Explore Lake Bunyonyi, the “place of many little birds” in Kabale, southwestern Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi is located between Kisoro and Kabale districts, at an altitude of 1962m. This charming lake is estimated to be 25 km long with a width measuring up to 7km. A total of 29 islands exist on Lake Bunyonyi, making it one of the most spectacular Lakes with breathtaking scenery.
Lake Bunyonyi is a must-visit spot after gorilla trekking in Mgahinga or Bwindi. Visitors prefer having a relaxed evening at the scenic shores of Lake Bunyonyi due to many reasons, including being one of the few lakes with no crocodiles, hippos, or bilharzia.
Lake Bunyonyi is also bordered by Kyevu and Muko towns. It is the second deepest lake with a maximum depth of over 40m. Lake Bunyonyi formed as a result of a volcanic eruption that occurred about 18000 years ago. This lake lies at an altitude of 1950m, and the surrounding hills range from 2200 to 2478m. The central section of Lake Bunyonyi is dominated by the charming islands with fewer settlements, and mostly comprises tourism facilities.
Ecology
Except for water birds, few aquatic animal species are naturally present in this isolated highland lake, which is near but not quite connected to the greater Nile basin. Its water is highly stratified with the oxygen limit placed at a depth of about 7 m (23 ft).
Native vertebrates include the De Witte’s clawed frog, Lake Victoria clawed frog (“bunyoniensis” form), African clawless otter and spotted-necked otter, but only the first frog is still common in the lake. Four endemic species of Caridina shrimp are found in the lake; there are indications that they might also occur in Lake Mutanda. Originally, there were no fish or crayfish in the lake, but the catfish Clarias liocephalus, Nile tilapia, Singida tilapia, haplochromine ciclids of Lake Victoria origin and red swamp crayfish have been introduced.
Aquatic vegetation is locally abundant and include species such as papyrus, swamp sawgrass (subspecies jamaicense) and blue lotus.
Tourism
Lake Bunyonyi is popular for its green and lush terraced hills that are punctuated with a plethora of over 200 bird species. The place combines the art of water birds and some migratory birds. This makes it a perfect ideal for many bird enthusiasts. A dive into the Nyombi swamp reveals a variety of assorted birds. Apart from birdwatching, the place also present perfect. These include sports like swimming as well as boat cruising and riding. The area is also underlined by various hikes and nature walks, all of which offer more than just nature and pleasure. A sense of traditional culture is also felt during the community walks, since one can get stop overs at the Bakiga Cultural museum as well as the blacksmith sites. For more cultural adventures, one can visit the village of Bufuka for Batwa and Bakiga experiences.
Lake Bunyonyi has several resorts and tourist and volunteer hostels which have grown over time due to the large number of visitors who consider it a must see attraction while in south western Uganda whether going for a Gorilla tracking safari in Bwindi impenetrable or Mgahinga national park, hiking the Virunga mountains, Golden monkey tracking or crossing between Rwanda and Uganda.
Book your trip to Lake Bunyonyi with Bujuku Ecotours
The Main Tourist Attractions to Explore on Lake Bunyonyi Tour
The Charming Islands
29 Islands are available in Lake Bunyonyi, making it one of the most spectacular Lakes in Uganda and Africa. The main islands to explore here include the Bucuranuka Island, Njuyeera Island (Sharp’s Island), Bushara Island, Akampene Island, Kyahugye Island, and Bwama.
Akampene Island-; also, popularly known as the Punishment Island, is a charming and historical island located on Lake Bunyonyi. It holds a unique history, particularly the ancient practices of the Bakiga people. The island was once a dumping ground for girls who got pregnant before marriage. The practice was promoted as a way to educate the young against early pregnancies.
The lucky victims were rescued by the men who never had cows to pay the bride price. The practice has long been dropped, but the island is still recognized for its historical and cultural significance.
Kyahugye Island –a spectacular tropical island on Lake Bunyonyi, which is unique in that it holds some animals, including waterbucks, impalas, zebras, and others.
Bushara Island –this is an ideal island to visit, especially if your target is bird-watching. Get your pair of binoculars and camera for an action-packed birding expedition on Bushara Island.
The Bucuranuka Island –This is popular for its unique mythical story involving 20 men who were making local brew (Obushera). The 20 men refused to give a drink to an old woman. But when she asked to be transported across to the main island, they accepted. What was unfortunate is that she had cursed the island, and the boat ended up capsizing, and the island is often referred to as upside down.
Bwama Island –This is the island with some settlements on Lake Bunyonyi. It also holds an exceptional history of the Leprosy treatment. It was on this historical island where Doctor Leonard Sharp, the Scottish Missionary, built a sanctuary back in 1931. He visited the island in the 1920s, and the sanctuary he set played a significant role during the Leprosy outbreak. It became a treatment center that continued providing leprosy treatment services.
Birds to spot
Lake Bunyonyi is not only famous for its tropical islands but also for its abundance of birds that make it home to numerous little birds. Over 200 bird species inhabit this natural lake alone, including the grey-crowned cranes, pied kingfishers, waterfowls, golden-backed weaver birds, African fish eagle, black winged stilt, and African jacanas and many more.
What to do in lake bunyonyi
The main activities that await you on a tour to Lake Bunyonyi include canoeing, bird watching, community visits, swimming, nature walks, cycling, and more.
Canoeing experience
Canoeing is the main excursion you should expect to indulge in on a safari to Lake Bunyonyi. The canoeing experiences can be enjoyed in the morning or at sunset. Visitors can opt for the traditional canoe rides or a speed motorized boat ride. On a boat/canoe ride, expect to connect to some of the islands located on Lake Bunyonyi and also enjoy amazing bird sightings at a close range that make this lake a great birding spot.
Nature walking & hiking.
Guided nature walking and hikes are excellently enjoyed on the Lake’s beautiful islands with an experienced guide. The nature walk excursion brings you captivating views of the Lake’s landscape and the Virunga Mountains.
Bird-watching
There is no doubt that Lake Bunyonyi is a prime spot for birders. Boasting of diverse bird species, a guided birding tour here is a great chance for you to identify a range of your favorite species, including the African jacanas, African fish eagles, black herons, ducks, golden-backed weaver birds, and many more.
Cycling tours
Embarking on the cycling tours offers you a chance to appreciate the stunning landscapes and surrounding areas of Lake Bunyonyi, including the local communities. You stand a chance to interact with locals and observe most of them as they engage in their daily activities.
Swimming excursions
Visitors can also engage in swimming; Lake Bunyonyi doesn’t have crocodiles or hippos, making it a preferred spot for swimmers. As you go on a swimming excursion, ensure that you do it in the shallow water. Note, this is the deepest of all the lakes in Uganda and 2nd in Africa. The experts present can guide you to the key spots for swimming.
Community Visits
Community tours are offered in the surrounding local communities. The Lake is surrounded by the Bakiga and Batwa pygmy communities, each guaranteeing you astonishing cultural experiences.
What is the best time to go to Lake Bunyonyi?
It is possible to arrange a tour to Lake Bunyonyi at any time of the year through a local expert like Bujuku Eco Tours and Travel. However, as experts, we can recommend traveling during the peak dry season when the routes are more accessible and the weather conditions are ideal for most activities to be done. The longest dry season, as per the Ugandan calendar, extends from June to September, and another phase begins from December to February.
Available Accommodation Alternatives to Stay
You don’t need to worry in any way when it comes to lodging options to book for your Lake Bunyonyi tour. The key places to consider for overnight stay include Arcadia Lodges, Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort, Lake Bunyonyi Eco-Resort, Bunyonyi Safari Lodge, and Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort. Visitors can also opt for Byoona Amagara Island, Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort, and many others.
How to get to Lake Bunyonyi
The two key travel alternatives, that is, road and air, allows you to reach Lake Bunyonyi with ease. First, you can drive for 7-8 hours along the Kampala-Mbarara-Kabale route or 2-3 hours starting from Mgahinga/Bwindi. The other option is to cross from Rwanda via Katuna or Chanika border to Lake Bunyonyi, which is a 4-5-hour drive, and overall, road trips are best done using a 4WD Safari Vehicle.
Guests can also opt for the domestic flights from Entebbe Airport to Kihihi Airstrip, where they can be transferred to Lake Bunyonyi.
Lastly, Lake Bunyonyi is a perfect place to visit to unwind after a memorable mountain gorilla trek. When planning Lake Bunyonyi tours or gorilla safaris, your expert can organize a combined holiday. Contact Bujuku Eco Tours and Travel to take you through iconic destinations in the Pearl of Africa, including Lake Bunyonyi, the country’s deepest Lake.