Ask a dozen dedicated travelers why they love to travel and you will get a dozen different answers. However, there are some general themes that will show through time and again. One is the thirst for new adventures and to get first hand experience of different cultures. Another, from a less gregarious perspective, is the concept of wanting to “get away from it all.”
Travelling is like flirting with life, it’s enjoyable and builds up positive energy not forgetting the good memories we bring home from a trip. Just like a photo can’t fully capture what it feels like to stand on the edge of a fjord, neither can ‘wanderlust’ fully express how we feel when we crave our next adventure.Uganda hasn’t had my attention that much in the past and when this island was tabled i decided to give it a try. The feeling when I pass groups of strangers, speaking a language that is completely foreign to me, makes me realise just how incredibly big the world is,we all have a life that is full of different connections, memories and possibilities. That’s sonder.And then there is also so much we hear about the Ugandan culture that my curious self couldn’t ignore and i figured this was my perfect opportunity to find it all out.
You’ll find Samuka Island off the shores of Jinja, Uganda, only one and half hours away from Kampala but a world away from the crowd. The Island is home to Samuka Island retreat . It’s a boutique lodge within a bird Sanctuary with over 50 species of birds. They may not have gorillas, they may not have Chimpanzees Neither the Lions nor of course 😉the Elephants But they do have something that’s in short supply: serenity, peace and tranquility.
Getting to Jinja from Nairobi is easy via Tahmeed buses or any other bus of preference. It’s an overnight safari. From Jinja town you can hire a cab or take boda boda to rumours. Boats and corporate cruises to Samuka Island are available at Rumours the Gateway to Samuka Island. You can also get a boat from Masese and Jinja Sailing Club. When we traveled they had an offer, book a minimum two nights full board and get speed boat transfers to and from. O’wise the transfer usually comes at a fee. Long story cut shot, check out my experience.
The lodge has a massive compound with a beautiful view of the lake from every turn. It’s a beautiful place to hold a party or even a wedding.
What to do while at Samuka Island retreat
Water activities:
Free:
Kayaking, swimming, tubing, bird watching.
Paid:
Rafting
Boat cruises.
Samuka Island remains one of my best holidays in 2019. It’s been quite an adventurous year and am looking forward to more travels in 2020. If you ever find yourself in Uganda, give this place a shot, you wont regret it.
Thank you for stopping by, Merry Christmas🎄🎅 and a blessed new year. Let’s travel more in 2020 🥂.
Travel by Ray 