If your
dream has been to explore that one magical and secretive island on earth then it
is high time you realized it. While many head to Uganda’s parks to see wildlife
species or the rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park in
particular, a trip to Bubembe Island ideally rewards travel endeavors with
mesmerizing experiences. This spectacular island is one of the 84 beautifully
distinct islands in Lake Victoria that make up the Ssese Archipelago. This
island lies within Kalangala district, northwest of Lake Victoria. Most of
these islands in most cases comprise of fishermen and also feature some
stunning forests and swamps which offer ideal habitat for bird species and the notable
ones include the whale headed stork, grey parrot, kingfishers, fish eagles,
herons, geese a mention but a few thus making these areas perfect not only for
one to relax out with their dear ones but also do bird watching. Besides, they
are endowed with abundant and yet untapped plant species that are worth
exploring if you are a botanist.
Culturally,
visitors on safari to this island get a warm welcome from the humble and
hospitable locals who live in this area. Mostly, life at this place revolves
around religion, fishing boats and trading centers. Religiously, this island is
refuge to temple of Mukasa. Besides, there are some wildlife species for you to
catch a glimpse while on tour in Bubembe Island and they include among others
colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, sitatunga antelope,
chimpanzees, forest birds such as weavers, flycatchers, turacos, horn bills,
fish eagle and paradise flycatcher. This island features among a few visited
islands in Lake Victoria. It features many well-kept grass thatched houses,
where most rituals are conducted for fortunes. Most locals confine in this area
to seek for wealth, fertility and partners for those who are single. Most people
from in and around Kalangala visit the sacred trees in the island blessings and
there is believe that if someone doesn’t respect rituals linked to these sacred
sites, he or she won’t avoid misfortunes. The other significant place to
visit is Buwa forest which features a rare and popular stick Damula is named. This
forest equally features as significant cultural site and comes with a spring water
where the stick is cleaned and it is believed that this stick has been passed
on to all Buganda Kings.
How to reach to Bubembe Island
This island
is reachable within nine hours especially when you set off from Port Bell or
spend 45 minutes using a local ferry from Bukakata. If you are around Buggala
Island, you will spend about three hours on a boat ride to Bukasa Island or two
hours to Bubembe Island. Banda Island which is also part of the Ssese
Archipelago is reachable within three hours by boat on Buggala side.
In
conclusion, if you are interested in exploring unique cultural sites while on
safari in Uganda, Bubembe Island should be a must to visit and you will have a
lifetime experience.
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