Ssese Islands Excursion

What to do and see at Ssese Islands

• Beach games

After relaxing your mind and your body without the bustle and hustle of the city, you can engage in beach games like volleyball, beach soccer and football among others.

• Boat Rides

Boat rides in Ssese are carried out all throughout the day and you will find many locally made boats ready to take you around Lake Victoria while visiting the different landing sites. The boat rides can also take to you different Islands that are adventurous but remember to put on a life jacket before boarding one. There’s also a ship for the luxury class that operates only Sundays taking you around Bugala Island.

• Sport Fishing

This is an interesting activity that you can enjoy on the Islands though will need to first obtain a fishing permit from the authorities before engaging in this activity. There are a lot of fish species that you will find but the most famous one is the Nile Perch. Note that you will need to come with fishing gear and in case you do not have, you can still hire from the locals at an affordable price.

• Bicycle Riding

Yes, indeed you could hire a bike from your respective resort and ride through the island’s white sand beaches, rainforest and even visit the workers in the fishing village. The gorgeous scenery of the island will keep you captivated and pedaling for more.

• Swimming

Swimming in the waters of Lake Victoria is a very exciting on Ssese Islands. Bulaga is the most noted swimming area of all Islands. Due to the outbreak of Bilharzia, many people enjoy their swimming activities in swimming pools and also due to the presence of crocodiles. Sun bathing at any of the Ssese Islands is interesting as you just sit and observe the fresh waters of the second largest Lake in the world.

• Quad biking

Quad biking is the best way to explore the Ssese Islands. While on the bike you can visit fishing villages, forests, beaches as well as brightening your day. There is a simple training organized for the starters though the activity doesn’t require much experience. The activity is open for all years and it takes only one hour.

• Hiking and Nature walks

Though biking is thrilling, you may want to take it slow and have a nice stroll around with a guide taking you through the forest. You may roam as you watch the different birds and marvel at their colorful feathers and unique calls or the different primates you could spot and may even run into the sitatunga antelope. 

• Ssese Island Animals & Wildlife

Ssese is a home to quite a wide range of wildlife and these can be seen in different areas around the Island. Some of the animals that you should look out for are; the vervet monkeys which can be seen jumping from one tree to another, Situnga antelopes, chimpanzees in Ngamba Island and hippos which are best seen near Mulabana in a swamp on Bugala Island.

• Sightseeing (Palm trees)

The Island has numerous palm tree plantations that are found in the different parts of the Island and a walk through these trees will be worth your time. You will be welcomed by the owners of these plantations and they will take you around while explaining how they are grown, the harvesting process of the palm fruits and how the palm is made locally.

• Primates viewing (monkeys)

Primates viewing in Ssese Island especially monkeys can be done in the rain forests that covers a larger part of the island. The vervet monkeys are the most popular ones and they can be seen jumping form one tree to another. The chimpanzees are found in Ngamba Island where they are catered for and a short trip there will give you chance to feed and cater for over 49 chimpanzees on the Island.

• Walks & Hikes (Trails)

There are two types of walks that you can engage in while in Ssese and that is the nature walk through the forests and the village walks. The Island has welcoming people and it will not be a surprise to them when you take a walk through the different villages on the Island where you get to meet and engage with the locals. The nature walks through the forests is another experience all together as you get to see the different types of trees, species of butterflies, insects and birds and not forgetting the primates.

• Golfing

You could also go golfing with your buddies, maybe you are a natural at it or have never even played before but that does not matter because the course is for all who are interested. So, bring out your clubs and play some golf!

• Bird watching

Ssese Island is a birders paradise for both water birds and those that live on land which thrive in the forests and swamps on the Island. While at the island you can spot various bird species like the paradise flycatcher, great blue Turaco, shoebill stock, African fish eagle, Palm nut vulture, marabou stock, horn bills, barbets, robin chats, crested crane, weaver birds, African green broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Doherty’s, pygmy kingfisher among others. 

• Kalaya Caves

Kalaya caves are believed to be the place where the first people in Kalangala lived and they are of great importance to the Baganda especially the Nkima (monkey) clan of the many totems in the central part of Uganda. The Kalaya caves of Semuggala or Jjaja Kiwumulo are a home to a lot of traditional regalia like spears, bark cloth, calabashes and some locals believe they can be healed once they visit the caves. There are two openings to the cave, a small one used as an exit and the big one used as an entrance into the caves. The caves also have a fire that is always burning all throughout the day and night.

• Island Hopping

Perhaps you are the adventurous type that just can’t help your curiosity; well, there is something for you too. A boat can be arranged to take you around island to island, the habited and inhabited until you have explored to your heart’s content. You can also hire a speed boat and watch the sunset over the lake. In general, the islands are a place to be. Enjoy the amenities of the different lodges, sit around a camp fire at night. They are a good place to relax and unwind for a weekend after a long week.

• Eat locally prepared fish

Uganda is generally known as the food basket in East Africa with lots of traditional foods grown locally in the different parts of the country. The resorts in Ssese have quite a large menu when it comes to preparing the local foods but the one you should not miss out on is the Fish! And since you are staying along the beach, look out for the fish that is prepared in all kinds of manner from deep frying to smoking.