The best time to visit Kalangala Island is during the cooler, and dry season months of June to October. During these months, there is a smaller chance of rain ruining planned activities, and general wildlife viewing opportunities are better.
When is the best time to visit Kalangala Island?
The best time to visit Kalangala, Uganda depends on your preferences:
- Weather
The best time for warm-weather activities is early June to October when the weather is pleasant and clear. December to February is also a good time to visit because the weather is dry and sunny.
- Budget
June to August is the cheapest time to visit because hotel prices are lower.
- Activities
If you want to enjoy the water and tours, visit during the dry season. If you want to see the lush vegetation, visit during the rainy season, which is March to May and October to November.
- Crowds
If you want to party, visit on the weekends when there are crowds. If you want a quieter experience, visit on a weekday.
How to get to Kalangala Island
Depending on where you start your travel, there are several ways to get to Kalangala.
Entebbe to Kalangala: There are two ways to get to Kalangala. Depending on your budget, you can fly in a helicopter from Entebbe/Kajjansi Airport or go by boat from Nakiwogo (Port Alice) in Entebbe. Helicopter flights are quite expensive so most travellers choose to go by boat.
By boat, you can hire a private boat or take the Public/scheduled boat or ferry trips that leave at set times. Two (02) scheduled ferry/ship trips that leave from Nakiwogo; the gigantic government-owned MV Kalangala which leaves Nakiwogo (port Alice) in Entebbe at 2:00 pm every day and docks at Lutoboka Landing Bay at about 5:30 pm or the more luxurious Privately owned MV Vanessa or Nathalie that commute the route on particular days. (Check this link for their Schedules: Schedules & Rates).
How Much is it to travel on the Government-owned MV Kalangala? The cost of travelling on the Government-owned MV Kalangala from Nakiwogo (Port Alice) in Entebbe to Kalangala depends on the section of the boat and whether you’re bringing a vehicle:
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Passenger section (Max. 108 incl. crew)UGX10,000 per person in the ordinary section, or UGX14,000 per person in the VIP section.
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Vehicle section (Max. 12 Vehicles)UGX 50,000 for a saloon car, UGX 80,000 for a 4×4 vehicle, or UGX 150,000+ for a truck.
Top Things to see and do on Kalangala Island
- Biking on Kalangala Island.
- Hike the forests of Kalangala Island.
- Visit the Ruins of John Spekes Fort.
- Visit the Cultural Kiwumulo Cave.
- Biking on Kalangala Island
You can rent a bike from your hotel on Kalangala Island and go on a guided or self-guided cycling trip. Taking a guided bike tour will cost around UGX50,000 per person including bike rental fees.
If cycling ain’t your thing, then you may consider renting a quad bike. Quabike rentals charge about $30 – 50 per person. Quad bikes are a quick and fun way to explore the island, including beaches, forests, fishing villages, and landing sites. Some resorts in Bugala Island offer quad bike rentals.
- Hike in the forests of the Ssese Islands
The nature at Ssese (or Sese) Islands is grandiose and its forests are particularly spectacular. You will see very lush vegetation and very old trees with atypical shapes. Having visited the 3 largest forests east of Kalangala, I preferred Lutoboka (where the Speke ruins are located).
- Visit the ruins of John Speke’s Fort
John Speke is the British explorer who discovered one of the most important sources of the Nile (in Jinja, Uganda). He later settled in the Lutoboka Forest in 1863 and built his house there. Today there are the ruins of his stone dwelling in the middle of this enormous forest.
The Kiwumulo cave on Kalangala Island is located after the village of Mweena, where an ancestral cult takes place. In the past, ancient spirits incarnated and gave life on the Ssese Islands. The spirits were gigantic and capable of taking human or animal forms. Today, these spirits are believed to rest in the famous Kiwumulo cave. The cave remains sacred and some locals only practice this endemic/cultural religion.
Good to Know: On your visit to Kiwumulo Caves on Kalangala Island, please observe and respect the following:
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- All visitors to the cave must be barefoot.
- Women in their menstrual cycle are discouraged from visiting the caves.
Learn more about Visiting the Kiwumulo cave on Kalangala Island.
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