Lake Bunyonyi is found in the South Western part of Uganda lying between Kisoro and Kabale and also being close to the Rwandan border. It is Uganda’s deepest lake with 900 m. With this Lake Bunyonyi is also said to be the second deepest fresh water lake in Africa with the scenic beauty of its 29 islands and these can be tour on a boat or canoe

The name Bunyonyi means “place of many little birds” and a good birding haven with its scenic green terraced hills of the community. Travel time from Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi is 7 to 10-hours drive from Kampala, 2 hours from Kigali Rwanda.

Lake Bunyonyi has a number of activities that one can engage in on your trip to Lake Bunyonyi.

It being home of the 29 scenic islands and a serenity of land scape with the scenic green below.  Some activities include the following,

Swimming can also be done at specific resort pools where the clients choose to sleep. Canoeing and boat rides is also offered in Bunyonyi giving you a chance to explore the islands.

Akampene (Punishment Island) where the unmarried girls who were found pregnant in the primitive days, they left them to die at the island. You can make a selection of the choice is yours! Community walks / Batwa, it exciting getting to know the people and their cultures through community encounters.  Lifestyle and cultures of the locals, you can visit the Batwa, a tribe of pygmies the indigenous origin inhabitants staying in those areas. They also have traditional dances and activities that are eye catching.

Some of the famous islands include Sharps Island (Njuyeera), Bushara, Kyahunge, Bwama, Bucuranuka (Upside Down Island)

In 1921, English missionary Leonard Sharp came to this part of Uganda and in 1931 established a treatment centre on the then uninhabited Bwama island A church, patient quarters (model villages), and a medical facility were built, while Sharp settled on Njuyeera Island

Hiking, Nature walks, Birding and wild life sighting on some island’s animals like the zebras, monkeys, forest tree plantations and otters that can be spotted in the waters among others. Hiking through the ancient Echuya forest. While in the community depending on time, we can engage in local activities such as weaving buckets and cultural dances, making local herbs. Adrenaline zip lining and bicycle riding can also be explored in Bunyonyi

Through the rolling plains and serene nature of country. You will make a stopover at the Equator for the Equator line experience. While in Bunyonyi the land of 29 islands with dazzling land you enjoy an aerial view of lake Bunyonyi as you hike, boat cruise and visit to the batwa community

Activities in Lake Bunyonyi

Canoeing or Boat Rides

While at Lake Bunyonyi canoe excursion is one of the experiences you should not miss out. While on this canoe experience you will come across amazing scenery alongside the shores, the canoes can also head to some of the famous islands getting to know more about them for example Sharp Island.  Canoe or boat excursions usually take about 2-3 hours or more based on your booking. Lake Bunyonyi also has a number of accommodation giving you chance to explore the lake with its islands communities like that of the Batwa.  

Hiking, Nature Walks & Zip Lining

You can hike up the highlands giving you a scenic view of the lake with a glance of the islands below on Lake Bunyonyi. Through the local communities with the local guides who are very welcoming take you around with views of scenic land scape below. The lake and the surrounding areas are a good birding haven for bird lovers with a number of species seen during your walk or hike.

Clients interested in the thrilling and breath taking zip lining is one of the activities to engage.

Swimming

The best time for swimming is from December to February when the temperatures are generally higher and always inquire from the guides before swimming and also be aware of some deep spots with in the lake.

Sample trips

3 Day Lake Bunyonyi Tour

3 Day Giant Gorilla Trekking Experience