When your boat takes a turn around a hill, you will be faced with a scene that always evokes the question, "Oh my God, are those palm trees?" Yes, those are palm trees, that's a beach and that's Takawiri Island, the pride and joy of the locals of the island.
With less than a dozen rooms, the lodge can be classified as an exclusive resort. You don't rock up at Takawiri Island resort, you call ahead. And you pay Sh500 to use the facility because it takes a lot to maintain the beach.
The beach never gets full, thankfully but it fills you with great beauty. You could swim for the water is always the right temperature and unlike ocean water, you never taste salt or have stingy eyes.
Or you could do what most people do; lie on the beach, read a book, or look up to follow boats, ferries, and water buses cross lazily on the horizon. It's a real paradise, Takawiri Island Lodge. I have been there a dozen times and yet each time I see something new.
Recently I walked up the rocky hill behind the resort and was surprised at the stunning 240-degree view of the lake and surrounding islands.
Or the bird with a white chest that makes that sound like something between a harp and a piano. Weird, sweet bird. Or that when you swim further inside the lake, the water gets colder and you experience a sweet spot of fear and bliss.
Then there is always Dan, the aging manager who is always there to hand you a history of the island or of the people. He knows the story of the hills and the rocks.
Mostly you are left with your own thoughts and sights. Eat something, to mean eat fish. It's fresh and tasty. If you want pizza, it's safe to preorder before you go. Otherwise, learn to do little. It's an island for chrissake.
