Uganda
Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda is a small fresh water body in the southwestern part of Uganda, located in the north Kisoro town, which is home to the Kisoro district headquarters. It is approximately 20 kilometers north of Kisoro town and is located in the foothills of the Virunga mountain ranges at a high altitude of about 1800 meters. The three volcanoes within the ranges are located on the side of Uganda and provide great views from the lake.
It is believed that Lake Mutanda was formed by tectonic forces within the region. The region is characterized by volcanic activity, and it is thought that the formation of the lake Mutanda may have been linked to the volcanic activity of nearby volcanoes.
The lake’s environment on the islands within the lake provides beautiful scenery, while the other part is surrounded by countrysides such as lakeside forests and wetland habitats with gentle giant “endangered mountain gorillas,” as well as great apes and golden monkeys in the nearby Mgahinga gorilla national park. Other lakeside environments are home to a diverse range of animals and plant species, as well as bird species such as kites, kingfisher birds, ibis, and Uganda’s national bird, the crested crane. The lake shores are also home to a variety of amphibian species, including snakes, chameleons, monitor lizards, frogs, and others.
Can you swim in Lake Mutanda ? Yes, swimming is indeed possible in the inviting waters of Lake Mutanda. The lake’s clear and clean waters beckon visitors to take a refreshing dip and enjoy the natural splendor that surrounds them. However, it is advisable to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines while swimming, as the lake can be deep in certain areas.
Lake Mutanda offers more than just a swim; it provides an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in various activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and boating, allowing them to explore the lake’s hidden coves, vibrant birdlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Lake Mutanda is one of the most beautiful and scenic lakes in Africa, with a gentle breeze and cool climate that allows for breath-taking, stunning views. It is also an ideal base for gorilla trekking, as it is close to Uganda’s Mgahinga gorilla national park, which is home to endangered mountain gorillas, volcano hikers, bird lovers, and those looking for a secluded place in nature.
Lake Mutanda is within striking distance of mountain gorillas to the south of Nkuringo sector, one of four sectors in Bwindi national park where a traveler can also engage in an encounter with one of Bwindi’s gentle giant “mountain gorillas,” which for most people is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda. Visiting one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes, which you will never regret in your life, and which can serve as a great base for gorilla trekking tours.
Volcano hiking, gorilla trekking, relaxing, bike riding, encountering the Batwa trails, lake loungers, bird lovers, swimming, hiking around Lake Mutanda, and climbing are some of the activities available at Lake Mutanda.
Lake Mutanda is located 454 kilometers by road southwest of Uganda's largest city, "Kampala City," and can be reached in 8 to 9 hours by road. Another option is to fly from Entebbe Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, a nearby airstrip along Lake Mutanda, which takes 1:40 hours.
Safari Activities around Lake Mutanda
Sport Fishing
Sport fishing is not recommended as a tourist activity on Lake Mutanda, but because of its beautiful scenery, most of our visitors have dipped a line into the water along here and have been successful in catching various types of fish for their lunch or dinner. The fishing activity can be arranged for you here with the help of local fisherman who make it a great culture for our clients and the possibility of fishing along Lake Mutanda is high especially when you’re staying right on the lake like Mutanda Lake Resort and you can get the fishing equipment from the lodge you’re staying at.
Bird Watching
The Lake Mutanda region is one of the best places in Uganda birding trips because the lake attracts a wide variety of bird species to its shores. Among the many bird species you can see are the African spoonbill, pelicans, sacred ibis, Hadada ibis, kites, and hawks.
Biking
Mountain biking in the vicinity of Lake Mutanda Bike rides can be challenging; The service providers in the region can bring mountain bikes for you to use while at Lake Mutanda, or you can rent bikes in Kisoro. In any case, it will be an exhilarating experience for you. Mountain biking can be combined with other activities such as dugout canoeing around and near Lake Mutanda. A perfect day would include canoeing across the lake and returning to your lodge on a mountain bike. The terrain around Lake Mutanda is not flat, so biking in this area is best described as mountain biking. We can prepare a picnic lunch for you that we will bring with us and set up for you.
Canoeing
A boat ride on Lake Mutanda in a locally made canoe is a thrilling adventure that most tourists enjoy while in this region of Uganda. On a boat ride, you can see a variety of bird species as well as the numerous islands that give Lake Mutanda its scenic and magical appearance. Boat rides are usually done in the morning when the water is still calm and the canoes are easier to navigate. For those who enjoy swimming, the lake is safe to swim in, and you can swim while on a boat ride.
Gorilla Trekking
Travellers who usually visit Lake Mutanda have a high chance of accessing the southern area of Bwindi impenetrable forest, where they can encounter one of Bwindi’s gentle giants, the endangered mountain gorillas, which has become a number of people’s absolute highlight on their Uganda tour. The Bwindi areas where mountain gorillas can be trekked, such as Rushaga and Nkuringo, are only an hour’s drive from lodges along Lake Mutanda, and some clients prefer to stay along the lake while trekking.
Hiking
Because Lake Mutanda is surrounded by hills, hiking is a popular tourist activity in this area. One of the most popular hikes is a two-day trek from Buhoma side through Nkuringo.
Lake Mutanda is the best highlight for hikers, which can take two days hiking from one of Bwindi’s gorilla sectors, Buhoma region, to Nkuringo, and the second day can be conducted down to lake Mutanda on a canoe ride across the lake before it ends. Because there are several natural trails from which to enjoy your hiking and you can choose to stay for a week in nice accommodation facilities. There are guides who will lead you on nature walks, hill terrain, and other activities as you hike along here.
Mt. Sabinyo Hike
Climb Mount Sabinyo‘ ‘Old Man’s Teeth”: Mount Sabinyo has three challenging peaks to climb and the first trails led you up a ridge along the eastern part of the peak and if you wish to climb in the second peak involves walking a ridge with great views of snow Rwenzori and breath taking drops into the gorge of Uganda and Rwanda then the hiking up to the third peak is bitter steep with several ladders as you climb but There is a good chance of seeing Rwenzori Turaco, Sunbirds, Golden Monkeys, Duikers, and other wildlife on the Sabinyo hike.
Climb Mount Muhavura
Mount Muhavura is truly humbling and acts as a guide as you engage in climbing activity along here. When you reach the top, you are awarded views over Rwanda, Congo, a clear view of all other Virunga volcanoes, Lake Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park, peaks of Ruwenzori Mountains, as well as viewing beautiful bird species such as Scarlet tufted malachite sunbirds, among others.
Batwa Cultural Encounter
Though they still live in the same area, the Batwa people were the first people to live in the forest, coexisting peacefully with gorillas and leaving a small environmental footprint. Two forest trails near Lake Mutanda and Buniga forest lead to Batwa trails in Mgahinga National Park.
where to stay
When visiting Lake Mutanda, you can stay at the midrange accommodation facilities strategically located in the area. These are;
Mutanda Lake Resort which offers comfortable accommodation for gorilla trackers, bird watchers and hikers of the nearby Mufumbiro Mountains.
Chameleon Hill Lodge which is conveniently located in the extreme southwestern corner of Uganda, about 550Km from Kampala where guests stay in colored chalets and surroundings that cater for their every need.
