Breathtaking Scenery
Steep terraced hillsides, misty mornings and dozens of green islands create one of the most photogenic landscapes in East Africa.
Uganda Lakes & Waterfalls
Lake Bunyonyi
Terraced hills tumble down to a deep, island-studded lake in Uganda's highlands, where dugout canoes glide through the morning mist and birdsong fills the air.
- Location
- Near Kabale, southwest Uganda
- Elevation
- 1,962 m
- Islands
- 29
- Best Time
- June – September, December – February
Discover Lake Bunyonyi
The place of many little birds.
Lake Bunyonyi, whose name means 'place of many little birds', lies in southwestern Uganda between Kabale and Kisoro, close to the border with Rwanda. It is one of Uganda's loveliest lakes, set among steep, terraced hills at a surface elevation of 1,962 metres, which keeps the climate pleasantly cool all year.
The lake covers about 46 km², stretching roughly 25 km long and 7 km wide, with a shoreline of some 186 km and depths of around 39 to 40 metres. Scattered across its waters are 29 islands, among them Punishment Island, Bushara Island and Sharp's Island, each with its own story.
Bunyonyi is a haven for wildlife, including birds, fish, reptiles and other vertebrates, and above all a place to slow down. After gorilla trekking in Bwindi or a long drive across the country, its calm waters, canoe trips and island lodges make it Uganda's favourite place to relax.
Why Lake Bunyonyi
The perfect place to pause on a Uganda journey.
Scenery, culture and gentle adventure come together on Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful counterpoint to the excitement of gorilla trekking.
Canoeing and Boat Trips
Paddle a traditional dugout canoe or take a motorboat between the islands, stopping at viewpoints and lakeside villages.
Island Stories
Visit Punishment Island, Bushara and Sharp's Island to hear the history and legends of the Bakiga people.
Swimming in Safety
Bunyonyi is widely regarded as safe for swimming, being free of hippos and crocodiles.
A Gateway to Gorillas
The lake is a short drive from Bwindi's southern sectors, making it the ideal base before or after a gorilla trek.
Location
Where is Lake Bunyonyi?
Lake Bunyonyi lies in Kabale District in southwestern Uganda, about 8 km from Kabale town and close to the Rwandan border. From Kampala it is roughly 410 km, a drive of around 7 to 8 hours, and a similar distance from Entebbe International Airport, often broken with a night at Lake Mburo.
From Kigali, Rwanda, the lake is only about 110 km away, around 2.5 to 3 hours by road via the Katuna (Gatuna) border crossing, which makes it a popular stop on gorilla safaris starting in Kigali. Bwindi's Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors and the town of Kisoro are within 2 to 3 hours' drive.
When to visit
When to visit Lake Bunyonyi.
Lake Bunyonyi is lovely all year round. Its altitude keeps temperatures mild, and the seasons mostly affect how often you will see rain.
Long Dry Season
Cool, dry and clear, the best time for canoeing, hiking and combining the lake with gorilla trekking.
Short Dry Season
Warm, sunny days and calm water, ideal for island hopping and swimming.
Long Rains
Green and lush with frequent showers; mornings are often clear and the lake is very quiet.
Short Rains
Afternoon showers and dramatic skies, with good birding and peaceful lodges.
What is the best month to visit Lake Bunyonyi?
Any month can be wonderful; choose the drier months for outdoor activities and the wetter months for lush scenery and quiet.
Sunny and warm, a lovely month for canoeing and swimming.
Dry, calm days make February ideal for island hopping and hill walks.
Rains begin to return, turning the terraced hills a vivid green.
One of the wettest months, with misty mornings and very few visitors.
Showers ease towards the end of the month and the scenery is at its lushest.
The dry season starts, bringing clear views across the islands.
A prime month for canoeing, hiking and combining the lake with gorilla trekking.
Cool, dry and popular, with beautiful light for photography.
Still mostly dry, with fewer travellers than mid-year.
Short rains begin, with dramatic skies and great birding.
Showery but rewarding, with peaceful lodges and green hillsides.
Drier weather returns for a relaxing festive-season stay on the lake.
Explore the area
Islands and highlights of Lake Bunyonyi.
Explore the lake by canoe or boat to discover islands rich in history and hillside viewpoints with sweeping views.
IslandsAkampene (Punishment Island)A tiny island with a ruthless past: under Bakiga custom, unmarried girls who became pregnant were left here as punishment for breaking community rules.
IslandsBushara IslandA wooded island with a community-run camp and walking trails, a peaceful place to stay or stop for lunch.
IslandsSharp's IslandNamed after the missionary doctor Leonard Sharp, who worked on the lake in the early twentieth century and is associated with a leprosy settlement on nearby Bwama Island.
LakeshoreRutinda LandingThe main landing near Kabale, where boat trips and canoe excursions begin and local markets come alive on market days.
HillsHillside Viewpoints & VillagesWalk the terraced hills for panoramic views of the islands and visit Bakiga farming communities and Batwa groups living near the lake.
Wildlife
A lake alive with birds.
True to its name, Lake Bunyonyi is a fine place for birdwatching. Grey crowned cranes, African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, cormorants and colourful weavers are regularly seen, and papyrus fringes hold specialists such as the papyrus gonolek.
The lake has no hippos or crocodiles, but it holds fish, reptiles, frogs and spotted-necked otters, which are sometimes seen from a quiet canoe. Introduced crayfish are now common and feature on many lodge menus.
8 animals to look for
Grey crowned crane
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Swamps and farmland around the lake
Uganda's national bird, often seen in pairs along the shore.
1 / 8
African fish eagle
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Lakeshore trees
Its ringing call is one of the classic sounds of the lake.
2 / 8
Pied kingfisher
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Shoreline and open water
Frequently seen hovering before diving for fish.
3 / 8
Weaver birds
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Papyrus and reeds
Colourful weavers build their nests over the water in noisy colonies.
4 / 8
Papyrus gonolek
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Papyrus swamps
A brilliant red-and-black papyrus specialist sought by birders.
5 / 8
Long-tailed cormorant
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Open water and island shores
Often seen perched with wings spread to dry.
6 / 8
Spotted-necked otter
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Quiet bays and island shores
Sometimes spotted from a canoe in the early morning.
7 / 8
Grey heron
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Shallows and papyrus edges
Stalks patiently along the shallows for fish and frogs.
8 / 8
Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi
Paddle into the morning mist.
There is no better way to experience Lake Bunyonyi than from a traditional dugout canoe or a modern kayak. Set out early as the mist lifts from the water, paddling past terraced hills, sleepy villages and islands rich in history, with birdsong all around.
A guided canoe or boat trip can take in Punishment Island, Bushara and Sharp's Island, with stops for walks and viewpoints. It is the perfect way to unwind after gorilla trekking.
Safaris to 中文
Tours that include Lake Bunyonyi
Itineraries that include Lake Bunyonyi, usually combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Uganda · 5 days
5-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): Gorillas Roam, Plains Stretch & Lakes Shine
Bwindi · Lake Bunyonyi · Lake Mburo
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 6 days
6-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): Gorillas, Giants & Legends
Bwindi · Queen Elizabeth · Lake Bunyonyi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 7 days
7-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): Primates, Giants, Lakes & Timeless Culture
Lake Mutanda · Queen Elizabeth · Lake Bunyonyi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 8 days
8-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): Primates, Open Horizons & Hidden Waters
Bwindi · Queen Elizabeth · Lake Bunyonyi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 9 days
9-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): Where Primates Swing and Savannahs Stretch to Bunyonyi
Lake Mburo · Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth · Bwindi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 8 days
8-Day Uganda (Entebbe Start): Primates, Plains and Bunyonyi Bliss
Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth · Bwindi · Lake Bunyonyi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 9 days
9-Day Uganda (Entebbe Start): Gorillas, Savannahs & Lakeside Legends
Lake Mburo · Queen Elizabeth · Bwindi · Lake Bunyonyi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
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Usually replies within minutesHeritage
The story of Lake Bunyonyi.
Lake Bunyonyi is the heartland of the Bakiga people, whose terraced hillsides are a striking example of farming on steep slopes. Many islands carry stories from their past, none more famous than Akampene, or Punishment Island, which holds a ruthless secret: unmarried girls who became pregnant were left there as punishment for breaking community rules, with many unable to swim to safety.
In the early twentieth century, the missionary doctor Leonard Sharp established a treatment centre for people with leprosy on Bwama Island, and Sharp's Island is named after him. Today, community projects, schools and lodges around the lake support local livelihoods, while visitors' canoe trips and cultural walks help keep traditions alive.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Bunyonyi?
Lake Bunyonyi is widely considered safe for swimming as it has no hippos or crocodiles. Always swim at lodge swimming areas and follow local advice.
How far is Lake Bunyonyi from Kigali?
About 110 km, or 2.5 to 3 hours by road via the Katuna (Gatuna) border.
How far is Lake Bunyonyi from Kampala?
Roughly 410 km, or 7 to 8 hours by road. Many travellers break the journey at Lake Mburo.
How deep is Lake Bunyonyi?
Depths of around 39 to 40 metres are commonly cited, although local claims of far greater depths are often repeated.
What is Punishment Island?
Akampene is a tiny island where, under past Bakiga custom, unmarried pregnant girls were abandoned as punishment for breaking community rules.
How long should I stay at Lake Bunyonyi?
Two nights is ideal, allowing time for a canoe trip, island visits and a relaxing day after gorilla trekking.
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Let GIP Adventure add Lake Bunyonyi's islands, canoe trips and peaceful views to your Uganda gorilla safari.