Ssese Island

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Welcome to Ssese Islands

Ssese Islands came into existence about 12000 years ago. This was when a tectonic shift caused an elevated basin situated between two main arms of the Great Rift Valley to flood.

This resulted into the formation of the Lake Victoria as we know it today. Not much is known about the earliest inhabitants of Ssese Islands.

Ssese Island’s History

The Ssese Islands came into existence about 12000 years ago. This was when a tectonic shift caused an elevated basin situated between two main arms of the Great Rift Valley to flood.

This resulted into the formation of the Lake Victoria as we know it today. Not much is known about the earliest inhabitants of Ssese Island.

However, some oral traditions associated with the creation of Buganda claim that its founder Kintu hailed from the islands of the Gods. In pre-colonial times it was customary for the kings of Buganda to visit the Islands and pay tribute to the several balubaale.

The main shrines to Mukasa or the spirit of the lake is on Bubembe. Some Buganda historical sources romanticize this relationship, claiming that in pre-colonial times Ssese due to its exalted status was never attacked by Buganda, nor was it formally incorporated into the mainland kingdom.

In reality, while Ssese probably did enjoy a degree of autonomy, it was clearly a vassal of Buganda for at least a century prior to the colonial era.

Furthermore while the Baganda revered the Islands’ spirits, Stanley recorded that they looked down on their human inhabitants for their “coal-black color, timidity, superstition, and generally uncleanly life”

The most popular legend associated with a deity from Ssese islands dates from mid-16th century war. This was when Buganda, led by Nakibinge, was being overwhelmed in a war against Bunyoro.

Nakibinge visited the Islands in search of support, and was offered the assistance of the local king’s youngest son, Kibuuka, who leaped to the mainland in one mighty bound to join the war against Bunyoro.

Tall and powerful, Kibuuka-which means the flier-was also possessed of a somewhat more singular fighting skill. A deity in human form, he was able to fly high above the clouds and shower down spear on the enemy.

They had no idea from where the deadly missiles emanated. Led by Kibuuka’s aerial attacks, rout followed rout, and the tide of war reversed swiftly in Nakibinge’s favour as the Baganda army proceeded deeper into Banyoro territory.

Although Buganda went on to win the war, Kibuuka did not survive to enjoy the spoils of the victory. After yet another successful battle, the Baganda soldiers captured several Banyoro maidens and gave one to Kibuuka as his mistress.

Kibuuka told the Munyoro girl his secret, only to find that she had vanished overnight. The next day, Kibuuka sailed up into the sky as normal, and was greeted by a barrage of Bunyoro spears and arrows projected up towards the clouds. Kibuuka fell wounded into a tall tree, where he was spotted next.

Where is Ssese Island Located

Ssese Island is situated in the northwest of Lake Victoria. The Islands form one of Uganda’s prime destinations for casual rambling and off-the-beaten-track exploration, as well as for game fishing, in particular Nile perch.

For much of the 1990s, the islands were entrenched as perhaps the most popular backpacker chill-out destination in Uganda.

Although their attractions have not diminished in recent years, their popularity evidently has, attributable perhaps to the suspension of ferries from Port Bell as well as the burgeoning tourist development at the more accessible Lake Bunyonyi in Kigezi.

The Ssese Archipelago consists of 84 separate Islands, some large and densely inhabited, others small and deserted, but lushly forested. This is majorly due to an annual average rainfall in excess of 20,000mm.

Only two islands regularly receive tourists. The more established of these is Buggala, the largest, most accessible and most developed Island, which is privately owned and the site of a popular budget resort. Other Islands that can be visited with varying degrees of ease are Bubeke, Bukasa and Bufumira.

Not least amongst Ssese Islands’ attractions are their rustic character and the sense of being well away from established tourist circuit. But as in other out of –the-way places, it is suggested that you dress conservatively except in resort and campsite ground and to swim with a T-shirt on.

Major Islands in Ssese Island

Buggala Island

Buggala is the largest Island set within the Uganda waters of Lake Victoria and the best developed for tourism. The island extends over 200km2 and measures 43km from East to west. It is linked to the mainland by a regular motor ferry and dotted with accommodation to suit most tastes and budgets.

Kalangala, the administrative center for the Islands, is an unremarkable small town situated on a ridge at the eastern end of Buggala. The nearby Lutoboka Bay hosts the Island’s main cluster of beach resorts.

Another important landmark on Buggala is Luku, the small village on the western extreme of the Island where the motor ferry from mainland docks. A good dirt road connects Luku to Kalangala. There are several minor roads that run to other villages lying further south on the Island.

The most common large mammal on Buggala is the Vervet monkey. They are often seen in the vicinity of Lutoboka and Kalangala. Bushbucks and Black- and –white colobus are present but seldom observed.

Over the 12000 years that the Island has been separate from the mainland, one endemic creek rat and three endemic butterfly species have evolved. Water and Forest birds are prolific within the islands.

Those who are on Uganda safari holiday to Ssese should expect to see a variety of hornbills, barbets, turacos, robin-chats, flycatchers and weavers from the roads around Kalangala.

Particularly common are the Jewel-like pygmy kingfisher, the brown-throated wattle-eye and a stunning morph of the paradise flycatcher intermediate to the orange and white phases illustrated in most East African field guides.

African fish eagles and Palm nut vultures are often seen near the lake, while immense breeding colonies of little egret and great cormorant occur on Lutuboka and other bays.

Although many visitors to Buggala stick to the beach resort at Lutuboka, the island also offers some great possibilities for unstructured walking.

Strike out in any directions from Kalangala and you will be greeted with pleasing views over the forested and grassy clearings to the Lake Shore and more distant islands.

A popular cycling excursion is to Mutumbula swimming beach-reputedly free of bilharzias-off the road towards Luku. Travelers tend to concentrate along Kalangala-Luku road, and justifiably so, since the road heading south from Kalangala is far more cultivated.

One potentially interesting goal in this direction is the marshy southwestern shores which is home to small numbers of hippo as well as a population of sitatunga antelope with larger horns that the mainland equivalent.

They are regarded by some authorities to represent an endemic Island race. Without a private vehicle, you would probably need to do an overnight walking or cycling trip to get to these swamps.

Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island covers an area of about 100 acres. Most of it is rain forest. In 1998, the island was turned into a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned chimps.

Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary draws hundreds of visitors to the island each month to see the chimps or volunteer as care takers.

Apart from the chimps, Ngamba island is home to over 119 species of birds and creatures like monitor lizards. Hippos and crocodiles also visit the island occasionally.

The key attraction in Ngamba island are the chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are brought here after being rescued from animal traffickers or when their parents succumb to poaching.

On arrival the chimps are often traumatized after the harrowing experiences they went through with the poachers or animal traffickers. To avoid bullying by the adult chimps, the orphans are at first separated and introduced to the rest of the community gradually.

Visitors on African safari in Uganda to Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary have an opportunity to watch the chimps being fed before they return to the forest.

Volunteers can take part in feeding the adults and helping the orphans adapt to life in the island.

Banda Island

This island is owned by an individual but open to tourists and other travelers. It retains its serenity unlike the noisier Bugala island.

To reach the island, you need to go to the Kasenyi landing site from where you hire a boat or canoe to the island.

The more expensive option is to hire a speed boat. Banda island is perfect for camping. You can go with your own camping equipment or hire one once you reach the island.

Banda island also has standard cottages at a good rate for those who may not be comfortable with the tents.

Bulago Island

Bulago Island is one of the largest of the Ssese islands. It covers an area of over 510 acres (About 2 miles long). The sandy beaches are surrounded by several cliffs and protruding rocks which all combine to give it a unique look.

Given its remarkable terrain and naturel beauty, Bulago island is perfect for nature walks and escaping away from the noisy city. From one of the hills on the island, one will be rewarded with amazing views of the lake and distant islands.

Bulago island is a birders paradise with both resident and migratory birds convening to feast on the abundant fish and inland insects.

Getting to Bulago island by speedboat from Munyonyo takes 45 minutes. Those visiting Bulago Island stay at Pineapple Bay Lodge.

Activities in the Ssese Islands

Bird Watching

The Ssese islands are sanctuaries to countless birds. These birds thrive on the lush forests and unreachable swamps found in many of the islands.

While in Buggala island, expect to spot the African fish eagle, barbets, brown-throated wattle-eye, hornbills, Palm nut vultures, paradise flycatcher, pygmy kingfisher, robin-chats, turacos and weaver birds

Swimming

Swimming is arguably one of the most popular activities while in any of the Ssese Islands. The most popular swimming area in Bugala is the beach in Mutumbala.

Some of the Ssese islands receive crocodiles occasionally from other parts of the lake but these shouldn’t trouble you so much especially when visiting the larger islands.

The greatest risk of swimming in Lake Victoria is getting Bilharzia but this is very rare these days and it can be treated with a few shots.

If you are afraid of Bilharzia or croccodiles, then you can swim by in the hotels in Ssese Islands swimming pool and only go to the beach to relax and enjoy the cool breeze.

Visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba island was earmarked by the government and Jane Goodall Institution as a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzee orphans.

You can apply to volunteer at the island or just visit to see the chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Feeding the chimpanzees at the sanctuary is very popular with tourist and primate lovers but you can also go for birdwatching and boat cruises around the Island.

Sport Finishing

Sport fishing is one of the top things to do while in Uganda when in Ssese Islands. Fishing trips are usually arranged to the different fishing villages with the intention of trying to catch the largest fish.

The main catch here is Tilapia but the real trophy is getting the Nile Perch (the largest fish in Lake Victoria). To engage in sport fishing, international visitors must have a fishing permit.

Although you can hire fishing gear from the islands at a good price, it is better to come with your own equipment.

If for some reason you don’t want to go into the water yourself, you can just simply watch the fishermen from far as they lay their nets.

Wildlife Viewing

The Ssese islands are home to Vervet and Colobus Monkeys. As already noted earlier, crocodiles come to some of the smaller island occasionally.

Hippos can be sighed in the south western shores of Bugala. These large mammals and the elusive Sitatunga love the marshy shorelines because they are less visited by humans.

The Sitatunga in the Ssese Islands have evolved to have larger horns than the ones seen on wetlands elsewhere Africa.

Village and Nature Walks

Most of the Ssese Islands is have good forest cover. You can take a walk and admire the beautiful green plants and flowers.

You can go and discover/visit one of the fishing villages to experience the kind of life the local people go through every day.

Poverty and backwardness is still a problem in the Ssese Islands. Most of the fishermen spend their hard earned money on booze and women.

Playing Beach games and Cycling

After relaxing by the beach and having enough of the beautiful sights, you can join a group of fellow revelers and play volleyball, football or other beach games.

Agricultural Tours

Agricultural tours are arranged to one of the palm tree and pineapple gardens owned by BIDCO in Bugala. You can also visit the out growers or domestic farmers to learn how they make money by selling to BIDCO.

Though the plantations employ many of the locals, conservationists attribute the loss of forest cover and the islands natural beauty to agriculture.

Quad Biking

Using Quad bikes to explore the Ssese Islands is one amazing and fun thing to do. With the bikes, you can visit the beaches, forests and fishing villages while having great phone along the way.

The Quad bikes used in Bugala are All Terrain and do not require any prior experience with a motor bike. The bikes can be used by people of all ages and more fun when done with friends or family.

There is practice/training session before heading out to the established circuits. Since Bugala Island is quiet large, you need to take with you packed lunch. Quad biking for one hour costs about 70,000 Uganda shillings.

Cultural Visit

The Ssese islands are one of the last strongholds of Buganda’s ancient cultural practices.

For those who are brave enough and interested in learning more about Buganda’s traditional religions and culture, visiting the Kihumuro Cave is recommended with reservation.

The Kihumuro cave is about 40 meters long with a wide entrance and small exit. Kihumuro means resting place. The Baganda believe that, the ancient gods and spirits rest in these caves.

The custodian and his assistants can be seen smoking pipes as they pray to the gods like “Muwanga Jajja”. The cave has a long history that we will not dwell on for now.

If you are planning on visiting this cave, prepare to remove your shoes and follow certain rules. Inside the cave are old spears, old bark clothes, coffee seeds and other fetishes.

The cave may appear strange and even weird but prominent people in Uganda visit for blessings in their business and careers.

Accommodation in Ssese Island

Ssese Palm Beach Resort

This Ssese Island beach resort has an attractive location near the water and a variety of accommodation options to suit most budgets. Ssese Palm Beach also offers its own executive tents with beds. It has two types of bandas available some are paired together and others detached.

Bukasa Island

This Ssese Islands accommodation facility overlooks one of the biggest bays on the Island. Bukasa Island is a very friendly place to stay as father Christopher loves to chat. The only cheap place on this Island is Father Christopher’s guest house.

Accommodation is in small rooms. Facilities are quite basic, but hot water can be arranged with notice. Like wise if you want to eat here, it is best to book this in advance as they will need to pick up supplies.

Scorpion Lodge

It is located in Liku above the Bukakata Ferry Docksin Ssese Island. It does large local meals and bikes are available for hire, but few travelers choose to hang around Liku.

PTA Andronic Lodge

This is another of Ssese Island cheap accommodation options in Kalangala. Camping is very possible and beds are fit for budget travelers. You can also access cheap meals as well as drinks.

The owner of this place is a real traditional devotee. He is an eccentric and you may be forced to believe he has met the pope. He writes PTA On each and every house an indication that he might be worried about thieve however when you ask him why, then he give you very complicated elucidations.

How to Get to Ssese Island

There is a ferry that connects to the Ssese Island from Bukakata, while small wooden boats run from Kasenyi. This take around 35 minutes from Kampala. There is also an asymmetrical air service to the Islands run by MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship). It has a small sea plane and charges USh 35000 one way.

A reliable bus service connects Kampala to Kalangala leaving the new taxi park in Kampala at 0900 hours daily except for Sunday when it leaves at 1100hrs.It is also possible to travel between Masaka and Kalangala in hops something that might take only 2hours.

The easiest leg of the trip is getting to Nyendo junction which lies 2 km from Masaka along a stretch of the old Kampala road covered by inexpensive taxis. Next step worth timing to tie in with the ferry departure times is getting to Nyendo to Kabassese Jetty.

This is an hour’s trip that is preferably undertaken in the comfort of a shared taxi rather than on the back of a dangerously overcrowded pickup truck. You will then have to chill down at kabassese with a cold soda.

Once at Luku, regular shared pick-up trucks to Kalangala charge around sh2, 000 per person, while special hire costs around sh20, 000. Public transport stops at Andronica and a walk to Lutoboka bay takes 20minutes. Take the sign post path to your left from the main road through a small town to the police station.

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There are many tours that you can do in Botswana and the most common is the overland tour, where you can drive around to most parts of the country in an overland truck. Most common tours include a Botswana Wildlife Safari, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park package, Desert tracking, Premium safaris and 5 to 10 day safaris.