Kalangala Island is a retreat island that is located within Lake Victoria and is the largest among the 84 islands northwest of the lake. It is also known to have fertile soils and travelers during their safaris can see several palm oil trees covering the island.
On this island, the main economic activity is fishing since the area is mostly covered by water though other activities like agriculture, livestock rearing,and many others are done also.
This island is within the southwest of Entebbe but within central Uganda. It is part of the Sesse islands which are located in Africa’s biggest freshwater lake.
What to do while on the visit to Kalangala island?
While in Kalanga during a Uganda safari, there are several activities that travelers can engage in and some of these activities include;
Nature walks.
Nature walks are among the activities that travelers on their safaris to Kalanga Island can engage in during the safari. The walks can either be done full-day, half-day, and short walks.
In this activity, travelers will take through the local communities within the island, forests, gardens, and many others. As travelers visit the local communities get an interaction with the fishermen and the local people.
Birding.
Kalangala has several bird species that travelers on their safaris can encounter and some of these species on the island are rare. On this island, travelers to track the birds, it is best done in the morning and late in the evening.
It is the best time for travelers to see several birds feeding, in their nests, mating, and many others. Some of these bird species that are seen include paradise flycatcher, African fishing eagle, barbets, palm nut vulture, robin chats, pygmy kingfisher, and many others.
Quad biking.
Quad biking is one of the thrilling adventure activities that travelers can engage in during the safari to the island. The activity involves the use of quad bikes which take around the villages, gardens, and hilly areas of the island.
Travelers planning to engage in this activity are supposed to engage in the bookings of the quad bikes to ensure their availability during the safari.
Sportfishing.
This trophy-rewarding activity is usually done in several fishing villages or centers where travelers usually aim to catch the largest fish in the lake. Here travelers catch the largest fish in the lake and then they drop it back in the lake for sustainable practices
Most fish that is usually caught in the tilapia but the trophy rewarding is the Nile perch which is trophy rewarding since it is the largest in the lake.
Cycling.
Cycling on the island is guaranteed by time when travelers explore and visit the different parts of the island on foot. Travelers are supposed to use local guides to take them through the island while cycling.
In this activity, there will be interactions with the local people, and travelers are supposed to carry water bottles to keep hydrated.
Visiting the John Speke house.
John Speke was a Britishexplorer who is believed to have discovered the source of the river. In 1863, he built his house on this island as he was doing his research about the source of the river Nile.
Travelers on their safaris can visit the Lutoboka forest to see John Speke’s house.
Wildlife viewing.
This island hosts several wildlife that travelers on their safaris can encounter of these wildlife are seen in the forested areas of the island and others at the shores of the lake.
Wildlife on the island includes vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys, crocodiles, and many others.
Boat cruise.
It is among the popular activities that travelers on their safari engage in during their safaris to the island. It is taken around the lake where travelers will have a view of the island and other surroundings.
Cultural encounters.
The island holds a history of the Buganda culture since it was among the places where the ancient people used to engage in cultural practices. These cultural practices were usually done in the Kihumuro caves and these caves are still there up to the present.
Travelers visiting the island will see grassed thatched doors and to enter the caves are supposed to remove their shoes.
Visit the NanziriFalls.
The falls are onBukasa island near Wanema’s shrine and the mysterious cavers of Nanziri Falls. To visit the falls, travelers go through a hike to the rough terrain area that is thorny bush.
As travelers visit the caves are usually told scary and mysterious stories about the falls and they are supposed to remove shoes as they visit.
Where to stay during the visit to the Kalangala island.
While on the safari to Kalangala island, travelers have a variety of accommodation facilities in which they can stay. These facilities are situated around the island and they are rated budget,midrange ,and luxury facilities.
The facilities include; Philo Leisure Gardens, Island Peak Hotel, Mwena Camping Resort, Ssese Habitant Resort, Mirembe Resort Beach, Victoria Forest Resort, Panorama Cottages, Pearl Resort Kalangala, and many others.
How to get to Kalangala island?
When planning to get to Kalangala Island, travelers are supposed to either use water transport or air transport to get off the mainland to the island. While using water transport, travelers are transported by road to the Nakiwogo land site where travelers take a ferry to the island.
It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the island while using a ferry. Travelers can tend to hire private boats that cruise them in time to the island and it takes about 3 hours.
The other route that travelers can use is the ferry in Bukakata which is after diverting off the Kampala Masaka highway. While using this ferry, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the island.
The other means of transport is air transport which takes about 1 to 2 hours to reach the island whereas in this mode of transport, travelers have an aerial view of Lake Victoria.
What is the best time to visit the Kalangala island?
Kalangala Island is open for travelers throughout the year. The best time to visit the island is during the dry season June to September and December to February where the area is more dry and clear to support any activity.
During this time fewer waves on the lake may hinder the safari.