Hot Springs in Uganda

Hot springs in Uganda are natural healing spots you must visit during your stay. A land with mystical geothermal wonders, Uganda beckons travellers, and locals alike with a steamy allure, promising adventure, healing, and a glimpse into earth’s fierce, yet welcoming heart.

According to scientists, hot springs occur when water comes into contact with heated rock, or in scientific terms, an emergence of geothermal-heated groundwater. But that is the scientific view, which leaves so many questions unanswered. For example, why would rocks underneath the earth’s surface heat up? What heats them up?

In Uganda, like most spiritual countries, we have our own explanations of how things come about, and when you visit, take time to ask locals these hard questions. Below, we explore the locations of these amazing hot springs, and why they are a must-visit. 

1. Sempaya Hot Springs

Let’s start with the hot springs at Semiliki National Park, also spelt Semuliki or Semliki, the female spring, and the male spring, each distinct from the other. Located South of Lake Albert, with high google reviews, the Sempaya female host spring has boiling water at 103 degrees, and spurts hot water up to 2m above ground level. Check out our sister Eunice Tess on youtube for more information.

Did I mention the female spring is mostly visited by women who hope to cure infertility and other problems? Several people (mostly women) attest that after they resorted to this healing water, they were healed completely. A Western scientist will quickly rubbish this off as “superstition” however, remember hot springs have different chemical compositions that may have healing elements.

In comparison, the male spring isn’t so close to the female spring and to find it, you must follow a trail. The locals even believe water from these hot springs cures certain diseases like ringworms.

2. Kitagata Hot Springs

Kitagata hot springs are located on the Ishaka–Kagamba Road, in Sheema District, in the Western part of Uganda. They are approximately 2 kilometres by road in the southeastern part of the town of Kitagata, west of Mbarara.

When a reporter visited Kitagata Hot Springs and interviewed several people, they confirmed that they were healed from a disease that wouldn’t be treated by both health experts and traditional healers.

What makes Kitagata stand out? Well, the water rejects drunkards from accessing the pool. Furthermore, it can also detect any sort of fornication (kinda like it “sniffs out” anything sex-related.

They say the spirits in this water attack and warn anybody attempting to have sex near the water. Here’s an interesting fact- if a drunkard dives into the water, it will turn cold or they develop a fever seconds before jumping into the water. Creepy, right?

So, if you have “ill intentions”, stay away from Katagata Hot Springs. Oh, and did you know that its water temperatures are as hot as 80 degrees centigrade?

3. Amoropii Hot Springs

Amoropii hot springs are located about 2-3 kilometres from the Panyimur, a fishing village in Nebbi district, Northern Uganda and, the western part of Lake Albert. I must admit Northern Uganda is left out when it comes to travel however that does not mean they do not have great attractions.  We encourage you to venture more and discover hidden gems.

Amoropii hot springs, which by the way, are believed to possess miraculous healing properties but (that’s yet to be proven). These hot springs are rooted in the Alur community, and they believe they have divine powers. The Amoropii hot springs were named from the Luo words “Amoro” which means hot and “pii”meaning water, thus, hot water.

4. Ihimba Hot springs

Source: kabale.go.ug

Located in Kabale, western Uganda, these hot springs have a long history with the Bahima people (one of the many tribes in Uganda) which makes them a highly recommended destination for culture lovers and travellers alike. 

Ihimba hot springs have a long history of notable healing properties among the locals, like all the other hot springs in Uganda, but we don’t have facts to back up those claims.

5. Panyimur Hot Springs

Amor Pii Hill, in Nebbi district, northern Uganda, is home to the Panyimur hot springs, a less popular, destination, but worth giving a shot. In the evenings, locals gather at these hot springs either to seek both cleansing and healing powers or to take warm baths.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear road that leads to these hot springs. You must go through overgrown grass, scattered homesteads, and shrubs just to get there. About 100 metres or less towards the hot springs, are two huge hills that kinda look like rivals ready for a fight. Shortly after the hills, there lies the magnificent view of the hot springs.

The hottest spot is about 2 metres long. However, it isn’t visible because it’s covered in vegetation, thanks to several years of neglect. However, if you are a true traveller, as opposed to a mere tourist (these terms are different), venture out there and let us know what you find and what needs to be done to make Panyimur Hot Springs a great place to visit.

Bottom Line

So, my fellow traveller, whenever you’re ready to embrace the wonders that our Hot Springs in Uganda offer, head over here and let’s welcome you to this magnificent country.

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