Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda Safari
Lake Bunyonyi is undoubtedly Uganda’s loveliest lake. Often called “the Switzerland of Africa,” this enchanting, remote paradise is a popular getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers and those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the countryside. It is also an excellent stopover for those on their way to or from other parks in the gorilla highlands region.
The lake’s winding shores encircle 29 picturesque islands, surrounded by steep terraced hillsides that provide a natural staircase leading to some of the country’s stunning views. Travelers can disconnect, relax, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance without worrying about the noisy city life.
Lake Bunyonyi at a Glance
Lake Bunyonyi is tucked away in Uganda’s southwestern highlands, between Kisoro and Kabale, not far from the border with Rwanda. It is encircled by steep terraced hills, exotic rural landscapes, and the Virunga Mountains as a backdrop.
Unlike most lakes of the western circuit, Lake Bunyonyi is not a crater lake. It is a lava-dammed lake formed when lava dammed a river, drowning an area of 61 square kilometres (24 square miles) 10,000 years ago. The lake’s contorted shore is 25 km long and 7 km wide with 29 islands protruding from it, including the popular punishment island.
Although its depth is debatable, scientific literature generally quotes a maximum depth of 40 m (130 ft), but some tour guides and locals insist that it is much deeper, at about 900 m (3,000 ft), which makes it the second deepest lake in Africa.
Lake Bunyonyi is the largest of the lakes in Uganda’s far southwestern tip, just opposite the similar-sized Lake Burera in Rwanda. Famous for its 29 picturesque islands and pristine, bilharzia-free waters, it offers a cooler, breathtaking highland landscape ideal for relaxation, bird watching, canoeing, cultural tours, and post-gorilla trek recovery, thanks to the proliferation of entertainment, dining, and lodging options nearby.
Ecology
Bunyonyi
The name Bunyonyi means “Place of many little birds”, and so as the name suggests, the lake is an excellent habitat for over 200 bird species including African harrier hawk, gray-crowned crane, heron, egret, Levillant cuckoo, slender-billed baglafetch, African kingfisher, white-tailed monad, and cardinal woodpecker, making it the perfect place for bird enthusiasts.
Marine life lovers will enjoy spotting the African clawless otters and spotted-necked otters as well as various frogs, fish, and shrimp. You can also find monkeys and zebras in the surrounding islands.
vegetation features a lush mix of papyrus, swamp sawgrass, blue lotus, exotic forests, and heavily cultivated agricultural terraces.
Lake Bunyonyi has been named one of the safest lakes in Africa due to the absence of crocs and hippos, and there’s no risk of bilharzia.
Lake Bunyonyi’s Major Islands
Lake Bunyonyi has 29 islands, each defined by unique folklore and historical significance. Some of these are;
1. Akampene (Punishment Island)
Punishment Island is the smallest but has the most interesting history. Until the 1940s, unmarried pregnant Bakiga girls were abandoned here to starve or drown while trying to swim to shore given that swimming skills were rare.
This act was intended to discourage premarital pregnancies. However, legend dictates that only one woman ever survived by luring a group of young men to the island in a canoe, which she capsized, killing them all. She then paddled the canoe back to shore.
In reality, a number of women escaped the island by marrying poor men or slaves who could not afford the regular bride price.
2. Bwama and Njuyeera (Sharp’s Island)
Leonard Sharp, an English medical missionary established a leprosy treatment facility on the then-uninhabited Bwama Island. He went on to construct a church and patient quarters (model villages), and the island came to be known as a leprosy colony.
When not on duty in Kabale Hospital, Dr. Leonard Sharp resided on the adjacent Njuyeera Island (white cottage) which he converted into a gorgeous botanical garden with a tennis court, boat house, guest cottage and windmill.
Things to do in Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is popular for its lush and green terraced hills, punctuated with over 200 bird species including water and migratory birds. Bird enthusiasts can explore a variety of assorted birds.
The lake is also ideal for swimming, boat riding or paddling in a local dugout canoe between the 29 islands.
Various hikes and nature walks offer more than just nature and pleasure. The community walks, which include stops at the blacksmith and the Bakiga Cultural Museum, also evoke a sense of tradition and culture.
Visitors can explore Bufuka village for more cultural adventures, such as the Batwa and Bakiga experiences. Read more about things to do in Lake Bunyonyi.
Best time to Visit Lake Bunyonyi
The best time to visit Lake Bunyonyi is during the dry seasons from June to September (peak) and December to February. There is less or no rainfall in these months and the trails are relatively dry, making them easily navigable. It’s also great for boating and nature walks.
The wet seasons of March to May (the long rainy season) and October to November (the short rainy season) offer excellent bird watching opportunities with both resident and migratory birds present. The long rainy season supports breeding, and so birders have an abundance to explore in this rich habitat. Butterflies are also seen almost everywhere at this time.
Getting to Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi can be accessed by road from Kampala or Entebbe via Masaka and Mbarara to Kabale in about 6.5 hours. From Kabale you’ll spend another 1.5 hours to complete the journey to the lake.
Those coming from Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kibale National Park will travel for about 5 hours on the road before reaching the lake. Lake Bunyonyi is closer to Kigali, Rwanda, than Kampala. It takes about 3 hours to drive to the lake.
You can also catch a 1.5-hour charter flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi and then be transferred by road to your reserved lodge at the lake in roughly 3 hours, all arranged by your tour operator.
Where to stay in Lake Bunyonyi
There’s a wide range of budget lodges, campsites, and resorts around the small fishing village of Rutinda and nearby islands.
Those interested in camping can try Bunyonyi Overland Resort, which offers the ability to rent a mobile tent, furnished safari tents, and cottages.
If you’re considering accommodation with a difference, we recommend Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, which features 10 cottages and offers great cultural experiences, a very relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views.
Popular Trips including Lake Bunyonyi
These itineraries are meant to give you an idea of what is possible. Use them as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch with our expert team to help craft the perfect itinerary according to your style and preferences.
