Christmas Get-Aways

Dec 17, 2009

TO a growing number of Ugandans, Christmas has long ceased to be a customary family celebration at home or in the village. Many Ugandans are beginning to embrace the Western mode of taking a trip for the holidays.

TO a growing number of Ugandans, Christmas has long ceased to be a customary family celebration at home or in the village. Many Ugandans are beginning to embrace the Western mode of taking a trip for the holidays. Joseph Ssemutooke explores the options available

SSESE ISLANDS
This destination is more suited to those looking for an ideal romantic get-away this season. The experience begins right at the start of the journey to the islands.

The ferry ride provides a display of the tropical beauty of Africa’s largest fresh-water lake – Lake Victoria.
While in Ssese, the nature walks along the island paths are ideal for playing hide and seek, while the cruises on canoes/boats around the innumerable islands are unforgettable.

You can do sport fishing, bird watching, playing games and sports along the beaches, outdoor camping and swimming.

It is advisable to book in advance with one of the tour agencies that provide complete offers (including transport, accommodation and meals) at a round fee of about sh150,000, but at this time most agencies have been booked to capacity.

So one might have to travel individually and meet their own costs. The MV Kalangala ferry charges about sh6,000 from Nakiwogo, Entebbe to the islands. There is another ferry from Bukakata Landing Site in Masaka which charges about sh3,000. Avoid using the canoes that head to the islands from different landing sites in Entebbe.

Accommodation on the islands can be found at the Ssese Palm Beach, the PTA Andronic Resort, Serenity Island Club, Lutoboka Beach Resort, among others.

LAKE BUNYONYI
Picturesque is what summarises the vistas in the Bunyonyi region in south western Uganda. Enjoy the spectacular view of more than 15 tiny highland lakes winding their way around the slopes of the steep hills.

True to the meaning of Bunyonyi (many little birds), you can wake up to the twittering of innumerable birds from the trees. There is a minimum of 350 bird species.

During the day, a walk around the villages provide an experience of the region’s interesting lifestyle and culture. After dark, the bars fill with both local and international music.

Some of the resorts include Acardia Cottages, Byoona Amagara Holiday Resort, Bunyonyi Overland Resort and Bushara Island Camp.

KENYA, TANZANIA COASTLINE
The ancient towns of Zanzibar, Pemba, Mombasa, Malindi, among others, provide an entirely different setting and offers an experience worth having.
A bus ride to Mombasa costs about sh100,000; to Dar-es-Salaam about sh130,000.

Flights cost about sh300,000 and 350,000 respectively. Accommodation ranges upwards from about sh50,000 per person per night.

The places to see there include the historical Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Zanzibar’s Stone Town and a host of ancient Arabian architecture.

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