ACTIVITIES TO DO AT SSESE ISLANDS
WHAT CAN ONE DO SSESE ISLANDS ON A UGANDA SAFARI ?
SSESE ISLANDS – General information
The Island consists of 84 Islands in the North-Western section of Lake Victoria which is the second-largest freshwater Lake in the world and it’s shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The Ssese Island came into existence about 12000 years ago when a tectonic shift caused an elevated basin situated between two main arms of the Great Rift valley to flood forming Lake Victoria as we know it today. The islands vary in size from less than 10,000m to over 40 km long for the largest island in the archipelago, “Buggala”.
The Island of Ssese is under the district Administration of Kalangala which is the only district in Uganda with no mainland territory. Kalangala serves as the headquarters of the district that carries the same name (Kalangala District) and its located approximately 51 kilometers across the water, southwest of Entebbe.
Overview
The Ssese Islands are inhabited by the Bantu people speaking Bassese tribe, closely similar to the Baganda and Basoga, and speaking a similar though distinct language. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the islands were one of the most important spiritual centers of the region and about 43 of the Islands are inhabited.
Where to stay
There are hotels and lodges on some of the Islands. Bugala Island which is perhaps the largest and most frequented by visitors has the most hotel and lodging accommodations. Many of these are located along the lake, giving you a beachfront view and access to the lake. Good accommodation close to the beach makes a good and relaxing holiday. You can even enjoy a beach campfire in the evening. Hotels and lodges include Hornbill camp, Ssese Island Beach Hotel, Banda Island Resort and campsite, Islands club, kingfisher camping site, Mirembe Beach resort, panorama camp, Ssese habitat resort, Brovad sands Lodge.
Their several ACTIVITIES TO DO WHILE IN SSESE ISLANDS, that’s why at times its called Uganda’s hidden treasure. The land surrounded by the largest water lake almost appearing as a sea in a land Locked Country.
Getting to the Island mostly during the Dry Seasons is the most fun activity one can undertake during their safari to Uganda.
One has to go through Bugala Island, known as the tourist hub on the Ssese Islands has become more and more possible. This is due to two large ferries serving between Bugala Island and the Mainland. The ferry is always at Nakiwogo dock daily to Kalangala Bay – Lutoboka and departs from Entebbe (Nakiwogo) at 2:00 p.m. this usually takes 3.5 hours to Kalangala daily and back to Nakiwongo at 8: 00 am. The fee is UGX 14,000 per individual for the 1st class and UGX 10,000 for 2nd Class. Be assured that you can get a snack or something while at the ferry there is a simple restaurant.
The other ferry which departs from Bukkakata site (near Masaka) and lands at Bugoma on the other end of Bugala Island. It usually departs at 8:00 a.m., 11: 30 a.m., 1: 30 pm and then 4: 00 pm from Bukakata and returns from Bugoma at 9:00 am, 12:30 pm as 2:30 pm and then 5: 00 pm as well.
The top things to do and see on the Ssese islands
BEACH FIRES AND BBQ
Imagine a serene night, an African bright-lit night sky, as you sit on the beach with Blazing Fire, music and busy enjoying a roasted Tilapia Fish, BBQ that can always be organized with the Hotels.
Many Hotels Organize Bon Fire especially when it’s not raining.
RELAX AND CHILL OUT:
At a reasonable distance from the banks of the lake, chill out with the tropical Sun, Sandy Beaches, Palm Trees, quaint Fishing Villages, cool forests. The Ssese islands deep within Lake Victoria offer some of the Best relaxing points in Uganda on your Uganda Holiday Vacation.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Ssese Islands are a perfect place to enjoy and explore with a mountain bike, it provides a spacious area where one can ride through Quaint fishing Villages, forests, Beaches and also get to know Bulaga island. Qua Biking can be organized by some hotels. While quad biking you could decide to take packed lunch with you and have it somewhere in a quiet place on the island.
HIKES AND NATURE WALKS
At Ssese Island there are very many Opportunities for Hikes and Nature Walks from Short Ones to Full day. Such Walks can include Visits to the nearby villages such as fishing villages, where you will have intercultural exchanges, then have a drink and chat at length.
We have mentioned but a few ACTIVITIES TO DO WHILE IN SSESE ISLANDS
