At almost 2,000 metres above sea level, Lake Bunyonyi lies like polished glass between terraced hills and 29 emerald islands. It is Africa's second-deepest lake, free of hippos and crocodiles, and Uganda's most magical place to simply exhale.
Lake Bunyonyi means 'place of many little birds'. Its 29 islands are draped over deep, quiet water, and the surrounding hills are terraced in a thousand shades of green — sorghum, sweet potato, eucalyptus, banana. It is one of the most photogenic landscapes on the continent.
Most travellers arrive at Bunyonyi the day after gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Swap the intensity of the forest for a canoe glide across silent water, a slow lunch on a private island, or an afternoon reading in a hammock over the lake.
Each island has its own history — Punishment Island, Bushara, Bwama, Akampene. Guided canoe trips weave between them with local Bakiga paddlers who tell the story of each, from missionary schools to legends of the deep.
Paddle between the islands with local Bakiga guides — no engines, no rush.
One of the few African lakes with no hippos, crocs or bilharzia.
Walk through farmland and villages to panoramic ridge-top viewpoints.
Meet the original forest people and the highland farmers who share the shore.
Sleep on your own private island under a blanket of highland stars.
Just 2 hours from Bwindi — the ideal decompression before flying home.
A scenic 2-hour transfer from Bwindi. Afternoon canoe out to your island lodge and dinner over the water.
A slow morning circumnavigation of the islands with a Bakiga paddler, followed by a hillside walk through farms and villages.
Hike up to a panoramic viewpoint for the classic Bunyonyi vista, then swim, kayak or simply rest on the terrace.
Drive north to Kampala or connect through the border to Kigali airport — just 3 hours away.
June to September and December to February bring dry, clear skies and calm water — ideal for canoeing and photography. Green-season months are lush, misty and beautifully quiet.
A 2-hour drive from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, or 8 hours from Kampala via Mbarara. The closest international airport is often Kigali (Rwanda), just 3 hours away by road.
Lake Bunyonyi lies in south-western Uganda near the town of Kabale, at nearly 2,000 metres above sea level. It is Africa's second-deepest lake and one of the highest in the continent.
Yes — Lake Bunyonyi is one of very few African lakes with no hippos, crocodiles or bilharzia, making it safe and popular for swimming, canoeing and kayaking.
There are 29 islands scattered across the lake, each with its own story — from Punishment Island to Bushara, Bwama and Akampene.
Perfectly. Bunyonyi is only a 2-hour drive from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and is the ideal place to decompress the day after your gorilla trek before flying home from Kigali or Entebbe.
Fly to Kigali (Rwanda) and drive 3 hours across the border, or drive 8 hours from Kampala via Mbarara. Trek Wild Uganda arranges all transfers.
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