Lake Bunyonyi Uganda

Located in south-western Uganda in Kabale District, Lake Bunyonyi is  one of the popular tourism destinations, a must visit for travelers on Uganda safaris!  The seconf deepest Lake is most popular for its favorable relaxation environment. To visitors in search of a location to unwind after a thrilling gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi or Mgahinga, Lake Bunyonyi should be considered a must-visit spot. Lake Bunyonyi is a spectacular Lake in Uganda and is known for its breathtaking scenery. Up to 29 Islands are scattered all over Lake Bunyonyi, making it one of the stunning destinations.

The Geographical Location

Lake Bunyonyi is located between Kabale and Kisoro districts in Southwestern Uganda. At its shoes, the lake is bordered by Muko and Kyevu towns. It has a maximum depth of about 40m and is Africa’s 2nd deepest Lake. Lake Bunyonyi formed about 18,000 years ago due to a volcanic eruption. It formed after blocking a valley in Mount Ruchiga near Muko village along its northwestern end.

Lake Bunyonyi is 22km long and 6km wide, with a height of approximately 1973m. It is also bordered by scenic mountains rising to a height of 600m. Lake Bunyonyi is set at the elevation of 2,478m.

What to see on a vacation in Lake Bunyonyi

The Numerous Islands

Lake Bunyonyi has a composition of about 29 islands, including the Kyahugye Island, Akampene, Bushara Island, Njuyeera Island (Sharp’s Island), Bwama, and Bucuranuka Island.

Kahungye Island is one of the amazing tropical islands found on Lake Bunyonyi. It is where zebras, impalas, waterbucks, and other species can be spotted.

Bushara Island –If you are interested in birds in this Lake, then you have every reason to visit Bushara Island. With your pair of binoculars and camera set, expect to enjoy a great birding excursion on this island.

Bwama –This is one of the biggest Islands on Lake Bunyonyi and is also inhabited by people. It is also a historical island where Dr. Leonard Sharp, a Scottish missionary, set up a sanctuary in 1931. He came to the island around the 1920s. The sanctuary was purposely established to assist people who were suffering from Leprosy.

The leprosy treatment center served as a gathering point where those suffering from leprosy could converge without negative treatment from others or being neglected. The historical treatment center today operates as a school.

Punishment Island/Akampene –This is an exceptional historical island on Lake Bunyonyi, especially among the Bakiga people. Akampene was the spot where young girls who became pregnant before marriage were abandoned and tied to a tree. The tradition has since changed but remains in the minds of many who experienced it. Akampene is also Lake Bunyonyi’s smallest tropical island.

Bucuranuka Island –This is another amazing historical island known for its mythical story of 20 men who were making local brew, also referred to as Obushera, who refused to offer a drink to an old woman. She requested a ride to the main island, and gladly, the men accepted just to have her leave. Unfortunately, she cursed the island, and on crossing the island, turned it upside down, and all the men who were brewing bushera were swallowed.

The birds in the Lake

A total of about 200 species of birds are distributed on Lake Bunyonyi. This lake is most popular as the “place of little birds,” birders haven. The birds to fine here include the waterfowls, pied kingfishers, African jacanas, black winged stilt, grey-crowned cranes, African fish eagle, golden-backed weaver birds, great cormorants, and more.

Things to do on a Vacation in Lake Bunyonyi

Canoeing tours

Lake Bunyonyi offers an amazing canoeing adventure to visitors on a safari in Uganda. On canoeing tour, you get a chance to explore some of the spectacular islands and nearby local villages. Guests embark on traditionally dugout canoes or speed motorized boats.

You can opt for the early morning or sunrise canoe ride/boat tour, afternoon session or sunset boat cruises. The boat rides or canoeing excursions are conducted with an expert and expect to identify a variety of birds, as well as appreciate the breathtaking landscapes.

Guided nature walks and hikes.

Visitors can also embark on guided nature walks and hikes on some of the islands on Lake Bunyonyi. As you hike, appreciate the stunning islands and general landscape of the lake, plus the surrounding Virunga Mountain ranges at a distance.

Cycling excursions

You can also embark on a guided cycling tour. Explore Lake Bunyonyi and the surrounding villages on the bike. As you ride around the nearby communities, you can observe locals while they go about their daily activities.

Birding excursions

Birding on Lake Bunyonyi offers birders a chance to identify a variety of birds, including black herons, grey crowned cranes, golden-backed weaver birds, African fish eagle, pied kingfishers, great cormorants, ibises, ducks, waterfowl, African jacanas, and others.

Swimming

Lake Bunyonyi is a favorite spot for swimming –the lake is completely free from crocodiles and hippos. But first, you need to be guided on where to swim, considering the depth of the lake.

Cultural or community tours

Guided community tours offer a more interactive opportunity for guests and the residents living in the surrounding villages. The communities to visit on a cultural tour here include the Batwa pygmy and Bakiga villages.

When to visit Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda

This lake can be visited at any time of the year as per Uganda’s travel calendar. But most of the safari activities can be best done during the dry season, that is from June to September or from December- February. It is during the dry months when the lake experiences favorable weather conditions ideal for visitor navigation on guided nature walk. The wet or rainy season is excellent for birding excursion. It is when most birds start breeding and a large crowd of them can be spotted.

Where to stay (accommodation options)

The accommodation options present at Lake Bunyonyi range from budget, midrange to luxury. They include Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort, Arcadia Lodges Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Bunyonyi Safari Lodge, and others.

Getting to Lake Bunyonyi for a Vacation

Lake Bunyonyi is accessible to tourists along the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route, and this is about a 7 to 8-hour’ drive. From Bwindi or Mgahinga, expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours to reach Bunyonyi. By air, you can fly up to Kisoro/Kihihi Airstrip and connect to the Lake by road using a 4×4 safari vehicle. Visitors can plan their vacation through the local tour operator. Contact us now to start planning your vacation, not only to explore Lake Bunyonyi but also any part of Uganda or East Africa.