Lake Mutanda is located in Kisoro District in southwestern Uganda. The lake covers an area of about 29 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of 56 meters. It is situated at an altitude of 1,800 meters in the foothills of the Virunga Mountain ranges, including Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Gahinga.
Lake Mutanda is a freshwater lake with 15 small islands covered in vegetation, providing habitats for small animals. The largest island on Lake Mutanda is called Mutanda Island, which is inhabited by the Abageresa clan. These people engage in activities like crop growing, cultivating bananas, peas, and sugarcane.
Other islands include the punishment islands, where criminals and pregnant girls were once taken as punishment, and Python Island, which is home to pythons.
Wildlife at Lake Mutanda
- Birds: Lake Mutanda has few bird species due to the cold conditions around the lake. Bird species include the pin-tailed whydah, great cormorant, sunbirds, and pied kingfisher.
- Mammals: The most common mammal at Lake Mutanda is the African clawless otter.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: Lake Mutanda is home to snakes such as pythons, chameleons, and monitor lizards. Amphibians include frogs.
Tourist Activities Around Lake Mutanda
- Gorilla Trekking: Lake Mutanda is close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, which are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Tourists need to secure their gorilla permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. A gorilla permit costs USD 800 per person per trek.
- Boat Cruise: Boat cruising is one of the most amazing activities, allowing tourists to tour the islands, experience wildlife, and enjoy the cool breeze on the lake. Bird species such as the pin-tailed whydah and grey-crowned cranes can be spotted.
- Tour to the Islands: Tourists can visit the islands on Lake Mutanda, including Mutanda Island, to interact with locals. They can also visit the punishment islands and Python Island, home to python snakes.
- Mountain Biking: Mountain biking is a fascinating activity offering stunning views of the surrounding areas. It requires physical fitness and is a relaxing way to enjoy the jungle scenery.
How to Access Lake Mutanda
- By Road: Lake Mutanda can be accessed by road from Kampala, with the journey taking about 9 to 10 hours and covering a distance of 454 kilometers. Tourists travel along the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro route.
- By Air: Tourists can book a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, which takes about one hour. From there, they can continue to Lake Mutanda by car.
Accommodation at Lake Mutanda
- Mutanda Lake Resort
- Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge
- Lake Mutanda Campsite
- Muga Eco Village
- Binga Villa
- Karungo Camp
- Kasenyi Lake Retreat Lodges
- Lake Mutanda Executive Cottages
A visit to Lake Mutanda is a great experience as tourists explore the lake, wildlife, and the beautiful scenery around the area.
