Until recently,
Lake Bunyonyi seemed like a well-kept secret among the people of Kabale in south western Uganda. Before it became a famous tourist attraction, people who wanted to visit this magical lake on their
Uganda safari had to first ask for directions to this wonder of nature. Because it is a famous tourist attraction now, there are more than enough road signs giving directions to the second deepest in Africa.
Bunyonyi means a place of many little birds but its imposing beauty can easily make you forget that you are in a prime birding spot for those on a
Uganda birding safari.
Its beauty is so imposing that it even appears on the 5000 Uganda shilling bank note. Dotted with 29 islands you may think the creator was in the mood to be extravagant with the beauty. The terrain around the lake is similar to what most of Rwanda (the land of a thousand hills) looks like. It has very steep hills and beautiful terraces that add organized beauty to this destination.
Getting there!
If you are driving from Entebbe or Uganda’s capital; Kampala, you will have to endure a long ride of about 7 hours before getting to Kabale town. If you are coming from another capital like Kigali in Rwanda, you will only spend about 2 hours on the road before you get to
Lake Bunyonyi Uganda.
Things to do while here
There are basically two main things to do around Lake Bunyonyi, to relax and to indulge in energy filled adventures. The relaxation bit is the easier thing to do. The views of the lake are so soothing especially if you are trying to escape the stress of the city and its gruelling capitalistic demands. At Bunyonyi you can just spend hours looking at the calm waters of this very deep lake.
You can also take boat rides as you listen to tales about the islands including the famous punishment island, Akampene where unmarried pregnant girls would be abandoned to die of hunger. Interestingly, it is said that men who didn’t want to go through the struggle of paying bride price often came to the island and picked up the girls. That was so many years ago and the practice is no longer in place.
Birding
Being a Lake of many small birds, you will enjoy sounds of several birds, as well as spotting them. All you need is to carry a binocular and a good camera with you for your
Uganda birding safari tour.
Hiking
Hiking is another fun activity one can engage in while here. You will go for a long hike to find locals that still engage in blacksmith activities. Your guide will take you hiking for a given distance but trust me, if you’re not fit, you will keep on asking if your there or not. Our clients hiked with a very old man but his fitness for a man of his age made them feel bad for being young and unfit. He fed them with lots of fun stories about the people, the area and his interesting life and this kept them going and going.
Fresh and unique foods
One thing that am really sure of is the fact that while you stay at places by the lake, you will enjoy some really fresh and healthy foods. The locals do a really good job at ensuring that visitors have enough to eat that is fresh from their gardens. Lake Bunyonyi also has a secret that comes to life when you stay close by crayfish. These Louisiana Red Swamp Crayfish are loved by visitors as a culinary delight. Just like Lake Kivu has Sambaza, Lake Bunyonyi has these tasty Crayfish. Try them when you visit.
Zip lining over the lake
While here, put your fears aside and have fun ziplining across the lake. These crazy adrenaline safari activities must not be missed on your
safari Uganda including
white water rafting, kayaking, and many more in the eastern lake resort town of Jinja.
Did I mention that the sunsets and sunrises can be really magical from this place? Oh yes they are and you should carry a long a camera or a good phone now that they are the commonest cameras we use.
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