Located in Kabale District of Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is without doubt the deepest lake in Uganda and second deepest in Africa after Lake Tanganyika. Its deepest end is believed to measure approximately 900m. If you need to learn more about activities, accommodation, formation of the lake, number of islands, boat safaris, zip lining tours and more, you will get all the information you need by the end of the article.

Lake Bunyonyi is marked with up to 29 islands, with the most popular islands being the Akampene (the punishment island), Bushara, Buwama (Sharp island), Kyahugye, Njuyeera as well as Bucuranuka. The lake is home to Otters, crayfish and a place of so many little birds where it derives its name “Bunyonyi”. It lies in the outskirts of Kabale town, only 8km off Kisoro – Kabale highway close to the Katuna border of Rwanda.

Some of the popular Lake Bunyonyi safari lodges include Hawks Eye Lodge, Amasiko Homestay, Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort, Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Lake Bunyonyi Safari Resort, Arcadia Lodge, Byoona Amagara and Supreme Adventure Park among the rest.

Lake Bunyonyi is definitely an ideal destination for group retreats; whether backpackers, over landers, student trips, family get-a ways, company team building tours and more.

There are tens of amazing activities which can be undertaken by any group of travelers.

A 2/3-hour canoe ride with an experienced site guide will expose you to the 29 islands and reward you with unique history of each of the islands.

A dugout canoe trip can be either full day or half day depending on your interests and time; but an ideal excursion should be between 2-3 hours, and return to the lodge thereafter for a lunch organized overlooking the lake.

Come along with a fully charged camera and a pair of binoculars not to miss sights of small birds, islands, great scenery and the surrounding terraced hills.

Other essential items to carry along may include; sun block lotion, a day pack with bottle of water and packed lunch / soft snacks, insect repellents, or a bottle of champagne for a romantic lunch along one of the scenic islands.

Lake Bunyonyi is one of those few lakes in Uganda which are Bilharzia-free. Bilharzia is a common parasite found in southern and eastern regions of Africa).

This fact makes Lake Bunyonyi safe for swimming. The lake is as well free from dangerous reptiles and water mammals such as crocodiles and hippos.

However, inexperienced swimmers are warned to stay away from swimming in this lake because of its depth.
Breathetaking Scenery

Lake Bunyonyi is flanked with lush, green-terraced hills that stretch to a height of 2,200m -2,478m, though the 29 islands of various sizes and shapes dotted across the water that make the lake most stunning – you can admire it all day.

Lake Bunyonyi’s magical scenery reinvents itself every moment with any slight change in climate and direction of sun.

Early morning, the islands weave through cotton candy-like streams of fog while the afternoons are bathed in a warm radiations of the sun.

The islands are silhouetted later against a pale sky with the approach of chilly evenings. Some days the islands vanish completely from sight, hidden under a coat of clouds, but it takes another magical hour to watch them re-appear once more.

Various site guides conduct daily guided walks to the bamboo plantations in the interior of the lake.

There are trails which have been established and such walks are highly recommended for those searching for a healthy leg stretch in the Bunyonyi area.
When to visit Lake Bunyonyi

Though it is possible to visit Lake Bunyonyi all year round, it is equally important to understand the appropriate season to adventure on this magical lake.

Some activities and experiences like swimming are best experienced in dry months, usually from June – August especially for those who want to make dips.

Lake Bunyonyi experiences heavy rains between the months of March – May and shorter rains from September to December.

January, February, June, July and August are the hottest and the driest months of the year on Lake Bunyonyi.

The evenings around Lake Bunyonyi are chilly with cooler temperatures while days are hot but rains can be expected any time of day.
Joining a group to Lake Bunyonyi

There’s no place that is favorable for group tours like the Lake Bunyonyi; with its wide range of lodges and camps ideal for small and big groups.

Group travel to Lake Bunyonyi has the ability to enrich every member’s life. For a company group or family, this means spending time together to talk and enjoy each other’s company for a long time.

Group adventures also nurture interpersonal skills, inter-dependence, and self-confidence.

The bigger the tour group, the more curiosity and sense of adventure is enhanced, promoting fresh ideas as a result of cross interactions and new perspectives about life generally which are later carried on into one’s everyday life.

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Kampala, the largest city in Uganda, is also its capital, covering a total surface area of 189 km2 (73 square miles). Out of this, 176 km2 (68 square miles) is land, and 13 km2 (5.0 square miles) is water. Kampala is situated approximately 35 km from the airport.

Originally built on seven hills, Kampala expanded to encompass major divisions such as Kampala, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division, and Division. Kampala’s metropolitan area, which comprises districts such as Kampala, Wakiso District, Mukono District, Mpigi District, and Luweero District, is administratively managed.

The original seven hills of Kampala, namely Old Kampala Hill, Mengo Hill, Kibuli Hill, Namirembe Hill, Lubaga Hill, Nsambya Hill, and Nakasero Hill, remain tourist attractions. Old Kampala Hill was the first seat of British colonial authorities in colonial Uganda and currently hosts Old Kampala Mosque.

Mengo Hill, previously the capital of the Buganda kingdom during the start of British colonial rule, presently hosts Mengo hospital and Bulange Mengo – the palace of the Kabaka of Buganda. Kibuli Hill hosts Kibuli Mosque and Kibuli hospital. Namirembe Hill was home to the Anglican faction during the Buganda religious wars of 1888 to 1892 and presently hosts Namirembe Anglican Cathedral.

Lubaga Hill was home to the White Fathers Catholic faction and presently hosts the Rubaga Catholic Cathedral and Lubaga hospital. Nsambya Hill was the site of the former Cathedral of St Peter’s Nsambya and was allocated to the British Catholic Mill Hill Mission during the signing of the Uganda Agreement (1900).

Nakasero Hill, on whose summit was Fort Nakasero, a British military installation built after relocating from Fort Lugard in Old Kampala, was also the site of the European Hospital (the current government analytical laboratory). Nakasero currently hosts State House – the home of the sitting president, Nakasero hospital, and other major hotels.

Kampala’s population is around 1,680,000, making it the economic engine of Uganda’s economy. The population comprises people from all the tribes in Uganda engaged in different activities such as manufacturing, trade, agriculture, civil service, and education, among others.

Kampala also houses major educational institutions at all levels, government departments, ministries and agencies, major factories, hotels, financial institutions, parliament, all political parties’ headquarters, and several other private corporations, attracting rural-rural migration and settlement of other nationalities within the city.

Kampala city is geographically composed of hilly places with valleys filled with sluggish rivers and swamps. The highest point is the summit of Kololo hill, standing at 1,311 metres (4,301 ft), located in the center of the city, and the lowest point at the shores of Lake Victoria south of the city center, standing at an altitude of 1,135 metres (3,724 ft).

Kampala’s weather has two annual wet seasons with rains in the months of February to May and September to December. However, with climate change, this trend seems to be changing.

Regarding transport within Kampala, the city is a 45-minute drive from Entebbe International Airport and also has Kajjansi Airstrip where local flights are usually arranged from. There is also Kololo Airstrip in the city center, often used to run and coordinate government activities.

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Located within the scenic Lake Victoria is a beautiful Ngamba Island, one of the magical tropical islands in Africa. The scenic Ngamba Island forms part of the stunning Koome Archipelago and it is surrounded by the peaceful Lake Victoria water. Entirely, the tropical island is set for the orphaned chimpanzees making it an outstanding spot worth visiting on safari in Uganda.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary shelters up to 52 chimpanzees in its vast 404.605sq.m tropical forest. Chimpanzees at Ngamba Island can be spotted roaming in the 95-acre forest area and in addition to the rescued chimps, the tropical island also protects over 120 species of birds, otters and monitor lizards.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary derives its name from Ngamba Island and the sanctuary was founded in 1997. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Wildlife Conservation Trust among other organizations rescued the chimpanzees which were poached or smuggled. Today, the sanctuary acts as an important platform for locals and foreign tourists to have in-depth learning about chimpanzees. While Ngamba Island is more of a forest, the Northern part (3800m elevation) features some patches of grassland.

Getting to Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island is located South-east of Entebbe on Lake Victoria about 23kms away and accessible by speed boat for about 45 minutes. Using a traditional motorized canoe, Ngamba Island is reachable about one and half hours’ drive.

Chimpanzees in Uganda

Over 5050 chimpanzees survive within Uganda alone, the highest chimpanzee population though for the previous 30 years, their numbers have kept on reducing. Chimpanzees are among the most threatened species especially due to habitat loss, poaching etc. Ngamba Island plays an important part in protecting the many rescued chimps from poachers or smugglers with currently sheltering up to 52 orphaned chimpanzees.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is run by Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust and it works together with other organizations such as Uganda Wildlife Education Center, Uganda Wildlife Society, International Fund for Animal Welfare and Born Free Foundation, Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda, Jane Goodall Institute.

Other than Ngamba Island, chimpanzees in Uganda also thrive in Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Kibale National Park, Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Maramagambo Forest, Kyambura Gorge etc.

Visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary’s main objective is to educate the public on the value of conserving/protecting chimpanzees and their habitats. Your visit to the Sanctuary plays an important part since it is one main source in which the management generates finances for facilitating the daily activities of taking care of these endangered species.

Visiting Ngamba costs USD 115 per person for half day tour on a speed boat, USD 80 for a motor boat and USD 200 is for “caregiver for a day” experience. There are different shifts with the first starting at 9:00am up to 12:45pm while the second one ends at 5:00pm. Feeding is often conducted starting at 11:00am and 2:30pm.

Caregiver for day experience is available for visitors in need to spend a night or more at the Ngamba Island. The experience involves having a deep understanding about chimpanzees, keep them happy and in their good health, feeding, cleaning their chambers etc. Participants shall be required to conduct a thorough medical test.

Long stay visitor program

Long stay visitor programme is ideal for holidaymakers who desire spending more days at Ngamba Island. This includes assisting the team at Ngamba Island in building projects, cleaning chimp cages, treating chimps, preparing food, collect data, analyze date etc.

Other exciting activities not to miss at Ngamba Island include forest walks, birding, sunset cruises, fishing and volunteer programs etc.

When to visit?

Ngamba Island is a year-round destination. But most primate lovers prefer visiting during the dry season which occurs from June to August or December to February. The chimpanzee sanctuary is perfectly reached on boat.

Accommodation in Ngamba Island

The best places for overnight stay at Ngamba Island include Ngamba Eco-Lodge which offers standard camping and luxury accommodation, Ngamba Island Tented Camp which is ideal to undertake forest walk, sunset cruises and so much more.

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Joy doesn’t simply happen to us; we have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. When you hold it in your heart, it heals any crummy stories in your life.

You can find all the joy you seek when you decide to cross oceans and seas and visit the Ishasha territory, located on the southern side of the golden grassland of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.

The Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its unique climbing lions, who ascend trees with ease but sometimes face challenges descending from fig trees.

While not specifically confirmed, it is speculated that these lions climb trees to access fresh air due to the high and hot temperatures in the area.

The park receives little or no rainfall, making it quite dry. Climbing trees may also protect them from wind and insect bites.

The sight of these majestic lions resting on well-spaced, large fig trees captivates many tourists who take photographs as cherished memories or for sale.

The best time to see these tree-climbing lions is during the dry season when vegetation is short, making it easier to spot the pride as they set out to hunt at dawn or near waterholes.

The entry fees for the Ishasha circuit are as follows:

• Adults: $40
• Children aged 5 to 15: $20
• Children under five: Free entry

The southern side of the park offers glorious accommodations with excellent services and well-trained staff, including bar attendants, managers, waiters, and waitresses.

Accommodation options in Ishasha include Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Enjojo Lodge, and Ishasha Ntungwe River Lodge.

The Ishasha region is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with various bird species like Terek sandpiper, grey plover, rare blue quail, African thrush, greater honeyguide, trilling cisticola, and white-browed coucal.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s oldest national parks, was founded in 1952 and was initially known as Kazinga National Park. Located in western Uganda, it covers districts such as Kasese, Bushenyi, and Rukungiri.

The park is home to a variety of carnivores, including leopards, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, as well as herbivores like rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, antelope, Uganda kob, and hippos. Reptiles like crocodiles in Kazinga Channel, turtles, snakes, and lizards also inhabit the park.

In addition, you can find primates such as monkeys, baboons, gorillas, and chimpanzees, along with numerous bird species, including black-bellied bustard, white-browed robin, hooded vultures, African eagle, secretary bird, handsome francolin, grey crowned crane, and African jacana.

Accommodation Options in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodations in the park are divided into three categories:

Luxury:

• Enganzi Game Lodge
• Kyangabi Crater Resort
• Mweya Safari Lodge
• Trackers Safari Lodge
• Mazike Valley Lodge
• Queen Elizabeth Katara Lodge
• Kyangabi Crater Lodge

Mid-Range:

• Buffalo Safari Lodge
• Elephant Plains Lodge
• Kasenyi Retreat Lodge
• Tembo Lodge
• Kabatoru Safari Lodge

Budget:

• Ramada
• Baymont

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park offers various activities that bring extensive joy to visitors, including:

• Game Drives in Ishasha: These drives provide an opportunity to see the famous tree-climbing lions and other wildlife.
• Boat Trips along the Channel: Enjoy views of hippos and crocodiles in the water.
• Birdwatching: Explore the park’s bird-rich areas to spot a wide variety of species.
• Nature Walks: Observe the behaviors of different animal species up close.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Take in breathtaking views of the Eden-like landscape and crystal-clear, glittering crater lakes, including Lake Edward with its salty waters, the Bunyaruguru Crater Field, and the Ndali-Kasenda Crater Fields.

The only place where you can experience heaven on Earth is at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to set your sights high, not merely gazing at the water but sailing on it in the Pearl of Africa.

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