What to do on and around Lake Mutanda

March 16, 2025 | Bujo Safaris

What to do on and around Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda is a freshwater lake in the southwestern part of Uganda in Kisoro District around the foothills of the Virunga Mountain Ranges overlooking the three volcanoes of Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabinyo. Like Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda consists of several Islands with no rich cultural history and is drained by River Rutshuru which flows to the northward of Lake Edward. Lake Mutanda consists of about 15 Islands and is surrounded by lush forests and green vegetation which is home to a variety of bird species such as the grey-crowned cranes, sunbirds, kingfishers, pin-tailed whydahs, snakes, frogs, chameleons, African clawless otters and as well as a home to several fish species thus supports Fishing.

Are you planning a safari to Lake Mutanda and worried about things to do? This blog helps you plan a memorable stay and safari experience at Lake Mutanda including activities to do on a Uganda Safari, where to stay, and other safari experiences. Some of the activities include the following;

Canoe Riding/paddle boarding: Canoeing is regarded as the way to explore Lak Mutanda taking you around the stunning landscapes offering stunning breathtaking views and fresh sweeping cool air. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunset views reflecting on the calm waters in the evening.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park: Since Mutanda is perched on the foothills of the Virunga Ranges and Mt Mgahinga National Park, Tourists may opt to do gorilla trekking in Mt Mgahinga National Park. Mt Mgahinga is one of the four regions where you can track mountain gorillas including Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Get Ready to face up close to the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats as they eat and play. Seeing the gorillas in their natural habitats requires one to have a gorilla trekking permit which is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority. A gorilla trekking allows a tourist to spend 1 hour with the gorillas as they create photo moments and learn more about the gorillas. A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 for Foreign Non-residents, USD 700 for Foreign Residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. However, planning a gorilla trekking safari requires you to book a gorilla trekking permit in advance to secure the availability of gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that offers tourists extraordinary experiences as they encounter the Gorillas creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Bird Watching: Lake Mutanda is surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and green vegetation which is home to a variety of bird species. A nature lover on a Uganda safari will be able to spot a variety of bird species including the African Fish Eagle, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Grey-crowned Crane, Swamp Flycatcher, White-backed Night Heron, Black-headed Heron, Yellow-billed Duck, Great Egret, Little Egret, Cormorants, African Jacana, Spur-winged Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing, Common Moorhen, Black-winged Stilt, Red-chested Sunbird, Olive Sunbird, Bronze Sunbird, Village Weaver, Baglafecht Weaver, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, African Blue Flycatcher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Blue-headed Coucal, White-throated Bee-eater, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Dark-capped Bulbul.

Cultural and Community Tours: Lake Mutanda is surrounded by Vibrant cultural communities with a rich history offering an opportunity to interact with the local people and get a deeper insight into their way of life and culture. The area is surrounded by the Bakiga and Batwa who are Indigenous natives of the region. You will have a chance to participate in the traditional dances and drama, traditional coffee roasting and preparation of local cuisine.

Hiking around the lake and Volcanoes: Lake Mutanda is perched on the foothills of Virunga Mountain ranging with various volcanoes and hills for hiking. Travelers interested in hiking can opt to hike one of the three volcanoes overlooking the lake including Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Gahinga. Mount Sabinyo stands at 3669 meters above sea level and takes approximately 8 hours of hiking to get to the summit. Mt Gahinga which is the smallest stands at 3473 meters above sea level and takes about six hours to ascend and descend. Mt Muhabura which is the highest peak stands at 4127 meters above sea level and takes about 9 hours to cover a round trip offering stunning beautiful views and breathtaking fresh air.

Fishing on Lake Mutanda: Fishing on Lake Mutanda can be a relaxing and rewarding experience, especially for those who enjoy fishing as a hobby. The lake is home to several species of fish, including tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch. Local fishermen use traditional methods such as nets and hand lines to catch fish. You can hire a local fisherman to take you out on the lake for a fishing trip.

Golden Monkey Tracking: Embark on a golden monkey tracking experience in Mt Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Golden Monkey trekking is one of the primary activities in Mt Mgahinga Gorilla National Park after the gorilla trekking experience. Golden Monkeys are gorgeous animals and one of the endangered primate species with a bright color and long golden fur mixed with orange. However, tracking the golden monkeys requires a golden monkey trekking permit which is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority allowing tourists to have close encounters with the golden monkeys in a maximum of 1 hour keeping a 10-meter distance. A Golden Monkey trekking permit costs USD 60 for foreign non-residents, USD 50 for Foreign Residents, and UGX 40,000 for Ugandans and East African Citizens.

Where to stay around Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda consists of a large area that supported the construction of a variety of accommodation facilities ranging from Luxury, midrange, and more affordable rooms offering exclusive accommodation services including, a restaurant and bar, free WIFI, warm welcoming and hospitable staff, well-trained and professional chef to prepare both international and local cuisine. Some of the accommodation facilities include Mutanda Lake Resort, Mutanda Eco Community, Lake Mutanda Exclusive Cottages, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Santaviva and other facilities around.

In conclusion, with the combination of natural beauty, wildlife and vibrant cultures, Lake Mutanda offers extraordinary safari experiences for every kind of traveller and is the most sought-after destination after Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park making it one of Uganda’s prime safari destinations.