Lake Mulehe is located along Kisoro-Bwindi Rushaga gorilla trekking route. Like Lake Mutanda, mulehe is surrounded by spectacular terraces farmed by the local community in the neighbouring hills. The lake is located on the road that links Bwindi Forest to the nearby Kisoro town.
When it comes to weekend getaways, there is one place that is worth visiting on a Uganda safari and that is Lake Mulehe. Located in Kisoro District, Southwestern Uganda, Lake Mulehe is a scenic natural water lake and is suitably lying on Kisoro-Bwindi Rushaga gorilla safari route.
Lake Mulehe is a typical example of water bodies that formed due to volcanic eruption activity. This is believed to have occurred several years back. This scenic volcanic lake formation boasts of its commanding views from the surrounding stunning terraced hills.
Unlike other lakes like Lake Victoria, Lake Mulehe has surface area coverage of only 2 sq.km and 14km wide. It is set on terrain elevation of 1793m and is an ideal location to combine with gorilla safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and also gorilla trekking in the Southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo) of Bwindi Impenetrable National park.
Amazing Activities to do on Lake Mulehe
Canoeing/boat cruise
There are various boat ride sessions worth considering and each offers guests a great opportunity to explore the scenic Lake Mulehe. You can enjoy early morning boat/canoeing, midday excursions/sunset rides. Lake Mulehe boat rides provide spectacular views of the surrounding volcanic ranges and the endowed floral as well as faunal species, birds (about 50 species of birds exist here including the grey crested cranes) and more.
A boat ride/canoeing on Lake Mulehe is best done using a dugout canoe, a traditional made boat from hollowed trunk of an African teak tree. Embarking on a boat ride on this freshwater lake guarantees you a distinct experience from the usual boat rides you have had. The 2-hour long boat ride on this freshwater lake brings you the best of African canoeing experiences.
Fishing excursions
Fishing is a main activity conducted by locals on this freshwater lake. It is a memorable experience, especially as you take on the practical fishing to catch your fish species or watch locals do it as they catch something for your dinner. If interested in the fishing safaris on Lake Mulehe, you are advised to come along with your own fishing gear.
Community walks/visits
Lake Mulehe is surrounded by homesteads of the Bakiga. A community walk here guarantees you the most thrilling African cultural experiences. Your interaction includes exploring in depth the different traditions, cultures and practices of the Bakiga. You may also consider securing some of the locally made crafts.
Swimming
Lake Mulehe is not a troublesome water body, especially with carnivores like crocodiles or even hippos. This makes it a favorite spot for swimming or sunbathing, a memorable recreational experience you wouldn’t miss in Southwestern Uganda.
Activities to do around Lake Mulehe
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the most memorable experience that you can incorporate with Lake Mulehe tours. You can easily engage in a gorilla trek in the Southern regions of Bwindi that is Rushaga and Nkuringo. This means you have a chance to explore gorilla families such as Nkuringo, Christmas, Mucunguzi, Kutu, Bikingi, Rwigi, Nshongi, Mishaya, Busingye, Bweza, Kahungye, and others. In the nearby Mgahinga, you can be interacting with Nyakagezi gorilla family.
A normal gorilla trek lasts for 2-6 hours and this is inclusive of an hour for up close and personal with a family of endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Gorilla permits are a must-have for you to embark on this memorable primate adventure and each permit is issued at USD 700 for foreign non-residents, USD 600 for foreign residents and only shs. 250,000 if you are a Ugandan or East African citizen.
Besides, the usual treks with gorillas, visitors can also take up the long day gorilla habituation experience at USD 1500 for a single permit. All gorilla permits can be booked at ease through your local tour operator and should be done 2-4 months prior to actual date of visiting Uganda for your gorilla safari.
Golden monkey tracking
At Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, there is also a lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the jungles in search for the striking golden monkeys. These primate species are special and dwell within the Virunga region. The trek brings you complete exploration of golden monkeys’ distinct behaviors. Other than the normal golden monkey treks, there is also a chance to enjoy golden monkey habituation experience.
Volcano climbing
Lake Mulehe is surrounded by scenic Virunga volcanoes and due to its strategic location; you can easily connect to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This protected area features 3 beautiful volcanoes, all open for volcano climbing – Mount Sabyinyo, Gahinga Volcano and Mt. Muhabura.
Lake Mulehe is an all year round tourist site. However, the most preferred time to get there is around the dry months; June, July, August, September, December, and January to February. These are favorable months of the year to embark on gorilla trekking, volcano climbing or golden monkey tracking, etc.
Accommodation
Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge and Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge as well as several hotel options in Kisoro town are available accommodation options for overnight stay while on a tour in Lake Mulehe.
How to get there
Lake Mulehe is accessible by road, about 10 to 11 hours’ drive from the heart of Kampala or Entebbe city. Or drive for 4-5 hours from Kigali city through Chanika border to Kisoro then get to Lake Mulehe. By air, fly –in safaris take off from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip.
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