Lake Victoria's Ssese islands
overview
With their crystal-clear seas, white sand beaches, and tropical woods, the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria are the ideal getaway destination. They are also home to a variety of primate species and offer distinctive scenery and activities.
The biggest and most advanced island for tourism is the Islands of Buggala. Here, swimming is very popular, particularly at Mutambala Beach. To explore the island, you can also rent quad bikes or bicycles.
Banda Island, which is privately owned, is serenely lovely and peaceful. Bring a good book, as the greatest thing to do here is read and soak up the sun.
There are no hippos in the Ssese Islands, and crocodiles are very uncommon. Be aware that bilharzia, though extremely rare these days, is believed to be present in the lake, so many choose to swim in the hotel pools instead.
Activities to do in the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria
Swimming, the clear cool water is perfect for a hot afternoon swim. Mutumbala beach on Buggala Island is the most popular spot from which to swim, but it's likely that your accommodation will also have facilities for swimming.
Fishing The Ssese Islands are an excellent place to fish for tilapia and Lake Victoria's largest fish, the Nile Perch, and fishing is becoming a more and more popular activity in Uganda.
For fishing on Lake Victoria, a UWA fishing permit is not required, but you must travel with a licensed boat operator, registered by the Ministry of Fisheries. All of this will be set up for you if you make a reservation with us.
While Bulago Island provides nature treks and uncommon bird sightings, Ngamba Island, a chimpanzee sanctuary, offers animal lovers a unique experience with its varied topography and opportunity to fish for Nile perch and Bulago Island provides uncommon bird encounters and nature excursions.
Crocodiles are quite rare in the Ssese Islands, and there are no hippos. Because bilharzia is believed to be prevalent in the lake, even though it is quite uncommon these days, many people opt to swim in the hotel pools instead.
The Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island
The Jane Goodall Foundation has made Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary, which is home to more than 50 rescued and orphaned chimpanzees, a primate's paradise and a significant conservation effort.
Since many of the chimpanzees were saved from poaching, their chances of surviving return into the wild are slim.
They now spend their time dangling from the rainforest trees that envelop the island, protected by the sanctuary. You won't find a more unique experience in Uganda than spending time with the chimpanzees and feeding them at the sanctuary.
Observing Wildlife
Vervet and Colobus monkeys are among the many primates that call the Ssese Islands home.
Hippos can be seen close to Buggala's southwest shore, while crocodiles occasionally make an appearance on the more isolated islands.
The best way to spot the elusive sitatunga is to go on an early evening canoe cruise across the lake's marshy shores.
Blue monkeys are primarily olive or grey, despite their name.
Quadcycling
Quad riding is a fantastic method for people with an adventurous spirit to explore the islands.
Due to the quad bike's versatility, you may ride through the forest, over rocky cliff faces and sandy beaches, and stop at one of the nearby fishing communities for lunch and a chance to see the local way of life.
It is not necessary to have prior quad riding experience, and you can practise before moving on to more challenging terrain if necessary.
Accommodations
There are both low-cost and mid-range hotels and lodges in the Ssese Islands. Luxury alternatives are not currently available.
Nevertheless, you won't be let down by the options available. Every hotel and resort has access to the lake and unobstructed views.
Budget lodging options include a number of campgrounds and a dormitory on Banda Island, while mid-range choices include bandas, cottages, and self-contained rooms.
The Beach Resort at Mirembe
The beachfront resort Mirembe, which translates to "peace" in Luganda, features 30 individual guest rooms and suites that are ideally isolated beneath the trees. The resort is located close to Kalangala on Buggala Island.
Although the rooms are simple, they are elegant and have Wi-Fi.Sitting around the campfire or at a table with a direct view of the lake, patrons may savour a variety of foreign and local cuisine and beverages at the restaurant.
For those seeking a less expensive option, Mirembe also features a camping area. The hotel's amenities and facilities are accessible from the campsite.
The Brovad Sands Lodge
The closest thing to true luxury during your stay in the Ssese Islands is Brovad Sands Lodge, which is situated on Buggala Island.
There are multiple options to relax, including access to the beach, a spa, a sauna, and a pool.
Guests can pick from family villas, cottages, or spacious suites for lodging.
Brovad Sands Lodge is one of the most well-liked choices in the Ssese Islands because with its free Wi-Fi, restaurant, lounge and bar, as well as the variety of activities it offers.
Hotel Ssese Island Beach
Another excellent choice for activities is the Ssese Island Beach Hotel, which is located in Lutoboka Bay and is only five minutes from the Entebbe ferry dock.
You can keep yourself occupied with activities like a golf course, banana boating, quad riding, canoe trips, nature hikes, and cultural tours, or you can choose to spend the entire day relaxing on a sun bed by the refreshing waters.
There are a number of suites with views of the golf course, lake, or woodland. Additionally, there is a bar, a campfire area, and a restaurant with an à la carte menu.
How to travel to the islands of Ssese
Every day at 2pm, a big, contemporary automobile ferry leaves from Nakiwogo Dock, just south of Entebbe, to Kalangala Bay in the Ssese Islands from Kampala or Entebbe.
A daily ferry from Kalangala Bay takes about three and a half hours to reach Nakiwogo Dock. Speed boats, lake taxis, and private boats connect Bulago Island, and an airfield is in the works.
The best time to travel to the Ssese Islands
The cooler dry seasons, which run from late June to October, are the ideal times of year to explore the Ssese Islands.
Rain is less likely to cancel scheduled events during these months, and as the animals gather near primary water sources, there are more possibilities to see wildlife.