Lake Bunyonyi
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Lake Bunyonyi
,
Uganda

Tour Lake Bunyonyi

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Uganda

Inspiring you to tour Lake Bunyonyi and immerse yourself in its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and share your authentic travel experiences

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Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Uganda near the border with Rwanda, Lake Bunyonyi is a hidden gem often overshadowed by the country's more famous wildlife destinations. Its name translates to "Place of Little Birds," and true to its name, the lake is a haven for birdwatchers, with around 200 species recorded in the area. However, it's the tranquility and scenic beauty of this lake that make it truly special.

Surrounded by steep, terraced hills, Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa and one of the few lakes in the region that are bilharzia-free, making it safe for swimming. With 29 islands scattered across its calm, mirror-like waters, the lake offers stunning panoramic views, especially at sunrise and sunset when the sky and water blend into shades of orange, pink, and purple.

For adventure enthusiasts, the lake offers a range of water-based activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Given its depth and relatively cool water temperature, it's also a popular spot for high-altitude swim training. The lake is encircled by a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, which provide excellent vantage points to appreciate its splendor and observe its rich birdlife.

Wildlife around the lake includes otters and crayfish, but it's the human stories and local culture that add another layer of interest. Many of the lake's islands have their own histories and legends. For example, Punishment Island was historically used to abandon unmarried pregnant women, and it stands as a haunting reminder of traditional justice systems.

Local communities offer various cultural experiences. Visitors can learn about traditional agriculture, including the methods used to cultivate the steep, terraced hillsides. Community walks often include a visit to a local school or traditional healer, providing insight into daily life around the lake.

In summary, Lake Bunyonyi is a multifaceted destination that offers more than just natural beauty. Whether you're paddling a dugout canoe across its still waters, trekking through the terraced hills that surround it, or engaging with local communities, Lake Bunyonyi provides a peaceful and enriching experience that complements Uganda's more adrenaline-charged wildlife adventures. It's a place that invites relaxation, reflection, and a deeper understanding of this captivating region of Africa.

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Best time to tour Lake Bunyonyi

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Geeky Facts about Lake Bunyonyi

Fact 1

The lake was formed over 10,000 years ago.

Fact 2

Lake Bunyonyi encircles 29 islands.

Fact 3

Over 200 species of birds can be found within the lake.

Tours in Lake Bunyonyi

Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps
Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps
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Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

9 days from

£2,669 / person

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Gorillas & Plains tour
Gorillas & Plains tour
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Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

14 days from

£2,119 / person

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Cycling Uganda & Rwanda: The Heart of Africa
Cycling Uganda & Rwanda: The Heart of Africa
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Uganda & Rwanda
Tour type
Tour Type
Active
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

15 days from

£4,081 / person

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4-Days Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Batwa & Lake Bunyonyi Safari - Budget
4-Days Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Batwa & Lake Bunyonyi Safari - Budget
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Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

4 days from

£1,413 / person

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Uganda - Gorillas in the Mist
Uganda - Gorillas in the Mist
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Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

14 days from

£8,569 / person

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5-Days Mountain Gorillas & Chimpanzees Tracking Adventure - Budget Safari
5-Days Mountain Gorillas & Chimpanzees Tracking Adventure - Budget Safari
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Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

5 days from

£1,381 / person

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15 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Guided Motorcycle Tour
15 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Guided Motorcycle Tour
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Uganda & Rwanda
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

15 days from

£2,878 / person

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15-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Safari
15-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Safari
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Rwanda & Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

15 days from

£2,938 / person

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6 Days Gorilla And Golden Monkey Trekking Mgahinga National Park
6 Days Gorilla And Golden Monkey Trekking Mgahinga National Park
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Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

6 days from

£1,921 / person

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Wildlife Safaris
Wildlife Safaris
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Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Active
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

5 days from

£2,898 / person

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Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting
Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting
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Kenya & Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

15 days from

£3,669 / person

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Nairobi To Kigali (13 Days) Gorillas & Gameparks
Nairobi To Kigali (13 Days) Gorillas & Gameparks
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Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

13 days from

£975 / person

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East Africa Overland: Serengeti & Safari Drives
East Africa Overland: Serengeti & Safari Drives
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Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

19 days from

£4,529 / person

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Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canyoning
Canyoning
Canyoning
Cruise
Cruise
Cruise
Culture
Culture
Culture
Cycling
Cycling
Cycling
Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Photography
Photography
Photography
Polar
Polar
Polar
Primates
Primates
Primates
Rafting
Rafting
Rafting
Rail
Rail
Rail
Safari
Safari
Safari
Sailing
Sailing
Sailing
Skiing
Skiing
Skiing
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
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Stories from the Lake Bunyonyi

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Countries that cover Lake Bunyonyi

Wildlife

Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canyoning
Canyoning
Canyoning
Cruise
Cruise
Cruise
Culture
Culture
Culture
Cycling
Cycling
Cycling
Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Photography
Photography
Photography
Polar
Polar
Polar
Primates
Primates
Primates
Rafting
Rafting
Rafting
Rail
Rail
Rail
Safari
Safari
Safari
Sailing
Sailing
Sailing
Skiing
Skiing
Skiing
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Zip Lining
Zip Lining
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