LAKE BUNYONYI
Lake Buyonyi is situated near Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga, therefore many visitors spend overnight on its shores to relax and chill after a long day of gorilla tracking.
Reaching the depth of 900 meters, Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa and lies at 1,962 meters above sea level. A beautiful landscape, Lake Bunyonyi has 19 islands surrounded by gently sloping green rolling terraced hills dotted with homes, crop fields and lots of trees. The area around Bunyonyi is still rural with plenty of birds. In fact, the name Bunyonyi itself means the land of many little birds- over 100 species are recorded here.
The shorelines of the lake are mostly undeveloped, there are a few safari lodges and camps giving you a chance to relax with views of the islands just from the conform of your room.
Kabale is the largest town nearby the lake Bunyonyi. Many of the people living in southwestern region around the lake’s shores are mainly the local Bakiga and a few bafumbira and BaTwa pygmies. An authentic tour of Lake Bunyonyi offers visitors on Uganda safari quality interactions with the local people.
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS LAKE BUNYONYI
The lake is pristine, the waters of Lake Bunyonyi are free from crocodiles, hippos and bilharzia therefore, safe for swimming all day long. A number of activities are available for travelers wishing to spend a day or two. Activities include swimming, motorized boat riding, canoeing, zip lining across the lake, kayaking, visiting islands, hiking around the villages, and bird watching.
BIRDING
Lake Bunyonyi hosts more than 200 species of birds and bird watchers are always attracted to this lake. Birding can be done by riding a dug-out canoe or hiking along the shores of the lake. Common sightings of birds include Uganda national bird the grey crowned crane, African fish eagle, African whistling duck, weavers.
MOTORIZED BOAT RIDES
The picturesque 19 islands on Lake Bunyonyi are explored by a boat ride which can be as short as 30 minutes to as along as a half day. The motorized wooden boat rides are available any time of the day you arrive at the lake. You take a private boat ride with views of the islands and beautiful landscape. During the boat ride, you visit the infamous punishment island where girls who would get pregnant before marriage were dumped to starve or drown in water as they attempted to swim. This dark historical taboo was abolished in the 1930’s in Kigezi region. There’s another island where you anchor the boat and get to see skeletons under the rocks.
CANOE RIDING
Riding a canoe is the best way to spot birds. And it’s much easier to get closely to birds since there’s no disturbing engine sound like on a boat. You can rent a canoe and some of the lodges offer them for a few bucks.
SWIMMING AND RELAXING
Visitors can swim in the lake without any risk of crocs, hippo or bilharzia. Some of the lodges have built nice wooden platforms on the shores of the lake from where to dive into the waters, grab a book, chill and relax.
MOTORIZED BOAT RIDES
The picturesque 19 islands on Lake Bunyonyi are explored by a boat ride which can be as short as 30 minutes to as along as a half day. The motorized wooden boat rides are available any time of the day you arrive at the lake. You take a private boat ride with views of the islands and beautiful landscape. During the boat ride, you visit the infamous punishment island where girls who would get pregnant before marriage were dumped to starve or drown in water as they attempted to swim. This dark historical taboo was abolished in the 1930’s in Kigezi region. There’s another island where you anchor the boat and get to see skeletons under the rocks.
RIDE A CANOE
Riding a canoe is the best way to spot birds. And it’s much easier to get closely to birds since there’s no disturbing engine sound like on a boat. You can rent a canoe and some of the lodges offer them for a few bucks.
SWIMMING AND RELAXING
Visitors can swim in the lake without any risk of crocs, hippo or bilharzia. Some of the lodges have built nice wooden platforms on the shores of the lake from where to dive into the waters, grab a book, chill and relax.
VILLAGE WALKS
Enjoy gentle walks from the shores to the top of the hill and take in the views of Lake Bunyonyi. Walks usually begin with a boat ride or straight from your lodge. You can have a lot of fun visiting the local school and explore local gardens and take lakeside pictures.
VISIT A TRADITIONAL HEALER
As part of the walks, visit the legendary traditional healers and learn about the use of natural herbs and healing methods.
WHERE TO STAY
There are plenty of accommodations along the shores. View of the lake from the balcony or your room is stunning. Some of the lodges are located at the edge where the lake begins from kabale town while others at the far end. But no matter where you choose to stay, you will enjoy similar views of the lake.
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