Lake Mulehe is indeed a hidden gem in Kisoro that combines adventure and relaxation. Located at an intersection of routes heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Lake Mulehe brings calm and freshness to the vast surroundings. Lake Mulehe was formed from an act of volcanic eruption that took place many years ago. This lake is surrounded by vast terraced hills by the local community farmers, whose main occupation is cultivation. The hilly nature of this area brings out the perfect picture of Lake Mulehe since it can be spotted from an elevated ground.
Lake Mulehe stretches for over 2 square kilometers in width, with a length of about 14 kilometers. Some of the areas around this lake are occupied by wildlife, and thus the lake acts as the main source of water for these creatures. The lake’s scenic beauty paints a picture of why Uganda is a true pearl of Africa. This can be better experienced as the sun sets and rises behind the hills that curtain Lake Mulehe, unveiling a hidden gem that tops the natural features in Kisoro. Lake Mulehe is the perfect site for relaxation and retreat after a hectic gorilla trekking experience in the neighboring parks of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
What are the tourist activities done on Lake Mulehe?
The proudly hidden treasure of Lake Mulehe is a hub for various tourist activities. These activities are adventurous, relaxing, and refreshing, and they include some of the following.
Boat cruise
Boat cruise experiences are probably the most widely done tourist activity on Lake Mulehe. This is an incredible experience that takes you sailing on the vast deep waters of this magnificent lake, exploring the hidden gems that surround it. While on this boat cruise, visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the surroundings and also the beautiful views of the sun setting.
Nature walks
Nature walks are also very common on this lake, offering epic views of the lake from an elevated point of view. The nature walks take place along designated trails that surround the lake, giving visitors a chance to spot some of the different bird species, adding to the scenic beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
Fishing
Lake Mulehe, on top of being a tourist destination, is also a source of livelihood to the neighboring communities as it provides water and fish for food and sale. This helps to improve the income of the locals. As you visit Lake Mulehe, participate in the fishing experiences with the locals and learn the different fishing methods they use. Lake Mulehe hosts a variety of fish species such as Nile perch, lungfish, catfish, tilapia, etc.
Birding
Birding adventures are also common around Lake Mulehe as it hosts a variety of bird species, especially the water-loving birds. These birds are of two types: the endemic residents, common to the lake and the areas around, and also the migratory birds that are rare in some seasons and common in other seasons. During your birding safari, a professional local guide with extra knowledge on the vast bird species on the lake guides you through this activity. Some of the birds to look out for on this venture include cormorants, herons, African fish eagle, African jacana, African skimmer, crowned broadbill, handsome spurfwol, etc.
Swimming
Lake Mulehe is not only free of dangerous aquatic wildlife species like crocodiles and hippos, but it is also bilharzia-free free making it a perfect spot for swimming. After a long, hot day of adventure in and around the lake, like gorilla trekking and hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, swimming in the natural waters of Lake Mulehe binds and calms your soul in the cool breezes of Africa’s nature.
Relaxation
Even for visitors who would just want to relax and enjoy some peace under the calm breezes of nature, Lake Mulehe has got you covered. The scenic surrounding, coupled with the vast water that spreads cool and fresh air on the shores, creates a mood of relaxation and meditation.
Cycling adventures
The adventures don’t seem to stop as you visit Lake Mulehe, cycling is another interesting activity to entertain you as you visit this great lake. The surroundings of Lake Mulehe are vast, with incredible scenic views of the lake and various ecological systems. A cycling adventure takes place around the lake, where visitors can explore the communities and also test their adrenaline as they conquer the uneven terrain of highs and lows.
Community encounters
The communities around the lake are also up for exploration with a local guide who takes you through the livelihoods and lifestyle of the locals. Explore their cultures and learn their traditions from customs, norms, beliefs, and values. Get entertained by the cultural groups of the villages as they usher you into their communities with a traditional dance called Ekitaguro. This and more you will learn and explore once you visit Lake Mulehe.
What is the best time to visit Lake Mulehe?
Lake Mulehe is up for visiting and exploration anytime, however, the best time is during the dry season. This is because during this time, the whole area around the lake is dry with clear skies that bring out a good scenic view of the lake and its surroundings. The trails for cycling, nature walks, and community tours are also dry, thus easing navigation, unlike it would be in the case of the wet season. The dry season begins from June to August and December to February, since this area is close to the equator, thus receiving two dry seasons annually.
