Crater Bay Cottages Lake Bunyonyi – Attractions and activities around Lake Bunyonyi
Crater Bay cottages is a budget lodge located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. The name of the lake is derived from the many birds found on the lake’s shores and is loosely translated in English to mean “a place of many little birds”.
Lake Bunyonyi has 29 islands some of which are uninhabited and others inhabited by locals and tourist facilities. With a rich historical background attached to each and every island, a canoe ride offered as an activity by Crater Bay cottages on Lake Bunyonyi will take you through the stories surrounding these islands.
With its accommodation, lush green gardens, great staff and stunning views of Lake Bunyonyi Crater Bay cottages will definitely make your stay in Uganda much more relaxing, comfortable and exciting.
Accommodation at Crater Bay Cottages
Crater Bay has 12 cottages and 5 rooms all within a stone’s throw distance from the lake and this offers a tranquil and cool atmosphere.
The rooms on the terraced accommodation facility are intended for people traveling on a really low budget and as such have shared bathroom and toilet facilities.
The cottages on the other hand are self-contained and they feature twin and double beds as per your preference.
Families and group travelers are also catered for as there is a family cottage that houses a maximum of 5 people. The family cottage has an added advantage of a terrace and garden where guests can relax, enjoy the stunning views or have a picnic.
With a large green compound, Crater Bay offers enough space for campers in a good, relaxing and secure environment. One can decide to either pitch a tent or rent a mobile tent.
Facilities and services
- The lodge offers delicious meals and snacks
- The bar is stocked with a variety of wines and beers
- The lodge offers secure car park on the grounds
- The lodge has a lush and green compound offering great restful areas
- There is a crafts shop with a number of items for purchase, most of which are hand made by the community members.
- Laundry services are provided at a cost
- Self-Camping services are available
Activities
- Birding
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Island Trails
- Swimming
- Cultural Experiences
- Mountain Biking
Getting There
The lodge is located on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. To get to Crater Bay cottages one drives to Kabale district via Masaka and Mbarara town. On arrival in Kabale district, take the Kisoro road and at the junction you will find a sign of Crater Bay cottages. Follow the green sign posts that will then lead you to the lodge.
Activities on Lake Bunyonyi Kabale.
Boat Rides
Visit Lake Bunyonyi and enjoy a boat cruise through the amazing islands on the Lake. There are countless boats for hire on the banks of the lake ready to take you inland all day.
Community Visits and Hikes
Lounging at the amazing resorts is relaxing enough but to experience the Switzerland of Africa, a hike in the surrounding hills is exhilarating and refreshing. Trails along the terraces, banana plantations and lush green vegetation give a clear view of the 29 islands. It gives quite a great picture-perfect spot from all angles.
Bird Watching
Bunyonyi simply means ‘many little birds’, so bird lovers visit Lake Bunyonyi for a very good reason. It is a home for over 200 bird species like the Grey-crowned cranes, Red-chested sunbirds, Flycatchers, White-tailed blue Monad, Slender-billed baglafetch, weavers, Egrets, Herons, Woodpeckers among others all over the banks of the lake. If you are a bird lover but also in dire need for a quiet getaway, Bunyonyi is the perfect place experience for this experience.
Swimming
The Lake is filled with fresh waters and is Bilharzia free. There is no shore but safe structures have been put in place to allow easy deep dives into the open waters. A change from the swimming pools is just what you need on holiday and Lake Bunyoyi is open for this all time of the day. Take time to chill on the banks of the lake, sunbathe and deep dive any time of the day.
Local Market
The African Market experience is something you should. Markets around Lake Bunyonyi have about anything you can think of ranging from African crafts, vegetables, shoes, clothes, and electronics. The people move around swiftly as they haggle for cheaper prices, others stand around and catch up with each other and others riding in with more merchandise to sell. A local market is a place where people come to connect and catch up with others.
Canoe Riding
This is the commonest mode of transport on Lake Bunyonyi. The locals are constantly making trips across the lake from island to island and different sides of the hills to do their personal business. To have a better feel of what it feels like to live the way they do, a canoe ride is a perfect option, giving you extra time on the lake, a chance to stop right in the middle for a little serenity and panoramic view. You can choose to be paddled or even do the paddling yourself as long as you have a guide with you.