Lake Bunyonyi is one of the best spots for unwinding after gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks or better still for weekend getaways after a long week of hustling and working.  It is found in the south-western part of Uganda and derived its “Bunyonyi” name from the numerous small birds around the area hence “Bunyonyi to mean an “area with many little birds” in the Rukiga dialect. This describes the remarkably beautiful freshwater Lake between the districts of Kisoro and Kabale, a stone throw from the Rwandan border.

Physical description of Lake Bunyonyi

Dotted with  over 29 Islands, Lake Bunyonyi is said to be the second deepest Lake in the African Continent with a maximum depth of about 131 feet although local residents, tour guides as well as travellers that have explored it believe it is more than that (approximately 2952 feet deep. Additionally, this spectacular Lake is marked by a Total Surface Area of 17.7 square miles, with a maximum length of 15 miles and maximum width of 4.3 miles. Of the 29 Islands that make up Lake Bunyonyi, few are inhabited and have interested facts such as Bucuranuka, Bushara Island, Akampene (Punishment), Bwama and Njuyeera (Sharp’s Island). Given this Lake’s beauty, it was included on the 5000 Uganda Shillings Note in the name of “Lake Bunyonyi and terraces”.

Where is Lake Bunyonyi located?

Lake Bunyonyi is located within the south-western side of Uganda, in the extreme western part of Kabale Town and currently sits at an elevation of 6437 feet (1962 meters) above sea level hence contributing to the moderate temperature experienced in the surrounding areas throughout the year, marked by cool mornings and evenings.

Riveting things to see within or around the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi

The spectacular Islands

Although Lake Bunyonyi is dotted with over 29 beautiful Islands, only few are visited for their beauty and outstanding historical background. Make sure to visit Akampene (Punishment Island) where unmarried pregnant girls were left to die of hunger or when trying to swim to the mainland. This served as a warning to other girls who planned to mess their lives. Also explore Bwama and Njuyeera Island where Leonard Sharp, an English Missionary settled on arrival into Uganda in 1921 and Bucuranuka.

Animals

A number of unique wildlife species can be spotted within Lake Bunyonyi and they include the spotted-necked otter, Lake Victoria clawed frogs, African clawless Otter, De Witte’s clawed frogs and others. Also, a number of fish species (some introduced and others indigenous) including Singida tilapia, Nile Tilapia, Catfish, red and Swamp crayfish can be found in the Pale. Unique aquatic vegetation such as swamp sawgrass, blue lotus and papyrus reeds can be spotted along the verdant and fertile shores of this Lake.

Birds

Additionally, Lake Bunyonyi and its verdant terraced hills are popular for sheltering up to 200 species that include Grey-crowned cranes, Ross Turaco, pied and giant kingfishers, African fish eagles, cattle egrets, herons and weavers among others.

Thrilling activities to do within or around Lake Bunyonyi

Zip-lining

Yes, don’t be surprised because zip-lining is conducted through Lake Bunyonyi with options of water touches. Lake Bunyonyi and Mabira Forest are the two spectacular and popular places for this adventure.

Diving

Travellers who visit Lake Bunyonyi are also offered opportunities of diving into the secluded Nyombi Swamp where a plethora of bird species including African fish eagles, Papyrus gonolek, Ross Turaco and others can be clearly seen.

Bird watching

Bird watching in and around Lake Bunyonyi is done through guided walks along the shores and nearby forest, boat rides and village walks. Visitors are introduced to views of quelea, cattle egrets, grey-crowned cranes, pied kingfishers, pelicans, great cormorants, Ross Turaco, Ibises, weaver birds, herons, to mention but a few.

Canoe rides

Join a local guide on a dugout canoe to explore the different islands, animals and birds, meet the fishermen in addition to relishing views of the surrounding terraced rolling hills and many other attractions.

Kayaking the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi

Adventure seekers to Lake Bunyonyi are offered opportunities of hopping on a local kayak (made of a hollowed-out trunk with loose stools) to discover and experience the ambiance of the Lake as well as the beautiful Islands as well as numerous bird species that call the Lake home.

Guided nature walks

Undertake informative and rewarding hikes or nature walks through the verdant Islands, around the stunning terraced hills of Kigezi highlands where rich views of the spectacular landscapes, wildlife and birds will be relished.

Swimming in the clean waters of Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is free of Hippos, Nile Crocodiles and Bilharzia hence perfect for visitors looking to cool-off after a long day trekking mountain gorillas or any other physically demanding adventures.

Chilling-out at the shores of Lake Bunyonyi

If someone tells Uganda was just beautifully made, you may not believe it but this is how it is. After hours of trekking the endangered and exceptional mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it would be wise to unwind on a hammock by a Lakeshore with a cold drink, which is possible when you visit Lake Bunyonyi. Few Lakes in Uganda can offer the relaxation that visitors enjoy on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Your unwinding will be spiced by the cool air blowing from nearby trees.

Village or Community walks

Don’t miss exploring the breathtaking Bakiga culture by booking a guided community or village walk where you might also get to the Bakiga Cultural Museum where typical cultural tools and symbols such as traditional stools like spears, calabashes, winnowing trays, mortars and pestles, cooking pots and grinding stones can be spotted. If time allows, visit the nearby Batwa community who live around Echuya Forest Reserve.

Best time to visit Lake Bunyonyi

Although Lake Bunyonyi can be visited throughout the year, the dry months-July to August and December to February experience high temperatures thus perfect for swimming and even relaxing by the shoreline.

Exquisite accommodation facilities around Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation facilities around Lake Bunyonyi are in form of Resorts, Campsite, Hotels and Safari Lodges. These include Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Bushara Island Camp, Edirisa, Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Arcadia Lodge, Hawk’s Eye Lodge Bunyonyi, Heritage Lodge and many others.

Getting to Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is found within the southwest of Uganda, about 6.2 miles (10 kilometers from the Town of Kabale as well as 8-9 hours’ drive from Kampala. You can reach South-western Uganda via air (Kisoro Airstrip) then continue to the Lakeshores by Road.

Alternatively, you can hire a 4WD car to the shores of Lake Bunyonyi or opt for public means that involve taking the early morning bus from Kampala to Kabale then hire a motorbike (Boda boda) or special fire taxi (cab) to Rutinda. Another option of getting to lake Bunyonyi is driving from Kigali by a 2-3 hours’ drive although you will be required to fulfill a number of Immigration procedures (such as visa) at Cyanika or Katuna border points.