Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi (``Place of many little birds``) is in south-western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale, and it is close to the border with Rwanda. The lake appeared from 2004 to 2009 on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling note under the title ``Lake Bunyonyi and terraces``. Scientific literature generally quote a maximum depth of 40 m (130 ft.), but some tourist guides and locals insist that it much deeper, about 900 m (3,000 ft.), which would make it the second-deepest lake in Africa.
Place of many little birds

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi (``Place of many little birds``) is a small town in Western Uganda. Its name comes from the many species of birds that live on or near the lake.

Famous For

The Lake and its surroundings are popular for its green hills that are covered with different types of flowers, trees and grasses. The hills are terraced which adds a unique beauty to the environment. The hills are also home to over 200 bird species. Lake Bunyonyi is a tranquil lake surrounded by hills, providing a very relaxing and peaceful setting. It has a number of islands that can be reached by boat.

Getting There

Lake Bunyonyi can be reached both by road and air. By road, it takes approximately 6-7 hours to drive from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. By air, it takes under one hour to charter a flight from Entebbe Airport to Kisoro Airport and there after hire a car to Lake Bunyonyi under three hours.

Fees

The lake is accessible to general public and fees are broken down to activities taken and it offers many different activities that you can participate in. You can fish, swim, boat, hike nature trails, bird watch, and so many more things. The lake has activities for everyone and it is a great place for families.

When to Visit

There are a few places around the world that are great to visit at any time of the year, Lake Bunyonyi being one of them. The cooler weather is also more inviting for those looking to go sightseeing, and often has the best conditions for almost any activity in and around the lake all year round.

Experience the best of Lake Bunyonyi

Destination's Must Do

At a Glance

The lake dotted with 29 islands in total is located at 1,962m above sea level and is approximately 25km long and 7km wide. The most prominent of the islands include the Akampene Island also known as the punishment island, Bushara, Kyahugye, Bwama and Njuyeera, and Bucuranuka.

Akampene (Punishment Island) as its name, was used by the locals to leave unmarried pregnant girls to die of hunger or while trying to swim to the mainland. This was to intimidate the other girls not to get pregnant before marriage. It's also said that a man without cows to pay the bride price could go to the island and pick up a girl.

Swimming

Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest lake, is a true wonder and a place of great beauty. A visit to the area will leave you spellbound. Discover the very best to savor the safest lake to swim in in Uganda. It has over and again declared Bilharzia free and there are no hippos or crocodiles lingering near.

This full-day activity is the best summer activity for adventurous holidaymakers wishing to have nothing more on their agenda but swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. Sit back and simply take in the scenery while you reach your first swimming stop.
canoeing-lake-bunyonyi

Dugout Canoeing

The idea of canoeing on lakes and rivers is a popular one, and it’s easy to see why. This water-based sport allows you to get up close and personal with nature. It takes you away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life and lets you enjoy the silence. It’s also a great opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air and exercise.

These trips make great outings and still leave plenty of time for other activities. Canoe outings are great for photography paddles, bird or nature watching, Eco-Tours or sightseeing, outdoor adventure retreats, school field trips, family outings or reunions and many more.
hiking and nature walks

Nature Walks and Hikes

If you have never tried a guided nature walk, especially one with a professional guide, then you should give it a go. It is one of the best ways to get fit and enjoy nature at the same time. A nature walk is also great for people who don’t like gyms and other fitness activities that they don’t find enjoyable.

Keep a healthy lifestyle while getting the chance to appreciate nature in all its glory. A guided nature walk is a magical alternative to staying indoors as this adventure makes full use of all your senses, allowing you a deeper connection with your surroundings. Set foot on pathways forged by locals and trails paved by tourists before you as you explore the rugged wilderness of Lake Bunyonyi's lesser known locations.

Birding

Lake Bunyonyi is a birder's paradise hosting at least 200 different bird species and is a hotspot for birdwatchers from all over the world. ``Bunyonyi`` is a local term meaning ``birds`` and the main reason as to why this lake was given this name is because it’s a home to a very wide range of bird species.

It’s not only the birds that make Lake Bunyonyi special; another remarkable thing about this beautiful lake is that it’s encircled by mountains and trees that provide shelter for the birds. Bird species include; the grey crowned crane, the white tailed blue monard, the herons, the African Harrier Hawk, the egrets, slender-billed baglafetch, levillant cuckoo, levillant cuckoo, and the cardinal woodpecker, and many more.

Island Exploration

With a total of 29 islands, Lake Bunyonyi has a lot to offer with rich history that is both touching and fun with three islands standing out in what they have to offer. The story of Akampene is one that is often associated with sadness given the gruesome nature of the punishment. The island was known as Punishment Island because it was reserved for unmarried girls who got pregnant.

Secondly on Bwama island, an English missionary, Dr. Leonard Sharp established a treatment center in 1931 for leprosy on Bwama Island. And thirdly, it was on Njuyeera (Sharp’s Island) that Dr Leonard Sharp moved his family to. The island, fondly named ‘White Cottage’ (after the family home), became famous for its beauty after Mrs Sharp spent many years planting and nourishing trees, shrubs, fruits, and vegetables.

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