Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation Safari
Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation Safari Safaris & Tours, Location, Best time to visit, attraction, Safari accommodations and more
Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation Safari
Commonly known as the second deepest lake in Africa after Tanzania’s Lake Tanganyika dotted by 29 small islands, surrounded by steep terraced hills with spectacular views of the Virunga Mountains in the backdrop is Uganda’s Lake Bunyonyi.
This beautiful scenic lake is also referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa” simply because of its fascinating nature for photography that throws down a chill of unforgettable African safari experience in your memories.
This magnificent Africa’s second deepest lake estimated between 44m to 900m is located in southwestern Uganda in the districts of Kisoro and Kabale close to the border with Rwanda.
The lake is home to a variety of bird species that are seen lounging along the shores which explains its name Bunyonyi a local word meaning “little birds”. Larger birds such as the grey-crowned cranes, African harrier hawks, herons and egrets, are also present.
Lake Bunyonyi Scenic Views
Other common bird species you may encounter during your visit to Lake Bunyonyi may include levillant cuckoo, white-tailed monad, slender-billed baglafecht, cardinal woodpecker, and the African kingfisher to mention but a few.
It needs to be brought to your notice that because of the depth and grouping of this beautiful lake, it makes it extremely difficult for breeding of common Ugandan fish species like tilapia and Nile perch.
However, this doesn’t mean that Africa’s second deepest lake doesn’t have any fish at all, it is in position to harbor its own unique fish species like mud fish, cray fish and mirror carp that are enjoyed by the local people in the surrounding areas.
Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation Safari Pictorial
Islands of Lake Bunyonyi
It is no secret now that lake Bunyonyi has a total number of 29 beautiful scenic islands each with amazing tales to it. However, the major ones include the following;
Bwama and Njuyeera Island (sharp’s island)
Being the largest island on Lake Bunyonyi means Bwama island is heavily inhabited by people.
The history part of this island suggests that a Scottish doctor as well as missionary-Dr. Leonard Sharp came to Uganda in the 1920s and in 1931 started up a sanctuary for people suffering from Leprosy.
He set up a Leprosy treatment Centre on this island where people would come to be treated without feeling mistreated or neglected.
Up until now, this is strongly embedded in the island’s history, however, currently, these hospital structures are being used as schools for island inhabitants.
Akampene Island
Also known as the Punishment Island by the Bakiga who leave in Kabale, this small island has only one tree in the center. History has it that if a girl got premarital pregnancy, as punishment, she would be dumped there without food or any assistance till she dies.
This act of cruelty was done by the Bakiga elders and the local people in this area to set an example to the younger girls.
On the other hand, among those sentenced to die on the island, the young men who were ready for marriage but had no cows to pay for the bride’s wealth and dowry, the island was the best place to pick a girl for free
Akampene Island
Bacuranuka Island
Also known as the upside-down island, Bacuranuka island has an amazing tale embedded with it. Folks say that long ago, as 20 men were making a brew locally known as bushera, they were approached by an old woman who asked for a sip of the drink but was brutally rejected by the men.
Upon their cruel refusal, she instead requested for a ride to the mainland.
In order to get the old lady out of their way, they offered her a one man escort ride back , however, out of frustration, she cursed the island which immediately turned upside down swallowing the men who had remained there plus their bushera
Kyahugye Island.
Apart from the scenic views and cool climate that can be experienced in all islands on the lake, this is the only island on Lake Bunyonyi with quite a number of wildlife offering an opportunity for a mini game drive.
Kyahugye is considered the most exciting due to the presence of zebras, waterbucks, impalas and many other wildlife species that enhance its already beautiful scenery.
Bushara island.
For bird enthusiasts, a visit to Bushara island would give you the best birding experience. You may want to carry your binoculars and cameras to capture every little bird presence that you encounter in this island.
Recommended Safaris to Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation Safari
Activities to do in Lake Bunyonyi.
This historical site commonly known as Africa’s deepest lake has more to it than just its scenic beauty. The lake offers so many activities that you will engage in to amplify your experience during your visit and these may include;
Canoeing
Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi is best done on a locally made boat called canoe. With the help of local guide, you get to sail across the lake giving you the local feel as you meet the local people run their daily lives on the lake.
This cruise lets you go around the lake sightseeing all the beauty and other things that the lake has to offer.
Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi
Island Hoping.
With over 29 islands, island hoping on lake Bunyonyi is a mesmerizing activity that takes you to all history filed islands of lake Bunyonyi. Your local guide will give you a brief history behind all the islands you will visit.
Some of the islands you will visit include bushara, itambira, kyahugye, akampene among others.
Guided Nature Walk.
Are you in for a walk along the scenic trails of lake Bunyonyi? Nata Adventures can arrange a guided nature walk revealing the scenic and calm environment around this lake.
On top of walking along the trails, with the help of a guide, you can hike the trail between Bunyonyi and Kisoro that stretches about 40 kilometers.
Batwa Cultural Encounter
With a local guide, you can visit nearby Batwa communities and learn about the traditional forest-dwelling people of the region. These cultural encounters are best arranged through trusted guides.
Batwa People around Lake Bunyonyi
Top Sightings in Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation Safari
Blue Monkey
Lake Bunyonyi
Waterbucks
Wildebeest
Zebra
Why Visit Lake Bunyonyi?
This home of 29 islands offers a laid-back and more relaxing alternative to Uganda’s safari circuit. Surrounded by steep, cultivated hills framed by the distant Virunga Mountains, the lake has a magical atmosphere with some of the must-do-activities being canoeing, hiking, and birdwatching.
However, it’s also a great place to just relax, enjoy local culture, and unwind off the beaten path.
Besides the beautiful ever green lush scenery dotted by 29 islands, the lake is free from bilharzia, crocodiles, and hippos making it safe for swimming—something you won’t find in most African lakes.
Its high-altitude location (6,500 feet) means cooler weather and fewer mosquitoes, making it comfortable year-round
How to get to Lake Bunyonyi?
About 439 km southwest of Kampala and 199 km west of Mbarara lies the second deepest lake in Africa – Lake Bunyonyi. The journey from Kampala to the lake is a very scenic one entailing Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale with an estimated 7-8 hours’ drive to reach.
The home of 29 islands lies closer to Kigali in Rwanda than Kampala a journey that takes 3 hours driving by car to reach.
Where to stay in Lake Bunyonyi.
Ranging from budget to high end luxury lodges, accommodations in Lake Bunyonyi offer a medley of services ranging from spacious rooms with scenic views of the beautiful lake, food, sauna, steam bath, and conference halls among others all depending on your budget and the level of comfort you need.
Birdnest Resort
Some suggestions may include the following;
Birdnest Resort
Lake Bunyonyi Arcadia Cottages
Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Bunyonyi Overland Resort.
Bushara Island Camp
Byoona Amagara
Crater Bay Cottages
African Tent Resort.
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