Things to do and see Lake Mutanda in Uganda
Lake Mutanda – one of the most scenic Lakes in all of Africa – Lake Mutanda offers a variety of things to do and see
Things to do and see – Lake Mutanda: Lake Mutanda is simply one of the most scenic Lakes in all of Africa – entirely unique stunning, and yet for many visitors to Uganda, it is off of the beaten path, and most never venture here. Those who do find a magical, scenic paradise beyond any imagination.
Lake Mutanda is studded with emerald isles. The Virunga Volcanoes tower over it, gentle breezes, incredible yet sunny climate, activities in abundance – Lake Mutanda should be on your list of things to do and see in Uganda. You will never regret visiting Lake Mutanda, one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa and beyond.
Lake Mutanda is the perfect add-on to your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Southern Bwindi Forest before your departure flight out of Kigali or Entebbe.
The Lake is just 3-hours from Kigali International Airport. While you are here you can enjoy some of the many activities or relax and chill out reading an enjoyable book.
A visit to Lake Mutanda should be included in any safari that takes in southern Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Top Things to do and see – Lake Mutanda – a wide variety of Choices
Relax – Chill Out and take in the Scenery around you:
After the Gorilla Trek, after a Volcano Climb, the hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it is time to relax and chill out along the shores of Lake Mutanda in the shadows of the brooding Virunga Volcanoes, the Mufumbiro Mountains in the local language, the Mountains that cook.
Have a local delicacy, a freshly caught whole Tilapia with Fries. Before dinner, try one of Uganda’s favorite drinks, Waragi Gin with a Krest Bitter Lemon. During the meal, have a Nile Special made at the source of the Nile in Jinja.
We suggest that you try one of our Gorilla Reads, terrific books for your Safari and about the area you are in. Enjoy your Surroundings, some locally grown Coffee or mellow Tea, and it is Hakuna Matata Relaxation.
Whether you are right on the Lake in a lodge such as Mutanda Lake Resort or higher up at Chameleon Hill Lodge. The beauty of what is before you will have the most positive effect on you – there are few places as beautiful and stunning as Lake Mutanda. It is no wonder that it is part of the 3rd Must Photograph Place in the World.
Canoe at Lake Mutanda in a wooden dugout Canoe:
Traditional Dugout Canoes are primarily used on two Lakes in the area. Lake Mutanda or Lake Bunyonyi are hewn from one log hollowed out. They are safe to use, but we suggest wearing life vests. They are used for fishing and transporting people and goods to the islands and the mainland.
Lake Mutanda is a fabulous lake to explore with a dugout canoe and visit some islands. The dugout canoe experience will be a new thing for you. By Canoe you can go birding, you can swim here. Enjoy the Lake whether you are on top of it in a boat or swimming in it.
Follow the instructions of the CanoeGuide.
Fishing on Lake Mutanda with the added plus of Stunning Scenery
Sports-Fishing is not a significant tourist activity on Lake Mutanda. Nevertheless, the scenic setting alone has attracted some of our clients to dip a line into the water here, and some have successfully caught lunch or dinner.
Fishing outings can be arranged for you to be with a local angler, making it a cultural and sports event for our clients.
You can always fish at Lake Mutanda, especially if you are staying right on the Lake as at Mutanda Lake Resort. If the fish do not strike, there is Scenery around you.
Fishing Equipment, fishing license, dugout canoe, and guide can be arranged through the lodge in which you are staying at. We can also arrange a motorboat for your fishing outing. Drinks, lunch, snacks can be arranged for.
Hiking around or to Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda and the surrounding Highlands are a Hiker’s Paradise. Hiking around and to Lake Mutanda – one of the most fabulous hikes is a two-day hike from Buhoma to Nkuringo. On the second day, down to Lake Mutanda and a canoe trip across the Lake before it ends.
There are many other hikes and nature trails found here that are most enjoyable, and you can easily stay here for a week and not explore it all.
Once you are at the Lake, there are numerous guided hikes and nature walks that can be taken. Most of the hikes will be through hilly terrain.
Remember that you can take the one-half-day Hike from Nkuringo in Southern Bwindi down to Lake Mutanda. It is an easy hike since it is downhill.
Hiking Information and Advice including what to wear.
Mountain Biking around Lake Mutanda
Bike rides can be challenging – we can bring along mountain bikes for you to use. In contrast, at Lake Mutanda, bikes can be rented in Kisoro. Either way, it will be the most exhilarating experience for you.
Mountain Biking can be combined with other activities around and near Lake Mutanda, such as dugout canoeing. Canoe across the Lake and return to your lodge on a mountain bike, making it a perfect day.
The terrain around Lake Mutanda is not flat, and mountain biking is the appropriate term for biking in this area. We can arrange a picnic lunch for you that we bring along and set up for you. The other choice is to have lunch at a restaurant in Kisoro or another lodge or hotel during your biking day.
You will be accompanied by a guide who knows the area well. The guide will point out and inform you about life along the lake and give you informative insights about the lake.
Bike Rides along Lake Mutanda tend to be more physically challenging. You need to have a medium fitness level for this activity.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Things to do & See:
From Lake Mutanda, it is a short distance to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is a small park with many activities. There is the famous interactive Batwa Trail, where you learn the ways of the Batwa People. Volcano Climbing on three Volcanoes from 5 to 8-hour day-hikes, golden monkey tracking, gorilla tracking, nature walks and hikes, birding, and more.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the smallest park in Uganda. Still, it carries a punch like a few others in terms of activities.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is synonymous with Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey trekking, and Volcano Climbing. All within one hour’s drive time from a lodge along Lake Mutanda.
Things to do and see at Mgahinga Gorilla Park – Uganda
Encounters with the Batwa People – the original people of the Forest
The Batwa People are the original inhabitants of the Forest. They lived in the Forest and left a small environmental footprint. The Batwa were evicted from Mgahinga Gorilla Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest under the umbrella of gorilla conservation.
In 2o21 the Batwa won their case which included the right to return to their ancient lands of which they had been faithful stewards. For thirty years they have been landless living as squatters in ways that they never became used to.
You can go on an interactive forest walk with them in two places near Lake Mutanda – the Buniga Forest and the Batwa Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The Batwa people benefit directly from such activities. In addition they can sell arts and crafts that they have made to tourists.
Buniga Forest Walk with the original People of the Forest
The Batwa Trail in Mgahinga Park with the First People of the Forest
Batwa People – the People of the African Rain Forest
Gorilla Tracking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Southern Area
Being based at Lake Mutanda gives you access to the southern area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you can track the Mountain Gorillas, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Bwindi areas of Rushaga and Nkuringo are an hour’s drive from lodges along Mutanda. Often, clients choose to combine a stay along scenic Lake Mutanda with Gorilla Trekking. It will usually take more drive-time during the rainy seasons of the year.
The Rushaga has had the most Gorilla Families. It is the Home of the Gorilla habituation Experience which means 4-hours with a Gorilla Family.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a short drive from Lake Mutanda. Another reason why some of our clients choose to stay at Lake Mutanda.
Things to do and see – Lake Mutanda: Lake Mutanda’s list of things to do and see is endless. The above activities are just a few to give you an idea of the possibilities while staying at Lake Mutanda in the Highlands of Southwest Uganda. We love to include Lake Mutanda in your itinerary – just let us know.
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