Lake mutanda is a small fresh water lake located in the Southwestern part of Uganda in Kisoro district close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Lake Mutanda is a little known jewel, hidden in the mountainous landscape, It is one of the most scenic lakes in Africa, located in a dramatic landscape of lush and verdant sprawling highlands.

Lakes Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi form the core of what has been dubbed the Switzerland of Africa. Formed by river valleys long-dammed by volcanic eruptions, the lakes form an ever-changing water scape punctuated by small, forested islands.

Flora And Fauna In Lake Mutanda

This lake harbors lakeside forests and wetland habitants that provide a haven for the endangered mountain gorilla. You can also find animals, plants and birds at the lakeside but in few numbers due to the high elevation of cold weather at the lake.

Some of the common birds found around lake Mutanda include; Pin-tailed Whydah, Great Cormorant, Pied & Malachite Kingfisher, & sunbirds. There are also fish species in the lake and these include cat and mad fish. You can also spot pythons at the lake.

Things To Do And See on and around Lake Mutanda

Sunset cruise on the lake. Take a sundowner sunset cruise on lake Mutanda accompanied with some snacks prepared by your lodge.

Hiking. Hikes around the lake will include passing through the villages of Buhoma-Nkuringo-down to lake Mutanda.

Fishing. The lake harbors different fish species like cat and mad fish therefor you can catch your dinner fishing with a local angler on lake Mutanda.

Cultural encounters around the lake. The best experience around the lake is meeting the locals. The best locals to meet are the Batwa pygmies who were the first people of the forest and lived here before other ethnic groups migrated to the area.

Canoeing. This activity is a great way to discover the lake while you glide through the smooth water from island to island.

Biking around lake Mutanda. Adrenaline junkies can spend hours biking on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains.

Places to stay on Lake Mutanda

Mutanda lake resort

Perched on a Lake Mutanda peninsula in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains, the resort offers comfortable accommodation combined with the most beautiful views on planet earth. It is a perfect base for gorilla trackers, lake loungers, volcano hikers and bird lovers as well as those looking for a mystical place in nature.

Chameleon hill lodge

This exclusive, colorful and vibrant lodge enjoys spectacular views across Lake Mutanda with the Virunga Volcanoes as a magnificent backdrop. Each chalet flaunts its own identity and color scheme along with high quality, hand made furnishings that boast a unique Euro-African style.

 Mutanda Eco Community Centre

Mutanda Eco Community Centre (M.E.C.C) is a community-owned eco-lodge located at the south shores of Lake Mutanda. The camp provides accommodation, camping facilities, and food. Because of the camp’s proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, Mutanda Eco Community Centre is the perfect choice for accommodation for anyone considering mountain gorilla tracking.

There are several ecotourism activities that can be carried out at Lake Mutanda and these include swimming, canoeing, boat riding, snake safari, otter viewing, and village visits.

We also offer volunteer opportunities for clients interested in supporting community projects. The volunteer experience entails teaching swimming lessons to children, working at the health centers, and teaching conservation education at the nearby Chihe Primary School.

When is the best time to visit Lake Mutanda?

 The lake can be visited all year round but the best time is during the dry season of June to September and December to February. It is recommended to visit in these dry months when you can clearly focus on the scenery and hiking is so easy due to the dry trails.

How to get to lake Mutanda

You can get to lake mutanda by road through Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale to Kisoro where the lake is located. The journey takes 9 hours drive, 483 km from Kampala the capital city of Uganda and 30 minutes’ drive from the town of Kisoro. Do not hesitate to contact Funride Adventures for you travel and best experience at Lake Mutanda.