Bushara Island is one of the spectacular islands on Lake Bunyonyi. Bushara Island is an amazing spot to consider for relaxation while you interact with nature. It is on Bushara where the offices of the Lake Bunyonyi Development Company are found. This is an NGO and mainly supports sustainable farming practices around Lake Bunyonyi area and also raise funds for orphans.
Lake Bunyonyi Development Company also provides workshops for local women as an alternative ways for them to earn a living. The women make and sell their handicrafts to guests who come to explore Bushara Island. On a tour on Bushara Island, a visit to this local initiative should be a must.
It is on Bushara Island where Bushara Island Camp also lies. It is at Bushara Island Camp where ultimate comfort and relaxation are guaranteed. The camp offers delicious and affordable meals for all, camping experiences for group tours, conference services, and many others. Bushara Island Camp is an eco-friendly resort and was established with focus on raising awareness and promoting environmental protection.
What to expect
As you explore Bushara Island, you will also explore Lake Bunyonyi’s diverse bird species. A total of about 200 species of birds reside on this scenic lake, including the pin-tailed whydahs, harrier hawks, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, red-chested sunbirds, grey-capped warblers, tropical boubou, red-billed fire finch, paradise monarch flycatchers, fan-tailed widowbird, and more.
What to do on the Lake Bunyonyi tour
A visit to Lake Bunyonyi comes with multiple opportunities for you to explore it. Here are the top things to expect to enjoy on a tour of Lake Bunyonyi.
Canoeing to the islands
Canoeing or boat riding should be a must-do when you are at Lake Bunyonyi. Canoe rides take visitors to some of the beautiful islands on Lake Bunyonyi. The available canoe ride options include the sunrise and sunset. Canoe rides on Lake Bunyonyi are enjoyable using traditionally dugout canoes.
Birding tours
Lake Bunyonyi excursions aren’t complete without birding. A birding tour on Lake Bunyonyi takes you on a search for amazing bird species that reside here. The notable birds to identify on Lake Bunyonyi tours include the Bronzy sunbirds, levaillant’s cuckoos, African harrier hawks, grey crowned cranes, pied kingfishers, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, black heron, malachite kingfishers, African fish eagle, papyrus gonoleks, white-tailed blue flycatchers, great cormorants, and more.
Zip-Lining
Zip-Lining is an incredible addition onto the numerous experiences that are offered on Lake Bunyonyi. It is safely done and visitors glide across the Lake, offering a great adventure to participants. The Zip-Lining excursion starts immediately after you have been briefed by the expert.
When to travel to Bushara Island on Lake Bunyonyi
A tour to explore the Bushara Island can be organized at any time of the year. But the ideal time to get there should be during the dry season/months and this can be from June to September or from December to February. These are the best months of the year to visit Bushara Island on Lake Bunyonyi and engage in the different activities including hiking/guided nature walks.
Where to stay on the Lake Bunyonyi tour
After or before you consider embarking on a tour to explore Bushara Island, first, you must have an idea of where to retire for a night. The key places to retire for a night include Arcadia Lodges Lake Bunyonyi, Bunyonyi Safaris Resort, Birdnest @Bunyonyi, Paradise Eco-Hub, Byoona Amagara Island Retreat, Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Lake Bunyonyi Eco-Resort, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, and others.
How to get to Bushara Island on Lake Bunyonyi
You can access Bushara Island once you have reached Lake Bunyonyi. Getting to Lake Bunyonyi can done by road or air. Using road travel, you can set off from Entebbe or Kampala through Masaka to Mbarara-Kabale route. Expect to spend about 8 hours when driving from Kampala. Visitors can also use alternative route from Kigali connect via Katuna border to Kabale then finally to Lake Bunyonyi or Chanika border crossing via Kisoro to Lake Bunyonyi.
Using air transportation, tourists with plans to explore Bushara Island can set off from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi Airstrip. From Kihihi, you may take half an hour to reach Lake Bunyonyi. From Lake Bunyonyi, you can take a canoe ride/speedboat to connect to islands on Lake Bunyonyi, including Bushara Island.