Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda is located in southwestern Uganda in Kisoro district near the border of Uganda and Rwanda. It is located in the highlands between Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is one of the most scenic lakes with the most dramatic landscapes in Africa that travelers encounter on their safaris to Uganda. The main outlet of the lake is the river Rutshuru which flows north to Lake Edward. While on this lake, there are over 15 islands that travelers on their Uganda safaris can encounter. These islands are covered by lush trees and shrubs, beautiful scenery of highlands, and many others. While on this mountain, there are several views of the 8 volcanic mountains of Virunga. These mountains lie on the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, 3 volcanoes include Gahinga, Muhavura, and Sabyinyo.
What are the islands around Lake Mutanda?
While on a safari to Lake Mutunda, there are 15 islands that travelers on their Uganda safaris can encounter and they include;
Pthyon Island
The island was named after a snake called python and these python species were usually living on this island. Though other reptiles are available on the island.
Punishment island
This island was historically known to the locals of the area where they would take young pregnant girls and leave them there to starve to death. In the community, a young girl who would get pregnant is still young and not married.
While on this island, there are several skeletons of people who died on this island.
Mutanda island
Mutanda Island was named after the lake and it was inhabited by a clan of the Abagesera. This clan built a church on top of this island. Local worshippers from the mainland usually visit the church for worshipping.
Range island
This island is also called the bird island where several bird species usually meet for breeding and mating. The bird species include African shoe bill, black-headed heron, sacred ibis, white-breasted cormorants, black kite, and many others.
Hampinzi island
The history of Hampinzi Island was for the natives who refused to share their sorghum for a beer with the neighbors. The refusal to share sorghum was due to the witch who used to visit the island casting a spell and sinking the sorghum into the water. Those who refused to share their sorghum beer usually died.
Kabaya Island
Kabaya Island is known as a burial place for legends. These legends were usually influential spirit people who could cause havoc on the mainland. After their death, they were buried in this place. Up to date, traditional ancestral worship and rituals are practiced in this area, especially during the season of sorghum harvest in August.
Freedom Island
It is also known as the Buhungiro island where a group of fishermen fled to take refuge from a large group of the spear-wielding Batwa. Freedom Island is covered by indigenous forests.
What to do on a safari to Lake Mutanda?
While on a safari to Lake Mutanda, there are several activities that travelers can engage in for a safari and they include;
Canoeing
Canoeing on the lake Mutanda is one of the activities that travelers on their safaris can engage. Travelers use the traditional dug-out canoes and take you to the view of the different islands and scenic views of the area.
Visiting the islands
Safari to the lake Mutanda without visiting the islands. The island is dotted with several islands and each island with its history. The islands include Python Island, Punishment Island, and many others that travelers can encounter and learn about its history.
Hiking
The lake is surrounded by several highlands which travelers on their Uganda safaris can encounter during the safari. The hike takes you through the breathtaking views. The other hike takes you through a day hike from the Buhoma sector in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Nkuringo. Travelers usually ascend through the lake Mutanda while using the different trails of the park.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is another activity that travelers do on their safaris. This activity is done on the mainland surrounding the lake and forested areas.
Birding
On Lake Mutanda for a safari, bird watching is one of the key activities that travelers can engage in for a safari. This lake attracts several bird species that travelers can engage in for a safari. Some of these bird species include; the African spoonbill, pelican, sacred ibis, hadada ibis, and many others.
Where to stay on a safari to Lake Mutanda?
During a safari, there are several accommodation facilities that travelers on their Uganda safaris can stay in for a safari. Around the lake, there are several accommodation facilities which include Chameleon Lodge, and Lake Mutanda Resort. The other accommodation facilities that travelers can stay in are situated in both Mgahinga gorilla and Bwindi impenetrable National parks. They include Rushaga Gorilla Haven, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Volcanoes Lodge, and many others.
How to access Lake Mutanda?
The lake mutanda is accessed by the road and air transport. By road, travelers take 8 to 9 hours from Kampala to reach the lake. Also, travelers can use Lake Mutanda from the Kigali International Airport. Travelers take about 6 hours from the airport to reach the lake. While using air transport from Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip. Then travelers get a two-hour drive to reach the lake.
What is the best time to visit Lake Mutanda?
Lake Mutanda is available for travelers throughout the year. The best time is during the dry season December to February and June to September and during this time the area is dry and clear for visiting the lake for different activities. The wet season is also available for travelers to visit the lake for different activities. During this time, travelers have more time to engage in different activities since there is less traffic around the lake.
