Islands on Lake Bunyonyi : Lake Bunyonyi derives its name from a local word, which is meant to mean “Small birds”, and therefore it results this lake to be also referred to as a place of little birds. Lake Bunyonyi is situated in the Southwestern part of Uganda and it is between two districts; kabale and Kisoro, which is also known to be near the border of Rwanda. Lake Bunyonyi is famously known for being the deepest lake in Uganda and whole Africa after Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. This lake is 25 kilometers long and 7 kilometers wide, it has a maximum depth of 900 meters, and it is located on an area of 1962 meters above the sea level and its terraces measures range between 2200 meters to 2471 meters high.
The steep hills in kale Bunyonyi are intensively cultivated and its vegetation is evergreen. This lake is a perfect destination to visit while on their Uganda safari due to the fact that is always surrounded with the beautiful natures and a breathe taking atmosphere as the visitors capture panoramic and classic views of the beautiful natures for example it is a good place for a newly wedded couple to visit on their honey moon safari because it gives visitors the best time of relaxation. Tourists in lake bunyonyi are always offered opportunities to engage in different activities in the park as they explore and have a memorable and great adventurous moment and these activities include; Hiking and nature walks, bird watching due to the fact that it is a home to over 205 bird species, cultural encounters, mountain biking, community visits, swimming, canoeing which is known to be the most fascinating activity done on Lake bunyonyi as it also gives a chance to visitors to explore and tour around the lake with its 29 islands.
Islands on Lake Bunyonyi.
Lake Bunyonyi is among the best places for individuals to visit while on their safari in Uganda because it has many adventurous places for example, it has around 29 islands and the most interesting and unique part of these is that each of them carries their own history. These islands include;
Bacuranuka Island.
Bacuranuka Island in history it is famously known as an island that is upside down. However, it turned upside down because an old woman who once came to island and found men preparing a local brew, which is commonly referred to as “Obushera” in the local language, which is Rukiga, cursed it. This old woman requested the men to give her some of the local brew and they only offered to give aside to the main land, which she humbly agreed to, and later one of the men decided to take the woman to the mainland. As soon this woman reached the mainland, she cursed the island it turned upside down, as the men who had stayed behind also were burnt.
Akampene Island.
Akampene Island is also referred to as the “Punishment Island” and it is ranked as the smallest and most visited island among all the 29 islands on Lake Bunyonyi because of its history. This is the island where they used to punish teenage girls that usually got pregnant before marriage. These girls were always neglected and abandoned as they were always left to starve and die on the island inform of their punishment. In their culture as girl who got pregnant out of wedlock always brought a big shame to their family whereby they would not even be given any bride price.
Kahugye Island.
Kahugye Island is one of the places that gives tourists with the most exciting and adventurous experience as they engage in activities like; game drives where they get chances to capture perfect views of variety numbers of different wildlife species due to the fact that Kahugye island is a home to many wildlife species such as; zebras, water bucks, antelopes, and many others. However, the tourists while exploring within the kahugye island, they are always accompanied with the park guides/ rangers who lead them around the island.
Bushara Island.
Bushara Island is known as the best destination for birding safaris in Lake Bunyonyi. Tourists who are bird lovers have their best time while touring around Bushara Island because they get opportunities to sight see at several bird species such as; the rare shoebill stork and they are advised to carry along the binoculars that help them capture classic views of the bird species as this provides them with the best birding experience.
Bwana Island.
Bwana Island is among the top five islands that are commonly visited in Lake Bunyonyi. This Island is famously known because it is where the leprosy sanctuary is located. This is a place where people who suffered from leprosy were always treated and the Scottish missionary started it in the 1920’s and 1930’s. this treatment centre is no longer in existence and therefore people always visit the Bwana centre to look at the remains of the Leprosy hospital and the facilities that are remained however, these facilities are now being used as school facilities.
Therefore, the above as some of the main islands in lake bunyonyi that are usually visited but there are so many more. However, the best time for the tourists who are planning a safari to Lake Bunyonyi should visit during the dry season, which is between months of June to August and December to February. However, Lake Bunyonyi is always open throughout the year, so individuals can still be able to visit at any time they would love to.
Accommodation facilities in Lake Bunyonyi.
Lake Bunyonyi offers its visitors with many accommodation facilities, which are of different classes that range from Budget, mid-range, and luxury and visitors, choose to where they prefer that also matches with their budget. These lodging facilities include; Lake Bunyonyi Eco resort, Lake Bunyonyi rock resort, Lake Bunyonyi overland resort, Paradise eco hub, and Bunyonyi safari lodge among others.
How to get to Lake Bunyonyi.
Travelers planning to go to Lake Bunyonyi on a safari can opt to travel by use of air transport means or road transport means.
Road transport.
Tourists can opt to embark on a long trip and take a drive of about eight hours and a half from Kampala city to kabale town where they will continue and take a short drive to Lake Bunyonyi.
Air Transport.
Tourists, who usually happen to have a tight schedule or wish to dodge taking long trips, can book their flights from Entebbe international airport to Kihihi airstrip and this trip takes about 30 minutes and then take a short drive to reach Lake Bunyonyi.
Contact our tour operators in case of any inquires about islands in lake bunyonyi and Book with Achieve Global safaris or Explore Tours Rwanda for the best tour packages while on your Uganda safari tours to Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda.
