4 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari
Primate and nature lovers, this 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari is perfect for you! Walk through the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park searching for the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
This 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari leads Hail Tours’ travelers to see these Giant Apes in one of their natural habitats—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and spice it up by unwinding and taking in the cool breeze as well as awe-inspiring views of Lake Bunyonyi.
Highlights of the 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari
-
Take a boat/canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi.
-
Visit the Batwa village and enjoy some of their traditional activities.
-
Track one of the 20 habituated mountain gorilla families in Bwindi.
-
Take in views of Lake Bunyonyi, jungles of Bwindi, and terraced hills.
4 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari Brief Itinerary
-
Day 1: Kampala City to lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
-
Day 2: Bwindi: Gorilla trekking adventure and Batwa community visit
-
Day 3: Bwindi to the spectacular Lake Bunyonyi, second deepest Lake in Africa
-
Day 4: Departure: Bwindi to Kampala
Detailed itinerary for the 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari
Day 1: Kampala City to lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 1: Kampala City to lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Start the first day of your trip with a drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in the southwestern part of Uganda via Masaka, where you will have a stop at the Equator to take photographs, stretch your legs, and buy souvenirs.
Another stop is at Mbarara Town for lunch before continuing with the drive through the rolling hills, banana plantations, and magnificent terraced Kigezi highlands.
Overnight at;
Luxury: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge or Buhoma Lodge
Midrange: Kitandara Camp or Mahogany Springs Camp
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Ride 4 a Woman Cottages
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Bwindi: Gorilla trekking adventure and Batwa community visit
A wonderful, rewarding, and physically-demanding trek awaits this beautiful morning, after a delicious breakfast at the lodge. Later, make your way to the Park Headquarters for briefing that begins at 7:00 am, to go through the guidelines for gorilla trekking.
Get allocated to one of the 20 habituated mountain gorilla families and follow an experienced and knowledgeable Park ranger guide, who will not only take you to see these gentle giants but also help identify animals or birds found along the way.
The duration of the gorilla trek is determined by the movement of the mountain gorillas and typically takes 1–5 hours. You will then spend one magical hour with them before returning to your lodge.
Unwind, and later in the evening enjoy a community walk through Batwa villages to experience their simple lifestyles, natural remedies, and traditional practices—such as making fire by rubbing sticks, using bamboo cups, and treating ailments with local herbs.
Overnight at:
Luxury: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge or Buhoma Lodge
Midrange: Kitandara Camp or Mahogany Springs Camp
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Ride 4 a Woman Cottages
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the spectacular Lake Bunyonyi, second deepest Lake in Africa
On this leg of the trip, depart Bwindi and head to Lake Bunyonyi, found in Kabale, the second deepest lake in Africa and a wonderful birding Paradise. You will be welcomed by the stunning views and sceneries as well as the sounds of chirping birds, from which the word Bunyonyi came.
On getting there, enjoy a boat or canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi where numerous species of birds, local communities, and beautiful islands (over 29 islands are in Lake Bunyonyi).
Feel free to take as many photos as you can. Time permitting, enjoy an evening community or nature walk through the Batwa and Abaheesi communities to learn more about the cultures and ways of life.
Overnight;
- Luxury: @Bunyonyi Birdnest.
- Moderate: Bunyonyi Safari Resort.
- Budget: Gorilla View Resort.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4: Departure: Bwindi to Kampala
Following a delicious breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from the lodge back to Kampala with lunch along the way. Be in Kampala by evening while reminiscing on the experiences of the past three days. This marks the end of the 4 days Bwindi & lake Bunyonyi safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
End of our 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari
Book this Tour
Traveling Packing List to Consider
- Portable walking shoes
- Breathable clothing
- Light Rain jacket
- Hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen creams
- A good digital Camera with extra batteries
- A pair of Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Personal medications
The trip includes;
- Gorilla permits (One per traveler).
- 3 nights’ Accommodation-2 nights in Bwindi and 1 night in Lake Bunyonyi.
- Transportation by a private safari land cruiser.
- A private safari driver (English speaking).
- Bottled water.
- Relevant government taxes.
- Boat/or canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi.
- Community visit.
The Trip excludes
- Tips to Ranger guides, driver, waiters/waitresses, and Lodge staff.
- Visa fees where applicable.
- Domestic and international flights.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Medical and travel insurance.
- Optional activities not mentioned in the 4-day Bwindi & Lake Bunyonyi itinerary.
You may als wish to know;
8 Frequently asked questions about Lake Bunyonyi
What type of lake is Lake Bunyonyi?
Lake Bunyonyi is a volcanic lake, formed as a result of lava flow that blocked a valley, causing water to accumulate and create the lake. It lies within a volcanic highland area in southwestern Uganda, surrounded by steep terraced hills. Its formation gives it an irregular, scenic shape with multiple inlets, coves, and islands. The lake is freshwater and one of the deepest in Africa (estimated depth: 44m–900m).
How many islands are in Lake Bunyonyi?
Lake Bunyonyi has 29 islands, each with its own unique story and character. Some of the most famous islands include:
-
Punishment Island (Akampene Island) – where, historically, unmarried pregnant girls were abandoned
-
Bushara Island – popular for eco-tourism
-
Bwama and Njuyeera (Sharp’s Island) – once a leper colony founded by missionary Dr. Leonard Sharp in the 1920s
These islands can be explored via boat or canoe rides, making for a scenic and culturally rich experience.
Lake Bunyonyi History
Lake Bunyonyi’s history is a blend of natural formation and cultural legends. It formed thousands of years ago after volcanic activity blocked off a river valley. Over time, communities like the Batwa and Bakiga settled around the lake.
Key historical facts include:
-
Punishment Island was used by the Bakiga people to abandon girls who got pregnant out of wedlock as a form of social punishment.
-
Bwama Island was developed into a leper treatment center by Dr. Leonard Sharp in the 1920s to isolate and treat leprosy patients.
-
The lake has long been a source of food, water, and cultural practices for nearby communities.
Today, it’s a major eco-tourism and cultural destination in Uganda.
Location of Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi is located in southwestern Uganda, near the town of Kabale, in the Kigezi highlands. It’s approximately:
-
450 km from Kampala (Uganda’s capital)
-
About 2–3 hours’ drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
-
Near the Rwandan border, making it a good stop for cross-border safaris
GPS coordinates: 01°17′S 29°56′E
What is special about Lake Bunyonyi?
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful and serene lakes in Africa, located in southwestern Uganda near the Rwandan border. Its name means “Place of Little Birds,” and it’s known for its:
-
Breathtaking scenery with lush, terraced hills and over 29 scenic islands scattered across the lake.
-
Tranquility – no large boats or noisy engines, making it a perfect escape for peace and nature lovers.
-
Unique culture – the surrounding areas are home to the Batwa and Bakiga people, offering immersive cultural experiences.
-
Mild climate – it’s pleasantly cool due to the high altitude (~1,962 meters above sea level).
-
No dangerous animals or bilharzia, unlike many other African lakes, which makes it uniquely safe for recreation.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Bunyonyi?
Yes, Lake Bunyonyi is safe for swimming. It is free from bilharzia (schistosomiasis), crocodiles, and hippos – common threats in many other African lakes. However, swimmers should still be cautious due to the lake’s depth – it is the second deepest lake in Africa, estimated to reach depths of up to 900 meters. Only confident swimmers should venture far from the shore.
What animals are in Lake Bunyonyi?
While Lake Bunyonyi lacks large aquatic wildlife like hippos or crocodiles (which makes it safe for swimming), it is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 bird species, including:
-
Pied kingfishers
-
Grey crowned cranes
-
Herons
-
Weaver birds
-
Malachite kingfishers
Other animals can be found in the surrounding areas such as:
-
Otters in the lake itself
-
Monkeys, especially vervet monkeys, in the nearby forests
Is Lake Bunyonyi worth it?
Absolutely, Lake Bunyonyi is worth visiting. It is one of Uganda’s top off-the-beaten-path destinations, ideal for travelers looking for:
-
Natural beauty and stunning views
-
Adventure activities like boat rides, canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, and zip-lining
-
Relaxation and honeymoon escapes
-
Cultural encounters with local communities
-
A serene base after gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Its calm, scenic atmosphere and proximity to Uganda’s gorilla tracking regions make it a must-visit on a Uganda safari itinerary.