Canoe Ride
A canoe ride is the best way to move around the lake, explore the beautiful islands and enjoy the sceneries all around. There are so many dugout canoes stationed at the shores, many of them owned by the locals and are quite cheap. You could opt for a guided ride where one of the local guide takes you around and narrate to you the legends surrounding the islands. However few of the locals are fluent in English, but they know the routes to take for the best experience of the lake. Alternatively you could just hire the canoe and ride by yourselves. The canoe ride takes up to 2 hours to explore most of the corners of the lake. You can ride any time but the morning experience is extra special, with all the mist and tranquil atmosphere feels mystical to say the least. The evening ride is also good to catch the spectacular sunsets.
Swimming
Lake Bunyonyi is the only known Bilharzia free lake in Uganda. This makes it absolutely safe for swimming. Also the lake has no dangerous creatures like crocodiles and hippos. For experienced swimmers, you could swim to some of the islands. However owing to the fact that it is very deep (900m), it is advisable to desist from swimming when drunk, let alone being inexperienced.
Nature Walks
Nature walks on the islands and around the lake are very rewarding with beautiful sceneries and some wildlife encounters. Some of the Islands have well developed trails through their forests and tree plantations. When staying at any of these Islands a nature walk is an activity to consider.
Batwa Visits
One of the communities inhibiting the surrounding hills is the Batwa Pygmy communities. These especially interest visitors with their rare short sizes. They are also welcoming communities with rich cultures and traditions that you’ll experience through their dancing presentations and folklores.
Hiking the surrounding highlands
Hike through the terraces and local communities to the top of the highlands. It is advisable you get one of the local guides from the around the lake that know well the area and the best hiking routes. The hills’ elevation vary from 2200 meters to 2,478 meters. You are treated to panoramic views of Lake Bunyonyi and terraces from up top.
Birding Lake Bunyonyi
As the word Bunyonyi means place of many birds, the lake hosts an impressive bird list. More than 200 species have been recorded and include among others Grey-crowned Cranes, Herons, and Weaver Birds. Your birding trail could start from the shores in the fringe trees and vegetation, take a canoe ride on the lake and get to walk onto some of the Islands. Again it is advisable to take a local bird guide.
How to get to Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is accessible by road 7k west from Kabale Town. It takes 5 to 10 minutes of drive from the turn-off at Kabale town to the road leading to Lake Bunyonyi.
Accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi
A range of lodges and campsites are available along the shores and on some Islands. Notable lodges along the shores include: Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Bunyonyi Safaris Resort, Birdnest Lodge, Crater Bay Cottages, Byoona Amagara Lodge. The Island lodges include: Bushara Island Camp, Heritage Lodge Habuhuro Island. The accommodation at Lake Bunyonyi is reasonably price compared to that in most of the attractions in the region. Staying at Lake Bunyonyi not only gives you a good relaxation experience but also cuts on expenditure. For instance if you spent a night in Bwindi for the gorilla trek which is generally costly it is advisable that after the gorilla trek transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for your final night.
