Ssese Islands
Wondering where on earth is most ideal for a honeymoon, Camping experience, weekend relaxation, family vacation, or self-relaxation? Think of Ssese Islands in the midst of Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in the continent of Africa and occupies a large portion of central part of Uganda, western Kenya and north-western Tanzania.
The British wartime Prime Minister in his book “My African Journey” described Uganda as “The pearl of Africa”. The country is safe, crossed by the equator and with some of the most hospitable people in the world. Republic of, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo seat along its international boundaries.
Ssese Island is situated on the northwestern edge of Lake Victoria. It is the biggest island in the archipelago, in Kalangala district. This district is positioned about 51 kilometers south of Entebbe. It is part of the Bugala Group of Islands, and the northern group of islands is called the Koome Islands. The other islands making up the Bugala group include; Buyova, Funve, Bufumira, Bubembe, Bukasa, serinya, and Bubeke islands among others. The group making up the Koome archipelago includes Luwaji, Damba, and Koome. The two islands are interconnected by a Koome channel.
Accessing Ssese Islands.
Ssese is best accessed through water, from Entebbe in the central part of Uganda. The docking point is at Nakiwogo, south of Entebbe and drop off at Kalangala Bay in Ssese Islands. There is a large modern ferry that departs at 14:00hours and then returns next day at 08:00hours local time. This timetable runs every day, and the journey lasts for approximately 3-4 hours. However, special arrangements for speed boats can be made to provide quick access to the Islands.
If you are in the western region of Uganda, get a ferry from Bukakata mainland situated about 36km east of Masaka. The ferries are available from Monday to Saturday. It is a 50 minute sail while enjoying the amazing lake breeze and fascinating sights of distant plantations.
The residents of Ssese Islands are the Bassese tribe, from Bantu ethnicity. They are related to the Basoga and Baganda in east and central region of the country. With its fascinating crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and palm plantations, pick Ssese Island on your next vacation to Uganda. There are many options for accommodation facilities to spend your nights, with comfortable beddings, spacious enough and huge plantations.
WHAT TO DO IN SSESE ISLANDS?
Swimming.
In the designated areas, sock your body in the clear waters for hours. Swimming is really fun and can either be done at the pool in the accommodation facility or along the beautiful beaches of Lake Victoria. Sese island waters are cool and suitable for swimming.
Fishing.
This is one of the greatest sport fishing destinations in Uganda. Sport fishing is one of the adventures of gaining fame in the country. Species of fish in these waters include tilapia, Nile perch and so much more. The fishing gears are necessary and one must use a licensed boat operator with the ministry of fisheries.
Quad Biking.
Choosing a quad biking adventure at Ssese Islands is a perfect way of exploring this amazing destination. Then tackle the terrains and sandy beaches, through some forest to the fishing villages and so much more. This adventure enables one to uncover the life of islanders, Lake Victoria and Ssese Island.
Ssese Island is an intimate destination, one of the 84 islands spread along with Lake Victoria and Kalangala in particular. It is a great destination to unwind, relax and refresh from the hustle of everyday work. Spend your next vacation and weekend stress-free at Ssese Islands.