Lake Bunyonyi Location
Lake Bunyonyi is found in the South-Western part of Uganda lying between Kisoro and Kabale and is close to the Rwandan border. It is Uganda’s deepest lake with a varying depth between 44m and 900m, a width of 7km and 25km long. With this, Lake Bunyonyi is also said to be the second deepest lake in Africa lying at an altitude of about 1962meters above sea level.
The name Bunyonyi means “place of many little birds”. Commonly known for its fresh waters, moderate temperatures, and ever-changing climate that is mostly cool in the mornings and evenings, let alone the scenery that is characterized by the flourishing green terraced hills and the breathtaking 29 Islands that are scattered transversely in the central part of the water.
It is approximately a 7-hour drive from Kampala to Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi also appears on Uganda’s fifty thousand shilling note. The Lake is among Uganda’s few lakes that are Bilharzia-free and safe for swimming. While here there is a lot one can do and enjoy, in other words, Lake Bunyonyi is a place a tourist should not miss out on while on a Ugandan safari.
Lake Bunyonyi Birding
It has an enormous assemblage of bird species which makes bird watching a key activity. This lake is home to over 200 species of birds that have been recorded. Cruising into the Nyombi swamp will enable you to see a collection of assorted bird species. These comprise of the home based species as well as those that have crossed over from International borders particularly during winter seasons in those countries. Some of the birds you get to see include; the herons, weaver birds, the grey crowned cranes, egrets, levillant cuckoo and the slender-billed baglafetch among countless others.
Click to view larger image
Activities
- Cultural tours
- Nature walks
- Bird watching
- Canoeing
- Boat cruises