Best things to do around Lake Bunyonyi
Best things to do around Lake Bunyonyi, Key activities to engage in around Lake Bunyonyi; it is the deepest lake in Uganda and the second deepest in East Africa, following Lake Tanganyika. It is recognized as a habitat for numerous little birds, situated in the southwestern region between the Kabale and Kisoro districts. Lake Bunyonyi consists of 29 islands, including Bwana, Kyahugye, Akampene (sometimes referred to as Punishment Island), Bushara, Njuyeera, and Bucuranuka, among others. Each island possesses a narrative; for instance, Akampene Island served as a punitive location where girls who became pregnant out of wedlock were sent to perish from malnutrition or drown while attempting to swim across the lake. Lake Bunyonyi is among the most exquisite locations in Uganda, offering a captivating ambiance and a variety of engaging activities for tourists, including:
Boat excursion/canoeing
A boat excursion is an engaging activity that allows people to discover the lake in a traditional dugout canoe. A boat tour or paddling on Lake Bunyonyi can be either a full day or many days, depending on your option, and will be conducted with the accompaniment of a skilled guide familiar with the lake and its surrounding settlements. On the boat ride, you will experience the tranquility of the lake, observe the sunset, explore 29 islands including Punishment Island, Kyahugye, Bwana, Njuyeera, Bushara, and Bucuranuka, and view various bird species and animals such as zebras, otters, and impalas.
Nature excursions
A nature walk is an engaging activity that allows travelers to explore nearby places on foot, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide familiar with various pathways. During the guided nature walk, you will visit surrounding communities, traverse terraced farmlands, listen to melodious bird species, explore several islands, enjoy the refreshing wind, and capture stunning photographs, among other activities.
Bird watching
Lake Bunyonyi hosts over 200 documented bird species, encompassing both forest and aquatic birds, establishing it as one of Uganda’s premier birding locales. While birdwatching, you will be accompanied by a seasoned bird guide who will assist you in identifying various avian species, including the grey crowned crane, pied kingfisher, red chested sunbird, white tailed blue monard, levillant cuckoo, African harrier hawk, slender billed baglafetch, cardinal woodpecker, herons, and weavers, among others.
Cultural adventures
This exercise allows for interaction with the Bakiga and Batwa/Pygmies residing in the nearby communities. On the cultural trip, you will gain insights into the local populace’s culture and lifestyle, visit their residences, educational institutions, local markets, and agricultural areas, learn to prepare their traditional cuisine, hear their old narratives, and appreciate their traditional music and theatrical performances, among other activities.
Mountain cycling
Mountain biking is an exhilarating pursuit that allows for exploration of the lake’s surroundings on a bicycle, accompanied by a guide. While mountain biking, you will get the opportunity to engage with local villagers, observe children waving at you, and listen to various bird species, among other experiences. Mountain riding bicycles can be rented at one of the resorts.
swimming
Lake Bunyonyi is suitable for swimming as it is free from bilharzia and lacks harmful creatures such as hippos and crocodiles. Tourists must be cognizant of the considerable depth and should thus be proficient swimmers, employing safety measures such as nearby canoes or a buddy system.
Ziplining
Zip lining is an exhilarating activity that involves traversing the deepest lake in Uganda, commencing with a briefing on safety protocols. Following the briefing, you will commence the exhilarating zip line sport, providing a substantial adrenaline rush as you soar above the water below, either with your hands or feet immersed. Zip lining is an essential activity during your Uganda safari at Lake Bunyonyi, as it provides captivating experiences and an opportunity to capture stunning photographs.
When is the best time to visit Lake Bunyonyi
Visitation is permissible year-round; however, the optimal period occurs during the dry season, specifically from June to September and December to February. During this time, precipitation is minimal, rendering nature walks and hiking trails dry and accessible, in contrast to the wet season when trails become damp, muddy, and treacherous.
Directions to Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda and is accessible by road. The journey from Kampala or Entebbe involves traveling through Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale, taking approximately 7 to 8 hours.
Accommodation at Lake Bunyonyi
Numerous lodging options are available for your stay on the safari at Lake Bunyonyi. The accommodations encompass budget, midrange, and luxury options, including Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Kansiime Backpackers, Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Birdnest Lodge, Bunyonyi Safari Resort, Paradise Eco Hub, Arcadia Cottage Lake Bunyonyi, Hawks Eye Lodge Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Bushara Island Camp, Byoona Amagara Island Retreat, and OM Hostel Bunyonyi, among others.
Lake Bunyonyi is the optimal location for relaxation following a gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park, or mountain climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.