Lake Mutanda
Introduction to Lake Mutanda.
Where is lake Mutanda found? In the extreme southwest of Uganda, adjacent to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, there is a small freshwater lake called Lake Mutanda. The Rutshuru River, which flows to Lake Edward in the north, drains it.
Drive time to get to Kisoro’s center from Lake Mutanda is 30 minutes. It is a fantastic hiking location with breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains at a height of 1,800 meters.
Volcanoes around lake Mutanda.
Which Volcanoes surround Lake Mutanda? The extinct volcanoes of Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Gahinga are all visible from the lake.
You should bring a pair of strong walking boots if you enjoy hiking because you won’t want to miss the breathtaking sights that these walks offer.
Hiking at Lake Mutanda
Mountain Muhabura, ‘The Guide’.
In Kinyarwanda, the national tongue of Rwanda, Mount Muhabura is translated as “the guide.” Mount Muhabura, the third-highest mountain in the Virunga Mountains, with an elevation of 4,127m.
This strenuous climb, which is over rocky terrain with a slow rise, usually requires an entire day.
Although the hike is strenuous physically, the views of Lake Edward, Bwindi, and the top of the Rwenzori Mountains are breathtaking.
Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can record the breathtaking panoramic vista. You’ll think about that for a long time.
Mountain Gahinga.
Mountain Gahinga is lower in elevation than Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo at 3,473m. Gahinga is Kinyarwanda for “a pile of stones.” Since the hike is easier, novice hikers can complete it. You must purchase a hiking permit ($75) and show up for a health and safety briefing the day of your walk.
On the slopes of Mount Gahinga, bamboo grows abundantly, and you may see bamboo woods that are home to a wide variety of animals, including the critically endangered mountain gorilla and the regal sunbird.
The leisurely six-hour climb along a mild incline starts at seven in the morning.
Mountain Sabyinyo ‘Old Mas Teeth’.
Due to the summit’s resemblance to old teeth, Mount Sabyinyo is also referred to locals as “Old Man’s Teeth.” With a height of 3,669 meters, Mount Sabyinyo is the oldest volcano in the area.
There are numerous hiking trails with different levels of difficulty. It has three peaks, the first of which is the Sabyinyo Gorge, a place with a lot of greenery. It’s a well-known place for bird watching, but watch out for golden monkeys!
Walking is required to reach the second summit between Rwanda and Uganda.
The third summit is difficult. You’ll be using ladders and your hands to struggle. But if you’re up for the task, you’ll simultaneously be in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo.
Activities at Lake Mutanda
Garama Cave Visit.
Lake Mutanda has more attractions besides hiking. If you don’t want to go trekking, there are lots of other things to do.
It’s a terrific approach to learn more about the regional cultures to visit the Garama Cave. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and The United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda collaborated to construct the tourism path.
The Batwa, who had lived in the caverns for a long time before being recently relocated, will be supported by the trail. You will be given a tour of the 340-meter-long cave by Batwa guides who will also provide you with insight into their culture and way of life.
Island Tours.
There are 15 little islands in Lake Mutanda. A clan known as “Abagesera” lives on Mutanda Island. On the summit of the island, the Abagesera have constructed a church where they gladly receive visitors from the mainland who come to worship.
Take a boat or a traditional dug-out canoe to the island. You may interact with the people and see the countryside from a new angle from here. You can participate in neighborhood walks and go to the local church to interact with the culture.
The Punishment Islands, which once housed the region’s social misfits, are open to brave adventurers. Some locals think it’s haunted and it has skeleton remains.
Visitors who are even more daring can go to Python Island to witness the local snakes.
Canoeing.
Canoeing is a terrific method to explore the lake if you want to get off the ground and onto the water. Given the reputation of the lake for being tranquil, this is one of the more calming pastimes.
From island to island, float amid the calm waters. You might even see some otters and birds.
Mountain Biking.
Adrenaline seekers can spend a lot of time biking on the Virunga Mountains’ slopes.
As you scramble down a precipitous hill and descend back down the mountains to the beaches of Lake Mutanda, where your lakeside resort is waiting for you, you can feel the wind whipping past your face.
Wildlife at Lake Mutanda.
A small variety of bird species, including kingfishers and the grey-crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird, can be seen near Lake Mutanda.
Pin-tailed whydahs and sunbirds are more frequent due to the area’s high elevation and chilly environment. Nevertheless, watch out for weaver bird nests!
If you go for a walk, you might see chameleons, snakes, and many frog species.
At Lake Mutanda, hippos have been spotted, but not recently (1994). On the water, though, you will only encounter fish and African clawless otters.
Nearby national parks are Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla. Both of them are home to various fauna.
Accommodation at Lake Mutanda.
Accommodation/ were to stay at lake mutanda
the accommodation options at lake mutanda range from the luxury lodges, mid range, budget and down to the camping sites.
- Chameleon hill lodge
- Mutanda lake resort
- Lake mulehe gorilla lodge ( 6.5km to the lake)
- Rushaga gorilla lodge (13.8km to the lake)
- Mt muhabura climbers rest camp (8.7km to the lake)
- Gorilla hills eco lodge (14.3km to the lake)
- Amasiko homestay lake bunyonyi (22.3km to the lake)
- Gorilla closeup lodge (15.7 km to the lake)
- Golden monkey guest house (5.8km to the lake)
- Kisoro tourist hotel (7 km to the lake)
- Air land hotel (6.1km to the lake)
- Mt sabyinyo gorilla inn (6.3km to the lake)
- Nshongi cam (11.3km to the lake)
- Ntebeko river camp (12.9km to the lake)
- Amajambere iwacu community camp (14.2 km to the lake)
- Lake chahafi resort (16.8km to the lake)
- Go lux lodge (24.8 km to the lake)
Mutanda Lake Resort.
The Mutanda Lake Resort is the ideal starting point for your Lake Mutanda experiences. Choose from Standard or Luxury Cottages, both of which have breathtaking views of Lake Mutanda.
The restaurant’s expert cooks serve a variety of delectable foods in a setting that blends Swiss chalet and African architecture. Its herbs and vegetables are grown in the resort’s garden and are hand-picked.
As the sun sets over Lake Mutanda, you can enjoy your favorite evening beverage from the fully stocked bar.
Mutanda Eco Community Centre.
A community-owned eco-lodge situated on Lake Mutanda’s southern shore. There are accommodations, food, and camping amenities available.
During your visit, you can even participate in their volunteer programs to help the neighborhood.
Children’s swimming lessons, work at health clinics, and conservation education at the nearby Chihe Primary School are all included in the volunteer experience.
When To Visit & Getting to Lake Mutanda
When is the best time to Visit Lake Mutanda?
The dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February, are the ideal times to explore Lake Mutanda.
The rainiest months are late March, April, and early May, with late October and early November seeing another peak. While June, July, August, and September are cooler and primarily dry, late December, January, and February are frequently hot and dry.
During the rainy seasons, the hiking slopes around Lake Mutanda would be more difficult. We advise going during the dry seasons so you can concentrate on the scenery rather than the treacherous trekking trail.