KAMPALA – Weekend Getaway
Day 1 – Kampala to Bugala Island
Our journey began in Kampala, heading toward Nakiwogo Port in Entebbe—a distance of 54 km, mostly on paved roads with a few off-road sections.
The ferry departs at 2:00 PM from Nakiwogo and arrives at Lutoboka Port (Kalangala) by 5:30 PM. The ticket costs UGX 14,000, with an extra UGX 3,000 for a bicycle (approx. USD 5 in 2023). The ferry runs on time and sticks to its schedule.
There’s a small canteen onboard selling snacks and drinks—a coffee costs UGX 6,000 (approx. USD 1.60).
We stayed at Pearl Resort in tents, paying UGX 40,000 per person per night (approx. USD 11). Breakfast was included.
Our tents were pitched right on the beach, just 4 meters from the lake—you could fall asleep to the sound of waves, free of charge.
The sun sets around 6:51 PM during this season, so the timing of our arrival was perfect. With the ferry docking as daylight faded, we only had time for a short ride from the port to the resort.
After setting up camp, we enjoyed one of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever seen—truly unforgettable.
Dinner was fresh Tilapia from Lake Victoria. One portion cost around USD 8.
We ended the night with drinks by the campfire, some music, a little dancing, and a lot of relaxation. The music was great—not too loud, which isn’t always the case in places like this.
Day 2 – Full Day of Gravel Biking
I didn’t sleep well—rain woke me up in the middle of the night. We planned to start early, but the downpour delayed our departure until 9:00 AM.
We rode 76 km of well-maintained gravel roads heading south across the island. The weather turned out excellent after the initial rain.
There’s no need to carry large supplies of water or food—small local shops are scattered along the way. We bought baby bananas from street vendors for UGX 1,500 (approx. USD 0.40).
Traffic was minimal—we only saw a few vehicles all day—making for a peaceful and enjoyable ride. We stopped at several viewpoints, soaking in the lush landscapes, the panoramic island views, and the sight of neighboring islands.
Palm plantations cover much of the island—about 80% of our route passed through these serene groves. The palm tree is one of my favorite trees, and cycling through them was a highlight.
The day ended with another campfire dinner, a few drinks, and good music—but no dancing this time. We were too tired.
Later in the evening, the weather worsened. A strong wind began to blow. Michael suggested moving the tents further from the shore to avoid the gusts—this helped, but only temporarily.
The wind was intense, bending trees and howling around us. It was honestly terrifying. Thankfully, no trees fell. Around 3:00 AM, the wind eased, but it was replaced by more rain, which continued into the morning.
Day 3 – Return Journey
It rained throughout the morning, but we managed to have breakfast before boarding the 8:00 AM ferry back to Entebbe.
Despite the rain, the ferry ride was beautiful—three and a half hours of peaceful cruising, sipping coffee and enjoying the lake views from the deck.
The ferry arrived on time, and from Nakiwogo, I cycled the final 54 km back to Kampala.
Final Thoughts
In total, we cycled around 190 km, with about 1,600 meters of elevation gain over three days.
• No technical issues with the bikes.
• No flat tires.
• The island’s natural beauty is stunning—there’s an abundance of bird species, monkeys, and a rich variety of trees.
• There’s an ATM on the island, but I’d recommend bringing a decent amount of cash, just in case.Bugala Island is a truly magical place—perfect for those who love biking, nature, and a bit of adventure. Highly recommended for a unique weekend escape from Kampala!
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