A List of Tourist Activities and Sights on the Ssese Islands

In the Ssese Islands, tourists have a variety of activities to choose from. Some involve getting soaked in the water, while others involve relaxing and watching.

There are many tourist activities on the Ssese islands that tourists can enjoy. Some of them involve getting soaked in the water while others require one to sit back, relax and watch.

The following are some of the tourist activities available on the Ssese islands;

Visit The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

The Jane Goodall Foundation and the government designated Ngamba island as a sanctuary for rescued orphan chimpanzees.

You can sign up to work on the island as a volunteer or just pay a visit to meet the chimpanzees in their natural environment. Tourists and primate lovers enjoy feeding the chimpanzees at the sanctuary. Apart from this, you can also go birdwatching or take a boat tour of the island.

Swimming

While visiting any of the Ssese Islands, swimming is one of those tourist activities you must take part in. The beach in Mutumbala is Bugala’s most well-liked swimming location. 

Crocodiles from other sections of the lake occasionally make their way to some of the Ssese islands. But these shouldn’t bother you too much, especially if you visit the bigger islands. 

The biggest risk of contracting bilharzia while swimming in Lake Victoria is now extremely rare and treatable with a few shots. If you’re scared of crocodiles or bilharzia, you can swim in the hotel pool and simply visit the beach to unwind and take in the cool air.

Bird Watching

Many birds have hiding places on the Ssese islands. The lush forests and remote wetlands that may be found on several of the islands are ideal for these birds. 

Expect to see African fish eagles, barbets, brown-throated wattle-eye, hornbills, palm nut vultures, paradise flycatchers, pygmy kingfishers, robin-chats, turacos, and weaver birds when visiting Buggala Island.

Watching The Wildlife

Vervet and Colobus monkeys can be found on the Ssese islands. Crocodiles visit a few of the smaller islands sometimes so you may get a chance to see them. 

Then, the South Western Bugala’s coastlines are a good place to see hippos. However, because they aren’t used to seeing many visitors like humans, these huge creatures are secretive. 

Together with the Sitatunga, these animals prefer marshy shorelines. In comparison to wetlands in other parts of Africa, the Sitatunga in the Ssese Islands have evolved to have longer horns.

Sport fishing 

One of the main tourist activities on the Ssese islands is sport fishing. To try and catch the biggest fish, fishing expeditions are typically organized in the various fishing villages. 

Although tilapia is the primary catch in this area, catching Nile perch is the true trophy (the largest fish in Lake Victoria). International travelers need to have a fishing license to go sport fishing. 

It is preferable to bring your equipment even if you can rent fishing gear from the islands for a reasonable price. You can observe the fisherman laying their nets from afar if, for some reason, you don’t want to enter the sea yourself.

Nature Walks in the Villages 

Most of the islands have dense vegetation which tourists will love. You can go about and gaze at the lovely flowers and greenery. For anyone interested in learning more about the daily lives of the locals, you might go to or visit one of the fishing villages. 

The Ssese Islands are still plagued by poverty and squalor. The majority of fishermen squander their hard-earned cash on alcohol and women.

Agricultural Tours

A BIDCO-owned palm tree and pineapple garden in Bugala is the ideal location for agricultural tours. Visit the local farmers or out-growers to find out how they profit from selling to BIDCO. 

Conservationists blame agriculture for the loss of forest cover and the islands’ natural beauty, although many residents work on the plantations.

Quad Biking

Exploring the Ssese Islands on quad bikes is one great and enjoyable activity. You can travel to the beaches, forests, and fishing villages with bikes and a great phone. All-terrain quad bikes are utilized in Bugala, and prior motorcycling knowledge is not necessary.

There is no prerequisite motorcycle expertise necessary for the quad bikes utilized in Bugala. This is because they are- Terrain. People of all ages can ride bikes, and it’s more enjoyable to do it with loved ones or friends. 

Before beginning the established circuits, there is a practice/training session. You should bring a packed lunch with you because Bugala Island is quite huge. The cost of an hour of quad biking in Uganda is roughly 70,000 shillings.

Pay A Visit to the Nanziri waterfalls

On the island of Bukasa, several waterfalls can be found. These enigmatic waterfalls are not far from the renowned Nanziri cave and Wanema’s shrine. 

You must take off your shoes and speak in a very low voice because these regions are regarded as sacred by the natives. The guidelines for behavior while there will be explained to you by your guide. 

You can see the remains of many sacrifices made to Nanziri, the waterfalls’ god, and other spirits at the waterfalls, including pieces of meat, coffee beans, and cash.

To receive blessings, protection, wealth, and fertility, people from all walks of life converge on this simple location. More often than not, fishermen come here to ask for blessings before heading out to sea. Locals even think that the water from the falls may treat a wide range of illnesses.

The John Speke House

It was the renowned British explorer John Speke that discovered the source of the Nile. To locate the big river’s source, he traveled to the Ssese Islands. 

In 1863, while residing in the Ssese Islands, he built a modest home in the Lutoboka Forest. When Speke learned that Jinja was the location of the Nile’s source, he left the house. 

Over a century has passed with the house largely unaltered. A tree that is also thought to be older than 100 years stands directly in the home.

Conclusion

The Ssese Islands resemble other islands that can be found in tropical nations. However, there’s something unique about the ones in Uganda. Come and experience the tourist activities at Ssese islands and you may agree.