Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda | Island hopping

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda | Island hopping

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda | Island hopping : is famous for its lush green terraced hills and legendary Islands. Additionally, it has got an impressive population of over 200 bird species. The lake is located in the western part of Uganda between Kisoro and Kibaale districts close to the border of Rwanda. The lake is quoted to have 25km long and 7km wide with a maximum depth of 130ft (40m). However, locals and tour guides argue that it is much deeper, around 3000ft (900m) making it the second deepest lake in Africa after Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. Note that, the lake appeared on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling note in 2004-2009 under the title “Lake Bunyonyi and terraces”.

How was Lake Bunyonyi formed?

The lake was formed 10,000 years ago, and was formed as a result of lava flow. This emerged from one of the Virunga mountains and occupied River Ndego. Because of its continuation, the river was blocked and dammed by a lava flow and eventually the valley drowned.

Can one swim in Lake Bunyonyi?

The lake is known to be one of the few lakes in Uganda that are Bilharzia free. Thereby making its water safe for swimming and it’s also free of dangerous wildlife like hippos and crocodiles.

Fish species

At the beginning of the 20^th century, fish was introduced in the lake but massively died in 1960s. This was perhaps as a result of volcanic gas emission. Today fish species include; cray fish, mud fish, mirror carp, Nile perch and tilapia.

What to do at the Lake

Birding

As its name suggests Lake Bunyonyi meaning “place of many birds” nurtures a superfluity of over 200 bird species. These include both migratory and local making it a birder’s paradise where you can spot different birds. These include; black-headed weaver, streaky seed eater, bronze sunbird, grey crowned crane, fan tailed widow bird, etc.

Sport fishing

Here, you relax with fishermen and enjoy them using their different fishing methods like baskets, hooks and nets. The species of fish in the lake are rather diverse comprising of the tilapia, Nile perch, mud fish, etc. You can as well get a chance to eat cray fish which is culinary delicacy in these parts.

Nature walks

Here you can have a walk at the banks of the lake whilst listening to bird songs and feeling the fresh breeze of the lake. These walks can be done along the shores of the lake and around different Islands with settlers.

Canoeing

While here, you will experience the quietness, calmness as well as the tranquility of the Lake. This ride is exceedingly exciting because you will see a number of bird species. These include; kingfishers, Egyptian goose, Yellow billed ducks, little egrets, white winged turns, etc. You will also view the different Islands while on your sailing canoe.

Community services

The region is mainly occupied by the Bakiga and the Batwa (who resettled here after being displaced from Bwindi). Although the Batwa have adapted to a modern lifestyle, they are still in tune with their culture. The Bakiga on the other hand are known for their hard work. This is basically portrayed in the beautifully tilled hills that are filled with crops surrounding the lake. Therefore, a visit to these people with leave you with great memories.

Bakiga Cultural Museum

The museum is a replica of a Bakiga homestead built in 2002 and this was to educate those who do not know about their culture. For a small cost get a feel of their traditional lifestyle and learn about the various items you will find there. These include; spears that were commonly used for protection, calabashes for churning, traditional stools and a pot for making perfumes among other items.

Island Hopping

Lake Bunyonyi is famous for its 29 Islands some habited and others inhabited. One can hire a canoe and a guide to take you around visiting the different islands. Thereby getting to know the stories of some of these islands. These islands are as follows;

Akampene Island/ Punishment Island

Whenever an unmarried girl was found pregnant, they would be sailed to the island and left there to meet their death. This was to teach the younger girls that it is wrong to do marriage practices unless one is married. The girls were usually rescued by men who had no bride price to get a wife from the mainland. Due to the women’s desperate situation, the men expected them to have great respect towards their saviors thus obliging to the man’s every beck and call. The practice was however stopped in the first half of the 20^th century and the survivors of Akampene still shares their story.

Bushara Island

This is the home to the Lake Bunyonyi Development Company and it uses tourism to generate funds. As a result the funds are used to develop the area around Bunyonyi. This would explain the luxury tents that adorn the camp. This island is almost completely covered by eucalyptus trees and most of the trees around the Lake were cut down. This was done to create land for agriculture however, the eucalyptus trees are precious to the area.

Kyahugye Island

Being the nearest island to the mainland it is the most visited since its easy to access. The island’s perimeter is embellished with trees of many species like Pinus trees, Cupressus trees, Eucalyptus trees, etc. The top of the island enables one to have an overview of the lake and on a clear day the Mountain Muhabura can be sighted. The island is known as the only one that harbors animals, during nature walks on the island. Animals to come across include; impalas, waterbucks, kobs, zebras, black and white colobus, numerous bird species, etc. 

Bwama and Njuyeera Island (Sharp Islands)

Sharp Leonard was a man who visited the Bwama Island in 1921. The island was inhabited which gave him the idea to start a leprosy treatment centre that was established in 1931. As a result, a church was built along with patient dormitories and a sick bay. Basically, this island was meant to be a safe haven for leprosy patients to live in peace without fear of affecting others. Sharp on the other hand inhabited an island Nyuyeera which was close to this one. In his honor the two islands were nicknamed after him, now on the island you will find a primary school.

Bucaranuka Island (Upside Down Island)

The island’s name rotates around a legend of how its habitants died. One day as villagers were drinking locally made booze, a woman came by and asked them for some help. They laughed at her and refused to offer her anything thinking she was a common beggar. The lady asked again but still they ignored her request. She then asked that at least one-person takes her to the main land. Later, a young man was chosen and he accepted to accompany her. When they reached the main land, the young man turned around to go back. Surprisingly, the island turned upside down killing everyone whereby it is believed that it was only the young man and lady that survived.

Itambira Island

The island is a home to the “seeds to hope” project. The non-profit organization was set-up so that the local community’s welfare improves. The island also harbors byoona amagara retreat camp and paradise eco hub. Therefore, it is a good place to relax and eat while looking out at the lake.

How to get there

From Kampala to Kabale using Mbarara road and Kabale-Mbarara road takes approximately 6 hours as you cover 474km. Then the drive from Kabale to Lake Bunyonyi is approximately 1 hour thus making the whole journey 7 hours.