Lake Mulehe sits in Kisoro District along the Kisoro-Bwindi route toward the Rushaga gorilla region, surrounded by terraced hillsides farmed by local communities. It’s one of many crater and rift valley lakes scattered across western Uganda, alongside better-known names like Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda, and offers a quieter alternative for travelers looking to unwind after gorilla trekking or volcano hiking in the area.
Why Visit Lake Mulehe
Lake Mulehe’s location in Kisoro puts it within easy reach of Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, making it a natural stop for travelers already in the region for gorilla or golden monkey trekking, or for climbing one of the nearby Virunga volcanoes.
Activities on Lake Mulehe
Boat Cruises and Canoe Trips
Motorized boat cruises and dugout canoe trips run in the early morning, at lunchtime, and around sunset, each offering a different view of the surrounding volcanic ranges, aquatic plant life, and waterbirds along the lake’s edge.
Swimming and Sunbathing
Lake Mulehe is free of bilharzia and dangerous aquatic animals like crocodiles, hippos, and snakes, making it one of the safer lakes in the region for swimming. Sunbathing is also popular here, with views of the sun setting over the Virunga ranges or rising over the Kigezi highlands.
Community Walks
Community walks around the lake introduce visitors to the local Bakiga people, with stops at local markets and neighboring homesteads. Visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance, try the local brew Omuramba, and pick up handmade crafts as souvenirs.
Fishing
Fishing on Lake Mulehe is primarily a local activity, but visitors are welcome to join in, heading out on a dugout canoe to try catching fish the traditional way, with the added bonus of a freshly caught dinner.
Combining Lake Mulehe With Your Safari
Lake Mulehe works well as a relaxing stop either before or after gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga, or after a volcano hike in the Virunga range. While many southwestern Uganda itineraries end at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mutanda, Lake Mulehe offers a similar, quieter wind-down before heading back to Kampala or on to Kigali for a flight home.
Book Your Lake Mulehe Experience
Whether you’re looking for a boat cruise, a cultural walk, or simply a quiet spot to relax after a demanding trek, Lake Mulehe rounds out a southwestern Uganda itinerary nicely. Book your Lake Mulehe experience with our team today, and we’ll help you pair it with gorilla trekking or volcano hiking in the surrounding parks.
