Canoe rides on Lake Bunyonyi : Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda specifically Kabale district is one of the most beautiful, serene lakes in the region. With an elevation of approximately 1,962 meters (6,437 feet) above sea level; it’s the deepest country in Uganda and the third deepest in Africa with a maximum depth of about 40 meters (131 feet). The term “Bunyonyi” means “place of many little birds” in the region’s local language; that’s why the most living creatures you will see when you visit this lake will be the birds.
People visit this lake to take canoe rides and boat cruises on the lake and enjoy the scenic views watch the over 200 bird species in the area like the Albertine endemic birds, herons, egrets, and kingfishers, take a swim in the lake’s waters, trek the surrounding hills and forests, fishing, zipline on top of the waters, visit the batwa people among several other things.
Canoe rides are the most popular on this lake and that’s why here in we want to take some time and understand the experience.
The rides are done all year-round January to January, with short breaks during the days when there is heavy down pours. People will have these rides either in the morning or late afternoon; those are the best times to experience the scenery and sight the different birds that make their home on this lake.
The rides take about 1 – 3 hours depending on how far you go or cover, how many stops you make as you canoe and if the ride had any unexpected encounters. These rides give you both an exercise adventure, plus the opportunity to enjoy the scenery, birds, hills and local communities.
The rides are guided rides by well trained and experienced guides that will give you instructions and assistance on the rides. So, we ask that for you to enjoy the canoe rides you listen to the guides and follow the instructions, at all times.
For safety measures you will have to have a life jacket with you all throughout the ride, then be cautious and aware of you surroundings while you ride; you better know how to swim, in case of anything, because that lake is deep. Also have sunscreen and insect repellent to protect you from sun burns and insect bites respectively.
Though it’s a freshwater lake, you will not find creatures like crocodiles or hippos or any other water life, so you can feel free as you enjoy the ride on the lake.
You should know that the canoe rides are similar to boat rides so, if you get either just be satisfied and happy or you can have both. Since the canoe rides are not as physical, you can do them more than once on your visit to Lake Bunyonyi, according to your desire, time and financially muscule.
The cost of the canoeing or boat rides varies, so we advise you consult your tour operator for more information and guidance about these canoe rides on lake Bunyonyi.
You can book them any time of the year, and we advise that as soon as you book your Uganda safari to Lake Bunyonyi, just book the ride too if you are interested in. There are other activities at Lake Bunyonyi so look at them too, to complement you canoe rides.
We recommend you take the ride when you are well enough to handle water breezes and so forth, because some people can get water sickness. If you get any such sickness on your ride, please inform your guide and they will help you. There are first aid protocols to help you feel better and if you don’t you may have to abort the ride all together.
There is so much we can say about these canoe rides, but this is the basic for now, and for any more information contact your tour operator.
