The word Kitagata is a local vernacular word that means warmth. Due to the popularity of these hot water springs, the village as well as the sub-country is also called Kitagata. The water of these beautiful springs heats up to 80°C / 176°F, and its a great place to visit during your Safari in Uganda. It is believed that the water flowing from this water-spring have a healing power so hundreds of people travel from far and near to ‘cleanse’ and be healed. The site has two water springs and one is referred to as Mulago (‘Mulago’ is national referral hospital in Uganda; while the others refer to it as Ekitagata Kyomugabe which means ‘the hot spring for the Ankole King. (Ankole is among the largest and most renowned cultural kingdoms in western Uganda).
When you reach these springs, you will find various people majority half naked sitting in the pond-like rock formation with their legs dipped in the water while others are pouring this water all over their bodies.
People that visit this place are normally seen dipping the particular parts of their bodies which are sick or with any aliment. Those having problems with their heads usually draw water with their hands and pour over their head. In case the problem is in their stomach, they draw water the very burble-source locally referred to as Akaswonswo, let it cool and later drink it.
This is a very busy ‘healing’ place or let’s call it hospital with several ‘patients’ coming in and ‘admiting’ themselves while others ‘discharge’ themselves after receiving treatment. One of the local guide informed us that on average the site receives 800 visitors weekly.
Where are the Kitagata Hot Springs?
These hot springs are located in western Uganda within Shema district.
Accommodation
The area is has several small houses most of them are grass thatched while just a few have corrugated iron-sheets. These small facilities serve as accommodation to the different people that come to visit this place, and are offred at a very affordable price.
Best time to Visit
The Kitagata Hot springs can be visited any time of the year
How to get there
The site is 350 kilometers from the capital city Kampala and can be accessed by road. There is also public transport with busses and taxes accessing the site for those without private vehicles.
For more information about The Kitagata Healing Hot Springs please visit http://www.adventureugandasafari.com/
