A dodgy tummy or surprise sniffles don’t have to ruin your Bunyonyi adventure. There’s solid local medical know-how nearby to sort most things out quickly, so no need to panic. At Edirisa on Lake Bunyonyi we of course also have a first aid box handy for you …
That said, if you’ve got a condition that likes to make itself known, best give us a quiet heads-up before you arrive. The more clued-up your hosts are, the smoother things will go if anything flares up. No one wants a drama when they could be canoeing or soaking up views.
It might mean bringing enough meds to see you through, especially if you’re on daily stuff. In some instances, it’s worth updating nearby specialists just in case things get interesting.
Bwama Health Centre III, started by Slovenian medical students, is on the lake’s biggest island and it’s pretty well kitted out. You’ll need a boat to get there, but don’t worry, this place isn’t short on those. There’s even an official water ambulance, all flashy and fast, for proper emergencies.
Over on the Kyabahinga peninsula, the tiny Florence Mubonehe Memorial Health Centre does a bit of everything — from check-ups to teeth, eyes, bumps and even early cancer screening. Not bad, right?
If things get a bit too spicy, you’ll be sent to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital. It’s the one we mentioned last week, with loads of beds and sharp staff. It’s only about 30 minutes away by car (traffic here’s hardly a London rush hour).
Still, best to stay one step ahead: drink safe water, sleep under a net, wash your bits and bobs, and keep the germs guessing.
photos by Brenda Katusiime & Elie Cirhuza