Lake Mutanda is one of the most beautiful scenic lakes in Africa located in the hidden mountainous landscape of southwestern Uganda in Kisoro district. It has a fresh clear water dotted by at least 15 islands lush trees and shrubs. The lake is ringed by the beautiful scenery of sprawling highlands clad with green vegetation, plantations, and terraces of crops along the slopes. This amazing scenery is set against a stunning backdrop of cloudy peaks of the Virunga mountain volcanoes.
There are three mountains visible and rising in the background over the lake and the sprawling highlands, which give visitors a marvelous view. These are Mt. Muhavura, Mt. Gahinga and Mt. Sabinyo.
These mountains have white fluffy clouds floating across their peaks. In the morning, thick clouds of mist shroud the lush highlands, and create mystic scenery over the lake, giving such an awe-inspiring view.
Activities around Lake Mutanda.
Lake Mutanda is a fabulous lake to explore with a boat canoe and visit some of the islands. You will go for birding, a swimming moment, or simply enjoy the views of the lake and its islands.
You can enjoy fishing at the lake with the added plus of scenery of Kisoro countryside. This is especially easier if you are staying right around the Kisoro area, at lodges like Mutanda Lake Resort.
Hiking around and to Lake Mutanda is one of the most fabulous hikes. If you’re from Buhoma, this takes about two days with one day to Nkuringo section and then on the second day down to Lake Mutanda for a boat canoe trip across the lake. There are many other hikes and nature trails found here that are simply enjoyable.
Visit the Batwa People
The Batwa people are originally inhabited the Bwindi forest. They used to live in the forest and left a small environmental footprint. They now live in the surrounding areas so you can go on an interactive forest walk to learn about how they reminisce their forest way of life. There are two places near Lake Mutanda where a Batwa community tour can be done, that is the Buniga forest in Bwindi and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The lake is studded with emerald isles; the Kisoro area, Virunga volcanoes around it, gentle breezes, cool, yet sunny climate, activities in abundance.
Lake Mutanda should be on your list of things to do and see in Kisoro, Uganda because of it’s beautiful views. Whether you are right on the edge of the lake in lodges like Mutanda Lake Resort or higher up at Chameleon Hill Lodge, the beauty of what is before you will have the most positive effect upon you. The only other beautiful lake as stunning as Lake Mutanda is Lake Bunyonyi in the neighborhood of Kabale.