Lake Bunyonyi | Crater Lake in Southwestern Uganda

Lake Bunyonyi: a place of little birds, is located in southern western Uganda between Kisoro and kabale and close to the border of Rwanda. It is a crater lake which is the deepest in Uganda. The lake appeared on the Ugandan shilling 5,000 note from 2004 to 2009 under the title ‘’Lake Bunyonyi  and terraces’’

Lake Bunyonyi is a magnificent island with towns  on its shores like Kyevu and  Muko. The lake has 29 islands some of which include the Kyahugye island, Bushara island, Bwana and Njuyera known as the sharp island, Bucuranuka island and Akepeme island known as the punishment island with the most interesting and dark history

The Akepeme Island, also known as the punishment island where girls from the Bakiga tribe were killed after getting pregnant since it was considered an abomination in their culture. The girls were abandoned here to die of hunger or drown in the lake whilst trying to swim to the mainland. It is believed that when they did that; it would reduce on the number of girls getting pregnant before marriage. Men who could not afford bride price would go to the island and choose a wife from the abandoned girls.

Bwama and Njuyeera Island (Sharp’s Island)

A leprosy treatment facility was set up on Bwama Island in 1931 by English missionary Leonard Sharp, a medical center, a church, patient quarters and a village community were set up at Bwama Island while Leonard settled on Njuyeera island hence the name Sharp’s island. The reason for the leprosy treatment facility was to encourage the victims to live in a happy community while segregating them from the community to avoid further infections.

Bushara Island

The island is home to Lake Bunyonyi Development company, an organization that connects the church of Uganda to the lake. The organization uses funds from tourism to develop the island. The island is filled with luxury tents, chalets, canoes and sail boats for tourist. Bushara island is mainly characterized by the thick forest filled with eucalyptus trees. The trees have been however encroached on by those interested in selling them off as timber.

Bucuranuka island (Upside down island)

Rumor has it that this island killed people in the past. A group of twenty people were brewing local beer made out of sorghum when an old lady appeared and asked for some. The group refused to give her some beer after which she requested to be escorted to the mainland. Once the old lady was off the island, it turned upside down and killed all the people. Only birds survived.

How to get to Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is accessible by road from kabale town which takes 5 to 10 minutes from the town. It is 410km from Kampala to Kabale district and 8km from Kabale town to Lake Bunyonyi.

People and culture

Lake Bunyonyi features settlement of two tribes: The Batwa and Bakiga of Uganda. The Batwa settled along the lake after their eviction from Echuya forest, Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi gorilla forest. The Batwa are a unique tribe in Uganda who have a unique culture and different traditions. They are ignorant in terms of the modern times and one can see them by planning a visit to their community.

The Bakiga are a bantu ethnic group from the hills of Kigezi mainly known for their hard work strength. Their culture is worth exploring once you visit Lake Bunyonyi.

Activities that can be done around Lake Bunyonyi include;

Canoeing

The thrill of the calm waters makes it beautiful for a canoe ride where you get to tour the lake, view the wonderful nature and birds from a beautiful point.

Boat riding

Hop on a boat, and ride through the lake with amazing views of the surrounding nature, get to see some wildlife and birds. The nature photography on Lake Bunyonyi is breath taking and for keeps.

Bird watching

Known as the place of many little birds, the lake offers more than 200 bird species which can be spotted while taking a walk or by canoeing. One can also view the bird species over Nyombi swamp using a boat

Community walks

Experience the everyday routine of the local people around Lake Bunyonyi especially of the Batwa: Pygmies community who are a tribe stuck in the ancient times. The Batwa entertain tourists in their community at a fee as a way of survival

Hiking and nature walks

Get to walk through the Kigezi hill trails along the shores of the island where you will get to see wildlife and also explore the towns and islands the lake has to offer.

 Swimming

Lake Bunyonyi is considered to be free from Bilharzia, hippos, crocodiles and other dangerous animals making it a perfect spot for swimming. It is however not advisable for those who are first time swimmers and drunkards to swim in this lake because it is very deep. Water sports