Otter viewing is one of the extraordinary activities enjoyed by visitors at Lake Mutanda, in Kisoro district, south-western Uganda. After a strenuous trek for mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can visit the spectacular Lake Mutanda to view the outstanding African Clawless Otters.
About African Clawless Otters.
The African Clawless Otters can also be called the Groot or Cape Clawless Otters and usually live in permanent water bodies, in woodland forest as well as savannah areas in most Sub-Saharan African countries. These mammals are uniquely identified by their thick and smooth fur with nearly silky underbellies. They are mostly chestnut colored with white facial markings that progress downwards to their chest and throat areas.
Just like their name, they lack claws except for 2, 3 and 4 digits of the hind feet. Adult African Clawless Otters weigh between 10 and 35 kilograms and measure 113 to 163 centimeters in length including tails that make-up up to a third of their total bogy length. These solitary mammals mainly feed on worms, crabs, frogs and fish, hence their presence in Lake Mutanda. They sometimes live in neighboring territories of families / groups totaling to 5 members. Viewing the otters in Lake Mutanda is done throughout the year.
About Lake Mutanda.
Located in south-western Uganda (Kisoro district), Lake Mutanda is one of the few places in Uganda where the African clawless Otters can be viewed. This freshwater lake is set within the foothills of Virunga Mountain range at an elevation of 1800 meters above sea level, featuring a number of lush scenic Islands. River Rutshuru is the only inflow of the Lake and drains northwards towards Lake Edward.
Besides the African clawless Otters, other wildlife residents found in or around Lake Mutanda are the Monitor Lizards, Hippos, Chameleons and a multitude of frog species in addition to bird species such as the African spoonbills, Grey-crowned cranes, Pelicans, Kingfishers, Hawks, Hadada Ibis, Kites and African fish eagles that make nests in the Papyrus reeds along the shores of the lake.
Besides otter-viewing, visitors to Lake Mutanda can also take part in other tourist activities such as canoe and boat rides, Mountain biking, fishing, village/community walks, birding tours, Island hopping, swimming, guided walks around the pristine shores of the Lake, Hiking and trekking the mountain gorillas in the nearby Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla National Parks.
Places to stay around Lake Mutanda.
When you plan for otter-viewing or any other activity in Lake Mutanda, several places of stay are available and they include Lake Mutanda Eco Camp, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mutanda Eco-Community Center and many others.
How to get to Lake Mutanda for otter viewing.
Lake Mutanda is situated in Kisoro district, south-western Uganda and about 20 kilometers north of Kisoro Town. The Lake is over 454 kilometers (about 280 miles) southwest of Kampala.
Flights can also be arranged from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip then continue to the lake by road. For road users, the Lake can be accessed through the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro road lasting 8-9 hours of drive.
