Ssese Island Adventure | Uganda Tour

Ssese Island Adventure | Uganda Tour

Ssese Island Adventure | Uganda Tour : situated in the northwest of Lake Victoria, the Ssese Archipelago comprises of 84 islands. Some are large and densely inhabited while others are small and deserted. The Island lies into two categories or groups i.e. Bulaga group in the southwest and the Koome group in the northeast. These two are basically separated by the Koome channel and the largest island in the Ssese group is Bugala.

It comprises of the following islands; the Bugaba, Bufumira, Serinya, Buyova, Bubeke, Funye. On the other, hand Koome Island consists of Luwaji, Damba and Koome (the largest in the group). The Ssese Islands are obviously under the administration of Kalangala district. The Baganda traditionally revere Ssese as the Islands of the gods and in pre-colonial times it was customary for the kings of Buganda to visit the islands. This was done in order to pay tribute to the several balubaale whose main shrines are situated there. These include the shrines to Musisi (spirit of earthquakes) and Wanema (physical handicaps) as well as Mukasa (spirit of the lake).

What to do at Ssese Island 

Bird watching

The Island is generally a birders paradise for both water birds and those that live on land. While here, you can spot various bird species and these include; the paradise flycatcher, Great blue Turaco. Shoebill stock, African fish eagle, Palm nut vulture, Marabou stock, Horn bills, Barbets. Robin chats, Crested crane, Weaver birds, African green broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Doherty’s, etc. Therefore, don’t forget to pack your birding equipment in order to have the best birding experience.

Spot fishing  

This activity is one of the top things that you can enjoy and it’s done on the waters of Lake Victoria. Your reward here during your fishing activity can be a Tilapia, Lung fish, Nile perch and the tiger fish. Besides, one to engage in the activity must have a permit for international visitors. You can also decide to hire a fishing gear from the Island at affordable prices. However, it’s advisable to come with your equipment. If you don’t prefer entering the water you can still watch the fisher men in the area.

Wildlife

The tropical forests at the Island is filled with Vervet and Colobus monkeys. However, other animals like sitatunga antelopes can be spotted. Crocodiles sometimes come to the Island from smaller Islands and Hippos can be viewed from the southwestern flings of Bulaga. The Forest is also filled with various flora and fauna that can only be found on the Island.

Swimming

The activity in the waters of Lake Victoria is a very exciting on Ssese Islands. As a matter of fact, Bulaga is the most noted swimming area of all Islands. Due to the outbreak of Bilharzia and presence of crocodiles, many people enjoy their swimming activities in swimming pools. Sun bathing at any of the Ssese Islands is interesting as you just sit and observe the fresh waters.

Quad biking

Quad biking is the best way to explore the Ssese Islands. While on the bike you can visit fishing villages, forests, beaches as well as brightening your day. There is a simple training organized for the starters though the activity doesn’t require much experience. The activity is open for all years and it takes only one hour.

Beach games

After relaxing your mind and your body without the bustle and hustle of the city, you can engage in beach games like volleyball, beach soccer and football among others.

Where to stay

Upmarket

• Brovad Sands Lodge

Moderate

• Ssese Habitant Resort
• Ssese Islands Beach Hotel

Budget

• Victoria Forest Resort
• Mirembe Resort Beach
• Panorama Cottages

How to get there

By Ship from Entebbe

The MV Kalangala is a daily passenger/vehicle service that connects Lutoboka Port on Buggala Island to Nakiwogo Port. The ship leaves Nakiwogo at 14:00 daily and starts the return trip from Lutoboka at 08:00 the next morning, taking 4 hours in either direction. One way fares are US$3/5 while vehicles are charged US$23 for a one way crossing but can also be parked in a compound at Nakiwogo for a small fee.

By ferry via Bukataka

A free vehicle ferry service connects the mainland port of Bukakata 40km east of Masaka to Luko 30km west of Kalangala several times daily. Two different ferries cross back and forth regularly between 08:00 and 18:00, taking 30 minutes in either direction.