3 Days Lake Bunyonyi Holiday
Duration
Overview
3 Days Lake Bunyonyi tour takes you to one of the most naturally beautiful crater lakes in Uganda for relaxation, Island hopping, swimming, canoeing and a host of other activities. Lake Bunyonyi is located in south-western Uganda between the districts of Kisoro and Kabale. The Lake lie 1,962 kilometers above sea level and has 6 islands. Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded on all sides by steep hills. At 3,000 feet (900m) deep, Lake Bunyonyi is thought to be the second deepest in Africa. The name Bunyonyi (Place of Little birds in the local language) comes from the fact that the area is home to over 200 species of birds. It is one of the best birding spots in Uganda. The 29 islands of the lake are breeding grounds for the African Harrier Hawk, Malachite kingfishers, pied kingfishers and Egrets among many other species of birds. The journey to Lake Bunyonyi takes about 7 hours from Kampala and 3 hours from Kigali in Rwanda
While on our 3 Days Lake Bunyonyi safari, one can take part in island hopping, canoeing, nature walks, community visits, birding and swimming. Lake Bunyonyi is free of Bilharzia, crocodiles and hippos but is considered very deep by normal standards. If you are not a good swimmer, it’s better to stay clear of the lake unless you are on a boat with lifesaving equipment.
Highlights
Day 1: Pickup from Entebbe or Kampala – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 2: Visit the Local Communities, cave exploration, and tour the Islands using a canoe, bird watching and sightseeing
Day 3: Travel back to Kampala/Entebbe with a visit to the Igongo Cultural Centre, Equator crossing and Buganda royal drum makers.
Included/Exclude
- Accommodation full board
- Transportation by 4x4 tourist vehicle
- Professional English speaking guide
- All entrance fees
- Drinking water onboard
- Government taxes
- All hard drinks, including the drinks for the sundowners
- Uganda Entry Visa fee
- International air flights
- Any optional activity not indicated in above program
- Laundry Services
- Gratuities and Tips
Tour Itinerary
Wake up early and take your breakfast as you wait for a representative from Wildfriends Africa Safaris. You will then start the 7-hour Journey to Lake Bunyonyi while making several stoppages along the highway. Southwestern Uganda has arguably the best scenery in Uganda. You will marvel at the beautiful countryside, vast swamps and the Mpanga forest. Prepare to catch sight of the local people tending their gardens and looking after their long horned Ankole cattle. There will be a stop at the equator crossing in Kayabwe for photos, refreshments and an opportunity to buy local souvenir. The Equator crossing allows you to stand on both hemispheres of the earth; one leg on the southern and another on the northern hemisphere. Lunch will be in Mbarara town before proceeding to Kabale and finally to Lake Bunyonyi.
After check-in at the hotel, you should head out to explore the lake, walk along the shores or enjoy the beautiful scenery. Depending on your accommodation facility, you should prepare for evening entertainment by local traditional dancers as you sit around a camp fire.
Dinner and Overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Bunyonyi Safaris Resort and Arcadia Cottages
Meal Plan: Full board
Wake up and take your breakfast as you prepare for a day full of fun. The first thing to do is enjoy the beautiful sounds of birds in the morning. The lake has an amazing collection of birds including the African harrier, egrets, grey crowned cranes, hawks, herons, levillant cuckoo; Rufus breathed wryneck, weaver birds and the white tailed blue monad among many others. Take a stroll along the lake shores to spot some of the birds as you wait for the Driver/Guide. The Guide/Driver will take you to visit the Batwa and Abaheesi Community of blacksmiths. The Batwa of Lake Bunyonyi live mostly in the Orugano forest, Echuya Forest and surrounding areas. Spend time and interact with them as you learn about how they make ends meet. You might also find visiting the Bukora Cave interesting.
Afterwards, you can walk back to the hotel/lodge for lunch before proceeding for a boat ride or canoeing/ boat ride. You will be taken to visit the beautiful islands where you will get even better views of the lake, surrounding areas, rolling hills and terraces. Most of the islands are named after the dominant bird species there. One particular island is known as the punishment island. The Bakiga tribe living in the area once had a cruel culture of abandoning all girls who got pregnant before marriage in this particular island. They were left there to die since most couldn’t swim. Most of the girls were eventually rescued by the men who had impregnated them or bachelors who couldn’t pay the bride price required by parents of virgins.
While at the islands, you will interact with the people, visit some of the schools and health facilities. If you are the inquisitive type, you might want to visit the local traditional healer in one of the islands. After you are done with the activities, the boat will bring you back ashore for refreshment and relaxation at the lodge. The evening should be reserved for relaxation and short walks along the lake shores.
Dinner and Overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Bunyonyi Safaris Resort and Arcadia Cottages
Meal Plan: Full board
Wake up early for breakfast and go out for nature walks to enjoy the beautiful scenery/landscapes as you wait to begin the Journey back to Kampala. The Lake Bunyonyi area is green throughout the year with beautiful trees and vegetation which are worth exploring. Lunch will be in Mbarara preferably at the Igongo Cultural Centre. After visiting the Centre, you will continue to Kampala and have another stop at the Equator or the Buganda Royal Drum Makers. Expect to reach Kampala or Entebbe late in the evening.
Optional activity at lake Bunyonyi is zip lining at extra cost
End of Safari
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