Lake Bunyonyi Fishing and Crayfish: A Relaxed Stop After Gorilla Trekking

Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa. Ringed by steep, terraced hillsides and dotted with 29 islands (each with its own story), it sits at nearly 2,000 metres in the cool highlands of southwestern Uganda. After the effort and emotion of a gorilla trek in Bwindi, many travellers come here to decompress — and find that the quiet lake, the canoes, and the rhythm of local life offer an experience as memorable, in its own way, as the gorillas.

What fishing at Lake Bunyonyi is like

Forget heavy tackle, trophy fish and adrenaline. Fishing on Lake Bunyonyi is as relaxed as it gets:

• Dugout canoe: A local paddler takes you onto the lake in a traditional wooden canoe. The pace is slow, the water is still, and the scenery is spectacular.
• Simple gear: A handline or a very light rod. Hooks, bread, worms or small insects as bait. Nothing fancy.
• Small fish: Tilapia are the main catch, along with some mudfish. They are not large, but landing one from a dugout canoe on a misty morning is a genuine pleasure.
• No Nile perch, no tigerfish: Lake Bunyonyi does not hold the big predators that make Murchison Falls and Lake Victoria famous. This is a scenic and cultural fishing experience, not a sport-fishing one.
• Local fishermen: You will see local fishermen working the lake with nets and lines. Some guides can arrange for you to join a morning fishing outing, watching how it is done rather than competing for catches.

Crayfish — the lake’s speciality

Lake Bunyonyi is famous in Uganda for its crayfish. These freshwater crustaceans are a local delicacy and appear on the menus of most lakeside lodges, usually grilled, steamed or prepared in a sauce.

Trying crayfish:

• Order them at your lodge — many have them daily, sourced from local fishermen.
• Some lodges and community guides can show you how crayfish are caught — using woven traps set near the shore.
• Children often enjoy the crayfish experience: watching the traps being pulled in, handling the crayfish, and tasting them afterwards.

The crayfish are not native to the lake — they were introduced and have become an established part of the local food chain and economy. They are small (similar to large prawns in size) and have a mild, sweet flavour.

Other things to do at Lake Bunyonyi

• Canoe trips between islands: Paddle from island to island, each with its own story and character. Punishment Island, the most famous, has a dark history related to the treatment of unmarried pregnant girls in earlier times — your guide will tell the story.
• Swimming: Lake Bunyonyi is one of the few lakes in Uganda that is safe for swimming — it is free of bilharzia (schistosomiasis) and crocodiles. Many lodges have swimming spots or platforms. The water is fresh and cool at this altitude.
• Hiking the surrounding hills: The terraced landscape offers spectacular viewpoints. Walks range from 1–4 hours depending on how far you go. The panoramic view from the hilltops — lake, islands, terraces, distant volcanoes — is among the finest in East Africa.
• Community and cultural visits: Meet local families, visit schools, see traditional crafts. Community tourism projects around the lake offer genuine cultural exchanges that benefit local people.
• Birdwatching: The lake and its surrounding forests hold a variety of birds — herons, kingfishers, weavers, sunbirds and raptors. Early morning canoe trips are best.
• Relaxation: Some lodges offer yoga, massage or simply a hammock with a view. After days of driving, trekking and wildlife watching, doing nothing is its own reward.

Combining Lake Bunyonyi with gorilla trekking

The most common combination — and the reason most visitors discover Lake Bunyonyi:

1. Trek gorillas in Bwindi (any sector — Rushaga and Nkuringo are closest to the lake).
2. Drive to Lake Bunyonyi (1–2 hours from southern Bwindi sectors; longer from Buhoma in the north).
3. Spend 1–2 nights canoeing, trying crayfish, swimming, hiking and relaxing.
4. Continue to Kampala (about 7–8 hours by road) or cross into Rwanda via Katuna/Gatuna border (about 2 hours to Kigali).

Many Uganda itineraries flow like this: Kampala → Lake Mburo (overnight, fishing + game drive) → Bwindi (gorilla trek) → Lake Bunyonyi (rest) → Kampala or Rwanda. See our fishing and gorilla trekking combination guide.

Where to stay at Lake Bunyonyi

• Budget: Basic lakeside guesthouses and backpacker lodges. From US$15–40.
• Mid-range: Comfortable lodges with lake-view rooms, good food and canoe trips. From US$60–150.
• Upmarket: Boutique lodges with private decks, better facilities and guided experiences. From US$150–300.

Most lodges arrange canoe trips, island visits, crayfish meals and fishing experiences.

Where to go for serious fishing in Uganda

If big fish are your goal, Lake Bunyonyi is the wrong lake — but it is on the way to or from the right ones:

For the complete picture: all Uganda fishing trips.

Practical tips

Frequently asked questions

Can I catch big fish on Lake Bunyonyi?

No. The lake holds tilapia, crayfish and mudfish, not trophy species. For big Nile perch, go to Murchison Falls or Lake Victoria.

Can I swim in Lake Bunyonyi?

Yes — it is one of Uganda’s few bilharzia-free and crocodile-free lakes. Many lodges have swimming areas. The water is cool and refreshing at this altitude.

How long should I stay at Lake Bunyonyi?

One or two nights is ideal after a gorilla trek. It gives you time for a canoe trip, an island visit, a crayfish meal and a hike, without rushing.

Is Lake Bunyonyi on the way to Rwanda?

Yes. The Katuna/Gatuna border crossing is about 1.5–2 hours from the lake, and Kigali is about 3–4 hours from the border. Many travellers visit Lake Bunyonyi, then continue to Rwanda for Rwanda gorilla trekking or a flight home from Kigali.