Ssese Islands: History, Things to do, Accommodations
The Ssese Islands comprise an archipelago of 84 tiny islands situated in the northwestern region of Lake Victoria in Uganda. The Islands belong to the Kalangala district, situated in the southern central region of the country. Bugala Island, the largest island in the archipelago, is home to Kalangala town and several activities in the Ssese Islands. Bugala is the most built and populous island, housing the administrative offices of the Kalangala district. The other islands, such as Ngamba, Serinya, Bugaba, Bubeke, Bukasa, and Bufumira, have fewer inhabitants or have been acquired as private property.
Ngamba is a renowned island within the Ssese archipelago. Fifty percent of the area is forested and has been designated as a chimpanzee refuge. Ngamba has red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, geckos, lizards, snakes, and several bird species. It occasionally receives hippopotamuses and crocodiles. The primary draw is the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The refuge rehabilitates orphaned or rescued chimpanzees and offers them a new, abundant habitat.
In addition to Bugala and Ngamba, there are also Banda Island and Bulago Island. Banda Island has been transformed into a resort for guests seeking a secluded refuge for nature walks, birdwatching, primate observation, and reptile viewing. The seas surrounding Banda Island are ideal for swimming and boating. Bulago Island is situated to the east of Entebbe International Airport. It is among the largest and most renowned islands in the Ssese Archipelago, encompassing around 510 acres. The Island resembles a human neck when observed from above, so it is named Bulago (meaning neck in Luganda). Bulago is an exquisite island, ideal for photography, natural excursions, and adventure activities. Numerous lodges and resorts have been constructed on the island to enable travelers to appreciate its natural beauty and seclusion.
Chronicle of the Ssese Islands
Researchers assert that the Ssese islands were developed over one million years ago. This occurred about with the establishment of the East African Rift Valley. The convergence of continental plates and the creation of the rift valley resulted in the uplift of certain landforms, while others remained flat, leading to the construction of mountains. The Ssese Islands experienced subsidence, resulting in the formation of rivers and lakes. Lake Victoria was among the water bodies that created. A portion of land remained elevated within the lake, forming what is currently recognized as the Ssese Islands.
The Ssese Islands were initially settled by the Bassese people, who are closely affiliated with the Baganda and Basoga, however possess a unique language known as Lussese. The Bassese people possess a unique narrative regarding the island’s creation. Some assert that Kintu, the inaugural Muganda, resided in these islands, where he established the Kingdom of Buganda. Some assert that the initial residents were colossal spiritual entities known as the Mbirimu, capable of transforming into human or animal forms. On a significant day, one of the spirits transformed into a woman and bore twins (a son and a python). The youngster became a traditional healer (Emandwa) and constructed a shrine for his sibling, a python named Luwala. The local populace frequented the Luwala shelter to seek blessings and knowledge for achieving prosperity in life. Nonetheless, Emandwa serves as an intermediate. During the old tribal conflicts between the Baganda and other tribes, they would seek counsel from the Emandwa to ascertain the war’s conclusion through the python. During one of these talks, Emandwa presented the Baganda with a sacred stick (damula) derived from a unique tree on Bugala Island. This revered staff is still esteemed by the Buganda kingdom and is bestowed upon each Kabaka.
The Ssese Islands in Uganda are renowned for their association with ancient deities, housing some of the most formidable witch-doctors in the country. Numerous Ugandans continue to hold faith in traditional witch doctors and religious practices. Annually, thousands flock to Ssese Island to seek counsel from the residing Emandwa and request the python’s guardianship, wealth, and success. Upon the demise of an Emandwa, Luwala (Python) selects a successor. Each Emandwa is chosen by the spirits and devotes his entire life to Luwala. If Luwala wishes to communicate with his people, he does it through the Emandwa by possessing his body. The present Emandwa does not belong to the Luwala (python) family. He was selected by the human elders due to the youth of the individual from the bloodline. Luwala (python) is supposed to exist eternally, albeit in a spiritual form.
In the 20th century, the majority of the original Bassese population evacuated the region owing to an outbreak of sleeping sickness that resulted in several fatalities. In the 1980s, some individuals returned to the islands following the eradication of the disease-causing tsetse insects. By that time, only a handful of Bassese remained, and the ancient Lussese language had diminished in popularity. The island is currently inhabited by several cultural groups, including the Bassese, Baganda, Basoga, and other tribes from Uganda.
Bugala Island: Angling and Tourism in the Ssese Islands
Bugala Island serves as the nucleus of all economic operations in the Ssese Islands. The primary economic activities include fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Nevertheless, fishing ranks first. Nearly every home includes a fisherman or a somebody engaged in fishing-related commerce. Unregulated fishing has resulted in overfishing, which, if unaddressed, may jeopardize the future livelihoods of the island’s inhabitants. In addition to fishing, there exists subsistence agriculture. This is an area where individuals cultivate crops primarily for personal consumption. The primary crops cultivated include matooke, cassava, groundnuts, sweet potatoes, and beans. The Islanders engage in small-scale animal husbandry.
Tourism is expanding swiftly and will soon surpass fishing as the primary source of income. Tourists from over the globe visit the several Ssese Islands for honeymoons, camping, and weekend getaways. Exploring the Islands has become a premier activity in Uganda. The island attracts visitors due to its unspoiled and tranquil beaches. The reinstatement of government ferries in the Ssese Islands has facilitated the transit of individuals from Entebbe to the Islands. During a trip of the Ssese Islands, tourists have numerous activities to engage in. One may effortlessly unwind on the beach in a swinging chair or stroll to relish the refreshing breeze emanating from the lake. Canoes and boats are available for excursions to multiple islands simultaneously. Swimming is widely favored; nonetheless, it should be approached with prudence, contingent upon the specific island you are visiting. The risk of contracting bilharzia or encountering occasional hippos and crocodiles on certain islands is minimal. Most resorts and hotels on the Ssese Islands feature campfires at night, where guests enjoy food and beverages while listening to and dancing to music. We will soon cover the activities in further detail. Prior to engaging in activities in the Ssese Islands, you may find the article regarding activities in Entebbe intriguing.
Things to do in the Ssese Islands
Bird Watching:
The Ssese Islands rank among the premier locations for avian observation in Uganda. The Ssese Islands are inherently conducive to avian habitation due to the presence of rainforests, aquatic environments, fish, and isolated swamps. Nearly all species of birds inhabit the islands. Both migratory and resident species that are endemic to the islands exist. Individuals interested in ornithology should remember to bring quality binoculars when visiting the islands. Birdwatchers may observe the African green broadbill, egrets, sparrows, marabou storks, crested cranes, shoebill storks, the great blue turaco, among others.
Best destinations in Ssese Islands:
The Ssese Islands, encircled by the pristine waters of Lake Victoria, are a great locale for swimming. Fresh in that the waters are devoid of salt and exhibit lower levels of contamination. The most prominent locations for swimming are the Bulago Islands and Mutumbala Beach on Bugala Island. Nonetheless, swimming is not entirely secure on all the islands. Certain islands harbor crocodiles and hippos that pose a lethal threat. As previously said, the likelihood of contracting bilharzia is minimal, however it remains an uncommon occurrence in contemporary times. This is why certain resorts or lodging establishments have constructed swimming pools for their guests.
Explore Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Chimpanzees are among the most captivating and fascinating animals to observe in their natural habitat. They exhibit remarkably distinctive social behaviors that captivate and attract tourists in the Ssese Islands. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is among the premier locations to observe chimpanzees in Uganda. The chimpanzees at Ngamba Island are all orphans rescued from poachers, pet traders, or following the loss of their parents. Upon arrival at the Centre, the orphaned chimpanzees receive a new habitat and appropriate care. The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Project commenced in 1998, initiated by the Jane Goodall Institute in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Visitors remit a charge to serve as a caretaker for a day, volunteer, or observe the chimpanzees during feeding.
Activities in Ssese Islands, Uganda: Sport fishing in Lake Victoria, which has over 270 fish species. While certain species are indigenous to specific regions, the most coveted are the Nile perch and Tilapia. These fish species are among the most delectable in the world. Prior to the introduction of the Nile Perch, it is estimated that the lake harbored more than 1,000 species. Sport fishing enjoys considerable popularity, with the substantial Nile Perch frequently being the primary goal. The advantage of fishing in Lake Victoria and its islands is the permission to consume the catch. The fish can be fried and served with chips and a cool drink.
Wildlife observation:
The majority of the Ssese Islands are enveloped in tropical rainforests and wetlands. These woodlands and wetlands provide optimal habitat for various wildlife species, including tiny primates, antelopes, sitatunga, hippopotamuses, and crocodiles. The predominant primates inhabiting the islands include red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and colobus monkeys. Sitatungas predominantly inhabit marshy regions. Hippos and crocodiles are uncommon but originate from different regions of the lake.
Community and Nature Walks:
Numerous Ssese islands possess tranquil and pristine surroundings. Strolling through a forest on the islands is calming and restorative. The islands possess vibrant communities with engaging social activities to explore. If you fear canoes and boats, you may visit the fishing towns to observe the fishermen as they depart and return with their daily catches.
The Ssese Islands trip in Uganda offers boat rides, kayaking, and horseback riding, as the islands are encircled by pristine waterways ideal for these activities. Hotels and resorts on the islands can organize these activities for a fee. It is possible to rent a boat or canoe from a fisherman; however, we advise against it for safety reasons. Several establishments facilitate horseback riding to explore the picturesque interiors of your selected island.
Cycling and beach activities:
Bicycles are ideal for exploring new locations. Many hotels on Bugala Island provide bike rentals to guests for a fee. As a resident of Kampala, you may transport your own to circumvent acquiring an undesirable option. Utilizing a bicycle for activities in the Ssese Islands allows for a more thorough exploration of the island and access to locations inaccessible by car. If cycling does not appeal to you, you may opt to visit the beach and engage with fellow enthusiasts in playing soccer or volleyball on the sand.
Agricultural Tours:
Various large-scale farming initiatives are being executed on several islands. Bugala Island has been designated for extensive plantations of palm trees, sunflowers, and pineapples overseen by BIDCO. Island visitors can embark on a tour of one of these expansive gardens to understand the processes from planting and processing to the final result.
Quad Biking:
If you believed that cycling was an exhilarating method of exploring the Ssese Islands, then you have yet to experience quad biking. Quad bikes provide a rapid and pleasurable method of navigating the island efficiently. Only a limited number of establishments on Bugala Island offer quad bike rentals. The cost for a tour of the island is approximately $25, and it is worth every cent. The bicycles can be utilized to access many locations on the island, including landing places, fishing settlements, woodlands, and beaches. When seeing the island of Bugala, ensure you have packed lunch to avoid hunger.
Cultural Visit:
The Ssese Islands represent one of the rare locations where ancient traditional religious beliefs persist. For anyone interested in understanding how the inhabitants of the Buganda kingdom connected with their deities, a visit to the Kihumiro cave is strongly advised. This renowned cave is a site where local inhabitants seek assistance, wealth, and protection from their deities. The cave is an enigmatic and peculiar location to inhabit. Individuals will be observed smoking pipes and uttering peculiar sounds while invoking spirits or deities. The shrine is deemed sacred, necessitating silence and the removal of shoes by all visitors.
Visiting the Ssese Islands, another cultural site is Wanema’s shrine located on Bubeke Island. This expansive historical structure is constructed in a traditional style, featuring a thatched roof and earthen walls. The shrine possesses a rich history, which will be conveyed by the female custodians. At the shrine, a visitor must adhere to ancient customs by offering sacrifices in the form of money, goats, and chickens. One must also remove their shoes and refrain from photographing the shrine. Avoid irritating the spirits in the shrine by refraining from taking photographs.
Visit the John Speke House:
In 1863, John Speke established a refuge in the Lutoboka forest in the Ssese Islands. John Speke was a British explorer who identified the source of the Nile River. In his quest to locate the source of the Nile, Speke reached the Ssese Islands, where he established a bay in the Lutoboka forest. The shelter has persisted to the present day and remains unaltered.
Visit the Nanziri waterfalls:
These resplendent waterfalls were named Nanziri in tribute to the deity of the waterfall. They are situated between Nanziri Cave and Wanema’s Shrine. It is a revered site for numerous local individuals who venerate the waterfall. Evidence of sacrificial offerings to the deities is ubiquitous, comprising fragments of flesh, cowrie shells, bark cloths, and coffee beans. Fishermen typically seek the waterfall deity for blessings, prosperity, and protection prior to embarking on their fishing endeavors. Upon a successful fishing expedition, they return to the shrine to express gratitude to the deities. The waterfalls serve as a source of medicinal remedies for numerous ailments.
Directions to the Ssese Islands
Access to any of the Ssese islands is exclusively via boat. The government operates three ferries to Kalangala town, the capital of Bugala Island. The ferries comprise MV Kalangala, Bukakata Ferry, and MV Ssese. MV Kalangala departs from Kalangala at approximately 8:00 AM and arrives at Nakiwogo in Entebbe by 11:00 AM. It returns to Kalangala from Nakiwogo around 2:00 PM. Every voyage lasts 3 hours and is priced at 10,000 Shillings for economy class and 14,000 Shillings for luxury class. A bar and restaurant are available on the ferry, offering beverages and snacks for purchase. Its carrying capacity is 100 individuals, their luggage, and a maximum of 8 vehicles. MV Kalangala is the largest watercraft servicing the Ssese Islands and is among the few transit options that adhere to schedules. Due to its rigid schedule, arriving even a minute late may result in missing the MV Kalangala. In this instance, one may utilize locally constructed boats to Kalangala; however, these vessels are not particularly safe, and renting them is undertaken at one’s own risk.
The second ferry commences its journey from Bukakata in Masaka to Bugoma. This is neither as timely nor as prominent as the MV Kalangala because to its lower usage. An alternative for travelers to access the Ssese Islands is by utilizing private boats, which are expensive nevertheless more expedient. They accommodate fewer passengers while providing superior services in comparison to the public boat. These private vessels are owned by entrepreneurs or resorts on Entebbe and Ssese Islands.
Lodging in Ssese Islands
A traveler will undoubtedly discover accommodation options on the majority of the Ssese islands. Numerous lodging establishments provide economical and moderate services. The majority are self-sufficient, featuring bedding, showers, restrooms, room service, and food and beverage options. The resorts are encircled by picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches, pristine waterways, verdant gardens, and palm trees. Below are many lodges to contemplate when visiting the Ssese Islands:
Best activities in Ssese Islands:
Brovad Sands Lodge is perhaps the premier hotel resort in Bugala Islands. It provides mid-range to premium services with exceptionally spacious and self-contained accommodations. Every room is equipped with contemporary bedding, a telephone, a study desk, a bathroom, and wireless internet access. The external atmosphere is exceptional, featuring meticulously maintained gardens, refreshing air, and a swimming pool. The facility includes a bar, restaurant, spa, sauna, and a meeting room equipped with loudspeakers. The hotel personnel will provide you with royal treatment during your stay at the lodge. For those seeking a luxurious resort with ample privacy when visiting the Ssese Islands, Brovad Sands resort is a highly recommended option.
Ssese Habitat Resort: Established in 2008, Ssese Habitat Resort provides a variety of hotel categories on Bugala Island. You may opt for a modest lodging priced at 50,000 Uganda shillings or get an ultra-luxurious accommodation at 800,000 shillings. All rooms are self-sufficient and equipped with a television screen. If you possess your own tent, you may consult the Resort for permission to camp on their grounds. The cuisine and beverages are of the highest quality.
Hornbill Camp: This is the premier location for camping and a more exclusive tour experience. It is situated in a remote section of Kalangala, characterized by minimal noise pollution and significant seclusion. It provides all the essential housing services a traveler desires while discreetly exploring the Island’s offerings.
Mirembe Beach Resort is situated on Bugala Island. The resort commenced operations in 2004 and is among the oldest lodging establishments on Bugala Island. The property spans 10 acres and has ordinary accommodations as well as private executive rooms. The resort has stunning vistas of Lake Victoria and is situated adjacent to a tropical rainforest, where guests may embark on nature walks for meditation. The site also provides camping services.
Top activities in Ssese Islands:
Ssese Islands Beach Hotel is situated near Lutoboka Bay, offering a view of Lake Victoria and its surrounding islands. It is a hotel catering to all types of travelers visiting the islands for vacation, business, and social events. The rooms are of superior quality, each equipped with a television and a study desk. The hotel features a bar and restaurant offering a variety of beverages and cuisine. Ssese Islands Beach Hotel always engages its guests with a plethora of activities. One may swim at the beach, engage in soccer or volleyball with fellow revelers, or play golf in the exquisitely maintained gardens. The adjacent tropical rainforest harbors antelopes, diminutive primates, and avian species.
Key activities in Ssese Islands: Banda Island serves not only as an accommodation facility but also as an independent island. This is private property, providing an ideal location for a long weekend or holiday free from external interruptions. The Island was owned by Dominic Symes, who died in 2011, although his friends have preserved everything in its original state. The island features homes, bandas, and camping tents. Guests on extended holidays have numerous activities to occupy their time. They can engage in beach volleyball on the sandy shores, partake in nature treks in the jungle, fish in Lake Victoria, or see little primates. Hippos reside in proximity to this island.
Panorama Cottages: This is a three-star lodge of eighteen self-contained cabins. Each hut is constructed using indigenous materials and adorned with African art. The cuisine here is excellent, encompassing both local and international dishes. A selection of juices and alcoholic beverages is available for your choice. If you possess your own tents, you may establish them in the primary campsite. A fire is anticipated to be ignited in the evening for all campers.
Islands Club: The Islands Club is a fundamental lodging establishment and one of the original inns on the islands. It features self-sufficient wooden cottages and tented accommodations for its guests. If you like delectable fried Tilapia and Nile Perch, we highly recommend this establishment. If you possess your own tents, you may transport them alongside other equipment and establish them at the primary campground. Establishing personal tents on the hotel grounds will incur a fee of $10.
Kingfisher Camping Site:
This location is situated adjacent to the port where the MV Kalangala disembarks. It is an economical lodging establishment with minimal services. This lodge is among the most economical accommodations for guests and serves as a suitable option for an overnight stay while seeking superior alternatives. The location features a volleyball court on its beach.
Essential items to carry for a Ssese Islands tour
To have an exceptional experience at the Ssese Islands, one must prepare in preparation. All essential items need for visiting a tropical island must be procured in advance. The sun rises daily, and precipitation may occur at any moment. The mean temperature is 27°C. Below is a compilation of items to contemplate for your packing list for a tour of the Ssese Islands.
Destinations in Ssese Islands:
Attire and footwear should consist of two layers and be modest, particularly if you intend to explore regions with native communities. Remember to include shorts, Caribbean skirts, and dresses. One should also bring sunglasses, a cap, and swimwear. A sweater may be necessary for chilly evenings, and a rain jacket is advisable during inclement weather. If you intend to spend an extended period at the beach, sandals should be brought along. Quality hiking footwear significantly enhances your experience on nature excursions in tropical woods. Furthermore, a traveler must include bug repellent, body lotion, sanitizers, a body scrub, and bathing and laundry soap. Certain products may be supplied by the hotel.
Travel essentials:
The Ssese Islands offer adventure, enjoyment, and revelry. A traveler must bring devices that will enhance the journey and create lasting memories. These consist of a camera to document every moment, binoculars for avian observation, and a music player to enjoy your preferred melodies while unwinding by the beach. Board games and literature must to be included for the evening camp retreats.
Essential medications and a first aid kit:
Given the atypical surroundings and varied activities, anticipate the possibility of illness or injury. You must bring analgesics, antimalarial medication, antiseptics, medicinal spray, a bandage, and adhesive plaster. Ensure you carry your identification credentials, financial transaction card, and a cell phone equipped with a local SIM card.