As much as many haven’t fallen in love with birds, those who do really understand the benefits. This is not just about the birds, but an opportunity to relax, have adventure and fun. Musambwa Island is one of the smallest islands found in Rakai district by the shores of Lake Victoria (the largest freshwater lake in the continent of Africa) with no woman, but rather men, snakes and birds is the whole big deal for your vacation.
This island is so unique because though records reveal more women than men on earth, here has only men. It is situated about 5 kilometers from the Kasensero landing site on Lake Victoria. The vegetation cover of the place mainly comprises of stunted trees and savanna and the weather is so cool.
According to government sources, the total number of island occupants is about 100 males, peacefully living and sharing moments with snakes and birds. Lake Victoria is found in Uganda; a gifted country situated in the east of the African continent.
The name Musambwa Island is derived from a native Kiganda word “Musambwa” which means “gods” or “spirits”. These Spirits are reportedly manifested through the snake, which dominates the island. It sprawls through about a 5 sq.km of land.
On the contrary, women are not only allowed into Musambwa Island, but also not permitted to get near it, as a way of protecting men from developing sexual desire. The occupants believe the snakes which they refer to as “spirits” are the very first and owners of the island. The types of snakes here include vipers, African rock python and cobras.
When it comes to birding, this island is without doubt a great birding destination made up of a profusion of birds which can all be seen on a single visit. As an important birding site in Uganda, it is recognized as the largest habitat of the Grey-headed Gulls in the continent of Africa. As the Gulls sail in-air and on treetops, others take a watch of the nests, babies and eggs.
Birds in Musambwa Island.
On your bird watching day in Musambwa island; look out for; Yellow-billed Duck, Common Moorhen, Long-Tailed Cormorant, black crake, Pink-backed Pelican, African Marsh Harrier, Little Egret, Greater Cormorant, Squacco Heron, white-winged black Tern, greater cormorant, Water Thick-knee, Hammerkop, Egyptian Goose, Herring Gull, Grey Heron, Cattle Egret, Lesser Black-backed Gull, green-backed heron, Open-Billed Stork, Pied Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper, Lesser Flamingo, little egrets, Sacred Ibis, Black-headed Heron, long-tailed cormorant, Spur-winged Plover, and the African Fish Eagle.
Birding experience.
Remove all the anxiety, doubts and go encounter unique birds in the unique Musambwa Island. Watch the birds at a close range, without hustling with the binoculars. The guide is at your service from the start to the end of the trip, including picking and dropping you to the agreed point. There is no harm as you identify the different bird species by name, color and size.
Accessing Musambwa Island.
The island is about 10kms from the mainland and approximately 1 hour on a motorized boat. You can also access it from either Entebbe or Kampala; the capital city of Uganda. Use the road then water to connect to the island. On the boat, you will enjoy the calm water breeze and watch the aquatic birds.
The Best Time to Visit Musambwa Island.
Birds are so much active in the morning and evening hours of the day; this is ideal moment to visit. May to September, and then March is recommendable and time when migratory birds visit the island. However, the area is open to visitors all year round.
Musambwa island is safe and with a variety of bird species. It is one place deserving consideration on your birding safari to Uganda.
