Lake Mutanda is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda in Kisoro district, about 20 kilometers from Kisoro town. Found in the footsteps of the Virunga mountains which are partly found in Uganda and the rest are shared among Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many mountains, including Mount Sabinyo, mount Gahinga, mount Muhabura, and others form the Virunga Mountains. These mountains can be viewed or spotted easily from a safe distance. The source of Lake Mutanda is river Rutshuru which flows northward to Lake Edward. Lake Mutanda happens to have many islands that are found on it and around it. These islands have lush vegetation which provides a conducive environment for different bird species, primates, and other wild animals. Besides that, different reptiles and different plant species can be found on the islands and around the lake.
How many islands are on Lake Mutanda?
Lake Mutanda has approximately 15 islands and each island has its own story to tell. Some of these islands on Lake Mutanda include,
Mutanda island
Mutanda Island is considered to be the largest island among all the 15. The people who stay on this island are known as the ‘’Abagesera’’ and they are mainly farmers. They grow crops like peas, bananas, and sugar cane, to mention a few. A church was built on top of this island and every Sunday people from different communities around this island canoe their way to Mutanda island to pray.
Punishment island
Punishment Island is made up of two islands and was named Punishment Island because it was used to punish the people who misbehaved in the community. Girls who got pregnant before getting married were always deserted on this island to starve to death. Most of them died and those who were lucky were always saved by men who did not have money for bride price. Also, other people not liked in the community were always tied up and dumped there, elderly people who had no one to take care of them, thieves, and many others. Till now Mutanda Island has been feared by the locals since caves with the remains of the people who died are still in existence. Mutanda Island is also believed to be hunted by the ghosts of the dead people and because of this no localswalk or go to these two islands.
Python island
Python is also one of the 15 islands that are found on Lake Mutanda, this island was named so because it is home to very many pythons that live there. Because of this, no people live on this island in fear of these snakes. Though this island is a habitat for many pythons, they are rarely seen.
Activities that can be done on Lake Mutanda
Different things or activities can be done on and on the shores of Lake Mutanda and some of these activities include,
Canoeing on Lake Mutanda
Canoeing on Lake Mutanda is the most done activity done by the tourists/ visitors who visit. While canoeing on Lake Mutanda, you will get to feel the cool breeze on the lake while having beautiful sights and views around the lake. You will also be able to land your eyes on different birds such as weaver birds, kites, grey-crowned cranes, and malachite kingfishers, to mention a few.
Visiting the islands on Lake Mutanda
You can also decide to visit the islands that are found on Lake Mutanda to explore and learn more about them. You can decide to visit Punishment Island, Python Island, Mutanda Island, or any other island to your liking.
Hiking on hills around Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda is surrounded by different hills that offer beautiful sights and a good hiking experience if you are interested in hiking any of them. The hiking of these hills takes 2 days from the Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Mountain biking
Also, mountain biking is one of the activities done when you visit Lake Mutanda. This activity involves hiking mountain slopes with bicycles and cycling them down the slope of the hills or mountains.
Photography and sightseeing
Lake Mutanda offers very beautiful views for sightseeing and has good spots and backdrops for photography so, tourists interested in adventure and photography Lake Mutanda is the one destination for you to visit during your Uganda safari.
Birding on Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda is also a good spot to see different bird species that live in the surrounding lush vegetation cover that surrounds the lake on the different islands and shores of the lake. Birds like weavers, kites, grey crowned cranes, malachite kingfishers, sunbirds, and pied, to mention a few.
Fishing on Lake Mutanda
Fishing is also one of the activities that are done on the Lake. Visitors or tourists who are interested in doing this activity can decide to join the fishermen on the lake and participate in the fishing activity at a given price. This activity is mostly enjoyed by visitors or tourists who live in any of the accommodation facilities around Lake Mutanda.
Guided nature walks
Guided nature walks along the shores of Lake Mutanda are also done for those interested you can ask for this activity to be included on your itinerary for visiting Lake Mutanda. During the nature walk, you will be able to spot different reptiles like lizards, chameleons, and others along the lake shores.
Gorilla trekking in either Bwindi or Maghinga National Park
Since Lake Mutanda is located in between these two mountain gorilla trekking destinations, many tourists tend to hit two birds with one stone by staying in any accommodations around Lake Mutanda which they explore either a day before or a day after gorilla trekking in any of the national parks near (Bwindi or Maghinga national park).
Where to stay around or near Lake Mutanda?
Lake Mutanda is surrounded by different accommodation facilities that range from luxury to budget with more friendly costs or prices. Some of these accommodation facilities include Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mulehe Safari Lodge, and Mutanda eco-community, to mention but a few.
Other activities that can be done on Lake Mutanda and its shores include community visits, the Batwa trail, visiting Garama cave, swimming in Lake Mutanda, chilling and relaxing on the lake shores, etc.
How to get to Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda can be accessed by either road or air transport. By road transport from either Entebbe / Kampala the road trip takes about 10-11 hours to get to Lake Mutanda. By air transport, you can fly from either Entebbe/ Kajjansi to Kisoro airfield then board any means of road transport to Lake Mutanda.