Pineapple Bay, set in the middle of Bulago island is reserved for sport fishing. PHOTO | HALIMA ABDALLAH
End of year is the best time to kick back and relax in ways that you could not during the earlier shorter and rushed holidays.
Depending on your taste, Uganda offers plenty for both the intrepid traveller and the adventurous. The tropical weather, safari holidays, the scenic countryside and water sports are just a few of the major attractions.
Uganda may be a landlocked country, but its numerous lakes and rivers will offer the relaxation you need or get the adrenaline going as you go bungee jumping or water rafting in River Nile.
Ssese Islands
Lake Victoria’s Ssese Islands, made of 84 islands, offer scenic views of greenery in the middle of the lake and the beauty of various bird species with some of the most stunning sunsets.
The islands are ideal for swimming, nature walks, sport fishing, boat rides or simply unwinding in the privacy of your comfortable cottage.
Bulago island, a lovers’ hideout
Originally known as a fishermen’s zone, the island — about 45 minutes from Kampala — is now a much sought after resort. The islanders are fishermen but also grow cassava and pineapples. The plantations offer a scenic views while offering a supply fresh of fruits and vegetables.
A new eco-lodge, Pineapple Bay, set in the middle of the lacustrine protected area, is reserved for sport fishing. No commercial fishermen are allowed within this sanctuary, creating an ideal hideout for those who love their privacy.
The sandy white, palm tree-dotted beach is ideal for swimming and one can approach it via a 30-minute boat cruise from Munyonyo in Kampala. The island is also accessible by air.
The island is serene and perfect for those who just want to sit quietly and read on cottage balconies but for the active guests, one can do bird watching, nature walk, swimming in the pool, boat rides and visit other islands like the Chimpanzee Sanctuary at Ngamba island, just 20 minutes away.
The serene location of the lodge offers a suitable environment for a private holiday, honeymoon, family days-out or even corporate functions.
Lake Bunyonyi
Away from Lake Victoria, western Uganda has Lake Bunyonyi, described by Lonely Planet as a “scene straight from the Lord of the Rings” because it is so enchanting. This is perfect place to relax after long gorilla trekking.
Getting to this lake — said to be the second deepest in Africa — by road is an adventure on its own, what with the undulating hills and valleys. As you get to the highest point of the escarpment, the blue waters below are revealed. It is a stunning sight. The rolling hills taper off as you approach the edge of the lake.
There are many accommodation facilities on offer: From the rustic budget camps to the more upmarket places like the Bird Nest Resort offering Belgian cuisine. It also serves fresh crayfish from the lake, cooked in every imaginable way.
You can also stay on one of the islands on the lake for a real quiet time, swim in the lake — no crocodiles, no hippos, no bilharzia. The gentle boat rides will reveal stunning scenery.
Lake Mutanda
Not too far from Lake Bunyonyi is Lake Mutanda. The inflows are right below the Virunga mountains. Like Bunyonyi, this lake extends into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lake Mutanda is located near the southern area of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, in the shadows of the Virunga Volcanoes. If you hike down to the lake from Nkuringo in Bwindi, you will see the stunning Virunga from below.
Lake Mutanda is the perfect place to spend a few days, take inspiring nature walks, bike and boat rides, or relax at a lodge overlooking the lake.
You can also swim here or take a boat ride in dugout canoe to the islands inside the lake.
Lake Mutanda is not as well known as Lake Bunyonyi but that is changing as more people discover its beauty.
Mabira Forest
This rainforest is just a short distance from either Kampala or Jinja. The Mabira Rainforest Lodge is perfect for just chilling out. It is only three hours’ drive from the Kenya/Uganda border, making it convenient to anyone who wants to have a holiday away from the usual.
It is also a hideout for city slickers, since it is away from the maddening city traffic and noise. It is famous for its tropical forest, abundant bird life, butterflies and reptiles. The nature trails are well marked, making it easy for even lone visitors. Cottages are available for those who wish to spend the night. One can simply relax in the cottage, enjoy a book, or take a swim in the pristine pool.
Mabira Forest is ideal for holiday makers who want to experience Kampala life as well, given the proximity to the city.
The River Nile at Jinja
For the adrenaline junkies, this is the place to be. There is white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, all-terrain vehicle rides and some of the most amazing boat rides. This can be done either on the banks of the River Nile or on islands inside Lake Victoria.
The upmarket Wildwaters Lodge located on a private and secluded island offers nature walks through the rainforest, as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the waters. Here you are free to take a bath on your veranda.
