Hotels and lodges for accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi : Accommodation is one of the most vital things to every tourist in the pearl of Africa and Lake Bunyonyi is one of the major tourist attractions we have In Uganda with variety of flora and fauna in it, hence one of the mostly visited sight in Uganda. There are many accommodation options in Lake Bunyonyi, a great testament to its popularity with tourists. Some of the hotels are built in the islands while others on the lake shores or in the towns before the lake.
There are moderate and luxury accommodation facilities as well as campsites. some of the the budget hotels are Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Bushara Island Camp, Byoona Amagara and Crater Bay cottages. The Mid-range options are Arcadia Lodge, Bunyonyi Safari Lodge and Bird’s Nest. Let’s look at the services offered in these hotels and others:-
Bunyonyi Overland Resort
This resort is locally owned and built with material got from surrounding villages. The resort provides single and family cottages as well as safari and mobile camping tents. The rented tents are mobile and come with or without bedding. The safari tents are built on raised platforms with great views of the lake and surrounding islands. The safari tents are self-contained with chairs, a table, twin beds and electricity. The resort arranges activities like swimming and badminton. If one is interested in going for village walks or learning about the economic activities of the locals, a guide can be identified to escort them.
Byoona Amagara
This hotel is built on Itambira Island and is one of the known hotels around Lake Bunyonyi. It is a non-profit because all proceeds are used to develop the local communities living around the island in areas of farming and education. Being in an island creates a feeling of being far away from the outside world. One part of the island is occupied by the resort while the other half has been demarcated into plots that are given to the local people for farming. The hotel has private balconies with stunning views of the beautiful terraced hills surrounding the lake. One can also spot the other islands from this hotel. The hotel has friendly staff and chefs who prepare local and foreign dishes that are relatively inexpensive. Residents have an option of choosing the luxury rooms, budget rooms or dormitories depending on their budget. There are even separate family cottages in case one is traveling with family.
Arcadia Cottages
Arcadia is built on the side of one of the hills offering great views of the beautiful lake and its numerous islands. All the twelve rooms have great views of the lake and have rooms that are self-contained with electricity and hot water.
The Africa Explorer Eco village
Is another great option with perfect views of the lake, the islands and the Virunga Mountain rangers. The lodge is made up of modern looking huts that are self-contained with hot showers, Wi-Fi and solar power. There are domes and camping opportunities depending on one’s desire. The food served at the restaurant is relatively cheap and includes both local and international cuisines.
Lost Paradise Beach
Paradise beach is run by a Ugandan family and as the name suggests, offers bandas (modern African huts) which are built near a picturesque beach near the lakeside. The lodge is built to give an atmosphere of true relaxation and has a fruit garden. Canoeing is organized free of charge for residents. The lodge is clean with well-manicured gardens, a camping place and a hall for organizing parties. Residents can go and swim along the beach or the hotels swimming pool. The hotel collects bananas, sugar cane and passion fruits from its garden that it serves clients along with Asian, European and local dishes. Bugisu Arabica coffee and African tea is served in the room or dining area.
Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
This Eco resort is located in a forested area giving a feeling of being near nature while offering stunning views of the lake and islands. There are 10 cottages that are built separately offering mid-range and luxury facilities. Among the facilities include hot showers, a bar, restaurant and a swimming pool. The resort is perfect for family retreats. Other activities organized by the resort are canoeing, nature walks and camping. The resort organizes cultural performances and traditional dances for clients.
Bugombe Island Gateway
This resort is newly opened which great room facilities while also organizing great activities like island hopping, canoeing and birdwatching in the Bugombe birding sanctuary.
Upendo Guest Home
Upendo Guest Home offers modern looking facilities with comfortable self-contained rooms and a kitchen that can be accessed by clients. The hotel rooms are suitable for both budget and mid-range travelers. The lodge has a children home (Upendo Children’s Home) that takes care of homeless children and offers volunteering opportunities.
Bunyonyi view resort
This is one of the cheaper accommodation options available in the lake area. The lodge offers dome accommodations with private balconies that overlook the beautiful lake and islands. Apart from the domes, there are also family cottages and self-contained single rooms for those who want more privacy. The hotel staffs are supper friendly and prepare tasty local and foreign dishes, Hotels and lodges for accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi
Bushara Island Camp
This camp is built on private land on the Island of Bushara. To reach the camp, you need to be taken by a canoe or speed boat. The camp is perfect for honeymooners and those who love relaxation in a quiet place with beautiful scenery. The camp offers tree houses, safari tents and cottages. There are family, double and single rooms in the cottages. Other services include delicious meals, campfires and conference facilities. The camp organizes activities like bird watching, canoeing, swimming, volleyball, rope swinging, nature and cultural walks.
Amasiko Homestay
This accommodation facility is built on a peninsula overlooking Lake Bunyonyi. They offer full board accommodation on cottages that are Eco-friendly. There are small tents that can accommodate between one to four people. All rooms are lighted with solar panels as there is no connection to electricity. Visitors with special dietary needs like vegetarians have special meals prepared for them. The hotel supports community based projects and helps clients organize activities like canoeing (using their own canoes), visiting the nearby communities or their own school for children – Amasiko Green School, Hotels and lodges for accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi
Crater Bay Cottages and Camp
This hotel is built in Bufuka village on the shores of the lake. There are 12 private cottages which have single, double and even triple rooms. The hotel prepares delicious crayfish and other delicacies at their restaurant. Other facilities in the hotel include a library, a craft shop, WiFi and laundry services at a small fee.
Bird’s Nest
Birds Nest contains single and double luxurious rooms. This is one of the higher end accommodation facilities and is reflected in the services offered. The rooms are laid out perfectly with a beautiful swimming pool outside.
Edirisa lodge
Edirisa lodges are internationally owned and aim at providing a true African experience without the luxuries offered by the higher end hotels. It is surprisingly a favorite of many clients who want to spend a night in a wilderness conditions. In Lake Bunyonyi, they have set up a campsite in a forest near a primary school with bandas (grass covered huts) furnished with beds, chairs, writing tables and mosquito nets. The place uses solar electricity and water for showering is heated using fire. Edirisa deliberately makes everything simple in the rooms but not for the activities. There is more fun here than many of the other resorts. The night camps are full of activity and wild partying. Canoeing is free and there is unique submerged pool for swimming.
