Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most famous lakes of Uganda, it is the second deepest lake in Africa after Lake Tanganyika and the deepest in East Africa, it is undeniably amazing situated in the western part of Uganda along the Kigezi Island, the region is also known as the “Switzerland of Africa” due to its many rolling hills covered in coffee, banana, and tea plantations. The Lake was formed as a result of volcanic eruption. It is said that a montane river was blocked during the geological movement of tectonic plates, and the formed islands blocked the river hence the many dotted pieces on the Lake, there are about 29 of these some of which support human settlements while others have animal species and many birds living here. The word “Bunyonyi” in the local language simply means many birds, it is because of the lots of bird species around the lake that the region was named so.
Lake Bunyonyi boat trip is a recommendable activity to do while at the destination it is one of the many interesting things to do in the western part of Uganda, sailing through the amazing waters passing through the many islands is phenomenal. Each of the islands is named differently with a backup story to their names. The activity is done on motorized boat. It can take the whole day or a few hours depending on the time you have to conduct the activity, during the boat trip you will enjoy views of the calm lake, travelers are allowed to paddle on the boat or allow guides who accompany them to assist with the process. Boat sessions are done in the morning, and evening for sunsets giving lifelong memories.
Lake Bunyonyi boat trip will show you the amazing islands not forgetting the punishment island, this is one of the most visited places on the lake. It is a place where traditionally girls who got pregnant before marriage were dumped to starve to death, the animal island is home to a few animal species like waterbucks, bushbucks, goose ducks, donkeys, zebras and many bird species, other things to do while at the Lake include birding watching in Lake Bunyonyi. There are over 200 species of birds that have been recorded here, some of these are endemics to the great Albertine region, expect to see sunbirds, pelicans, African harrier hawks, martial eagles, hadada ibis, to mention a few. Zip lining across the lake is a must-do thing to do.
Lake Bunyonyi is a close destination to the Bwindi impenetrable national park, the park is well known for its primates the mountain gorillas. They live in the forest amiably together with other creatures, gorilla trekking is the main activity that takes place here. It is done in groups of 8 beginning in the morning, it can take 2-8 hours in search of the primates depending on how far they have moved, it is possible to finish a gorilla hike and go to relax at the lakeside of Bunyonyi.