SSEZIBWA FALLS IN UGANDA
Ssezibwa Falls is situated in the District of Mukono, 32 kilometers from Kampala city, along the main route that connects Kampala and Jinja. The Ssezibwa falls are the consequence of water rushing through a small gap in the rocks and falling quickly (17 meters) into a wide, roughly 14-meter-deep pool. One of the greatest spots to unwind after a lengthy wildlife safari in Uganda or before heading to the Nile River's source for activities like bungee jumping or whitewater rafting is the region surrounding the falls.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Ssezibwa means "something endless" in the local vernacular. For the Baganda people, the Sezibwa falls are also regarded as a significant cultural and religious location. They are also among the most popular sights in Uganda. The Buganda Culture and Tourism Department is in charge of overseeing the site.
The Sezibwa falls are distinguished by a sizable lake below and a number of jagged rocks. The Ssezibwa River flows all the way to Lake Kyoga from the falls. Vervet and red-tailed monkeys are among the tiny primates that live in the vicinity of the falls. The area is also home to snakes such horned adders, green mambas, and African cobras. Mongooses, tadpoles, otters, and wild cats are among the other creatures.
An essential component of Buganda's history, culture, and beliefs are the Ssezibwa Falls. The falls' allure and mystique are enhanced by its cultural significance. The Baganda believe that the Ssezibwa River possesses mystical powers. According to a Buganda legend, a woman named Nakangu Tebatuusa fled her married house to her parents after a disagreement with her husband, Nsubuga Sebwaata. Her father advised her to return to her spouse and resolve their marital problems.
Her mother dropped her off near her house and escorted her. She became exhausted as she moved closer to her married residence, and as she slept, she gave birth to twins in the form of water. After being guided by a guy who had saw her disappear into the bush, her husband eventually located her. They observed a pool of water running, which later developed into the Bwanda and Sezibwa rivers.
It's fascinating to notice that the Anglican church owns some land near the waterfalls, despite the fact that these traditional activities flourish here. Christians visit the region for meditation and retreats. The same waters are used for baptism services. An article on Uganda's most important heritage sites could be of interest to you. Sezibwa Falls and all the other fascinating things to do in Jinja are included in our fantastic one-day city tour package.
How To Reach Sezibwa Falls
How can one go to Kampala, the capital, and the falls? About 30 kilometers separate Kampala and the Sezibwa Waterfalls. The road is composed of murram once you cross the junction that leads to the falls. To get through this difficult time, especially throughout the rainy season, you need a solid four-wheel drive vehicle. To avoid avoiding the key intersection that leads to the falls, you must drive cautiously and attentively. Although there is a sign directing people to the Ssezibwa River Resort, it is quite easy to overlook.
The stunning landscape and soothing sounds of the waterfalls are the first things that greet you as you enter through the main gate, which is constructed of reeds. There are many trees in the region, which is largely untouched. As you proceed inside the building, you will see a bridge beneath which the river runs downstream in addition to the waterfalls. Perhaps the greatest place to see and photograph the falls is from the bridge. There are additional trees and boulders on the well-kept grass on the other side of the bridge. Together, these elements provide a wonderful setting for unwinding.
Activities around the Ssezibwa Falls
A wonderful spot to unwind over the weekend or on a holiday is the Ssezibwa waterfalls. It provides a calm and pleasant atmosphere and is near to Kampala, the capital. It's also less expensive than other places in Uganda. Visitors from the Eastern Districts of Uganda or those returning from whitewater rafting in Jinja can pause at the falls to take a break and admire the crystal-clear waters. The following are the other activities:
Swimming: The facility's administration forbids swimming, especially for individuals who are not proficient swimmers, in the lovely pool that follows the falls. I have a suspicion that some people have died here. Nobody will prohibit you from playing with nature if you are a skilled swimmer. After conquering more challenging activities like bungee jumping and whitewater rafting in Jinja, who can stop you from diving into these waters?
Photography: If you are seeking for a site to shoot beautiful shots, then the Sezibwa falls might just be the place you are looking for. In addition to the waterfalls, the stunning green surroundings, rocks, and trees all seem well on camera. You may snap pictures of the monkeys on the nature walks or while enjoying games in the gardens over the bridge.
Hiking and Climbing Rocks: This entails hiking above the fall, where you can witness the River Sezibwa rushing through the thickets of plants and trees and cascading over the rocks. Great views of the waterfalls and surrounding landscape are the ultimate reward, although the trek may be difficult for people who are not fit. Along the journey, you could even see lizards and other animals.
Birdwatching: The woodland that envelops the Ssezibwa waterfalls serves as a haven for more than fifty different species of birds. The location will be fantastic for birdwatchers. The African Finfoot and the Long-tailed Cormorant may be seen swimming at the base of the falls. Osprey, Great Blue Turaco, Green Crombec, Green Hylia Woodland Kingfisher, Black-necked Weaver, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Bronze Mannikin, Dark-capped Bulbul, Emerald Cuckoo, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Grey-backed Carmaroptera, Grey-headed Negrofinch, Grey-headed Sparrow, Hadada Ibis, Little Greenbul, Lizard Buzzard, Olive-bellied Sunbird, and Black-necked Weaver are among the other species found within and surrounding the falls.
Ross' Turaco, Shining Blue Kingfisher, Speckled Mousebird, Striped Kingfisher, Superb Sunbird, Velvet Mantled Drongo, Vieillot's Black Weaver, Western Nicator, Red-bellied Paradise-Flycatcher, Red-chested Sunbird, Red-eyed Dove, Red-faced Crombec, Red-headed Malimbe, Black and White Mannikin, Yellow Fronted Canary, Yellow Wagtail, Yellow-White-eye, White-spotted Flufftails, White-throated Bee-eater, White-headed Sawwing, and White-browed Scrub Robin.
Nature Walks: After seeing the stunning falls, this is possibly the most alluring activity. The first site to visit is the nearby woodlands. Bamboo, Muvule, Musizi, Mahogany, fig, eucalyptus, and ebony trees are the primary tree species. There are also many plants and shrubs in the region.
Additionally, you will see more birds, butterflies, and tiny primates with the assistance of a local guide. Visits to nearby farms and plantations (growing tea and sugarcane) can be incorporated within the extended stroll. The fee for foreign visitors is around $4. The Guide and the remaining sum are used to fund forest conservation initiatives.
Village Walks: Ngogwe, Madudu, Wamala, and Kungu are the four nearby villages. Intentional visitors frequently want to get up close and personal with the locals so they may experience what it's like to live in an African home. This location is also chosen by students from several Ugandan schools as the ideal setting for fieldwork and study. Each individual may have to pay 10,000 Ugandan shillings for this trek.
Cultural Experience: The indigenous people of Uganda practiced their own traditional faiths prior to the arrival of Christianity and other religions. Numerous shrines were constructed so that people might communicate with their deceased gods and ancestors. Near the stunning waterfalls is Jajja Ssezibwa's Shrine, which is still well-liked today. People who want to understand more about Buganda's historical cultural traditions can visit the shrines to discover more about their ancient gods and spiritual beings. The shrine itself is claimed to include a number of items of spiritual significance, such as cowrie shells, calabashes, spears, beans, pots, bark fabric, and other fetishes.
As sacrifices are offered to the river and other deities, smoke is visible rising from the falls' base. Since the sanctuary is housed inside a cave, women are not permitted inside. Men are only permitted if they haven't engaged in sexual activity the previous evening. You should really consider whether this is the site you wish to visit if you are a Christian, Muslim, or belong to another faith.
Camping and picnics: Without disturbing others, the lovely green gardens around the falls are ideal for modest family gatherings, picnics, and fun. Enjoy the refreshing wind, take in the breathtaking waterfalls, play games, and spend quality time with loved ones by setting up a picnic area beneath one of the towering trees. After crossing the bridge, the well-kept grounds are ideal for campers.
Camping near the Sezibwa Falls provides a refreshing setting with lovely bird and monkey noises. Although the Sezibwa Falls Resort serves meals and drinks, we advise bringing your own to prevent being let down by the subpar service. Please be aware that some locals who come to visit the shrines will be camping alongside you.
Details On the Ssezibwa Falls Visit