KALANGALA ISLAND
Uganda’s incredible destinations and attractions include a variety of wildlife and plant life, cultural site, city life, and the breathtaking scenery with opportunities for lone travelers, romantic trips, or traveling with family. The landscapes are beautiful, perfect for hiking or taking nature walks.
One of such exciting destinations and one of Uganda’s best-kept secret is Kalangala, which is one of the towns on the Ssese islands that border on her northern shores Africa’s largest fresh-water lake in the world that is Shared by only two other countries in the world – Lake Victoria. 84 Islands make the archipelago of the Ssese Islands where only about 43 isles are said to be inhabited. These Islands grouped into two major groups, the first being the Bugala group in the Southwest including, Bugala, Bubeke, Bukasa, Serinya, Bufumira, Funve, Bugaba, and among others. The other group is the Koome group that lies in the North East including Koome (biggest one in its section), Luwaji and Damba.
Photo from USAID IMAGES, used under CC
Kalangala town found on the largest island in the Ssese Islands Archipelago of Bugala boasts of astonishing beaches, beautiful sunset cruises, tasty local fruits, gorgeous wildlife, and accommodations that will make your experience exhilarating. Primates are some of the many animal species that are found on the Islands with the commonly seen being vervet monkeys. The islands are also home to sitatunga antelopes, a variety of bird species, and you can also find hippos in a swamp near Mulabana.
With fishing as the main economic activity that is carried out more on the island, catching the enormous Nile Perch is something that you will see on the shores as your dork into the island. The Nile perch is majorly
exported, which has, however, led to overfishing and also the catching of young fish in Lake Victoria. Agriculture is practiced as well on the island with Isles logging, palm oil growing, and livestock rearing.
The islands are full of winding trails, making them perfect for Quad biking and bike riding. With the diversity in the scenery and marvelous sandy beaches, you can ride through the rain forests, sandy beaches, fishing villages to get an up-close experience of natural life on the island. The popular riding route is to Mutumbula.
Rain forest by Kevin Gibbons, used under CC
You also have the opportunity to roam through the rainforest as you watch the unique wildlife and nature with a guide through the many walking trails. The rainforests on the islands have an incredible bounty of trees, flowers, and plants. The hikes go as long as you want, all day or shorter. You have the opportunity to visit the schools, fishing villages, and a few cultural sites on the island.
Fishing village, by Kevin Gibbons, used under CC
A boat trip on the lake offers countless thrilling adventures with the lake offering tours from Sunset cruises where you get to enjoy the beautiful view of the setting sun over the water. Short boat rides to full-day trips to island hopping and rides to the heart of the lake as an individual or as a group are also exciting trips. Fishing on Victoria is another activity that you can do on the waters as the freshwater fish species are many including, the popular Nile Tilapia and Nile perch.
Most people travel to the island to rest, away from the noise of the cities, chill out and recharge on the sandy beaches and the rain forest walks. Golfing lovers also have opportunities with the islands having spots with lush greens where visitors can enjoy playing golf. The experience is unique and exciting with enjoying and yet having to contend the cool breeze from the lake.
Beach fires are arranged for guests at their lodging as you enjoy the blissful breeze from the lake, the mysterious sounds from the rain forest, a starlit sky, and enjoy the company of strangers. This experience goes with snacking on a tilapia roasted or fried on the fire after being freshly just pulled from the waters.
HOW TO GET THERE
The islands are accessible by a ferry through Nakiwogo dock in Entebbe, which is the most famous of them all. All you need to do is be at MV Kalangala point, which is the major gateway to the Isles, then you will for about three and a half hours be taken to the Island of Bugala from Nakiwogo. The other journey is one from Bukakata in Western Uganda on a free ferry and a charter from Kalangala, Uganda. You can also access the island by a small charter plane from Entebbe or Kajjansi.
Ssese island Lodging
Several lodging options are available, ranging from luxury, mid-range to luxury most with provisions including, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV. For a more luxurious taste, some provide steam bath and saunas services. Most of these are right next to the beaches with beautiful views of the beach, the rain forests, and Lake Victoria.
These include the following;
Victoria Forest Resort
The Brovad Sands Lodge.
The Ssese Island Beach Hotel
The Panorama Cottages.
Kalangala beach pearl resort
The Ssese Habitat Resort.
The Philo Leisure Gardens.
Other accommodations worthy of mention in Ssese Island are islands club Mirembe Beach resort, King fisher
camping site, Hornbill camp, one-minute south resort, and pineapple bay among others.