Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda: a long, winding lake of 29 green islands, framed by steep terraced hills in the far southwest of the country. It sits about 7 km from Kabale town, close to the Rwanda border, and only a short drive from the gorilla forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Most travellers come here to rest before or after gorilla trekking in Uganda. They canoe between the islands, swim in cool, clear water, watch birds from a lakeside deck and listen to the stories of Punishment Island and Bwama. In this guide, our team at Tulambule Uganda Safaris covers everything you need to plan your visit: the islands, the 12 best things to do, where to stay, the best time to go, how to get there and the safaris that include the lake.
Lake Bunyonyi at a glance
- Location: Kabale District, southwestern Uganda, about 7 km from Kabale town
- Size: about 25 km long and up to 7 km wide, with 29 islands
- Altitude: about 1,960 m above sea level, so days are mild and evenings cool
- Name: Bunyonyi means "place of many little birds"
- Swimming: yes, no hippos or crocodiles
- From Kampala: about 430 km, 7 to 8 hours by road
- Best for: relaxing after gorilla trekking, canoeing, birding and culture
What Is Lake Bunyonyi Famous For?
Lake Bunyonyi is famous first of all for its scenery. The lake twists through the Kigezi highlands like a flooded valley, and the hills around it are farmed in neat terraces almost to the water's edge. On a clear morning, mist lifts off the water and the islands appear one by one. Many visitors call it the most beautiful lake in Uganda.
It is also famous as the perfect place to rest during a gorilla safari. After an early start and a hard trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a night or two at the lake gives you quiet lodges, good food and no game drives at dawn.
Finally, the lake is known for its culture and history. The Bakiga people have farmed these hills for centuries, and several islands carry powerful stories, from the old custom of Punishment Island to the leprosy hospital on Bwama Island.
Where Is Lake Bunyonyi?
Lake Bunyonyi lies in Kabale District in the far southwest of Uganda, about 7 km west of Kabale town. The Rwanda border at Katuna is less than an hour away, which makes the lake an easy stop on a combined Uganda and Rwanda safari.
The lake is a natural base for the southern gorilla parks. The Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is about 1.5 to 2 hours away, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park near Kisoro is about 2 hours away by road.
How Lake Bunyonyi Was Formed
Lake Bunyonyi was formed about 18,000 years ago, when lava from one of the Virunga volcanoes flowed across a river valley near present-day Muko and blocked it like a natural dam. Water slowly filled the valley behind the lava, drowning the lower hills and leaving their tops as the islands you see today.
This explains the lake's unusual shape. Instead of a round basin, the lake is a long chain of flooded valleys and bays, which is why it has so many islands and quiet inlets for canoeing.
How Deep Is Lake Bunyonyi?
You will often hear that the lake is about 900 metres deep and the second deepest lake in Africa. It is a popular local story, but scientific studies of the lake give a maximum depth of around 40 metres. That is still deep for a highland lake, and the water is cold below the surface, but it is not among the deepest lakes in the world.
Whatever the true figure, the depth drops quickly away from the shore in many places. If you plan to swim, stay close to your lodge's swimming area and wear a life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer.
Lake Bunyonyi Islands: 5 You Should Know
Lake Bunyonyi has 29 islands of different sizes. Some are home to farming families and schools, some hold lodges, and a few are empty and covered in trees. A guided boat or canoe trip lets you visit several in a morning. These five are the best known.
1. Punishment Island (Akampene)
Punishment Island is a tiny islet with a single tree, and the most talked-about island on the lake. In the past, an unmarried girl who became pregnant was taken here by her family and left as punishment. She could be rescued by a man who could not afford a bride price and was willing to marry her. If no one came, she faced death from hunger or from trying to swim to shore. Local guides tell the story with care, and some women rescued from the island lived into recent times.
2. Bwama Island
In the 1920s, a British missionary doctor, Leonard Sharp, set up a leprosy treatment centre on Bwama Island, where patients from the region could be cared for away from their communities. The centre closed in the 1980s and the old buildings are now used by a school. Visitors can walk around the island and learn about this part of Kigezi's history.
3. Bushara Island
Bushara Island is a quiet, wooded island with an eco-camp, walking trails and good birding. It is linked to a local development company that supports farming, women's craft groups and children in the Bunyonyi area, so your stay helps the community.
4. Kahungye Island
Kahungye Island is home to Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort and a small population of introduced animals, including zebras, impalas and waterbucks. A walk on Kahungye is a gentle way to see some wildlife without leaving the lake.
5. Bucuranuka Island (Upside Down Island)
The name Bucuranuka means "upside down" in Rukiga. Legend says a group of men on the island refused to share their beer with an old woman. She was a sorceress, and she turned the island over, drowning the party, before flipping it back as if nothing had happened. It is a favourite story on boat trips.
Add Lake Bunyonyi to your gorilla safari
Two nights at Lake Bunyonyi turn a tiring gorilla trek into a real holiday. Tell us your dates and we will plan your permits, lodge, canoe trip and transport in one simple quote.
12 Best Things to Do at Lake Bunyonyi
There is no game drive here, and that is the point. The activities here are slow, scenic and easy to arrange through your lodge or your Tulambule guide.
1. Canoeing in a Dugout Canoe
Paddling a traditional dugout canoe is the classic experience on the lake. You can paddle yourself or sit back while a local guide does the work, gliding between the islands and stopping in the middle of the lake to enjoy the silence. Modern canoes and kayaks are also available at several lodges.
2. Motorboat Cruise
If you prefer not to paddle, a motorboat cruise covers more of the lake in less time. A two to three hour trip usually takes in Punishment Island, Bwama and Bushara, with views of the terraced hills all the way.
3. Island Hopping
Island hopping is the best way to understand the lake. With a guide, you can stop at inhabited islands to see village life and schools, then visit quiet wooded islands for a short walk.
4. Swimming
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the few lakes in Uganda where swimming is popular. There are no hippos or crocodiles, and the water is clear and refreshing. Many lodges have a jetty or swimming deck.
5. Birdwatching
True to its name, the "place of many little birds" has more than 200 bird species. Look for grey crowned cranes, African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons and colourful weavers along the papyrus edges. Birders can extend their trip with our Uganda birding tours.
6. Village and Cultural Walks
A guided community walk takes you through farms and homesteads on the hills above the lake. You can meet a traditional healer, visit a craft group, try digging with a local hoe and stop at a school. It is a good way to support local families directly.
7. Scenic Hikes
The surrounding hills are steep, but the views from the top are worth every step. Short trails lead to viewpoints over the islands, and longer hikes can take half a day.
8. Cycling and Mountain Biking
Bikes can be hired at some lodges and in Kabale. Quiet dirt roads follow the shore and climb into the hills, with very little traffic.
9. Zip Lining
For something more active, a zip line at the lake lets you fly over the water between the trees, with safety gear and trained staff. Ask us to confirm it is running before your trip.
10. Sunset and Relaxation
Sometimes the best activity is none at all. Bring a book, sit on your lodge deck and watch the sun go down behind the hills, when the lake turns gold and silver.
11. Local Market Days
On market days, people paddle in from the islands and walk down from the hills to trade at small lakeside markets. It is a colourful look at daily life. Your guide will tell you which market is open during your stay.
12. Crayfish and Tilapia Dinners
Crayfish were introduced to the lake years ago and are now common in the lake. Most lodges serve them, along with fresh tilapia, so try at least one lakeside fish dinner.
Can You Swim in Lake Bunyonyi?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Bunyonyi. There are no hippos or crocodiles, and the lake is generally regarded as free of bilharzia. Swimming is a favourite way to cool off after a gorilla trek.
The water can be cold and deep close to the shore, so stay near your lodge's swimming area, swim with a companion and wear a life jacket if you are not confident in deep water. Avoid swimming alone or after dark.
Combine Lake Bunyonyi With Gorilla Trekking
The lake is not a gorilla park, but it is one of the best bases for gorilla trekking in southern Uganda. Many travellers trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga, then spend one or two nights at the lake to rest. Uganda gorilla permits cost US$800 per person, and we book them for you as part of your safari. See our guide to gorilla trekking permits in Uganda for details.
| From Lake Bunyonyi to | Approx. drive time | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Bwindi, Rushaga sector | 1.5 to 2 hours | Gorilla trekking and habituation |
| Bwindi, Nkuringo sector | 2.5 to 3 hours | Gorilla trekking with volcano views |
| Mgahinga Gorilla National Park | About 2 hours | Gorillas, golden monkeys, volcano hikes |
| Kigali, Rwanda | About 3 to 4 hours | Fly home or continue to Rwanda |
| Lake Mburo National Park | About 3.5 hours | Zebras, game walks, horseback safaris |
Not sure which sector suits you? Read Bwindi gorilla sectors compared, or browse our Uganda gorilla safaris.
Where to Stay at Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi has lodges for every budget, from island eco-camps to comfortable hillside cottages with wide views. These are some of the places we use most often:
- Mid-range and upmarket: Arcadia Cottages, perched high above the lake with some of the best views, and BirdNest Resort, a lakeside hotel with a pool and a lively bar.
- Island stays: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort on Kahungye Island, Bushara Island Camp and Byoona Amagara on Itambira Island, reached by boat for a true island feel.
- Budget and family friendly: Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort, with cottages, safari tents, camping and plenty of activities on site.
- Kabale town: simple hotels and guesthouses about 15 minutes away, useful for very tight budgets.
Lodges fill up quickly in June to September and over Christmas, so book early. See more options in our guide to the best Uganda safari lodges.
Best Time to Visit Lake Bunyonyi
You can visit Lake Bunyonyi all year. The best time is during the dry seasons, from June to September and from December to February, when the skies are clearer, the roads are easier and gorilla trekking is more comfortable.
The wetter months of March to May and October to November bring afternoon showers, but the hills turn bright green, lodges are quieter and some offer lower rates. Because the lake is high, temperatures are usually mild in the day and cool at night all year, so pack a warm layer. See our full guide to the best time to visit Uganda.
How to Get to Lake Bunyonyi
By Road From Kampala or Entebbe
The drive from Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi is about 430 km and takes 7 to 8 hours on good tarmac roads, through Masaka and Mbarara. Most of our safaris break the journey with a night in Lake Mburo National Park or combine it with Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi.
By Air
Scheduled domestic flights from Entebbe land at Kisoro airstrip, about 2 hours' drive from the lake. Flying saves a long day on the road and is ideal for a short gorilla trip. See our 3-day fly-in gorilla safari for an example.
From Kigali, Rwanda
The lake is only about 3 to 4 hours from Kigali by road via the Katuna border. Many travellers fly into Kigali, trek gorillas in southern Bwindi and relax at the lake before flying home. Compare options on our Rwanda safaris page.
Practical Tips for Your Lake Bunyonyi Visit
- Stay at least two nights. One night is mostly arriving and leaving; two nights give you a full day on the water.
- Pack warm clothes. Evenings at about 1,960 m can be chilly, even in the dry season.
- Wear a life jacket on canoes and boats. Good lodges provide them.
- Bring cash in Uganda shillings for crafts, tips and community walks.
- Ask before taking photos of people on the islands and in villages.
- Book gorilla permits early. Permits for the southern Bwindi sectors sell out months ahead in peak season.
Uganda Safaris That Include Lake Bunyonyi
The easiest way to see the lake is as part of a planned safari. Every trip below includes time at the lake, and we can adjust any of them to your dates, budget and lodge style.
See All ItinerariesSee Uganda Gorilla Safaris
Plan Your Lake Bunyonyi Trip With Tulambule
Tulambule Uganda Safaris is a licensed, 100% Ugandan-owned tour operator, planning safaris across Uganda and Rwanda since 2014. Our driver-guides know the lake well, and we book your gorilla permits, lodges, canoe trips and community walks for you, so all you have to do is enjoy the lake.
Call or WhatsApp +256 782 915 447 or +256 703 171 855, or email info@tulambule.com.
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