Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi
4.5
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4.5
189 reviews
Excellent
131
Very good
43
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Victoria H
Bristol, UK79 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
A beautiful lake with fresh water and safe for canoeing or swimming.
We did a lake tour by motor boat with a guide called Robin who took us on a beautiful Short hike to have a view over the lake and it’s islands and tell us about the area. He also showed us 4 islands and we got off and did a walk on some . We learnt so many stories about each island and he finally dropped us at the island with our lodge. Great experience so I would recommend asking for him.
We did a lake tour by motor boat with a guide called Robin who took us on a beautiful Short hike to have a view over the lake and it’s islands and tell us about the area. He also showed us 4 islands and we got off and did a walk on some . We learnt so many stories about each island and he finally dropped us at the island with our lodge. Great experience so I would recommend asking for him.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alton r
Brooklyn, NY63 contributions
July 2023 • Friends
It was a great and relaxing boat ride but it depends on your guide. Our guide was inexperienced and it showed. We went to two islands on the tour. The first he gave little description of the island and it’s significance and the last island he gave us five placards to read on the family that resided there. Then we returned to the hotel. He was good pointing out the flora and fauna in the area and lake but he was a man of few words.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
British_traveller
Glasgow, UK1,274 contributions
Feb 2020 • Business
Absolutely blown away by this place.
I heard that many years ago while under British reign the king fell in love with this area so much he bought it from the Rwandans and it became part of Uganda- if this is true I can understand why he did.
Just breathtaking.
Truly Uganda is “The pearl of Africa”
I heard that many years ago while under British reign the king fell in love with this area so much he bought it from the Rwandans and it became part of Uganda- if this is true I can understand why he did.
Just breathtaking.
Truly Uganda is “The pearl of Africa”
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morgel's Meanderings
Minneapolis, MN30 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Emerald islands jut out among the many bays and islets creating miles of shoreline to explore. The surrounding verdant hills with their patchwork of plots provides an excellent backdrop. There are a smattering of lodges catering to every budget. It's well worth a few days stop over to relax and gaze across the water.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane K
Arlington, VA36 contributions
May 2021
Gorgeous scenery, beautiful weather, lots to do. I need to go back and spend more time here. The weather was delightfully cool. Go for a boat ride- amazing sites. Eat some crayfish. Relax in paradise.
Written 17 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TinaWatts333
Mayland, UK202 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
A beautiful lake of 29 islands (and a cpl unnamed).
A beautiful, sedate ride by boat across the lake to our accommodation Bunyonyi Echo Resort. Beautiful views, so tranquil and peaceful. 💕
A beautiful, sedate ride by boat across the lake to our accommodation Bunyonyi Echo Resort. Beautiful views, so tranquil and peaceful. 💕
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TRIPCARE ADVENTURES
Kampala, Uganda84 contributions
Oct 2018
I had a great experience when I had my trip to Lake Bunyonyi. We had wonderful activities like Island Tour and Batwa experience at Kyevu with Lake Bunyonyi Life Care Uganda (non-profit Organisation at Lake Bunyonyi) led by Jasper Tugumisirize their guide who had wonderful stories and stories about the beautiful Islands and the Batwa culture at Kyevu with wonderful dance.
Written 15 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim | Our Planet in my Lens
The Netherlands676 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
After an exhausting gorilla trekking, you earned some time to relax and chill-out. For that, Lake Bunyonyi, which means place of many little birds is the perfect place to be and it’s only a 2 to 3 hour drive from Bwindi. Because of the green-terraced landscape and the great scenery of hills, valleys and winding roads it’s also called the ‘Switzerland of Africa’. An amazing places to visit in Uganda for landscape photography. Believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Bunyonyi is a body of water in South-western Uganda near the Rwandan border, and one of the country’s top natural treasures. Despite the depth (44m-90m), good swimmers have a chance to take a swim in the lake. There are no crocodiles or hippos and it’s bilharzia-free. At 1962m above sea level, the lake enjoys moderate temperatures year round, but cool in the morning and evening.
What makes this an awesome place to visit in Uganda are the 29 islands scattered across the water with each island having their own unique story. Of all these islands, ‘Punishment Island’ stands out the most. It’s an island with a notorious history, where unmarried pregnant girls were abandoned to starve to death. There is only one living survivor (Mauda Kyitaragabirwe) and I was very pleased to meet her and talk to her about what she went through. She’s a tough lady who is still digging in one of the many gardens in the terraced hills!
Arcadia Lodge has the most breath-taking panorama view of Lake Bunyonyi. I visited the lodge for a drink on the terrace to enjoy the view, an Uganda travel tip I recommend you to do as well. Don’t miss out on this lake while exploring Uganda. There’s a good reason it’s on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling note. Besides relaxing or swimming, you can also choose to go for canoeing in a dugout canoe, island hopping, visiting a traditional healer or hiking through the hills and villages!
You can choose to stay uphill or directly at the water. Some accommodations are located on one of the (29) Islands, others on the shore. If you want to relax at a quiet and remote location, Rock Resort is a great option! It’s located at the lakeside, so you’re able to go for a swim, relax at one of the sun loungers at the deck or take one of their canoes to enjoy the water and the numerous birds.
What makes this an awesome place to visit in Uganda are the 29 islands scattered across the water with each island having their own unique story. Of all these islands, ‘Punishment Island’ stands out the most. It’s an island with a notorious history, where unmarried pregnant girls were abandoned to starve to death. There is only one living survivor (Mauda Kyitaragabirwe) and I was very pleased to meet her and talk to her about what she went through. She’s a tough lady who is still digging in one of the many gardens in the terraced hills!
Arcadia Lodge has the most breath-taking panorama view of Lake Bunyonyi. I visited the lodge for a drink on the terrace to enjoy the view, an Uganda travel tip I recommend you to do as well. Don’t miss out on this lake while exploring Uganda. There’s a good reason it’s on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling note. Besides relaxing or swimming, you can also choose to go for canoeing in a dugout canoe, island hopping, visiting a traditional healer or hiking through the hills and villages!
You can choose to stay uphill or directly at the water. Some accommodations are located on one of the (29) Islands, others on the shore. If you want to relax at a quiet and remote location, Rock Resort is a great option! It’s located at the lakeside, so you’re able to go for a swim, relax at one of the sun loungers at the deck or take one of their canoes to enjoy the water and the numerous birds.
Written 18 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie B
4 contributions
July 2014 • Couples
One of the most amazing week I had the pleasure to spend in Uganda! My boyfriend and I wanted to go to lake bunyonyi for a little trip however we had limited fund and most of the places were a little expansive. Robert, owner of engagi safaris, was amazing in coordinating our stay along with the staff of Backpackers Kabale. They provided us with tents, sleeping bags, mattress, pots and pans etc. The greatest for us was that we were far away from all the main hôtels and hostels and really in the middle of nowhere ! We camped on the site where Robert is currently constructing lodges and it was BEAUTIFUL. Medad, an employee of Backpackers, was sleeping not far and could assist us with anything we wanted. Highly recommend for anyone seeking to be surrounded by breathtaking views, tranquility and welcoming people !
Written 18 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John D. Lin
Little Neck, NY272 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
Pretty sure I wasn't at the best spots where the film was made. Where I was wasn't breathtaking or awe inspiring but it was pleasant nonetheless. Take a motorbike ride round trip for fast and cheapest option to see from kabale town.
Written 26 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the distance from Kampala? In time, realistic time please. Thanks
Written 12 November 2017
The distance is 450 kms and it takes between 6 - 8hrs depending on a good drive and traffic on the road.
Written 5 February 2018
suefry72
Mzuzu, Malawi
Hi there. Has anyone used ferries to cross Lake Victoria from Entebbe to Bukakata? Is it a crazy idea?
Written 17 October 2016
suefry72
Mzuzu, Malawi
Hi. i hope to visit lake bunyoni next month. i am looking for accomodation on the lake shore and preferably run by the local community. Any suggestions?
Written 15 October 2016
You can stay at the bunyonyi eco resort or bunyonyi overland resort
Written 16 October 2016
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