Attractions

On or very near the Island

Bird Life

We have a wonderful and extensive range of bird life living on and near the island and many migratory birds passing through.  The Nile River is one of the world’s major bird corridors, so sit back and enjoy the 130 species that have been seen so far!  We have delighted in getting to know some of the resident birds and becoming familiar with their river lives..  ask about our river surfing cormorant, majestic resident fish eagles, extraordinary black & white casqued hornbills or where the flocks of Great Blue Turacos like to feed.  Binoculars and bird books are available from the guest lounge.

Market Days

Market Day are an integral part of African life and special to witness.  Market Day in Kangulamira is every second Saturday, and gets very busy in the late afternoon and evening.  The a local produce market every Tuesday morning.  If you would like to attend these we can arrange transport and a guide.  We have some locally produced crafts available for sale at Guest Services and we are in the process of planning a shop to support and develop this further.

Local Nature and Cultural Walks

You are welcome to wander the island pathways and enjoy the majesty of the island.  If you would like to go further afield we invite you to join our guide and take a stroll through our wonderful local area and visit a farm, house, school and ceremonial cultural site while interacting with local children and farmers.  10,000UGS – 2 hour tour, 15,000UGS – 3 – 4 hour.

Workshop Tour

Do let us know if you fancy a trip to our workshop to see the furniture makers and awesome wood carver Bosco at work.  All of the furniture at Wildwaters is made to our designs and many of the pieces are available for sale.  Please note the workshop is closed on Sunday.  Enquire at Guest services to book a guide to take you free of charge.

Fishing

If you have your own gear there are some “worth a try” fishing spots around the island that we are happy to guide you to.  For some reason the guys with the long bits of wood and fishing line do a lot better than we do with the fancy kit so we suggest asking for a few pointers.   We are able to source worms for you from the local fishermen for 5,000/- but need to know by 10pm for a 8am delivery.

Community Outreach

During weekdays we can arrange to take you to visit one of the local primary school (see “Local Community Projects” in final section of Island Guide) to read books to the youngest children or kick a ball around at playtime.   Pricing dependent on transport option chosen (3,000/- boda boda, 10,000 special hire) and a donation to the school is at your discretion.  Playtime is at 10:30am.

The African Queen.. Coming Soon

One of the original fully restored steam powered “African Queen” as used in the famous movie starring Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart is now on site and will be soon operating for cruises on the flat water above the lodge.

Local Eateries

We often snack on the local Rolex’s (a chapatti wrapped omelette) and fried cassava (sweet potato) at the market at Kangulamira and occasionally eat the local cuisine at Gordon’s Restaurant in the same locale.  The nearest “western style” eatery is The Haven (bookings essential) which is en route to Jinja and the Adrift Riverbase outside Jinja has the best pizzas this side of Timbuktu.  There are several excellent little cafés and watering holes in and near Jinja town including Flavours, Indulge, Gately on Nile and Nile Camp.  If you get peckish on the drive back to Kampala you may be game enough to try the “chicken on a stick” and gonja (grilled bananas) from the roadside “in your face chicken place” at the village of Nakifuma (Gayaza Rd) or Mabira Forrest (Jinja Rd). Ask Guest Services about making bookings or giving directions if you fancy a foray away from island life!

In or near Jinja

For Adrift Adventure and other activities, go to our Activities page