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UGANDA • RWANDA • KENYA • TANZANIA • PRIVATE & TAILOR-MADE SAFARIS
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Uganda

Kasese

Western Uganda, at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains · Year-round; timing depends on destination, activity and weather.

A town at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda, and the principal gateway to both Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kasese sits in the shadow of the glacier-capped "Mountains of the Moon," among the few equatorial ranges anywhere with permanent snow and ice.

Why visit Kasese

A town at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda, and the principal gateway to both Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kasese sits in the shadow of the glacier-capped “Mountains of the Moon,” among the few equatorial ranges anywhere with permanent snow and ice. Offmap Safaris can build this destination into a private Uganda safari around the traveller’s interests and pace.

Things to do

Rwenzori Mountains Gateway, Queen Elizabeth National Park Access, Mountain Views, Heritage Tours.

Travel planning

Access, permits, accommodation and activity availability can vary. Confirm current arrangements before travel and follow applicable conservation, safety and community guidance.

Best for

This destination can be combined with other Uganda tourist sites to create a multi-stop safari.

Experience this place

What you can do here

Explore the experiences available around this destination and open each one for its own detailed guide.

Explore all Experiences →
01Heritage Tours5 Countries · 30 Sites · 1 Safari02Mountain Views4 Countries · 13 Sites · 1 Safari03Queen Elizabeth National Park Access1 Country · 1 Site · 0 Safaris04Rwenzori Mountains Gateway1 Country · 1 Site · 0 Safaris

Related safaris

Safaris that visit this place

Need to know?

Questions about Kasese

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What is Kasese the gateway to?

Kasese is the main gateway town to both Queen Elizabeth National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park, sitting at the base of the Rwenzori range in western Uganda.

What was Kasese's economy historically based on?

Kasese grew up around the nearby Kilembe copper mines, which at their peak employed thousands of workers and supported the town’s own hospital and hydropower plant.

How has Kasese's population changed over time?

Kasese grew rapidly from just over 7,000 residents in 1969 to more than 130,000 by the 2024 census, driven first by copper mining and later by tourism traffic.

Which Rwenzori trekking route starts from Kasese?

The Kilembe Trail, one of the main routes into the Rwenzori Mountains, begins near Kasese, making the town the natural starting point for a multi-day trek.

How long is the drive from Kampala to Kasese?

Kasese is about 380 km west of Kampala, roughly six hours by road, or reachable via connecting flights to Kasese airstrip.