Lake Bunyonyi – The Second deepest Lake in Africa
Lake Bunyonyi is a magical destination in Uganda located in Kabale Southwestern Uganda, the lake is the deepest lake in Uganda dotted with at least 20 small islands and is surrounded by steep terraced hills and exotic rural landscapes and the backdrop of Virunga Mountains.
Lake Bunyonyi is a popular destination for day trips from Kabale and a perfect stopover on a Uganda gorilla safari from either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The name for Lake Bunyonyi is a local world translating to “little birds” which is a reference to the proflic weaver colonies along the shores of the lake. Some of the large birds found on Lake Bunyonyi include grey-crowned cranes, African harrier hawks, and herons and egrets. Other common bird sightings on the lake include levillant cuckoo, white-tailed monad, slender-billed baglafetch, cardinal woodpecker, and African kingfisher among others.
Lake Bunyonyi is a large irregularly shaped lake with numerous islands and the surrounding hillsides which are cultivated by the locals, the whole area is vibrant with activities like canoeing, cycling and hiking.
The lake is situated on the high – altitude location which ensures a moderate climate (often it becomes chilly at night), the area is also has a relatively low malaria rate. According the health organisations, it has been reported that there is absence of Bilharzia and crocodiles and hippos in the waters of Lake Bunyonyi. This means it is very safe for swimming adventures.
Things To Do Around Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi offers endless opportunities for several activities which makes Lake Bunyonyi a favorite destination for several visitors on a Uganda safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and other Uganda Safari Destinations.
Canoeing
Canoeing is a popular Uganda safari activity on Lake Bunyonyi, you can rent dugouts from most of the lodges and camps around the Lake. In a dugout canoe, this activity offers visitors a chance to explore several islands in Lake, the lake has 29 islands including the floating island and the punishment island where the young girls who get pregnant before marriage would be dumped and left to die.
Each of the islands in Lake Bunyonyi has its own history attached to it so on your 2-hour canoe ride, you will learn about the history of these islands.
Nature Walks and Hiking
On your visit to Lake Bunyonyi, you can take guided walks around the lake and on the islands. The hike will mostly be scenic and some of them lead you through small villages where you will the local people up close and personal. Hiking with a scenic backdrop of Lake Bunyonyi is a magical experience.
Swimming
Lake Bunyonyi has Bilharzia free-clear waters and have no fish which makes it perfect for swimming, the lake also is free from hippos, crocodiles and other parasites. The only disadvantage of swimming on Lake Bunyonyi is the depth, the lake is believed to be the second deepest lake Africa and those who are not great swimmers should take caution and instead are advised to use the hotel swimming pools.
Island hopping
Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi allows you to hop from one island to another while learning about their fascinating island, the punishment island is one of the amazing islands to visit. On this island, all the girls who got pregnant before marriage were banished to and left for dead.
Other islands to visit in Lake Bunyonyi include Bwama which used to host lepers, as a permanent cure for leprosy was discovered, the lepers are no longer taken to the island.
Community and cultural visits
This is one of the most popular activities to do on your safari to Lake Bunyonyi, on this activity you get to visit the local people and learn about their daily lives near the shores of the lake. It is a great way to mingle with the locals and try out tasks like digging the garden with local hoes and visiting some local schools to interact with the school children. The Bakiga local people love taking local brew – Marwa and obushera which are made from bananas and millet, if you feel like trying out these local drinks, be sure that you will have a feast.
Birdwatching
Lake Bunyonyi is a birder’s paradise and one of the best places to go for birding in Uganda, as the name Bunyonyi suggests “a place with birds”. Lake Bunyonyi hosts over 205 species of birds that can be spotted on the lake, the small islands in the lake act as sanctuaries and breeding groups for many water birds. These birds include both resident and migratory bird species from Europe during the harsh winters.
One of the best bird watching spots on Lake Bunyonyi is the swamp of Nyombi, some of the birds to look out for include egrets, slender-billed baglafetch, weaverbirds, herons, grey crowned cranes and the levillant cuckoo among many others.
Mountain Biking
You can rent a bike and ride around Lake Bunyonyi – The Second deepest Lake in Africa and the beautiful scenery, this one of the best ways of discovering the lake and you will spot the beautiful landscape while passing by human settlements.
Getting To Lake Bunyonyi
To get to Lake Bunyonyi, you have to first get to Kabale town which is approximately 8 hours of driving by car from Kampala city, to get to Lake Bunyonyi from Kabale Town it is a drive between 20 to 30 minutes.
From travelers from either Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kibale National Park, it is a drive of about 5 hours on road. Lake Bunyonyi is closer to Kigali City in Rwanda and it takes 3 hours of driving by car to reach the lake.
Where To Stay
Byoona Amagara, Itambira Island
Byooma Amagara is one of the top place to stay at Lake Bunyonyi and it is renowned for its creative Geodomes, each of the cottages on the lodge has its own private balcony boasting views of the surrounding islands and hillsides. The facility also has basic dormitory accommodation for hippies.
Arcadia Cottages
Arcadia Cottages are pitched on a hillside with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Bunyonyi, the lodge has pretty gardens and 12 rooms built as octagonal rooms with ensuite bathrooms and grass-thatched roofs.
Africa Explorer Eco Village, Kyabahinga
The African Explorer Ecovillage is found on Kyabahinga ridge overlooking Lake Bunyonyi, the islands and the Virunga Mountains bordering Rwanda and the Congo. The lodge has African Huts, wooden cabins powered by sola with ensuite bathrooms. Domes and camping grounds for backpackers are available.
The restaurant serves organic food in international and local dishes.
Lost Paradise Beach (Kirangara)
Lost in Paradise Beach has a beach and a fantastic view of the Lake Bunyonyi with accommodations in beautifully simple cottages, there is excellent African – European – Asian food and drink. The lodge offers canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi to all the residents for free.
The place has clean leisure gardens, camping grounds, a tropical fruit garden, an eating and party hall, a Waterhouse for lonely twosome breakfast, a beach and a lovely swimming dock.
Bugombe Island Gateway
Bugombe Island Gateway has a bird watching sanctuary on Bugombe Wild Island and offers canoe trips to the ten islands of the lake. They offer full board accommodation with simple but reasonable meals.
Bunyonyi View Resort
Bunyonyi View Resort is a favorite choice for many travelers to Lake Bunyonyi, the resort has family-friendly accommodation. The resort is built on a hillside with great views of Lake Bunyonyi.
Camping
Camping is an interesting experience while on a safari to Lake Bunyonyi and the best and most popular place is the Lake Bunyonyi Overland Camp, this is the best option though the nearby Kalebas and Crater Bay are quieter. Campers can also cruise on the lake to Bushara Island and Byoona Amagara.