Lake Bunyonyi is found in the South Western part of Uganda lying between Kisoro and Kabale near to the Rwandan border.
The name Bunyonyi means “place of many little birds” It is Uganda’s deepest lake and one of the country’s top natural treasures with a varying depth between 44m and 900m. Lake Bunyonyi is also said to be the second deepest lake in Africa lying on an altitude of about 1962meters above sea level.
The lake has moderate temperatures year round, the temperatures are cool even on sunny days and this greatly attributed to its high elevation of 1962m above sea level.
The lake is dotted with 29 islands. The most prominent of these include the Akampene Island also known as the punishment island, Bushara, Kyahugye, Bwama and Njuyeera, and Bucuranuka
The lake is framed by lush, green terraced hills that make it most magical, mist engulfs across the lake and the terraces a sight comparable to that of the mystical scenes in the “Lord of the Rings” movie.
It’s a sight that reinvents itself every hour or two with the ever changing climate and direction of the sun. The cold mornings are even more magical, the islands weave through cotton candy like streams of mist and, in the afternoon, they’re bathed in the warm glow of the sun.
Later, they’re silhouetted against a dim sky as evening approaches. One day the islands vanished from sight completely, hidden under a blanket of clouds, but it only took an hour to see them emerge once more.
The quietness, serenity, cool atmosphere and the scenic views of the terraces through the misty atmosphere is simply magical. Most tourists visit this lake to relax after their Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national Park.
Activities to do on Lake Bunyonyi
Apart from worshipping the scenic landscapes from a hilltop, there’s plenty to do here, including swimming, Canoe ride, Community walks and bird watching. Only be sure to spend a night or two because this exquisiteness cannot be restricted to just a day.
Swimming:
Lake Bunyonyi is known as one of the few lakes in Uganda free of bilharzia, making its waters safe for swimming making it absolutely safe for swimming. Also the lake has no dangerous creatures like crocodiles and hippos. The only warning for visitors is the depth inexperienced swimmers should take caution.
Ride Canoe:
The most common mode of transportation on these waters is the dugout canoe, which offers a completely different perspective of the lake. Explore the beautiful islands and enjoy the sceneries all around. The canoe ride takes up to 2 hours to explore most of the corners of the lake. You can ride any time but the morning experience is extra special, with all the mist and tranquil atmosphere feels mystical to say the least. The evening ride is also good to catch the spectacular sunsets.
Birding
What is Bunyonyi without birds? The name alone, Bunyonyi, calls it a place of little birds. It has an enormous assemblage of bird species which makes bird watching a key activity. This lake is home to over 200 species of birds that have been recorded. Some of the birds you get to see include; weaver birds, egrets, levillant cuckoo, the herons, the grey crowned cranes and the slender-billed baglafetch among countless others.
Batwa Visits
One of the communities inhibiting the surrounding hills is the Batwa Pygmy communities. These especially interest visitors with their rare short sizes. They are also welcoming communities with rich cultures and traditions that you’ll experience through their dancing presentations and folklores
Community walk
There are many communities around this lake, take a chance to visit them and see how they live and make use of this lake as they swim, fish and with their canoe boats use it as their source of income.
This place deserves to be on your African –Uganda travel plan because; with its beauty and nice scenery you don’t have to miss. Contact Us