Top Things to do around Lake Bunyonyi.
Top activities around Lake Bunyonyi: Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda and, after Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake in East Africa. It is situated between the districts of Kabale and Kisoro in the southwest and is also referred to as a “place of many little birds.” Bwana, Kyahugye, Akampene, commonly referred to as the punishment island, Bushara, Njuyeera, and Bucuranuka are among the 29 islands that make up Lake Bunyonyi. Every island has a backstory.
For instance, Akampene Island was used as a punishment island where females who became pregnant before marriage were sent to perish from famine or drown while attempting to swim across the lake. One of the most beautiful locations in Uganda is Lake Bunyonyi, which offers visitors a variety of fascinating activities and a lovely ambiance while on a Uganda safari trip. These activities include
The best activities around Lake Bunyonyi
Canoeing and boat cruising
An intriguing activity that allows visitors to see the lake in an old-fashioned dugout canoe is a boat cruise. Depending on your preferences, a boat cruise or canoeing trip on Lake Bunyonyi may last a whole day or several days. You will be escorted by a skilled guide who is informed about the lake and the local villages.
You may tour the 29 islands, including the punishment island, Kyahugye, Bwana, Njuyeera, Bushara, and Bucuranuka, as well as see various bird species and animals like zebras, otters, and impalas, while taking in the peace and quiet of the lake and sunset views during the boat trip.
Nature walks
A nature walk is an interesting activity that allows visitors to explore the local surroundings on foot while being accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who is familiar with the various routes. You will be able to explore many islands, soak in the cool wind, visit nearby settlements, go through terraced farmlands, listen to the lovely sounds of various bird species, and snap stunning photos during the guided nature walk.
Birding
One of the greatest places to go bird watching in Uganda is Lake Bunyonyi, which is home to over 200 species of documented birds, including water and woodland birds. Grey-crowned cranes, pied kingfishers, red-chested sunbirds, white-tailed blue monards, levillant cuckoos, African harrier hawks, slender-billed baglafetch, cardinal woodpeckers, herons, and weavers are just a few of the species you will be able to see while bird watching with the assistance of an experienced guide.
Cultural excursions
You may engage with the Bakiga and Batwa/pygmies that reside in the nearby areas via this fascinating activity. You may visit homesteads, schools, local markets, and farmlands, learn how to prepare their traditional dishes, hear their age-old tales, take in their traditional music and theater, and learn more about the culture and way of life of the locals on the cultural trip.
Biking in the mountains
In the thrilling sport of mountain biking, you may ride a bike around the lake with a guide to discover new places. In addition to hearing various bird species and interacting with the locals in the villages, mountain riding will allow you to see children waving at you. One of the resorts offers mountain riding bikes for rent.
Swimming
Because Lake Bunyonyi is bilharzia-free and devoid of crocodiles and hippos, it is a safe place to swim. However, tourists should be aware that it is rather deep, so they should be skilled swimmers and take precautions like using buddy systems or nearby canoes.
Zip lining
An introduction to safety considerations is given before you go on an exciting zip-lining adventure over Uganda’s deepest lake. Following the briefing, you begin the thrilling zip line sport, which will provide you with a tremendous surge of excitement as you fly over the water while your hands or feet splash the bottom. Zip line is a must-do activity at Lake Bunyonyi during your Uganda safari since it allows you to snap stunning pictures and creates unique memories.
The ideal season to visit Lake Bunyonyi
Although it is possible to visit at any time of year, the best time to go is during the dry season, also referred to as the peak season, which runs from June to September and December to February. This is because there is less rainfall during this time, making the hiking and nature walk trails dry and manageable, as opposed to the wet season when they are muddy, slippery, and wet.
How to go to Bunyonyi Lake
Located in the southwest region of Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is reachable by road transportation. From Kampala or Entebbe, you must travel via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale before connecting to Lake Bunyonyi, which takes around seven to eight hours.
Accommodations in Lake Bunyonyi
You may stay at a variety of lodging establishments in Lake Bunyonyi while on safari. 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, and OM Hostel Bunyonyi are just a few of the affordable, midrange, and luxury lodging options available.
