Lake Bunyonyi is perched in the far southwestern corner of Uganda, marked with 29 islands and overlooked by sprawling terraces of Kabale. It is undoubtedly one of Uganda’s most picturesque and lovely sites. It is on record that no place in Uganda beats Lake Bunyonyi in offering excellent options for R&R after a strenuous Uganda safari. It is a place to unwind after an adventurous gorilla trekking in the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. This article stresses the formation, tourist activities, facts, and accommodation options at this lake.
The name of the lake literally means a ‘place of little birds’ and it is truly graced with up to 200 bird species, including a wide array of weavers that nest by the lake banks and on the many islands. Plus, it is undoubtedly the best sight in Uganda to sight otters.
Lake Bunyonyi is speculated to be up to 900m deep, though this fact has never been proven. If true, it could be the second deepest lake on the continent, second only to Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania and Burundi.
A Place with Many Islands
What makes Lake Bunyonyi so unique is not only its depth but also the numerous islands dotted around its interior. There are 29 islands in total, many with historical and cultural importance. Visit each during your tour of the lake to learn about their uniqueness.
- Bushara Island: Also referred to as Sharp’s Island, this remarkable island is enveloped by a eucalyptus plantation forest. Recently, it has become a treasure for many visitors on the lake. Long ago, the island was home to doctors working at the Bwama leprosy colony, a small health center set up by British doctor Dr. Sharp to address the leprosy problem in this community.
- Punishment Island: Also known as “Akampene Island,” this islet is probably the most famous of all islands in Lake Bunyonyi. It is where young unmarried girls would be taken and left in isolation to die after conceiving unwanted pregnancies. Its name, “Punishment Island,” stems from its tragic history. Akampene Island is little more than 215 square feet, with what remains now being a raised muddy platform gradually eroded by the lake’s waves. Just two trees inhabit the islet—one long dead—and an undergrowth of short papyrus grass and other water plants. In reality, while girls were ritually humiliated and left on the island to perish, many attempted to swim back but failed to reach the shores and perished in the middle of the lake.
- Kyahugye Island: This island is also popular on Lake Bunyonyi due to its proximity to the mainland, just a stone’s throw away. It is a few minutes by boat from the lakeshore and is home to a luxurious eco-resort, as well as a profusion of wildlife and several bird species that thrive in this living zoo. The island is privately owned, spans approximately 74 acres, and hosts a variety of lush vegetation, zebras, and abundant birdlife. Due to the numerous islands and other attractions along the lake shores, Lake Bunyonyi favors many tourist activities that can be done within and around its vicinity.
A Place with Great Activities
Below are some of the amazing activities to do in Lake Bunyonyi.
- Motorized Boat Trips on Lake Bunyonyi: These trips take approximately 3-4 hours and allow visitors to explore the entire lake, visiting several islands and learning their history from local guides.
- Nature Walks: Nature walks can be enjoyed around Bushara Island, where lush vegetation and unique bird species abound. Experience the sights and sounds of these little birds and learn about how the Bakiga people have historically used natural plants as medicinal herbs to treat various illnesses. A short walk around the forested peninsula leads to a creatively submerged swimming pool built for life-saving skills training, views of grass-thatched huts for volunteers, a rural primary school, and much more.
- High Ropes Adventure: The high ropes adventure on Nature’s Prime Island, just meters away from the mainland and operated by Supreme Adventure Park, is the first of its kind on any lake in Uganda and East Africa. Enjoy a morning or afternoon adventure crossing Uganda’s deepest lake on a zip line. The park features 3 warrior levels, each completed in different stages, rewarding participants with an amazing zip-lining experience across the lake.
- Birding in Lake Bunyonyi: True to its name, “place of many little birds,” Lake Bunyonyi is gifted with a magnificent array of bird species. The numerous islands provide refuge for many birds, significantly increasing the bird population. Lake Bunyonyi boasts over 200 bird species, including the grey crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird), herons, white-tailed blue monard, cattle egrets, slender-billed baglafetch, cardinal woodpecker, African Harrier Hawk, and many more.
- Community Visits: These interactive cultural tours take visitors to villages and communities on one of the islands or along the lake shores. Popular visits include the Batwa pygmies, known as the original “forest people” who continue to struggle for survival outside of their forest habitat. Homestays in villages can be arranged, along with visits to local schools, markets, and health centers. Experience traditional food preparation and farming with locals during a village tour.
- Canoe Trekking: Explore the magic of Lake Bunyonyi by following in the footsteps of natives and embarking on an experiential dugout canoe journey. A canoe ride along Lake Bunyonyi offers an unforgettable experience, providing up-close encounters with the lake’s famous islands.
Accommodation at Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi offers a range of accommodation options to suit every visitor, from luxury to budget/basic lodges and resorts. Some of the lodges around Lake Bunyonyi include Birdnest Resort, Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Bunyonyi Safaris Resort, Supreme Adventure Park, Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Kansiime Backpackers, and more.
Getting There
Lake Bunyonyi is located amidst the mystical highlands of Kigezi. Situated along the Kabale – Kisoro road, reaching Lake Bunyonyi from Kampala takes approximately 7-8 hours via the Masaka-Mbarara Highway.
From Kabale town, take the left murram road off Kisoro road and drive only 8km.
