Ssese Islands Experience

Ssese Islands, one of Uganda’s less touristy places is located in the northwest of Lake Victoria, the second largest water in the world and forms one of Uganda’s prime destinations perfect for ending a Uganda safari or just relaxing on a weekend or any day getaway.The Ssese Archipelago made up of 84 separate Islands, some large and densely populated, others small and deserted. The islands have lush forest due to an annual average rainfall in excess of 20,000mm.

There are only two islands regularly receive tourists. One of these  Bugala which is the largest and most accessible and most developed Island. Privately owned and the site of a popular budget resort. The other Islands  visited with varying degrees of ease are Bubeke, Bukasa and Bufumira.

The top best things to do at Ssese Islands include fishing for the popular Nile Perch and tilapia.

Travellers can also go for boat sunset cruise on the lake enjoying the beautiful sunsets of Uganda. Boats used are motorized or canoe boats. Visitors can even hop to Ngamba Chimpanzee sanctuary for a half day experience.

It is also the best place to relax and chill out and or read a book as you escape the busy city of Kampala. Lonely Planet has named the Ssese Islands as one of the best places to relax and chill out with its tropical Sun, beautiful beaches, palm trees and fishing villages

Mountain biking and quad biking is also a great way to spend time and explore the Ssese islands, riding through the beautiful fishing villages and or having lunch at some beautiful spots. The quad rides can also take you to the other islands of Bugala and to Kalangala town.

Beach fires and BBQ arranged by the lodges at the islands. There is nothing as tasty as freshly caught Tilapia fish and great music. Beach fires are great in the evening. You will simply be having so much fun.

However, swimming not advised because of bilharzia, and some islands have the occasional hippo and crocodile.

Accommodations at Ssese Islands

There are many hotels at Ssese Islands for each budget. Our favourite is Brovad Sands hotel, a midrange hotel located right at the shores of Lake Victoria.

Getting to Ssese islands

The most popular route that the islands can be accessed is through Nakiwogo near Entebbe by MV Kalangala as the main gateway. Transfer between Nakiwogo and Bugala Island is usually 3½ hours.

From Bukakata: From the western part of Uganda, a free car ferry links Bukakata mainland located 36km east of Masaka with Luku on Bugala Islands about 50 minutes sailing. The ferry sails either directions every few hours from early morning to late afternoon. The morning trips on Sunday are not available.

From Kasenyi landing site: To get to Banda Island, there are small wooden boats departing from Kasenyi, a fishing village 7km off Entebbe-Kampala road; turn off is 5km outside Entebbe.

On Bugala Island there are shared taxis that run from Kalangala to Luku.

If you are interested in visiting the Ssese Islands, inquire now