Lake Bunyonyi, nestled in the terraced highlands of Kigezi is the second deepest lake on the continent boasting a stunning landscape setting unlike any other attraction on any Uganda safari. Bunyonyi which translates as “a place of little birds” in the local Bakiiga direct derives from the abundant birdlife that occur along the papyrus fringed lakesides and the heavily cultivated hillside edges. The picturesque island dotted Lake Bunyonyi which winds up for 25 km long to cover an area of 60km2 in this highland countryside, is a lava dammed lake, formed 8000 years ago when hot lava flowing from Virunga Mountain Ranges blocked the Ndego river. It’s varying depths range from 40m-100m.
Lake Bunyonyi which lies only 8 km from Kabale town, is a popular getaway destination and a popular base for adventurers and holiday-seekers that seek ample rest to/after mountain gorilla trekking experiences where the trailheads of Ruhija and Rushaga in the UNESCO heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are 40 km or 2hr drive away. The montane Mgahinga Gorilla NP with its towering volcanoes lie about 2.5hrs west of Bunyonyi. The scenic lakeside and surrounding hills hosts multiple excellent accommodations suitable for all budgets and comfort.
Things to do while at Lake Bunyonyi
With time to spare, Lake Bunyonyi provides numerous adventure opportunities to explore far and across it’s beautiful and charming picturesque settings.
-
Canoeing, Abseiling and Swimming
While here at Bunyonyi, take an adventure experience to tour several historical islands using a local dug-out canoe the same the locals use everyday to access their gardens, markets, schools across the mainland or islands. On this experience you will paddle along a local guide showing you traditional paddling techniques on these quite lake waters and also pointing historical islands and birdlife on the lake edges. Better still you can opt to paddle alone without the local guide depending of course on one’s experience and ability to navigate the quite waters of L. Bunyonyi. Canoeing experience lasts anywhere between 2-3hrs.
The waters of L. Bunyonyi are Bilharzia free and safe for swimming but caution must be observed as Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake on the continent with extreme depths.
-
Explore the Historical Islands
Take a ride in a local dugout canoe to explore several islands and learn about the rich history attached to these sacred islands. Of interest is the tiny Punishment island where in past, pregnant unmarried girls were left abandoned as this was a taboo in this complex culture. On tour here, visit the leprosy island where in the early 19th century was used as quarantine and treatment center for leprosy. Leprosy gone and forgotten, the large island now houses a church, school and hospital.
The twice-in-week market (Mondays and Friday) at the lake shore is a great place to take a stroll for its color, various merchandise and people.
-
Hiking around Lake Bunyonyi
A mini-hike around the island dotted Lake Bunyonyi offers the most stunning landscape views anywhere in Uganda. The terraced highlands that hem in Lake Bunyonyi, rise over 2500m of altitude providing excellent hiking and walking opportunities lasting anywhere between 2 to 6 hrs depending on one’s time. Led by local community guides, the trek follow trails used daily by locals as they go about their daily lifestyles. This provides first-hand interaction to learn about the livelihood of the humble lakeside communities. Onwards into the community, you can opt to visit the local women groups as they engage into small social income generating initiatives like crafts and weaving. On a hike, visit the active local herbalist home and learn the richness and effectiveness of African medicine whose knowledge has been passed on from generation to generations treating majorly every disease. The medicine man is highly respected and revered in African culture as he not only treats diseases but also has ability to predict the future community he serves.
The hike continues on to several peaks of these towering highlands that rise up to 2500 m asl for excellent panoramic views of Lake Bunyonyi with its numerous islands.
Level of Difficulty
The terraced hillsides around L. Bunyonyi rise up to 2500 m asl and one needs average fitness to do it. Various hikes follow everyday-used community trails and pose no serious difficulty to many unless one has altitude related complications as these hills rise between 2000m and 2500m asl otherwise the views are rewarding.
What to carry and Dress Code on a trek
- Good hiking/walking shoes
- Long pants as the trail passes through the community.
- Carry a rain jacket
- A hat and sunglasses
- Drinking water on that day.
- Good attitude