WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT LAKE BUNYONYI

Top Activities and Attractions to see and do at Lake Bunyonyi.

For travelers who seek beautiful green sceneries, and a calm and fresh water breeze from an area or a lake, Lake Bunyonyi is an ideal place for relaxation. Located in the southwest region of Uganda, near the Kabale and Kisoro districts. Lake Bunyonyi is a freshwater lake famously known for its 29 dotted islands with a breathtaking view of these islands.

Lake Bunyonyi locally means “area of little birds”. The evergreen terraces and landmarks create beautiful sceneries of the lake, worth a view on the Uganda tour. This lake covers a surface area of 64 kilometers. With a width of 7 kilometers and a depth of 40 meters. Most local guides of the area argue that the lake is much deeper than the “scientific lecturer”. The local guides propose that the lake exceeds the depth of 40 meters to make 900 meters.

“Place of many birds” translated locally to mean Lake Bunyonyi, is a freshwater body located in the basin of Uganda. Besides it being a lake, Lake Bunyonyi has been a great attraction with numerous fun activities enjoyed by the travelers who visit its premises.
The Uganda tour is spiced up with an en-route stop over at Lake Bunyonyi to view the beautiful scenery of the lake. The 29 dotted islands of the lake are one of the highlights while on a visit to Lake Bunyonyi.

The main islands of Lake Bunyonyi that have been a great attraction around the lake include.

Akempene Island

The Akempene Island holds great significance to the ancient habitats of the Bakiga region. The ‘Akempene’ island which translates to mean the “punishment island” was used as an isolation ground for girls who got pregnant before marriage. In the previous local societies that lived around the lake, they used this island as a punishment. Girls who got pregnant before marriage were dumbed and abandoned to die of hunger as an example to the younger girls, not to engage in premarital relations.

The survival chances of the girls that were left on the island were less, as they tried to swim back to the ground, many would die. Fortunately for the men who didn’t have enough bride wealth, these were considered as a rescue to the girls. For they would take up the abandoned girls from the island for marriage. This practice no longer exists around the area. But the sight of this island is truly worth companies of the interesting background.

Bwamba Island

This island was visited by an English missionary in 1921. Dr. Leonard Sharp visited the island in Uganda first, for tourism activities. After 1931, he established a leprosy treatment center on Bwamba Island. The island takes its name (Sharp’s Island) due to the great transformation caused by Dr. Leonard on the Island. He constructed a medical facility, patient quarters, and a church on Bwamba Island.
Even though Dr. Leonard Sharp did most of his work at Bwanba Island, he settled at Njuyeera Island in his tiny white house. A pass by these islands is an eye-opening experience and learning about the works of the great Dr. Leonard Sharp.

Kyahugye Island

For tourists that may want to stay on one of the Islands, the Kyahugye Islands provide accommodation facilities on its flat hilltop. This is the nearest island to the mainland, offering specular views of far more of the lakesides, terraced hillsides, and the neighboring islands. Kyahugye islands allow wildlife viewing as it is the only island among the 29 with wildlife. Sights of the impalas, waterbucks, kobs, and monkeys are experienced while on a visit to the island.

Bucuranika (upside-down Island)

Bucuranika Island has a mysterious myth that led to its formation. The myth has it that once upon a time, an old woman wanted a taste of soya from a group of men. But these men denied the old lady the privilege to taste the soya. It is said, that with the old lady’s departure, she requested an escort from the group to escort her from the Island to the mainland. A young man was handed to her as an escort. But on the man’s return to the island, it turned upside down killing the group of men. The interesting story behind this island is intriguing and a visit to this island is worthwhile.

ACTIVITIES AT LAKE BUNYONYI

Below are the top activities that one can participate in on the Lake Bunyonyi safari.

Explore the 29 islands on Lake Bunyonyi

The 29 dotted islands of Lake Bunyonyi make up the beautiful scenery of the lake; coupled with the various fun activities. Most of the travelers to Lake Bunyonyi spend a full day here. They enjoy a boat cruise while moving from one island to another. The Islands are concentrated in the middle parts of the Lake. They thus providing a good opportunity for exploring them in the shortest time possible. Hoping to any island gives you an opportunity to learn about the history of the island and the lake as a whole. Each island has special economic activities in which the local members of the community earn a living. If you are planning a trip to Lake Bunyonyi anytime soon, do not forget to pass by these magical islands and turn your moments into memories.

Bird watching in Lake Bunyonyi

Birding around Lake Bunyonyi is a fascinating activity. The area has more than 200 bird species that are sighted around the lake. Water birds, assorted birds, and migratory birds all can be spotted on a birding safari. Bird watching around Lake Bunyonyi avails bird species such as; the crowned cranes, herons, fisher grey crowned cranes, slender-billed bag lafetch, levillant-cuckoo, African harrier hawk, egrets, and many more. Birding in Lake Bunyonyi can best be done on a boat cruise or a canoe with binoculars. These will help you take clearer views of the birds in the swampy areas of the lake. With the help of Bunyonyi’s experienced safari guides, spotting birds at Lake Bunyonyi is never a tiresome adventure. One of Lake Bunyonyi’s best birding spots is the Nyombi swamp. Take clear views of beautiful bird species such as the grey-crowned crested crane.

Chilling and relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is strategically located in the middle of the western circuit safari destinations of Uganda; these include; Lake Mburo National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. This kind of location makes Lake Bunyonyi a reliable relaxing destination after one has had a restless safari. This is why most travelers on the Uganda safari have described Lake Bunyonyi as the best honeymoon safari destination. We cannot forget to talk about the beautiful scenery and the outstanding views of the surrounding areas. The lake is also home to some of the best luxury safari lodges which make the entire safari experience a memorable one.

If you are looking for a place to relax during the Uganda safari, Lake Bunyonyi is the best recommendation. No travelers wish to miss sunbathing at the beach or in the swimming pool of their safari lodge in Lake Bunyonyi. Come enjoy spectacular views of the lake and its surroundings while you take some time off your road trips on the Uganda safari.

Nature walks at Lake Bunyonyi

Nature walks through the trails of Lake Bunyonyi are another rewarding activity. Surpassing the different vegetation, local communities, and the sight of the freshwater together with the Islands is an experience like no other. With the company of a safari guide, travelers interested in exploring this magical lake opt for nature walks. They follow established trails and walk around the lake until a certain elevation from where they can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding areas. During the nature walks, travelers get the opportunity to spot some primate species as well as some zebras.

Boat cruise and canoeing at Lake Bunyonyi

A boat cruise and canoe experience is another activity not to miss out, on while on a visit to Lake Bunyonyi. The boat cruise and canoe experience gives one a chance to fully experience the lake. Boat cruises at Lake Bunyonyi are offered by either private companies or local members of the community. Either way, it is the only experience that matters most. The locals are hospitable and do their best to give travelers the best Lake Bunyonyi safari experience. There is even an opportunity for you to share a canoe with local members as they transfer their goods (especially agricultural produce) from one side of the lake to the other. You get to enjoy their interactions characterized by surprise looks and storytelling. It is such a wonderful encounter that you cannot easily find elsewhere.

Swimming

Other than being Uganda’s deepest lake and Africa’s second deepest lake, Lake Bunyonyi is one of the best swimming places in Uganda. Its waters are free from Bilharzia, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and other deadly water species. Lake Bunyonyi’s fishing sites are off the shores and hence the lake is free from pollutants.  Swimming in the deep freshwater of Lake Bunyonyi helps to set off the heat after a hike. A swim in the lake’s water is a refreshing activity.

Lake Bunyonyi cultural and community tours.

A walk through the different local communities around the lake gives a chance to fully immerse in the different traditions. The Batwa community is one of the major cultural encounters. A visit to this local tribe of the pygmies gives a chance to explore the different traditions, cultural practices, and behaviors of the indigenous people. Visiting the local communities gives you an opportunity to dive into the cultural practices of the Bakiga. Some of these include brewing local beer made from banana juice and sorghum.

The other famous Kikiga drink is Bushera made from Millet. During community visits, you participate in a number of activities. These include; digging using local simple tools such as hoes, preparing traditional foods, dancing to traditional songs, etc.  If you choose to visit the Batwa communities, you should be ready to participate in the fire-making process, learning some hunting techniques and traditional dances. The Batwa Pygmies are one of the most primitive but ancient dwellers of Africa. They occupy the area known as the Virunga massif which stretches all the way to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Virunga massif comprises Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi Impenetrable national park (Uganda), Volcanoes national park (Rwanda), and Virunga national park (DRC). Part of this area is the world’s most active volcanic mountain – Mt. Nyiragongo. The Batwa people co-exist with wildlife such as mountain gorillas, however, they are trying to come out as a result of civilization. Currently, they earn a living by entertaining tourists. This is why we highly recommend that travelers donate something and tip them on every encounter. It is a gesture of appreciation and encouraging them.

Mountain biking

Mountaineering and biking around the hill slides and on the shores of the lake is a rewarding adventure. This gives you an opportunity to venture into the elevated areas surrounding Lake Bunyonyi as you take extensive looks over the rolling hills of the Kigezi region. Other than being a physical exercise safari activity, biking is something that can wipe away all your stress and worries. It is important to inform your tour operator earlier so that they can book for you a bicycle otherwise you may miss getting one at your lodge since they are always in high demand.

Crayfish at Lake Katwe

Back in the time, during the era of President Idi Amin, he introduced the Louisiana Crayfish to Lake Bunyonyi. This species has dominated the lake. It turned out to be a famous tourist attraction and a reliable source of food for the natives. Spending a night at any of the Lake Bunyonyi safari lodges will introduce you to a menu with crayfish on the list. In the event that you do not like trying new foods on a safari, you can opt for the usual tilapia fish since it is also caught in Lake Bunyonyi. Come to Lake Bunyonyi now and have the best crayfish experience.

What is the best time to visit Lake Bunyonyi?

Lake Bunyonyi is an open destination all year round, however, during the dry months, some activities become well. For instance, canoeing, biking, scenery viewing, swimming, and hiking, to mention but a few. The dry season runs from the month of June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are dry, water levels are somewhat low, hence the best safari experience.

How do I access Lake Bunyonyi?

Lake Bunyonyi is situated in southwestern Uganda between Kabale and Kisoro districts. Accessing this amazing destination can be possible by driving the 8 to 9-hour drive. From Kampala city via Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara – Ntungamo – Kabale highway. The lake is not far away from Rwanda. Thus can be accessed from Kigali via the Katuna border which takes about 2 to 3 hours.

In a nutshell, therefore, we all dream of places to be one day. However, there is always a reason why one chooses one destination out of a thousand of them. The reasons why you should choose Lake Bunyonyi as your safari destination are all explained in this article. Get in touch with Love Uganda Safaris and Tours Ltd for tailor-made safari itineraries that involve Lake Bunyonyi. We can’t wait to see you!