Kasese

Kasese is a bustling town located at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda, approximately 25 km from the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It serves as the main gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The town has a vibrant trade economy, boosted by its proximity to the Congo border.

The Bakonjo people are the dominant ethnic group, and Rukonjo is the local language alongside English. The area is known for its dramatic mountain scenery and copper mining.

By Plane

Kasese Airport has daily flights from Entebbe operated by Aerolink and Uganda Airlines.

By Train

There is no regular passenger train service to Kasese.

By Car / Road

Buses from Kampala travel to Kasese (5–6 hours) via Mbarara. The road is paved. Private taxis from Kampala cost around 350,000–450,000 UGX.

Boda-bodas are the main local transport. Special-hire taxis are available for trips to the national parks.

• Rwenzori Mountains — The fabled Mountains of the Moon, visible from town on clear days

• Kasese Market — A lively market with Congolese goods, crafts, and produce

• Lake George — A shallow lake on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Kilembe Mines — Former copper mines at the foot of the Rwenzoris

• Trek the Rwenzori Mountains (multi-day expeditions to Margherita Peak)

• Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise

• Explore the foothills of the Rwenzoris on guided walks

• Hotel Margherita Restaurant — Local and international dishes
• Rwenzori Bistro — Popular eatery near the town centre

Local bars serve Nile Special and Club beer. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Kasese Guest House (basic rooms from 20,000 UGX)
• Mid-range: Hotel Margherita (rooms from US$50) and Tropical Savannas (from US$60)
• Upscale: Ruboni Community Camp (from US$40, Rwenzori foothills) and Kilembe Hostel (from US$30)

Kasese Market sells Congolese imports, crafts, and fresh produce. The town is a good place to buy Bakonjo crafts and mountain gear.

• Rwenzori Mountains National Park (25 km north) — Trekking to Africa's third-highest peak
• Queen Elizabeth National Park (40 km north-east) — Uganda's most visited park
• Fort Portal (75 km north-east, 1.5 hrs) — Scenic town with crater lakes
• DRC border (Mpondwe, 25 km west) — Cross into Congo's Virunga National Park