Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda and second deepest lake in East Africa after Lake Tanganyika. Lake Bunyonyi is located in southwest between Kabale and Kisoro districts, it is also the habitat of numerous little birds. Lake Bunyonyi comprises a total of 29 islands including Bwana, Kyahugye, Akampene also known as the punishment island, Bushara, Njuyeera, and Bucuranuka among others. Each island has a story behind it for example Akampene island were girls who got pregnant before marriage would be taken to this punishment island and left there to die of starvation or drown while trying to swim cross the lake. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful sights in Uganda while on Uganda safaris that provides magnificent atmosphere and a number of intriguing excursions to tourists which include,
Top things to do around Lake Bunyonyi
Boat cruise/ canoeing.
One fascinating activity available to visitors is boat cruise, which lets them tour the lake in an old dugout canoe. Boat cruise/ canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi can either take a whole day or a few days based on your preference and you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who is knowledgeable about the lake and the surrounding communities. You will appreciate the peace and quiet of the lake, views of the sunset, tour the 29 islands including the punishment island, Kyahugye, Bwana, Njuyeera, Bushara, Bucuranuka, witness different bird species, animals including zebras, otter, impalas among others throughout the boat excursion.
Bird watching.
One of the best places in Uganda for birdwatching, Lake Bunyonyi boasts about 200 known bird species, including water and woodland birds. An experienced bird guide will accompany you during bird viewing to assist you to identify various bird species including grey crowned crane, pied kingfisher, red chested sunbird, white tailed blue monard, levillant cuckoo, African harcher hawk, slender billed baglafetch, cardinal woodpecker, herons, weavers among others.
Guided Nature walks.
Guided Nature walk is a thrilling safari experience where tourists get the chance to explore surrounding areas on foot with the company of an experienced guide who is well conversant with different trails to follow. During the guided nature walk you will be prepared to visit the communities around, pass through the terraced farmlands, listen to sweet sounds of bird species, explore different islands, enjoy the cool breeze, and take beautiful pictures among others.
Cultural tours.
This is an fascinating safari activity where you will be able to interact with the bakiga and Batwa/pygmies who live in the surrounding communities. Among others, you will be able to learn about the local peoples culture, way of life, visit their homesteads, schools, local markets, farms, learn how to make their traditional dishes, listen to their ancient legends, enjoy their traditional songs and plays during the cultural tour.
Zip lining.
Zip lining is a thrilling experience where you will take a zip trip across the deepest lake in Uganda and it starts with a briefing about the safety precautions. After the briefing, begin the thrilling zip line activity where you will glide across with your hands or feet splashing the water below, so generating a great adrenaline rush packed experience. During your Uganda safari at Lake Bunyonyi, zip line is a must-do activity since it allows you to create amazing memories and also opportunity to capture stunning pictures.
Mountain biking.
Mountain biking is a thrilling experience where you will be able to discover areas around the lake on a bike with the company of a guide. Mountain riding will allow you to interact with the local residents in the villages, children waving at you, listen to many bird species among others. One of the lodges offers mountain biking bikes for hire.
Swimming.
Lake Bunyonyi is secure for swimming in that its bilharzia free and there are no dangerous animals like hippos and crocodiles. Tourists should be aware that it is rather deep thus should be skilled and expert swimmers should also take safety precautions like adjacent canoes or buddy system.
Best time to visit Lake Bunyonyi on a safari.
Lake Bunyonyi can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season which is also referred to as the peak season in the months of June to September and December to February because during the dry season there is less rainfall therefore nature walk and hiking trails will be dry and passable compared to the wet season when the hiking and nature walk trails are wet, muddy and slippery.
How to get to Lake Bunyonyi.
Lake Bunyonyi is situated in southwestern part of Uganda and can be reached through road transport means where by you will drive from Kampala or Entebbe via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and then connect to Lake Bunyonyi which takes about 7 to 8 hours drive.
Where to stay in Lake Bunyonyi on your safari.
There are plenty of accommodation facilities where you can stay during your safari at Lake Bunyonyi. The accommodations consist of budget, midrange and luxury including Lake Bunyonyi Eco resort, Kansiime Backpackers, Lake Bunyonyi Overland resort, Birdnest lodge, Bunyonyi Safari resort, Paradise Eco hub, Arcadia cottage Lake Bunyonyi, Hawks eye lodge Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Rock resort, Bushara Island camp, Byoona Amagara Island retreat, OM Hostel Bunyonyi among others.
After a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park, chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale forest national park, or mountain climbing in Mgahinga gorilla national park, Lake Bunyonyi is the perfect spot for you to unwind and relax. For more information about Lake Bunyonyi, that is attractions and other safari activities done at the lake or any other safari done on a Uganda safari that includes gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation, chimpanzee trekking, chimpanzee habituation, game drives, golden monkey trekking, golden monkey habituation, boat cruise, guided nature walks and any other safari activity of your choice, that you may want to participate in for the unforgettable safari memories in your entire life kindly do not hesitate us at Takeoff Ventures Travel and Tours you will not get disappointed.