Islands on Lake Bunyonyi; Lake Bunyonyi is popularly known as a place of small birds and some people call it Switzerland of Africa because of its green and lush terraced hills that are punctuated with a plethora of more than 200 bird species, bird life in here are combined the art of water birds and some migratory birds thus making it a perfect place for bird watchers. Some of bird life to encounter here include; Africa harrier hawk, Egrets, African king fisher, Grey crowned cranes, Grey crowned cranes, Levillant cuckoo, White tailed monad, Slender-billed baglafetch, Weaver, heron among others. However, Lake Bunyonyi is located in southwestern Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale and it takes few hours to get to border with Rwanda, Islands on Lake Bunyonyi.
Above all, Lake Bunyonyi is renown as the deepest crater lake in Africa. In other words, the lake is also called a place of Islands over 29 Islands though five are the most outstanding Islands people visit and each Island has its interesting history attached to it. Such Islands includes Akampene Island Bushara Island, Kyahughye Island, Bwana and Njuyeera ‘’sharp ‘Island and Bucuranuka ‘’Upside down Island.
These are the most stunning Five ‘’5’’ famous Island to adventure on Lake Bunyonyi as listed below;
Lake Bunyonyi is known as the main stopover via gorilla trekking to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a top done activity on Uganda Safaris. Furthermore, a great location for its cool fresh breeze, quiet and serene ambiance and scenic views, to people who have visited the place before can testify of its cool breath-taking beauty of this lake which good to people who want to separate away from noisy city places to cool down their minds thus making it among atop tourists safari destination. To access the place can take about 8 to 9 hours drives from Kampala capital Uganda.
Akampene Island
Akampene Island is known as the punishment Island and is the most visited among the 29 Islands and the smallest of all. It’s one of those without human settlements because of the history of tradition behind it. Though the tradition has now been forsaken, historically it was an Island where they used to punish teenage girls who would get pregnant out of wedlock. In other words, if any girl were found pregnant they would be taken to this Island and be left there, as a culture norm during those days. Due to this circumstance, of torturing young pregnant girls led to many to death because they would starve and die at the Island. Fortunately, these ideas of taking girls to the Islands was abolished and no longer exists. On visit to Lake Bunyonyi you can choose to visit this Island.
Bwana Island
This Island is one the five mentioned stunning Islands and known as the largest Island on Lake Bunyonyi, still a place where a Leprosy treatment sanctuary was made and people visit the Island to see the remains of what was the Leprosy Hospital. It began between the 1920s and 1930s set up by the Scottish missionary and the idea was to treat persons with Leprosy away from the stigma of the non-suffers and it’s a reason why it was called a sanctuary. As we talk now, treatment Centre is no longer in existence. The facilities are still there and are used as school facilities.
Bacuranuka Island
This Island is famous because of its amazing story attached. People say that this Island is upside down since an old a cursed it in the olden days. It’s believed that the old lady came to the Island and found men preparing local brew known as ‘’Obushera’’ in the local language. The old lady had to request the men to give here some of the local brew but the men refused and they offered to give a ride to the mainland which she accepted and one of the men took her to the mainland. Due to that rigors when that old lady got to the mainland she cursed the Island and it turned upside down burning the men who never left the Island.
Kyahugye Island
The Kyahugye Island is a popular Island that gives a gainful view of wild animals at the Island such as waterbucks, zebras, Antelopes, Impala many more.
If you’re to do game viewing, you will be guided with a guide to take you around.
Bushera Island
Bushera Island is known as a good location for birding while on safari to Lake Bunyonyi. If you’re a bird watcher, on visit you shouldn’t miss visiting this Island for a bird watching experience.
Since there is five Island that makes the Lake popular, you can visit the place after your Gorilla Trekking Safari from Bwindi Impenetrable national park, few driving kilometers from Bwindi National Park to Lake Bunyonyi.
