Friday 13 September 2013

Tales of Blue Island


Many people love to take a break at the end of the year. But 12 months is a long time to wait, right? A group of friends and I therefore decided to make use of a mid-year public holiday that luckily for us  fell on Monday making the weekend longer. Though in dire need to unwind our wallets were only semi-smiling. We agreed and made plans to spend two days and one night at Lake Side Adventure Park, Bule Island.

Seeing as we were not spending too much on the trip, we didn’t expected it to be a lot of fun. The excitement was initially because we would be altogether and out of town. But we were wrong. The activities tired us to the bone. We totally enjoyed ourselves while there. 

Getting there
Bule Island is located somewhere in Mukono, you can get there by water and road briefly or road alone. The complete road trip is longer and more costly. We opted to go by water. This required us to be at KK beach at an agreed time from where we were picked.
If with spending the night at Bule Island, you can leave your car parked at KK Beach Ggaba over night. Prior to the trip, we were told it would cost us Shs5,000 per night but when we talked to the guards they said it is free of charge.

We travelled on boat for less than 20 minutes and then into a car to Lake Side Adventure Park. Transport is about Shs20,000 to and from. It is less if you are many. And you don’t have to spend the night. If you decide to, that will cost Shs30,000 in the dormitory. The cottages are a little more expensive but where under construction when we went there.

The vacation mood starts the moment you get onto the boat thanks to the vast fields of vegetation surrounding the place. It is serene, the air so fresh that you wish you could bag some of it. We were told that the network is poor for all telecom companies once you get on water. We complied at first but were later grateful for that. It helped us relax more because we paid attention to each other and our surroundings instead of being on phone half of the time.


The activities
At the park are two main activities, the obstacle course which is Shs10,000 per person and the high rope which has two levels each costing Shs30,000. Involving running up and down, jumping and all kind of things, the obstacle course seemed so easy to do. We were divided into two groups and told to compete away and repeat as many times as we wanted. We thought we would compete one on one after the group competition. But when we finished, competing as groups once, with a few bruises, sweaty bodies, exhausted, we walked back to our rooms quietly. Word of advise, don’t go for this after a heavy meal.

The high rope is also a mixture of challenges divided into two levels. The second is obviously more challenging than the first. It is almost as daring as bungee jumping and ends on a cool note of a zip slide at all levels. These activities are suitable for company staff retreats or group of friends. When counting them they seem few but they are so draining, you wouldn’t go for a second round even if you didn’t have to pay. You can take children as well if aged eight and above. After this sleeping, card and board games is all you will be able to do. A friend and I decided to play Twister to help stretch our muscles, that didn’t go to well.

At the island
The nights at island are quite and peaceful. At adventure park, power is switched on at 7pm to 10pm. It can be kept on longer at a fee. It is then that  you can take a hot bath and charge electronics. When the water levels are low, they hold a camp fire at the beach – it is beautiful. A friend carried a portable hoofer with which we played music off our phones, it spiced up our visits so much as we turned the dormitory in which we were sleeping into a mini dance hall. It was fun.

The surroundings
When we attempted to move around, we ended up at Lagoon Resort whose staff unlike those at Lake Side Adventure Park where not as friendly. Seeing as there was a swimming pool unlike at the park, we decided to go swim there But even though the pool was abandoned, we were refused from using it because when they have guests it is exclusive to them. As we turned to live, we were asked to pay Shs5,000 for entering the resort. It is something clearly written on a sign post at the entrance. But we thought we wouldn’t have to pay it since we wanted to swim. It costs about Shs500,000 per night ($200). We hurried back to the friendly (need I add affordable) Lake Side Adventure Park but not before walking down to the Lagon Resort beach. The walk way is heavenly, a day there can heal you of all the stress. These also have a speed boat.

We were totally impressed by Lake Side Adventure Park. The staff is friendly and highly professional – they see to it that you get what they promised. Requiring you to place your orders days before your trip, the meals are delivered just on time in the most appetizing of ways. Breakfast costs Shs10,000, lunch and dinner is Shs15,000 and Shs20,000 for a barbeque. Soft drinks cost Shs2000. You are allowed to carry wine/champagne and anything else that you need but is not sold at the Island. Check out their website www.lakeside.ug to get contacts and ask to be served by a gentleman called Perfect. He is almost perfect.


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