Lake Mutanda is one of the beautiful incredible lakes in Uganda the Pearl of Africa located in the far southwestern part of this country. This Lake is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is surrounded by lush green hills and towering Virunga Mountains and this pristine lake provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and a wide range of activities.
A tour to Lake Mutanda is incredible since it can be combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It gives you a chance to have leisure as you relax your mind after a hectic but fun gorilla trekking. To explore Lake Mutanda you need to take a safari of about 5 days since there is a lot to enjoy including the following.
Canoeing
Canoeing gives you a bit of adventure coupled with a history of this Lake. The local guide will peddle you across the calm waters of Lake Mutanda as he explains the stories and the different significance of this lake to the surrounding communities. The lake is home to different islands that are normally inhabited by local fishermen and their families. Additionally, on a canoe ride different bird species can be spotted including kingfishers, African fish eagles, Herons, and more.
Hiking
Hiking to one of the surrounding hills of Lake Mutanda gives you an aerial view of this great lake. The hike is moderately challenging but well worth the effort and strength you have. The trail to the summit offers you a chance to meet the locals attending to their crops in the gardens as children herd goats and this will add a cultural dimension to this experience.
Cultural adventure
Lake Mutanda and its surroundings offer visitors a rich cultural experience by visiting the Batwa communities that harbor the indigenous Batwa pygmies of this region. The Batwa have a deep connection with the forest and they have lived in harmony with nature for generations.
Learn about the traditional way of life, storytelling by elders, music, dance, and drama. There is an option of visiting the nearby market where fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional clothing are displayed for sale.
Gorilla trekking
Tours to Lake Mutanda are always combined with a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a gorilla trekking adventure. This park is a world UNESCO heritage site and the best place to trek these unique and rare primates in their natural habitat. Trekking normally begins in the morning after briefing and it takes you to the dense forest though challenging but incredibly rewarding.
After a few hours of hiking, encountering a family of gorillas is rewarding as you spend an hour with face-to-face interactions with the gentle giants. The Silverback who is the head of the group will keep an eye on the family as the juveniles keep on playing and roaming around.
One can opt to take part in the gorilla habituation experience also in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This experience is different from gorilla trekking in a way that trekkers spend a maximum of four hours in the presence of the gorilla family visited. This experience is conducted with the help of researchers, park ranger guides, escort porters, and only four trekkers.
When to visit Lake Mutanda
The best time to visit Lake Mutanda is the dry season which occurs from December to February and June to August. During this time, the weather is favorable with less rain making it possible to enjoy the view and activities like hiking, canoeing, and more. The cool temperatures and clear skies also enhance the overall experience.
Traveling in the wet season is amazing since there are discounts on accommodation services, and clear skies but rain hinders the activities. The wet season occurs from March to May and September to November.
For a memorable to Lake Mutanda, don’t hesitate to contact us such that we can organize the best memorable safari.