As a real definition of a hidden treasure filled with the beauty of mother nature, Lake Mutanda is a small freshwater lake located in Kisoro District in the South-Western part of Uganda and at least 20 kilometers in North of Kisoro town. The lake is within the Virunga Ranges which justifies the cold breeze around the lake. The lake also has different islands with abundant history attached to each.
Lake Mutanda was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions that happened over 20,000 years ago which cut shot river valleys to form a lake with different small forested islands. The environment around is a candid reason why one must Lake Mutanda. Lake Mutanda is close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the three volcanoes including Mount. Sabyinyo, Mount. Gahinga and Mount Muhabura as all can be seen clearly from this lake.
ATTRACTIONS
Virunga Volcanoes
Three volcanoes including Mount Sabyinyo, Mount. Muhabura and Mount. Gahinga can be seen from Lake Mutanda creating a scenic atmosphere, an opportunity for fantastic photography.
Lake Mutanda Islands
The lake has a total of 15 islands which all have rich history attached to them. Other than a few islands that are occupied and cultivated, some islands are only left to predominantly by occupied with rainy forests and shrubs.
The Mutanda Island. Getting its name from the lake, this is the largest amongst the 15 islands and occupied by people known as “Abagesera”. They cultivate this land to grow crops. There is a church on this Island and worshippers from other islands travel by canoe to attend Sunday services.
The Punishment Islands. There are two caves which have skeletal remains as this is where the unwanted community members such as criminals were left there to die. The locals also believe that these islands are haunted by spirits and many of them fear going there.
The Python Island. This is believed to have pythons however it’s had to see them.
Wildlife
The area is habitat to a few bird species mostly those that can survive in cold weather. Some bird species that are found around here include the Great Cormorant, Pin Tailed Whydah, Malachite Kingfisher and the Grey Crowned crane which is the country’s national bird. The area is near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, so in case of better urge to see wildlife you could still choose to visit them.
ACTIVITIES IN OR NEAR LAKE MUTANDA
Canoeing. Island hopping can be done on canoes that are traditionally made. With the lake so calm, canoeing gives a relaxing moment traversing the lake as you listen to birds singing. Visitors can choose to explore some of the sacred islands such as the Punishment islands and Python Island for an adventure.
Bird watching. With the different bird species around Lake Mutanda, its calmness makes it the best place for bird watching, listening to their arousing voices as they fly through the skies.
Mountain Biking. Just in case you enjoy biking through slopes then this could be you with the good mountain bikes around enjoying the experience of biking through the mountainous landscape around the lake.
Hiking. The lake is located in a mountainous region making it the finest destination for hiking, giving one perfect view of the scenery around the lake.
Swimming. Unlike many other lakes in Africa and Uganda where it’s not advisable to swim, one can actually swim from Lake Mutanda. The lake is bilharzia free and with not inhabitants such as crocodiles, hippos that could threaten human life.
Best time to visit Lake Mutanda?
Just like other tourist attractions, it’s best to visit Lake Mutanda during the dry season since hiking through the slopes of Lake Mutanda would be very difficult during wet season. The area is usually wet with heavy rains in the months of March, April, May, October and November.
Dry months span from June to September. For those who want to have a worthwhile experience enjoying the beautiful scenery of Mother Nature around Lake Mutanda, it is advisable that they visit during the dry months.