Lake Bunyonyi is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The scenic views of the lake unfold with many islands visible from its shores, a variety of beautiful birds flying over misty hills at times, and beautiful terraced landscapes surrounding the lake rising over the shores of the lake, all giving it a magnificent appearance.
Formation of Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is a lava-dammed lake found in south western region of Uganda in Kigezi, Kabale district. It was formed when River Ndego was blocked by lava flowing from an eruption on the Virunga Mountains. The lava filled the valley, leading to a pool of stagnant water with many islands, which is the current day.
Bunyonyi translates to a place of many small birds. Birding is done here. The lake is not very big but very deep. It is the deepest in Uganda and the second deepest in Africa, after Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. It, however, has varying depths from 45 meters to 900 meters, with the deepest point being at Punishment Island.
Islands on Lake Bunyonyi
The lake has 29 islands in total, and some of these are inhabited while others are used for agriculture. Some famous islands on this lake include;
Akampene or Punishment Island: This is a historical Island in Bakiga culture, as it was a punishment ground for girls who became pregnant before marriage, thus its name. These girls were abandoned on the island and left to starve to death. Others died while trying to swim back to the mainland.
Bwama Island: This Island is also known as Leprosy Island. This is where Dr. Sharp, a missionary in 1920, established the first leprosy treatment hospital, following a leprosy outbreak on the island.
Bushara Island: Bushara Island is an ecological hub hosting a variety of birdlife and vegetation. Birding and nature walks are commonly done here.
Kahugye Island: This Island is among the best islands to explore on this Lake. This is because it hosts a sizeable number of wildlife species. Zebras and antelopes, including waterbucks and impalas, can be spotted on this island.
Several accommodation sites with many exquisite cabins offer the most comfortable and rejuvenating accommodation experience.
A visit to L. Bunyonyi will offer one a relaxing and refreshing experience, interacting with nature. Visitors can catch beautiful sunsets and sunrises over the hills while at this lake. Most people get to visit the Bunyonyi area to rejuvenate while on their way from gorilla trekking in the neighboring Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks.
Tourist activities on Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi offers many activities, including the following.
- Sightseeing
- Hiking
- Nature walks
- Biking
- Zip-lining
- Bird-watching
- Canoeing
- Community visits to the Batwa people. On this visit, you learn more about their way of life, which includes hunting and food gathering. Visitors can also explore Ngarama caves.
- Swimming since the lake has crystal clear waters which are favorable for swimming. It is also hippo-, crocodile-, and bilharzia-free, owing to its depth. The lake is also non-salty and has many inlets and outlets.
- Tourists also get to interact with the hospitable and kind people of Kabale and learn more about their cultures and traditional dance.
- A boat ride to Nombe swamp will also lead one to explore many rare bird species like pied kingfishers and chested bee-eaters.
- Photography since the scenic views of the lake are scenically refreshing.
The best view of this can be caught at the Arcadia lodges found on the hills. Arcadia lodges are also famous for offering great Expresso in the area. Canoes are the major means of transport on the lake. They are also used for fishing; thus, a visitor will certainly have a great canoe experience while moving across the lake to explore the different islands and surrounding hills. Boats are another means of transport on the lake, and these are sometimes used for water sports.
The guided tour and a hike on the hills will give one a satisfying experience of the region. Visitors will without doubt have a fulfilling birding experience while at this lake since many species of birds are seen flying over the lake, or resting on the islands and shores of the lake.
Best time to visit Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi can be visited throughout the year, but the best time is January to February and June to August. During these months, temperatures are warmer and favorable for several activities.