LAKE BUNYONYI
Lake Bunyonyi is a magical resort destination in Kabale southwestern Uganda. The lake is dotted with at least 20 small islands and it’s surrounded by steep terraced hills and exotic rural landscapes and the Virunga mountains backdrop. The Lake is one of the most naturally beautiful lakes in Africa and is one of the leading tourist destinations in Uganda.
The lake is based in south-western Uganda, located between Kabale (53 km away) and Kisoro (48 km away) close the Rwandan border, its located at 1962m above sea level and its about 25km long and 7 km wide. The depth of lake bunyonyi varies between 4om and 900m, which if true makes lake bunyonyi the second deepest lake in Africa. It is said lake bunyonyi is one of the few lakes in the region to be free from bilharzia and itis safe for swimming.
Bunyonyi is a local name which means “little birds,” which refers to the inexhaustible weaver colonies along its shore. Larger birds, such as the grey-crowned cranes, African harrier hawks, herons and egrets, are also present. Other common sightings include the levillant cuckoo, white-tailed monad, slender-billed baglafetch, cardinal woodpecker, and the African kingfisher. The lake is large and unevenly shaped with numerous islands and the surrounding hillsides, which locals beautifully cultivate like parts of Nepal. The area is vibrant, with activities like canoeing, cycling, and hiking.
Lake Bunyonyi is made up twenty-nine (29) islands among which include Bushara, Njuyeera, Bwama and the infamous Punishment Island (Akampene). Among the Bakiga in the area, any girl who got pregnant before marriage was taken and abandoned in Akampene Island to die of hunger or drowning (girls were not taught how to swim). Getting pregnant was an abomination then because no one would pay bird price for a girl who had gotten pregnant before marriage. The intention of leaving the girl to die in the island was to send a strong message to the rest that getting pregnant before marriage was unacceptable. Nothing would be done to the man who made the girl pregnant. The girl couldn’t identify the man who impregnated her for fear of being left to die. Some of the girls were rescued by the men who had made them pregnant, those who had a secret crush on them or poor bachelors who couldn’t afford bride price. This primitive practice was abandoned by the late 1940’s after the British colonial government outlawed it
How To Get to Lake Bunyonyi
Lone travellers to Lake Bunyonyi need to first get to Kabale town. It takes 8 hours of driving by car to reach Kabale town from Kampala. It takes between 20 to 30 minutes at most to reach the lake from Kabale town. To reach the Lake from Kabale town, one needs to hire a boda-boda (motorcycle) or taxi. Those coming from a safari in either Queen Elizabeth or Kibale National Park will need to travel for about 5 hours on road before reaching the lake. Lake Bunyonyi is closer to Kigali in Rwanda than Kampala (Uganda’s capital).
Activities to Do in Lake Bunyonyi
Relaxing and Chilling out with loved ones:
The beautiful scenery and cool weather is perfect for relaxing after tiring activities like tracking the gorillas, climbing mountains or doing game drives in Uganda’s national parks. If you have a good book and wish to read it in a cool and serene environment, then one of the quiet island resorts would be perfect. Food is plenty and consists of local vegetables and fruits as well as international dishes. The crowning moment is watching the Lake Bunyonyi sunset. The setting of the sun provides an opportunity to take beautiful photos of the sun’s rays reflecting on the lake waters.
Swimming:
Lake Bunyonyi is a clean lake with clear waters that are free from pollution due to the absence of fishing sites on the lake shores. The lake waters are free from crocodiles, hippos and parasites that cause Bilharzia. Bilharza is a common disease in some of the water bodies in East and Southern Africa. The only disadvantage with swimming on the lake is the depth. Lake Bunyonyi is believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa. Those who are not good swimmers should take caution and instead use the hotel swimming pools.
Canoeing:
Canoes are the only way of getting around the lake and its islands. The locals make the canoes by digging into large trees to create a depression using axes to create a depression. The canoes are moved using rowing sticks or motor engines. Canoes can be rented from individuals at the shores for a fee of 60,000 shillings. The ones with engines can go for 120,000 shillings. Using these locally made canoes offers a completely different experience and adds to the magic of the Lake. The best time for canoeing is early in the morning when the lake is covered with mist. This is a beautiful sight to behold for anyone with a love for nature and adventure. Night canoeing can also be arranged to experience the cool night breeze and sounds from night crickets, frogs and birds.
Island hopping:
Canoeing for 2 or more hours allows you to hop from one island to another while learning about their history. Visiting the “punishment island” where girls who got pregnant before marriage were left to die is a must. You can visit Bwama and learn about its history of hosting lepers. The lepers are no longer taken to the island as a permanent cure for leprosy was discovered. The leper hospital has been turned into a school for children.
Community and Cultural Visits:
One of the most popular activities is taking a walk to observe how the local people go about with their daily lives near the shores of the lake. It is great to mingle with the locals and try out tasks like digging the garden with local hoes or visiting one of the local schools to interact with the school children. The Bakiga love taking marwa and obushera – two strong drinks made from bananas and millet/sorghum. If you feel scared trying the local stuff, you can go for the factory made and bottled Uganda Waragi.
Nature Walks:
If one is not interested in the community walks, they can hike through established trails accompanied by a guide to explore and marvel at the terraced hills which give majestic views of the lake and towering landscapes. Visitors can also visit the ancient bamboo forest of Echuya or the other small ones surrounding the lake and spot small primates and zebra.
Mountain Biking:
One of the best ways of discovering the lake is by hiring a mountain bike and ride to spot the beautiful landscape while passing by human settlements. Many of the hotels do not have bike rental services but your tour company can make the necessary arrangements and have a bike at your disposal.
Visit the local market:
The local market of Rutindo attracts residents of the island every Monday and Friday. On these two days, the market is filled with people. It is a perfect place to observe how locals go about with their daily life while also mingling with them and buying fresh fruits.
Birdwatching:
Lake Bunyonyi is a birders paradise and one of the best places to go birding in Uganda. The name Bunyonyi suggests a place with birds. Over 205 species of birds can be spotted in the lake. The small islands in the lake act as sanctuaries and breeding grounds for many water birds. Birding in Lake BunyonyiThe species include both resident and those that migrate from Europe during the harsh winters. One of the best birding spots is the swamp of Nyombi. The best way to see the birds is by acquiring a boat, a binoculars and moving to the water with a birding guide. Some of the species include egrets, slender-billed baglafetch, weaverbirds, herons, grey crowned cranes and the levillant cuckoo among many others.
Eating Crayfish:
Uganda’s infamous military dictator Idi Amin had his positive sides too. One of it was endorsing the introduction of the Louisiana Crayfish to Lake Bunyonyi. Cray fish have been so successful that they have become the dominant specie in the lake and surrounding water bodies. All the lodges and restaurants serve crayfish. If one is not interested in the Cray fish, they can order for the tasty local Tilapia fish.
Note: for easy booking of accommodation and other activities in Lake Bunyonyi, please reach out to our company for help and easy planning of your trip to lake Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation in lake bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort:
This Eco resort is located in a forested area giving a feeling of being near nature while offering stunning views of the lake and islands. There are 10 cottages that are built separately offering mid-range and luxury facilities. Among the facilities include hot showers, a bar, restaurant and a swimming pool. The resort is perfect for family retreats. Other activities organized by the resort are canoeing, nature walks and camping. The resort organizes cultural performances and traditional dances for clients.
Bugombe Island Gateway:
This resort is newly opened with great room facilities while also organizing great activities like island hopping, canoeing and birdwatching in the Bugombe birding sanctuary.
Lost Paradise Beach:
Paradise beach is run by a Ugandan family offers bandas (modern African huts) which are built near a scenic beach near the lakeside. The lodge is built to give an atmosphere of true relaxation and has a fruit garden. Canoeing is organized free of charge for residents. The lodge is clean with well manicured gardens, a camping place and a hall for organizing parties. Residents can go and swim along the beach or the hotel’s swimming pool. The hotel collects bananas, sugar cane and passion fruits from its garden that it serves clients along with Asian, European and local dishes. Bugisu Arabica coffee and African tea is served in the room or dining area.
Upendo Guest Home:
Upendo Guest Home offers modern looking facilities with comfortable self-contained rooms and a kitchen that can be accessed by clients. The hotel rooms are suitable for both budget and mid-range travellers.
The lodge has a children home (Upendo Children’s Home) that takes care of homeless children and offers volunteering opportunities.
Bunyonyi view resort:
This is one of the cheaper accommodation options available in the lake area. The lodge offers dome accommodations with private balconies that overlook the beautiful lake and islands. Apart from the domes, there are also family cottages and self-contained single rooms for those who want more privacy. The hotel staffs are supper friendly and prepare tasty local and foreign dishes.
Bushara Island Camp:
This camp is built on private land on the Island of Bushara. To reach the camp, you need to be taken by a canoe or speed boat. The camp is perfect for honeymooners and those who love relaxation in a quiet place with beautiful scenery. The camp offers tree houses, safari tents and cottages. There are family, double and single rooms in the cottages. Other services include delicious meals, campfires and conference facilities. The camp organizes activities like bird watching, canoeing, swimming, volleyball, rope swinging, nature and cultural walks.
Crater Bay Cottages and Camp:
This hotel is built in Bufuka village on the shores of the lake. There are 12 private cottages which have single, double and even triple rooms. The hotel prepares delicious crayfish and other delicacies at their restaurant. Other facilities in the hotel include a library, a craft shop, WiFi and laundry services at a small fee.
Bird’s Nest:
Birds Nest contains single and double luxurious rooms. This is one of the higher end accommodation facilities and is reflected in the services offered. The rooms are laid out perfectly with a beautiful swimming pool outside.
If you are interested in doing a trip to lake bunyonyi, having any questions, making bookings, getting tour guides, and drafting lake bunyonyi itinerary, do not hesitate to inquire from our company we shall be happy to help.