Lake Bunyonyi, also known as the “lake of little birds,” is located in Southwest Uganda. The lake is about 7 kilometers wide and 25 kilometers deep at an elevation of 1,962 meters above sea level. The lake has a total of 29 islands concentrated in the central part.
Lake Bunyonyi is said to be the deepest lake in Africa, with depths ranging from 40m to 900m. The lake is an ideal place for relaxation for many tourists who come to Uganda for gorilla trekking safaris.
Fish were introduced to Lake Bunyonyi in the 1930s but unfortunately died out in the 1960s due to shallow mixing caused by wind.
The present fish species in the lake include Murrow carp, mudfish, and crayfish.
Popular Islands of Lake Bunyonyi
Below are some of the popular Lake Bunyonyi islands.
- Akampene Island: Akampene Island, also known as Punishment Island, located in Lake Bunyonyi, was used as a punishing ground for Bakiga girls who became pregnant before marriage. A girl would be taken to the island and left alone to die there or attempt to swim back. Alternatively, a man who didn’t have cows to pay the bride price could go to the island and pick up the girl.
- Bwama and Njuyeera Sharp Islands: The Bwama and Njuyeera Islands, also called Sharp Island, were visited by missionary Leonard Sharp in 1921. Later, in 1931, he established a leprosy center on the island. The leprosy victims were isolated there for treatment to prevent infecting others.
- Kyahugye Island: Kyahugye Island is very close to the mainland and can be reached in less than 10 minutes by boat. It is endowed with four main vegetation types: natural vegetation, tree plantations, open fallows, and bush. The flat-topped island provides stunning views of several islands in the lake and magnificent lake vistas. On a clear day, tourists can see Mount Muhabura, one of the eight Virunga ranges. Kyahugye Island is also the only one among the 29 islands where you can have a wildlife encounter with animals such as impalas, zebras, waterbucks, and Ugandan kobs.
- Bucaranuka (Upside Down) Island: Bucaranuka Island, also known as Upside Down Island, is famous for its legendary story. It is said that an old woman passed by one day as the locals were brewing beer. When she begged for some beer, they refused to give her even a sip. She then asked for someone to help her to the mainland, and they sent a young man to assist her. On his return journey, the island is said to have turned upside down, killing everyone on it.
Top Things to do at Lake Bunyonyi
Below are some of the top things to do at Lake Bunyonyi.
- Boat Cruise & Canoeing: Boat cruises and canoeing are among the best ways to explore the Lake Bunyonyi. Boat cruises are conducted at any time, even during the night. You can visit many islands on a dugout canoe, learn about each of them, and watch several species of water birds.
- Cultural Encounters: The islands of Lake Bunyonyi are inhabited by two main tribes: the Bakiga and the Pygmy people, also known as the Batwa. The Bakiga were the initial inhabitants of the lake and are well known for their hard work, cultivation skills, and unique cultural values. On the other hand, the Batwa migrated to the islands after being evicted from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park. The Batwa used to survive in the forest, depending on it for shade, medicine, and other needs. It is said that the Batwa were hunter-gatherers who lived in these forests for over 500,000 years.
- Swimming in Lake Bunyonyi: Swimming is one of the activities tourists can enjoy at Lake Bunyonyi. The lake is one of the few that is safe for swimming, as it is bilharzia-free and lacks predators such as crocodiles and hippos. However, as the lake is among the deepest in the world, swimming should only be done by experienced swimmers or under the guidance of a skilled and experienced guide.
- Birding: Lake Bunyonyi is a birder’s paradise, with over 200 species of birds found in the area, hence the name “lake of little birds.” The best bird-watching spot in the area is Nyombi Swamp. Some of the birds that tourists can enjoy watching at Lake Bunyonyi include the swamp flycatcher, red-chested sunbirds, grey-crowned cranes, and many more species.
- Nature Walks & Biking: Nature walks at Lake Bunyonyi can be done along the lake shores, where you can explore the lake’s flora and fauna on foot, enjoy great views of the scenic lake, and encounter several little birds and plantations. Biking can also be done on various trails, exposing you to the unique African countryside.
Accommodation
Lake Bunyonyi has several accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Some of the hotels around the islands include Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Bunyonyi BirdNest Resort, and many others.
Getting There
Lake Bunyonyi is near Kabale town in Uganda, bordering Rwanda. The lake can be reached from Kampala within 6 hours to Kabale town, followed by a drive of less than an hour to Lake Bunyonyi.
Lake Bunyonyi is open for tourists to visit all year round.
