Kalangala Island is the largest of all eighty-four Ssese Island located in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria in Uganda. The Island is a popular destination for weekend retreats and also a favourite choice for couples and Newlyweds looking for a reasonably well-priced honeymoon destination close to Entebbe or Kampala. Best way to get to Kalangala Island
Best way to get to Kalangala Island
There are several ways of getting to Kalangala depending on where your travel starts. However, in this article, we will strictly explain the best way to get to Kalangala island from Entebbe.
From Entebbe, there are two ways to get to Kalangala. Depending on your budget, you may opt to fly in a helicopter from Entebbe Airport or opt for the most common way of going by boat.
By boat, there are three options. You May opt to hire a private boat or take a scheduled boat/Ferry trip that leaves at set times.
For the scheduled ferry/ship trips, there are two options. you could choose to Travel aboard the gigantic government-owned MV Kalangala that leaves port Alice in Entebbe in Nakiwogo at 2:00 pm every day and docks at Lutobok Landing Bay at about 5:00pm. Prices on the MV Kalangala range from Ugx 10,000 – 14,000 per persons ( VIP – 14,000 Vs Ordinary – 10,000).
Alternatively, you could consider getting onto the more luxurious MV Vanessa or Nathalie two privately owned boats the plea the route on particular days. (Check this link for their Schedules: Schedules & Rates).
Our Opinion on the Best Way to get to Kalangala Island.
While the option of hiring a private speed boat is the best way to get to Kalangala Island in time and without much hassle, it is costly.
The MV Kalangala offers the best rates for travelling from Entebbe to Kalangala, however, the downside is that its overcrowded and would not be the best recommendation especially during this time when COVID-19 is still a concern. Secondly, the trip to Kalangala aboard the government-owned MV Kalangala takes about 3 hours – which we think is a long trip.
Nyanza Evergreen waterways a privately owned company operate trips to and from Entebbe using their newly acquired luxury boats named MV Vanessa & MV Nathalie that in the normal – before COVID-19 would seat about 54 passengers – but now take half the number for purposes of observing the strict COVID-19 SOPs that emphasise social distancing, wearing of your mask and regular Handwashing. The trip aboard any one of the two MV’s Vanessa or Nathalie takes only 1 hour 15 minutes – But costs slightly more than what it would cost you if you risked taking MV Kalangala. (See: MV Vanessa & Nathalie Schedule & Rates).
In a nutshell, our recommendation to travellers is to consider working with an experienced Travel agent like Realm Africa Safaris™ to properly plan your Kalangala trip, and also book you onto MV Vanessa or Nathalie – the best way to get to Kalangala Island.
