How to access Lake Mutanda: Lake Mutanda is one of the most scenic and small freshwater lakes in the entire African continent located in southwestern Uganda in the Kisoro district a few kilometers from Kisoro town the headquarters of the district, Mutanda is a majestic sight to glimpse situated on the hillock of three Virunga Mountain ranges that is Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo. These magnificent volcanos create awe-inspiring scenic scene views filled with white wispy clouds which are seen rotating around the peaks, from Kampala the capital city of Uganda Lake Mutanda lies in the southwest province of Uganda. Lake Mutanda in Uganda can be accessed by road or air. By road, it is a 454-kilometer trip from Kampala, taking about 8-9 hours. Alternatively, tourists can fly from Entebbe Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, which takes 1:40 hours. The lake is also reachable from Kigali, Rwanda, via the Cyanika border between the two countries.
Lake Mutanda is a beautiful haven dominated by many lovely stunning islands numbering 15 in number which are covered by attractive grasslands cover which are home to small animals only one of these islands is tenant by the local community which practices several activities like crop and tree planting and the rest a wildlife variety. Lake Mutanda is extracted by the Rutshuru River which flows northwards to lake Edward. The lake is also surrounded by a gleaming and exhilarating landscape which is tranquil by rotating hills which are covered by verdant trees, shrubs and terraces of crops which make your visit to this lake very interesting and thrilling.
Mutanda and its Islands are housing a variety of astonishing wildlife that are easily spotted. The wildlife in the lake and islands involves birds, fish and snakes. Bird species for example Pian-Tailed Whydah, Great Cormorant, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher and Sunbirds. Lake is not inhabited by many bird species since it is in a high-altitude location which facilitates the cold weather conditions at the lake which are very unfavorable to bird life. Other wildlife living around Lake Mutanda and the islands involves three types of fish that is caught that’s to say cat and mad fish, snakes like Pythons, Chameleon, Monitor Lizard, Clawless Otters and Hippopotamuses. The weather around Lake Mutanda is delightful, with gentle breezes, cool nights, and sunny days. Embrace the serene ambiance accompanied by the imposing presence of the Virunga volcanoes.
There are abundant activities and sights to experience on and around Lake Mutanda, making it a must-visit destination in Uganda. Including Lake Mutanda in your safari itinerary guarantees an unforgettable experience, as it stands among the most stunning lakes in Africa and beyond.
Amazing Tourism Things to Do Around Lake Mutanda
Gorilla trekking
For tourists looking to trek gorillas from the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest, the safari lodges around Lake Mutanda are strategically located to enable them to trek gorillas and explore Lake Mutanda while on safari.
Canoeing /boat cruise
Canoeing is one of the most remarkable activities offered on Mutanda. A boat ride on Lake Mutanda in a locally made canoe is an exciting adventure that most tourists love to experience while visiting this part of Uganda. As you ride on the lake you get to enjoy the cool breeze of the lake and the stunning astonishing views around the lake and also you get to see many bird species such as Pin-Tailed Whydah, Kites, Malachite Kingfisher, Weaver Birds, Great Cormorants, Ibis, the Grey-Crowned Cranes, Pied Kingfishers and many more. For those who love to swim, the lake is safe for swimming and you can swim as you go on a boat ride.
Relaxing
Safari lodges around Lake Mutanda are perfect for relaxing and loosening up with vantage points where you can get amazing views of the lake and watch the locals go about their daily business. You can take as many pictures as you wish and watch birds that visit the lodge you are staying at.
Visiting the Islands
A safari to Lake Mutanda without visiting the Islands is never complete, mutanda is dotted with many magnificent Islands such as Punishment Island, Python Island and many more. Visiting the islands is done through a boat on the waters of Lake Mutanda, you get to explore many mysteries of the Islands such as skeletal caves on Punishment Island and Python Island which dwells in python snakes.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking around Lake Mutanda is one of the remarkable activities though a bit challenging, this safari involves riding through the rocky landscape surrounding the lake. While on the biking safari, you get to enjoy the astonishing views of magnificent landscape covered hills, mountain biking requires you to be physically fit and the activity doubles as an entertaining one and also for exercising. As a tourist on this activity y biking around Lake Mutanda gets enough experience the thrill of mountain biking as you explore the astonishing surroundings of Lake Mutanda.
Batwa cultural encounter
Batwa cultural encounter showcases the cultural side of your safari to Mutanda. The Batwa people where these forests were the habitat of the ancient gatherer-hunter Batwa pygmies, though the Batwa people were original inhabitants of the forest, the Batwa has a rich history that predates the arrival of other ethnic groups in southwest Uganda. Unfortunately, the Batwa were evicted from Mgahinga Gorilla Park and Bwindi’s impenetrable forest in 1991, becoming conservation refugees outside their beloved forest. Despite their displacement, it is still possible to witness how they once lived in harmony with the forest and experience their unique perspective as the original custodians. A visit these forests you will enjoy cultural dances and songs, interact with the elders, spot the Batwa practicing local hunting tactics, building style using local materials and many more
Hiking around Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda is surrounded by rolling hills making it a hiker’s paradise and to access the lake is only done by hiking, while hiking you get to enjoy stunning remarkable scenic views, hiking to and around one of the most marvelous hikes is a two-day hike from Buhoma to Nkuringo and then on the second day down to lake mutanda and a canoe trip across the lake before it ends. Many other hikes and nature trails are found here that are most enjoyable, and you can easily stay here for a week and not explore it all.
Sightseeing and photography
Lake Mutanda is a very picturesque lake with scenic sights making the Lake Mutanda best for sightseeing, the lake also offers a great opportunity for taking wonderful unforgettable pictures.
Accommodations in and around Lake Mutanda
When on a Uganda safari visiting Lake Mutanda, there are a lot of accommodation facilities ranging from budget to luxury, you can stay at the midrange accommodation facilities strategically located in the area like Mutanda Lake Resort which offers comfortable accommodation for gorilla trackers, other accommodation facilities includes Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge, Lake Mutanda Glamp Site Porch, Muga Eco Village, Binga Villa, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Karungi Camp, Kasenyi Lake Retreat Lodges And Camp, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Amasiko Homestay Lake Bunyonyi, Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Gahiza Island Retreat, Lake Mutanda Executive Cottages among others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about Lake Mutanda and Book with our tours and travel companies such as Achieve Global Safari who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in the country.
