Lake Nyabihoko

Uganda alone is believed to have over 165 beautiful Lakes ranging from freshwater Lakes to Crater Lakes, etc. When you talk about Lakes in Uganda, Lake Victoria often comes on the top list. Away from this fact, there is yet another slice of paradise that many travelers on Uganda safaris haven’t discovered and that is Lake Nyabihoko.Lake Nyabihoko is truly a hidden gem of Uganda. Located in Ntungamo District, Western Uganda and accessible 15 km from Rwashamaire Trading Center is a charming Lake Nyabihoko. This splendid Lake is accessible along the Ntungoma-Rukungiri Route.

Lake Nyabihoko is 6 sq.km and it boundaries occupy 3 sub-counties; Nyabihoko, Bwongyera, and Rubaare. These areas are populated by cattle keepers – the Bahima community. On the Lake Nyabihoko tour, there is more than beauty to explore or experience. This water body also holds a unique bird and history worth sharing on your Uganda safari tour.

Lake Nyabihoko is said to have been formed by the legend of Mutuumo although geography and science do contrast with the allegation. The legend asserts that one day, a wealthy herdsman “Mutuumo” had many cows and servants. He was a Muhima and the servants – Bairu (many) and Amwiru (one). The word Bairu is translated to as slaves. Bahima is among the tribes that make up the Ankole Kingdom in Western Uganda.

Mutuumo is said to have had a secret sexual affair with one of the charming female servants and they had a son. Unfortunately, he didn’t tell the official wife about it. He had a working connection with the Bacwezi who had given him a cow although the cow came on condition. He met the conditions and later, became wealthier.

The conditions/instructions Mutuumo had to meet included if it happens that the cow dies, no one from his family should dare eat it. Mutuumo left for Rwanda and gave the wife the instructions. He had a long trip and he slept away from home. In the shortest time, the cow died and the servants didn’t follow the wife’s advice and ate the cow.

One of the children belonged to Mutuumo’s female servant and the wife never knew. He joined the rest in the feast and at night as they were sleeping, a servant was churning milk to get out butter. In the process, she received a strange sound as if the stones were falling in water. She complained, and unfortunately, she was blamed of being lazy considering her record of laziness.

Everyone drowned afterward and died hence the creation of Lake Nyabihoko. On a Uganda safari to Western Uganda to explore this beautiful Lake, you will find the beautiful Ankole homesteads, and kraals in the middle of the Lake and they serve as evidence that some homesteads were there.

Lake Nyabihoko is truly a hidden gem of Uganda, a must-visit after or before you visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a gorilla trekking or birding tour. There is a conducive place to relax, especially the Mutuumo Island Resort. Mutuumo Island Resort is set on the charming Lake Nyabihoko Island. It is an incredible spot for guests looking for a place away from home/a a weekend getaway.

It is an interesting sport to spot several birds. The common birds to identify on Uganda safari in Lake Nyabihoko include cattle egrets, crested cranes, fish eagles, and more.

Getting to Lake Nyabihoko

Lake Nyabihoko lies in Western Uganda along the Ntungamo-Kabale route, 15km from the main route. It can also be accessed along the Ntungoma-Rukungiri route, turn off from Rwashamaire Trading Center and you may drive for 26km. From Kampala, Lake Nyabihoko is 372km, and en route, you can make a stopover at Equator crossing or branch off from Mbarara to visit Lake Mburo National Park for a game tour.