Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda: Nestled in the mountainous region of Kisoro district, South-Western Uganda, is a hidden jewel called Lake Mutanda. It is one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes, encircled by enormous hills and situated amid an extraordinary terrain of verdant, lush highlands.

The lake is situated in the Southwest Ugandan district of Kisoro, some 20 kilometers (12 mi) North of the town of Kisoro, which is home to the district offices. The distance by car to this place is roughly 454 kilometers (282 mi) southwest of Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda. Lake Mutanda is located at 01 14 06S, 29 40 12E (latitude: -1.2350; longitude: 29.6700) on the map.

Summary
At a height of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), it lies tucked away in the foothills of the Virunga Mountain Range. Lake Mutanda offers views of the three volcanoes in the range, which is partially included in Uganda: Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Gahinga. The lake contains a number of islets. The Rutshuru River empties into Lake Edward after flowing northward from the lake.

Plants and animals

The endangered Mountain Gorilla finds refuge in the wetland habitats and lakefront woods found on the lake’s islands as well as in the nearby rural areas. The surrounding Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, but the lakeside setting also supports a range of locally exclusive animal and plant species. Among the various bird species are ibis, kites, kingfishers, and the Crested Crane, which is the national bird of Uganda. Nests of weaver birds are frequently observed amidst the reeds bordering the lake.

The lakeshore is home to a variety of snake, chameleon, monitor lizard, and frog species in addition to the numerous and diverse bird species. Additionally, there is a wide variety and abundance of insect life. Among the animals that are specific to Lake Mutanda is the African clawless otter. Although they were native to the region, hippos were last seen in 1994 in Lake Mutanda.

There are fifteen lovely islands scattered around this freshwater lake, the largest of which is Mutanda Island, home to the Abagesera Clan. These intriguing people cultivate products like sugar cane, bananas, and peas, while trees and plants predominate in another area of the island. Though they are infrequently spotted, Python Island in Lake Mutanda is another stunning island worth visiting due to its abundance of pythons.

What to do for bird viewing at or near Lake Mutanda

The Pin-tailed Whydah, Kites, Malachite Kingfisher, Weaver Birds, Great Cormorant, Ibis, Grey-crowned Cranes, Pied Kingfishers, and Sunbirds are just a few of the remarkable bird species that can be spotted in this lake. This makes it possible for visitors to mix bird watching with other activities. Around Lake Mutanda, you can picture yourself unwinding while observing birds and taking in their lovely songs.

Boat rides and canoeing

This main activity provides an incredible experience as you ride through the calm, cool waters of the lake and discover some fascinating wildlife, such as the African Clawless Otter and several bird species, as well as the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Boat trips on this lake are mostly offered early in the morning, before Lake Mutanda’s water reverses direction and becomes quiet and tranquil in the absence of tides.

Tracking of mountain gorillas

You can also track mountain gorillas when you visit Lake Mutanda, particularly if they are from Mgahinga or the Southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Nothing is more thrilling than tracking the mountain gorillas, who are seriously endangered! You can go on a gorilla safari in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from the Lake Mutanda Area.

Unwinding, resting, and having fun

When you visit a site like Lake Mutanda, where all you will see is nature and hear the sounds and melodies of the birds, it is quite calming after a long day in the rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park, or after a whole week of hard work. You can take pictures of the surroundings or just unwind on the verandas of the safari lodges, like Mutanda Lake Resort, while taking in the breathtaking views of the lake.

Cycling and mountain biking around Lake Mutanda

Even while these thrilling mountain bike tours are quite difficult, they are also very rewarding because they allow visitors to see some fascinating bird species, see some of the communities, and discover fascinating rural lives.

Hiking and strolling in the natural environment

To experience life in a typical rural Ugandan village, there’s nothing quite like hiking around Lake Mutanda, which is surrounded by gorgeous islands, rolling hills, and small towns.

An interaction with the Batwa people

Visitors to Lake Mutanda can also explore the more thrilling Batwa trail around Mgahinga National Park, as well as the Batwa settlements, particularly those in the southern sections of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. When you visit these villages, you can take in the energetic traditional dances or learn about their ancient cultures and ways of life when they still lived in the forests.

Island hopping

As you discover the unique qualities of each island, like the Mutanda Islands where you may go on walks around the town and see the local church, you can decide to visit some of the islands that make up Lake Mutanda. You can also go to the Punishment Islands, where young women who became pregnant before getting married were abandoned to perish, and Python Island, which is well-known for its panthers. You will be able to view some of the victims’ bones and other remains while on Punishment Island.

Accommodations at Lake Mutanda

The most excellent and reasonably priced lodging may be found at Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mutanda Eco Community Center, and Mutanda Lake Resort, which are all located on the Peninsula of Lake Mutanda. There are lodging options as far as Kisoro, including the Bam Rest House, Traveler’s Rest Hotel, and Kisoro Tourist Hotel.

In conclusion, visiting the Kisoro district offers more than just gorilla tracking; you can also partake in leisurely pursuits like swimming, fishing, and boat trips in Lake Mutanda.

Where to Go
Popular Activities in the Following Sectors: Lake Bunyonyi, Ishasha, Nkuringo, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Buhoma. Theres Habituation of Gorillas, Trekking and Hiking, Bird Watching, Cultural Experience in Batwa, Well-liked Attractions, among others.

Where to Stay; Low-cost Lodges, Buhoma Lodges RV Park, Kabale Equestrian Resorts, Nkuringo lodgings, Ruhija Lodges, Rushaga Houses, among others.