New Years in Uganda - Lake Bunyonyi ??

I had a discussion about this a few weeks ago.

I had the fortune to grow up around some very beautiful lakes, so Lake Bunyonyi made less of an impression on me than it has on some other posters. Every time I make this comment someone says that my mistake was staying on the mainland--that Byoona Amagara is awesome and not to be missed.

From what I have heard it will be completely booked for New Years, so if you want to go, book ahead. I think it is worth a look. Ssese Islands are another obvious choice, and could be a bigger party due to more people.

Peace,

BB

Byoorna Amagara is a magical place at anytime but make sure you call to book if you haven't your own tent. Keep an eye out for friendly otter if you are swimming in lake he comes and joins you!!!

I dont see why New Years is a 'mzungu' thing.

Hello and thanks for the very quick replies!!
Based on BB and Chrissy I called to Byona Amagara and made a booking, and they still have space available for New Years. Said they took down their old dorm for building a brand new one with more beds and it will be ready for chirstmas. Said they also have another new "geodome" too, so maybe they have more space and why their not full for New Years yet, but they said they expect to be full so i'm glad I called. Anyway, will try to report here after having been there, can tell you what I found.

BB... been to Ssese Is already before and really wasn't so impressed, although it is a good suggestion so thank you for it! (Tho maybe it will be filled up with just too many people for me, and very very drunk people I think. Hoping Bunyonoi will be more mellow than I think Ssese will. I'll let you know about the 'mainland' vs. 'islands' thing, 'cuz I've also read it here on TT also.

Chrissy... will tell the otter you say hello! But there is only one otter in the lake? Hope he won't bite!

Smallmasterr... i'm quite sure celebrating New Years is not something Ugandans (most Africans?) did up til recently when tourists/mzugnus started traveling here - at least that is what I was told by the Ugandan family I stayed with, and asked others they said it is true. I believe there is still not parties for it or anything in the villages, just in some parties in pubs in the biggest towns and tourist places. Just saying what i was told, and havn't been for New Year in Africa before so maybe will see different myself.

Thank you everyone again for replying to my question!

Edited by: goin2uganda

Plenty of otters buit this one catches his fish and lies on his side eating it and mzungu-watches at the same time. If you want a touch of the locals life go to the edge of the island nearest the mainland and hang around and someone will paddle over in a canoe. Ask for Jimmy Biry... (WILL have to look up spelling) he will show you around his little nursery school he has started. Or you can just walk up hill and have stunning views over the lake. Will look up Jimmy's e-mail and send it to you. food is great on the island, recommend ordering early in the day and state what time you want it as they only cook one meal at a time and it can be a slow job. Also worth taking a few goodies and fruit over with you. Excellent bakery in Kabale and lovely hostel opp it in case you arrive late in Kabale. Dug-out canoe is free to island if you are staying there and is the calmest way to arrive. Birds on island are fantastic and there is a bird book in the library you can borrow (i am not a twitcher). Library there has some interesting reading so no need to take any books. Torch recommended as electricity is solar and not sooooo.. reliable. Showers have great views but can't beat a swim in the lake. Little campsite is very exclusive so if you have tent take it.

You will have the most amazing time on Byona! We stayed in the Geo Dome and it was awesome, if you don't mind paying extra I think it's a really neat experience and worth it. As Chrissywhite said the food is great on the island (chocolate crepes to die for). In our two months in Africa Byona Amagara and the area was a major highlight.

I agree i have been back twice now and am always drawn there and am given a wondeful welcome. It is just so relaxing and calming