Tourist Activities in Lake Bunyonyi
Tourist Activities in Lake Bunyonyi: Lake Bunyonyi in south- western Uganda is the third deepest lake in Africa and one of the wonderful tourist destinations in Uganda. The Lake that is endowed with 29 islands is about 35,000 feet deep, 7 km wide and 25 km long. The lake is also surrounded with beautiful lush vegetation and kigezi hills that greatly compliment the beauty of this lake waters.
The Lake is believed to have been created over 5000 years ago when lava from the Virunga massif was blocked by the Ndego River and the lava covered up the valley that originally had stagnated water and slowly grew into the third deepest fresh water lake in Africa.
Lake Bunyonyi is located in the district of Kabale about 7 km west of the district town and about 8 to 9 hours from Uganda’s capital Kampala.
Lake Bunyonyi is a perfect destination for both adventurous activities and a calm time enjoying the breeze and beauty of the lake. Below are some of the activities that you can do while you visit this scenic lake.
Boat Rides
Taking a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most rewarding things you can do on this lake, the boat ride takes you on the lake’s fresh waters as you enjoy the fresh breeze and the beautiful surrounding flora and features.
The boat rides are offered by well-trained lake guides that will take you around the lake’s 29 islands as they tell you the unique stories of each island especially the punishment Island.
The boat rides normally take between 2 to 4 hours and can be done either in the morning or the afternoons.
Island tour
You can also tour the different islands on the lake and see each Island’s uniqueness and you have heard stories. The most popular Island is the punishment Island where girls who got pregnant out of wedlock who be taken as a punishment. Most of the girls died on the islands because of starvation.
Ziplining
If you are up for an adrenaline thrill, you can take up the zip lining activity over the lake. The zip line rope is firmly fixed on supports on each side of the water banks and it’s on this rope that you swing over the lake waters from one side to another; Depending on your height you can actually pause and touch the water with either your legs or hands.
Though this is such a fun activity, it’s not done by the faint hearted or persons afraid of heights. Also there is an age limit and weight limit to who can actually zip line, your tour operator will be in a great position to explain to you all these details.
Canoe riding
Canoe riding would be similar to a boat ride only that now you are in canoe and you are not necessarily exploring the lake, your experiencing the commonly used routes on the lake by locals to get from different islands and towns.
Canoes on the lake are used for transport by the locals and getting a canoe riding you will be joined by the locals as they move from one point to another. On this ride you get to hear a lot of local stories, learn about the different local communities and activities and enjoy the people of Lake Bunyonyi.
Canoe riding can be done anytime of the day and can also take the whole day if you are experiencing several lake routes.
Hiking
Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded will beautiful Kigezi hills and you can take a hike on some that are close by to challenge your body and even to enjoy the lush vegetation and the sceneries from the top. The views up these hills are to die for and the hiking experiences are also very refreshing.
Swimming
Lake Bunyonyi is a predator-free lake so it’s safe to swim in; thus you have a swim in the lake’s freshwaters especially near the banks and enjoy the water and the lake at large.
Birding
Lake Bunyonyi’s surrounding is home to over 100 bird species especially the small birds like red-chested sunbirds, weavers and woodpeckers among others and you can view these birds either on walks, hikes or boat rides; even as you relax at your accommodation you will surely spot some of them. If you love birds this would be perfect for you.
Other activities
Other activities that you can also explore while at Lake Bunyonyi would be taking community walks to visit the local communities that stay around the lake, visit the local market, take nature walks to just enjoy the surrounding or even mountain bike along some hilly trails.
This list highlights the most popular activities done at the lake but you can even find more. But either way, whatever activities you get to do while you visit the spectacular lake Bunyonyi we are confident you will enjoy your time at the lake.
