Kitagata Hot Spring

Kitagata Hot Springs are natural geothermal springs in the Western Region of Uganda, situated in the East African Rift System — one of the world's most geologically active tectonic zones, where the African continent is slowly splitting apart along a rift valley that stretches from the Afar Triangle in Ethiopia to Mozambique and is responsible for the volcanic and geothermal activity that produces Uganda's and East Africa's abundant hot springs. The springs at Kitagata are traditionally regarded by the local community as special places — a relationship shared by many East African communities whose connection with geothermal springs extends back to pre-colonial times when hot springs were associated with protective spiritual forces and used for both ritual and communal purposes. Kitagata Hot Springs draw visitors from across Uganda and the region who come to soak in the bicarbonated mineral waters traditionally associated with well-being, in the warm waters of the Western Rift landscape.