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Lake Bunyonyi

Why Visit Lake Bunyonyi?

One place you should not miss while on a trip in Uganda is Lake Bunyonyi. The lake is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of (2,200 – 2,478m) but it’s the 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water that make it most magical — you could admire them all day. Check out this experience: “I did not think there would be much of interest at the lake and almost wanted to cut it out of the itinerary but it ended up being one of the most mesmerizing views I have ever seen”. If you love swimming, then Bunyonyi is your place. The lake is bilharzia, croc and hippo free, unlike many other lakes in the region. For the bird-watchers, Bunyonyi is a “place of many little birds” that should be missed only if you must.

Getting there: Road transfer or flight (if available) to nearby Kisoro Airstrip.

What to do: Bird watching, Canoeing/boat cruise, Swimming, community visits.

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Must do Experiences at Lake Bunyonyi

Canoeing

The signature Bunyonyi activity is traditional dugout canoes, either self-paddled or guided, exploring the lake’s 29 islands. Guides often share island lore, including the story of Akampene (“Punishment Island”), historically linked to unmarried pregnant girls being abandoned there.

Nature walks and hikes

Through the terraced hills, banana plantations and surrounding vegetation, with some trails reaching the Echuya forest, home to small primates.

Community/cultural visits

Walks through local villages, sometimes including demonstrations of forest skills and farming practices, and conversations about Batwa community history.

Bird watching

Over 200 species recorded, including grey-crowned cranes, red-chested sunbirds, and various weavers, egrets and herons.

Accommodation Options

Feature Safaris

From

$6,620 pp

4 pax sharing

RWANDA-UGANDA PREMIER CROSSBORDER SAFARI: AKAGERA, GORILLAS, CHIMPS, MURCHISON FALLS AND THE BIG FIVE.

Two hippos in Kazinga Channel

From

$12,619 pp

4 pax sharing

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS: UGANDA’S ALL INCLUSIVE SAFARI EXPERIENCE WITH GORILLAS & WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS.

Canoe on Lake Bunyonyi

From

$1,881 pp

4 pax sharing

CLASSROOM BEYOND WALLS: UGANDA’S DISCOVERY TOUR FROM FARM TO FORESTS TO LAKES.

From

4 pax sharing

UGANDA PRIMATE EXPEDITION WITH NILE LUXURY: GORILLAS, CHIMPS & RIVERSIDE RETREAT.

From

$3,730 pp

4 pax sharing

BEYOND THE BUSH: UGANDA’S AGRO-TOURISM & WILDLIFE ADVENTURE.

From

$6,093 pp

4 pax sharing

SHOEBILL TO SUNSETS: UGANDA’S WILDLIFE, CULTURE & SERENITY.

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi