Lake Mutanda is a lava dammed smallest fresh water lake located in Kisoro District in southwestern Uganda, approximately 20 kilometers north of the town of Kisoro. Lake Mutanda is located about 490 kilometers by road, southwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. It is nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountain Range, at an altitude of 1,800 metres (5,900 ft).It is close to Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. The scenic lake lies north of Kisoro town and makes relaxing base on which to explore the beautiful scenery. Lake Mutanda provides beautiful views of the 3 volcanoes located north of the lake which include; Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo and Mount Gahinga. The lake is drained by Rutshuru river.
lake Mutanda is surrounded with rain forests in the lake sides and also wetland habitant that favour existence of the endangered Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys found in the surrounding Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Lake Mutanda also harbours bird species including kingfishers, kites, ibis, crested crane (Uganda’s national bird). The lake shores support existence of other animal species including chameleons, snakes, monitor lizards and frogs. The mammal sighted in the lake is the African Clawless Otter. Given its formation, lake Mutanda does not contain fish neither aquatic wild animals like crocodiles although it said that a hippo was last sighted there in 1994
Tourist attractions
Island Tours
Mutanda contains over 15 small islands that can be explored by a canoe. The tribe surrounding lake Mutanda Island is Bafumbira but the islands of lake Mutanda is inhabited by a particular clan of ‘Abagesera’. You will visit these clan members with a lot of story telling and learning their ways of living. You can also visit the Abagesera Church built on the top of the island. You can also visit the Python Island for a chance to see the resident snakes.
Canoeing
Canoeing helps you explore the lake with its fresh and calm waters thus giving you with the most relaxing time along the lake. Glide through the tranquil waters to explore different islands. You can hire one and sail it your self to explore the lake if you are experienced or seek the services of a community guide to take you on this experience. Local communities use them to cross as well to other islands and communities for farming, education, worship among others. While on canoe, You have chance to spot some birds and otters.
Mountain biking
This makes you feel the wind rushing past your face as you scramble down a steep slope, as gravity pulls you back down the mountains towards the shores of Lake Mutanda
Walking safari; The community guide takes you on walking safari along the shores of the lake and along the beautiful highlands which lasts between 3 to 4 hours
Other Tourism Activities in the surrounding
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park, golden monkey tracking in mgahinga, Batwa cultural experience that leads you to Ngarama cave that used to act as Parliament for the batwa-pygimies community with the climax of lots of entertainment and hiking the 3 volcanoes of Gahiga, Sabiyo and Muhabura.
Accommodation at Lake Mutanda
- Mutanda Lake Resort
- Lake Murehe resort
- Chameleon hill lodge
- Mutanda Eco community centre
- Other hotels near bwidi and mgahinga national parks
