Lake Mulehe is one of Uganda’s less-visited crater lakes — a deep, serene volcanic lake in the Kigezi highlands on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, close to the Ishasha sector where the park’s famous tree-climbing lions are found. Off the main tourist trail and lacking a large lodge development, Mulehe rewards visitors who take the detour with extraordinary views, excellent birding, and the kind of stillness that few travellers reach. This guide tells you what to expect and how to get there.
Plan Your Gorilla Safari
Expert permit bookings, handpicked lodges, and private guides — we handle every detail.
- ✓ Gorilla permit secured — Uganda (USD 700) or Rwanda (USD 1,500)
- ✓ Bwindi or Volcanoes NP lodge confirmed for your dates
- ✓ Airport transfers and 4×4 safari vehicle arranged
- ✓ Porter booked for your trek day
- ✓ 24/7 on-ground support throughout your safari
Setting and Character
Lake Mulehe sits at approximately 1,500m in the volcanic hills of Kigezi — the “Switzerland of Uganda” — where the landscape is a mosaic of ancient lava flows, tea estates, community farms, and remnant forest patches. The lake is deep blue and reflects the surrounding hillsides clearly; in the early morning, mist sits on the water and the surrounding papyrus is alive with bird sound. The atmosphere is one of complete remoteness despite being less than an hour from Ishasha.
Activities
Kayaking and Canoeing
Simple canoes and dugout boats available at the lakeshore — paddling the perimeter gives access to the papyrus edge (birding) and open water views of the Kigezi hills. Calm, safe water with no motor traffic. A 2-hour paddle is comfortable.
Birding
The papyrus fringe holds several near-endemic species: papyrus gonolek, African swamp warbler, and white-winged warbler (found in very few Uganda wetlands). Open water has African fish eagle and various herons. A 3-hour birding walk around the lake typically produces 55–75 species.
Hillside Walks
The Kigezi hills around Mulehe offer walking through a traditional agricultural landscape — terraced farms, local villages, and community life. Community guides lead informal village walks.
Combining Lake Mulehe with Ishasha
The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP — famous for tree-climbing lions in fig trees — is 45km north of Lake Mulehe. A 2-night Ishasha stay easily includes a Mulehe half-day: morning game drive for tree-climbing lions, afternoon drive to Mulehe for sunset on the water. Superfine Safaris includes Lake Mulehe in southern Uganda circuit itineraries on request. Contact us for a 2027 Uganda itinerary including Ishasha and the crater lakes.
