Lake Bunyonyi : Top 10 Fun Activities For You To Enjoy : The most beautiful Lake in Uganda is located in the South-Western Region, 7 km west of Kabale Town. Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in East Africa, measuring roughly 25 kilometers long, 7 kilometers wide, and 35,000 feet deep. It is dotted with 29 islands.
It is perfectly situated in the secluded area, which complements the lovely scenery with a calm environment to relax, hideaway, and enjoy the benefits of the ideal South-Western climate. It is bordered by steep Kigezi terraced hills, rich green flora, and is surrounded by lush greenery. ,
According to Estimates, it originated 10 000 years ago. It was produced when lava flowing from one of the volcanic Virunga Mountains„ covering up the valley in this area into a stagnant waterbody blocked the River Ndego. This one has grown into a stunning island clustered lake with freshwater fish over time.
While in the serene west, there are many things to do, but the top of the list is to unwind and mellow out the entire time you are there. You may be guaranteed to leave this location relaxed and with a new perspective on the world because the vista is calming and the activities are daring. Here are the top ten activities to do when you’re in Lake Bunyonyi:
- Boat Rides
Why not take a boat tour when you visit a lake? On the lake’s edge, there are countless boats available for rent, all waiting to carry you inland. You can roam about and take in the scenery from corner to corner because the waters are so safe. You can learn a lot about the 29 islands (both inhabited and deserted), as well as the tribes of people who reside there, with the help of a local guide.
- Community Visits/Hikes
Even though relaxing at the beautiful resorts is soothing, experiencing the Switzerland of Africa requires taking a stroll in the nearby hills. The 29 islands can clearly be seen from tracks that wind through banana plantations, beautiful green flora, and terraced fields. From every viewpoint, it provides a fantastic picture-perfect setting.
A trip around the neighborhoods gives you a more in-depth understanding of the traditional way of life, cultural beliefs, history, and myths that have been passed down through the generations. The locals are really hospitable.
- Bird Watching
For good reason, it is also known as “Place of many little birds. “ More than 200 different bird species call it home, including the grey-crowned crane, red-chested sunbird, flycatcher, white-tailed blue monard, slender-billed Baglafecht, weavers, egrets, herons, and woodpeckers, among others, which may be seen along the banks of the lakes. Bunyonyi is the ideal location to do this, if you love birds and also seek a peaceful retreat.
- Swimming
The Lake is teeming with freshwater and is devoid of bilharzia. Although there is no shore, secure infrastructures have been built to make deep dives into open waters simple. You need a change of scenery when on vacation, and Lake Bunyonyi is accessible at all hours of the day. Spend some time relaxing, tanning, and deep diving on the lake’s shores.
- Local Market
Experience the African Market, it’s something you should. Almost anything you can imagine may be found in the markets near Lake Bunyonyi, including African crafts, vegetables, shoes, clothing, and electronics. The crowd moves quickly, as individuals barter for lower prices, while others wait for one another to catch up or ride in with more goods to sell. People gather at local markets to socialize and catch up with one another.
- Canoe Riding
On Lake Bunyonyi, this is the most popular means of transportation. The inhabitants frequently travel across the lake to conduct personal business on various islands and hillside locations.
A canoe ride is the ideal choice to get a better sense of what it’s like to live as they do, because it gives you more time on the lake and the opportunity to halt in the middle for some peace and a grand view. If you have a guide with you, you can choose to be paddled or even do the paddling yourself.
The Option to view the sunset while gliding with the lake is accessible at any time of day, including in the nights. The absence of potentially lethal aquatic creatures like crocodiles and hippos makes this evening and potential romantic adventure unique.
- Visiting Batwa Pygmies
A very tiny population of pygmies known as the Batwa are thought to have originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They can be found in the “Echuya Forest Reserve “on the boundary between Kabale and Kisoro. It’s a hunting tribe that was driven from its home because of industrialization in the rainforests of the DRC and went to Western Uganda. Nearly 4,000 Batwa people reside in this region.
The Batwa have a unique relationship with the forest and a rich history that includes their own origin myth. They have been ignored for a long time. They typically stay to themselves and live in modest grass and stick homes. Being a part of the Kellerman Foundation-created Batwa-Event greatly aids this vulnerable population.
- Mountain Biking
Around the lake and uphill on the neighboring hills, there are numerous roads and tracks. Throughout the entire journey, you receive a clearer and clearer picture of the enchanted islands and get the opportunity to interact with many locals up close. Some of the hotel defaults offer bike rentals. Your tour guide can make arrangements for this to ensure that everything is thoroughly thought out in advance.
- Zip lining
Ziplining is a more recent addition. On the opposing banks of the Lake, strong ropes connect the trees. You can even perform a half-somersault to touch the still-lake’s surface and feel the breeze on your face, as you swing over its tranquil waters.
Splashing the water, as you drift from one end of the lake to the other, is a pleasant and exciting experience. On-site safety gear is available for this activity. To ensure everyone on the ziplines is safe, the equipment is thoroughly checked.
- Discover The Islands
There are 29 islands, each more fascinating than the last. You have the opportunity to travel to and explore each island in the Lake using your choice means of Transportation. The islands that are most frequently visited, include:
Akampene (Punishment island), which is regarded as the Lake’s tiniest and most memorable island. The island of Akampene has a morbid custom with a long history that the locals have kept. To atone for their sins, young women, who became pregnant before marriage are brought to this island and tied to the one tree there. This Custom was disregarded and thought to be an antiquated custom, as times changed.
Kyahugye Island: You may view a variety of species on this island, which is regarded as one of the most intriguing. Zebras, Waterbucks, Impalas, and many other animals live on the Island. An hour’s journey will be the ideal addition for a scaled-down game drive with a distant view of the glistening, sun-kissed waters and cool breezes.
Bushara Island: You must visit Bushara Island to get a better look at the local birds. Bring your long-lens cameras and binoculars to make the most of the event.
Bwama Island: This Island, which is the biggest of the group, is populated. Dr. Leonard Sharp, a Scottish missionary who arrived in Uganda in the 1920s, established a refuge for leprosy patients in 1931. He established a leprosy treatment facility, where patients may get care without feeling mistreated or abandoned. The history of the island is deeply ingrained in this. For the time being, the island inhibitors attend school in these hospital buildings.
Bacuranuka Island: This Island’s fabled history is a fascinating one. A long time ago, an elderly woman approached 20 men who were brewing local brew (obushera) and asked for a taste. The men ungently declined to offer her a sip of the beverage. The elderly woman asked them to give her a ride to the mainland, and they gladly obliged, because they wanted to get rid of her. After she sent one of the men to the mainland, the old woman cursed the island, saying it would turn upside down and eat the men who were brewing “bushera“there.
With 29 tiny islands, you can be sure that each one has a unique story related to the history and cultural beliefs of the area.
CONCLUSION
The Kigezi highlands’ Lake Bunyonyi is the perfect place to unwind before or after a gorilla tracking expedition. The amazing surroundings and rich history make for wonderfully peaceful vacations.
As mentioned in the activities listed above, you can still partake in more daring activities like the superb zip-lining. If you’d like to visit Lake Bunyonyi and partake in some of these enjoyable activities, get in touch with us, and we’ll set up the ideal Uganda vacation for you.
