ACTIVITIES TO DO AT LAKE BUNYONYI
Visit Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda is also a very perfect place to relax and chill out. There are activities like canoeing in a dugout canoe, swimming, Island hopping, boating, hiking, birding, village visits, and nature walks as well as interactive cultural visits as you stay along Lake Bunyonyi. This lake has got scenery that will stay with you on all of its 29 islands, the mountains and Virunga volcanoes, its great spots as well as a lovely climate to relax and chill out. Find tips on how to get there, from Kampala, Mbarara, Kabale route or tracing it after gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
Lake Bunyonyi is a magical stunning lake found in Uganda and its unknown too many tourists since it’s inserted away with in the gorilla highlands. This lake should be part of your list of the things to tour and visit in your lifetime. You should not miss visiting this interesting lake in Uganda.
Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda-Kabale
Even though, many things have been said about Lake Bunyonyi including; how deep it is, and how it was formed. When you visit Lake Bunyonyi, all these things disperse into thin air, this is one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa and tourists from near and far are impressed by its mystic, charmed beauty as you see it snaky along the landscape of Uganda, filled by the 29 Islands of many shapes and sizes, enclosed by a ring of the terraced farms, their foliage that accent this beautiful lake like the attractive frame and is it’s not a surprise that Lonely planet called it” scene from lord of the Rings”
Meaning of Lake Bunyonyi
Bunyonyi as a word means the place of little birds and not only is it a place for the birds but also a curative place, a place of rest, a place to solace, tranquility as well as a place of reflection. After your days of being on a safari especially moving through the hills and valleys of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search for the mountain gorillas. This lake is a good place to put it all into viewpoint, to take in the beauty of this lake, to relax and also chill out to take in the most fun-filled things to do and engage in swimming, nature walks, boating, canoeing, village visits and the market place.
WHAT TO DO & SEE IN LAKE BUNYONYI
Swimming in the Lake
This lake is a bilharzia free lake and it has neither crocodiles nor hippos inside. This means that it’s safe to swim here and also enjoy. It’s known to be a deep lake and the second deepest lake in Africa and this means that you ought to be a good swimmer, you certainly have to enjoy it as you are staying here. Some of the lodges & hotels like Bird nest Resort have an opportunity of a swimming pool or the lake for the guests. You can take a swim in one of the most wonderful lakes, there are also other places along the lake where they have been surrounded with a swimming pool where you can have a swim. You should also have it in mind that the lake is so deep and in case you swim, use safety precautions like a buddy system or a canoe nearby.
Chill out and relax along the Lake shores
This is also one of the best places in Uganda to chill out and relax after a long safari. This could be a gorilla safari, hiking, volcano climbing and many other activities that require relaxation after. You can chill out on an island or along the shores of the lake. One of the main foods found around that lake is crayfish that is cooked in all types of ways and then served at all times of the day, freshly caught, and prepared in dishes from Pizza to Pasta. This lake also attracts many Ugandans, tourists and even the residents of other countries like Rwanda to come and chill out as well as relax.
Bunyonyi Canoeing – Boating
There are also 29 Islands to adventure on Lake Bunyonyi, and you can explore the local villages. Forests, the nature walks are all possibilities while staying here. You can take a dugout canoe with the guide and then discover the world’s Magical Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. This also can be a whole day event or just a few hours. You choose to scull or to be sculled across the lake, the overnight options are also available. You can also choose a motorized cruise on the lake. There are chances for sunset cruises as well as birding boat trips. Dugout canoeing is famous and you can also take an overnight tour on the lake and then stay on the Island.
Bunyonyi Nature Walks & Hikes
You can also hike, take a nature walk through the islands and around the lake. And the most part will be the scenic lake Bunyonyi. These walks are not so active and can be taken at your pace, the guides always escort you that you don’t get lost or also miss out one of the main highlights of the walk. The hike will be so scenic in nature and some will lead you through the small villages where you will meet Ugandans at up close and personal as others might be on an island that you came to with a dugout canoe. You must always keep your camera at handy to enjoy Lake Bunyonyi.
Mountain Biking
You can as well ride around the lake on a mountain bike as you enjoy the scenery, the people, villages, the hamlets. Also, get the feel for authentic Africa in Uganda. The weather and the temperature are so nice due to the elevation. Bike ride will be so enjoyable and the equatorial sun will not beat you down. The bike rides can be all day or can be of few hours. You will have a guide with you or a safari vehicle that will be near to help you in case needed.
Bunyonyi Cultural Tours
These interactive cultural visits within the villages, settlements on one of the islands or with in the enclosed countryside. This includes the Batwa pygmy people who were the original people of the forest. Today they fight in their pursuit of survival away from their beloved forest. We can also organize for a home stay within villages for you. This also comes along with a visit to a school, and local market. Also, learn how to cook in the traditional way. You can tend to the garden where they are growing and harvesting crops.
Book a safari to Lake Bunyonyi:
Also, read about Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This is because most clients who come for relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi first do gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda and Uganda
How to organize a fly-in safari to Buhoma for gorilla trekking
