Believed to have been formed around a 1000 years ago, Lake Bunyonyi is a clear example of a lava dammed lake as its formation was as a result of lava flowing from the Virunga volcanoes and later blocking the Ndego River hence forcing the valley to drown forming present day Lake Bunyonyi.
Bunyonyi is a local word which is translated to mean “many little or small birds” which vividly gives a description of the calmness around the lake that attracts different bird species. Lake Bunyonyi is believed to be the second deepest lake in East Africa after Lake Tanganyika as its estimated depth is said to be over 800 meters with length of 25km and width of 7km.
Lake Bunyonyi has 29 islands dispersed within the waters including Njuyeera, Bwama, Bushara, Akampene, among others and is surrounded by romantic terraced hills which always keep the area with moderate cold temperatures. It is normally referred to as the Switzerland of Africa.
These hills provide a beautiful view as they are currently inhabited by the native “Bakiga” people who are predominantly cultivators. This fresh water lake provides cool breeze that blows from all ends coupled with beautiful scenery from the lake’s surroundings hence attracting visitors from different parts of the world.
Because of Lake Bunyonyi’s unique beauty, a picture of the lake was used by the Government of Uganda on the Uganda Shillings Five Thousand (5000/=) note between 2004 and 2009.
ATTRACTIONS AND TOURIST ACTIVITIES ON LAKE BUNYONYI
Lake Bunyonyi receives visitors from all over the world throughout the year because of the different attractions and activities that take place within this area.
Birding
As its name suggests, Lake Bunyonyi and the surrounding hills are home to various bird species that could be eye-catching and hard to find anywhere else in the world. The bird species here are recorded to be over 200, including the cardinal woodpecker, the African Kingfisher, Great Cormorant, Fan-Tailed Widow bird, Bronzy sunbird, White tailed monad, Levillant Cuckoo, African Harrier Hawk, Slender-billed baglafetch and so many others.
These can be seen flying above the waters, close to the islands, on lake shoes creating an exciting relaxing moment with their matching sounds heard from all ends. Visitors traverse the lake on canoes as they explore different places where they can watch these birds.
Swimming
Even when it’s the deepest lake in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is safe for swimming. The lake is bilharzia free and more so free from dangerous water inhabitants like Hippos and crocodiles.
The experience of swimming in Lake Bunyonyi is one in a moment as it’s so refreshing due to the surrounding environment. The lake has areas that are designated for swimming and it wouldn’t be good for you to visit the lake and leave without swimming within the Bunyonyi waters.
Canoeing
Traversing Lake Bunyonyi is done with a traditionally dugout canoe. With canoeing, you get a chance to have an actual feel of the lake’s cool breeze, listen to the birds singing as you move from one island to another as the guide narrates to you the history and stories connected with the lake and some islands.
You also have a chance to take a look at the magical scenery of the place from the center of the lake with beautiful terraced hill tops covered with mist.
Nature Walks
Which kind of nature walk could be comparable to walking around Africa’s second deepest lake and traversing the overlooking hills? There are trails for easy hiking to the hill tops giving you a 360-degrees view of the lake and all its islands. This is one of the best photography points for many visitors with the lake seen form a far.
Zip lining and High Ropes adventure
Ziplining could be a familiar experience but the one at Lake Bunyonyi is surely different and worth a take. For those who have no idea what this is, maybe you need to go check it yourself but only a tip; it’s not for the weak but brings your experience of Lake Bunyonyi to the extreme top like no other.
Crossing from one island as you flap the waters beneath you could be tense but actually fun and safe. Instructions are always given and participants fully dressed with the necessary protective gear. A visit to Lake Bunyonyi without testing the “high ropes” adventure isn’t a full package.
When to Visit?
Throughout the year, you can choose to visit Lake Bunyonyi since the weather around is ever conducive. But it’s always cold because the area is elevated and usually receives rain. Regardless, the best time to visit would be in the months of July, August, December, January and February which are considered to be dry months.
Location
Lake Bunyonyi is located in the South Western part of Uganda close to the border of Rwanda between Kabale and Kisoro. Travelling can be by road from Kampala to Kabale and from Kabale to Lake Bunyonyi or even from Kigali, Rwanda since Lake Bunyonyi is close to the border of Rwanda than it is from the Ugandan Capital.