Lake Mutanda

A serene volcanic lake surrounded by the Virunga mountains near Kisoro. A peaceful base for gorilla trekking at Mgahinga or Bwindi's Nkuringo sector.

About the Region

Lake Mutanda is one of Uganda's most scenic lakes, cradled by the three Virunga volcanoes — Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo — and rolling green hills near the town of Kisoro in Kisoro District. The lake is dotted with small islands and offers calm, clear waters ideal for canoeing and kayaking. A popular activity is crossing the lake by dugout canoe paddled by a local fisherman — about a two-hour journey through some of southwestern Uganda's most stunning scenery.

Accommodation on Lake Mutanda ranges from luxury to community-run eco camps. The Chameleon Hill Lodge on the northern shore offers individually designed cottages from $400 per night including breakfast — each cottage is uniquely coloured and set on a hillside with panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes. On the southern shore, the Mutanda Eco Community Camp is managed by the Mgahinga Community Development Organisation, with revenue supporting local development projects directly. The Mutanda Lake Resort on the northwestern shore provides a family-friendly mid-range option from $170 per night.

Nearby Lake Mulehe, a smaller and quieter lake to the east, hosts the Bwindi Jungle Lodge — the only comfortable lodge on its shores, built from local volcanic stone and operated on ecological principles ($280 per night full board). Lake Mulehe's shoreline is excellent for birdwatching, with several species of kingfisher, heron, and African fish eagle regularly spotted.

Both lakes serve as an alternative base for gorilla trekking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (about 30 minutes' drive) or the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The area is quieter and less developed than Buhoma, appealing to travellers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

Highlights

  • Views of three Virunga volcanoes
  • Canoe crossing by dugout
  • Chameleon Hill Lodge (from $400)
  • Mutanda Eco Community Camp
  • Lake Mulehe birdwatching
  • Close to Mgahinga and Bwindi

Activities

Canoeing and kayakingBird watchingCommunity visitsGorilla trekking (nearby)Golden monkey trekking (nearby)Volcano hikingIsland visits

Lodge Comparison — Lake Mutanda

LodgeCategoryPrice
Mutanda Eco Community CampBudget$

Lodges in Lake Mutanda

1 lodge

Mutanda Eco Community Camp

Kisoro · Budget · $

Mutanda Lake Resort occupies a peninsula on Lake Mutanda near Kisoro in southwest Uganda, with the Virunga Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop. The resort offers luxury tents set on raised wooden platforms, creating a boutique atmosphere that is deliberately small in scale. Wooden docks extend into the lake, and the property includes a restaurant and bar with views across the water. The resort is Dutch-owned and maintains a relaxed, intimate feel. Activities at the property itself include swimming, canoeing, and bird watching on the lake. For gorilla trekking, the nearby Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are all within driving distance, making the resort a viable base for trekking days combined with lakeside rest days. Mutanda Lake Resort received Uganda Tourism Excellence Awards in 2017. It is often chosen by travelers who want a lakeside setting with volcano views rather than staying directly at the forest edge, and who appreciate a quieter atmosphere between trekking days. The combination of lake, mountains, and proximity to multiple gorilla trekking sectors gives it a flexible position in southwest Uganda itineraries.

Gorilla Trekking

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