Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda lies north of Kisoro in the southwestern corner of Uganda, a lake of irregular shape scattered with small islands and set against the wall of the Virunga volcanoes, with Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo standing on the southern horizon. Dugout canoes cross it, and it is used as a route between Kisoro and the southern edge of Bwindi. There is no bilharzia in the lake, which is unusual for the region.

What you actually see

• The Virunga backdrop - the volcanoes standing along the southern horizon.
• The islands - small islands scattered across the lake, some inhabited.
• The dugout canoes - the traditional boats used to cross the water.
• The canoe route - the paddle between Kisoro and the southern side of Bwindi.

When to go

June to September and December to February are the drier windows. Mornings are clearest for the volcano views before cloud builds. It is cool at this altitude, especially at night.

Honest expectations

Canoe crossings can be long and are cancelled in wind. Accommodation is a handful of lodges on the shore. The roads in the southwest are rough and journeys are slow.

Nearby

Kisoro is south, and Mgahinga is beyond it.