Lake Bunyonyi, also known as “the place of many little birds,” is located between Kisoro and Kabale, near the border of Rwanda and southwestern Uganda.
It is believed to have been formed 10,000 years ago when a river was dammed by lava, slowly creating a water body that is 25 km long and 7 km wide.
Scientific studies state the lake has a maximum depth of 40 m (130 ft), but some tour guides and locals claim it is as deep as 900 m (3,000 ft), making it much deeper.
Lake Bunyonyi is the third deepest lake in Africa. It has fresh water and is located at coordinates 1°17’S 29°55’E. It has a maximum length of 25 km (16 mi), a width of 7 km (4.3 mi), a surface area of 46 square kilometers, and an average depth of 39 m.
The lake sits at an elevation of 1,962 m (6,437 ft) with a shoreline of 186 km.
Lake Bunyonyi was featured on Uganda’s 2004–2009 currency note under the title “Lake Bunyonyi and Its Terraces.”
The lake is known for its green, lush terraced hills and over 200 bird species, making it a beautiful bird sanctuary and an ideal spot for bird lovers.
It is also a great place for tourists to relax, especially those visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking and other activities. Visitors enjoy the vibrant tropical climate throughout the year, with a cool breeze during the mornings and evenings.
Unlike most lakes in Africa, Lake Bunyonyi is considered one of the safest lakes for swimming because it is free of dangerous animals like crocodiles and hippos.
Important Points About Lake Bunyonyi
- It has 29 islands and holds great historical significance for Kabale.
- Due to shallow mixing caused by wind, Lake Bunyonyi is home to only mudfish, mirror carp, and crayfish. Other fish species introduced in the 1930s died out by the 1960s.
- Lake Bunyonyi also has unique animals.
Accommodation at Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the best tourist destinations in Uganda for relaxation.
