3 DAYS LAKE BUNYONYI SAFARIS

Overview

Lake Bunyonyi is found in the southwestern part of Uganda near the border with Rwanda in Kabale District. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most naturally beautiful lakes in Africa and is one of the leading tourist destinations in Uganda. The lake attracts tourists, honeymooners, and Ugandans who wish to get away from the busy town life and enjoy the cool weather and beautiful islands. The lake offers great panoramic views from all sides and is a great place to go for meditation and relaxation. The lake is a collection of water that filled a valley created by a volcanic explosion hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Trip Summery

Day 1: Pickup from Kampala or Entebbe—Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Day 2: Relaxation, nature walks, community visits, and visiting the islands

Day 3: Nature walk and transfer to Kampala or Entebbe

Includes:

The services of a professional English-speaking guide/driver
Transport in a comfortable and standard tour van
All the activities indicated in the package
Accommodation for two nights
The tour includes all meals and bottled water.
Airport transfer
Government taxes

Does not include:

Visas
International flights
Expenses on things that appear personal in nature
Accommodation before or after the tour
Tips to the Guide/Driver and Hotel Staff

Details

Day 1: Pickup from Entebbe or Kampala—Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Wake up early and take your breakfast as you wait for a representative from Mission Africa Safaris. You will then start the 7-hour journey to Lake Bunyonyi while making several stoppages along the highway. Southwestern Uganda has arguably the best scenery in Uganda. You will marvel at the beautiful countryside, vast swamps, and the Mpanga forest. Prepare to catch sight of the local people tending their gardens and looking after their long-horned Ankole cattle. There will be a stop at the equator crossing in Kayabwe for photos, refreshments, and an opportunity to buy local souvenirs. The Equator crossing allows you to put one foot on the earth’s southern and another on the northern hemisphere. Lunch will be in Mbarara town before proceeding to Kabale and finally to Lake Bunyonyi.

After checking in at the hotel, you should head out to explore the lake, walk along the shores, or enjoy the beautiful scenery. Depending on which accommodation facility you choose, you should prepare for evening entertainment by local traditional dancers as you sit around a campfire.

Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Resort (budget), Bunyonyi Safaris Resort (mid-range), and Arcadia Cottages (luxury).

Day 2: Visit the local communities, explore caves, tour the islands using a canoe, go birdwatching, and go sightseeing.

Wake up and take your breakfast as you prepare for a day full of fun. The first thing to do is enjoy the beautiful sounds of birds in the morning. The lake has an amazing collection of birds, including the African harrier, egrets, grey crowned cranes, hawks, herons, Levillant cuckoos, Rufous-breasted wrynecks, weaver birds, and the white-tailed blue monad, among many others. Take a stroll along the lake shores to spot some of the birds as you wait for the driver/guide. The guide/driver will take you to visit the Batwa and Abaheesi community of blacksmiths. The Batwa of Lake Bunyonyi live mostly in the Orugano Forest, Echuya Forest, and surrounding areas. Spend time and interact with them as you learn about how they make ends meet. You might also find visiting the Bukora Cave interesting.

Afterwards, you can walk back to the hotel/lodge for lunch before proceeding for a boat ride or canoeing. You will be taken to visit the beautiful islands, where you will get even better views of the lake, surrounding areas, rolling hills, and terraces. Most of the islands are named after the dominant bird species there. One particular island is known as the punishment island. The Bakiga tribe living in the area once had a cruel culture of abandoning all girls who got pregnant before marriage on this particular island. They were left there to die since most couldn’t swim. Most of the girls were eventually rescued by the men who had impregnated them or bachelors who couldn’t pay the bride price required by parents of virgins.

While at the islands, you will interact with the people and visit some of the schools and health facilities. If you are the inquisitive type, you might want to visit the local traditional healer in one of the islands. After you are done with the activities, the boat will bring you back ashore for refreshment and relaxation at the lodge. The evening should be reserved for relaxation and short walks along the lake shores.

Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Resort (budget), Bunyonyi Safaris Resort (mid-range), and Arcadia Cottages (luxury).

Day 3: Travel back to Kampala/Entebbe with a visit to the Igongo Cultural Centre, the equator crossing, and Buganda royal drum makers.

Wake up early for breakfast and go out for nature walks to enjoy the beautiful scenery/landscapes as you wait to begin the journey back to Kampala. The Lake Bunyonyi area is green throughout the year with beautiful trees and vegetation that are worth exploring. Lunch will be in Mbarara, preferably at the Igongo Cultural Centre. After visiting the Centre, you will continue to Kampala and have another stop at the Equator or the Buganda Royal Drum Makers. Expect to reach Kampala or Entebbe late in the evening.

End of Tour