Lake Bunyonyi is a lava dammed lake found in south-western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale, and which is close to the border with Rwanda. Its the 2d deepest lake in Africa second to Tanganyika which approximately measuring with the depth between 44m and 900m and its about 7 to 25kms wide. Towns on its shores include Kyevu and Muko, and has 29 islands with the famous Punishment Island where girls who would get pregnant before marriage would be thrown to die. Its water is highly stratified with the oxygen limit placed at a depth of about 7 m (23 ft),with a few aquatic animal species and water birds living in ad around the lake some include; De Witte’s clawed frog, African clawless otter and spotted-necked otter, and Four endemic species of Caridina shrimp. Lake Bunyoyi Originally had no fish give its formation but some have been introduced which include; crayfish, catfish,tilapia, Singida tilapia, haplochromine ciclids of Lake Victoria origin ad red swamp crayfish
Main islands
Akampene -Punishment Island
The Bakiga had a traditional norm of taking and leaving unmarried pregnant girls on this small island and leave them to starve and die. They had no swimming skills to cross to the nearest landing and since they were weak because of no food, they would thus die from the island. This was to serve as an example to the rest, and deter them from doing the same. Alternatively, men without cows to pay the bride price would go to this island to pick up those abandoned girls. This practice was abandoned in the first half of the 20th century with the coming of civilisation
Bwama and Njuyeera (Sharp’s Island)
With the coming of CMS in 1921, an English missionary Leonard Sharp came to Uganda and settled in lake Bunyonyi and established a leprosy treatment centre on the then uninhabited Bwama island in 1931. A church, patient quarters (model villages), and a medical facility were built in Bwama island, while Sharp settled on Njuyeera Island in “white cottage” which is currently hosting White House Hotel. The leprosy treatment center was to also act as isolation center for those infected because it was believed they would infect other people if left in the community.
Tourism Activities;
Bird watching;
Lake Bunyonyi is popular for its green and lush terraced hills that host over 200 bird species both resident water birds and others migratory including herons, weaver birds and grey-crowned cranes. This makes it a good place for many bird lovers. The perfect place for bird watching is along Nyombi swamp which harbours a variety of birds. Apart from birdwatching, This area is also has hills which other activities like various hikes and nature walks, all of which offer more than just nature and pleasure.
Boat cruise;
Take a boat trip to some of the fascinating islands on the lake – Kyahugye Island where you will find some wildlife including the Zebras, waterbucks, impalas and kobs. Visit Akampene island -a punishment island where pregnant unmarried girls were dumped to die in the Bakiga tradition as away of instilling displine in young girls. The boat cruise would also continue to Bwama and Njuyeera Island, where missionary Dr. Leonard Sharp founded a leper colony that currently hosts White House Hotel.
Swimming:
Lake Bunyonyi is known as one of the few lakes in Uganda free of bilharzia (a common parasite found in southern Africa). It’s also free of dangerous aquatic wildlife like hippos and crocodiles which makes its waters safe for swimming. However, visitors have to take caution because lake Bunyonyi being one of the deepest lakes in Africa, inexperienced swimmers are discouraged.
Riding a Canoe:
The lake has very calm waters that gives an exciting experience sailing with canoe. Canoe is the most common mode of transportation on these waters. Local communities use them to cross to other islands ad communities for farming, education, worship among others. You can hire one and sail it your self to explore the lake if you are experienced or seek the services of a community guide to take you on this experience
Community Walks:
You can do community walks and explore the ways of living of the people in the surrounding communities. While on your community walk, you can visit the Bakiga Cultural museum as well as the blacksmith sites for story telling, ad entertainment by the organised women groups. Batwa and Bakiga experiences.
Hiking and Nature Walks:
A community guide will take you to on hiking experience to explore the beautiful scenery of Kigezi highlands with its organised terraces rewarded with spectacular views of the landscapes. Also, Forest and tree plantations can be found on some of the islands which give spectacular views. You can as well sport some wildlife like monkeys and zebras on some islands. Otters can also be spotted in the waters.
Surrounding Tourist destinations;
Its neighbors Bwindi impenetrable national park which is about 45 Km. You can do gorilla trekking in Ruhija sector, You ca also visit Kisoro town which is about 50KM and visit Lake Mutanda or Lake Mulehe whose formation is like lake Bunyoyi ad do canoeing or visit Mgahinga gorilla national park for gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, Batwa trail experience or hiking the 3 volcanoes that is;Muhavura,Sabiyo and Gahinga
Getting to Lake Bunyonyi
From Kampala through Kampala-Mbarara-Kabale road which is about 450 Km (8 hours drive). between Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi the lake is approximately 10 Km (20-25 minutes drive). Given its proximity to Rwanda, you can access the lake from Kigali (or vice versa), which is about 1.5-2 hours by car using Katuna border. If you need to purchase your visa at the border, you will add an allowance of 30 to your journey
