Lake Mutanda Adventure | Uganda
Lake Mutanda Adventure | Uganda : This lake is located in Kisoro district in the Southwestern Uganda, approximately 20 kilometers North of Kisoro town. The small fresh water lake is settled at the foot hills of the Virunga Mountain range. In addition, it is close to Bwindi Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where you can do gorilla trekking. The lake is generally drained by River Rutshuru which flows northward to Lake Edward. It is also one of the most scenic lakes in Africa, located in a dramatic landscape of lush and verdant sprawling highlands. Lake Mutunda is dotted by at least 15 islands lush trees and shrubs. It is also ringed by beautiful scenery of sprawling highlands clad with green vegetation plantations and terraces of crops along the slopes.
The environment on the Islands within the lake and surrounding country side includes both forest and wetland habitats. They basically provide a haven for the endangered Mountain Gorillas and the Golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In addition, it accommodates a variety of animal, plant, bird and avian species. Besides, the shores of the Lake supports several species of snakes, chameleons, monitor lizards, frogs and insects. Some of the mammals found in this lake include; the African clawless otter though history reveals that hippopotamus were also present in the area but were last seen in 1994.
Formation of Lake Mutanda
The lake forms the core of what has been entitled as the “Switzerland of Africa” and it’s not more than 45 metres deep. In fact, it was formed by flooded river valleys along-dammed by volcanic eruption. The lake also forms an ever-changing water scape punctuated by small forested Islands.
Islands on Lake Mutanda
The lake has got 15 Islands that are barely touched, with only one inhabited by the local community and few have been tiled to grow crops and trees. Some of these Islands include;
Mutanda Island
This is the biggest Island and it was named after the lake. It was inhibited by the “Abagesera” clan who grow crops such as peas, sugarcanes and bananas. However, the biggest part of this island is covered by trees and shrubs. At the top of the Island, a church was built and the local worshipers from the mainland canoe to attend the church services.
Punishment Island
Criminals and misfits of the society were taken and dumped here as a punishment. Criminals include; thieves and unmarried pregnant girls who were tied up and left to die at the islands. As a result, their skeletons remained in the caves. Local people fear this and no one walks on it due to the belief that it was haunted by the dead.
Python Island
This intriguing island is a home to pythons although they are rarely seen. A good time to catch these enormous snakes is on a hot day and they normally eat fish and other water species in the lake.
Activities carried out on this Lake
Fishing
You and your guide will head to the fishing site where you will find the local fishermen who will guide you. Here, you will be able to see and also know about the different fish species caught here. Some of these include; mad fish, catfish, tilapia, not to mention but a few.
Cave exploration
This activity beckons the curious mind whereby you will learn the way the people thrived back in the days. One of the caves is the Garama Cave which was designed to support the Batwa who inhabited the caves for many years. You will also checkout the caves with the skeletal remains of the punished people from the punishment islands.
Birding
Lake Mutanda has got a number of bird species whereby you will be able to tell out different birds. These include; King Fishers, Kites, Ibis, Pelicans Grey crested crane, not to mention but a few.
Canoeing
This is one of the more relaxing activities as the water is known for being calm. Glide through the tranquil waters from island to island where you will even be able to see different bird species. Animals include; king fishers, water birds among others and animals like otters.
Hiking
This activity takes place around the lake and you will be able to access great points for wonderful views of the Lak and the volcanoes.
Mountain Biking
With good condition, mountain bikes feel the wind rushing past your face as you scramble down a steep slope. As the gravity pulls you back down the mountains towards the shores of Lake Mutanda.
Tour to the Islands
This lake has generally got 15 Islands. Visit the Python Island for a chance to see the resident snakes. For the brave ones, you can visit the Punishment Islands which are used to house outcasts of the society and also contains skeletal remains. You can also decide to tour Mutanda Island to visit the local community and church.
Best time to visit Lake Mutanda
The best time to visit this lake is during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February. In fact, hiking slopes around the lake is more challenging during the wet seasons.
How to get there
The lake is well accessed from Kisoro town and well positioned between Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These parks a home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Uganda.
