3-DAY LAKE BUNYONYI SAFARI

3-DAY

from
$800

LAKE BUNYONYI SAFARI

OVER VIEW

Lake Bunyonyi “Place of many little birds” located in the south-western Uganda is believed to be one of the deepest lakes in Africa, probably even the most beautiful lakes in Africa as well, dotted with 29 numerous islands among which Punishment Island and Bushara. The Lake is surrounded by terraced hills.

It is situated between Kisoro and Kabale Districts, and it borders with Rwanda. The lake appears on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling note under the title “Lake Bunyonyi and terraces”.

With its scenic environs, cool weather and numerous little islands, the place has been well marked as a great spot to relax and chill out, and offers visitors a number of choices when it comes to things to see and do:

What to Expect

1. Relax and chill out

With its cool weather and tasty culinary delights like crayfish, here is a perfect place for relaxing after a gorilla trek or safari just before you head back home.

2. Get on a boat ride to ‘Punishment Island’ (Akampene)

Lake Bunyonyi boasts 29 islands, but of these ‘Punishment Island’ stands out the most.

Before the 1940s, getting pregnant before marriage was a taboo thing in the local culture. Unfortunately, girls who did fall pregnant before marriage would be canoed to this very small island where they would either starve to death or die while trying to swim ashore.

But did they really die there? Or were they rescued? Find out more about this as you canoe to see this notorious island.

3. Explore the villages and surrounding landscapes

Take a hike on one of the surrounding hills, and be rewarded by spectacular views of landscapes. Or visit a local school and interact with school children. Or better still, try digging with the women in one of the many gardens in the terraced hills – a perfect opportunity to learn more about the people.

4. Go on a motorised boat cruise to the islands

You may also opt to go for a motorised cruise around the lake. Visit Bwama Island and learn how a British missionary founded a leper hospital in 1921 – now converted into a school.

5. Bird watching

Bunyonyi means ‘a place of little birds’. Just like its name suggests, the lake is home to over 200 bird species.

For the bird lovers, this is a great place for a birding excursion. You’ll have some great sightings of birds such as grey-crowned cranes, red-chested sunbirds and many flycatchers.

6. Swimming

Despite the depth (44m – 90m), good swimmers have a chance to take swim in this beautiful lake. There are no crocodiles or hippos lurking in the shore waters and it is bilharzia-free.

7. Visit the local market at Rutindo

There are interesting interactions to be had with the locals, and one such example is connecting with the people at a local market that happens every Friday and Monday at the Rutindo landing site.

8. Ride in a dugout canoe

This is an incredible way to learn more about the lake, its people and traditions.

9. Enjoy spectacular sunsets

There are some great photographic opportunities at sunset when the rays reflect in the calm evening waters of the lake. A great way to end yet another amazing activity-filled day on Lake Bunyonyi!

INCLUSIONS