Family Adventure to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

A Day of Serenity and Surprises

Today was a day of simple pleasures and unexpected delights here at Lake Bunyonyi. It was a day that reminded me why I wanted to bring my family back to this beautiful corner of Uganda, to share with them the peace and authenticity that I remember from my childhood. It’s about more than just seeing the sights; it's about feeling the soul of this place.

We started our day at Arcadia Lodges Lake Bunyonyi, where we had arranged to meet a local guide. The morning air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of the lake and the surrounding eucalyptus trees. I remember waking up to similar scents in Kyenjojo, and it felt wonderful to share those memories with Hope and Moses.


Discover the tranquil beauty of Lake Bunyonyi at Arcadia Lodges, Uganda's hidden paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

After a quick freshening up, we headed to Numba Cafe & Boutique Hotel by Arcadia Lodges for breakfast. The cafe was charming, with its rustic décor and friendly staff. We enjoyed a hearty Ugandan breakfast of matooke (steamed green bananas), sweet potatoes, and fresh fruit. Moses, ever the adventurous eater, even tried the local spiced tea and declared it a new favorite. Hope, of course, stuck to her usual black coffee, but even she admitted that the view from the cafe made it taste better. It was a great start to the day, and I felt a sense of contentment watching my family enjoy the simple pleasures of Ugandan life.


Discover delightful dining and cozy accommodations at Numba Cafe & Boutique Hotel in the heart of Kabale, Uganda.

“Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in grand gestures, but in the quiet moments of connection and appreciation.”

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we set off to explore the Rose Gardens of Shyaka. The gardens were a riot of color and fragrance, with roses of every imaginable hue blooming in profusion. Hope, who has a keen eye for photography, was in her element, snapping pictures of the flowers from every angle. I, on the other hand, was content to simply wander through the gardens, soaking in the beauty and serenity of the surroundings. It was a peaceful oasis, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Brampton.


Explore the breathtaking Rose Gardens of Shyaka in Kabale, Uganda, where nature's beauty and serenity come together in a floral paradise.

As we strolled through the Rose Gardens, I couldn't help but think about my own little garden back in Brampton. I've always found solace in gardening, and it's a way for me to stay connected to my roots, even when I'm thousands of miles away. Seeing these vibrant roses, thriving in the Ugandan soil, inspired me to try and cultivate some new varieties when I get back home. Maybe I can even find some that remind me of Lake Bunyonyi.

After our floral interlude, we decided to immerse ourselves in the local culture with a visit to Swabie fashions. This little shop was filled with vibrant fabrics and unique designs that celebrated Ugandan culture and style. I was immediately drawn to a beautiful kitenge dress, with bold colors and intricate patterns. Hope helped me pick it out, and I couldn't resist buying it. I can already imagine myself wearing it to the next Ugandan community event in Brampton, proudly showcasing my heritage.


Explore Swabie Fashions in Bunyonyi for vibrant clothing and unique vintage finds that celebrate Ugandan culture and style.

Hope, always the fashionista, found a few vintage pieces that she absolutely loved. She has such a unique sense of style, blending modern trends with traditional African influences. It makes me so proud to see her embracing her Ugandan roots, even as she navigates life in Canada. Moses, surprisingly, also found a few shirts that he liked. He's usually content with his simple, practical clothing, but he seemed to appreciate the vibrant colors and comfortable fabrics of the Ugandan designs.

For lunch, we ventured to Miami Restaurant, a local eatery known for its authentic Ugandan cuisine. We feasted on a delicious spread of grilled tilapia, groundnut stew, and more matooke. The food was simple but flavorful, and it was a true taste of home. Moses, who had never tried groundnut stew before, was an instant convert. He declared it the best thing he's eaten on this trip so far. Hope, ever the adventurous foodie, tried everything on the table and even asked for the recipe for the groundnut stew. I promised to teach her how to make it when we get back to Brampton.


Experience the vibrant tastes of Uganda at Miami Restaurant in Kabale - where local flavors meet international cuisine.

As we ate, we chatted with the owner of the restaurant, a friendly woman who shared stories about her life in Lake Bunyonyi. She told us about the challenges of running a business in a rural area, but also about the joys of living in such a beautiful and peaceful place. Her words reminded me of the resilience and resourcefulness of the Ugandan people, qualities that I deeply admire.

In the late afternoon, we found ourselves at Steamy Cafe for dinner. It was a cozy spot, perfect for winding down after a day of exploring. We enjoyed some light snacks and refreshing drinks as we watched the sun set over the lake. The sky was ablaze with color, painting a breathtaking picture that I will never forget. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


Discover the flavors of Uganda at Steamy Cafe in Kabale - where delicious food meets stunning views in a cozy atmosphere.

As the day drew to a close, I reflected on our experiences. It wasn't about ticking off a list of attractions; it was about connecting with the people, the culture, and the natural beauty of Lake Bunyonyi. It was about sharing these experiences with my family and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It’s these moments that make me feel most connected to my homeland, and I’m so grateful to be able to share them with Moses and Hope.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Kihumuro Hills and visit the Amasiko Homestay. I am excited to learn more about the local culture and traditions, and to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Ugandan people. I am also looking forward to trying some local drinks at 99 Bottles and Grill. I hear they have some unique concoctions that I simply must sample.

For now, though, it's time to rest and recharge. I am already looking forward to another day of adventure and discovery here at Lake Bunyonyi.

The weather today was mostly sunny, with a few scattered clouds. The temperature was mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring the outdoors. I am so glad that we packed our sunscreen and hats, as the sun can be quite strong, even on cloudy days. I also remembered to bring insect repellent, which was essential for warding off mosquitoes and other pesky bugs.

I am also grateful that I remembered to pack our comfortable walking shoes. We did a lot of walking today, and my feet would have been killing me if I had worn anything else. I almost forgot our binoculars for bird watching, but thankfully, I remembered them at the last minute. They came in handy when we spotted a few rare bird species in the Rose Gardens of Shyaka.

I did, however, forget to pack our raincoats. It didn't rain today, but the weather in Lake Bunyonyi can be unpredictable, and it's always a good idea to be prepared for anything. I also forgot our travel guidebook, which would have been helpful for learning more about the local history and culture. I will make sure to pack these items tomorrow.

Overall, today was a wonderful day of exploration and connection. I am so grateful to be able to share these experiences with my family, and I am looking forward to many more adventures in the days to come. Lake Bunyonyi is truly a special place, and I am so happy to be back.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can hear the sounds of the lake lapping against the shore. The air is cool and still, and the stars are shining brightly in the sky. It's a peaceful and magical moment, and I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all that I have. Thank you, Lake Bunyonyi, for reminding me of the simple joys of life.

I’m especially proud of Hope for embracing her heritage and showing such enthusiasm for exploring her roots. It warms my heart to see her connecting with the culture and traditions of Uganda. And Moses, my dear Moses, always the supportive and adventurous husband, willing to try new things and embrace new experiences. I am so lucky to have them both by my side on this journey.

Tomorrow, we continue our exploration of Lake Bunyonyi, with a visit to the Kihumuro Hills and the Amasiko Homestay. I am excited to see what new adventures await us, and to continue sharing the beauty and wonder of Uganda with my family and with all of you.

Goodnight from Lake Bunyonyi!

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention! I saw that the Bunyonyi Marathon is coming up in January 2025. It's organized by Gutsy, a running club based in Kampala, and it's aimed at promoting sports tourism, fitness, and the preservation of Lake Bunyonyi. It sounds like a wonderful event, and I am tempted to participate. Maybe I will even convince Moses and Hope to join me. It would be a great way to experience the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi while also supporting a good cause.