Tag: Lake Bunyonyi

Birdnest Bunyonyi: A Complete Review

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Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort is one of my favorite hotels in the whole of East Africa! 

Quite a claim, I hear you say. 

The reason I like Birdnest so much is due to the extremely friendly staff and the extraordinary views out across the lake. Also, Lake Bunyonyi is perhaps my favorite holiday destination, so maybe I can’t help liking the place so much! 

Given that there are so many places to stay in and around Lake Bunyonyi, I’ve decided to write this complete guide to Bunyonyi Birdnest to help you decide if it’s the right accommodation option for you. 

So, without further ado, here’s why I rank Birdnest Bunyonyi so highly on my list of must-stay-at Ugandan hotels. 

What’s it like to stay at Birdnest Bunyonyi?

Birdnest Resort is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels at Lake Bunyonyi, and it has long been popular with domestic and international travelers alike. 

I’ve stayed at Bunyonyi Birdnest on three separate occasions with my family, and I’m of the opinion that it’s the best place to stay in the vicinity of the lake. 

I have lots of points of reference, too, having stayed at the likes of Overland, Arcadia Cottages, Hawk’s Eye Lodge, and Byoona Amagara, to name just a few of the other spots I’ve stayed at Bunyonyi. 

After a wonderful pre-Christmas weekend at Lake Bunyonyi with my family, I’ve decided to write this complete review of Birdnest so you know what you can expect if you decide to stay at this most charming hotel on the banks of one of Uganda’s most stunning lakes. 

A complete review of Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort

To help you dip in and out of this Birdnest Bunyonyi review as and when you need it, I’ve split it into several helpful sections. I also provide a score out of five based on my own experiences of staying here. 

Location

The view from Birdnest out onto Lake Bunyonyi – things don’t get much better than this!

In terms of location, it doesn’t get much better than the position that Birdnest takes up on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. It’s actually one of the first hotels that you reach as you travel from the town of Kabale to the lake itself, and it’s unmistakable as you approach from the road. 

The hotel is tiered, with a swimming deck, pool, and bar area at lake level for afternoon relaxing by the lakeside. Then, the restaurant and bar area is on the next level up, providing exceptional views across the lake. 

Finally, the hotel itself has several floors, boasting rooms with balconies and incredible lake views. As such, the location and design of Birdnest are truly spectacular, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things about the hotel. 

My verdict: 9/10

Rooms

There are several room types available at Birdnest for you to consider: 

  • Basic cottage (located “overseas” on a privately owned island). 
  • De luxe cottage (located “overseas” on a privately owned island). 
  • Grand executive 
  • Standard basic 
  • De luxe executive 
  • De luxe 

On my most recent trip to Birdnest, I booked into a de luxe cottage for a little bit of extra privacy. However, on arrival, the staff informed me that they had upgraded us to a beautiful de luxe room in the main hotel itself. 

This saved us from having to cross the lake on one of the canoes, and the room we were given was perfect. As has been the case on every occasion that I’ve stayed at Birdnest, the room was clean, pristine, and beautifully finished. 

You are provided with handmade soaps and lotions in the bathroom, as well as a daily stock of bottled mineral water. The terrace opens out onto the most stunning lake views imaginable, rounding things off to perfection.

One thing to note is that there are no mosquito nets here – the staff spray each room at sunset to avoid mosquitos becoming a problem, and I didn’t notice any new bites during my stay! 

My verdict: 9/10

Food & drink

Enjoying a bottle of Banage IPA at Birdnest Bunyonyi

The food and drink at Bunyonyi Birdnest are to die for. Even when I have stayed at other hotels in and around Lake Bunyonyi, I’ve always traveled to Birdnest for at least one meal, and I’ve never been disappointed. 

The menu is filled with delicious meal options, including various fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes. But the star attraction is undoubtedly the crayfish served up at Bunyonyi Birdnest.

You can have it in many forms, but I’d highly recommend the crayfish calypso starter, as well as the crayfish pasta for your main course. The crayfish is picked directly from Lake Bunyonyi, and it’s as fresh as you could possibly imagine! 

As for drinks, there’s an impressive wine list featuring African, South American, and European wines, as well as lots of beers from different parts of the world. There’s also a comprehensive cocktail menu, and my wife enjoyed a couple of mojitos before our evening meal.

If you’re looking for a beer recommendation, opt for Banage – Uganda’s craft ale. The IPA and Amber ales are particularly good.

My verdict: 10/10

Staff

Every time I’ve visited Birdnest Bunyonyi, the staff have been courteous, polite, and helpful. The best way to book a room at the resort is to email them directly, and Patience led me through the entire booking process from start to finish without issue. 

As it was my wife’s birthday during our most recent stay at Birdnest, the team arranged a delicious chocolate cake and brought it to the table after our meal while singing a birthday song! It was a lovely touch and something we appreciated. 

One thing I will say, though, is that when I stayed at Birdnest in December 2021, my card was charged twice by the PesaPal booking system. In fairness, this had nothing to do with Birdnest, and I contacted Amex to sort out the problem. 

Just bear in mind the fact that this may happen if you opt to use the PesaPal link, particularly if you’re paying with a foreign card. 

My verdict: 10/10

Facilities

The infinity swimming pool at Lake Bunyonyi is one of the main attractions of the hotel, and it’s the perfect place to swim if you don’t want to plunge into the lake itself! Next to the swimming pool is a fully-stocked bar with a pool table, offering the perfect place to chill out in the afternoon. 

What’s more, for those looking to swim in Lake Bunyonyi, there’s a swimming deck and a boating jetty, where you can also board one of the dugout canoes for a voyage out onto the lake. 

You can also organize a range of other activities at Birdnest, and the staff can help you with a guided walk, a birding safari, and various other excursions to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. 

On a previous visit to Birdnest with my family, we took a motorized boat tour for a couple of hours, and it was a wonderful way to see the various islands that make up Lake Bunyonyi – I’d highly recommend it. 

Finally, there’s also a souvenir and art shop at Bunyonyi, but the prices are a little on the high side, given the cost of souvenirs elsewhere in Uganda. 

My verdict: 9/10

Value for money

Last but certainly not least in this Birdnest Bunyonyi review – how much does it cost to stay here? At the time of writing, the price of B&B accommodation at Birdnest Bunyonyi is as follows: 

Accommodation TypePrice per night (USD)
Basic cottage $95
De luxe cottage$105
Grand executive room $260
Standard basic $95
De luxe executive$210
De luxe$190

As you can see, there are accommodation options to suit all budgets at Birdnest Bunyonyi, with the cheapest starting at $95 per night, bed and breakfast. While there are cheaper options available at Lake Bunyonyi, I personally think that a night at Birdnest represents excellent value for money. 

Inside a de luxe room at Birdnest, Bunyonyi. Photo Credit: Birdnest Resort.

You can check out each of the accommodation options at Birdnest in more detail here.

My verdict: 9/10

The verdict: Is Birdnest Bunyonyi worth staying at?

Having been to Lake Bunyonyi more times than I can remember and having stayed at so many different places, I can say that Birdnest Bunyonyi is undoubtedly my favorite place to stay. 

The rooms are beautifully decorated, the food is delicious, and the staff are extremely friendly, making for a perfect stay in this stunning part of Uganda. 

So, if you want to stay at the best hotel at Lake Bunyonyi, get in touch with the team at Birdnest today to arrange your stay – you won’t be disappointed!

Swimming in Uganda? (Options & Safety!)

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Swimming in Uganda – what are your options?!

When you schedule a vacation to anywhere in the world that is hot, it’s likely that swimming is at the top of your agenda in order to cool off! As a landlocked country, Uganda doesn’t provide tourists with access to the sea, even though Lake Victoria is essentially an inland sea that is anchored in the center of East Africa. 

So, when it comes to swimming in Uganda, what are your options? Can you swim in outdoor lakes, rivers, and streams? What do you need to be aware of?

Having taken a dip in several natural locations in and around Uganda, I explain what your options are for swimming in the country, as well as some of the safety aspects that you need to consider before grabbing your swimming costume. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the reality of swimming in Uganda.

Where can you go swimming in Uganda?

Enjoying a cold beer while swimming at Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara – a great way to pass the time!

The safest and easiest place to go swimming in Uganda is in a hotel pool. This might sound like an obvious thing to say, but there are so many international hotels in Entebbe, Kampala, and at other tourist sites throughout the country, meaning that you can cool off and take a break from the African sun.

But what about swimming in Uganda in the great outdoors? 

One of the only outdoor water bodies in Uganda declared safe for swimming is Lake Bunyonyi, which is located in the extreme southwestern corner of Uganda, not far from the Rwandan border. 

Lake Bunyonyi is breathtakingly beautiful, and it’s an absolute must-visit for anyone spending time in any of the natural attractions in this part of Uganda.

The reason that Bunyonyi is deemed safe is that there aren’t any dangerous animals in the water (no crocs or hippos, for instance), and the water is also deemed to be free from parasites, a big problem that faces other water bodies in Uganda – more on this shortly.

There are other crater lakes in Western Uganda that are locally regarded as safe for swimming – one being Lake Matanda, which is located in Kisoro, not far from Lake Bunyonyi.

While there’s conflicting information about the safety of swimming in the River Nile at Jinja – the river’s source – I have been in the water there on several occasions, as it is the location of white water rafting and other leisure activities. Should you decide to swim at Jinja, you should be aware of the potential dangers of doing so – more on this in the following section.

If you’re planning to swim outdoors in Uganda, you absolutely must seek local guidance beforehand, as conditions can change, and you need to be aware of any environmental factors that may deem a lake or river to be unsafe at a specific time of the year.

Why can’t you swim in all lakes/rivers in Uganda?

There are several reasons why many of the lakes and rivers in Uganda – and the Great Lakes Region more generally – are not safe for swimming.

Dangerous animals

The first is the presence of animals in these water bodies. Uganda is home to a large population of Nile Crocodiles, and I don’t need to tell you that you don’t want to share the water with them! 

Granted, most Nile Crocodiles live in and around gazetted national parks like Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo, but there are instances where crocs can be found sunbathing on certain river banks – parts of the Nile included.

Another big threat to human life in Uganda is posed by hippos. Hippos are actually one of the deadliest animals, in spite of the fact that they’re herbivores, as they often come into contact with unsuspecting humans who enter their territories for various reasons. Many of the victims of hippo attacks are fishermen, but hippos are extremely aggressive when threatened, so you need to keep a wide berth if they’re in the vicinity.

Like crocs, most hippos in Uganda live in national parks, but again, you should be privy to local guides who are well-positioned to inform you about whether a water body has a population of hippos nearby.

Parasites

Second to threatening animals, the next reason why some water bodies in Uganda aren’t safe is due to parasites. One common parasite found in many water bodies in East Africa is Schistosomiasis – also known as Bilharzia – and it is an infection that is passed on by infected worms. 

You can become infected with Bilharzia if you come into contact with contaminated freshwater, so it’s really important to avoid water bodies that are known to have a history of contamination. In Uganda, Lake Victoria is one such source, and it’s not safe to swim in the lake for this reason, above all others.

It’s also important to be aware of the fact that some water sources in Uganda may be contaminated or polluted for other reasons, which is why it’s so important to speak to local guides before taking the plunge into an inviting-looking water source during your upcoming vacation.

Tips for swimming in Uganda

Relaxing after a dip in Lake Bunyonyi, perhaps my favorite spot in Uganda.

The key thing to remember about swimming in Uganda is that some outdoor water bodies are safe, while others aren’t. This is why it’s so important to consult local guides before heading into an outdoor water body in the country! 

But if you are planning to swim outdoors in Uganda, here are some simple tips that you should bear in mind before entering the water:

  • Always consult a local guide before entering a water body in Uganda, even if swimming has been declared as a safe activity. 
  • Never enter a body of water that is in or around a National Park. 
  • Many of Uganda’s crater lakes are incredibly deep – Lake Bunyonyi, for instance, has a disputed depth of between 900 – 3000 meters. 
  • Most Ugandans can’t swim and have a general fear of the water. Therefore, you’re unlikely to see many locals swimming in crater lakes, even if it is safe to do so! 
  • If in doubt, stick to the hotel pool. There are so many hotels in cities and at tourist hotspots around Uganda with swimming pools, meaning you don’t need to risk an outdoor swim if you’re unsure about the safety of doing so.

Recap: Swimming in Uganda

The bottom line is that outdoor swimming in Uganda can be safe, but it depends on where you’re planning to enter the water. Lake Bunyonyi is widely advertised as the safest outdoor swimming spot in the country, and I’ve enjoyed swimming there many times without issue. 

Although I’ve mentioned this a few times already, I just want to reiterate the importance of checking with a local guide before going swimming anywhere in Uganda. The last thing you want is to hop into a water body that is contaminated with parasites or home to unseen Nile Crocodiles or Hippos!

Ten Reasons to Visit Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

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Looking for reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda? Let me explain.

Lake Bunyonyi is paradise on earth. Hidden in the southwestern Uganda highlands, it’s a place like no other, with an incredible wealth of birdlife, stunning natural beauty, and a whole host of activities to keep tourists entertained. 

I’ve genuinely lost count of how many times I’ve visited Lake Bunyonyi, but I would say I’ve been there on at least ten separate occasions. Therefore, I put together this article to provide you with ten reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, one of my favorite places on earth. 

If you have any questions about any of the points I raise or need some help booking a trip or accommodation, drop me a line in the comments below, and I’d be delighted to help you out.

But without further ado – here are ten reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi, the jewel in Uganda’s crown.

10 reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is a destination that truly takes your breath away and comes highly recommended by practically everyone who visits. But, if you still need persuading, here are 10 reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi, a true paradise on earth:

Reason #1: It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth

There’s something magical about Lake Bunyonyi, particularly at sunrise.

I’ve traveled to lots of different places over the years, but I’m still yet to come across a place that I love as much as Lake Bunyonyi. I’m not just saying that for the purposes of this article; I genuinely think it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

When you arrive in Kabale – the nondescript town that serves as the gateway to Lake Bunyonyi – you almost certainly won’t be prepared for the natural beauty that lies in wait.

The journey up the steep hill from town gives way to rolling terraces before the lake comes into view for the first time. As you wind your way back down to the lake shore, you start reaching some of the resorts and guesthouses that house the tourists that make it to this stunning part of the world.

I guarantee that you will want to take photos at practically every turn you make on the road, but there’s no rush. The pace of life in and around the shores of Bunyonyi is super slow, so you can head for a casual walk when you arrive at your lodgings and snap photos until your heart is content!

Reason #2: It’s safe for swimming

There aren’t many places (swimming pools excluded) that are safe for swimming in Uganda. And much to many people’s surprise, the biggest threat in water bodies is posed by the ungainly hippopotamus, which is responsible for around 500 human deaths in Africa every year.

Of course, Uganda’s waterways are also home to a sizeable population of Nile Crocodiles, pre-historic beasts that can grow up to 20 feet in length. Suffice it to say that you wouldn’t want to get in the water when a croc is around!

And if the threat of crocs and hippos isn’t enough to put you off swimming in freshwater lakes in Uganda, the presence of bilharzia might just seal the deal. It’s a tropical disease that can live in snails that are present in some freshwater bodies, and it’s not an infection that you want to risk catching.

But the good news? Lake Bunyonyi is free from hippos and crocs, and has been declared free from bilharzia, too. As a result, it’s one of only a few freshwater lakes safe for swimming in East Africa, making it an extremely popular tourist destination for this reason alone!

Reason #3: It’s perfect for birding

Bunyonyi literally means “place of many little birds,” and it’s one of East Africa’s prime destinations for birding safaris. It would be impractical to list all of the bird species native to Bunyonyi here, but you will see everything from egrets to eagles in and around the lake shores, and it’s a wonderful place to add to your lifer list. 

If you’re familiar with my articles, you will know that I’m a keen birdwatcher, and I’m so proud that a long-crested eagle has recently settled into one of the trees in my backyard!

Given that Bunyonyi is only a few hours’ drive from my home, I tend to visit several times a year, and I always take my camera with me in the hope of capturing images of as many birds as possible. 

If you don’t want to go things alone when you visit Bunyonyi, you can arrange guided birding safaris with local experts, and it makes for a wonderful afternoon as you walk around the lake looking for the various species that call this part of Uganda home. 

So, if you’re a keen birder and you’re planning an upcoming vacation in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is an absolute must-visit destination!

Check out my recent article about birdwatching for beginners in East Africa, to help you prepare for your first birding trip in the region!

Reason #4: There’s a lot of interesting local history

When you spend time at Lake Bunyonyi, you can learn about the fascinating history of the Bakiga tribe, who are native to the lake shores and the surrounding districts. 

One of the main points of interest at Lake Bunyonyi is Akampene – known in English as Punishment Island. Up until the middle of the twentieth century, unmarried pregnant girls were abandoned on the island and left to die. You can pass the eerie Punishment Island on a dug-out canoe when you visit Lake Bunyonyi, as a local guide offers context to this abhorrent practice.

Another point of interest within Lake Bunyonyi is Sharp’s Island, which served as a leprosy treatment center during the 1930s. Again, knowledgeable local guides are at hand to take you past the island, informing you of the intricacies of Sharp’s work and his legacy to this day. 

The Bakiga are extremely friendly and always willing to chat about their past, and the local history of the area is yet another reason to visit Lake Bunyonyi during your upcoming vacation in Uganda.

Reason #5: The crayfish is to die for

As a lover of seafood, I would travel a long way to enjoy the freshwater crayfish that is served by many of the restaurants and hotels that surround Lake Bunyonyi. Fortunately, I only have to drive for a few hours to enjoy this Ugandan delicacy, and the crayfish is truly out of this world. 

Plucked from the lake on a daily basis, the restaurants surrounding Lake Bunyonyi serve up dishes that include avocado and garlic crayfish, crayfish linguini, and crayfish curry, the latter being my personal favorite.

While there are lots of nice places to eat at Lake Bunyonyi, I highly recommend the restaurant at Bunyonyi Birdnest – crayfish features heavily on the menu, and there is an awesome selection of beers and wines to wash it down with, as well as stunning views across the lake.

Reason #6: There are lots of accommodation options

This article isn’t intended as a review of accommodation in and around Bunyonyi – you can use TripAdvisor for that – but what I will say is that there are so many accommodation options for you to choose from, at very reasonable prices given how beautiful the setting is. 

I’ve stayed at more than five different spots at Lake Bunyonyi on my many visits (and perhaps more, but I can only remember five!). The aforementioned Birdnest is perhaps my favorite, but I also want to give a shoutout to Byoona Amagara.

Located on an island, Byoona Amagara is an eco-friendly lodge in which you can sleep in purpose-built eco domes for unrivaled views across the lake. It’s the ultimate chill-out destination and a great place to get away from the world!

Reason #7: You can easily include it on your itinerary

When you look at Lake Bunyonyi on a map, you will be forgiven for thinking it’s not in a great location. After all, it’s tucked away in the far southwestern corner of Uganda. 

But assuming that you’ve come to Uganda for safari, Lake Bunyonyi is only a few hours’ drive away from Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the drive from Kihihi is nothing short of spectacular, as you are provided with incredible views as you make your way to the lake. 

Bunyonyi is also close to Uganda’s main gorilla trekking destinations and is a few hours’ drive from Buhoma, the main entrance to the Bwindi Impenetrable forest. So, if you’re in Uganda for safari or gorilla trekking, there’s absolutely no reason not to round off your trip with a few days at Lake Bunyonyi.

Another thing worth noting is that Lake Bunyonyi is around one hour away from the Rwandan border, which is ideal for visitors entering Uganda from the Gatuna border post. 

Given that lots of people opt for the East African Tourist Visa and visit Rwanda and Uganda during the same trip, adding a trip to beautiful Bunyonyi to your itinerary is a wonderful way to relax before your flight back home.

Reason #8: You can take a boat cruise

Preparing to take a canoe out onto Lake Bunyonyi! They’re much more difficult to control than they look…

While this might seem like an obvious thing to say, one of the best activities to enjoy at Lake Bunyonyi is a pre-arranged boat cruise with a local guide. You can hop in a dug-out canoe and watch the world go by at a leisurely pace, or you can arrange a motor boat to take you around the lake more quickly. 

Either way, hopping on a boat is a great way to explore the various islands that are dotted around the lake. 

You will also see lots of wildlife, and your guide will be able to point out the various points of interest that are prevalent on the shores of the lake.

Boat cruises are relatively inexpensive, too, with our recent boat trip costing around $30 for a two-hour trip on a motorized boat. We arranged it for just before our evening meal, so it was the perfect way to watch the sunset.

Reason #9: There’s an outdoor adventure park

While I like to visit Bunyonyi to switch off and recharge my batteries, I know lots of people prefer to fill their vacations with various activities. For the outdoorsy among you, there’s actually an outdoor adventure park on an island in the middle of the lake! 

Although I’ve never been to the park myself, my friends go there often and enjoy rope climbing and the zip wire, which I certainly would have enjoyed when I was younger. 

You don’t need to make arrangements ahead of time and can simply turn up on the island to enter the park. However, you can always make arrangements with your tour operator if you like to be organized, as you need to at least arrange transport from the mainland to the park – something that can be arranged with staff at the park itself.

Reason #10: There’s nowhere else like it in East Africa

Given that the Great Rift Valley is located in East Africa, the region isn’t short of crater lakes and remnants of volcanic activity from centuries ago. However, Lake Bunyonyi is truly a one-of-a-kind destination for the nine reasons mentioned above. 

It’s safe, located close to many of the other points of interest in this part of Uganda, and has an abundance of birdlife that cannot be found elsewhere in the Pearl of Africa. 

So, if you’re planning a trip to Uganda in the near future, you cannot afford to miss Lake Bunyonyi.

Recap: 10 reasons to visit Lake Bunyonyi

Of all the tourist destinations in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is probably my favorite – and I don’t say that lightly. Trust me, if you make the effort to visit this gorgeous part of the world, you simply won’t regret it.

While you can arrange a trip to Bunyonyi yourself, I have partnered with AJ Tours and Travel, who are specialist safari providers in East Africa. Andrew and the team can arrange all of your travel and accommodation needs in Uganda and can put together the perfect itinerary – with Lake Bunyonyi as a star attraction at the end of your vacation!