Located in Uganda’s northwest of Lake Victoria, the Ssese Islands feature up to 84 islands of varying sizes. Some of the islands, like Bugala, are over forty kilometers long.
A total of 84 islands can be found in Uganda’s Ssese Islands, safe tucked away in Lake Victoria’s northwest. These islands come in all sizes, with some, like Bugala, being over forty kilometers long.
About 65,000 people live on only half of the islands, while private property and fishing islands make up the remainder. The majority of the Ssese Islands are controlled by the Kalangala District, whose main office is located on Buggala Island.
The Ssese islands are under the administration of Entebbe town as well. The name Ssese Islands was chosen for islands because it used to be severely plagued by Tsese flies.
A Brief History of the Ssese Islands
These islands, according to geologists, were created around 12,000 years ago. They say, tectonic forces elevated two arms of the East African rift valley, resulting in the creation of Lake Victoria and surrounding islands.
To date, it’s one of the few places where Buganda’s ancient culture and traditions are still followed. When you visit, the locals can tell you different stories about the islands.
According to local legend, the formation of the islands and the Buganda Kingdom are related. They assert that Kintu, the original Muganda, was a native of these islands.
And, according to a different narrative, the Abassese (Bantu people) inhabited the islands for more than 500 years. Because they were giants with superhuman strength, they were not humans but rather the avatars of some ancient spirits.
The giants of Abassese believed in the existence of a spirit known as Mbirimu, who could assume both animal and human forms.
Tourist attractions on Ssese islands
With entry points via Bugala island, Nakiwogo, and Bukakata, Ssese Islands provide an ideal gate away from the noise and bustle of Kampala city on the weekends.
The islands are naturally blessed with relaxing white-sand beaches, breathtaking sunsets, spectacular fauna, a wide variety of bird species, cruises, appealing scenery, wildlife, palms, beautiful accommodations, delectable native cuisines, and historical stories from the locals.
By the way, on your visit, you must try out Jack fruit, papaya, mango, and avocado. They are among the most scrumptious native fruits available on the islands.
Other local foods such as Luwombo, matooke, G. nut sauce, millet bread, katogo, Posho, silverfish, beans, and peas are available too. To top it all, you can’t go without tasting the mouthwatering tilapia and Nile perch, that is prepared by the locals.
Hotels on the Ssese Islands
Most of the hotels and lodges in the Ssese Islands provide quality service in the low to middle price range. And, as much as there aren’t any 5-star luxury hotels on the Island, the majority of customers will be happy.
Some of them include Victoria Forest Resort, Mirembe Resort Beach Hotel, Brovad Sands Lodge Kalangala, Ssese Islands Beach Hotel, Kalangala Pearl Resort, and Ssese Habitat among many others.
They may be 3-star hotels but the services provided are top-notch! As you may have heard, the island of Bugala boasts the highest concentration of hotels. Whether they are mid-range or high-end, all the hotels and lodges have lovely views and access to the lake.
Ssese islands location – How to get there
Three ferries currently travel to and from Bugala Island. The first one travels between Kalangala and Nakiwogo in Entebbe. At 8 am and 2 pm, it departs Kalangala for Nakiwogo. It takes three hours to travel to and from Bugala Island.
The ferry costs 20,000 shillings per person for second class and 25,000 shillings per person for luxury, and it can carry cars. The main difference is that there are fewer passengers and more legroom in the first class cabin. Up to 100 passengers and eight cars can travel on the boat that travels the Entebbe-Kalangala route at once.
Four times per day, ferry number two departs from Bukakata (near Masaka) towards Bugoma. The ferry that travels the Nakiwogo to Kalangala route is more organized than this one. Utilizing private, luxurious boats is the third way to go to the Ssese islands.
Although more expensive, these offer extremely high-quality services and comfort. From Kampala or Entebbe to the islands, they cost about $30 per person. Additionally, speedboats can be hired. Only local engine-powered boats or fast boats can get to the farther-flung islands.
Some of these engine-powered boats are crowded, overloaded, and hazardous (some lack life jackets). Rarely do they keep time. Before the boat is completely loaded, you will have to wait for hours. Unless you are an adventurous person, you should avoid using these local boats.
Activities for tourists
Before, people only recognized the Ssese Islands for their geographic location and the fact that they offered the best grounds for fishing.
There also was a tsetse fly infestation which discouraged visitors not withholding the fact that it was found among Uganda’s poorest districts. But, it’s not the same anymore! Today, tourists visit the location for its tranquil beauty and a range of activities to indulge in.
The Ssese Islands are separated into two sections: the north-eastern Koome group and the south-western Bugala group. The Koome channel separates these two groupings.
The islands in the Bugala group include the following: Bugaba Island, Bufumira Island, Serinya Island, Buyova Island, Bubeke Island, Funye Island, and numerous others. Luwaji Island, Koome Island, and Damba Island are the three largest islands in the Koome group.
There are a variety of tourist activities on these islands available to visitors there. These include quad Biking, island tours, island hopping, canoe rides, boat cruises, sport fishing, village walks, cultural visits, bonfires, birding, camping, visiting John Speke’s Fort, and, a tour to the Ngamba chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Conclusion
The 84 Ssese islands, which are located in the Kalangala district, are now one of the top tourist sites in Uganda because of their uniqueness.
A trip to this location is something you do not want to miss out on for any reason. And yes, there are a lot of other places you may include in your schedule for a safari in Uganda. But we dare you to visit these islands. They are nothing short of incredible.
They were even named among the World’s best-kept secrets. Surely, you wouldn’t want to miss this!
