30kms from the heart of Kampala City- the capital of Uganda is one of the country’s most magnificent attractions in the central region; the Ssezzibwa falls in Mukono district. The area features a large pool, trees, sharp edges, and a flowing river to Lake Kyoga.

Ssezzibwa Falls is part of Buganda’s historical and cultural treasures, considered by many for a long time as a ritual ground. It has a unique mystery attached to its attractiveness. The stories state that the birth of the Ssezzibwa Falls was after a woman known as (Nakangu Tebatuusa), once had a marital issue with her husband, but when she returned home, the parents requested her to go back and reconcile. Following her return, she goes to give birth in a bush, only to give birth to two rivers-Bwanda and Ssezzibwa.

Activities at Ssezzibwa Falls

Camping and Picnics

Just a short distance from the waterfalls, a well-organized place for picnic and camping is designated.  This is a great place for refreshing your mind or connecting to the wild when spending nights under the African moon. The camping ground is surrounded by trees and other flora.

Community tours

For more insights regarding the area and Ssezzibwa waterfalls, then you will have to visit the community living around it. They have wealth of knowledge regarding the history, and secrets about the place. Take a tour around the traditional shrines, homesteads, plantations, and the school.

Rock Climbing

A Guided hike to the peak of Ssezzibwa fall; a point where you will watch the river squeeze three the rocks to the lush trees and bushes. The hike is a bit challenging, but very exciting and with a variety of sights and sounds to grab your attention. The water builds up and forms the stunning waterfalls where visitors do relax, watch and take photos.

Bird watching

On the trees, swamps, and around the falls, learn of the over 50 unique bird species around Ssezzibwa falls. The notable residents include among others; spot African Finfoots, the Long-tailed Cormorant enjoying a swim, African Grey Hornbill, Bronze Mannikin, African Paradise Fly Catcher, Dark-capped Bulbul, Ashy Fly Catcher, Black-necked Weaver, Bronze Mannikin, and so much more. These can be best spotted at sunrise or midday as they rest.

Guided Nature Walk

See more by walking around the falls, a walk that enables you to watch more, and have a refreshed mind. In the minutes you spend walking, take photos and spot the birds, butterflies, plantation, and variety of trees such as the bamboo, Mahogany, Muvule, and Musizi.

Best Time Visiting Ssezzibwa Falls

Ssezzibwa Falls is open for Visitors all year round. However, we recommend visiting in the dry seasons, which are often in December to March, and June to September. Rains are low and thus the activities are not interrupted by any form of rain, mad, or thunder. The responsible authorities are in place to ensure safety, give guidance to all guests and offer all the much-needed services. The Activities start in the early morning, and run for the entire day on foot, with other groups of people who have come to engage in the same activities.

Accessing Ssezzibwa Falls

From Kampala, the capital city of Kampala, it is a 30 km distance through the jam of Jinja road via Mukono and Mabira forest-one of the oldest natural forests in Uganda. The drive lasts for roughly 45minutes to 2 hours depending on one’s speed and the Jam on the way. When you connect to the Junction, Kayanja trading center; the route leading to the main gate is a maram. The magnificent sceneries and the thunders of the mighty waterfalls are the very first thing to drain visitor’s attention, before touring around.  Trees are dominant and the bridge offers a great place for great viewing and photography.

Entrance Fees

As you plan for a tour to Ssezzibwa falls, note that an entrance fee is charged for the maintenance of the place and supporting the communities living around it. Ugandan nationals are charged 10,000ugx ($3), whereas the foreigners pay 20,000ugx upon entrance. An additional fee is for the guide if you need one. The currency is not limited to the Ugandan shillings, but also the Usd dollars, Euros and so much more.

In conclusion, Ssezzibwa Falls is so cheap and worth the time. Take a tour as a group or an individual for honeymoon, school trip, family retreat, weekend vacation, and so much more.  Visit reawakens the spirit of adventure.