By Jonathan Nkata

What an amazing Island for a holiday!!! From busy and noisy Kampala in just less than 45minutes to a quiet, fresh, and relaxing island on Lake Victoria.

The afternoon was very hot and winds were quite strong at the landing site when all of a sudden one of the motor boat operators mentioned that it was going to rain and within minutes the monkey’s wedding took off before finding any shelter. I was soaked after a few minutes and then the blazing sun was back again as quickly as it left. I was joined by a group of around ten tourists from Spain.

We got on the boat and off we started our journey. With the strong wind the lake was quite choppy so we had all our life jackets on and more importantly the mobile telephone network was working, so there was nothing much to worry about. The boat ride was made more entertaining with watching the birds catch there prey, also watching local fishermen in their dug out canoes relaxing whist waiting for the waves to calm down. After about 25minutes boat ride the Island comes into view. We arrived at the island and were warmly welcomed by a group of young friendly staff from the small luxury lodge, the only lodge on the Island, who helped us to carry our luggage to the reception area. The Lodge provides the social hub of the Island, and is the centre for leisure and water sport activities. The architectural design and strategic setup of the reception

and dining area looking out to the Lake, combined with the cool breeze, is more than welcoming.

As the manager was busy sorting out our accommodation a waitress served us with fresh fruit juice . The cottages are self-contained with double beds, clean and well decorated which makes you feel like a king. The cottages have also got a living room were you can sit and read a book or a magazine with stunning views of the lake.

The menu at the lodge has a wide variety of dishes catering for either meat eaters or vegetarians. I had the buttered fish with fries and a salad for dinner accompanied with a red wine which was scrumptious. After dinner you can sit at the deck below the dining area and order your drinks from the fully stocked bar, ranging from spirits, cold beers or wine while enjoying the fresh breeze from the lake.

Alternatively you can sit inside the bar and enjoy your drinks while watching television; you have a choice to watch any channel from DSTV or GTV for those who do not wish to miss their premier league match.

In the morning you are woken to the sounds of birds singing from all the trees surrounding the cottages which gives the opportunity to go bird watching along the white sandy beaches and stretch out before you get started for the rest of the day’s activities. A full course English breakfast is served from 8am but they also have fresh fruits for those conscious of their waistline.

After breakfast there are lots of activities to enjoy, a trip to Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary can be arranged, sport fishing gear is available for hire if you don’t have your own, you can swim in the lake or swimming pool or just lie in the sun reading a book on a hammock or tanning on the beach. They also organise guided walks on the Island on the paths which take you up to the highest part of the island with a great view of the surrounding islands and lake. There are a couple of horses on the island which you can use to trek around on. The proprietors of Bulago Island have set a trend in the development of eco -tourism in Uganda. The island was originally covered in natural forest which had been badly damaged by migrant fishermen and they have embarked on reforestation and also helped to train fishermen in sustainable and modern fishing skills, provided communal support in terms of health care and education facilities to the nearby fishing villages.

They also provide assistance in case of any emergencies like rescue and security to the surrounding Islands.

Bulago Island is the first island in Lake Victoria to be developed exclusively for leisure use. Thirty local and expatriate residents currently own beach front plots as well as London-based financiers, film producers and professionals.

While owning a complete island no doubt has a certain romantic appeal, beach front plots on Bulago have the attraction of existing infrastructure being in place which will greatly ease the business of creating the perfect beachside property. One acre lakefront plots measure approximately 40 metres by 100 metres, with the 40 metres being lakefront.

These plots are available for sale each with an annual service charge. These plots offer brilliant lake side views as they are situated on an elevated rocky shoreline that is well protected and ideal for mooring or launching boats. They are within very easy reach of the lodge. In order that Bulago remains a very private island, Lake Victoria sailing Club policy has been to allow only guests staying overnight at the Lodge and club members onto the island.

Plans are underway to introduce game like zebras and antelope, a golf course is already being designed, and the islands airstrip has been improved to allow small aircraft to land with ease which only take eight minutes to fly from Kajjansi airstrip to the island.

I had a very memorable weekend and would definitely recommend Bulago Island to anyone wanting to escape the city – just one thing though – don’t forget your sun cream.

For more information, please contact:
Bulago Island, Mobile: +256 772 709970
Email: lodge@islandinthesun.biz. Website: www.islandinthesun.diz