Tourist activities on Lake Bunyonyi
Tourist activities on Lake Bunyonyi: Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful Lake visited situated in south western part of Uganda the pearl of Africa with in Kabale district and Kisoro district thus can easily be combined with a Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda within Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park which are the only destinations in Uganda where Gorilla trekking safaris are conducted with other 2 destinations being Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lake Bunyonyi is of the most refreshing and breathtaking place to visit for relaxation and adventure after spending time on other safaris like gorilla trekking, Gorilla habituation and wildlife viewing safaris in different parks as it lies in a calm environment surrounded by the rolling Kigezi hills and beautiful terraces that make an entire adventure very rewarding before embarking on your flight back home as you wind up your Uganda safari.
Lake Bunyonyi as the name states is a home to several little bird thus a visit to this place rewards bird lovers with a golden chance of watching as many bird as possible including water birds, savanna birds among others. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful and fresh water lake in Uganda that is free from Bilharzia and Crocodiles though not recommended for swimming since it is very deep. In fact, Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda and 2nd deepest in African Continent thus only experienced swimmers can enjoy swimming on Lake Bunyonyi. Other swimmers can swim in the pools at the lodges near the lake.
Lake Bunyonyi is decorated by more than 29 islands each with its own unique history with the most prominent islands being the Punishment island (Akampene) where young bakiga girls who would get pregnant before marriage were always taken and abandoned to suffer and die from there unless rescued by the fishermen and marry them off for free without paying the bride price. Other islands include the Bushara Island, the Njuyeera Island, the Bushara Island, the Bucuranuka Island, the Kyahugye Island, the Bwama Island and many other incredible islands. Taking an experience local guide is the perfect way to listen and learn more about the different islands on Lake Bunyonyi since they will know the history of each island.
Here are the major tourist activities enjoyed on Lake Bunyonyi and they include;
Boat cruise/ canoe ride to different islands: As mentioned above, Lake Bunyonyi thrills with more than 29 islands and thus the best way to explore them is by taking on either a boat cruise or a canoe ride with an experienced local guide who will be in position to explain all about different islands and how their names came about. Bird lovers are rewarded with a fascinating view of different bird species that thrills with in these islands. You will as well be viewing the beautiful rolling hills and stunning terraces that offer a drawback to the lake good for photograph.
Relaxation: Lake Bunyonyi is as well one of the best place to visit for leisure and relaxation. The lake has beautiful flowers where you can sit with your loved ones or even alone, read your most interesting novel/ book and enjoy a breath taking view of the surrounding hills while catching a cool breath from the fresh water lake. Imagine visiting Lake Bunyonyi for leisure and relaxation just after the Gorilla trekking safari, isn’t it incredible? Yes I know it is very fascinating and worth. Try it out and you will surely enjoy the adventurous and perfect experience that will thrill in your mind for a long period of time. This can be enjoyed in a 4 days itinerary combining gorilla trekking and Lake Bunyonyi.
Bird watching: As the name states, Lake Bunyonyi is a home of several little birds thus bird watching is one of the activities enjoyed at any given period of time. Even during your relation at the shores of the Lake, you are able to watch birds, during canoes ride, you have abundant of birdlife to watch , during guided walk and even at the terrace of your lodge thus birding at Lake Bunyonyi can be done at any given period of time anywhere along lake Bunyonyi. A list of bird species to look out for along Lake Bunyonyi include; fly catchers, grey-crowned cranes, great cormorant, African harrier hawk, African king fisher, malachite kingfisher, Hadada ibis, black herons, egrets and many more.
Swimming: Lake Bunyonyi is not recommended for swimming due to its depth being the second deepest Lake in Africa though experienced swimmer can enjoy a swim and guess what? Lake Bunyonyi is free from water diseases like Bilharzia and as well not infested with crocodiles and Hippos thus an experience swimmer is not worried about anything but the depth.
Village and community tour: Taking a tour on foot to the neighboring villages is such an incredible and breath taking activity enjoyed while on a safari to Lake Bunyonyi that offers tourists a chance to encounter and meet with the locals in their farms including the Bakiga and the Batwa that are seen busy in their farms since agriculture is their main source of income and food. During the community tour, one may as well visit the local schools and spend some time with children. There is yet another fascinating visit to the traditional healer. There is also a chance of visiting the local market only on Monday and Friday since the market doesn’t operator on other days of the week.
Sunset cruise: This is enjoyed in the evening and it offers spectacular views of the sun as it goes down reflecting beautiful on Lake Bunyonyi. You ought not to miss out on this stunning view and ensure that you take best shots of the reflection.
Getting there;
Getting to Lake Bunyonyi is mostly by road transporting taking about 6-7 hours’ drive from Kampala the capital city of Uganda or from Entebbe international airport to Lake Bunyonyi via Kabale town. However Lake Bunyonyi can as well be accessed from other various locations including Kigali Rwanda which takes about 3 hour drive via Katuna border.
Lake Bunyonyi is also accessed from some national parks in western Uganda including Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Lake Mburo national park.
Conclusion,
Check out our bestselling itineraries that include in Lake Bunyonyi. We can as well tailor for you a trip depending on what exactly you wish to do and see at any period of time. Let us know your thought!
