Lake Mutanda Holidays

Lake Mutanda is one of the extraordinary volcanic Lakes situated below the mighty volcanoes of south-western Uganda, in Kisoro District near the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of the most scenic lakes in East Africa, located in a dramatic landscape of lush and verdant sprawling highlands making it one of the top destinations to visit while traversing Uganda on your safari.

Its crystal clear waters dotted by over 13 islands, Farmlands at the end & incredible shrubs, and the lake is ringed by the beautiful scenery of sprawling highlands clad with green vegetation just a few kilometers from the nonactive volcanoes of Muhavura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga, 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. The chain of volcanoes of the Virunga Mountain Range spans the borders of Uganda, Rwanda & Congo, and Uganda shares 3 of its prominent 8 Volcanoes situated in the Virunga massif consisting of Mgahinga national park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, and Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These are very visible, rising in the background over Lake Mutanda & the sprawling highlands, with white fluffy clouds floating across their peaks. In the morning, thick clouds of mist shroud the lush highlands, and create mystic scenery over Lake Mutanda and such an awe-inspiring view!

Things to do in and around Lake Mutanda in Kisoro Uganda

Boat rides

From Lake Mutanda resort or chameleon hill lodge you can hire boats that will take you to different islands our most favorite being the sunset boat cruise, if the weather is clear you can witness some incredible sunsets in Africa just off the Volcanoes.

Hiking to and around Lake Mutanda

This invigorating activity is refreshing but also allows tourists to encounter a different tree, butterfly, and bird species.

Mountain Bike rides

Mountain biking is one of the most exhilarating but challenging experiences because it involves traversing areas of rugged terrains and red dirt roads, thus requiring participants to be physically fit and are required to bring their own bike or hire from Kisoro.

Swimming

You may never be able to swim in most Lakes in Africa but it is possible within Lake Mutanda because it is Bilharzia free.

Fishing within Lake Mutanda

Fishing using local methods and equipment will get you a chance to catch some of the fish species found in the Lake including Tilapia and mudfish.

Bird watching

Taking a nature walk and canoeing will give you an outstanding opportunity to spot bird species within and around Lake Mutanda, including Kingfishers, fish eagles, and Pelicans among others.

Dug-out canoe rides

If you’ve never tried the exciting dug-out canoe rides or your dream has always been to try one, then visit South-western Uganda where you will enjoy the activity within Lake Mutanda. Canoe rides allow you to explore some of the Islands or spot some of the aquatic bird species especially Kingfishers, Sacred Ibis, Kites, grey crowned cranes pelicans, and Fish eagles.

Village walks

A trip to Lake Mutanda will allow you to undertake community/village walks to the villages around Lake Mutanda so as to acquaint yourself with the lifestyle or livelihoods of the people as well as their interesting cultures and traditions.

Best time to Visit Lake Mutanda

The best time to visit Lake Mutanda for your holidays is during the dry season from June to October and from December to February when there is less rainfall or no rainfall at all and this makes the hiking and boat activities not be interrupted by the Lake can be visited all year round and best views are seen during the rainy season but its not usually the best time for Lake Mutanda Holidays.

How to get to Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda can be accessible via Rwanda, Kampala, or Entebbe using domestic flights from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip, By road from Kampala Lake Mutanda is a 10-hour drive and from Rwanda, the Lake is about 5-6 hours depending on the border crossing time and by flight, the flight is just under2 hours from Entebbe and then you will take a vehicle transfer of about 30-45 minutes to the Lodges.

Where to stay in Lake Mutanda

There are not many options to stay near the Lakeshores and our top lodges in the area are the Luxury Chameleon hill lodge and Lake Mutanda resort which are probably the best places to stay during your gorilla trekking adventures in Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Mgahinga gorilla national park the drive from the lake to the gorilla trekking areas is just 1-2 hours.