Lake Bunyonyi, the name means place of many little birds, lies in the hills of south west Uganda near Kabale, at about 1,950 m. It has 29 islands and a shoreline of steep terraced slopes, and it is one of the most restful places in the country.
We often use Bunyonyi as a place to slow down after gorilla trekking in southern Bwindi. BirdNest Resort sits on the water, and days here are simple: a dugout canoe or boat among the islands, a walk up to a viewpoint, a swim, and early nights. It is also well placed for travellers crossing to or from Rwanda.
Bunyonyi is about birds rather than big game. Look for grey crowned cranes, weavers, kingfishers, fish eagles and sunbirds around the shores, and otters are sometimes seen in the early morning.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
A long, winding lake in a steep valley, with islands scattered across it and hillsides cut into neat agricultural terraces. Mist often lies on the water at dawn and lifts slowly as the day warms.
Activities here
At nearly 2,000 m, Bunyonyi is cool, with days around 18 to 24°C and chilly nights that can drop to about 10°C. Rain falls mainly from March to May and September to November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24 | 11 | 70 |
| Feb | 24 | 11 | 95 |
| Mar | 24 | 11 | 125 |
| Apr | 23 | 12 | 130 |
| May | 23 | 12 | 95 |
| Jun | 23 | 10 | 30 |
| Jul | 23 | 9 | 15 |
| Aug | 24 | 10 | 50 |
| Sep | 24 | 11 | 100 |
| Oct | 23 | 11 | 115 |
| Nov | 23 | 11 | 120 |
| Dec | 23 | 11 | 90 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to August is the driest time, with sunny days and cool, clear nights, and a shorter dry spell comes in December to February. Mornings are often misty over the water before the sun burns through.
The rains fall mainly from March to May and September to November. Showers are usually short, but the lake can turn grey and chilly, so bring a warm layer for boat trips.
The drier months from June to September and December to February are clearest for views and canoeing. The lake is lovely all year, and the rainy months are greener and quieter.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jun to Sep
The lake is about 20 minutes from Kabale and roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Rushaga in southern Bwindi. From Kigali, it is about 3 hours via the Katuna border. From Kampala allow about 7 to 8 hours by road, or fly to Kisoro and drive.
A visa is needed for Uganda and can be applied for online before you travel. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Please see the Uganda page for details.
Lake Bunyonyi lies at around 1,950 metres, so evenings are cool. A yellow fever certificate is needed to enter Uganda, so please carry it with your passport. Bilharzia is not thought to be a risk in the lake, but please ask your lodge before swimming. Drink bottled or filtered water.
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“A day with nothing planned”
We tell our guests to leave at least one day at Bunyonyi unplanned. After gorilla trekking, the chance to paddle out early, read on the deck and swim in cool water feels like real luxury. If you want a little structure, our guide can take you by boat to the islands and tell their history properly.
Safaris from
US$1,786 per person
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