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EXPLORING THE AMAZING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA Lake Bunyonyi is found in Rubanda district, in south-western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale, and it is close to the border with Rwanda. Bunyonyi is one of the most naturally beautiful lake in Africa and is one of the leading tourist destinations in Uganda.

Lake Bunyonyi is a clean lake with clear waters that are free from pollution due to the absence of fishing sites on the lake shores as well as the safest place to chill.

The lake attracts tourists, honeymooners and Ugandans who wish to get away from the busy town life to enjoy the cool weather and Scenic highlands lake with 29 verdant beautiful islands which include Bushara, Njuyeera, Bwama and the infamous Punishment Island Akampene among others, guided trips in dugout canoes as well as swimming.

Cool Climate

Lake Bunyonyi area has a generally cool climate throughout the year with enough rain that support the lush green hills surrounding the lake. It is the perfect place for relaxation after visiting Uganda’s great national parks like Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth parks.

The lake offers great panoramic views from all sides and is a great place to go for meditation and relaxation. Lake Bunyonyi, is located close to the town of Kabale and was formed 10,000 years ago when the river was dammed by lava.

Free from Bilharzia

The lake waters are free from crocodiles, hippos and parasites that cause Bilharzia. Bilharzia is a common disease in some of the water bodies in East and Southern Africa.  Bunyonyi in the native language means “a place with little/small birds’’ and harbors up to 200 bird types including Herons, egrets, African Harrier Hawk, grey crowned cranes among others.

The lake is actually the deepest crater lake as well as the second deepest after Lake Tanganyika (Tanzania) in Africa with up to a maximum depth of 900m approximately 2953 feet. Visitors who usually take safaris to Lake Bunyonyi generally enjoy and experience a breathtaking nature of the view.

Lake Bunyonyi obtains fish

This magnificent lake occupies an area of about 60 km², Surface elevation 1,962 m (6,437 ft.), Length: 25 km, Shore length: 186 km, Width: 7 km and then Average depth is 39 m (128 ft.) furthermore, at first lake Bunyonyi had no fish species like it has now, such as Nile perch and tilapia among others.

Lake Bunyonyi had no fish due to the temperatures on the surface which rises up to 25 degrees Celsius (77ºF). Fish was introduced to the lake in the later years and in the 1930s fishing became profitable. Unfortunately, in the 1960s the fish died massively as a result of a violent shallow mixing that is anticipated to be caused by wind.

The things that are done in Lake Bunyonyi# EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

Apart from marveling at the beautiful scenery on arrival, there are a lot of interesting activities to do in Lake Bunyonyi such as;

Visiting Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxing and Chilling out with loved ones:

The beautiful scenery and cool weather is perfect for relaxing after tiring activities like tracking the gorillas, climbing mountains or doing game drives in Uganda’s national parks. The crowning moment is watching the Lake Bunyonyi sunset. The setting of the sun provides an opportunity to take beautiful photos of the sun’s rays reflecting on the lake waters.

Swimming:

Lake Bunyonyi is a clean lake with clear waters that are free from pollution due to the absence of fishing sites on the lake shores. The lake waters are free from crocodiles, hippos and parasites that cause Bilharzia, a common disease in some of the water bodies in East and Southern Africa. Because of the depth those who are not good swimmers should take caution and instead use the hotel swimming pools.

Boat riding in Lake Bunyonyi Canoeing:

Canoes are the only way of getting around the lake and its islands. The locals make the canoes by digging into large trees using axes to create a depression. The canoes are moved using rowing sticks or motor engines. Canoes can be rented the locally made at a fee of 60,000 shillings while the ones with engines can go for 120,000 shillings.

The best time for canoeing is early in the morning when the lake is covered with mist as well as Night canoeing to experience the cool night breeze and sounds from night crickets, frogs and birds. This is a beautiful sight to behold for anyone with a love for nature and adventure.

Island hopping:

Canoeing for 2 or more hours allows you to hop from one island to another while learning about their history. For example, “punishment island” where girls who got pregnant before marriage were left to die, Bwama island to learn about its history of hosting lepers.

Cultural experience and encounter in Lake Bunyonyi Community and Cultural Visits:

One of the most popular activities is taking a walk to observe how the local people go about with their daily lives near the shores of the lake. It is great to mingle with the locals and try out tasks like digging the garden with local hoes or visiting one of the local schools to interact with the school children. The Bakiga love taking marwa and obushera – two potent drinks made from bananas and millet/sorghum.

Another alternative is visiting the Batwa people.

The Batwa in this part of Uganda are in the areas like Bwindi, Mgahinga and Virunga National Park. The Batwa have failed to adjust to life outside the forest. They struggle to make ends meet considering that they are former hunters and gatherers. They earn a living by entertaining tourists and demonstrating their cultural heritage through dance, songs and storytelling.

Nature Walks:

If one’s interest is not in the community walks, they can hike through established trails accompanied by a guide to explore and marvel at the terraced hills which give majestic views of the lake and towering landscapes as well as visiting the ancient bamboo forest of Echuya to spot primates and birds.

Mountain Biking:#EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

One of the best ways of discovering the lake is by hiring a mountain bike and ride to spot the beautiful landscape while passing by human settlements. Many of the hotels do not have bike rental services but your tour company can make the necessary arrangements and have a bike at your disposal.

Visit the local market.

The local market of Rutindo attracts residents of the island every Monday and Friday. It is a perfect place to observe how locals go about with their daily life while also mingling with them and buying fresh fruits.

Bird watching:

Lake Bunyonyi is one of the best places to go birding in Uganda as well as the swamp of Nyombi. The small islands in the lake act as homes and breeding grounds for many water birds. While, the lake has over 200 types of birds that include both resident and those that migrate from Europe during the harsh winters, such types are egrets, slender-billed bagla fetch, weaverbirds, herons, grey crowned cranes and the levillant cuckoo among others. The best way to see the birds is by acquiring a boat, a binoculars and moving to the water with a birding guide.

Eating Crayfish:#EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

Uganda’s infamous military dictator Idi Amin had his positive sides too. One of it was endorsing the introduction of the Louisiana Crayfish to Lake Bunyonyi. Cray fish has been so successful that they have become the dominant types in the lake and surrounding water bodies. All the lodges and restaurants serve crayfish. If one’s interest is not in the Cray fish, they can order for the tasty local Tilapia fish.

Hotels and lodges for accommodation while at lake Bunyonyi

There are many accommodation options in Lake Bunyonyi, some of the hotels are built in the islands while others on the lake shores or in the towns before the lake. The Mid-range options are Arcadia Lodge, EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA Bunyonyi Safari Lodge and Bird’s Nest. While, the budget hotels are Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Bushara Island Camp, Byoona Amagara and Crater Bay cottages.

 The services offered in these hotels;#EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort:

This resort is locally owned and built with material got from surrounding villages. The resort provides single and family cottages as well as safari and mobile camping tents. The safari tents are built on raised platforms with great views of the lake and surrounding islands. The safari tents are self-contained with chairs, a table, twin beds and electricity.

Byoona Amagara:#EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

This hotel is built on Itambira Island and is one of the known hotels around Lake Bunyonyi. The hotel has private balconies with stunning views of the beautiful terraced hills surrounding the lake. The hotel has friendly staff and chefs who prepare local and foreign dishes that are relatively inexpensive. There are even separate family cottages in case one is traveling with family.

Arcadia Cottages:

Arcadia is built on the side of one of the hills offering great views of the beautiful lake and its numerous islands. With twelve rooms that are self-contained with electricity and hot water.

The Africa Explorer Eco village:#EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

This is another great option with perfect views of the lake, the islands and the Virunga Mountain rangers. The lodge is made up of modern looking huts that are self-contained with hot showers, Wi-Fi and solar power. There are domes and camping opportunities depending on one’s desire. The food served at the restaurant is relatively cheap and includes both local and international dishes.

Paradise beach:

It offers modern African huts which are built near a picturesque beach along the lakeside. The lodge is clean with well-manicured as well as fruit gardens, a camping place, swimming pool, and a hall for organizing parties. The hotel collects bananas, sugar cane and passion fruits from its garden to serve clients along with Asian, European and local dishes. However, EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA they serve Bugisu Arabica coffee and African tea in the master room or dining area giving an atmosphere of true relaxation.

Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort:#EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

This Eco resort is located in a forest area giving a feeling of being near nature. There are 10 cottages that are built separately offering mid-range and luxury facilities. The resort is perfect for family retreats. While, the activities organized by the resort are canoeing, nature walks and camping, as well as cultural performances and traditional dances for clients.

Bugombe Island Gateway:

This resort is new, it opened with great room facilities and also organizes great activities like island hopping, canoeing and bird watching in the Bugombe birding home.

Upendo Guest Home:#EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

It offers modern looking facilities with comfortable self-contained rooms. The hotel rooms are suitable for both budget and mid-range travelers. It also has a facility for Children that takes care of homeless children and offers volunteering opportunities.

Bunyonyi view resort:#EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

This is one of the cheaper lodge available in the lake area. It offers dome rooms with private balconies that overlook the beautiful lake, islands, a well as family cottages and self-contained single rooms for those who want more privacy. The hotel staffs are supper friendly and prepare tasty local and foreign dishes.

Bushara Island Camp:

This camp is built on private land on the Island of Bushara.

To reach the camp, you need to take a canoe or speed boat. The camp is perfect for honeymooners and those who love relaxation in a quiet place with beautiful scenery. The camp offers tree houses, safari tents and cottages with family, double and single rooms. Other services include delicious meals, EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA campfires and conference facilities. The camp organizes activities like bird watching, canoeing, swimming, volleyball, rope swinging, nature and cultural walks.

Amasiko Homestay:

This accommodation facility is built on a peninsula overlooking Lake Bunyonyi. They offer full board accommodation on cottages that are Eco-friendly. There are small tents that can accommodate between one to four people. All rooms use solar panels for lighting as there is no connection to electricity. Visitors with special dietary needs like vegetarians have special meals prepared for them. The hotel supports community based projects like schools like Amasiko Green School and helps clients organize activities like canoeing.

Crater Bay Cottages and Camp:#EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

Nevertheless, they had to build the hotel in Bufuka village on the shores of the lake. However, there are 12 private cottages which have single, double and even triple rooms. Furthermore, the hotel prepares delicious crayfish and other delicacies at their restaurant. Meanwhile, other facilities in the hotel include a library, a craft shop, Wi-Fi and laundry services at a small fee.

Bird’s Nest lodge:#EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA

Nevertheless, Bird’s Nest contains single and double luxurious rooms. However, this is one of the higher end lodge facilities. The laying of the rooms is perfect with a beautiful swimming pool outside.

Edirisa lodge:

Edirisa lodges own internationally and aim at providing a true African experience. It is surprisingly, EXPLORING LAKE BUNYONYI IN AFRICA many clients want to spend a night in a wilderness whereby they set up a campsite in a forest near a primary school with grass covered huts furnished with beds, chairs, writing tables and mosquito nets. The place uses solar electricity, while they heat water for showering using fire. There is more fun here than any other resort. The night camps are full of activity and wild partying.  Canoeing is free as well as swimming pool.

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