Lake Bunyonyi sits in Uganda’s far southwestern corner, dotted with 29 islands and framed by the terraced hills of Kabale. It’s widely considered one of Uganda’s most scenic spots, and a natural place to unwind after gorilla trekking in nearby Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
About Lake Bunyonyi
The name Bunyonyi translates to “place of little birds,” reflecting the roughly 200 bird species found here, including many weavers nesting along the shoreline and islands. The lake is also one of the better spots in Uganda for sighting otters. Its depth is often cited at up to 900 meters, which would make it Africa’s second deepest lake after Lake Tanganyika, though this figure has never been formally confirmed.
The Islands of Lake Bunyonyi
Bushara Island, also called Sharp’s Island, is covered in eucalyptus plantation forest and has become a popular stop for visitors. It was once home to doctors working at the nearby Bwama leprosy colony, a health center established by British doctor Dr. Sharp.
Punishment Island, also known as Akampene Island, carries a difficult history: young unmarried women who became pregnant were historically left there in isolation. The island itself is tiny, just over 215 square feet, now largely a muddy platform being slowly worn away by the lake, with only a single dead tree and some low papyrus grass remaining. It’s included on most island tours as a somber but important part of the lake’s history rather than a lighthearted stop.
Kyahugye Island sits close to the mainland, just a short boat ride away, and hosts a private eco-resort along with a range of wildlife, including zebras, across its roughly 74 acres.
Activities on Lake Bunyonyi
Motorized Boat Trips
Boat trips lasting 3 to 4 hours cover much of the lake, stopping at several islands while a local guide shares their history and significance.
Nature Walks
Walks around Bushara Island pass through dense vegetation home to many of the lake’s bird species. Guides often share how the Bakiga people have traditionally used local plants as medicine, and the walk can include a submerged pool used for life-saving training, a rural primary school, and volunteer housing along the peninsula.
High Ropes Adventure
Nature’s Prime Island, just off the mainland, is home to East Africa’s first zip-lining course over a lake, run by Supreme Adventure Park. The course has three progressively challenging levels, taking participants across sections of Uganda’s deepest lake by zip line.
Birding
With over 200 recorded bird species, Lake Bunyonyi lives up to its name. Species to look for include the grey crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird, along with herons, cattle egrets, the slender-billed weaver, the cardinal woodpecker, and the African harrier hawk, many drawn to the shelter offered by the lake’s numerous islands.
Community Visits
Cultural tours to villages on the islands or along the shoreline include visits with Batwa communities, who continue to navigate life outside their traditional forest habitat. Homestays can be arranged, along with visits to local schools, markets, and health centers, and hands-on experiences with traditional food preparation and farming.
Canoe Trekking
A traditional dugout canoe trip offers a slower, quieter way to explore the lake’s islands, following the same routes used by local communities for generations.
Where to Stay
Accommodation around Lake Bunyonyi spans luxury to budget, including Birdnest Resort, Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Bunyonyi Safaris Resort, Supreme Adventure Park, Bunyonyi Rock Resort, and Kansiime Backpackers.
Getting There
Lake Bunyonyi sits in the Kigezi highlands along the Kabale-Kisoro road, roughly 7 to 8 hours from Kampala via the Masaka-Mbarara highway. From Kabale town, a short 8km drive on a murram road off the Kisoro road leads directly to the lake.
Book Your Lake Bunyonyi Getaway
Whether you’re winding down after gorilla trekking or looking for a scenic few days by the water, Lake Bunyonyi offers island tours, birding, and a bit of adventure in one compact destination. Book your Lake Bunyonyi getaway with our team today, and we’ll help you pair it with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
