Population: 74,100
Divisions: Nyendo, Kyamulimbwa, Masaka Central Division.
Neighbouring Districts: Lyantonde, Sembabule, Lwengo, Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Rakai, Kalangala .
Distance from Kampala:128 km
Distance to Airport: 168 km
Attractions:Lake Nabugabo Holiday and Conference Centre, Sand Beach Nabugabo, Agro-Tourism, Bukakata Landing Site
Masaka is a pretty town built on one side of a hill. A huge radio mast dominates the skyline. It is also the shopping-off point the Ssese Island; Make sure you get a matatu from Kampala that gets to Masaka by lunch time if you are going to the Island the same day.
Transport
There are frequent matatus and buses to Masaka from Kampala. Get to either one of the 2 bus stations in Kampala early in the morning as most leave soon after day break, Bus takes 2 hours. The Matatu continue later in the day. Masaka is 128km from Kampala.
Sleeping/Eating -Where to eat, drink and sleep in Masaka
Golf Lane Hotel, 1 Kinanina Road, +256(0)712 594184,
Hotel Brovard Ltd, 6 Circular Road, +256(0)481 421826,
Lake Nabugabo campsite, off Nyendo-Bukakata,
Masaka Tourist Cottage and Camp Site, +256(0)752 619389,
Nabugabo Holiday Centre, +256(0)414 2733778,
Zebra Hotel, +256(0)481 420997
Tourist Attractions -Shop & Activities in Masaka
Lake Nabugabo Holiday and Conference Centre
The centre is situated at the shores of Lake Nabugabo in Masaka district, about 21 kms from Masaka town. The estate was originally sponsored by missionaries and later handed over to the Church of Uganda for use as a holiday resort and conference centre. There are a number of activities carried out and these include; canoeing, Sport Fishing and recreation on the sand beaches, Bird watching, swimming and camping. Besides camping they also have holiday resort accommodation facilities. The resort has enormous potential for development of modern water sports.
Sand Beach Nabugabo
This is situated about 23 kilometers from Masaka town, at the shores of Lake Nabugabo. It is popular for annual canoeing competitions. It is also popular for motor rallying events, fishing, and camping, beautiful bandas/cottages. Other activities include recreational activities like beach volleyball and beach football. It is an excellent place for family outings. Bird watching is one of the activities that were recently launched and this is done either around the lake area on the side of the beach. One can also take a canoe to an Island in the lake or on the other side of the lake across the beach.
The Sand Beach, like Lake Nabugabo Resort, also offers chance for development of water sports on Lake Nabugabo.
Agro-Tourism
This activity has significant potential in the District, as a tourist attraction. Its market ranges from domestic to international tourism. The products include experiences regarding improved banana growing methods, cattle zero-grazing and other forms of sustainable agriculture.
Community Tourism
Community tourism opportunities available in Masaka District include community trail walks, market visits and short-stays with communities. The gentle hilly terrain coupled with green cover offer good opportunity for nature walk.
Cultural Performances
The district is home to rich Ganda cultural performances. Already, many organized groups commercially conduct performances. Cultural performances, including storytelling, may be developed to enhance the menu of the over-night tourist package.
Bukakata Landing Site
This area is the tourist gateway to the tourist hub of Kalangala and areas of Lake Victoria. Development of tourist related service infrastructure such as crafts shops and lodges would enhance tourism activity within Masaka District.
Crafts and Souvenirs Industry
There are dedicated crafts/souvenirs shops found in Masaka Town especially along the main street. Masaka is endowed with a number of wetlands whose materials can be utilized for production of crafts for domestic market and export. Some tree plants, commonly grown in the district, such as the banana and back-cloth trees, provide raw materials that can be used by the crafts industry.
Training is required in simple crafts that are convenient to carry as souvenirs to build capacity for the Crafts and Souvenirs Industry.
The Nabajuzzi Eco-tourism project
The Nabajuzzi Eco-Tourism Project developed with the4 support of Nature Uganda. A raised wooden viewing deck overlooks the Nyabajuzzi papyrus wetland at Sitatunga Corner, where the Masaka Bypass meets the feeder road into town.