Tour 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 lies 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

This 3 Days tour of Lake Bunyonyi is excellent for honeymooners and those who desire to escape the stress of the busy capital Kampala. It is also excellent for those who are traveling as a family. If you are planning to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi and are wondering about a cool place to relax afterwards, then the environment around Lake Bunyonyi would be perfect. You might also be interested in our 3 Days Gorilla Tour and Lake Bunyonyi package.

Included

  • Transport with driver
  • Accommodation
  • Activities as mentioned
  • Romantic dinner
  • A bottle of red wine

Not Included

  • Tips & Gratuities
  • Any meals and drinks not mentioned
  • Any activities not mentioned
  • Any items of a personal nature like laundry

Day 1: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Wake up early and take your breakfast as you wait for your safari guide who shall lead you through your 3 days tour. 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 put one foot on the earth’s 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 can head out to explore the lake, walk along the shores or enjoy the beautiful scenery. Spend the evening at leisure, have dinner at the main restaurant, go for camp fire and thereafter overnight.

Day 2: Explore Lake Bunyonyi

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.

Afterwards, you can walk back to the hotel/lodge for lunch before proceeding for a boat ride or canoeing. 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 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. or choose to go ziplining at Extreme Adventure Island later today.

Day 3: Return to Kampala

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.

End of Tour

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