Lake Bunyonyi is located in south-western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale districts. It is the second deepest lake in Africa and the third deepest in the world.
The beautiful lake is a freckle with at least 29 small islands, encircled by steep terraced hills, that’s why it’s known as then hidden African Jewel. At 1,950m/6,400ft above sea level, Lake Bunyonyi was formed 10,000 years ago when the river was dammed by a lava flow and the valley drowned. BOOK NOW
Among its 29 islands include the common ‘Punishment Island’ and ‘Bushara Island’, with small towns on its shores including Kyevu and Muko. Its maximum surface temperature reaches 25℃/77℉.
Lake Bunyonyi is a worthwhile diversion en-route to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kabale. It is a safe swimming lake in Africa where it has no hippos or crocodiles. Adventure travelers are catered for with canoes and kayaks. Mountain bikes are also available for hire, providing enough potential excursions to keep one busy for days.
Size and formation of Lake Bunyonyi
The lake covers a total area of around 60sqkm and it forms the core of the 180sqkm wetland eco systems, incorporating the Ruvuma swamp and several other permanent marshes. The lake itself is a volcanic lake formed after heavy eruptions in the rift valley area within Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo borders.
It lies at an altitude of 1840m, but several of the enclosing hills rise up to 2,500m, and although reported estimates of its depth vary wildly, it is probably no where greater than 45m deep. The lake is 26km/16mi long and 7km/4mi wide.
In the process of eruption, River Kabaga from Lake Bulera in Rwanda which was towards DR Congo changed direction and then started to flow towards South Western Uganda and filled this big valley where an outlet was formed. This outlet which is named River Ishasha flows into Lake Edward then continues to Lake George and finally into Lake Victoria.
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In combination of other rivers entering Lake Victoria from Uganda and other countries form the biggest and wonderful river called River Nile which flows through Sudan and Egypt then into the Mediterranean Sea.
An all-weather road connects Kabale to Rutinda, the focal point of tourists activity on Lake Bunyonyi. Visitors can stay overnight at a number of lakeside resorts or simply follow the lakeshore road to Kisoro and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Most of all the beauty of this hidden African Jewel, Lake Bunyonyi. Scenery that will stay with you of its 29 Islands, the Mountains and Virunga Volcanoes, the pleasant climate, the perfect spot according to Lonely Planet, to relax and chill out.
Over 200 bird species have been recorded. Because “Bunyonyi” means “a place of many little birds”, birding around the lake is a pleasure.
At the beginning of the 20th century, fish was introduced but massively died in the 1960s, perhaps as a result of a volcanic gas emission. Today, the cray fish, mud fish and mirror carp are present, and their predators, the otters.
Being in the highlands at an altitude of 2100 metres above sea level, Lake Bunyonyi gives a very beautiful scenery, as a result of the landscape with fantastic terraces, evergreen grasses and forest trees. Well placed peninsulas and islands attract the natives and most tourists for relaxation before proceeding for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.
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