As you approach the beautiful Bugala Island, a part of the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria, you are greeted by stretches of white sandy beaches. Your gaze wanders beyond the beaches, and you are struck by the thick green forests that still cover much of this Island. The Ssese Islands are an archipelago of 84 islands located in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria in Uganda. Bugala Island is home to the city of Kalangala, which is home to the district headquarters (Kalangala) and is probably the busiest of the islands.
Getting to Bugala Island has been made easier by the MV Kalangala boat, which travels daily to and from the island. The boats leave Nakiwogo Pier in Entebbe at 2:00 PM daily and arrive at Lutoboka Pier on Bugala Island around 5:00 PM, returning to Entebbe the next day at 11:00 AM. Bring a good book or some games for the trip, especially if you are traveling with children; you will have to keep them busy. Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative from your hotel who will take your luggage and in some cases literally escort you to your hotel, as some of the hotels are located just a few meters from the pier.
All but one of the main hotels are located on the beachfront, which allows for maximum enjoyment of the beach. This means you’ll sleep and wake to the sounds of the lake, and depending on your room’s location, you’ll be treated to stunning views. As for accommodation on the island, let me start by saying that there are no five-star hotels on the island, so your options are budget and mid-range hotels. The hotels here are very ‘rustic’; After all, you came here to enjoy the beach and island life, right? Island life: slower pace, no reliable source of electricity, friendly people, did I mention slower pace? Leave the blackberry behind and get ready for a moment of relaxation.
Bugala Island is famous for its white sand beaches and the beaches are the main reason you will come here. The sand is white, warm most days, and clean. During the day you can play beach games or just lie back and take in the beauty of it all. At night some of the hotels have bonfires in front of the beach, barbecues and music on the weekends. If you are a photography fan, you will not believe the shots you will capture; the sunsets on the beach are extraordinary.
Fishing is, of course, an important activity on the island; Visitors can coordinate with their hotels to go fishing or simply tour the island by boat. You can also take a boat and tour some of the smaller islands. The islands here teem with all kinds of birds, making them a bird watchers dream destination. Guided walks through the forest, tours of the island by car or on foot, tours of the villages are offered here.
Expect rustic, quaint, quiet, and peaceful when you visit the Ssese Islands.
Copyright Karibu Uganda, Ltd.