Mutanda Lake Resort: Lake Mutanda, Uganda
Deep into remote western Uganda, beneath the shadow of the Virunga Mountains, sits one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. Explorers navigate its waters by traditional dug-out canoes and stand-up paddle boards. Hikers make the journey here to track gorillas or climb a volcano. Others come just to lounge and take in the unbelievable views.
Whatever the reason a traveler has to visit Lake Mutanda, there’s a lodge by the same name that provides a perfect base. Lake Mutanda Resort is a spacious, comfortable place to stay in a unique location stretched out over the water on a peninsula. While some guests say the roads to get here are rough, the sights and excursions that await make it all worthwhile.
Recover from the journey in one of 17 charming lakefront cottages decked with local art and private verandas. Choose from single, double/twin and family/triple rooms with beds, mosquito nets, and en-suite bathrooms. Wifi is available but can be limited because of the secluded location. The restaurant, which serves meals prepared with herbs and vegetables pulled from Lake Mutanda Resort’s own garden, resembles a Swiss chalet with an African touch.
This spot is all about ambience, according to a stream of positive reviews on TripAdvisor, with special mentions going to the restaurant’s dining room at night. Views from its balcony – particularly as the sun rises behind the mountain and sets into the lake – are incredible. Enjoy them with breakfast served at dawn or drinks served at dusk.
“Photographs don’t do this place justice,” a reviewer wrote in March. “We wish we were back there now having an ice-cold drink on the deck looking at the volcanoes across the beautiful lake. If seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat is something you wish to do, then we can’t recommend this place highly enough.”
A major highlight for many visitors is going gorilla trekking nearby at Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks. It’s considered more affordable to do this in Uganda than in neighboring Rwanda. The lodge organizes various packages including breakfast, transportation, and a sunset boat cruise. It can also help gorilla trekkers get their permits.
Wildlife enthusiasts of all types won’t be disappointed here. They can go bird watching or seek out wild monkeys in their natural habitat. Sign up to take a three-hour guided nature walk or hop in a boat for one of the resort’s tours of Lake Mutanda. Visit an inhabited island to meet the Abgasera people and learn about their community. Relax and take a swim. Or get really adventurous and hike a volcano. There are so many choices.
For more information about Lake Mutanda Resort and the all activities it has to offer, go to https://www.mutandalakeresort.com/
