Life at Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort hits different, trust us. You don’t usually wake up on an island to find a zebra and a donkey having a chilled breakfast outside your window — unless you’re here, of course. That’s assuming the crested cranes haven’t already shrieked you into consciousness.
Cradled by the waters of Lake Bunyonyi not far from Edirisa, Kyahugye is the lake’s second-largest island at 35 acres/14 hectares, and it’s been taking people aback for ages. The animals didn’t just wander over for a holiday. They were brought in by the late Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Mr Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, back in 2001. His family still looks after the place. He passed in January 2022; right around the time the island’s only blue monkey, cheekily known as Chairman, also shuffled off. Coincidence? We’ll never know.
Robert Izamufasha, the resort’s no-nonsense manager, reckons the whole thing’s been a success. Impalas are thriving (20 at last count) and the waterbucks aren’t slacking either. They even do a proper census every few months, just to make sure the crew’s in good nick. Not all the newbies are loving island life though. Zebras and the Uganda kobs remain quite few …
Birds, however, are living their best lives. With more vegetation planted, the island’s basically a little birdwatcher’s paradise. Expect to be serenaded by Cinnamon Bee-eaters, Tropical Bubus and various Sunbirds while you sip your morning cuppa.
Accommodation’s having a glow-up at the moment. Two new cottages have joined the party, beds are comfier, and the main dining gazebo’s getting a shiny new roof. You’ll be able to dine under the stars without your roast chicken getting soaked. Once renovations wrap up, the island will comfortably host 25 lucky guests. Will they still stay at USD 105-175 per night? Let’s hope so!
Oh, and the name? Kyahugye comes from ‘Kahugye,’ which means ‘madness’ in Rukiga. Legend has it a bloke once lived here with 12 wives and went a bit bonkers after running out of cows to sacrifice to his ancestors. Mad love, mad life, mad island. But rest assured, the only madness you’ll find on Kyahugye these days is the kind that makes you want to stay forever.
photos by Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort & Brenda Katusiime