Lake Bunyonyi, commonly known as "a place of many little birds," is one of the most peaceful, loveliest, and magical lakes in Uganda. It is among the most beloved destinations to visit in the pearl of Africa. L. Bunyonyi has attracted a lot of visitors all over the world, especially bird watchers, and is known for its clear waters that are crocodile and hippo free, enabling travelers to swim safely.
Lake Bunyonyi is located in south-western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale, close to the border with Rwanda. It is nestled in the Kigezi Highlands between Kabale and Kisoro districts. The lake was formed about 18,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption blocking a valley in the Rukiga mountains near the present-day village of Muko. At 1,962 m (6,437 ft) above sea level, it stretches about 25km in length and 7km in width, with an anticipated depth of around 44m to 900m, making it the second deepest lake in Africa after Lake Tanganyika.
This is due to the Lake’s natural setup such as the green terraced height that reaches a height of about 2,478m. The most spectacular scenery of this Lake is the presence of the 29 islands of various area sizes that are scattered all over the waters of Bunyonyi.
The People and Culture
The shores and islands of Lake Bunyonyi are mainly occupied by two tribes: the Bakiga and the Batwa, who were introduced to the area after being evicted from the tropical forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Batwa people have changed the area, and they still practice their culture in the area. Tourists can get a chance to view and listen to the pleasant cultural dances and music performed by the Batwa people.
On the other hand, the Bakiga are the original settlers of Lake Bunyonyi, and the people have been cultivating the hilly terraces of the islands. They also have a rich tradition that comes with a lot of admirable things such as the cultural dance that requires a lot of energy to dance if you attempt to do so.
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Many cultural insights can be found on the Lake such as the Bakora cave, the Batwa people along with their traditional customs and the Abaheesi who are the traditional smiths. Most of the cultural performances happen to be more memorable and exciting to the tourists.
Popular Islands of Lake Bunyonyi
The Lake boasts 29 islands, and the ones that mainly standout include:
- Akampene Island
- Kyahugye Island
- Bwama and Njuyeera Sharp Islands
- Bucaranuka (Upside Down) Island
Akampene Island (Punishment Island)
This island is sought to be a center of attraction because of the ancient practices that come along with its name. It is believed during the early days of the Bakiga people, the island was used as an area for dumping unmarried pregnant girls from the community as this was against the cultural laws of the Bakiga people. This was done to educate the younger girls against such acts in the community.
The Bakiga used to leave unmarried pregnant girls on this small island - to die of hunger or while trying to swim to the mainland (swimming skills were rare). This was to intimidate the rest, to show them not to do the same. A man without cows to pay the bride wealth could go to the island and pick up a girl. The practice got abandoned in the first half of the 20th century.
Kyahugye Island
Kyahungye Island is the closest island to the shores of the Lake and covers an area equaling to 74 acres. It Consists of reed intersperse with papyrus and also Eucalyptus, Pinus species and all these tree species form a tree cover on the island.
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This is the 1st Island from the mainland and it is the only Island on Lake Bunyonyi with wild animals. These wild animals include the Impalas, Zebra, Water bucks, the Kobs and the only Debrasa Monkey which is referred to as the “President of this Island”. It also housed Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort. You can also watch birds on this island.
Bwama and Njuyeera Sharp Islands
In 1921, English missionary Leonard Sharp came to this part of Uganda and in 1931 established a leprosy treatment centre on the then uninhabited Bwama island. A church, patient quarters (model villages), and a medical facility were built, while Sharp settled on Njuyeera Island (probably meaning "white cottage" after the similarity of the doctor's small white house to Sharp's father's house in Shanklin, now The White House Hotel).
Bucaranuka (Upside Down) Island
Bucaranuka Island, also known as Upside Down Island, is famous for its legendary story. It is said that an old woman passed by one day as the locals were brewing beer. When she begged for some beer, they refused to give her even a sip. She then asked for someone to help her to the mainland, and they sent a young man to assist her. On his return journey, the island is said to have turned upside down, killing everyone on it.
Things to Do at Lake Bunyonyi
Apart from birdwatching, the place also presents other opportunities. These include sports like swimming as well as boat cruising and riding.
- Boat cruise and canoeing: Boat Cruise gives you an experience of calmness and quietness and the tranquility of Lake Bunyonyi. These can be done with either a motorized boat or a canoe boat. The canoe ride is interesting for the adventurous tourists as they get the chance to participate in rowing their boats with the specialized guides.
- Bird watching: Lake Bunyonyi is filled with a variety of bird species, over 200 bird species can be viewed at Lake Bunyonyi. Nyombi swamp is home to a great number of them and all you need is a boat ride to the place to have a spectacular view of the birds.
- Nature walks and cycling: Tourists can walk freely on the shores of the Lake while having a panoramic view of the islands while listening to the pleasant sounds of the birds and the fresh breeze of Lake Bunyonyi and the community around.
- Swimming: Lake Bunyonyi has been named one of the safest lakes in Africa. There are no crocs, hippos, or risk of bilharzia.
- Community and Cultural Visits: One of the most popular activities is taking a walk to observe how the local people go about with their daily lives near the shores of the lake.
Lake Bunyonyi : A hidden Gem in Uganda | Bashem safaris |Documentary
Accommodation Options
Lake Bunyonyi has a great number of accommodation facilities that range from luxury, midrange, and basic or budget accommodation. The tourists have the opportunity to choose from this variety at Lake Bunyonyi. Here are a few options:
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- Bushara Island Camp: Bushara Island is about 8 km from Kabale town and is located on Lake Bunyonyi. The camp features a range of accommodation facilities such as the safari tents cottages and group sites to meet the needs of those with families, groups and lone travelers.
- Heritage Lodge Habuharo: Located on Habuhari Island, Heritage Lodge is surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi. The lodge offers fully furnished rooms with hot showers, flush toilets, and comfortable beds.
- Arcadia Cottages: Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi is located on the hilly part that provides a panoramic view of Lake Bunyonyi that is below Arcadia Cottages. The accommodation facility offers remarkable lake views, motor launch for lake cruises, beautiful gardens for relaxation.
- Bunyonyi Safari Resort: Bunyonyi Safari Resort is a midrange accommodation located on the shores of the Lake in the Kagalama village.
- Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort: This resort is locally owned and built with material got from surrounding villages. The resort provides single and family cottages as well as safari and mobile camping tents.
There are so many luxury, mid-range and budget accommodation places which are just one click away. Using your computer or phone, you can make sleeping arrangements or adjustments in case of any changes. This is all doable online.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury | High-end facilities with stunning views | Hot showers, lake cruises, beautiful gardens |
| Mid-Range | Comfortable and affordable options | Good views, essential amenities |
| Budget | Basic accommodations for budget travelers | Camping, simple cottages |
Getting to Lake Bunyonyi
To get to the Lake, you will need to first make your way to Kabale from Kampala, a journey that can take up to eight hours long. From Kabale town Lake Bunyonyi is about 25 minutes drive.
Lake Bunyonyi is in the neighborhoods of Kabale town in South Western Uganda. On the road, it is 7 hours from Kampala (410 km) to Kabale town and 8 km marrum road from Kabale town to Lake Bunyonyi on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Kabale or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park home Kisoro district.
Lake Bunyonyi is tangled between the hills of Kabale. The lake is based in south-western Uganda, sandwiched between Kabale (53 km away) and Kisoro (48 km away).To reach the lake, you can catch a matatu (minibus) from Kampala, taking you to Kabale within 6.5 hours. From Kabale, you can hire a taxi, or rent a car, to complete the journey within 1.5 hours.Alternatively, you can catch a 1.5 hour flight from Entebbe to Kihihi.
In general, Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most exciting destinations in the pearl of Africa that shouldn’t miss a spot in places to visit during the holidays. The serenity of the place is totally unforgettable and full of fun and relaxation plus adventurous.
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