Things to do outside Bukoba
The Tourist Center Bukoba, Kiroyera Tours offers several tours in Kagera.
Rubondo Island
Rubondo Island, in the southwest of Lake Victoria is Tanzania’s only Island
National Park. The island offers a combination of a near perfect climate,
atmospheric jungle fringed beaches, some unusual wildlife viewing, and
the opportunity to explore it all on foot or by boat. The parkfee of $15
per 24 hours must be paid in hard currency. You can stay in the luxury
self-contained bandas at the Rubondo Island Camp or the more budget bandas
at the national park campsite. The Rubondo Island can be reached by air
but also by boat from Muganza. Kiroyera Tours in Bukoba can arrange transport
(they also can arrange a boat from Muganza) and do the bookings for accommodation.
 Karagwe
Kyaka Slave trade & wars- to pass through to the Karagwe district
one must drive through here. The town hosts possibly the most somber reminder
of the Idd Amin war: a bomb ruined church. This imposing sight is situated
high atop the hill overlooking the town.
Kyaka is situated on a crossroads and historically gained prominence
due to slave trade. The town was a distribution centre for slaves from
the Congo. After Kyaka they were taken either to Uganda or onto Bagamoyo
for the Arabian slave market.
Mutagata Hot Springs
Visit the trio of water springs each one with its own unique and near
constant temperature. Reputed locally to have healing powers these springs,
nestled in the forest adjacent to the Rumanyika Orugundu Game Reserve,
constitute a wonderful place to visit.
Ibanda & Lake Burigi Game Reserves
These are real hidden gems. Many giraffes, zebras and warthogs amongst
a host of varied game. The landscapes in both are stunning, however advance
booking is required as permission must be sought from the authorities.
Bweranyange Palace of the Kings of Karagwe
Visit the ancient home of King Rumanyika. Now in a state of some disrepair
one can still imagine that this was the centre of the leadership of the
district. Here Speke remained for over one month as he recovered from
illness during his famous ventures in these parts. By arrangement you
can also meet the would be descendent king and hear the historical tales
of yesteryear, and even hold the regal.
 Muleba
Muleba is famous throughout Kagera for its Mali juice: a local product
made with fresh fruits. This Belgian-funded project supports Muleba farmers
and the community in general. The juice is great and can be mixed with
Gin or Rum to create your own Mali-breezer. Kiroyera Tours can organize
a tour to the Mali Juice factory.
Kagera has a history of chiefdoms and Muleba have had many chiefs over
the years. There is still an old house, residence of the last chief, opposite
the Posta. Many important visitors have been given a tour there, so make
sure to ask for yours.
From Muleba town you cannot see the Lake, but you can easily walk to
the next escarpment down the Lake in 1½ hour. From the escarpment
of Kiholele you can enjoy the magnificent view and after a rest you could
continue for another 1½ down to the Lakeshore. Other walks can
be taken to Rubya/Nshamba, crossing the Ngono by boat (± 4 hours).
If you have a pikipiki or a bicycle, you can easily travel to the nice
surrounding areas and maybe going south to Kimwani to a small beach. Red
dirt roads and lush green valleys are common and also the occasional herd
of Watusi cows.
Rubya
it on Monkey Rock, watch the Blue Vervet monkeys and soak up the view.
Sit on the rock and watch the full moon rising out of Lake Victoria.
Waterfalls - a 20 minute drive North of Rubya are three waterfalls, a
popular destination if you have car or don't mind cycling. Take a swimming
costume, the secluded falls are great place for a dip and a rest.
Rubya Seminary has satellite TV that they will let you watch if you ask
nicely. Ask the Rector, Father Medard for permission.
Ndolage
You can walk to the famous Bugonzi falls. These falls can be seen on the
road to Muhutwe as you begin your assent to Ndolage. If your legs are
long (at least one metre) then you can climb down a vertical ladder and
walk under these falls and feel the full force of the tons of water (in
rainy season) dropping 120 m to the villages below. Kiroyera Tours can
organise a tour to the traditional Bahaya house just out of town.
|
