LAKE BUNYONYI ISLANDS
There are 29 islands, and each is more intriguing than the others. You have the opportunity to visit and explore each island on the lake using your favourite form of transportation. The islands that are most often visited are;
Akampene/Punishment island, also known as Punishment Island, is thought to be the lake's smallest island but its most distinctive. Akampene Island has a dark past and a custom that the locals have followed for a very long time.
To make amends for their sins, young females who became pregnant before marriage were brought to this island and bound to the lone tree that stands there. This custom was disregarded and dismissed as an antiquated custom as circumstances changed.
The Island of Kayahugye
Numerous animals may be seen on this island, which is regarded as one of the most intriguing. Zebras, waterbucks, impalas, and many other animals can be seen on the island. An hour-long ride will be the ideal addition to a miniature game drive, complete with views of the far glistening waters and cool breezes. These creatures were brought to the region.
Bushara Island
You must visit Bushara Island to have a better look at the birds in this area. Bring your long-lens camera and binoculars so you can make the most of the event.
The primary stopover for gorilla trekking to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a popular safari activity in Uganda, is Lake Bunyonyi. Those who have been there before can attest to the breathtaking beauty of this lake, which is a great place to get away from the bustling city and clear your head. It is also a popular safari destination because of its cool fresh breeze, peaceful atmosphere, and picturesque views.
Travellers can partake in a variety of fascinating activities while at Lake Bunyonyi, including hiking safaris, bird viewing, canoeing, boat cruises, mountain biking, visiting the locals, and cultural excursions, including pygmy village tours.
Island of Bwana.
One of the five islands, Bwana Island is located on Lake Bunyonyi. It was established as a leprosy treatment sanctuary in the 1920s and 1930s by a Scottish missionary with the goal of treating leprosy patients away from the stigma associated with non-suffers, which is why it was given that name. People travel to the island to view the remnants of the former leprosy hospital. The treatment centre is no longer present as of right moment, but the buildings are still intact and are being used as educational facilities.
The island of Baburanuka
This island's fabled history is a fascinating one. An elderly woman approached a group of twenty men who were brewing obushera, a traditional beverage, and asked to take a sip.
The men were ungentlemanly in not offering her a sip of the wine. They eagerly accepted the elderly woman's request for a ride to the mainland since they wanted her out of the way. After one of the men was transferred to the mainland with her, the elderly woman became enraged and cursed the island, which flipped over and engulfed the men who were making "bushera" there.
You can be certain that every one of the 29 little islands has a unique story that connects to the history and cultural values of the area.
Places to stay when visiting Lake BunyonyI.
Budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations are available at Lake Bunyonyi's many lodging options. Prices vary depending on the traveler's budget.
The locally owned Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort was constructed using materials sourced from nearby towns. In addition to safari and mobile camping tents, the resort offers family and single cottages. Tents can be rented with or without bedding, and they are portable. With excellent views of the lake and neighbouring islands, the safari tents are erected on elevated platforms. The self-contained safari tents come equipped with twin beds, a table, chairs, and power. Activities like badminton and swimming are organised by the resort. A guide can be found to accompany anyone who wants to take a village stroll or learn about the people' economic activities.
Built on the slope of a hill, Arcadia Cottages provides stunning views of the stunning lake and all of its islands. Each of the twelve self-contained rooms has hot water and electricity, and all enjoy fantastic views of the lake.
Another excellent choice is the Africa Explorer Eco Village, which offers stunning views of the lake, the islands, and the Virunga mountain range. The resort consists of self-contained, contemporary-looking cottages with solar power, WiFi, and hot showers. Camping options and domes are available based on your preference. The restaurant serves both local and international cuisines, and the prices are reasonable.
Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort: This eco resort offers breathtaking views of the lake and islands and is situated in a wooded location, giving guests a sense of being close to nature. Ten independently constructed cottages with mid-range and upscale amenities are available. The amenities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and hot showers. The resort is ideal for getaways with family. The resort also hosts nature tours, camping, and canoeing as extra activities. For its guests, the resort hosts traditional dances and cultural acts.
Bugombe Island Gateway: This brand-new resort offers excellent accommodations and hosts exciting events like island hopping, canoeing, and birdwatching at the Bugombe birding refuge.
Upendo Guest Home: This contemporary establishment features cosy, independent rooms with a kitchen that guests are welcome to use. Both mid-range and low-budget travellers can stay in the hotel rooms. Children who are homeless are cared for at the lodge's Upendo Children's Home, which also provides volunteer opportunities.
One of the less expensive lodging choices in the lake region is the Bunyonyi View Resort. Dome rooms with private balconies overlooking the stunning lake and islands are available at the lodge. For those seeking further seclusion, there are also self-contained single rooms and family cottages available in addition to the domes. The hotel staff makes delicious local and international food and is very friendly.
Bushara Island Camp: Located on the Island of Bushara, this camp is situated on private property. You must be transported by canoe or speedboat to get to the camp. For honeymooners and anyone who enjoy unwinding in a peaceful setting with stunning surroundings, the camp is ideal. The camp has cottages, safari tents, and tree huts. The cottages have single, double, and family rooms. Delectable lunches, campfires, and meeting spaces are additional offerings. Activities including bird watching, canoeing, swimming, volleyball, rope swinging, and nature and cultural walks are all planned by the camp.
The Crater Bay Cottages and Camp is a hotel situated on the lake's shoreline in Bufuka town. Twelve private cottages with one, two, or even three rooms are available. The hotel's restaurant serves delectable crayfish and other treats. The hotel also offers WiFi, a craft store, a library, and laundry services for a nominal cost.
A nest for birds. Birds Nest offers opulent single and double accommodations. The amenities provided reflect the fact that this is one of the more upscale lodging options. There is a lovely swimming pool outdoors, and the rooms are beautifully designed.
Edirisa: Internationally owned Edirisa lodges strive to deliver a genuine African experience without the extravagance of more upscale lodging. Surprisingly, a lot of customers who wish to spend the night in a forest setting love it. They have established a campsite in a forest close to a primary school in Lake Bunyonyi, complete with bandas (grass-covered cottages) that are equipped with seats, beds, writing tables, and mosquito nets. The facility is powered by solar energy, and fire is used to heat the water for showers. Edirisa purposefully keeps the rooms simple, but not the activities. There is more fun here than many of the other resorts. The night camps are full with activity and crazy partying. There is a special underwater swimming pool and free canoeing.
How to go to Bunyonyi Lake.
Lake Bunyonyi is accessible from Kampala via two different modes of transportation: air travel and vehicle travel.
By road.
The road that passes through Kabale will take you eight hours and sixteen minutes to get to Lake Bunyonyi from Kampala's capital.
By air.
To cut down on the four to thirty minutes it takes to get to Kihihi airstrip, you can take a plane to and from Entebbe airport.
In conclusion
Lake Bunyonyi is a great place to unwind before or after your gorilla-tracking safari because of its location in the Kigezi highlands. The breathtaking surroundings and extensive history provide for incredibly restful vacations.
You can still do the more daring stuff, like zip-lining, which is beautiful, as mentioned in the activities above. We can plan the ideal Uganda vacation for you if you would want to visit Lake Bunyonyi and engage in some of these enjoyable activities.
The majority of tourists often spend time in Bunyonyi following an exhilarating gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
You can alter any of our safari itineraries to suit your preferences. This implies that we can include Bunyonyi on your schedule for whatever duration and with any number of activities you require.