Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi : Canoe riding on lake Bunyonyi will help you experience the quietness, calmness and tranquillity of lake Bunyoyi. A canoe ride at night is thrilling given the Lound frogs, nocturnal birds singing plus the waving lake waters which all make the ride exceedingly exciting. And on lake bunyonyi it is the only lake where you can ride a canoe to visit all the 29 islands on this lake including the floating island and punishment island there are other activities done lake Bunyoyi that a tourist on a safari tour in Uganda can enjoy like birding, visiting local people, hiking the hills. It is done in 2 hours, canoe ride is memorable one would not wish to miss out the lake is located in south western Uganda in kabale district, it drives its name from small birds. many people come to lake Bunyonyi to relax and chill, a visitor can get a combined trip to go and trek the mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Over view of canoeing on lake bunyonyi
Canoeing takes at lake bunyonyi and it started in 2005 with concept of canoe trekking.
What to do in 1hour of canoeing these include, listening to tales from the lake, walk through the beautiful nature of Bushara island.
5hour culture on the lake and community.
Take in spectacular views and island stories.
Learn how to make crafts like shoes and hand weaving
Learn how to harvest and plant some crops like Irish potatoes.
Lake Bunyonyi a renowned tourist destination because of its exquisite proximity to Bwindi Forest national park the home of mountain gorillas.
How to get to lake bunyonyi
By road
Drive from Kampala to lake bunyonyi and it about 7 hours that is from Kampala to kabale.
By air
Fly from Entebbe using Aero link Uganda to Kisoro airstrip which is about 70km.
Other activities to do on lake bunyonyi
Cultural visits
These can also be interactive cultural visits with in the villages, settlements on one of the islands or in the surrounding country that include the Batwa pygmy people who are known to be the original people of the forest and also visit local markets and learn hoe to cook in the traditional way and process of growing and harvesting different foods. Also, visitors will be able to see these two islands that is Akampene which is famously known as punishment island where the bakiga used to put un married pregnant girls and left to die of hunger, then bwana and njuyeera which is known sharp island. Go meat the Bakiga community taste tradition sorghum brew with many stories attached, during culture hike to meet traditional healers with local medicine.
Bird watching
Bunyonyi means a place of birds making it a paradise for bird watchers with over 200 bird species
Zip lining
Experience the thrill of zip lining across lake bunyonyi, gliding from one side to another and
Hiking and enjoying unique aerial view of the lake islands. Nature walks
The hills surrounding the lake offer excellent hiking trails where you hike through villages and terraced farms while interacting with bakiga people and some hikes may lead you to bunyonyi view resort.
Swimming
Lake bunyonyi is one of the few lakes in Uganda where there no hippos, crocodiles, making it safe.
Rules and regulations to follow when going for canoe riding in lake bunyonyi.
Choose the right canoe
Tradional dugout canoes offer an authentic experience but may require more skill to maneuver so for any beginner take the modern ones because they are easy to operate.
Put on life jackets
Life jackets will save you in case the canoe drowns
Avoid canoeing during heavy rains or strong wind
Respect the local communities
Seek permission before visiting some islands and taking pictures and avoid littering in the community.
What to carry when going for canoeing in lake bunyoyi.
Here is a must thing someone must carry while going for canoeing these include, camera to capture golden memories, a pair of binoculars so as not to miss out on canoe safari adventure, insect repellent, sun screen, extra clothes in case you get wet.
Where to stay in lake during canoeing
Lake bunyonyi has luxury, mid-range accommodation, recommended accommodation and these include Bird nest resort, lake bunyonyi rock resort, lake bunyonyi over land resort, Bushara island camp to mention but those some of nice hotels and resorts where one can stay while in lake bunyonyi for a Uganda safari tour.
Canoe ride is a memorable journey on a scenic lake and rivers of Uganda and it an open activity for every one kids’ adult and especially couples. Nothing is compared to pushing off canoe and experiencing the beauty of Uganda. Canoe has away of bringing the best out in people as you make your way down the lake where you be improving your paddling skills.
