Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda

Lake Bunyonyi is found in Uganda in the south-western part, near the border with Rwanda, in Kabale District. It is one of the most naturally beautiful lakes in Africa and one of the leading tourist destinations in Uganda. The lake attracts tourists, honeymooners, and Ugandans who wish to escape busy town life and enjoy the cool weather and beautiful islands.

The lake offers great panoramic views from all sides and is an ideal place for meditation and relaxation.Water filled a valley, created by a volcanic explosion hundreds of thousands of years ago, and thus formed Lake Bunyonyi.

The name Bunyonyi means “a place with little birds,” referring to the fact that the lake and its islands are home to an amazing variety of bird species. It is also one of the deepest lakes in Africa. The Lake Bunyonyi area generally experiences a cool climate throughout the year, with enough rainfall to support the lush green hills surrounding the lake.

It is the perfect place to relax after visiting Uganda’s renowned national parks, such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Punishment Island (Akampene): A Dark Chapter in the History of Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi consists of twenty-nine islands, including Bushara, Njuyeera, Bwama, and the infamous Punishment Island (Akampene). In the past, among the Bakiga people, the community took any girl who became pregnant before marriage to Akampene Island and abandoned her to die of hunger or drowning, since girls were not taught how to swim.

Furthermore, getting pregnant before marriage was considered an abomination, because no one would pay bride price for a girl who had conceived out of wedlock.

The intention of leaving the girl to die on the island was to send a strong message to others that premarital pregnancy was unacceptable. Nothing would be done to the man responsible for the pregnancy. In many cases, the girl could not identify the man who had impregnated her for fear of being taken to the island.

Some girls were rescued by the men who had made them pregnant, by those who secretly loved them, or by poor bachelors who could not afford bride price. This cruel practice was abandoned by the late 1940s after it was outlawed by the British colonial government. A few of the survivors who were rescued and endured the ordeal are still alive today.

Bwama Island: A Missionary Legacy and a Painful Past

Bwama Island also hides a dark past. When the English missionary Leonard Sharp came to Uganda in 1921, he noticed that Bwama Island was uninhabited. He later turned the island into a center for treating leprosy patients by providing housing and medical facilities. Sharp stayed with his family on the nearby Njuyeera Island.

Bwama Island eventually became a leprosy colony, attracting many sufferers who had faced rejection and isolation in their home communities.

Bushara Island: From Farmland to Tourism Haven

Bushara Island, on the other hand, has had a relatively easier past. However, the island’s original beautiful trees were cleared by locals to create farmland. In more recent years, the Lake Bunyonyi Development Company has helped restore the environment by planting a large eucalyptus forest.

The company also runs several tourism-related activities on the island. It has constructed accommodation facilities and transformed Bushara Island into a dream holiday destination.

Economic Activities Around Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. In terms of economic activity, most trade begins and ends at the major trading center in Bufuka Village. The main economic activities around Lake Bunyonyi are subsistence fishing and farming.

Large-scale fishing is limited due to the lake’s deep waters, which do not support the breeding of major fish species such as tilapia and Nile perch. These species require shallow waters for reproduction. The most successful species in the lake are crayfish, introduced from the United States, and mudfish.

Various attempts have been made to introduce other major fish species since the colonial period, but with little success. At one point, about 80 percent of the introduced species died due to chemical mixing caused by flooding.

Tours and Experiences at Lake Bunyonyi

To explore the area, consider our 3-Day Lake Bunyonyi Tour Package. If you would like to combine a visit to Lake Bunyonyi with gorilla trekking, our 3-Day Gorilla Tour and Lake Bunyonyi Package may be a more exciting option.

Things to do in Lake Bunyonyi

Apart from marveling at the beautiful scenery on arrival, there are a lot of interesting activities to do in Lake Bunyonyi.

Relaxing and chilling out with loved ones:

The beautiful scenery and cool weather are perfect for relaxing after tiring activities like tracking the gorillas, climbing mountains, or doing game drives in Uganda’s national parks. If you have a good book and wish to read it in a cool and serene environment, then one of the quiet island resorts would be perfect. Food is plentiful and consists of local vegetables and fruits as well as international dishes. The crowning moment is watching the Lake Bunyonyi sunset. The setting of the sun provides an opportunity to take beautiful photos of the sun’s rays reflecting on the lake waters.

Swimming:

Lake Bunyonyi is a clean lake with clear waters that are free from pollution due to the absence of fishing sites on the lake shores. The lake waters are free from crocodiles, hippos, and parasites that cause Bilharzia. Bilharzia is a common disease in some of the water bodies in East and Southern Africa. The only disadvantage of swimming in the lake is the depth. Lake Bunyonyi is believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa. Those who are not good swimmers should take caution and instead use the hotel swimming pools.

Canoeing:

Canoes are the only way of getting around the lake and its islands. The locals make the canoes by digging into large trees to create a depression using axes to create a depression. Rowing sticks or motor engines move the canoes. Individuals on the shore rent canoes for a fee of 60,000 shillings. The ones with engines can go for 120,000 shillings. Using these locally made canoes offers a completely different experience and adds to the magic of the Lake. The best time for canoeing is early in the morning when the lake is covered with mist. This is a beautiful sight to behold for anyone with a love for nature and adventure. The resort can also arrange night canoeing, allowing you to experience the cool night breeze and hear the sounds of crickets, frogs, and birds.

Island hopping:

Canoeing for two or more hours lets you hop from one island to another while learning about their history. You should visit the “Punishment Island,” where the community once left girls who became pregnant before marriage to die. You can also explore Bwama and learn about its history of hosting lepers. Today, no one sends lepers to the island, as a permanent cure for leprosy has been discovered. The leper hospital now serves as a school for children.

Community and Cultural Visits:

One of the most popular activities is taking a walk to observe how the local people go about their daily lives near the shores of the lake. It is great to mingle with the locals and try out tasks like digging the garden with local hoes or visiting one of the local schools to interact with the school children. The Bachiga love taking marwa and obushera – two potent drinks made from bananas and millet/sorghum. If you feel intimidated trying the local stuff, you can go for the factory-made and bottled Uganda Waragi.

Another alternative is to go and visit the Batwa people.

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. The Batwa in this part of Uganda were removed from the Echuya Forest and allocated land near the lake. Like their relatives in other areas like Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Virunga National Park, the Batwa have failed to adjust to life outside the forest. They struggle to make ends meet, considering that they are former hunters and gatherers. They earn a living by entertaining tourists and demonstrating their cultural heritage through dance, songs, and storytelling.

Nature Walks:

 Visitors can also visit the ancient bamboo forest of Echuya or the other small ones surrounding the lake and spot small primates and zebras.

Mountain Biking:

One of the best ways of discovering the lake is by hiring a mountain bike and riding to the spot, through the beautiful landscape, while passing by human settlements. Many of the hotels do not have bike rental services, but your tour company can make the necessary arrangements and have a bike at your disposal.

Visit the local market.

The local market of Rutindo attracts residents of the island every Monday and Friday. On these two days, the market is filled with people. It is a perfect place to observe how locals go about their daily lives while also mingling with them and buying fresh fruits.

Birdwatching:

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. It is a birders’ paradise and one of the best places to go birding in Uganda. The name Bunyonyi suggests a place with birds. Over 205 species of birds can be spotted in the lake. The small islands in the lake act as sanctuaries and breeding grounds for many water birds. The species include both resident and those that migrate from Europe during the harsh winters. One of the best birding spots is the swamp of Nyombi. The best way to see the birds is by acquiring a boat, binoculars, and moving to the water with a birding guide. Some of the species include egrets, slender-billed baglafetch, weaverbirds, herons, grey crowned cranes, and the levillant cuckoo, among many others.

Eating Crayfish:

Uganda’s infamous military dictator, Idi Amin, had his positive sides, too. One of them was endorsing the introduction of the Louisiana Crayfish to Lake Bunyonyi. Cray fish have been so successful that they have become the dominant species in the lake and surrounding water bodies. All the lodges and restaurants serve crayfish. If one is not interested in the Cray fish, they can order the tasty local Tilapia fish.

How to get to Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. Lone travelers to Lake Bunyonyi first need to get to Kabale town. It takes 8 hours by car to reach Kabale town from Kampala. From Kabale town, it takes 20 to 30 minutes at most to reach the lake. To reach the lake from Kabale town, one needs to hire a bodaboda (motorcycle) or a taxi. Those coming from a safari in either Queen Elizabeth or Kibale National Park will need to travel about 5 hours by road before reaching the lake. Lake Bunyonyi is closer to Kigali in Rwanda than to Kampala (Uganda’s capital). It takes 3 hours by car to reach the lake.

Where to stay in Lake Bunyonyi – Hotels and lodges for accommodation

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. There are many accommodation options in Lake Bunyonyi, a great testament to its popularity with tourists. Some of the hotels are built on the islands, while others are on the lake shores or in the towns near the lake. There are moderate and luxury accommodation facilities as well as campsites.  The budget hotels are Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Bushara Island Camp, Byoona Amagara, and Crater Bay cottages. The Mid-range options are Arcadia Lodge, Bunyonyi Safari Lodge, and Bird’s Nest. Let’s look at the services offered in these hotels and others:-

Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort:

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. The local community owns this resort and built it using materials sourced from surrounding villages. The resort offers single and family cottages, as well as safari and mobile camping tents. Guests can rent the mobile tents with or without bedding.

The resort has constructed the safari tents on raised platforms, giving guests excellent views of the lake and surrounding islands. Each safari tent is self-contained and includes chairs, a table, twin beds, and electricity.

The resort also organizes activities such as swimming and badminton. For guests interested in village walks or learning about local economic activities, the resort can arrange an experienced guide to escort them.

Byoona Amagara:

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. This hotel stands on Itambira Island and ranks among the well-known hotels around Lake Bunyonyi. It operates as a non-profit, using all proceeds to develop the local communities around the island in farming and education. Being on an island gives guests the feeling of being far away from the outside world. The resort occupies one part of the island, while the community has divided the other half into plots for local people to use for farming.

The hotel has private balconies with stunning views of the beautiful terraced hills surrounding the lake. One can also spot the other islands from this hotel. The hotel has friendly staff and chefs who prepare local and foreign dishes that are relatively inexpensive. Residents have an option of choosing the luxury rooms, budget rooms, or dormitories, depending on their budget.  There are even separate family cottages in case one is traveling with family.

Arcadia Cottages:

Arcadia sits on the side of one of the hills, offering stunning views of the beautiful lake and its numerous islands. All twelve rooms provide excellent lake views and include self-contained facilities with electricity and hot water.

The Africa Explorer Eco village is another great option with perfect views of the lake, the islands, and the Virunga Mountain rangers. The lodge is made up of modern-looking huts that are self-contained with hot showers, WiFi, and solar power. There are domes and camping opportunities depending on one’s desire. The food served at the restaurant is relatively cheap and includes both local and international cuisines.

Lost Paradise Beach:

A Ugandan family runs Paradise Beach and, as the name suggests, builds bandas (modern African huts) near a picturesque lakeside beach. The lodge creates an atmosphere of true relaxation and features a fruit garden. The staff also organizes canoeing free of charge for residents. The lodge is clean with well-manicured gardens, a camping place, and a hall for organizing parties. Residents can go and swim along the beach or in the hotel’s swimming pool. The hotel collects bananas, sugar cane, and passion fruits from its garden that it serves to clients along with Asian, European, and local dishes. Bugisu Arabica coffee and African tea are served in the room or dining area.

Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort:

This Eco resort is located in a forested area, giving a feeling of being near nature while offering stunning views of the lake and islands. There are 10 cottages that are built separately, offering mid-range and luxury facilities. Among the facilities are hot showers, a bar, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. The resort is perfect for family retreats. Other activities organized by the resort are canoeing, nature walks, and camping. The resort organizes cultural performances and traditional dances for clients.

Bugombe Island Gateway:

This resort is newly opened and, as a result, offers excellent room facilities. In addition, it organizes exciting activities such as island hopping, canoeing, and birdwatching in the Bugombe Birding Sanctuary.

Upendo Guest Home:

Upendo Guest Home offers modern-looking facilities with comfortable self-contained rooms and a kitchen that can be accessed by clients. The hotel rooms are suitable for both budget and mid-range travelers. The lodge has a children’s home (Upendo Children’s Home) that takes care of homeless children and offers volunteering opportunities.

Bunyonyi View Resort:

This is one of the cheaper accommodation options available in the lake area. The lodge offers dome accommodations with private balconies that overlook the beautiful lake and islands. Apart from the domes, there are also family cottages and self-contained single rooms for those who want more privacy. The hotel staff are super friendly and prepare tasty local and foreign dishes.

Bushara Island Camp:

Amasiko Homestay:

This accommodation facility is built on a peninsula overlooking Lake Bunyonyi. They offer full board accommodation in cottages that are Eco-friendly. There are small tents that can accommodate between one to four people. All rooms are lighted with solar panels, as there is no connection to electricity. Visitors with special dietary needs, like vegetarians, have special meals prepared for them. The hotel supports community-based projects and helps clients organize activities like canoeing (using their own canoes), visiting the nearby communities, or their own school for children, Amasiko Green School.

Crater Bay Cottages and Camp:

This hotel is built in Bufuka village on the shores of the lake. There are 12 private cottages which have single, double, and even triple rooms. The hotel prepares delicious crayfish and other delicacies at its restaurant. Other facilities in the hotel include a library, a craft shop, WiFi, and laundry services at a small fee.

Bird’s Nest.

Birds Nest contains single and double luxurious rooms.This higher-end accommodation reflects its quality through the services it offers. The facility arranges the rooms perfectly and places a beautiful swimming pool outside.

Edirisa:

Edirisa lodges are internationally owned and aim at providing a true African experience without the luxuries offered by the higher-end hotels. Surprisingly, it is a favorite among many clients who want to spend a night in wilderness conditions. In Lake Bunyonyi, they have set up a campsite in a forest near a primary school with bandas (grass-covered huts) furnished with beds, chairs, writing tables, and mosquito nets. The place uses solar electricity, and water for showering is heated using fire. Edirisa deliberately keeps everything simple in the rooms; however, it places strong emphasis on activities. As a result, guests often find more fun here than at many other resorts.The night camps are full of activity and wild partying.  Canoeing is free, and there is a unique submerged pool for swimming.