The scenic lava damned lake of Mutanda is nestled high about 1800m asl between the towering steep highlands in the south-west tip of Uganda. The 22 square/km lake was formed when river Rutshuru was blocked by flowing lava from Virunga Mountain ranges flooding the whole river valley system. Perfectly located between the gorilla parks of Mgahinga Gorilla NP and the southern trailheads of the UNESCO site of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Mutanda is often used as a base for gorilla and golden monkey tracking experience. Sitting a few kilometers from Kisoro town, it is well serviced by quality accommodation suiting all budgets and abounds with numerous activities to keep one busy.
Activities to do at Lake Mutanda
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Take a Canoe Safari to Explore the historical Islands
Take a guided canoe experience in a local dug-out canoe on a cultural tour around the islands. Several of these islands possess a cultural significance to the local Bafumbira and were used as punishment or refuge sanctuaries. Culture aside, the landscapes are amazing including the towering Virunga ranges in the south of the lake. Experience lasts anywhere between 2/3hrs.
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Bird Watching
Dedicated birdwatchers will be rewarded by over 150-species recorded here along the lakes’ extensive reed and marsh edges. Of interest is the White-winged Swamp Warbler, Highland Rush Warbler, Lesser Swamp Warbler, Augur Buzzard, Mountain Buzzard, Great Crested Grebe, Red-knobbed Coot, African Jacana, Pink-backed Pelican, Yellow-billed Duck, Hamerkop, African Darter, Long-tailed and Great Cormorant, and more. Extended birding excursion along the heavily cultivated water edges one ticks off the Grey-capped Warbler, Black-headed Weaver, Chubb’s Cisticola, African Stonechat, Red-chested Sunbird, Northern-colored Sunbird, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Bronze Sunbird, Streaky Seed-eater, Western Citril, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Holub’s Golden Weaver and more.
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Mini Hikes and Community Walk
The towering and terraced highlands are both scenic and offers incredible views to the islands spread across the lake and also the far off Virunga Mountain ranges on the horizon. This local-guided hike will expose you to diverse culture of Bafumbira and Bakiiga tribes that surround this lake and learn about agricultural practices used here.
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Biking
For adrenaline adventurers, a biking tour around these terraced highlands will give one a true biking experience and both scenic views. This local guided experience will take one biking along village paths offering an opportunity of first-hand interactions with the local population, vibrant trading centers and farmlands.