Kalangala is an island on Lake Victoria in Uganda. It lies in North West corner of Lake Victoria and South West Entebbe. The means of transport used is water transport. One can board a ferry from Entebbe at Nakiwogo or Masaka when heading to Kalangala. Except the activities we did, there are also other activities like quad biking, sport fishing, sunset cruise, speed boats, ziplining and others.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR OUR TRIP.
- Forest walk
- board games
- sunset watching
- photography
- boat cruise
- swimming
- campfire.
- All meals
- Accommodation
- Ferry movement
DAY ONE: TRAVEL TO KALANGALA.
The pickup point was Shell – Jinja road, and we all met the driver there. We set off in the drone and headed to Nakiwogo where we were going to board our ferry from. Reached Entebbe at around 11:30 am and waited for the ferry as the guide got the tickets for boarding, for a group of 14 travelers. These travelers had enough time to get whatever they needed from the shops.
At 1:50pm, we boarded the ferry and due to some delays, we left at around 3:30pm. Without delay, the Ferry normally leaves at around 2:00pm in the afternoon. The journey takes about 3 and half hours to reach Kalangala island. By 6:40 pm we were in Kalangala, and we headed to the guest house where our accommodation facilities were. Accommodation was Juliana Lakeview guest house. We went to the rooms and refreshed ourselves. After refreshing, we had our dinner which was heavy and delicious. Those that wanted, enjoyed the night life while others went to rest and prepare for the following day.
PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Travelers’ group picture.
Day Two: Forest Walk, Swimming and other activities.
It rained very heavily in the morning which disturbed our activities and for that matter, they started late. However, at around 10:00am breakfast was served from the rooms because it was still raining heavily. At around 12:30pm we were heading for our first activity. And that was forest walk.
During our for walk, we met different people of the community who were very welcoming and fun to stay with and some people were fishing. During this activity still, we walked through a forest where we saw different types of trees like the muvule hard wood tree and birds like the hamerkop. This bird species is known for making one of the hardest and most intricate nests in the avian world and these nest were in sight on some of the trees that were in our walking trail.
PICTURE DISCRIPTION: The hamerkop nest between the branches of one the trees on our walking trail.
Our guide for Kalangala was very interesting and narrated stories about the island. He stated that the island had a slogan that says, “In Kalangala we share”. He even gave us the history as to why Kalangala was named so. During the forest walk, we headed to John Hanning Speke’s. camp.
The guide gave the brief history about why John Speke was staying at that spot or area where he had the servants houses around. Speke used to stay up to monitor whatever was coming from the other side of lake. Back then, the island was dangerous. His fence was too thick inthat even an arrow couldn’t go through.
The forest walk ended at around 2:30 and that’s when we had our heavy lunch. After lunch, some people went swimming, others took a walk at the beach while some relaxed under the trees and enjoying the cool breeze of the lake as they played board games.
We watched the sunset later that evening. And after, people went back to the rooms and refreshed.
We later had dinner and after went for campfire. During campfire, people enjoyed some music, danced and there were karaoke sessions. While others went to rest, others went for the night life.
Fun was had that day!
PICTURE DESCRIPTION, CLOCKWISE:
Briefing during the nature walk; swimming episode; some of the resident birds on the lake shore (Little egrets); And a group picture at former John Speke’s residence.
Day Three: Return to Kampala.
The group woke up to an early breakfast because by 8:00 am, the ferry leaves. By 7:30 am, we were already aboard on the ferry and waiting to set off to Entebbe. We smoothly cruised the still waters of Lake Victoria amidst a little rain. By mid-day, we were in Entebbe getting off the ferry. The driver was already there waiting to drop us off to our agreed drop-off point.
IN THE PICTURE: The still waters as seen on the ferry; travelers aboard on the ferry and last gasp picture off the ferry marking the end of the trip
