How to Get to Lake Bunyonyi: Travel Guide to Jewel of Southwestern Uganda

Lake Bunyonyi, located in the heart of southwestern Uganda, is a dream destination for travellers seeking breathtaking views, cultural immersion, and access to nearby attractions like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to mountain gorillas, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Known as the second deepest lake in Africa, Bunyonyi is surrounded by rolling hills, small islands, and welcoming local communities.

But how exactly do you get to Lake Bunyonyi? Whether you’re arriving from Kampala, Entebbe, Rwanda, or even Kenya, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. Plus, meet Hillary, your local guide and native of the region, who offers guided tours, storytelling, and cultural insights that will turn your trip into a memorable experience.

2. Where is Lake Bunyonyi Located?

Lake Bunyonyi is situated in Kabale District, near the Rwandan border, in the southwestern part of Uganda. It lies close to renowned parks like Bwindi National Park, home to approximately half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a hotspot for gorilla trekking.

It’s part of a scenic region blanketed by terraced hills, dotted with small islands, and known for its rich local culture and diverse birds.

3. Reaching Lake Bunyonyi from Kampala or Entebbe

If you’re flying into Uganda through Entebbe International Airport, your journey begins in Kampala, the country’s vibrant capital city. From Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi, the distance is roughly 420 km, and the journey takes about 8–10 hours by road.

You can choose from:

• Private vehicle hire (most comfortable)
• Public buses or taxis to Kabale town
• Booking a guided tour with Hillary Uganda Trips, which includes transportation and cultural stopovers.

Hillary, your local guide, will not only drive you safely but also share intimate stories about the tribes, their traditions, subsistence farming, and the history of the region.

4. Flight Options: Getting Closer to Kabale

While there is no direct flight to Lake Bunyonyi, domestic flights operated by Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation can take you from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kihihi, two small towns near Kabale.

From there:

• Kisoro to Bunyonyi: approx. 2.5 hours
• Kihihi to Bunyonyi: approx. 3 hours

These options are ideal if you’re combining your visit with a safari or gorilla tour in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

5. Getting to Lake Bunyonyi from Rwanda

For those traveling from Rwanda, the easiest route is from Kigali to Lake Bunyonyi via Katuna border. The distance is about 150 km, making it a popular choice for tourists and the journey typically takes 3–4 hours.

This is a convenient option for travellers who fly into Rwanda for gorilla trekking and want to continue their journey into Uganda. With Hillary Uganda Trips, you can arrange seamless cross-border transfers and immersive experiences along the way.

6. Public Transport Options

If you’re a budget traveller, public transport is available:

• Buses from Kampala to Kabale (approx. 7 hours)
• Shared taxis or boda bodas from Kabale to Lake Bunyonyi (approx. 30 minutes)

Public transport is cost-effective but may not offer much comfort. For a safer and more educational experience, hiring a local guide like Hillary is highly recommended.

7. Why Hillary is the Best Guide to Explore Lake Bunyonyi

Hillary is a local born and raised among the terraced farmlands and islands of Lake Bunyonyi. His deep knowledge of the land, local people, and tribal history, along with insights on endangered species, makes every trip unforgettable.

Whether you’re visiting Punishment Island, taking a dugout canoe ride to Kyahugye Island, or exploring forest reserves nearby, Hillary shares intimate stories, cultural anecdotes, and conservation insights that only a local can offer.

8. Best Time to Travel to Lake Bunyonyi

The dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February, is the most suitable for travel. During this time:

• Roads are in better condition.
• Visibility for bird watching and photography is excellent.
• It’s ideal for swimming, boat rides, and nature exploration.

However, Lake Bunyonyi is beautiful all year round. Even during the wet season, the misty hills and calm waters offer a magical, romantic setting.

9. What to Expect Upon Arrival in Kabale Town

Kabale town, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” is the last major stop before reaching this lake. From here:

• The lake is only 8 km away.
• You can take a motorbike, taxi, or Hillary can pick you up personally.
• Stop by the local market to sample fruits, crafts, and meet locals.

Kabale itself is also a great spot to learn about the Bakiga people, the dominant tribe in the region known for their resilience, agricultural skills, and the nearby habitats of chimpanzees.

10. Activities Available Once You Arrive at Lake Bunyonyi

There’s so much to do once you’ve made it to Lake Bunyonyi:

• Boat cruises and canoeing to over 29 small islands
• Batwa cultural Experience.
• Visiting Punishment Island (Akampene Island) to learn its haunting past
• Nature walks to explore forest areas and local plant life
• Birdwatching—perfect for bird enthusiasts, with sightings like the grey crowned crane, African harrier hawk, and pied kingfisher
• Day trips to Bwindi and Mgahinga for gorilla trekking
• Cultural visits and to local communities, schools, and farms. The Batwa people are the oldest and indigenous people who used to live in the forests of Mgahinga and Bwindi before they were gazzetted as national parks in 1991.

11. How to Book Your Lake Bunyonyi Trip

You can book directly through my E-mail hillary@hillaryugandatrips.com or via my WhatsApp +256726436969 for a personalized experience. All tours include:

• Safe transportation
• Local accommodation assistance
• All meals if desired
• Expert guiding by Hillary himself

You also get a flexible itinerary designed around your preferences—be it photography, birding, or adventure.

12. Let Hillary Guide Your Lake Bunyonyi Adventure

Getting to Lake Bunyonyi Uganda is easier than ever, and with the help of Hillary, a local guide with years of experience, your journey becomes more than just travel—it becomes an exploration of culture, nature, and history.

With his knowledge of the region, its forest reserves, communities, and wildlife, Hillary provides more than a tour—he offers hope and connection between travellers and the local population.

Lake Bunyonyi is not only a destination; it’s a story—one best told by someone who has lived it. Whether you’re visiting from Rwanda, Kenya, or coming up from Kampala, Lake Bunyonyi is the perfect place to make your journey smooth, educational, and impactful by letting Hillary lead the way.