If you are an African traveler, then by all means you have heard of the wonder that is Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. If you haven’t then are you even a traveler? Lake Bunyonyi is said to be the second deepest lake in Africa . It is located near the Uganda-Rwanda border and Ugandans find delight in the beauty that is Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by green terraced hills and it somehow brought to mind the famous Sapa Valley in Asia. They are of course not similar but you get the idea. No?
What to Expect
Language: Ugandans speak mostly English and Luganda
Currency: Ugandan Shilling
Debit/Credit cards: Most places will accept cards although you will need cash at hand in other places.
Ugandans drive on the right side.
We took advantage of the fact that Bunyonyi is near Rwanda and instead of heading straight back to Kenya from Rwanda, we stopped by Bunyonyi and after traveling through Rwanda and Burundi I can say with no doubt that Lake Bunyonyi was the highlight of this trip. I mean, look at this beauty.
Listen and listen carefully, if you are ever in Kigali, please do yourself a favor and go to Bunyonyi. It’s actually easier to access Bunyonyi from Rwanda.
Most travelers stop by Bunyonyi before or after Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi impenetrable forest and can you really blame anyone that stops by? Lake Bunyonyi is not only breath taking, it is a world wonder. Okay, maybe I am pushing it but seriously it is beyond stunning. Its home to 29 Islands and the Islands are surroundings are lush green terraced hills and I guarantee you will be left in in awe of this stunning hidden treasure.
The best views of Lake Bunyonyi
If you want the best views of the lake and the islands, find your way to Arcadia cottages and I promise you will not get enough of the views. The first time I went to Arcadia lodge I did not get enough of the views I had to go back the next day. By the way, you can visit Arcadia lodges even if you are not staying there. They have kick ass chefs who make mouth watering meals. Ask for Ugandan cuisine while you are at it.
Getting there
Lake Bunyonyi is located in a place called Kabale in Uganda. If you are coming from Rwanda, grab a shared taxi from Kigali and you will get to Kabale in less than three hours unless you run into trouble at the border.
If you are coming from Kampala, prepare yourself for an 8 hour drive . You can choose to drive yourself or get a bus to Kabale.
Where to stay
I would recommend staying in an accomodation that is next to Lake Bunyonyi if you can. Depending on your budget and preference, there are several accomodation options in Kabale.
We stayed at Bunyonyi Overland resort which is right next to the lake. I will probably bore you by insisting how lucky I was to be staying at a resort that was right next to the lake but I was lucky! Again, like I said, Lake Bunyonyi is a world wonder and it’s a place every traveler should check out. Everything is perfect.
Bunyonyi overland resort is a bit far from Kabale town so you will have to grab a taxi from the Kabale town to the resort. Please do not let the taxi drivers charged you anything above UGX 20,000. We were about to be scammed in to paying twice that amount.
Things to do
You can choose to swim in Lake Bunyonyi, explore the settlements, hike, birdwatch and rent a boat to explore the islands. Some of the islands are associated to sad stories like Punishment Island.
Have you been? If you haven’t then what are you waiting for?
