The word means “the place of many little birds”; it is about 25km long and 7km wide. It was created by a volcanic eruption which blocked a river exit. The lake’s altitude is 1,950m and it is surrounded by hills that are 2,200 to 2,478m high. Its 29 Islands are concentrated in the central part. The depth of the lake varies from 44m to 900m in parts. If the later is true, then Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa. The Temperatures on the surface rise to 25 degrees Celsius. The lake is free from bilharzias, swimming is safe.
There are over 200 bird species at Lake Bunyonyi. Due to the eruption and cold weather fish has been scarce here. However, it was introduced in the 20th century and yet died massively in the 1960’s due to the volcanic gas emission from the bottom. Fish type found here includes: Nile Tilapias and clarias fish released in the lake at the end of 2002. Other fish are Mud fish, Cray fish, Mirrow Carp and plenty of their enemies like Otters.

There are 29 islands on the lake which includes:
Bucuranuka- “Up side down Island” The legend says it killed so many people when an old woman visited the place and found people drinking. She requested if she can join, only to be mocked and sent away with a young man. Not knowing she was a witch, the island over turned and killed all the people except the young man and the chicken that flew away.

Bushara islands, the island of eucalypti, this island is covered with eucalyptus trees that are good for medicine, building and attracting birds. These plants grow at a first rate.

Akampene,” Punishment Island” is an island of the bakiga, the local tribe, used to leave unmarried pregnant girls on this small island with a tree. This was to educate the rest. A man without cows to pay the bride wealth could go to the island and pick the girl. If nobody came, she died. This practice has long been abandoned.

Activities: Boat ride to the islands can be arranged, A visitation to the Batwa people pygmies, Bird watching in the area and community walk in the villages.

Asyanut arranges Uganda safaris and tours to Lake Bunyonyi at great prices.

For further information or to make a reservation, click here to contact a tour and travel specialist, or call us toll-free from anywhere within the United States on 1-888-832-9872 or on +256-41-503065 from any other location.