Things to do around Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda and, after Lake Tanganyika, the second-deepest lake in East Africa. It is situated in the southwestern area, between the districts of Kabale and Kisoro, and is also referred to as a “place of many little birds.” Among the 29 islands that make up Lake Bunyonyi are Bwana, Kyahugye, Akampene, commonly referred to as the punishment island, Bushara, Njuyeera, and Bucuranuka. Every island has a story behind it. Girls who were pregnant before marriage were sent to Akampene Island, a punishment island, where they would either drown while attempting to swim across the lake or starve to death. Things to do around Lake Bunyonyi. One of the most beautiful locations in Uganda is Lake Bunyonyi, offering visitors a variety of fascinating activities and a serene ambiance during a Uganda safari tour. These activities include
The best activities near Lake Bunyonyi
Canoeing and boat cruising
An intriguing activity that allows visitors to experience the lake in an old-fashioned dugout canoe is a boat cruise. Depending on your preferences, a boat cruise or canoeing trip on Lake Bunyonyi can last a full day or several days. You will be escorted by a skilled guide who is informed about the lake and the local villages.
The boat ride will allow you to take in the peace of the lake, watch the sunset, explore the 29 islands, including the punishment island, Kyahugye, Bwana, Njuyeera, Bushara, and Bucuranuka, and see various creatures and birds.
Nature hikes
A nature walk is an interesting activity that allows visitors to explore the surroundings on foot while being accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who is familiar with the various routes. You will be able to explore many islands, soak in the cool wind, visit nearby settlements, go through terraced farmlands, listen to the lovely sounds of various bird species, and snap stunning photos during the guided nature walk.
Cultural excursions
You can engage with the Bakiga and Batwa/pygmies that reside in the nearby communities through this fascinating activity. You can visit homesteads, schools, local markets, and farmlands, learn how to prepare their traditional dishes, hear their age-old tales, take in their traditional songs and drama, and learn more about the culture and way of life of the locals on the cultural trip.
Bird watching
One of Uganda’s top birding locations, Lake Bunyonyi, is home to over 200 known bird species, including water and woodland birds. An experienced bird guide will accompany you while you go bird watching and will help you identify various bird species, including the African harrier hawk, levillant cuckoo, grey-crowned crane, pied kingfisher, red-chested sunbird, white-tailed blue monarch, slender-billed baglafetch, cardinal woodpecker, herons, and weavers, among others.
Biking in the mountains
In the thrilling sport of mountain biking, you can ride a bike around the lake with a guide to discover new places. In addition to hearing various bird species and interacting with the locals in the villages, mountain riding will allow you to see children waving at you. One of the lodges offers mountain bikes for rent.
Going swimming
Due to the absence of bilharzia and the absence of crocodiles and hippos, Lake Bunyonyi is a safe place to swim. Tourists should use buddy systems or adjacent canoes as safety precautions, but they should also be aware that it is very deep and that they should be skilled swimmers.
Zip Lining
First, you will receive a safety training before embarking on an exciting zip-lining adventure across Uganda’s deepest lake. The thrilling zip line action begins once you receive the briefing. As you glide across, your hands or feet will splash the water below, giving you a huge adrenaline rush. On your Uganda safari at Lake Bunyonyi, zip-lining is a must-do activity because it allows you to snap stunning pictures and creates unique memories.
The ideal season to visit Lake Bunyonyi
Although it is possible to visit at any time of year, the best time to go is during the dry season, also referred to as the peak season, which runs from June to September and December to February. This is because there is less rainfall during this time, making the hiking and nature walk trails dry and manageable, as opposed to the wet season when they are muddy, slippery, and wet.
How to travel to Bunyonyi Lake
Located in the southwest region of Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is reachable by road transportation. From Kampala or Entebbe, you must drive through Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale before connecting to Lake Bunyonyi, which takes roughly seven to eight hours.
Accommodations in Lake Bunyonyi
You can stay at a variety of lodging establishments at Lake Bunyonyi while on safari. Budget, midrange, and luxury lodging options include the following: Bushara Island camp, Byoona Amagara Island retreat, Birdnest lodge, Bunyonyi Safari resort, Paradise Eco hub, Arcadia cottage Lake Bunyonyi, Hawks eye lodge Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Rock resort, Kansiime Backpackers, Eco resort, and OM Hostel Bunyonyi.
Following a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale Forest National Park, or mountain climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Lake Bunyonyi is the ideal location for relaxation.
