Top things to do around Lake Bunyonyi; Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda and second deepest lake in East Africa after Lake Tanganyika. It is also known as a place of many little birds is located in southwestern region between Kabale and Kisoro districts. Lake Bunyonyi is comprised of 29 islands including Bwana, Kyahugye, Akampene also known as the punishment island, Bushara, Njuyeera, Bucuranuka among others. Each island has a story behind it for example Akampene island were girls who got pregnant before marriage would be taken to this punishment island and abandoned there to die of starvation or drown while trying to swim cross the lake. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most stunning places in Uganda while on Uganda safaris Tours that provides breathtaking atmosphere and a number of interesting activities to tourists which include,

Top things to do around Lake Bunyonyi

Boat cruise/ canoeing

Boat cruise is an interesting activity where tourists get an opportunity to explore the lake in an ancient dugout canoe. Boat cruise/ canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi can either take a whole day or a few days depending on your preference and you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who is knowledgeable about the lake and the surrounding communities. During the boat cruise, you will enjoy the quietness and calmness of the lake, views of the sunset, explore the 29 islands such as the punishment island, Kyahugye, Bwana, Njuyeera, Bushara, Bucuranuka, view different bird species, animals like zebras, otters, impalas among others.

Nature walks

Nature walk is an exciting activity where tourists get an opportunity to explore surrounding areas on foot with the company of an experienced guide who is well conversant with different trails to follow. During the guided nature walk you will be able to visit the communities around, pass through the terraced farmlands, listen to sweet sounds of bird species, explore different islands, enjoy the cool breeze, take beautiful pictures among others.

Bird watching

Lake Bunyonyi is a home of more than 200 recorded bird species including forest birds and water birds which make it one of the best birding destinations in Uganda. During bird watching you will be accompanied by an experienced bird guide who will help you to spot different bird species like grey crowned crane, pied kingfisher, red chested sunbird, white tailed blue monard, levillant cuckoo, African harrier hawk, slender billed baglafetch, cardinal woodpecker, herons, weavers among others.

Cultural tours

This is an interesting activity where you will be able to interact with the bakiga and Batwa/pygmies who live in the surrounding communities. During the cultural tour you will be able to learn about the local peoples culture, way of living, visit their homesteads, schools, local markets, farmlands, learn how to cook their traditional meals, listen to their ancient stories, enjoy their traditional songs and drama among others.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is an adventurous activity where you will be able to explore areas around the lake on a bike with the company of a guide. During mountain biking you will be able to interact with the local people in the villages, kids waving at you, listen to different bird species among others. Bikes from mountain biking can be hired from one of the lodges.

Swimming

Lake Bunyonyi is safe for swimming in that its bilharzia free and there are no dangerous animals like hippos and crocodiles. Tourists should however be mindful that it is very deep hence should be experienced and expert swimmers and should also use safety measures or precautions like nearby canoes or buddy system.

Zip lining

Zip lining is an adventurous activity where you will take a zip trip across the deepest lake in Uganda and it starts with a briefing about the safety precautions. After the briefing to you start the exciting zip line activity which will give you an enormous adrenaline rush filled experience as you glide across with your hands or feet splashing  the water below. Zip lining is a must do activity during your Uganda safari at Lake Bunyonyi in that it gives you fascinating memories and also a chance to take beautiful photos.

Best time to visit Lake Bunyonyi

It can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season which is also known as the peak season in the months of June to September and December to February because during the dry season there is less rainfall therefore nature walk and hiking trails will be dry and passable compared to the wet season when the hiking and nature walk trails are wet, muddy and slippery.

How to get to Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is located in southwestern part of Uganda and can be accessed by road transport means where by you will drive from Kampala or Entebbe via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and then connect to Lake Bunyonyi which takes about 7 to 8 hours drive.

Where to stay in Lake Bunyonyi

There are a number of accommodation facilities where you can stay during your safari at Lake Bunyonyi. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including Lake Bunyonyi Eco resort, Kansiime Backpackers, Lake Bunyonyi Overland resort, Birdnest lodge, Bunyonyi Safari resort, Paradise Eco hub, Arcadia cottage Lake Bunyonyi, Hawks eye lodge Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Rock resort, Bushara Island camp, Byoona Amagara Island retreat, OM Hostel Bunyonyi among others.

Lake Bunyonyi is the best place to relax and chill after a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park, chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale forest national park or mountain climbing in Mgahinga gorilla national park.