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Lake Bunyonyi is a young lake at 1,950m/6,400ft, formed 10,000 years ago when the river was dammed by a lava flow and the valley drowned. Bunyonyi is one of the safest lakes in Africa, it has no hippos or crocodiles.

The lake is 26km/16mi long and 7km/4mi wide, covering 61km²/24mi². It has 29 islands (read more about Akampene, Bucuranuka, Bwama and Njuyeera) and is 44m/144ft deep. Its maximum surface temperature reaches 25℃ (77℉).

At the beginning of the 20th century fish were introduced but massively died in the 1960s, perhaps as a result of a volcanic gas emission. Present today are mud fish, cray fish and mirror carp—and their predators, otters. Over 200 bird species have been recorded—“Bunyonyi” means “the place of many little birds”.

Click here for accommodation options at Lake Bunyonyi.

This Travel Guide is based on the the Gorilla Highlands Interactive eBook, an award-winning labour of love that gives you a comprehensive insight into the cultures, languages, people and nature that make our area so special. By purchasing the ebook you will contribute to an ambitious initiative that aims to transform southwestern Uganda.