Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is Uganda’s priceless gem and the most beautiful lake in the country, Lake Bunyonyi is often known as a lake of little birds and that’s where the word Bunyonyi is derived from to mean “place of little birds”. The steep terraced hillsides provide dramatic views of the lake with its dotted islands.
Lake Bunyonyi will provide you with one of the most stunning views in your lifetime as its set at the back drop of the famous mountain gorilla islands. Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa; Lake Bunyonyis tranquility makes it an idle place for relaxation and chilling out from the noisy cities.
Bird watching
Lake Bunyonyi is known as a lake of little birds, the lake is a birders paradise where bird enthusiasts can be able to spot over 200 species of birds. Tourists can do bird watching on a boat cruise or by nature walks on the islands some of the birds in lake Bunyonyi are; grey crowned cranes, red chested sunbirds,
Swimming
Tourists in Lake Bunyonyi can come along with their swimming gears or hire some, the crystal clear waters are just for you to swims and sand bath. Lake Bunyonyi is also bilharzia, hippopotamus and crocodile free so you will definitely have nothing to worry about.
But please take note while swimming in Lake Bunyonyi as it’s the second deepest lake in Africa, some places along the lake have been enclosed like swimming pools for swimming.
Boat rides
Tourists visiting Bunyonyi can not miss on boat rides, visitors can explore all the 29 islands of the lake on a boat with an experienced driver guidethe best boat rides are sunset rides and bird watching boat rides this will reveal the setting of the magical golden sun and various water birds.
Hiking
One of the best ways to explore the renowned Bunyonyi is by taking hikes and guided nature walks on the islands, you will enjoy the dramatic flora and fauna of the magnificent lake and perhaps, farmland plantations and so much more.
Cultural experience
Tourists to Lake Bunyonyi can visit the local Batwa people and get entertained with local traditional dances and songs, the Batwa people are believed to have lived in the Ugandan rainforest of mount Mgahinga and bwindi for a period of over 500,000 years. You can know more about their lifestyles. Village home stay can also be arranged and you spend a night in a traditional African homestead.
Tourists can also visit the local famous traditional healer known as MulisaSam, you can interact with Sam and learn a lot about local traditional medicine.
Gorilla trekking
Lake Bunyonyi is tucked in the gorilla highlands of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and mount Mgahinga national park, gorilla trekking is one of the famous tourists activities and this endangered species and trekking this unique great apes can only be done in three countries in the world, tourists visiting lake Bunyonyi should include gorilla trekking in their safari list.
Explore Njabeera Sharp Island
The Njabeerasharpes island is also known as Bwama island, the island was the place where people with leprosy were abandoned but Dr Leonard Sharp was a medical missionary who established a leprosiarium center on the island in 1931 and treated people with leprosy, the island was open until 1950s. The Bwama Island now has two schools and children get here by boat.
Relaxation
Lake Bunyonyi is an ideal place for tourists to relax after safari activities like hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking and so much more. The lake offers stunning pristine environment for recreational activities.
Dug out canoeing
Exploring the islands and the lake on dug out canoes is so undefeatable as you linger in Uganda’s priceless gem, you choose whether to peddle the boat or they peddle for you. The dug out canoe trips are also available at night time.
Mountain biking
For tourists who prefer to explore Bunyonyi islands on a bike than on foot, mountain biking can be done with guide for a full day or several hours this provides scenic views of the lake and its dotted islands.
Fishing.
Fishing can also be done in designated areas of the lake and tourists can catch lungfish, tilapia fish and cray fish among the rest. Please make sure to have your fishing gears and a permit before engaging in this activity.
Explore Akampene Island
Akampene Island also known as Punishment Island is the horrible place where the Bakiga people used to throw unwed pregnant girls and abandoned them there. You will have a knowledgeable guide who will narrate to you the whole history of the island and answer most of your questions. Most of he girls would die of starvation or die trying to swim back home.
Bunyonyi can be reached from Kabale to Orutindo which is about 8 kilometers, from Oritundo tourists can get a canoe or boat to their desired destination.
Tourists at Lake Buntonyi can sleep in lodges such as; bird nest resort.
