Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Down on the border with Rwanda rises a chain of volcanoes, whose slopes, forest-clad, host golden monkeys and mountain gorillas. There are few visitors to enjoy the view, but those…
From the reflections of the green mountains in the crystal water, to the ancient volcanoes towering in the horizon, Lake Mutanda provides a magnificent view from any angle. Lake Mutanda is a popular spot for some R&R after a gorilla trek.
The Virunga Mountain Range is visible from Lake Mutanda.
Mutanda Lake Resort is an excellent base for your adventures.
The starlight by the shores of Lake Mutanda.
'Mutanda Island' is inhabited by a clan called the ‘Abagesera’.
Lake Mutanda is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
The Lake Mutanda Resort is the perfect place to relax after a gorilla trek.
Lake Mutanda's still waters are great for canoeing.
Lake Mutanda is a small, freshwater lake in the far southwest of Uganda, close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is drained by the Rutshuru River, flowing northward to Lake Edward.
Lake Mutanda is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Kisoro.
With an altitude of 1,800m, it is a great place to hike, and it offers breath-taking views of The Virunga Mountains.
Few places are as picture perfect as Lake Mutanda.
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with beautiful lakeside retreats at Lake Mutanda. Tough treks and primate encounters paired with idyllic, calming lakes and oases make for an unforgettable experience in this remote pocket of Uganda.…
Light adventuring and charming safaris in Lake Mburo National Park coupled with lakeside retreats and days of reflection and exploration around Lake Mutanda. Close out the trip with a few days canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and more in Jinja, Uganda's…
Combine chimp trekking in Kibale Forest with mountain gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A well-paced highlights tour unlocking some of Uganda's most impressive experiences. Consider breaking up the journey from Kibale to Bwindi with a classic safari at…
If you had the chance to trek through lush forests; to stand metres away from a family of Mountain Gorillas - deep in the heart of Central Africa - would you take it? This 4-day adventure works great as a…
Board a Cessna light aircraft and head into the southwestern pocket of Uganda. Trek through the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of the mountain gorillas. Retreat to luxury lodges for sundowners and delicious food. Hard days, soft…
Trek the Rwenzori Mountains where forests morph into ice-clad mountain peaks, cut through jungle thickets to hang out with mountain gorillas, and finish your trip relaxing lakeside amongst the staggering beauty of Lake Mutanda. This is Uganda.…
Open top road trips looping through Uganda's epic southwestern pocket; this is the safari adventure of your imagination. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, go in search of gorillas in Bwindi, cruise the savannah plains of Queens, and look out for…
The quintessence of Ugandan exploration. Start your adventure in the wild Kidepo Valley in the northern tip of Uganda before weaving down to meet the gorillas in southwestern jungles. Epic landscapes, incredible safaris, and luxury lodges; this is a proper…
The full western circuit complete with luxury lodges, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and the best safaris Uganda has to offer. Close out your adventure with kayaking and canoeing on the rapids of the river Nile.…
Travel to the farthest corners of Uganda where towering volcanoes mark the border between the thick jungles of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the untamed vastness of central Africa. After trekking the gorillas in Mgahinga, head inland for a couple…
Combine safaris in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park with a 4 day gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Top and tail with overnights in the bustling capital of Kampala.…
The forested slopes, clouded valleys, and snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains call out for exploration. Combine this perfect introductory trek with other destinations in the southwest to create a magical Ugandan…
Spend 4 hours in the company of a gorilla family by joining the habituation trek. Combined with a luxury safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park, this trip offers truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife…
Discover the exceptional bio-diversity of Uganda by combining the beautiful savannah grasslands of Murchison Falls National Park with chimpanzee trekking in the forests of Kibale National Park. Connect the dots with epic road trips looping through northwestern Uganda.…
Three extinct volcanoes are within viewing range of the lake: Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Gahinga.
If you are a keen hiker, it is worth packing a pair of sturdy walking boots, as you will not want to miss the stunning views that these walks offer.
The Virunga Mountain Range is visible from Lake Mutanda.
Mount Muhabura means ‘the guide’ in Kinyarwanda, the official language of Rwanda. With an elevation of 4,127m, Mount Muhabura is the third highest of the Virunga Mountains.
This steep hike, with a gradual incline on rocky surfaces, typically takes a whole day.
Although the hike is physically demanding, it provides breath-taking views of Lake Edward, Bwindi, and the peak of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Remember to pack a camera to capture the astonishing panoramic view. You will reflect on it for years to come.
Afternoon walk around Lake Mutanda
With an elevation of 3,473m, Mount Gahinga is smaller than Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo. In Kinyarwanda, ‘Gahinga’ means ‘a pile of stones’.
The hike is gentler, and it is suitable for less experienced hikers. On the day of your hike, you must buy a hiking permit ($75) and attend a health and safety briefing.
Bamboo thrives on the slopes of Mount Gahinga, and you will discover bamboo forests that house a plethora of wildlife, from the endangered mountain gorilla to the regal sunbird.
The scenic hike begins at 07:00 along a gentle incline, and it will take around 6 hours.
Mount Gahinga is in the Virunga Mountains.
Mount Sabyinyo is known locally as ‘Old Man’s Teeth’, due to the summit's resemblance of worn teeth. Mount Sabyinyo has an elevation of 3,669m, and it is the oldest volcano of the range.
There are multiple hiking routes of varying degrees of difficulty. It includes three peaks, the first being the Sabyinyo Gorge, which is home to thick vegetation. This is a popular destination for bird watching but keep an eye out for golden monkeys!
The second peak involves walking between Rwanda and Uganda.
The third peak is challenging. You will be scrambling with your hands, as well as ladders. However, if you are up for the challenge, you will be in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo all at the same time.
The starlight by the shores of Lake Mutanda.
Hiking is not the only attraction at Lake Mutanda. There is plenty to do if you aren't interested in hiking.
Visiting the Garama Cave is a great way to develop your understanding of the local cultures. It is a tourism trail, created as a collaboration between the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and The United Organisation for Batwa Development in Uganda.
The trail is designed to support the Batwa, who inhabited the caves for many years before being recently resettled. Batwa guides will give you a tour of the 340m long cave and give you an insight into their culture and way of life.
Lake Mutanda is a freshwater lake in southwestern Uganda.
Lake Mutanda contains 15 small islands. 'Mutanda Island' is inhabited by a clan called ‘Abagesera’. The Abagesera have built a church on the top of the island, where they welcome local worshippers who attend from the mainland.
Travel to the island in a traditional dug-out canoe or a boat. From here, you will be able to view the scenery from a different perspective and meet the locals. To engage with the culture, you can attend community walks, and visit the local church.
Brave adventurers can visit the Punishment Islands which used to house outcasts of the region’s society. It contains skeletal remains and some locals believe that it is haunted.
Even bolder visitors can head to Python Island for a chance to see the resident snakes.
Lake Mutanda contains fifteen islands.
If you want to get off the land and onto the water, canoeing is a great way to discover the lake. 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. You may even be able to spot some birds and otters.
Glide through Mutanda's tranquil waters from island to island.
Adrenaline junkies can spend hours biking on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains.
Feel the wind rushing past your face as you scramble down a steep slope, as gravity pulls you back down the mountains towards the shores of Lake Mutanda, where your lakeside lodge awaits.
In 2012, the Uganda Wildlife Authority opened mountain biking trails at Mount Elgon.
At Lake Mutanda, you can discover a small range of bird species, from kingfishers to Uganda’s national bird, the grey-crowned crane.
Due to the high elevation, and cold climate, you are more likely to come across pin-tailed whydahs, and sunbirds. But keep an eye out for weaver bird nests!
If you are venturing out on foot, you may spot snakes, chameleons, and a variety of frogs.
Hippos have been seen at Lake Mutanda, but not since 1994. Instead, on the water, you will only come across African clawless otters and fish.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are nearby. They both support a range of wildlife.
The grey crowned crane is found at Lake Mutanda and QENP.
Down on the border with Rwanda rises a chain of volcanoes, whose slopes, forest-clad, host golden monkeys and mountain gorillas. There are few visitors to enjoy the view, but those…
The foliage parts on a winding trail to reveal 200 kilograms of muscle, covered by a thick coat of silver and black hair, sitting amongst the thickets of a vast and unforgiving …
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular gorilla trekking destination in Uganda. Within the dense thicket, 18 families of Mountain Gorilla roam.
Mutanda Lake Resort is a perfect base for your adventures at Lake Mutanda. Choose between Standard and Luxury Cottages which all offer stunning views of Lake Mutanda.
The restaurant is a blend of a Swiss Chalet and African architecture and its talented chefs serve a range of delicious food. Its herbs and vegetables are grown and hand-picked from the Resort’s garden.
The bar is fully stocked, allowing you to sip on your favourite evening tipple as you watch the sun set over Lake Mutanda.
Dinner with a view!
A community-owned eco-lodge on the southern shores of Lake Mutanda. Camping facilities, food, and accommodation are provided.
You can even get involved in their volunteering to support the local community during your stay.
The volunteering experience includes teaching swimming lessons to children, working at the health centres and teaching conservation education at the nearby Chihe Primary School.
A simple, but comfortable, banda at Mutanda Eco Community Centre.
The best time to visit Lake Mutanda is during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February.
Rainfall is heaviest in late March, April and into May, peaking again in late October and November. Late December, January and February tend to be generally hot and dry, while June, July, August, and September are cooler and mostly dry.
The hiking slopes around Lake Mutanda will be more challenging during the wet seasons. We recommend that you visit during the dry seasons because you can focus on the scenery, not on the slippery hiking trail.
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with beautiful lakeside retreats at Lake Mutanda. Tough treks and primate encounters paired with idyllic, calming lakes and oases make for an unforgettable experience in this remote pocket of Uganda.…
Light adventuring and charming safaris in Lake Mburo National Park coupled with lakeside retreats and days of reflection and exploration around Lake Mutanda. Close out the trip with a few days canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and more in Jinja, Uganda's…
Travel to the farthest corners of Uganda where towering volcanoes mark the border between the thick jungles of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the untamed vastness of central Africa. After trekking the gorillas in Mgahinga, head inland for a couple…
The full western circuit complete with luxury lodges, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and the best safaris Uganda has to offer. Close out your adventure with kayaking and canoeing on the rapids of the river Nile.…
The quintessence of Ugandan exploration. Start your adventure in the wild Kidepo Valley in the northern tip of Uganda before weaving down to meet the gorillas in southwestern jungles. Epic landscapes, incredible safaris, and luxury lodges; this is a proper…
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Get in touch and we can help you understand your options, design an itinerary that's right for you, and then get you set up and ready to go.
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