Canoeing at Bunyonyi

Canoeing at Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is one of Africa’s deepest lakes, a freshwater lake located about 400 km south of Kampala, Uganda and just a 4-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda. Found in the Kabale and Rubanda districts, the lake lies in the valleys of the Kigezi highlands with beautiful terraced hills surrounding it adding to its scenic charm. Lake Bunyonyi is a popular tourist spot, especially because it’s close to Bwindi Forest National Park, home of the mountain gorillas. It is also just a few kilometers from the Uganda/Rwanda border with the nearest border crossings being Katuna and Kyanika.

Locals call Lake Bunyonyi “the place of little birds” because it offers refreshing experiences like canoeing, swimming, and birdwatching. For many travelers visiting southwestern Uganda to see the gorillas in Bwindi, a stop at Lake Bunyonyi is a must.

Canoeing at Bunyonyi

Getting to Lake Bunyonyi from Kampala and Kigali

You can reach Lake Bunyonyi by both road and air. If driving the journey from Kampala takes about 6 to 7 hours while the drive from Kigali is about 4 hours. Many public buses travel daily between Kampala and Kabale town.

Canoeing at Bunyonyi

From Kabale town taxis can take you to Lake Bunyonyi which is about 5 km away. For those who prefer flying AeroLink Uganda offers daily flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airport. Kisoro town is around 40 km from the lake’s southern shores in Rubanda district and about 70 km from the main area at Bunyonyi Overland Resort.

Popular Activities at Lake Bunyonyi

The most popular activities and tours around Lake Bunyonyi include:

 Dugout Canoe Trekking

 Bird Watching

 Community Visits to meet and learn from the local people

Walking and Hiking around the lake

 Biking

 Zipline and Bungee Jumping

There are several budget and mid-range accommodation options near Lake Bunyonyi and in Kabale town. Whether you’re on your way to see the gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park or visiting Rwanda, Lake Bunyonyi is a great stop to relax and explore.

Canoeing at Bunyonyi