Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is a volcanic lake in Uganda's Western Region dotted with around 29 islands across its waters. The lake sits at 1,962 meters (6,437 feet) elevation and stretches roughly 25 kilometers (16 miles) long and 7 kilometers (4 miles) wide.

The lake formed roughly 18,000 years ago when volcanic activity in the Ruchiga mountains created a natural barrier. This geological process trapped water in the valley and shaped the landscape we see today.

The Bakiga people used one of the islands traditionally to isolate unmarried pregnant women, and this practice continued into the early 1900s. Visitors today can learn about these local customs and how island communities shaped their own social systems over time.

To reach the lake, visitors travel through Kabale town, which has connections to the capital, then continue by taxi to the shoreline. It helps to prepare for elevation changes and plan the journey from the capital in advance.

The lake contains distinct oxygen layers in its water and supports rare frog species and numerous water birds. This biological richness makes it a place where visitors can observe nature in unexpected ways.

Location: Western Region

Elevation above the sea: 1,962 m

Made from material: volcanic eruption

GPS coordinates: -1.28333,29.91667

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02