Explore – Discover – Experience Uganda’s Paradise Islands on the Equator – the Ssese Islands
The Top Things to do and see on the Ssese Islands beneath the tropical African Sun in Uganda
Top Things to do and see on the Ssese Islands
The Top Things to do and see on the Ssese Islands. One of Uganda’s hidden treasures is the tropical Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria. A lake as large as a sea in landlocked Uganda, a surprise to most visitors since they do not realize that we have our own Zanzibar – Fresh-Water style.
These undiscovered by Tourists Islands are the perfect setting for ending a safari in Uganda with Sun, Sandy Beaches, Fishing, Swimming, Nature walks on private islands, birding, horseback riding, bike, and ATV – Quad Biking, fishing, boating, windsurfing, sunset cruises, visits to Ngamba Chimpanzee Island.
The Top Things to do and see on the Ssese Islands. The Tropical Ssese Islands are the perfect place to chill out and relax before your trip back home – the Undiscovered Ssese Islands, Uganda’s version of a Freshwater Zanzibar at a fraction of the price.
Getting to the Islands in the Sun- Uganda’s Ssese Islands – Bugala Island
Today reaching Bugala Island, the tourist hub on the Ssese Islands has become more comfortable with two large ferries serving between Bugala Island and the mainland.
The ferry found at Nakiwogo dock operates daily to Kalangala Bay – Lutoboka and departs from Entebbe (Nakiwogo) at 2:00 pm taking about 3.5 hours to Kalangala. It then returns from Kalangala daily back to Nakiwogo at 8:00 am. The charges are UGX 14,000 per individual for 1st class and UGX 10,000 for 2nd class. The ferry has a restaurant where you can buy a snack.
Then there is another ferry which departs from Bukakata site (near Masaka) and lands at Bugoma on the other end of Bugala Island. Its departure times are 8:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and then 4:00 pm from Bukakata and returns from Bugoma at 9:00 am, 12:30 pm, as 2:30 pm and then 5:00 pm, as well.
The MV Vanessa Passenger Ferry which is the most convenient way of getting to and from the Islands
Where to stay on the Ssese Islands?
Where to stay on Uganda’s hidden Tropical Islands in the sun? Lodging choices are varied and many from budget to moderate lodging, our clients have loved the up-market Pineapple Bay Resort on the private Bulago Island – merely a dream come true – to the Brovad Sands Lodge.
New Lodges are opening offering a wide variety of choices for visitors.
The Ssese Island lodging facilities are Kid Friendly and the perfect place for the whole family to have time to chill out and relax in Uganda.
Perfect Honeymoon and Romantic Lodges are found here from Budget to Luxury.
The Top Things to do and see on the Ssese Islands– Tropical Paradise in the Sun
Relax and Chill Out:
The Ssese Islands – a considerable distance from the Indian Ocean are landlocked Uganda’s version of the Indian Ocean Islands like Zanzibar.
Lonely Planet has named the Ssese Islands as one of the best places to relax and chill out with its tropical Sun, sandy beaches, palm trees, quaint fishing villages, cool forests, offer one of Uganda’s best places to relax as visitors come to Uganda or are ready to return to their country.
The Ssese Islands, off-of-the-beaten Tourist Path, provide one of the best settings to relax and chill out in all of Uganda.
Add on top of that Fresh Fish such as Nile Perch, Tilapia – accompanied by fresh vegetables from the nearby Gardens of Villagers and the abundance of Fresh Fruit found here…Bring a book and relax and chill out.
Relax and Chill out on the Ssese Islands
Fishing – Boating – Sailing – Sunset Cruises
The 2nd largest lake surrounds the Ssese Islands in the world and the largest lake in Africa – Boating is a usual way of life, from fishing boats to Sail Boats, Motorized Boats of all kind.
The boating activities are endless, and of course, the water-sports in a tropical setting – fish Africa’s largest freshwater fish – the elusive Nile Perch, Tilapia from a boat or the shore-sailing is available with some lodging facilities, take a sundowner cruise and more.
Fishing is one of the favorite activities of tourists coming to the Islands. Fishing to the giant Nile Perch is enough of a lure for them.
Go Island Hopping to take a boat ride to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary for a half-day visit – the choices are endless.
Mountain Biking – ATV Quad-Biking:
The Ssese Islands are a perfect place to explore with a Mountain Bike or on the back of an ATV Quad Bike.
Ride through quaint fishing Villages, forests, even on beaches and get to know Bulaga Islands, you can also ride into the town of Kalangala.
Take a packed lunch with you and have it on a quiet spot on the island, preferably one with a view of the lake.
Take a sunset ride and see one of the most beautiful features of spending a few days on the Ssese Islands.
Quad-Biking is available at some select lodges on the Islands. Let us know that you are interested in Quad-Biking for us to make arrangements for you.
Beach Fires – BBQ:
Imagine the African Starlit Sky, the pyrotechnic lightning displays in the distance over the lake
You are on an equatorial, tropical Island and one of the fun things of being on the beach is a blazing fire, music and only having fun with others that you have met since coming here.
A BBQ can be arranged with many lodges. There is nothing like a freshly caught Tilapia Fish roasted over a fire on the beach in the evening.
Many lodges make the bonfire on a beach a nightly event if it is not raining.
Hikes – Nature Walks:
Though you are on an island, there are plenty of opportunities for Hikes and Nature Walks, from short ones to full-day.
Such walks can include visits to Villages, including fishing Villages where you have inter-cultural exchanges, have a drink and chat with an Islander.
You can also visit Schools and meet future Islanders and most often can enjoy a song and dance of the school-children.
Such walks and hikes can be taken on all islands, including the more hidden ones that you can access.
Top Things to do and see on the Ssese Islands – The Ssese Islands – Uganda’s tropical Islands await you, and we love to incorporate the Ssese Islands into a safari just designed for you – This can be done by adding a couple of nights for your time on the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria.
Top Things to do and see on the Ssese Islands-If you like to add the Ssese Islands while on Safari with us – Please let us know.
