Located in the Kabale District, southwest of Uganda, near the Rwandan border, Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most popular tourist sites in the country.
Lake Bunyonyi is located in the Kabale District, southwest of Uganda, and not far from the Rwandan border. It is one of the most popular tourist locations in Uganda.
Lake Bunyonyi is also one of the most naturally stunning lakes in all of Africa. The lake draws visitors, newlyweds, and Ugandan locals who want to escape the hectic city life and take advantage of the mild climate and picturesque islands.
It is an excellent location for meditation and relaxation because it provides stunning panoramic views from all sides. The Lake itself came about as an accumulation of water that, hundreds of thousands of years ago, filled a valley made by a volcanic eruption.
A Brief History
Lake Bunyonyi and its islands are home to a remarkable variety of bird species. It’s the reason why the name Bunyonyi was chosen.
It translates as “a location with little birds.” It is one of Africa’s deepest lakes. The region around Lake Bunyonyi has a year-round temperature that is typically cool with adequate rainfall to support the beautiful green hills that surround the lake.
We recommend visiting Lake Bunyonyi after you’ve explored some of Uganda’s fantastic national parks, such as Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
There are 29 islands in Lake Bunyonyi, including the infamous Punishment Island, Bushara, Njuyeera, and Bwama (Akampene).
Any girl who became pregnant before marriage among the Bakiga tribe in the area was abducted and left on Akampene Island to perish from starvation or drowning (girls were not taught how to swim).
Pregnancy was a sin back then because no one would pay top dollar for a girl who was unmarried and pregnant. To strongly convey to the others that becoming pregnant before marriage was improper, the girl was intentionally left to perish on the island.
The man who got the girl pregnant wouldn’t face any consequences. For fear of being abandoned to die, the girl was unable to identify the man who had gotten her pregnant.
Some of the women were saved by the men who had caused their pregnancies, guys who secretly had feelings for them or unlucky bachelors who couldn’t afford the bride price.
After the British colonial authority forbade it, this archaic practice was stopped by the late 1940s. Only a few of the survivors who were saved and made it through the experience are still alive.
Tourist activities around Lake Bunyonyi
There are many tourist activities to do in Lake Bunyonyi, in addition to taking in the breathtaking beauty when you first arrive.
Bird Watching
One of the best sites to go bird-watching in Uganda is Lake Bunyonyi, which is a birder’s heaven. The lake is home to more than 205 different bird species. Numerous water birds use the tiny islands in the lake as sanctuaries and breeding sites.
The Nyombi Swamp is one of the top places to see birds. All you need is a boat and some binoculars, and you’re off to the water. This is the greatest way to watch the birds.
You can expect to see many species such as levillant cuckoos, egrets, slender-billed baglafetch, weaverbirds, herons, and grey crowned cranes.
Canoeing
The only means of transportation around the lake and its islands are canoes. Early in the morning when the lake is misted over is the finest time to go canoeing. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors and adventure should see this gorgeous sight.
Canoeing at night is another option for taking in the cool breeze and seeing nocturnal birds and listening to frog, and cricket sounds.
For 60,000 shillings, you can rent a canoe from a person at the shore. They charge 20,000 shillings for the ones with engines.
Nature Walks
Tourists can hike along designated trails with a guide. You’ll be able to explore and take in the magnificent views of the lake and surrounding peaks provided by the terraced hills.
Visitors can also go to the historic Echuya bamboo forest or one of the smaller ones that surround the lake to see zebra and small primates.
Island Hopping
You can visit several islands while learning about their histories. A must-do is a trip to the “punishment island,” where females who lost their virginity before marriage were abandoned to perish. Using this opportunity, you can as well travel to Bwama.
There, you’ll learn about its past as a leper colony. Due to the discovery of permanent treatment for leprosy, the lepers are no longer sent to the island. Children’s education now takes place in the former leprosy hospital.
Swimming
The waters of Lake Bunyonyi are a perfect place to go swimming. Because of the lack of fishing spots along the lake’s shoreline, Lake Bunyonyi is a pure lake with clear waters that are free of contamination.
Crocodiles, hippos, and parasites that cause bilharzia are not present in the lake’s waters.
Mountain Biking
By renting a mountain bike and riding to the lake’s site while passing through small communities. This experience is one of the greatest ways to view and learn about the lake.
Community and Cultural Visits
Most tourists who visit Lake Bunyonyi love seeing how the locals go about their everyday lives. Most of them live close to the lake’s shoreline. It’s nice to interact with the locals and try out activities like preparing the garden with local hoes or going to a nearby school to talk to the students.
You’ll also discover would two powerful beverages prepared from bananas and millet/sorghum. They are locally known as Marwa and obushera among the Bakiga. You can as well drink the factory-produced one and bottled Uganda Waragi if you’re hesitant to taste the local type.
Tourist attractions in the Lake Bunyonyi Area
Buwama Island
This island hides a troubled past. Bwama Island was uninhabited when English missionary Leopard Sharp visited Uganda in 1921. By building homes and medical facilities, he transformed the island into a hub for the treatment of leprosy sufferers. Sharp and his family lived on the adjacent Njuyeera Island.
As a leprosy colony, Bwama Island attracted numerous patients who had experienced isolation in their communities. Bushara Island, on the other hand, has had a simpler history although people cleared the region of its lovely indigenous trees to make room for cultivation.
The Batwa People
The Batwa people can also be visited on this journey. In this region of Uganda, the Batwa were relocated from the Echuya Forest and given land close to the lake. The Batwa, like their kin in other national parks like Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Virunga, has had trouble adjusting to life outside of the forest.
They were once hunters and gatherers and still find it difficult adjusting to the new lifestyle. By entertaining visitors and showcasing their cultural history through dance, songs, and storytelling, they make a living.
The Rutindo Local Market
Every Monday and Friday, people of the island visit the Rutindo local market. The market is usually bustling on these two days with shoppers. It is the ideal location to interact with the locals, witness how they go about their everyday lives, and purchase fresh fruit.
Lake Bunyonyi: How to get there
If you’re travelling alone, you need to get to Kabale town first, before continuing to Lake Bunyonyi. From Kampala, it takes 8 hours to drive to Kabale town by car. At most, it takes 20 to 30 minutes to travel from Kabale town to the lake.
You can also hire a bodaboda (motorcycle) or taxi to get to the lake from Kabale town. The trip to the lake by car takes three hours.
Conclusion
Lake Bunyonyi is more than just a beautiful lake with fresh water for swimming and canoeing. The lake has gorgeous scenery, beautiful weather, and plenty of wildlife to make your day.
It’s the perfect gateway for family and friends looking to relax and enjoy themselves. You can all go for a boat ride, catch some fish, mix and mingle with the locals or simply relax and enjoy paradise.
There are also several cottages, resorts, and hotels for those looking for accommodation. Some of them offer basic amenities while others are more on the luxurious side. Whichever you pick though, we guarantee you’ll enjoy your trip to lake Bunyonyi in Uganda.
