Akampene Island is a historical Island on Lake Bunyonyi. Akampene is also referred to as the Punishment Island and is where the unmarried pregnant women were left to suffer. The Punishment Island served as the final destination for girls who got pregnant before marriage. The parents of girls who got pregnant back then were left to starve to death or drown while they tried to swim to the mainland.
Those who couldn’t swim were only saved by the poor men/slaves who never afforded the regular bride price and never minded the stigma. This was one way such men got free wives. This ancient practice was later abandoned in the 1940s following the influence of the missionaries on Bwama and Njuyeera.
In some other parts, girls were punished differently and perhaps proved to be worse. They were taken to a forest, tied to a tree, and abandoned to the mercy of wild animals/even thrown over a cliff at Kisiizi Waterfalls or Nyabugoto Cave. Such practices are the reasons why even Lake Mutanda has the Punishment Island.
Where is the Punishment (Akampene) Island located?
Akampene Island lies in the heart of Lake Bunyonyi. It is accessible from Bunyonyi Overland Resort within a 20-minute ride using a speed boat. It is the most explored island on Lake Bunyonyi. Unfortunately, Akampene Island is almost disappearing as the lake keeps eroding it from underneath. Akampene Island spans up to 3 acres, and to locals, its continuous reduction is attributed to the spirits of the girls.
But the rise of water levels, especially during the wet or rainy season, is playing a great part. The waves keep washing the island. Akampene can be explored after your adventures in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A lot awaits you to unearth on the mysterious Punishment Island.
What to do
Boat riding or canoeing
Boat rides or canoeing are among the top experiences awaiting you to enjoy on Lake Bunyonyi tour. A canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi offers more than exciting moments. Visitors also have a chance to connect to one of the islands, explore the history and share stories, especially on their exploration journey to the Punishment or Bwama Islands.
Bird-watching
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the useful birding spots in Southwestern Uganda. The lake hosts up to 200 species of birds. The birds of Lake Bunyonyi include, among others the red-throated wryneck, red-eyed dove, African harrier hawks, blue-headed coucals, grey-crowned crane, malachite kingfishers, black herons, egrets, white-tailed blue monards, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, pied wagtail, bronzy sunbirds, grey shrikes, pied kingfishers, and others.
Nature walks/hikes
Get a chance to have a close interaction with nature and locals while witnessing the breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding areas. Guided nature walks/hikes are a great option to explore the nearby villages and also the scenic shores of Lake Bunyonyi. As you wind through the surrounding areas, expect to learn more about the daily practices from the nearby communities you may visit.
Accommodation
Accommodation options to consider for overnight stay on a tour in Lake Bunyonyi or after/before exploring Akampene Island include Byoona Amagara Island Retreat, Birdnest @ Bunyonyi, Bunyonyi Safaris Resort, Paradise Eco-Hub, Bushara Island Camp, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Lake Bunyonyi Eco-Resort, Arcadia Lodges Lake Bunyonyi, and others.
What to take on a Tour to Akampene Island
As you prepare for a trip to explore the Punishment Island, ensure that you have the right gear. The essentials to include on the packing list include a pair of binoculars, a rain jacket, a camera, a safari hat, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, comfortable shoes (preferably waterproof) insect repellents, a sweater, and long pants, etc.
How to Get There
Akampene Island lies on Lake Bunyonyi, Southwestern Uganda. Accessing Akampene Island is possible by road or air. By road, visitors can spend between 7 and 8 hours driving, especially when departing from Entebbe or Kampala. Guests can also transfer from Kigali via Katuna or Chanika border crossing to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can take a canoe/boat ride to visit the Punishment Island. Air transportation involves taking a flight from the Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kihihi Airstrip. At the Kihihi Airstrip, you can drive for a short distance, about 30 minutes, to Lake Bunyonyi.