Why Lunkulu Island should be your next tourist destination

Setting off from the National Theatre in Kampala, I chose to use private means to head to the newly “discovered” musical island in Mukono District.
At the mention of the name Lunkulu, memories of Bayimba Festival of Music and Arts come alive in many people’s minds. However, there is more to Lunkulu than just an annual festival.
The journey
Daring the jam between Kampala and Mukono to Wa Antony junction in Mukono was an experience and a story for another day.

We used an escape route through Mukono District headquarters and connected to Mukono main market to beat the traffic, which had already delayed us for several hours. In what would have been a 20 minute journey, we spent close to two hours trying to navigate the traffic.
At Wa Antony, I felt some relief as I enjoyed a traffic free drive along Mukono-Katosi road, to a roundabout in a busy trading centre called Kisoga.

A signpost reading Nkokonjeru welcomed us as we branched off to our destination -Lunkulu.
At Namazina Landing Site, lies the beautiful scenes of Lunkulu Island and the fresh waters of Lake Victoria. When we got there, we were advised to use the boat canoe at a fee or take a long walk in a swamp using as spooky stroll to the footbridge.

The experience
At Namazina Landing Site, we were welcomed by sounds of singing birds, nature, a cool breeze and rare sight of lepidoptera butterflies at the lake.

Having gone with a team that is passionate about nature, not even the scary terrain could stand in our way to explore what Lunkulu offers. Through the wild, armed with walking sticks, we strolled for 15 minutes to gain access to the wooden bridge on a swamp near Lake Victoria.
We were treated to sounds of croaking frogs in the swamp and a variety of bird species singing in the skies, before reaching the island.

At Lunkulu
Unlike the normal tourism experience where one expects an eco- lodge or a posh hotel, for Lunkulu, it is barely an organic experience with a unique ambiance. Lunkulu is home to music, film, dance, fashion and the popular annual event – the Bayimba Festival of Music and Art
From birding, camping to eco walks, Lunkulu is an irresitable fusion of nature, art and tourism.
The island has a rich biodiversity, coupled with scenic views, which make it a must-visit tourist attraction. There is no better way to unwind from the city noise and traffic than walking through the foot bridge that prepares you to a forest island, stuffed with wild animals.

The island is home to the blue turaco, hornbills, and kingfishers and if you enjoy watching birds, there is no other place to be except Lunkulu.
Besides the birds, Lunkulu offers rare views of red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked-mangabey, and colobus monkeys, among other primates. Lunkulu is also home to various butterfly species.
At the island, we were served with organic food, which made it appear warm, welcoming and homely. On normal days, people are encouraged to carry their own food.
During festivals at Lunkulu, four stages of dance, music, film and fashion are set up to entertain revelers. The island also provides space for exhibitors to showcase crafts, art pieces and other tourism products on the market.

Camping experience
At the island, camping is the only accommodation facility available, with bonfires inside the forest and near the Lake Victoria.
While at Lunkulu, people are free to carry their own camping gear and it is only during the festival that you can hire from service providers. During the Bayimba festival, people enjoy camping at the island.

Access to Lunkulu Island
Kenneth Ssenkungu, the public relations officer of Bayimba Foundation, says besides the official arrangements like the annual Bayimba festival, potential tourists have to book with Lunkulu managers prior to visiting the site, to facilitate the planning process.

If you are using public means, board a taxi heading to Kisoga- Nkokonjeru or Nsuube Stage. Your transport fare will not exceed Shs5,000. Once the taxi drops you at Kisoga Trading Centre, board a boda boda to take you to Kibanga landing site on Lake Victoria. At Kibanga, you will use a bridge or a boat to access the island.
If you are driving, you will use the same route but you will have to leave the car at Namaziina Landing Site for safe custody, at a reasonable fee. From there, you will take a stroll to Pier Foot Bridge to access the island.

Why Lunkulu?
According to Ssenkungu, plans are underway to promote art tourism at the island. He adds that the festival has been attracting a good number of tourists.
“Initially, the island was accommodating the arts and music festivals. But there are other activities around the island that are capable of generating revenue and we are exploring ways of tapping into that. We want to interest Ugandans and foreigners in camping, art, eco-tourism and other activities at the island,” Ssenkungu adds.

Fishing
The island also offers an opportunity for people to fish from the lake and experience life at the beach at the east end of the island.
While at Lunkulu, mornings and evenings are a perfect time to capture memorable shots of sunrise and sunset. There is a fascinating view of the sun on Lunkulu’s two beach areas at Bunjako.
The island has a permanent boat that provides transport to tourists.
Tourism and arts writer, Pat Robert Larubi, says Lunkulu offers a serene, unique, memorable vacation and tourism experience, especially for those who love camping, music and the wild.
Caution
If you are planning to visit the island, remember to carry a jacket and rain coat.

Lunkulu officials say
“Initially, the island was accommodating the arts and music festivals. But there are other activities around the island that are capable of generating revenue and we are exploring ways of tapping into that. We want to interest Ugandans and foreigners in camping, art, eco-tourism and other activities at the island.”

Kenneth Ssenkungu-Public relations officer - Bayimba foundation