OBONGI BY FERRY

The silver sedan pulls up at the river side, as I disembark it, I stroll close to the river edge, I can feel the cool breeze blowing against my face. The air is fresh and crisp, with a hint of moisture in it, and I can hear the gentle sound of the water flowing by. In March the weather was typically warm and sunny, with occasional scattered clouds providing some relief from the heat. The sun's rays reflected off the water, creating a dazzling display of light and color. Like many places on the peripherals of river basins, the weather at a river side is always unpredictable. The clouds can roll in suddenly, casting shadows over the water and creating a foreboding atmosphere. Thunderstorms can also appear out of nowhere, bringing with them flashes of lightning and claps of thunder that echo down the river valley. However, despite the unpredictability of the weather, there is a certain tranquility and peace that can be found at the river side. Whether it's the sound of the water gently lapping against the shore, the rustling of leaves in the wind, or the chirping of birds in the trees, there is always something soothing about being near a flowing river, and this was the experience I found myself in on 24th March 2023.

I had emphatically jumped on an opportunity to travel to Kampala from Yumbe, via Obongi Ferry, then Adjumani, Gulu, and straight to Kampala, crossing the river Nile proper, two times, one here and the other at Karuma.

Obongi is a town located in the northern region of Uganda, specifically in the district of Obongi. It is a small town that was carved out of Moyo District, the population is largely floating and it is divided over five sub-counties of Palorinya, Gimara, Itula, Aliba, Ewafa and one town council. The town of Obongi is known for its natural beauty, with lush green landscapes and rolling hills surrounding the town. The nearby Obongi Hills is a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.it is a charming and peaceful town that offers visitors a glimpse into the natural beauty and rich culture of northern Uganda. With its friendly people, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions, Obongi is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to this part of the world.

When the ferry turned up at the docking station, some 20 minutes after we arrived, I hurriedly took a seat next to the queue of vehicles lined in the middle of the vessel. The landing site in Obongi is Laropi, named after the landing sites of Laropi, the ferry connects Adjumani District to Moyo District and according to information obtained from the UNRA website, it carries an average of 1,500 to 1,800 people per day at the crossing with a minimum of 12 trips and a maximum of 22 trips. It takes 30 minutes for loading and offloading while the time to cross is between 10 to 15 minutes.

Using a ferry can be an exciting and unique way to travel. The experience of riding on a ferry is quite different from driving or flying. As the ferry glides across the water, passengers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the tranquil waters beneath them. The sound of the engine revving up was loud.  

As the ferry continued on its journey, the scenery changed, and we could see a variety of sights, including isolated fishing boats, floating hyacinths, and distant fishing villages.

The journey on a ferry was a peaceful and relaxing experience, giving me a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. If it were not for the many travelers, it was easy for me to sit back and enjoy the ride, letting the sound of the waves and the breeze on their face soothe their senses.

As we disembarked from the docking station, the side of Adjumani district, I couldn’t help but add this to one of my favorite and unforgettable traveling experiences. a perfect way to travel and explore new places while enjoying the beauty of nature.