through part of Lake Mburo National Park and you might see Zebras from a distance. On reaching to Mbarara, the road to Kaseses passes you through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Where to Stay
Hotel Margherita and Rwenzori International Hotel are far the recommended accommodation places in Kasese. Alternatively, you can go for other budget accommodation around town. See Kasese accommodation page for details.
Activities
Mountain Expedition. Contact Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS)
For details Email: rwenzorims@yahoo.com