Are you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway destinations in Uganda? Well, the Ssese Islands are considerably one of the best sites that reward visitors with that excellent weekend getaway experiences that you have ever thought to have in life. These incredible Islands have thrived for over 12000 years back at the time of tectonic shift which forced the elevation basin which is located between the 2 major arms of the Great Rift Valley to flood, making the stunning Lake Victoria. Whereas there is less which is famous about the ancient occupants of Ssese Islands, most of its traditions that are linked to the establishments of Buganda assert it that its creator Kintu hailed from the Islands of the Gods. During the pre colonial period, it was customary for the Kabaka’s of Buganda to pay a visit to these great Islands and also pay tribute to most of its balubaale whose major shrines to Mukasa, spirit of the Lake on Bubembe. Most of Buganda historical sources romanticize the relationship, asserting it that in the pre colonial periods, Ssese Islands given its mighty status wasn’t attacked by Buganda neither was it previously incorporated into the major Kingdom. Whereas Ssese Islands never enjoyed that total autonomy, it was clearly a vassal of Buganda for at least a century before the colonial time. The Baganda revered the Islands’ spirits; Stanley recorded which they looked down on their human inhabitants for their coal black color, superstition and uncleanly life.
The most famous legend associated with a deity from the Ssese Islands dates from around 16th century conflict when Buganda headed by Nakibinge was being overwhelmed in the conflict against Bunyoro. Nakibinge reached to these Islands looking for support and was given help of local Kabaka’s youngest son-Kibuuka who leaped to the mainland in one great bound to join the conflict against Bunyoro. Tall and powerful, Kibuuka that denotes the flier was also possessed of a somewhat more singular fighting skill. A deity in human structure was in position to fly above the clouds and shower down spear on the enemy that had no option to protect themselves from the deadly missiles. Spearheaded by Kibuuka’s aerial attacks, rout followed rout and the tide of conflict was reversed swiftly in Nakibinge’s side as the Baganda army continued deeper into Banyoro area.
Whereas Buganda won the conflict, Kibuuka never thrived to enjoy the spoils of the victory. After another battle, the Baganda soldiers caught most of Banyoro maidens and offered one to Kibuuka as his mistress. Kibuuka disclosed to the Munyoro lady his secrets only to realize that she had vanished overnight. The following day, Kibuuka sailed up into the sky as usual and was welcomed by a barrage of Bunyoro spears and arrows projected up towards the clouds. Kibuuka was wounded into a tall tree where he was sighted the following day.
Ssese Islands are located in the northwest of Lake Victoria making one of Uganda’s leading destinations with unusual attractions worth exploring including sport fishing especially the Nile perch. Around 1990s, these Islands featured as most famous back packer relaxing destination in Uganda. Whereas the attractions haven’t disappeared in the current periods, their fame evidently indicates, and this is attributed to the suspension of ferries from Port Bell and burgeoning tourist development at a more reachable Lake Bunyonyi in Kigezi.
Ssese archipelago comprises of more than 84 distinct and independent islands, others are large and heavily occupied while others are small and deserted but spectacularly forested given the heavy rainfall amount that it receives of about 20000 mm per year. Only 2 islands frequently get tourists. The well developed one being the Bugala Island which also features as the biggest, most reachable and established and privately owned and the site of a famous budget resort. There are other islands that are worth exploring especially the Bukasa, Bufumira and Bubeke.
Where to stay in Ssese Islands
Buggala Island
The island covers an area of more than 200 square kilometers and extends up to 43 kilometers from East to west, making it the biggest island within Lake Victoria and well established for travelers to enjoy while on their vacation in Uganda. It is reachable by motor ferry and comes with dotted accommodation to meet the visitor interests and budget. This Island features the usual vervet monkeys which are normally seen at Kalangala and Lutoboka, bush bucks, black and white colobus monkeys, butterflies, water and forest birdlife especially the several hornbills, Turacos, barbets, robin chats, flycatchers and weavers, jewel like pygmy kingfisher, African fish eagles, palms nut vultures, paradise flycatcher, brown throated wattle eye and many more. Besides, the area also offers spectacular views over the forested and grassy clearings to the Lake shore and other far islands. There are also cycling excursions around Mutumbula swimming beach.
Other stunning areas for one to stay include the Bukasa Island, Scorpion Lodge, PTA Andronic lodge, Ssese Palm Beach and many more.
How to get to Ssese Islands
There is a ferry which links the islands from Bukakata and the small wooden boats go from Kasenyi and this takes visitors about 35 minutes off Kampala city center. You can also embark on air service to the islands and this is operated by Mission Aviation Fellowship. There is a small sea plane and costs about shs 35000 for one way.
In conclusion, Ssese Islands offers not only its incredible islands but also amazing and astonishing history for visitors to explore and discover while on Uganda safari. For visitors who are looking for the best sites for relaxation and chilling with their dear ones, consider these islands a must to include in your bucket list.