Things to do in Lake Bunyonyi

Activities or Things to do in Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is a serene crater lake and resort destination between Kabale and Kisoro in southwestern Uganda.

Dotted with 29 small islands surrounded by steep terraced hills, exotic rural landscapes and the Virunga mountains backdrop, Lake Bunyonyi makes for an ideal post-gorilla trekking escape or safaris in the western circuit, thanks to a proliferation of entertainment, food, and lodging options around the lake.

The icing on the cake is its tranquil atmosphere and the absence of crowds or loud traffic. Visitors can enjoy cool weather, relaxation, stunning views and adventure. Below are some activities to include on your bucket list.

Things to do in Lake Bunyonyi

1. Island hopping

Lake Bunyonyi features 29 scenic islands each with fascinating folklore and history. The most popular are Bwama, Bushara and Akampene or Punishment Island which is the most infamous. The adventurous can explore them by boat, paddle a dugout canoe or just relax while enjoying the breathtaking views from the island lodges.

Many of the islands offer excellent accommodation options. For example, Bushara Island Camp provides camping and cozy cottages, while Heritage Lodge on Habuharo Island offers more upscale amenities for visitors seeking comfy experiences.

2. Swimming

Lake Bunyonyi is one of the safest waters for swimming because of the absence of hippos, crocodiles, and the risk of bilharzia—the three biggest nuisances of freshwaters on the continent. Taking a dip in this lake is one of the best experiences but inexperienced swimmers are cautioned to watch out for its extreme depth.

Most resorts and guesthouses have docks where visitors can swim. Some have diving boards, rope swings, small beaches, and other amenities. The water is surprisingly warm. It offers convenience to most travelers who’ve just come from gorilla trekking, and want to ‘wash the dust off’.

3. Canoe Ride

Paddling around in a dugout canoe is the most iconic experience on a Lake Bunyonyi safari given that it is the most common mode of transportation on these waters. It offers a completely different perspective of the lake as you explore the beautiful islands and enjoy the scenery all around.

The canoe ride takes up to 2 hours to explore most of the corners of the lake. You can ride any time of day, but the morning experience, when the mist and tranquil atmosphere feel mystical is the most impressive. The evening ride is also excellent, offering spectacular sunset views.

4. Birding

Lake Bunyonyi’s enormous assemblage of bird species makes bird watching one of the its bucket list activities. The lake hosts over 200 species of birds including Kingfishers, Bee-eaters, African broadbills, weaver birds, egrets, Levillant cuckoos, herons, grey-crowned cranes, and the slender-billed baglafecht.

5. Community tour

A tour around Itambira Island allows you to interact with the local community. You will follow hiking trails that lead to a village on top of a hill. All the guesthouses around the lake can hook you up with a village walk or community tour if you want something a little more structured. These range from one hour to all day, depending on whether you stay around the lake or head further into the surrounding hills. Some Lake Bunyonyi tours take you to local shamans to learn about spiritual practices.

6. Nature walk

Nature walks offer the opportunity to explore surrounding areas on foot in the company of an experienced guide. During the guided nature walk, you can visit different communities around, pass through the terraced farmlands, listen to sweet melodies of birds singing, explore different Islands like Punishment Island, enjoy the cool breeze, and take beautiful pictures.

7. Batwa cultural experience

Lake Bunyonyi is also home to the Batwa pygmies, a hunter-gatherer tribe with a unique history and relationship with the forest. During the tour, you will be led by one of the Batwa guides to learn about their traditions and culture.

8. Ziplining

Ziplining is a recent addition to Lake Bunyonyi. It is an electrifying adventure where you can enjoy a 300-meter glide on high-ropes and cables from a high-altitude island across the calm waters to the mainland. All equipment is provided and well-tested to ensure visitor safety.

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