LAKE BUNYONYI

Lake Bunyonyi, located in southwestern Uganda near the Rwandan border, is one of the country’s true natural gems. The lake’s name, meaning “place of many little birds,” hints at its rich biodiversity, especially its birdlife, and it’s renowned for its deep, clear waters that reach up to 900 meters in some areas—making it the second deepest lake in Africa. Set at an altitude of 1,962 meters, Lake Bunyonyi enjoys consistently cool, moderate temperatures year-round, perfect for visitors seeking a refreshing escape.

With its 29 scattered islands, including Punishment Island (Akampene), Bwama, and Bushara, Lake Bunyonyi offers a scenic, almost mystical landscape. The terraced hills surrounding the lake contribute to a dreamlike view that changes with the movement of mist and sunlight, giving the lake a fairytale-like charm akin to scenes from “The Lord of the Rings.”

Activities to do on Lake Bunyonyi
Apart from worshipping the scenic landscapes from a hilltop, there’s plenty to do here, including swimming, Canoe ride, Community walks and bird watching. Only be sure to spend a night or two because this exquisiteness cannot be restricted to just a day.

Swimming:
Lake Bunyonyi is known as one of the few lakes in Uganda free of bilharzia, making its waters safe for swimming making it absolutely safe for swimming. Also the lake has no dangerous creatures like crocodiles and hippos. The only warning for visitors is the depth inexperienced swimmers should take caution.

Ride Canoe:
The most common mode of transportation on these waters is the dugout canoe, which offers a completely different perspective of the lake. Explore the beautiful islands and enjoy the sceneries all around. The canoe ride takes up to 2 hours to explore most of the corners of the lake. You can ride any time but the morning experience is extra special, with all the mist and tranquil atmosphere feels mystical to say the least. The evening ride is also good to catch the spectacular sunsets.

Birding
What is Bunyonyi without birds? The name alone, Bunyonyi, calls it a place of little birds. It has an enormous assemblage of bird species which makes bird watching a key activity. This lake is home to over 200 species of birds that have been recorded. Some of the birds you get to see include; weaver birds, egrets, levillant cuckoo, the herons, the grey crowned cranes and the slender-billed baglafetch among countless others.

Batwa Visits
One of the communities inhibiting the surrounding hills is the Batwa Pygmy communities. These especially interest visitors with their rare short sizes. They are also welcoming communities with rich cultures and traditions that you’ll experience through their dancing presentations and folklores

Community walk
There are many communities around this lake, take a chance to visit them and see how they live and make use of this lake as they swim, fish and with their canoe boats use it as their source of income.
This place deserves to be on your African –Uganda travel plan because; with its beauty and nice scenery you don’t have to miss.