Buvuma island is a stunning island on Lake Victoria that covers 417 square kilometers bordering Tanzania to the south and districts of Jinja, Mayuge, Buikwe and Kitamilo. Buvuma island hosts 52 beautiful islands that makes it a hidden gem for travelers that wants to visit places offering unique experiences. The island is densely forested offering a striking beauty and is gifted with a range of tourist attractions.
How to get to Buvuma island
Buvuma island is accessible by taking 3-hour drive from Entebbe international airport and 1 hour drive from jinja the source of the Nile before taking a ferry from Kiyindi landing site in Buikwe District to the Kirongo landing site in Buvuma.
From kirongo landing site, you take a government MV ferry at free cost to buvuma main island that moves at scheduled time every day and carries limited number of vehicles that arrives on first come first served arrangement. There are also private owned boats that are available at the landing site which are local wooden boats and engine speed boats.
Things to do in Buvuma island
The island promotes a variety of tourism attractions that make you keep visiting the island time and again. These include;
Fishing tours
Buvuma island is a place to find fresh fish from fishermen that have occupied the area for many years. kiyindi is the major fishing village where buyers make orders to get fresh fish. The fishermen use boats and cast their nets into the waters to catch fish and some of the fish caught include the tilapia, Nile perch, silver fish, cat fish, lung fish and much more.
Birdwatching
Buvuma island with its forested areas and cool waters is a destination for birdwatching where bird lovers spot birds such as African gray parrot, malachite kingfisher, great cormorant, pied kingfisher, African fish eagle, African thrush, Red chested cuckoo and many more.
Palm oil farming
The island has fertile soils and good weather that favors palm oil growing. The island has attracted investors (palm oil projects) that promote growing palm oil plantations on large scale and have established vegetable oil processing factories.
Boat Riding
The waters on buvuma island at Lake Victoria are ideal for a relaxing boat cruise whether on honey moon holidays or weekend gate aways with family and friends.
Nature walks and forest hikes
The island can be visited in your leisure moments for simple nature walks around the breathtaking forests and checking on the community living around the island.
Wildlife viewing
There are common reptile species at the island such as Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards and snakes.
Camping
The island offers camping relaxations for travelers who wants to enjoy real adventure to experience enough of this nature planet.
Nature photography
This is a place where to take scenic photography for long time memories with friends and family. The island offers clear movie shoots.
Brief history of buvuma island in Uganda
The buvuma island in Uganda has been inhabited for many years ago by the Baganda people. It was a crucial part of the Buganda Kingdom which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the region and to date the kingdom still reigns strong. Buvuma is a name that originates from the Luganda word meaning “to abuse,” a name invented during the reign of Kabaka Kiwewa in the early 1700s.
What are the Archaeological sites found in buvuma island
The Tervuren museum Team from Belgium conducted an archaeological survey in 1968 and discovered artifacts that showed early human settlement on buvuma island and other nearby islands. Sites such as Munyama Cave, Tonge Cave, and Nakisito revealed Relic objects that provided insights into the island’s ancient history.
Is the island facing Environmental challenges?
Yes, the island faces environmental challenges, not because of overpopulation, but of increased overfishing, charcoal burning and too much logging leading to cutting down of forests causing future climate changes.
The island also lacks schools causing a big population to be illiterates and inadequate health centres to combat diseases associated with people living on islands such as Bilharzia, sleeping sickness and malaria because people lack clean and safe water for drinking.
Accommodations in buvuma island
Most accommodations at buvuma island are budget friendly to every tourist but offer luxury experiences. They include;
Buvuma island beach hotel
The hotel offers spacious twin rooms, deluxe double room, family suites and camping tents. It features en-suite bathrooms, private balcony and water proof comfortable tents.
Buvuma palm Resort
Buvuma palm resort offers comfort cottages with Lake Victoria views. It has a well organised restaurant, bar, conference space for social events in a quite and relaxing environment.
Victoria breeze apartments
It has 8 Bedrooms Apartment providing accommodation with Wellness Facilities, Internet and Pool for your convenience. This Apartment features many amenities for guests who want to stay for a few days, a weekend or probably a longer vacation with family, friends or group.
Chel and vade cottages
Chel and Vade Cottages are located in a quiet residential part of Jinja near The Source of the Nile tucked away from the hustle of the city center. You are guaranteed comfort and convenience for the best price. Whether you are travelling for business work or pleasure at buvuma island, Chel and Vade are the right home for you. Satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet access, bar and restaurant, lush green compound.