Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi extends 25 kilometers in length and 7 kilometers in width, featuring 29 islands scattered across its clear waters at 1962 meters elevation.

The lake formed 18,000 years ago when volcanic activity in the Ruchiga mountains created a natural barrier, resulting in water accumulation within the valley.

The Bakiga people maintained a traditional practice of using one of the islands, known as Punishment Island, for isolating unmarried pregnant women until the 1900s.

Visitors access the lake through Kabale town, which connects to Kampala via an eight-hour bus ride, followed by a 25-minute taxi journey to the shoreline.

The water body contains distinct oxygen layers and supports specific aquatic life, including multiple frog species and abundant water birds across its 61 square kilometers.

Location: Western Region

Elevation above the sea: 1,962 m

Made from material: volcanic eruption

GPS coordinates: -1.28333,29.91667

Latest update: March 22, 2025 15:45