What to do in Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

I grew up with Minecraft. I spent my childhood forever immersed in the game’s exotic biomes, listening to peaceful music as I built a virtual cottage on a cliff overlooking a silent, serene blue lake. The enchanting rolling hills were full of beautiful green trees, swishing lazily, their leaves slowly dancing to the rhythm of the light breeze. I saw virtual otters happily swimming in the pretty lake, sheeps calmly roaming on islands, eating fresh grass. I planted virtual cabbage with the most mesmerizing views. As I played on my couch, in my apartment overlooking the busy, noisy, chaotic city, I dreamed of living in that peaceful, mesmerizing Minecraft world. It’s always been like this. I’ve always wanted to live in Minecraft.

The moment I saw Bunyonyi, I knew my dream had come true. I was in the same Minecraft world I had so adored a decade ago. Except this was better. Lake Bunyonyi had the peace, the beautiful silence, the grandiose views and the sweet, happy animals of Minecraft, but it had the nature of Avatar.

A large, calm blue lake. Is it water? Is it mist? A dreamy blue-gray color, reflecting the sky. Floating islands. 55 islands, to be precise. Each one the same, with dense little tropical forests. Each one different, some big, some tiny. Some populated, some completely left to the hands of Mother Nature. All of them more enchanting than the other, all of them easily discoverable by canoes. Which brings me to the first reason to go visit Bunyonyi:

1.Explore different islands by canoe

Each island in this surreal biome has something different to offer.

Rent a canoe from the small Bunyonyi port and start rowing. We’re going to explore. Paddle on the shores of the islands that you find charming (warning: they all are). Enjoy the birds chirping, the sound of the water, the fresh air. Sing some songs (row, row, row your boat!). Try spotting some of the adorable otters of Lake Bunyonyi. Getting around with complete freedom on this surreal lake, exploring the islands of your choice, is an unforgettable experience.

The island of the Adventure Park has a lush, deep green tropical forest waiting to be explored with delightful parkour courses, flying bikes, giant swings flying over the lake, and ziplines across islands. The stunning natural beauty, the peaceful, silent jungle and the shimmering blue lake, paired with the intense hits of adrenaline parkouring through the trees and islands on thrilling ziplines, letting go of all fear and tension, letting yourself simply fly from island to island, the blue waters beneath you, is one of the most liberating feelings you will ever feel.

https://www.supremeadventurepark.com

The simple act of canoeing, spotting a particular island that holds your attention, peacefully rowing to it under the shining sun and on the glimmering, sublime blue lake, is the essence of Bunyonyi. Paddling around a wild little island, looking for a little space to park your wooden, hand carved authentic canoe, getting off and paving a way through the little patch of jungle on a lake, walking amongst majestic crested cranes, feeling like an explorer in this stunning, peaceful, quiet land, is truly one of the most wholesome experiences in East Africa.

Eco Resort Island is a wonderful destination you can paddle to merrily. It’s the greenest island of the lake, with views comparable to the majestic Swiss Alps. The chalet-like restaurant, built with aesthetic dark dark wood, sits at the summit of the island. With a fresh breeze, soothing bird songs and sublime views of the surrounding mountains and beautiful islands, this is an ideal place to have a restorative, peaceful lunch. Afterwards, discover the island with a guide. Populated by zebras, antelopes and waterbucks imported from Lake Mburo National Park, a nature walk around this heavenly island, spotting the untroubled, tranquil wildlife peacefully grazing on the fertile grass, is a very pleasant activity to do on your canoeing adventure.

https://www.lakebunyonyiecoresort.com

2. Boda Boda

My favorite thing to do in Lake Bunyonyi is getting on a local Boda Boda, climbing green hills at astonishing speeds to get to Arcadia Lodges, my favorite hotel of the region, to have a late lunch or an early dinner. The food is sumptuous, and, on my many stays here, I have never been disappointed. The views are some of the best of Lake Bunyonyi. Perched on top of the vast mountains surrounding the beautifully peculiar lake, the fresh air, cool breeze and tropically alpine atmosphere make Arcadia a perfect place to relax after a long day of exploration.

Getting to this safe haven with one last adventure on motorcycles is, for me, the cherry on top. You can enjoy splendid views of the lake, feel your heart beat as your motorcyclist goes through the rough terrain, feel the wind in your hair and once again feel like you’re flying amongst the little roads of Bunyonyi.

Bodas are generally present at the port, after returning your canoe, and will take you up to Arcadia for approximately 10000 UGX (Muzungu price). Do this at your own risk: if the terrain is very muddy that day, or if you have a fear of motorcycles, this might not be the best option for you.

It definitely is for me.

3. Birdwatching

Bunyonyi is such a musical, joyful, adorable name for a lake. I find the playfulness of the sounds, the little “i” at the end, the way it feels in my mouth when I pronounce it so wholesome. It sounds like a magical fairytale land imagined by an enthusiastic, vibrant 5 year-old, who named it this adorably peculiar name.

Well, Bunyonyi’s literal meaning is as beautiful as its name: Bunyonyi literally translates to “The place of many little birds”.

The variety of avifauna here in Bunyonyi is astonishing: more than 200 species of gorgeous birds populate this magical lake. Their soothing presence, their joyful, melodic, mesmerizing bird songs, their colorful wings and beaks, their curious, inquisitive manner, hopping from tree to tree, add mysticism and peace to the serene atmosphere of Lake Bunyonyi.

From the imposing, magnificent crested cranes to the versatile, captivating Pied kingfishers you can observe flying next to you while canoeing on the glimmering lake, the birdwatching opportunity here is precious, and, combined with the unique atmosphere of the region, absolutely magical.

Lake Bunyonyi is by far one of my favorite destinations in Africa. I’ve never felt as peaceful as I have here. With such little tourists and a pure, untouched nature, the tropical yet oddly alpine atmosphere of Bunyonyi has captured my heart.

Some visuals of the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi: