Lake Mutanda is a freshwater lake situated in the southwestern part of Uganda. It is one of the ideal places to visit while exploring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking. Lake Mutanda is easily accessible for tourists on Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking tours.
The Rutshuru River flows out of Lake Mutanda and heads north to Lake Edward. Lake Mutanda has 15 islands and is surrounded by farms and green plants, making it a strikingly beautiful spot.
If you’re planning a wider trip, take a look at our Uganda tours to see how a stop here can fit in.
Things to Do at Lake Mutanda
Canoeing: Canoeing is a popular activity at Lake Mutanda. You can use traditional wooden canoes to explore the lake and see its plants, animals, and islands, and you might also spot water birds along the way.
Fishing: If you like fishing, Lake Mutanda is a great place to try it. You can go out with local fishermen who know the lake well. The lake has fish like mud-fish, catfish, and tilapia.
Bicycle Tours: Lake Mutanda is in a hilly area, perfect for mountain biking. You can rent bikes in Kisoro town or bring your own, making biking a fun way to explore the countryside.
Walking and Hiking: There are many trails around the lake and its islands. You can hike from Buhoma to Nkuringo and then on to Lake Mutanda. While walking, you might see birds like the great cormorant, malachite kingfisher, and pied kingfisher.
Mountain Climbing: Lake Mutanda is near three volcanoes: Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura. These mountains offer wide views of the Virunga ranges. Mount Sabyinyo can only be climbed from Uganda, and its summit is shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
Things to Do Near Lake Mutanda
Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is a major reason tourists visit Africa. You can trek to see mountain gorillas in Uganda at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi National Park, or in Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park. A permit costs $800 in Uganda and $1,500 in Rwanda.
Golden Monkey Trekking: Golden monkeys live in Mgahinga National Park. These monkeys are fun to watch, since they are playful and move in large groups of up to 100. It is also cheaper to see golden monkeys than gorillas, and they are generally easier to find.
Where to Stay and How to Get There
There are many places to stay near Lake Mutanda, such as Volcanoes Hotel, Sky Blue Hotel, Mgahinga Safari Lodge, Gahinga Rest Camp, Travelers Rest Camp, Travelers Rest Inn, and Mutanda Lake Resort.
You can get to Lake Mutanda by driving 454 kilometers from Kampala, which takes about 10 to 11 hours. You can also fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip.
Lake Mutanda can be visited at any time of the year.
Combining Lake Mutanda With Gorilla Trekking
Given its location right between Bwindi and Mgahinga, Lake Mutanda makes an ideal stop either before or after a day of gorilla trekking, offering a calmer, more relaxed pace after a demanding hike through the forest. Whether you spend an afternoon canoeing between the islands or simply take in the views of the surrounding Virunga volcanoes, the lake rounds out a southwestern Uganda itinerary nicely alongside its more famous wildlife attractions.
