Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi.

Lake Bunyonyi, also known as the “Place of Many Little Birds,” is in south-western Uganda between the districts of Kisoro and Kabale, close to the border with Rwanda. It’s situated at 1,962 m (6,437 ft.) above sea level, it is about 25 km (15.5 mi) long and 7 km (1.35 mi) wide.

The lake is thought to be between 44 metres (144 feet) and 900 metres (2,952 feet) deep, which, if true, would make it the second deepest lake in Africa. It is said to be one of the few lakes in the area that doesn’t have bilharzia and is safe to swim in on a Uganda safari. Lake Bunyonyi is a body of water that is seven kilometres (4.3 miles) west of the town of Kabale in southwestern Uganda. It is 25 kilometres long and 7 kilometres wide (4.3 miles), and it covers 61 square kilometres (23 1/2 square miles).

The lake is 1,950m above sea level and is ringed by heavily farmed hills that are between 2,200m and 2,478m high. Its 29 islands gather in the central part and have few settlements but instead they are mostly used for tourist facilities and for secondary as well as a primary school study tours. The data on the lake’s maximum depth varies, from 44m to 900m (144 to 2,952 ft.) in parts. If the latter is true, Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa as witnessed on Uganda safaris in Uganda on their Uganda Birding Safaris.

Safari activities to do in Lake Bunyonyi.

Relaxing and chilling out with loved ones.

The beautiful scenery and cool weather is excellent for relaxing after tiring activities like tracking the gorillas, climbing mountains or doing game drives in Uganda’s national parks. If you want to read a good book in a calm and cool place, one of the quiet island resorts would be suitable. There is a lot of food, both local veggies and fruits and dishes from around the world. The best part is watching the sun go down over Lake Bunyonyi. When the sun goes down, you can take beautiful pictures of the sun’s rays reflected on the water of the lake.

Swimming.

Lake Bunyonyi is a clean lake with clear water that isn’t polluted because there aren’t any places to fish on its edges. There are no crocodiles, hippos, or parasites that cause Bilharzia in the lake water. Bilharzia is a sickness that is common in some East and Southern African waterways. The only disadvantage with swimming on the lake is the depth. People think that Lake Bunyonyi is the second largest lake in Africa. Those who are not skilled swimmers should take caution and instead use the hotel swimming pools.

Boat riding/Canoeing.

The only way to get around the lake and its islands is in a canoe. The locals make the canoes by digging into large trees to create a depression using axes to create a depression. Rowing sticks or motors are used to move the boats. Using these boats made in the area is a whole new safari experience that adds to the magic of the Lake. When the lake is misty in the early morning is the best time to go cruising. This is a beautiful sight to see if you like the outdoors and new things. You can also go canoeing at night to feel the cool breeze and hear the sounds of crickets, frogs, and birds.

Visiting batwa pygmies.

The Batwa pygmies are a small group of people who live in “Echuya Forest Reserve” near the border of Kabale and Kisoro. They are thought to have come from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a group of hunters who used to live in the rain forests of the DRC. When their land was taken away because of industrialization, they went to Western Uganda. Nearly 4,000 Batwa people live in this area. The Batwa have an intriguing past including their own creation story, a unique relationship with the forest who have been exclusionary for quite some time now. They live in small grass and stick houses and generally keep to themselves. The Kellerman Foundation set up the Batwa event, and being a part of it is very good for this group of people who are in danger.

Nature Walks.

 If someone isn’t interested in the community walks, they can walk with a guide along established paths to see the terraced hills and be amazed by the beautiful views of the lake and tall landscapes. Visitors may additionally explore the ancient bamboo forest of Echuya or the other small ones surrounding the lake and spot small primates and zebra.

Mountain Biking.

One of the best ways to see the lake is to rent a mountain bike and ride to the spot, going through beautiful scenery and places where people live. Many hotels don’t have bike rental services, but your tour company can make the preparations and have a bike ready for you.

Birdwatching.

Lake Bunyonyi is a birders heaven and one of the best places to go bird watching safari in Uganda. The name Bunyonyi makes you think of a place where birds live. There are more than 200 different kinds of birds in the lake. The small islands in the lake act as sanctuaries and breeding grounds for many water birds. There are both native species and species that move from Europe to escape the hard winters. The swamp of Nyombi is one of the best places to watch birds. The best way to see the birds is by acquiring a boat, a binoculars and moving to the water with a birding guide. Some of the species are  egrets, slender-billed baglafetch, weaverbird, herons, bee-eaters, great cormorants, Bronzy sunbird, African kingfisher, raptors, sunbirds, golden-backed weavers, malachite kingfisher, African harrier hawk, grey-crowned crane, and levillant cuckoo and among others.

Zip lining.

The most recent addition is Zip lining. Sturdy ropes are connected between trees in the opposite banks of the Lake. You can swing over the calm water of the lake and even do half spins to touch the water and feel the breeze on your face. It’s fun and exciting to drift from one end of the lake to the other and hit the water as you go. There is safety gear on hand for this activity. All of the equipment is well-tested to make sure that everyone on the ziplines stays safe.

Discover the Islands.

There are 29 islands, and each one is more interesting than the last. With your choice of transportation, you can go to every island on the lake and check it out. The most popular ones are

Akampene (Punishment Island).

It is thought to be the smallest island on the lake, but it is also one of the most interesting. On Akampene Island, there is a sad history of a practice that has been going on for a long time. Young girls who got pregnant before marriage were brought to this island and tied to the one tree that sits on the islands to atone for their transgressions. As times changed, people stopped doing this practice and thought it was old and no longer relevant.

Kyahugye Island.

Many animals can be seen on this island, which is thought to be one of the most interesting. Zebras, Waterbucks, Impalas, and many other animals live on the Island. For a mini version of a game drive, with a view of the glistening sun-kissed waters at a distance and fresh breezes, an hours’ ride will be a perfect addition. These animals were introduced to the area.

Bushara Island.

Bushara Island is the place to go if you want to get a better look at the birds in this area. Carry your binoculars and long-lens cameras to be able to get the best of the experience.

Bwama Island.

This is the biggest island, which also has people living on it. Dr. Leonard Sharp was a Scottish minister who went to Uganda in the 1920s and opened a home for people with leprosy in 1931. He made a place where people with leprosy could go to get help without feeling insulted or ignored. This is a big part of the past of the island. At the moment, the island inhibitors are going to school in these old hospital buildings.

Bacuranuka Island.

The myth about this island is a very long story. A long time ago, 20 men were making obushera, a local drink, when an old woman came up to them and asked for a taste. The men refused to offer her a sip of the drink in an ungentlemanly manner. The old woman asked them to take her to the mainland, which they happily did because they didn’t want her in the way. One of the men was sent with her to the mainland. Angry, the old woman cursed the island, which turned upside down and swallowed the men making “bushera” on the island. With 29 small islands, you can be sure that each one has its own story that has something to do with the history and culture of the area.

Eating Crayfish.

Uganda’s infamous military dictator Idi Amin had his positive sides too. One of them said that the Louisiana Crayfish should be brought to Lake Bunyonyi. Cray fish have done so well that they are now the most common species in the lake and the water bodies around it. All the lodges and restaurants serve crayfish. If someone doesn’t want Cray fish, they can order the tasty local Tilapia fish instead.