Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful places to visit. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life, this freshwater lake is a sanctuary of serenity and a testament to the natural wonders that Uganda proudly boasts. With its lakeside resorts, storied islands, deep history, and abundant fun activities, Lake Bunyonyi invites travelers to embark on a journey that promises both exploration and relaxation.

This lake lies in the far southwestern corner of Uganda, about 460 km from Kampala. It is located approximately a 2-hour drive from the great gorilla trekking forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The lake is also situated close to the town of Kabale, near the border with Rwanda.

What Is Lake Bunyonyi Famous For?

Lake Bunyonyi is most known for its stunning natural beauty.  This stunningly pretty lake is about 25 kilometers long, 7 kilometers wide.  It is encircled by the lush, terraced highlands of Kigezi. Its crystal-clear waters are dotted with islands of different sizes and shapes.

Lake Bunyonyi also holds cultural significance for the local communities living around it, mainly the Bakiga people. The lake’s islands were historically used as a defensive strategy during tribal conflicts, and today they offer insights into the traditional way of life, customs, and rituals of the local people.

Lake Bunyonyi is also a venue for travelers seeking relaxation, tranquility, and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life. And it’s a perfect place for chilling out before or after gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park. After your Uganda gorilla safari. you can take a boat cruise on the lake or go for a swim. The lake is regarded to be safe for swimming due to the absence of hippos, crocodiles, and Bilharzia.

How many Islands are on Lake Bunyonyi?

Lake Bunyonyi is dotted with 29 islands, each overflowing with fascinating stories. These islands vary in size and shape, with their names. Some of the islands are inhabited, while others are used for tourism and cultural activities.  Some of the islands include:

Punishment Island (Akampene)

Perhaps the most famous of all Lake Bunyonyi’s 29 islands, Punishment Island stands as a poignant reminder of cultural norms and practices of the past.

In the past, unmarried girls who got pregnant were brought by their fathers or brothers and punished by abandoning them on this island. Here, they faced two possible fates. Any poor man who did not own sufficient cows to pay an untainted bride was permitted to fetch the disgraced girl from the island and make her his wife. Failing that, the girl would usually starve to death or die while trying to swim ashore.

•  Bwama Island (Leper’s Island)

Bwama Island also hides a dark past. In the 1920s, leprosy was one of the deadliest diseases in Uganda. The disease was often surrounded by terrifying, negative stigmas and tales of leprosy patients being shunned as outcasts. Kabale was one of the areas with a lot of leprosy sufferers.

And if you visit Lake Bunyonyi, you’ll hear the tale of Dr. Leonard Sharp, a British missionary who came to Uganda in the 1920s to spread Christianity. After witnessing the huge impact of leprosy in the area, he set up an isolation center- Bwama Leprosy Hospital on Bwama Island.

Local people suffering from leprosy were encouraged to voluntarily segregate themselves from their communities at Bwama to prevent infecting others. The treatment available was a course of painful injections, administered over months.  The center was shut down in the 1980s; however, the hospital buildings are now used by Bwama Primary School. Visitors can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life, and even participate in community activities.

• Bushara Island

Bushara Island is a popular destination for eco-friendly tourists that offers comfortable accommodation and a serene environment. It is a perfect place to relax, bird watch, and enjoy the lake’s beautiful scenery. Bushara Island is also where the headquarters of Lake Bunyonyi Development Company are. This Ugandan registered NGO supports sustainable farming in the Bunyonyi area, as well as raising funds for orphans and providing workshops for local women to earn through the making and selling of handicrafts to visitors.

• Kaugye island

Kahugye Island is home to the Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, which offers accommodation and various water activities to guests. Kahungye is also the only island in Lake Bunyonyi where you can see wild animals such as Waterbucks, Impalas, the Uganda Kobs, and Zebras.

•  Bucuranuka Island (Upside Down Island)

Known for its enchanting beauty, Bucuranuka Island is a popular stop for boat trips on Lake Bunyonyi.  This island is believed to have buried a group of male revelers who refused to share their abundant stock of beer with an old lady who had embarked on a canoe to join them.

Unfortunately for the drinking party, the woman was a sorceress. She returned to her canoe, paddled a safe

Can You Swim In Lake Bunyonyi?

Yes, you can swim in Lake Bunyonyi. Taking a refreshing swim in the lake after a day of exploring is always a popular activity with tourists. There is no need for concern about encountering dangerous animals like hippos or crocodiles; however, before swimming, you have to assess the water depth, especially the deep sides.

How To Get To Lake Bunyonyi?

Getting to Lake Bunyonyi usually involves traveling to the southwest of Uganda. Here are the general steps to get to Lake Bunyonyi:

 By air

Start by flying into Entebbe International Airport, the main international gateway to Uganda. From Entebbe, you can take a domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip, both of which are relatively close to Lake Bunyonyi. Once you land at the airstrip, you can hire a vehicle or use local transportation to reach Lake Bunyonyi, which is about a few hours’ drive away.

 By road

If you prefer a road trip, you can drive from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, to Lake Bunyonyi. The journey takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Public transportation: Buses and minibuses (matatus) operate between Kampala and towns near Lake Bunyonyi, such as Kabale. From these towns, you can take local transportation or hire a taxi to the lake.

Tour operators

You can also consider booking a guided tour to Lake Bunyonyi or a transportation package through a Uganda tour operator. Your tour operator can help arrange transportation, accommodations, and activities for your visit to Lake Bunyonyi.

Best Time to Visit Lake Bunyonyi

The best time to visit Lake Bunyonyi is during the dry seasons, which generally occur from June to early September and from December to February. These dry season months offer more predictable weather conditions and less rainfall, creating good conditions for outdoor activities and exploration.

During these dry periods, the skies are typically clearer, and you can expect milder temperatures, making it an enjoyable time to participate in activities such as swimming, canoeing, boat cruises, bird watching, and hiking. But note that Lake Bunyonyi’s location at a higher elevation means that temperatures can be cooler compared to other areas of Uganda, especially during the evenings.

The dry season months are also peak tourist times, so accommodations and popular activities might be in higher demand. If you are looking for a quieter experience and you don’t mind a bit more rainfall, the shoulder seasons of March to May and late September to November can also be good times to visit, with fewer crowds and potentially more budget-friendly options.