Lake Bunyonyi — An Adventurer’s Guide
Lake Bunyonyi is a magical resort destination in Kabale southwestern Uganda. The lake is dotted with at least 20 small islands and it’s surrounded by steep terraced hills and exotic rural landscapes and the Virunga mountains backdrop. It is popular with day trips out of Kabale, gaining popularity by the day, thanks to a proliferation of entertainment, food, and lodging places around the lake. Many budget lodges, campsites, and resorts float around the small fishing village of Rutinda (also known as Kyabahinga) and nearby islands.
Bunyonyi is a local name translating to “little birds,” which references the prolific weaver colonies along its shore. Larger birds, such as the grey-crowned cranes, African harrier hawks, and herons and egrets, are also present. Other common sightings include the levillant cuckoo, white-tailed monad, slender-billed baglafetch, cardinal woodpecker, and the African kingfisher.
The lake is large and irregularly shaped with numerous islands and the surrounding hillsides, which locals beautifully cultivate like parts of Nepal. The area is vibrant, with activities like canoeing, cycling, and hiking.
Also in its favor is the high-altitude location, which ensures a moderate climate (often becoming quite chilly at night) and a relatively low malaria incidence. Health authorities have reliably reported the absence of Bilharzia and crocodiles, and hippos, which means the lake is very safe for swimming adventures.
Active travelers will be excited about the easy availability of canoes, kayaks, mountain bikes for hire, and enough potential excursions to keep one busy for days.
Things to do around The Lake
Lake Bunyonyi offers many fun activities for adventure travelers. Canoeing is one of the most popular activities on the lake.
Local villagers, guesthouses, and campsites have boats for hire. This makes it easy to arrange a canoe trip on the lake.
You can rent a traditional dugout canoe from most camps. The prices are usually affordable.
If you are new to canoeing, take some time to practice before going far around the islands. It can be difficult to control the canoe at first.
Some visitors may find themselves going around in circles. Locals call this the “mzungu”, which means a corkscrew movement.
Nature Walks
Lake Bunyonyi offers many opportunities for nature walks. Guided walks are popular around the lake. You can arrange these walks through your camp or lodge.
If you enjoy a challenge, you can take a boat across the lake and follow the 40-kilometre walking trail to Kisoro.
If you prefer a short and easy walk, you can simply walk along the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. You can enjoy the beautiful views and peaceful surroundings.
Mountain Biking
You can also explore the area by mountain bike. Bunyoni Overland Camp offers bikes for about 30,000 Ugandan shillings ($10) per day.
Cycling along the lakeshore is a great way to enjoy the scenery. However, cycling to Kabale can be difficult because of the steep hills.
Visiting Kyenvu Market
Kyenvu Market is held every Wednesday and Saturday. Local people from nearby villages come to the market to buy and sell goods.
The market is far from many camps around the lake. Getting there by traditional canoe can take about three hours.
Most camps can arrange a local person to row the canoe for you. You can also hire a motorboat.
When visiting the market, be respectful of local people. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo.
Visiting Batwa Communities
There are several Batwa communities in the area. You may be able to arrange a visit with the help of a local guide.
A visit gives you a chance to learn about the Batwa people, their culture, and their way of life.
Punishment Island
Punishment Island is located between Bushara and Njuyera Islands. It has a sad history.
According to local history, unmarried pregnant women were once taken to the island and left there. Many reportedly died while trying to swim back to the mainland.
The island is easy to recognize because it has only one small tree in the middle.
Getting To Lake Bunyonyi
A dirt road connects Kabale to Rutinda, which is the main starting point for many activities on Lake Bunyonyi.
If you are driving from Kabale, take the Kisoro Road. After about 500 metres, turn left near the Kobil fuel station. You will see several signs for lodges and resorts around the lake.
Continue for about 5 kilometres until you reach a hill above Lake Bunyonyi. At the five-way junction, turn left if you are going to Acacia Cottages.
To reach Rutinda, continue straight for about 2 more kilometres.
The road on the right gives you beautiful views of Lake Bunyonyi. It eventually joins the main Kabale–Kisoro road near Muko, about 20 kilometres away.
If you are going to Bushara Island, you can leave your car at the parking area in Rutinda. You can also park safely at Lake Bunyonyi Overland Camp for a small fee.
Public Transport to Rutinda
If you do not have your own vehicle, you can use the shuttle from Lake Bunyonyi Overland Camp.
The shuttle runs twice a day from Kabale to Rutinda. It leaves in front of Highland Inn at 9:30 am and 4:30 pm.
The fare is about 5,000 Ugandan shillings per person. The shuttle depends on demand, so it may not operate if there are no passengers.
Minibus taxis and pickup trucks also travel between Kabale and Rutinda. They usually operate on Monday and Friday, which are market days.
The fare is about 5,000 Ugandan shillings. On other days, the service may not be regular.
A private taxi to Rutinda costs about 50,000 shillings. A boda-boda usually costs about half that amount.
Walking to Lake Bunyonyi
You can also walk from Kabale to Lake Bunyonyi. You may even find a vehicle going in the same direction and get a lift.
For a quieter and more scenic walk, you can take Butambuka Road from the town centre. From there, you can follow local footpaths.
Local people can help you find the right way.
The walk is worth doing because you can see traditional homes, forests, and many birds along the way.
The walk can take about 2 hours. The final part has a steep climb as you approach the hill above the lake.
A push bicycle is not the best way to travel to Lake Bunyonyi. The hills are very steep. Unless you are very fit, you may spend more time pushing the bicycle than riding it.
Boat Transport on Lake Bunyonyi
If you want to explore the lake or stay on one of the islands, you can hire a traditional canoe or motorboat from Rutinda Jetty.
Boat prices can be negotiated.
A motorboat ride to Byoona Amagara or Bushara Island takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The cost is about 20,000 shillings each way.
A traditional dugout canoe takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The cost is about 10,000 shillings per person.
Bushara Island is closer than Byoona Amagara, but the boat ride may cost more.