The Ssesse Islands: Uganda’s Top Destination

The Ssese Islands are around 12,000 years old and according to the Buganda culture they are known as the Islands of the Gods. Traditionally, all the kings of Buganda were supposed to visit the islands and pay homage to the “Baluubale” gods, whose shrines are situated and built on the islands, such as Bukasa Island, home to Musisi; spirit of Earthquakes and Wanema; spirit of physical disabilities. While Bubembe Island is home to Mukasa; Spirit of Lake Victoria also traditionally known as “Nalubaale”.

The 84 main islands located northwest of Lake Victoria differ in size and activities, some are small and deserted, while others are large and densely populated. These are mountainous with dense forests, retaining a secluded and serene environment creating the perfect destination for relaxation, sport fishing and a haven for bird watchers.

The separate islands, which can be reached via Nakiwogo in Entebbe, Masaka to Bukakata Ferry OR by charter flight to Bukasa Island with a landing strip, are experiencing a renaissance in tourist activity; increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination in Uganda.

The ferry leaves Bukakata at 08:00, 11:00 and 17:00 and leaves Bugala landing site at 10:00, 14:30 and 18:00 from Monday to Saturday, and the journey takes 45 minutes . Transportation from Kampala to Masaka is by private car, taxi or bus, and a speedboat can be hired from Entebbe to the islands.

Bugala Island is the largest with an area of ​​over 200 km and measures 43 km from east to west and is home to the kalangala district headquarters, and Bukasa Island, the second largest island, has various activities including forest walks with primate sightings of different species of monkeys such as the Vervet monkey, the Bush-Buck and the black and white colobus monkey, sport fishing in particular for Nile perch, the endemic brook cat and butterfly species , beautiful island walks on the white sand beaches and rainforests, boat rides to other islands, prolific birdlife including waterfowl and forest birds, such as robins, weavers, turacos, brown-throated wattles, hornbills, barbets, etc. Beach activities such as cycling, swimming, canoeing, volleyball, etc. Visits to the Speke Fort built in 1962, fishing villages, bat cave with thousands of bats and visits to palm and pineapple farms.

Bugala Island, Bufumira and the Bukasa Islands, on inhabited islands, have many established lodging facilities including luxury lodges as well as camping areas to suit most tastes and budgets. Mirembe resort has a large number of rooms as well as space for camping. Pearl Gardens Beach has Hornbill Campground, Ssese Beach Hotel has 18 cabins and a separate house with 2 family cabins and 3 triple rooms. Islands club has luxury wooden chalets in a cool atmosphere, Panorama budget accommodation with a beautiful garden; the Palm Beach Hotel has cabins and a sleeping tent. On Bukasa Island, Agnes Guesthouse offers accommodation with pleasant views. The facilities have restaurants open for food and drinks.

The Ssese Islands are peaceful, with more than ethnic tribes and languages. They offer crystal clear lakes, beautiful rainforests, beautiful beaches and here you can discover the wild romantic Africa of your dreams with warm and hospitable people, in a land waiting to be discovered…You couldn’t ask for more in an exotic holiday destiny!