3 Days Lake Bunyonyi tour takes you to one of the most naturally beautiful crater lakes in Uganda for relaxation, Island hopping, swimming, canoeing and a host of other activities. Lake Bunyonyi is located in South western Uganda between the districts of Kisoro and Kabale. The Lake lies 1,962 kilometers above sea level and has 6 islands. Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded on all sides by steep hills. At 3,000 feet (900m) deep, Lake Bunyonyi is thought to be the second deepest in Africa.
The name Bunyonyi (Place of Little birds in the local language) comes from the fact that the area is home to over 200 species of birds. It is one of the best birding spots in Uganda. The 29 islands of the lake are breeding grounds for the African Harrier Hawk, Malachite kingfishers, Pied kingfishers and Egrets among many other species of birds. The journey to lake Bunyonyi takes about 7 hours from Kampala and 3 hours from Kigali in Rwanda
While on our 3 Days Lake Bunyonyi safari, one can take part in island hopping, canoeing, nature walks, community visits, birding and swimming. Lake Bunyonyi is free of Bilharzia, crocodiles and hippos but is considered very deep by normal standards. If you are not a good swimmer, it’s better to stay clear of the lake unless you are on a boat with lifesaving equipment.
This 3 Days tour of Lake Bunyonyi is excellent for honeymooners and those who desire to escape the stress of the busy capital Kampala. It is also excellent for those who are traveling as a family. If you are planning to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi and are wondering about a cool place to relax afterwards, then the environment around Lake Bunyonyi would be perfect. You might also be interested in our 3 Days Gorilla Tour and Lake Bunyonyi package.
Main Activities
- Canoeing (Dugout Canoe)
- Nature walks and hiking to see monkeys and zebras
- Visiting the local community
- Swimming: Lake Bunyonyi is free of crocodiles, hippos and snails that cause the dreaded Bilharzia.
- Bird watching: Lake Bunyonyi is home to over 200 bird species.
- Sightseeing
- Cycling along the main park
- Cave exploration
Trip Summary
Day 1: Pickup from Kampala or Entebbe – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 2: Relaxation, nature walks, Community visits and visiting the Islands
Day 3: Nature walk and Transfer to Kampala or Entebbe
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup from Entebbe or Kampala – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Wake up early and take your breakfast as you wait for a representative from Mission Africa Safaris. You will then start the 7-hour Journey to Lake Bunyonyi while making several stoppages along the highway. Southwestern Uganda has arguably the best scenery in Uganda. You will marvel at the beautiful countryside, vast swamps and the Mpanga forest. Prepare to catch sight of the local people tending their gardens and looking after their long-horned Ankole cattle. There will be a stop at the equator crossing in Kayabwe for photos, refreshments and an opportunity to buy local souvenir. The Equator crossing allows you to put one foot on the earth’s southern and another on the northern hemisphere. Lunch will be in Mbarara town before proceeding to Kabale and finally to Lake Bunyonyi.
After check-in at the hotel, you should head out to explore the lake, walk along the shores or enjoy the beautiful scenery. Depending on which accommodation facility you choose, you should prepare for evening entertainment by local traditional dancers as you sit around a camp fire.
Dinner and Overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Resort (Budget), Bunyonyi Safaris Resort (Mid-range) and Arcadia Cottages (Luxury).
Day 2: Visit the Local Communities, cave exploration, tour the Islands using a canoe, birdwatching and sightseeing
Wake up and take your breakfast as you prepare for a day full of fun. The first thing to do is enjoy the beautiful sounds of birds in the morning. The lake has an amazing collection of birds including the 
African harrier, egrets, grey crowned cranes, hawks, herons, levillant cuckoo, Rufus breathed wryneck, weaver birds and the white tailed blue monad among many others. Take a stroll along the lake shores to spot some of the birds as you wait for the Driver/Guide. The Guide/Driver will take you to visit the Batwa and Abaheesi Community of blacksmiths. The Batwa of Lake Bunyonyi live mostly in the Orugano forest, Echuya Forest and surrounding areas. Spend time and interact with them as learn about how they make ends meet. You might also find visiting the Bukora Cave interesting.
Afterwards, you can walk back to the hotel/lodge for lunch before proceeding for a boat ride or canoeing. You will be taken to visit the beautiful islands where you will get even better views of the lake, 
surrounding areas, rolling hills and terraces. Most of the islands are named after the dominant bird species there. One particular island is known as the punishment island. The Bakiga tribe living in the area once had a cruel culture of abandoning all girls who got pregnant before marriage in this particular island. They were left there to die since most couldn’t swim. Most of the girls were eventually rescued by the men who had impregnated them or bachelors who couldn’t who couldn’t pay the bride price required by parents of virgins.
While at the islands, you will interact with the people, visit some of the schools and health facilities. If you are the inquisitive type, you might want to visit the local traditional healer in one of the islands. After you are done with the activities, the boat will bring you back ashore for refreshment and relaxation at the lodge. The evening should be reserved for relaxation and short walks along the lake shores.
Dinner and Overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Resort (Budget), Bunyonyi Safaris Resort (Mid-range) and Arcadia Cottages (Luxury).
Day 3: Travel back to Kampala/Entebbe with a visit to the Igongo Cultural Centre, Equator crossing and Buganda royal drum makers.
Wake up early for breakfast and go out for nature walks to enjoy the beautiful scenery/landscapes as you wait to begin the Journey back to Kampala. The Lake Bunyonyi area is green throughout the year with beautiful trees and vegetation which are worth exploring. Lunch will be in Mbarara preferably at the Igongo Cultural Centre. After visiting the Centre, you will continue to Kampala and have another stop at the Equator or the Buganda Royal Drum Makers. Expect to reach Kampala or Entebbe late in the evening.
End of Tour
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes;
- The services of a professional English Speaking Guide/Driver
- Transport in a comfortable and standard Tour Van
- All the activities indicated in the package
- Accommodation for two nights
- All meals and bottled water during the tour
- Airport transfer
- Government taxes
The Tour Excludes;
- Visas
- International flights
- Expenses on things that appear personal in nature
- Accommodation before or after the tour
- Tips to the Guide/Driver and Hotel staff
Accommodation
Like Most destinations in East Africa, Lake Bunyonyi has three categories of Accommodation facilities. They include budget, moderate and Luxury accommodations. There is no shortage of quality accommodation facilities in Lake Bunyonyi considering its popularity. Most of the accommodation facilities have single, double and triple bed options. Booking needs to be done in advance especially for the more popular hotels and during the peak seasons. Should you travel during the peak season and happen to miss out on your favorite lodge, we will ensure that we select for you an equivalent one with similar facilities. If you are a backpacker or traveling with your own tents, you can still ask one of the hotels to allow you set up camp in their premises. Some of the lodges also rent out mobile tents to travelers at a fee.
Bunyonyi Overland Resort: The budget rooms at Bunyonyi Overland Resort are in form of safari tents and cottages. Self-camping is also possible for those who have their own tents or wish to hire one from the resort. The safari tents are about 10 in number. Each is permanent and mounted on raised platform with amazing views of the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. Each tent has a bed, a working table, chairs and a hammock. The bathrooms and toilets are shared. If you want a self-contained facility, then you should book one of the 12 cottages. Each cottage has its own bathroom, toilet, shower and other facilities like Television. You can also choose one of the two family cottages if you are traveling with friends or family. The family cottage can accommodate up to 4 people and has a kitchen with all equipment. The lodge 
arranges evening camp fires for all residents where barbecue is served and entertainment arranged. Other facilities include secure parking space, a bar, a restaurant, a conference room, artisan shop, satellite television, reading books, laundry services, free Wi-Fi and first aid equipment.
Bunyonyi Safaris Resort: This family owned resort is one of the best mid-range lodges in the Lake Bunyonyi area. The resort has been operating since 2002. It is very popular with honeymooners and tourists who are resting during or after long safaris in Uganda. The hotel not only provides excellent services but also supports the local community through various development programs. They train youth in hospitality management and ensure that their guests are involved in some of their projects.
Arcadia Cottages: Arcadia cottages prides itself as one of the most popular Luxury lodges in the area. It’s 25 cottages are built on top of one of the highest hills in the area. Residents can get amazing views of the lake, the islands and surrounding regions from their rooms/balconies or dining area. All the cottages are self-contained and have a private desk and comfortable bed. The lodge has a serene and tranquil environment making it an excellent choice for those who love nature and value privacy. Their staff are very professional and will go out of their way to ensure that you enjoy your time while there. The lodge has a bar and restaurant that serves dishes from across the globe.
