16/04/2024
LAKE BUNYONYI
Lake Bunyonyi is located in south-western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale districts and it is close to the border with Rwanda. The word "Bunyonyi" means (Place of many birds).
The lake appeared from 2004 to 2009 on the USh 5,000/= note under the title "Lake Bunyonyi and its terraces".
The Lake is located 1,962m above sea level and about 25km long, 7km wide and approximately 40m (130ft) deep making it the deepest lake in Uganda and the second deepest in African after L. Tanganyika in Tz, it is also surrounded by mountains that reach heights of 600 m above the lake.
The Lake is found about 7 km west of Kabale town and It is the largest and highest of three small lakes (the others being Lake Mutanda and Lake Mulehe) in the Kigezi highlands that are part of the Nile basin.
The lake was formed about 18,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption blocking a valley in the Ruchiga mountains near the present day village of Muko.
The lake's current outlet is a small stream also by Muko which flows into the Ruvuma swamp this in turn flows into the Ruhezaminda river that ends in L. Mutanda.
The towns on its shores include Kyevu and Muko, while its 29 islands include Punishment Island (Akampene), Bushara, Bwama, Njuyeera Islands. etc
During the ancient times at Punishment Island, the Bakiga used to leave unmarried pregnant girls on this small island - to die of hunger or while trying to swim to the mainland (swimming skills were rare). This was to intimidate the rest, to show them not to get pregnant before marriage. Some of the remains of these people who died on this Island are still visible on present day. We shall have a chance to visit this Island during our MIGHTY WEEKEND TRIP.
Except for water birds, few aquatic animal species are naturally present in this isolated highland lake. Its waters are highly stratified with the oxygen limit placed at a depth of about 7m (23 ft) only.
Lake Bunyonyi is popular for its green and lush terraced hills that are punctuated with a plethora of over 200 bird species. This makes it a perfect ideal for many bird enthusiasts. A dive into the Nyombi swamp reveals a variety of assorted birds. Apart from birdwatching, the place also presents other opportunities like; Ziplining, sports like swimming as well as boat cruising and riding, hikes and nature walks, a sense of traditional culture is also felt during the community walks, since one can get stopovers at the Bakiga Cultural museum, visit the village of Bufuka for Batwa and Bakiga experiences.
The lake is surrounded by many hotels like; Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Birdnest Resort, Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Bunyonyi Safari Resort, Arcadia Lodges, Byona Amagara Island Retreat, Paradise Eco-Hub, Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Keije Resort, Hawk's Eye Lodge etc.
The temperatures around L. Bunyonyi are very low going up to 10°C on some days and humidity as high as 80%. The average annual temperatures are recorded at 18°C. The place is sometimes covered with Fog in the early morning hours making visibility poor. It's advisable to move with heavy wares for warmth during cold times.
tours and travel 👇
