Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is a magnificent lake in South-western Uganda, located in 2 districts of Kabale and Kisoro near the border with Rwanda.

Lake Bunyonyi is an habitant to many small birds, and from this, the lake derives its name. It is also home to crayfish, otters, and many other species.

Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda, and it is the 2^nd deepest on the African continent, with a depth of about 900 meters.

The lake has 29 unique Islands that give it beauty. The most prominent ones include; Bushara Island, Kahungye Island, Akampe Island, also known as the punishment island, Bucuranuka, and Bwama Island.

Lake Bunyonyi Covers a land area of 61 square kilometers, 25 kilometers long, and 7 kilometers wide. It stands at an altitude of 1,962 meters above sea level.

Lake Bunyonyi is in a green terraced hilly area, and the farms create the beautiful terraces on the hills by the Bakiga and Bafumbira farmers. They are the indigenous inhabitants of this area.

The Batwa pygmies are another tribe of people living on the islands around lake Bunyonyi. A cultural encounter is worthy of your visit to Lake Bunyonyi; make sure not to miss the canoeing experience to the islands to visit these fantastic ethnic groups.

Apart from Scenic views and relaxation at the resorts on the islands, canoe rides to the islands, birding around Lake Bunyonyi is an unusual activity with about 200 bird species. Some of the birds on this lake are migratory species. Lake Bunyonyi inhabits a variety of bird species; the African harrier hawk, the Grey-crowned cranes, the Slender-billed baglafetch, the Levillant cuckoo, the White-tailed monad, Weavers, Egrets, Herons, the Cardinal woodpecker, the African kingfisher, among many others.

When to Visit Lake Bunyonyi

You can visit Lake Bunyonyi all year round; no season or weather can deter your visit to this magnificent destination.

How to get to Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is approximately 470 kilometers away from Kampala, about 8 hours’ drive. There are several public buses from Kampala to Kabale, the nearest town. From Kabale, you can get a taxi to lake Bunyonyi.

Lake Bunyonyi is accessible from many Ugandan Parks and always used as a buffer and relaxation destination between Bwindi Impenetrable forest Gorilla park and other parks like Mgahinga, Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale forest National parks.

You can also access Lake Bunyonyi by Air, Fly from Entebbe to Kisoro. Daily scheduled morning flights are available by Aerolink Uganda. As well as chartered flight options, on arrival at Kisoro Airstrip, you can then transfer by road to Lake Bunyonyi.

However, for tourism experiences, the best and most recommended mode of transport is a tourist vehicle with a licensed tour driver; your safety is guaranty.

What to Bring

On a honeymoon, holiday, or relaxation trip? You may need a novel to read as you relax by the bank of the lake. It gets freezing in the evening, so warm clothing may be necessary.

Accommodation around Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is a popular destination and has several accommodation establishments, including some of;
From the Basic; Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Crater bay Cottages and Bushara Island Camp.
For the higher end; Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Arcadia Cottages, and Birdnest Resort.