MYSTERIOUS PUNISHMENT ISLAND

If there are a few most mysterious tourist sites you should pay a visit in Uganda then the Punishment Island is one of them. This magical heritage site features its own harrowing story that is worth sharing while you are on Uganda safari. The island lies within the splendid Lake Bunyonyi, south-western Uganda and for those of you who are planning to go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park it is that one tourist site not to be missed to explore. This magical island is also famously called Akampene Island and its history of unmarried pregnant girls that were abandoned to die is what makes it remarkable that today many are attracted to explore more about it while on safari in Uganda. This island is just 215 square foot and it is believed to have 2 trees one of which is said to have died. This is one of the 29 spectacular that are distributed within Lake Bunyonyi.

The island was a dumping ground for girls who would get pregnant before marriage time in Kigezi sub region. They either starved to death or drown while attempting to swim to the mainland the fact that swimming was something unique amongst locals at a time. Those that were lucky enough could be saved by the poor men who never had dowry to pay bride price. Today, the island has kept on reducing in size and local believe that it is the spirits of the girls that were abandoned here at a time. This tradition was however left out in the 1940s mostly due to impact of the missionaries that arrived at Bwama and Njuyeera Islands. Dr. Len Sharp stayed at this point in the early 1920s while treating people suffering from leprosy especially those who gathered in Bwama Island.

How to get to the Punishment Island

You can reach this island within half an hour while on canoe. Boats or canoes plus a tour guide can be hired to take you to this island at a relatively affordable cost. The island features as an incredible tourist attraction not only to the locals but also to foreign visitors who confine in the area to explore more about its mysterious history.

In conclusion, Akampene Island features among a few most significant natural wonders on the planet that you shouldn’t miss to explore while on Uganda safari this coming season. A visit to this island rewards travelers with its amazing and mysterious history and also you will explore the stunning Lake Bunyonyi.