Lake Bunyonyi is Uganda’s most exhilarating attraction and ought to be considered one of the natural wonders of the world. Believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Bunyonyi is a body of water in southwestern Uganda near the Rwandan border, and one of the country’s top natural treasures. At 1,962m above sea level, the lake enjoys moderate temperatures year-round, cool in both the mornings and evenings. Most visitors who want to discover Lake Bunyonyi often get a stopover at the lake, after a gorilla trekking safari in the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of 2,200-2,478m. It’s 29 islands of various shapes and sizes, scattered across the water body that make it most magical — you will admire it all day.
On your tour to discover Lake Bunyonyi, you will learn that it’s a sight that reinvents itself every hour or two with the ever-changing climate and direction of the sun. In the morning, the islands weave through cotton candy-like streams of mist, and in the afternoon, they’re bathed in the warm glow of the sun. Later, they’re silhouetted against a dim sky as evening approaches. One day the islands vanished from sight completely, hidden under a blanket of clouds, but it only took an hour to see them emerge once more.
The lodges around the lake have the most breathtaking panorama view of Lake Bunyonyi. So, even if you don’t stay as a guest, be sure to visit for a drink or meal on the terrace, to enjoy the views.
Activities as you explore and discover Lake Bunyonyi
Apart from worshipping the scenic landscapes from a hilltop, there’s plenty activities to do here, so we recommend spending at least a night or two on its shores or one of the islands. Go for a swimming experience, because Lake Bunyonyi is one of the few lakes in Uganda that are free from bilharzia, which makes it safe for swimming.
You should go for a boat canoe or ride as you discover the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi. Dugout boat canoes are the most common mode of transportation used on these waters, offering a completely different perspective of the lake. You can rent your own to explore the islands or select a guided tour.
Hiking and nature walks are some of the best experiences around Lake Bunyonyi. So, enjoy the best hiking trails on the islands or through the terraces of Kigezi highlands, and be rewarded with spectacular views of the landscapes and some wildlife. Forest and tree plantations can be found on some of the islands, as well as monkeys and zebras. Otters can also be spotted in the waters.
Bird watching around Lake Bunyonyi is quite amazing. The lake itself gets its name from the abundant birdlife that calls it home. ‘Bunyonyi’ means ‘the place of little birds’. There are over 200 bird species found here, including herons, weaver birds, and grey-crowned cranes, commonly known as the crested crane.
Book an outstanding safari experience to discover Lake Bunyonyi with us. You can combine this with the ultimate gorilla trekking tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, because it is so close to the lake, making your visit one of the best in Africa.
