Bwama (Bwana) Island is one of the 29 magnificent Islands found on Lake Bunyonyi. Bwama Island is popular for its historical leprosy sanctuary. It was on the Bwama Island where Dr. Leonard Sharp, a Scottish missionary, built a leprosy treatment center between 1920 and 1930. The leprosy treatment center attracted many leprosy patients in the area, but unfortunately, it is no longer active. Bwama Island is the most visited by tourists on the Lake Bunyonyi tour. Visitors come to witness some of the remains of the leprosy hospital, currently being utilized as school facilities.
What to expect on a visit to the Bwama Island of Lake Bunyonyi
Historical Leprosy Sanctuary
Visitors who get to Bwama get a chance to explore more about the historical leprosy sanctuary. The leprosy sanctuary served as a treatment center for the affected persons by leprosy back them. It was a safe place for the patients to get saved from the stigma of the disease.
Explore the remains of the Leprosy hospital
On a tour of the Bwama Island, expect to observe the remains of the Leprosy hospital. Currently, the remains of the hospital operate as a school facility. It attracts children living on Bwama Island and the surrounding communities. During school time, you can have a chance to interact with the children and their teachers.
What else to do on Lake Bunyonyi
Canoeing
Canoeing or boat rides offer a great option for visitors to connect to the magnificent islands on Lake Bunyonyi, including Bwama. Canoe rides leave lots of lasting memories for guests who come here to explore the charming Lake Bunyonyi. Exploring the finest islands on a canoe ride also allows you to spot some of the birds, observe the beautiful terraced areas in the surroundings, and visit communities. Canoe rides are conducted using dugout canoes –locally designed, and you can embark on half day or fully excursion.
Apart from the canoeing excursions, there is also an option of taking a speed boat ride. The boat rides involve using speed boats and you can go for the sunrise or sunset session.
Birding
Lake Bunyonyi is most popular for bird watching. The charming Lake Bunyonyi holds over 200 species of birds. These include the back herons, grey crowned cranes, African harrier hawks, malachite kingfishers, pied kingfishers, wood peckers, weaver birds, and many others.
Nature Walks & Hiking
Nature walks and hikes can be enjoyed in the surrounding highlands, terraced hills, and villages. During the nature walks and hiking, expect to be accompanied by an experienced guide.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is also an ideal experience to enjoy around Lake Bunyonyi. On a biking or cycling excursion, expect to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area. You will enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Bunyonyi and its dotted islands, plus the scenic surrounding hills. Visitors who embark on the biking excursions are led by experienced guides. Guests can hire the bikes at the lodge and embark on a half-day or full-day biking tour.
What to expect on mountain biking. Visitors should expect to conquer the high elevation of Lake Bunyonyi, which is 1973m. Biking tours around Bunyonyi are affordable and exciting. On a visit to Lake Bunyonyi, consider engaging in the biking excursions a must.
Swimming
Swimming is a perfect way to cool off from the hot sunshine after you have engaged in the intensive gorilla trekking adventure. Why Lake Bunyonyi? The lake is generally free from crocodiles, hippos, and also Bilharzia.
Zip lining
Visitors can also engage in the enriching Zip Lining excursion. This is perfect for adventure seekers. During the Zip Lining excursion, expect to move across the scenic waters of Lake Bunyonyi.
Community tours
Embarking on the guided community or village walks allows you to interact with the locals and explore the different charity projects and other initiatives. You also have a chance to interact with the locals, explore more about their daily way of life and more. Village visits are best done around the Batwa Community/villages and Bakiga Villages. These exist around Lake Bunyonyi area.
When to visit Bwama Island
Lake Bunyonyi is open to exploration at any time of the year. But the dry season offers favorable weather conditions, and this happens from June to September then from December to February. The dry months record the low rainfall amount, and the ground remains generally drier with easier access to the Lake. It is far better than the wet or rainy months, which come with heavy rains, and access to the lake can be challenging. The wet season, also referred to as low season, begins from March, April, to May, or consider traveling from October to November –the short rainy months of the year.
Where to stay
The available places to consider for overnight stay in and around Lake Bunyonyi include Byoona Amagara Island Retreat, Bunyonyi Safari Resort, Birdnest @ Bunyonyi, Bushara Island Camp, and Paradise Eco-Hub. Other places to stay include Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, and more.
Getting There
Visitors can reach Lake Bunyonyi starting from Kampala or Entebbe. You drive for about 8 hours along the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route. If you are in Kabale, expect to take only 30 minutes or an hour’s drive. You may also take a flight and land at the Kihihi Airstrip where you can connect to Lake Bunyonyi within 3 hours’ drive. The other alternative route involves setting off from Kigali through Katuna or Chanika border to Lake Bunyonyi.