Lake Bunyonyi Travel Guide – Uganda

Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as the “place of many little birds,” is one of Uganda’s most picturesque and relaxed destinations. Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Uganda, this pretty area offers a pretty landscape of rolling hills, terraced fields, and islands scattered across the lake’s serene waters. Known for its clean waters, safe swimming conditions, and birdlife, Lake Bunyonyi is a great destination to experience Uganda’s natural beauty.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about Lake Bunyonyi including the activities available, how to get there, and where to stay.

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi literally means “place of many little birds” in the local Rukiga language. Locals often say that the lake is up to 900m deep, which would make it the second-deepest lake in Africa. Although, all the scientific literature only points to it being 40m deep, which is a very small fraction of that.

The lake spans approximately 25 kilometers in length and 7 kilometers in width and is surrounded by lush hills that rise steeply from its shores. It’s not far from the Rwandan border, in the Kabale District, about 410 km southwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital.

The lake’s altitude of about 1,962 meters above sea level ensures moderate temperatures, making it an ideal destination any time of the year. The surrounding area is home to the Bakiga who were primarily an agricultural society, and Batwa people who were traditional hunter-gatherers. Lake Bunyonyi’s calm waters are free from dangerous wildlife like crocodiles and hippos, making it a safe place for water activities.

Things to Do at Lake Bunyonyi

There’s a range of outdoor activities you can do at Lake Bunyonyi. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or to learn about the local culture, there’s something for everyone.

Swimming

One of the most popular activities at Lake Bunyonyi is swimming. Normally, lakes in east Africa are dangerous due to parasites and large animals like crocodiles or hippos. But Lake Bunyonyi is unusual as it’s free of those dangers. This makes it one of the safest lakes in Africa for swimming.

Wild swimming always has its dangers so it’s important to be careful. Firstly, there’s usually no one around to save you should something go wrong. So, a minimum requirement is that you should be a strong swimmer.

Also, there’s no way of telling how deep the lake is since it’s clouded by peat and mud. And finally, there doesn’t seem to be much of a current in the lake, but that could always change with more rainfall.

Camping

For those who love the outdoors, camping by Lake Bunyonyi is a great experience.

The lake’s shores are dotted with campsites that provide basic facilities and allow you to enjoy the raw beauty of Uganda. Waking up to the sounds of birds, watching the sunset and sunrise over the misty hills, and sitting around a campfire under a star-filled sky.

Camping’s not for everyone, but many campsites also offer pre-pitched tents or shacks/lodges. It’s a good balance if you want to enjoy the outdoors with a little more comfort.

Canoeing

If you’re picturing a perfectly polished canoe with shiny new oars, think again. Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi is done in a traditional dugout canoe, which is a carved and hollowed out single tree trunk. And you’ll be paddling with hand carved wooden oars too!

It’s so calm and peaceful to be floating around the huge expanse of water alone. Just an incredible way to experience the lake.

It takes a bit of getting used to at first – there’s a bit of a delayed reaction from the paddling to the boat turning – but we got the hang of it quickly. Although the local kids had skills that put us to shame!

Nature Walks

The area around Lake Bunyonyi is perfect for nature walks and hiking. The rolling hills and terraced landscapes have trails for all fitness levels. There are local villages, terraced farms, and a variety of flora and fauna to see.

You can ask your tour company if they do guided walks around Lake Bunyonyi, or alternatively ask your campsite/hotel.

Cultural Experience

You can visit the villages of the local Bakiga and Batwa communities to learn about their culture. The Bakiga are known for their traditional farming methods, dance, and music. And the Batwa people, also known as pygmies, have a deep connection with the forest and lake. Until fairly recently they lived off the forest as hunter-gatherers.

Bird Spotting

Bird enthusiasts won’t be disappointed at Lake Bunyonyi. As its nickname suggests, the lake is home to over 200 bird species.

Common species include the grey-crowned crane—Uganda’s national bird, herons, weavers, and many types of kingfishers. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for bird watching, as these are the periods when birds are most active. Guided bird-watching tours are available, again ask your tour company or the place you’re staying.

Lake Bunyonyi FAQs

How Deep is Lake Bunyonyi?

The depth of Lake Bunyonyi is widely disagreed on. Locals and tour companies state that the lake is 900m (2,953 ft) deep, making it the second deepest lake in Africa. The scientific literature, on the other hand, estimates it to be just 40m deep.

What Is Special About Lake Bunyonyi?

Lake Bunyonyi is special for several reasons. Its stunning natural beauty, with 29 islands and terraced hills, makes it one of Uganda’s most scenic destinations. The lake’s absence of dangerous wildlife makes it safe for swimming, which is a rarity among African lakes. It’s also a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 200 bird species recorded in the area.

Is It Safe to Swim in Lake Bunyonyi?

Yes, it is safe to swim in Lake Bunyonyi. The lake is free from bilharzia (also called Schistosomiasis), a waterborne parasite that affects many other bodies of water in Africa. Additionally, there are no crocodiles or hippos in the lake, which are common dangers in other African lakes. However, swimmers should be cautious of the varying depths and potential underwater currents, especially in deeper parts of the lake.

Are There Fish in Lake Bunyonyi?

Yes, Lake Bunyonyi is home to several fish species, although it is not as abundant in fish as some other African lakes. The most common species in Lake Bunyonyi is crayfish, which isn’t actually a fish but a crustacean. They were introduced to the lake in the 1960s from Louisiana in the US. Tilapia and catfish are also found in the lake, though in smaller numbers.

How Was Lake Bunyonyi Formed?

Lake Bunyonyi was formed as a result of volcanic activity. It is a lava dammed lake, created when volcanic lava blocked a river valley. Over time, the blocked valley filled with water, forming the lake we see today. This volcanic origin is also responsible for the lake’s steep sides.

Is Lake Bunyonyi a Crater Lake?

No, Lake Bunyonyi is not a crater lake. Although it was formed by volcanic activity, it is a lava dammed lake rather than a crater lake. A crater lake forms in a volcanic crater or caldera, which is not the case with Lake Bunyonyi. Instead, the lake was created by lava flow that blocked a valley, resulting in the accumulation of water.

Where to Stay at Lake Bunyonyi

There are many campsites and accommodation options dotted around Lake Bunyonyi. We camped at Amasiko Homestay Lake Bunyonyi and pitched the tent right down by the lake. It’s a bit of a long way down to carry a lot, but it’s worth it to wake up with the view of the lake.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, you can even stay on one of the islands like at Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort.

How to Get to Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is accessible by road from several major towns in Uganda. Depending on where you’re staying around the lake, the journey may involve a fair bit of off-road driving.

Hire 4×4 with Driver

One option to get around Uganda is to hire a 4×4 and driver. We actually chose to self-drive the whole trip. But the company we used for the vehicle rental – Road Trip Africa – also provide drivers if that’s what you want.

Of course, if you go for that option then there’s no need for you to worry about directions.

Self-Drive

The most common starting point is Kampala, the capital city, which is about 410 km away. The journey from Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi typically takes about 7 to 9 hours by car, depending on road conditions and traffic. But, if you’re heading in that direction, we’d highly recommend stopping in Lake Mburo National Park for a night or two.

Alternatively, you may be heading from the opposite direction having already stopped at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It does involve driving in off-road conditions, but it wasn’t too bad around here. Surprisingly, Google Maps is useful, even for these sections that are on mud roads.

Of course, if you go for that option then there’s no need for you to worry about directions.

Final Thoughts on Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is a gem in Uganda’s southwestern region, offering a peaceful experience in nature. It’s a rare activity to safely swim in an African lake, so Bunyonyi has that going for it.

Also, many of the experiences in Uganda either involve game driving in a vehicle, or trekking through thick jungle, so it’s a nice bit of variety. Whether for swimming, canoeing, or enjoying nature, Lake Bunyonyi is a worthwhile addition to any Uganda travel itinerary.

Lake Bunyonyi Travel Guide – Uganda

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