Lake Bunyonyi
Introduction to lake Bunyonyi.
Though the exact depth of the sea is debatable, 40 meters is generally accepted as the limit (roughly 130 feet). All year long, it has a warm, tropical environment with the luxury of a refreshing breeze in the morning and the evening.
It’s the ideal location for some R&R after going gorilla trekking in adjacent Bwindi Impenetrable National Park because of the vistas.
Where is lake Bunyonyi located?
The lake is situated in southwest Uganda, 53 kilometers away from Kabale, and 53 kilometers away from Kisoro (48 km away).
You can take a matatu (minibus) from Kampala to Kabale in 6.5 hours to get to the lake. You may travel in 1.5 hours by renting a car or hailing a taxi from Kabale.
A 1.5-hour flight from Entebbe to Kihihi is another option. You can take a taxi or rent a car in Kihihi and drive to Lake Bunyonyi in about three hours.
It may sound overwhelming, but don’t let that stop you from going to the lake; we can handle everything.
Accommodation.
There are several different types of lodging options close to the lake, including hotels and camping. If you’re interested in camping, check out Bunyonyi Overland Resort, which provides the option to rent mobile tents, cottages, and equipped safari tents.
We suggest Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort if you’re looking for lodging that stands out, featuring a cultural experience of 10 cottages and stunning views.
Ecology.
One of the safest lakes in Africa is Lake Bunyonyi. There are no crocodiles, hippos, or bilharzia risks. Rather, the island is home to more than 200 different bird species. With a notepad and a pair of binoculars, you may spend hours learning about everything from weaver birds to grey-crowned cranes. The ideal location for bird aficionados.
You’ll be happy to know that the lake is home to African clawless otters and spotted-necked otters if you want to spend an afternoon on the water seeing marine species. There are also several kinds of fish, shrimp, and frogs.
You can find zebras and monkeys on the nearby islands. In addition to the abundant wild and marine species, the lake is teeming with papyrus, swamp sawgrass, and blue lotus.
Lake Bunyonyi Islands
Let us discover the Islands.
29 islands surround the lake, and each one is brimming with legends. However, Akampene, Bwama, and Njuyeera are the three most usually mentioned.
Akampene ( punishment).
This tiny island’s reputation is evil. In Uganda, being unmarried and pregnant was disgraceful until the early 20th century. Therefore, an unmarried pregnant woman would be canoed to Akampene by the family’s head, who was typically the father.
They would be abandoned there, where they would perish from starvation or from trying to swim home and drowning.
Other cultures would punish women by leaving them to be eaten by wild animals, chained to trees, or abandoned in the woods. Meanwhile, the men who caused unmarried women to become pregnant would go unpunished.
Some, though, were rescued by their lovers, who would row out and take them far from Lake Bunyonyi to begin a new life. They would also be saved by farmers and poor men who lacked the money to buy a bride.
Due to the relocation of missionaries to the nearby islands in the early part of the 20th century, this practice was discontinued.
Bwama.
Dr. Leonard Sharp, an English missionary, relocated to Uganda in 1921. He built a leprosy treatment facility on Bwama in 1931. Along with that, he constructed a hospital, patient housing, and a church.
To avoid spreading the disease to others, those with leprosy were encouraged to voluntarily withdraw from their communities in Bwama.
The only accessible treatment was a series of uncomfortable injections given over several months. Although the center was closed in the 1980s, two boarding schools now occupy the former hospital’s structures.
Njuyeera ( Sharps Island).
Dr. Leonard Sharp and his family relocated to Njuyeera in 1931. After Mrs. Sharp spent many years planting and caring for trees, bushes, fruits, and vegetables, the island, affectionately known as “White Cottage” (after the family house), gained notoriety for its beauty. Despite being a very busy woman, she was renowned for her gardening skills and upbeat demeanor.
On the island, guests were welcome, and Mrs. Sharp kept a log of all visitors in a book. On field trips, school groups would frequently visit the gardens, in addition to the tennis court, boathouse, and guest cottage.
Food and activities were used to keep the crowds amused. On occasion, Kabale residents would be invited to evening celebrations when guests would spend the night in tents.
Sadly, due to its transformation into a sizable hotel, Njuyeera has lost much of its historical significance.
What can I do at Lake Bunyonyi.
Activities Done At Lake Bunyonyi
There are lots of enjoyable activities to be involved in while you’re there, even though the lake is the ideal location to unwind and read a book.
Swimming is a fantastic opportunity to discover and interact with the local environment, and you might even see some local marine species.
Consider taking a boat trip or a dugout canoe excursion to explore the nearby islands if swimming isn’t your thing but you can’t resist the crystal-clear sea.
A lengthy nature walk will show you another side of this lovely location after your time on the lake. You don’t need to be an expert hiker because there are many simple trails available to you.
Try a communal walk around the nearby villages if you’re looking for a greater challenge and cultural experience. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional culture.
Meeting families, farmers, and visiting community initiatives will introduce you to the local way of life.