In the heart of Uganda, Isaac and Franziska embarked on a remarkable expedition, weaving through the serene waters of Lake Victoria. Their journey, born out of a shared passion for exploration and a deep reverence for nature, promised an unforgettable adventure rich in discovery and wonder.
The Adventure Begins
At about 2:30pm, the 27th of March, 2024, Isaac Matsanga, Franziska Fisken and Ashraf as their tour guide and boat navigator set sail from the shores of Jinja City, their vessels gliding gracefully across the surface of the lake. A sense of excitement filled the air as they embarked on their voyage, eager to explore the hidden treasures that lay beyond the horizon.
Exploring the nearest peninsula
The peninsula on Lake Victoria in Jinja stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty and cultural significance of Uganda’s natural landscape. On this peninsula lies one of the fishing villages called Kikondo village.
Encountering Local Communities
As we ventured further into the heart of Lake Victoria, Isaac and Franziska had the opportunity to connect with the communities that call its shores home. They were warmly welcomed by local fishermen and villagers.
Pottery at Kikondo Village
We also visited a pottery led by Ibrahim where we found Peter and Abubaker who demonstrated (in Luganda – one of the local languages in Uganda) how they make cups, plates to mention but a few out of clay. Some of their already made products included the cups, plates, wall tiles, elephants among others. The image below shows some of the products made.
The visit to the source of the Nile
From Kikondo village, we moved to the the source of river Nile where we noticed the pressure of water rising from the ground to commence its journey to the Mediterranean Sea. River Nile locally known as Kiira was given the name Nile by John Hanning Speke in 1862 after asking one of the locals who didn’t understand him and responded “Tiidi nayile” meaning “I don’t even know anything” due to language barrier then, he took nayile for Nile hence River Nile, added Ashraf- the tour guide.
A Journey of Reflection
As their expedition drew to a close, Isaac and Franziska reflected on the profound impact that their journey had on them. They had witnessed the various bird species and untamed beauty of Lake Victoria, experienced the warmth and hospitality of its people, and gained a newfound respect for the fragile balance of nature. Their journey had been a testament to the transformative power of exploration, reminding them of the importance of cherishing and preserving the wonders of the natural world.
The trip around lake Victoria ended with a visit to the sailing club where we had drinks and snacks to wrap it all as we watched the sun set.
A Legacy of Exploration
Isaac and Franziska‘s expedition on Lake Victoria was more than just a journey – it was a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and discovery. Theirs was a journey of connection, of reverence for nature, and of the profound realisation that we are all custodians of the Earth’s precious resources.
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