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Lake Mutanda is a beautiful, hidden spot, located in the same southwestern highlands that harbor Uganda’s mountain gorillas.
Enclosed by steep, terraced hills and dotted with lush islands, this fairytale lake comprises a submerged river valley dammed naturally by lava flows from the Virunga Volcanoes.
This impressive volcanic range spans across Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda, with three of its peaks—Mt Muhabura, Mt Sabinyo, and Mt Gahinga—found in Uganda.
On clear days, the sundowner view across Lake Mutanda to the Volcanoes is one of the most beautiful anywhere in Africa. Despite its beauty, Lake Mutanda maintains a sense of tranquility and remoteness, with only a handful of small to mid-range lodges around the area.
One of the best places to stay is Mutanda Lake Resort, which offers incredible views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. The Bradt Guide notes that you could travel across the globe and not find a view quite like it. The resort offers 18 comfortable cottages with private bathrooms and a restaurant serving delicious food.
The area surrounding Lake Mutanda is rich in rainforests, which serve as the home to the endangered mountain gorilla. As a result, the lake makes for an ideal starting point for one of Uganda’s most unique adventures—gorilla trekking.
The majestic mountain gorillas can be found in the nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
But the wildlife around Lake Mutanda extends beyond gorillas. The lake’s shores are also teeming with a diverse range of animals and plants. Visitors might spot kingfishers and the striking grey crowned crane, among many other bird species.
Alongside the flora and birds, the lake’s banks are inhabited by various creatures, including otters, chameleons, frogs, and lizards. It’s truly a haven for wildlife lovers, showcasing a stunning array of unique species.
At Lake Mutanda you have many excursion possibilities. See below all possibilities:
A short drive from Lake Mutanda is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the sanctuary for nearly half of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. For many visitors, encountering these majestic apes up close is the ultimate highlight of their safari to Uganda.
You can find more details about this incredible experience on the gorilla trekking page.
A short distance from Lake Mutanda lies Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a prime location for spotting the rare Golden Monkeys! These endangered creatures are found only in the highland forests of Central Africa and are restricted to a few national parks, including Mgahinga.
They are easily recognized by their striking gold facial masks and are often seen munching on bamboo. With the guidance of an experienced ranger, you’ll set out on an exciting adventure to find these colorful monkeys.
Although the monkeys are accustomed to visitors, their impressive speed makes tracking them a real challenge. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to see a variety of birds, unique tree species, and vibrant butterflies.
The trek can be physically demanding, especially as you navigate the steep slopes of the nearby volcanoes, adding a sense of adventure to this thrilling experience.
Around a century ago, a conflict erupted between the Batwa and Buntu tribes, with the Buntu trying to drive the Batwa from their land. In response, the Batwa took refuge in the secretive Grama cave, a place unknown to the Buntu, where they were able to hide safely.
Deep within the cave, the Batwa held secret councils to strategize their defense and preserve their culture and traditions.
Today, relics of their ancient way of life and beliefs can still be found scattered throughout the cave’s chambers. Although the Batwa were evicted from the Mgahinga area when it was designated a national park, some still live on its outskirts.
Cultural tours offer a unique opportunity for visitors to discover the Batwa’s rich heritage and the challenges they faced after losing their ancestral lands.
A hike through the Virunga volcanoes takes you deep into the stunning Sabinyo Gorge, nestled in the southwest corner of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The trail winds through lush vegetation, with a soft, mossy path underfoot, offering a very good impression of how high Mount Sabinyo really is. The end point is also known as one of the best places in the area for bird watching.
You can explore the authentic village of Mukozi, where visitors are warmly greeted by the schoolchildren, browse a local craft market, and meet a traditional Ugandan healer. This experience offers a true taste of African rural life.
The tour concludes with a refreshing drink at a nearby bar. For a more extended adventure, you can combine this trip with a visit to Kyangushu Island, where you can see the former resting place of Kyangushu before taking a boat ride to Mukozi. The standard tour lasts about 2 hours, while including Kyangushu Island extends it to approximately 3-4 hours.
The adventure begins with a scenic boat ride to Kyangushu Island, a place of ancestral significance for the local people. After returning to the mainland, the nursery school children put on a delightful performance. You’ll then meet a local fisherman, who will share insights into the traditional fishing methods used in the area.
Following a delicious traditional lunch in the village, you’ll have the chance to explore a craft market. The day wraps up with a visit to a traditional Ugandan healer.
For a more immersive experience, you can extend the trip with a visit to Mutanda Island, the largest and only inhabited island on the lake.
On clear days, the island offers stunning views of Bunagana (the border with Congo), Lake Mulehe, and Bwindi National Park. If your visit falls on a Sunday, you can join the islanders in a lively dance during a church service.
Fancy climbing a 4000-metre peak in a day? Mount Muhavura (translated The Guide, 4127m high) is the only 4000m+ mountain in Uganda you can do (somewhat) comfortably in a single day. However, don’t be fooled—it’s undoubtedly the toughest day hike in Uganda.
As you ascend, the path becomes steeper, and the thin air near the summit can quickly drain your energy. But the reward at the top is worth it: breathtaking views of the surrounding Virunga Volcanoes stretching westward, the lush hills of Rwanda to the south, and the stunning Lake Mutanda to the north.
For those seeking a slower pace, the Ugandan Wildlife Authority has recently constructed a hut at around 3,000 meters, perfect for an overnight stay.
Climbing Mount Sabinyo (3,669 meters) is also a tough challenge. Along the way, you’ll encounter three difficult peaks. The trail first takes you around the eastern side of the first peak, after which you can decide to stop or continue to the second peak.
Reaching the second peak involves a narrow ridge, offering stunning views of both Uganda and Rwanda. The real adventure begins when you climb to the third and highest peak.
At the summit (3,669 meters), you’ll find the tri-border point where you can see three countries at once. Honestly, how many places in Africa let you look into three countries from the top of a major mountain? A bonus of this trek is the good chance of spotting golden monkeys, among other wildlife, on the way to the top.
A sunset boat ride is the ideal way to finish an adventurous day. Drift peacefully across the water while sipping a refreshing drink, listening to traditional guitar music, and watching vibrant birds soar by. Whether you choose a canoe (2 hours) or a motorboat (1 hour), this experience offers a serene way to unwind and take in the beauty around you.
On a spacious paddleboard, you can soak in the stunning views and surroundings while enjoying this unique activity at a relaxed pace.
The Mutanda Lake Resort offers 4 paddleboards, so you can share the adventure with friends and explore the lake in this exciting and peaceful way.
Lake Mutanda is perfect for swimming, offering a safe and enjoyable experience free from the worries of bilharzia (a snail-borne disease found at lower altitudes), crocodiles, and hippos.
Hop into a compact Laser sailing boat and experience the peaceful quiet of the water. Feel the wind in your hair as you tighten the sails and effortlessly glide across the lake. But be cautious—the wind can be unpredictable, with sudden gusts and lulls. Not a fan of sailing? No worries! You can also take a kayak to explore the lake at your own pace.
Biking around Lake Mutanda offers a chance to explore one of Africa’s most stunning lakes.
The exhilarating full-day trail takes you through charming villages, local farms, and lush Matooke (banana) fields.
Along the way, you’ll engage with the friendly locals while immersing yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of Uganda – all from the seat of your bike, making it a true sensory adventure!
We’re here to answer all your questions about the must-see highlights, accommodation options, and travel routes!
Since 2016, Greenway Nature Tours Africa has been offering safari packages with accommodations, and guided tours for both individual and group travelers throughout East Africa, covering countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The ideal time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. These months provide the best weather for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking, with less rainfall, making travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
Since 2016 Greenway Nature Tours Africa have been offering 4×4 car hire, safari itineraries with accommodation and guided tours for group and the independent traveler in East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
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