Lake Mutanda is a small freshwater Lake in Uganda. The Lake is located in Kisoro District in south-western Uganda, approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of the town of Kisoro, where the district headquarters are located. This location is approximately 454 kilometres (282 mi), by road, southwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. The coordinates of Lake Mutanda are: 01 14 06S, 29 40 12E (Latitude:-1.2350; Longitude: 29.6700).
It is nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountain Range, at an altitude of 1,800 metres (5,900 ft). The three volcanoes within the range that is partly located in Uganda, namely: Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo and Mount Gahinga, can be viewed from Lake Mutanda.
There are several islands in the lake. The lake is drained by the Rutshuru River, which flows northward to Lake Edward. The environment on the islands within the Lake and the surrounding countryside includes lakeside forests and wetland habitats that provide a haven for the endangered mountain gorilla.
In addition to the mountain Uganda gorilla tours and golden monkey experience in the nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Lakeside environment accommodates a variety of animal and plant species, unique to this area. Bird species include kingfisher birds, kites, ibis and Uganda’s national bird, the crested crane. Weaver bird nests are a common site among the reeds along the Lake shore.
In addition to the abundant and varied avian species, the Lake shore supports several species of snake, chameleon, monitor lizard and frog species. There is a varied and abundant supply of insect life as well. The mammals unique to Lake Mutanda include the African clawless otter. Hippopotamus was endemic to the area, but were last sighted at Lake Mutanda in 1994.
Lake Mutanda is a fabulous lake to explore with a canoe and visit some of the islands – go birding, you can swim here – simply enjoy the lake whether you are on top of it in a boat, or swimming in it. Fishing at Lake Mutanda with the added plus of scenery in Kisoro. You can always fish at Lake Mutanda especially if you are staying right around Kisoro area and on the lake as at Mutanda Lake Resort and if the fish do not strike, there the is scenery around you.
Hiking around Lake Mutanda-Kisoro. Hiking around and to Lake Mutanda – Kisoro one of the most fabulous hikes is a two-day hike from Buhoma to Nkuringo and then on the second day down to Lake Mutanda and a canoe trip across the lake before it is ends. There are many other hikes and nature trails found here that are simply most enjoyable and you can easily stay here for a week and not explore it all.
Bike rides can be quite challenging – we can bring along mountain bikes for you that you can use while at Lake Mutanda or bikes can be rented in Kisoro. Either way it will be a most exhilarating experience for you
Batwa People – the original people of the Forest in Uganda-Kisoro. The Batwa People are the original inhabitants of the forest – the lived in the forest and left a small environmental footprint – they still lived in the area and you can go on an interactive forest walk with them in two places near to Lake Mutanda – the Buniga Forest and on the Batwa Forest Walk in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.