Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel or preferred location in Kampala. After a briefing from your driver-guide, you will embark on a scenic 7-8 hour drive towards southwestern Uganda.
As you leave the bustling city, you will pass through the lush countryside, characterized by rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional homesteads. The first stop of the day will be at the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe, where you will have an opportunity to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time. Here, you can take photos, observe the water experiment that demonstrates the Coriolis effect, and explore the local craft shops.
Continuing your journey, you will drive through Masaka and Mbarara, stopping in Mbarara town for lunch at a selected restaurant. The drive then continues past Ntungamo’s endless banana plantations and the scenic Kabale hills before arriving at Lake Bunyonyi in the late afternoon.
Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge, which offers a spectacular view of the lake. You will have the rest of the evening to relax, enjoying the cool, fresh air and panoramic scenery. You may opt for an evening walk or simply unwind as you watch the sunset over the lake.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at your selected lodge.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi
- Midrange: Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi
- Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Day 2: Touring Lake Bunyonyi – Boat Cruise & Community Visit
Wake up to the sound of birds singing and the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi. After breakfast, the day’s adventure begins with a boat cruise across the beautiful lake. The cruise allows you to explore some of the 29 scenic islands, each with its own unique story and history.
One of the notable stops will be Akampene Island, commonly referred to as "Punishment Island," where unmarried pregnant girls were abandoned in the past as a form of punishment for pre-marital pregnancy. Other islands of interest include Bwama Island, which hosts a former leprosy treatment center, and Bushara Island, known for its rich birdlife.
As you glide through the serene waters, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the terraced hills surrounding the lake, which are cultivated by the local Bakiga people. The lake’s name, Bunyonyi, which means "place of many little birds," lives up to its reputation, as you will spot numerous bird species, making it a paradise for bird lovers.
Following the boat cruise, you will embark on a cultural community visit to interact with the local Bakiga and Batwa communities. The Batwa (Pygmies) were the original forest dwellers before they were displaced from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. During this visit, you will learn about their ancient hunting and gathering lifestyles, traditional dances, and cultural practices.
The tour also includes a visit to a local school or craft center, where you can support the community by purchasing handmade crafts.
After an insightful cultural experience, you will return to your lodge for a late lunch. The afternoon is at your leisure—you may choose to relax, go for a nature walk, try out canoeing, or even take a swim in the lake. Unlike many lakes in Africa, Lake Bunyonyi is free from bilharzia, making it safe for swimming.
Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 3: Transfer Back to Kampala
On the final day of your tour, enjoy an early morning breakfast while taking in the stunning sunrise over the lake. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for a short nature walk along the lakeshores or a canoeing experience before starting the journey back to Kampala.
The return drive follows the same scenic route, with another stopover in Mbarara for lunch and a brief relaxation. As you approach Kampala, you will have an opportunity for an optional stop at the Mpambire drum-making village, where you can observe traditional drum-making techniques and purchase locally made souvenirs.
You will arrive in Kampala in the evening and be dropped off at your preferred location, marking the end of a memorable 3 Days Lake Bunyonyi Tour.
