Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is a stunning natural wonder located in the scenic Southwest region of Uganda, nestled in the picturesque Kigezi highlands between the Kabale and Kisoro districts, near the border with Rwanda. Remarkably, its depth is 900 meters, making it the second-deepest lake on the African continent.
This breathtaking lake encompasses 29 diverse islands, each presenting unique shapes and sizes that add to the area’s allure. The lake offers a wide array of activities, including leisurely boat rides, invigorating canoeing experiences, refreshing swimming opportunities, exhilarating hikes through the highlands, and the chance to immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage of the region by engaging with the local pygmy community.
Moreover, Lake Bunyonyi serves as an excellent stopover for travellers en route to Kibale National Park and provides a convenient and captivating layover for those embarking on gorilla trekking adventures in Bwindi.
If you wish to explore Lake Bunyonyi further, you will need to stay for two nights. However, if you are en route to Kibale or Bwindi, staying for just one night is sufficient.
Features & Wildlife Species
AREA ACTIVITIES
Different activities are conducted in Lake Bunyonyi like
- Bird watching
- Hiking and Nature walk
- Boat riding and canoeing
- Mountain Biking
- Swimming
- Cultural experience with pygmies
WHEN TO VISIT
Lake Bunyonyi can be visited all year round and all activities can be done at any time of the year. However, the dry season (June – October, December to February) is the best time for canoeing, boat ride and village walk.
WHAT TO SEE
- Green-terraced hills
- 29 Island of various shapes and size
- Akampene island (punishment island) where unmarried pregnant girls where abandoned
- Community local market
- Different cultures
HOW TO GET THERE
- By Road: Lake Bunyonyi is accessible within a 2–3-hour drive from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or a 7-8 hour drive from Kampala.