Lake Bunyonyi is found in the south-western part of Uganda near the border with Rwanda in Kabale District. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most naturally beautiful lakes in Africa and is one of the leading tourist destinations in Uganda. The lake attracts tourists, honeymooners and Ugandans who wish to get away from the busy town life and enjoy the cool weather and beautiful islands. The lake offers great panoramic views from all sides and is a great place to go for meditation and relaxation. The Lake is collection of water that filled a valley created by a volcanic explosion hundreds of thousands of years ago.
Lake Bunyonyi is made up twenty nine islands among which include Bushara, Njuyeera, Bwama and the infamous Punishment Island (Akampene). Among the Bakiga in the area, any girl who got pregnant before marriage was taken and abandoned in Akampene Island to die of hunger or drowning (girls were not taught how to swim). Getting pregnant was an abomination then because no one would pay bird price for a girl who had gotten pregnant before marriage. The intention of leaving the girl to die in the island was to send a strong message to the rest that getting pregnant before marriage was unacceptable.
Things to do in Lake Bunyonyi
Apart from marveling at the beautiful scenery on arrival, there are a lot of interesting activities to do in Lake Bunyonyi.
Swimming: Lake Bunyonyi is a clean lake with clear waters that are free from pollution due to the absence of fishing sites on the lake shores. The lake waters are free from crocodiles, hippos and parasites that cause Bilharzia. Bilharza is a common disease in some of the water bodies in East and Southern Africa. The only disadvantage with swimming on the lake is the depth. Lake Bunyonyi is believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa. Those who are not good swimmers should take caution and instead use the hotel swimming pools.
Island hopping: Canoeing for 2 or more hours allows you to hop from one island to another while learning about their history. Visiting the “punishment island” where girls who lost got pregnant before marriage where left to die is a must. You can visit Bwama and learn about its history of hosting lepers. The lepers are no longer taken to the island as a permanent cure for leprosy was discovered. The leper hospital has been turned into a school for children.
Another alternative is to go and visit the Batwa people. The Batwa in this part of Uganda where removed away from the Echuya Forest and allocated land near the lake. Like their relatives in other areas like Bwindi, Mgahinga and Virunga National Park, the Batwa have failed to adjust to life outside the forest.
Nature Walks: If one is not interested in the community walks, they can hike through established trails accompanied by a guide to explore and marvel at the terraced hills which give majestic views of the lake and towering landscapes. Visitors can also visit the ancient bamboo forest of Echuya or the other small ones surrounding the lake and spot small primates and zebra.
Mountain Biking: One of the best ways of discovering the lake is by hiring a mountain bike and ride to the spot the beautiful landscape while passing by human settlements. Many of the hotels do not have bike rental services but your tour company can make the necessary arrangements and have a bike at your disposal.
Birdwatching: Lake Bunyonyi is a birders paradise and one of the best places to go birding in Uganda. The name Bunyonyi suggests a place with birds. Over 205 species of birds can be spotted in the lake. The small islands in the lake act as sanctuaries and breeding grounds for many water birds.
Eating Crayfish: Uganda’s infamous military dictator Idi Amin had his positive sides too. One of it was endorsing the introduction of the Louisiana Crayfish to Lake Bunyonyi. Cray fish have been so successful that they have become the dominant specie in the lake and surrounding water bodies. All the lodges and restaurants serve crayfish. If one is not interested in the Cray fish, they can order for the tasty local Tilapia fish.
How to get to Lake Bunyonyi
Lone travelers to Lake Bunyonyi need to first get to Kabale town. It takes 8 hours of driving by car to reach Kabale town from Kampala. It takes between 20 to 30 minutes at most to reach the lake from Kable town. To reach the Lake from Kabale town, one needs to hire a bodaboda (motorcycle) or taxi. Those coming from a safari in either Queen Elizabeth or Kibale National Park will need to travel for about 5 hours on road before reaching the lake. Lake Bunyonyi is closer to Kigali in Rwanda than Kampala (Uganda’s capital). It takes 3 hours of driving by car to reach the lake.
Where to stay in Lake Bunyonyi – Hotels and lodges for accommodation
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. The rented tents are mobile and come with or without bedding. The safari tents are built on raised platforms with great views of the lake and surrounding islands. The safari tents are self-contained with chairs, a table, twin beds and electricity. The resort arranges activities like swimming and badminton. If one is interested in going for village walks or learning about the economic activities of the locals, a guide can be identified to escort them.
Byoona Amagara: This hotel is built on Itambira Island and is one of the known hotels around Lake Bunyonyi. It is a non-profit because all proceeds are used to develop the local communities living around the island in areas of farming and education. Being in an island creates a feeling of being far away from the outside world. One part of the island is occupied by the resort while the other half has been demarcated into plots that are given to the local people for farming. The hotel has private balconies with stunning views of the beautiful terraced hills surrounding the lake. One can also spot the other islands from this hotel. The hotel has friendly staff and chefs who prepare local and foreign dishes that are relatively inexpensive. Residents have an option of choosing the luxury rooms, budget rooms or dormitories depending on their budget. There are even separate family cottages in case one is traveling with family.
Arcadia Cottages: Arcadia is built on the side of one of the hills offering great views of the beautiful lake and its numerous islands. All the twelve rooms have great views of the lake and have rooms that are self-contained with electricity and hot water.
The Africa Explorer Eco village: Is another great option with perfect views of the lake, the islands and the Virunga Mountain rangers. The lodge is made up of modern looking huts that are self-contained with hot showers, WiFi and solar power. There are domes and camping opportunities depending on one’s desire. The food served at the restaurant is relatively cheap and includes both local and international cuisines.
Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort: This Eco resort is located in a forested area giving a feeling of being near nature while offering stunning views of the lake and islands. There are 10 cottages that are built separately offering mid-range and luxury facilities. Among the facilities include hot showers, a bar, restaurant and a swimming pool. The resort is perfect for family retreats. Other activities organized by the resort are canoeing, nature walks and camping. The resort organizes cultural performances and traditional dances for clients.
Bugombe Island Gateway: This resort is newly opened which great room facilities while also organizing great activities like island hopping, canoeing and birdwatching in the Bugombe birding sanctuary.
Upendo Guest Home: Upendo Guest Home offers modern looking facilities with comfortable self-contained rooms and a kitchen that can be accessed by clients. The hotel rooms are suitable for both budget and mid-range travelers. The lodge has a children home (Upendo Children’s Home) that takes care of homeless children and offers volunteering opportunities.
Bunyonyi view resort: This is one of the cheaper accommodation options available in the lake area. The lodge offers dome accommodations with private balconies that overlook the beautiful lake and islands. Apart from the domes, there are also family cottages and self-contained single rooms for those who want more privacy. The hotel staffs are supper friendly and prepare tasty local and foreign dishes.
Bushara Island Camp: This camp is built on private land on the Island of Bushara. To reach the camp, you need to be taken by a canoe or speed boat. The camp is perfect for honeymooners and those who love relaxation in a quiet place with beautiful scenery. The camp offers tree houses, safari tents and cottages. There are family, double and single rooms in the cottages. Other services include delicious meals, campfires and conference facilities. The camp organizes activities like bird watching, canoeing, swimming, volleyball, rope swinging, nature and cultural walks.
Crater Bay Cottages and Camp: This hotel is built in Bufuka village on the shores of the lake. There are 12 private cottages which have single, double and even triple rooms. The hotel prepares delicious crayfish and other delicacies at their restaurant. Other facilities in the hotel include a library, a craft shop, WiFi and laundry services at a small fee.
Bird’s Nest. Birds Nest contains single and double luxurious rooms. This is one of the higher end accommodation facilities and is reflected in the services offered. The rooms are laid out perfectly with a beautiful swimming pool outside.