Lake Mutanda is one of the finest lakes in Uganda-the pearl of Africa with beautiful scenery and with a variety of activities you can engage in while on your Uganda safari.
Lake Mutanda, is located in Kisoro district Southwestern Uganda at the foothills of giant Virunga ranges. It is a freshwater body drained by River Rutshuru that continues to pour its water into Lake Edward. It is just 20km from Kisoro town and about 455km from Uganda’s capital of Kampala. The lake offers a stunning view for three of the eight Virunga volcanoes that are located in Uganda – Mount. Gahinga, Mount. Muhabura and Mount. Sabyinyo.
The lake is composed of different islands and it’s one of the best gateways after gorilla trekking in either Bwindi or Mgahinga national parks. The lake was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption that occurred over 1000 years ago. All about this lake is simply amazing, from the calmness of its water, scenic islands, lush forest surrounding the lake and sunset views.
It is therefore a good destination for photography, relaxing the mind after a long tour or busy day, and fresh water swimming.
Activities.
On your visit to Lake Mutanda, there is a lot you can enjoy or take part in and they include;
Hiking.
The numerous hills in the Southwestern part of Uganda makes the region to be dubbed the Switzerland of Africa. Hiking happens along the small hills to big mountain like Sabyinyo Mountain. The trails offer the best scenic views and birding experiences too.
Canoeing.
Canoeing is majorly done in the morning and evening times to capture magical views of sunrise and sunset respectively. While on a canoe, you will be able to view different birds, islands, stunning views of Virunga Mountains, sunset and sunrise. The canoes are locally handmade and they are commonly used to transport people from the mainland to the islands and vice versa.
Fishing.
Get a canoe and join the local fishermen to take you to the fishing points while passing through the dotted Islands. Try your luck to catch some fish and if you are lucky enough, catch some which will be prepared later as your dish in the night. Enjoy the taste and fruits of your energy.
Relax and rewind at the lake.
Rejuvenate your mind in one of the best sites around the lake after a long safari of gorilla trekking in either Mgahinga or Bwindi national park. You can take a full day or half day relaxing along the shores of Lake Mutanda to help you overcome stress and exhausted body.
Mountain biking.
For bikers, the great opportunity comes as you climb the hills around the tiny fresh Lake Mutanda giving you cool breeze and photographic spots. The trail is incredibly amazing and in case you don’t have a bike, contact us earlier we acquire one for you.
The experience takes about 4 hours but you are encouraged to extend the time depending on your program.
Cave visits.
Visit the nearby caves to enable you learn about one of the unique cultures in Africa. The trail is quite amazing as it leads you straight to the legendary Garama cave. The Batwa pygmy guides will take you through the experience and tell you more about their traditional ways of life. The trail is designed and managed by both Uganda wildlife Authority and United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda.
Birding.
The lake is a perfect habitat for different birds such as weaver birds, Pin-tailed whydah, fish eagles and sunbirds, and so much more. Therefore birding is possible around this scenic lake. Due to the small forest around the lake, you are also able to spot forest birds for those avid birders.
As you plan to visit Lake Mutanda, there are some of the major activities you can add to your safari such as Mountain gorilla trekking, Batwa community trail, golden monkey trekking and even hiking some of the Virunga Mountains.
