Lake Bunyonyi and her islands are undisputedly some of
the most beautiful parts of Uganda. Located in the hills
six kilometers above the town of Kabale, in the extreme
southwest of the country, this picturesque, irregularly
shaped lake shares its shores with Rwanda. The surrounding
hillsides, as elsewhere in this region, are intensively
cultivated in terraces.
Lake Bunyonyi is around 6,500 feet above sea level
and is the deepest crater lake in the country. It
came into existence a few million years ago
as a result of volcanic activities. It’s also
one of the few lakes in Uganda that is bilharzia-free
– though watch out for leeches when swimming.
The forest groves, gardens, and farms attract a wide
diversity of bird life. There are over 200 species
and 50 can be seen within the first hour or two. Others
are frequently seen fishing in the lake, and night
time brings with it a deafening chorus of frogs.