Arriving at Mutanda Lake Resort

From the main dusty road there is a turnoff to descend to the peninsula that Mutanda Lake Resort calls home. Upon parking a kind gentleman helped with the bags to reception and, after a painless check in and a refreshing fresh juice, we were shown to our cabin.

The cabins are in an inverted U shape with lush gardens on to the shores of the lake.

If ou are looking for a nice base for your South of Uganda leg of the trip and perfect base for gorilla tracking, Mutanda Lake resort is a good option. The lodge is more or less 45min from the Rushaga sector.

There is a big common area that looks like one of those Swiss ski chalets, also overlooking the lake. In the main common room you will find the bar and lounge area, the restaurant and the terrace. 

Mutanda Lake resort rooms

The cabins are along the exterior of the peninsula, overlooking the lake. We had a Virunga Volcanoes facing cabin – how lucky! They are quite close together, but the terraces have wooden walls, so you can’t see your neighbours from your terrace.

They are elevated on stairs and mostly made of wood.

The inside of the cabin features a mosquito net, double bed, cupboard, desk and two chairs. The bathroom is ensuite and has all commodities of modern life with warm water.

They all have a little terrace.

Lodge Activities

They have different available activities from the lodge, like community walks or sundowner cruises on the lake.

On top of that they have kayaks and canoes to rent out and a little wooden deck with stairs onto the lake – it is the most magical place to enjoy sunset in the lodge with a glass of wine.

What I loved most

Although it is a hotel it still has that backpacker feeling to it. Prime location near the lake, tasty cuisine and service on point.

And yet all staff and managers will greet you by the name, the beers will be shared in the terrace to catch up with everyone’s activities during the day and managers will be having meals at the restaurant with clients.

It was a very warm atmosphere that made the stay even nicer.

What could be improved

The lodge uses solar power for Wi-Fi and lights. There is a backup generator which runs from sunset to morning, so you will always have light in the common areas and private room.

Wi-Fi is another world altogether. I am happy to travel to places without Wi-Fi, but if it is advertised as a lodge with Wi-Fi, I do expect for it to, at least, be running.

We found it slow when it was running (which I understand and have no complaints about, after all – I was on vacation) but in the morning when the generator wasn’t working, and the sun wasn’t hitting the solar panels, there was no connection. It was quite frustrating not being able to check which activities to do while having breakfast.

READ NEXT: The perfect 10 day itinerary for Uganda and Rwanda – plan it yourself!

Pin it for later!