Nestled between the hills of Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi the second deepest lake in Africa greets you with tranquility and serenity. This fresh water lake is found in south-western Uganda between the hills of Kabale and Kisoro and it is roughly an 8 hour journey from Kampala to Kabale or a 2 hours flight from Entebbe to Kihiihi airstrip in Kanungu then 2 hrs drive to the lake.
It was formed 10,000 years ago as the result of a volcanic eruption in the Virunga Mountains that blocked Ndego River thus trapping the water in the valley. The name Bunyonyi literally translates to “little birds” and the lake has truly lived to the name as its surroundings are home to over 200 species of birds. Even though it was previously unable to host fish due to volcanic gas emissions, the lake is currently home to various types of fish with mud fish being the dominant species.
Lake Bunyonyi has unforgettable scenery that includes a stunning 29 islands, the Virunga Mountains as a back drop, terraced farms on the surrounding hills and reliable climate year in year out. Plus, it absolutely has no hippos or crocodiles making it a perfect swimming spot for experienced swimmers. It’s a relaxing way to end your gorilla trekking safari as you breathe and take in the beauty it has to offer while you sip on a cocktail.
The lake has various tour activities and the best time to visit is in July to experience the best of the weather.
On top of swimming and relaxing, Lake Bunyonyi offers a variety of the activities which include;
- Nature walks and hiking
With a camera at hand, one can hike comfortable across the hills of Kabale that overlook the lake with a guide to accompany you so you don’t miss out on any details. It’s a walk through footpaths that means you will most certainly meet a few Ugandans along the route or it could a small walk around an island to see the ecosystem hosted on it. It’s like getting acquainted with the lake.
- Dugout canoe ride
As the breeze blows gently across your face, you will get to see the beauty that is Lake Bunyonyi while it sails by behind you and new scenery appears. It can be done for a few hours, for a full day or even at night if you don’t fear ghouls (just kidding). You can choose to work the paddles, have someone else do it plus you can choose to cruise around, go birding and watch the sunset or to visit each and every one of the 29 islands. Basically, you will be spoiled for choice.
- Bird watching
As previously mentioned, the lake has close to 200 species of birds so all you have to do is bring a pair of binoculars and a guide will take you to the best spots. The trip is done by boat across the islands and also to a swamp on one end of the lake that is a bird haven. It’s not called Bunyonyi for nothing.
- Mountain Biking
There is no better way to enjoy the mountains and hills than on a mountain bike as it slopes down at gentle speed and you can see the lake in the lower ground just glistening as it reflects the sun above it. These bike rides are usually done with a guide who points out every single detail so that you don’t miss a single thing.
These are some of the main activities you can indulge in when you visit Lake Bunyonyi but there are so many more for example;
- Culturally interactive visits to see the people and get to know them. It’s a great way to make friends before you travel back home.
- Foodie tours for fish lovers where you get to bite into delicious mud fish or cray fish nicely fried or even drink delicious fish soup.
