Beach Holidays experience

Economic activities carried out On Ssese Island.

The main economic activity of Ssese is fishing, mostly in Lake Victoria, and the most frequent species caught in Ssese are the Nile perch and Tilapia. Due to the various illegal methods that are being used, there has recently been overfishing on the multiple islands around Lake Victoria, which has dramatically reduced the number of fish in the lake, depriving most people of the livelihood of fishing, despite the fact that it is the main source of income.

Additional economic activity on the Ssese islands includes farming, boat riding as a kind of tourism, and charcoal making owing to the abundance of trees on the island.

Beach Holidays experience

Uganda Beach Vacations, Ssese Islands Tour

Visit the Ssese Islands.

The Ssese islands were long renowned for fishing until lately, when people began to appreciate its geographical location and the tranquil beauty it provides. Ssese was named for the abundant Tsetse flies that were discovered in the region. It is located in the center of the Nile’s source, Victoria Lake. When someone mentioned the Tsetse flies in the region, the locals began calling them Ssese.

The island was not a popular tourist destination due to a large infestation of tsetse flies in the region, as well as the fact that it was well-known for being one of the poorest districts in Uganda, with a high HIV prevalence in comparison to other districts in the country.

The archipelago is split into two sections: the Bugala group in the southwest and the Koome group in the northeast. The Koome channel separates these two groupings. Bugaba Island, Bufumira Island, Serinya Island, Buyova Island, Bubeke Island, Funye Island, and many more comprise the Bugala group. The primary islands that make up the Koome group are Luwaji Island, Koome Island, and Damba Island.

But times have changed, and the Ssese islands, which number 84 and are located in the Kalangala region, are now one of the top attractions in the country owing to the tranquil nature that can be found there. The Kalangala district contains two banks, Finance Trust Bank and Stanbic Bank, and there are no high-rise structures in the region. The island contains around 65,000 inhabitants who reside on the various islands, with 25,000 living on Bugala Island and the remainder on the other islands.

 

Activities on Ssese Island

When you decide to visit Ssese Island, you may do a variety of things, some of which are as follows:

 

An excursion to the Island Club

This is more of a campground where people congregate to participate in evening activities after a hard day.

The soothing ambiance of the gardens is wonderful for resting, and you also get to witness the setting sun in all its glory but keep in mind that the bar shuts at about midnight since the bartenders need to rest before opening up the next day.

 

A trip to Kihumuro Cave

Kihumuro cave is on Bugala Island and is located in Kalaya hamlet. It is a 30-to-40-meter-long cave with a tiny exit and a broad entrance. It is still utilized by a large number of people who come to seek the blessings of the god Jajja Muwnaga. The cave has a rich cultural and spiritual heritage, which is best conveyed by the tour guides who will take you through the numerous stories as you walk the cave.

According to some inhabitants, the island gained its name from a guy named Ssebugala who arrived to the island many decades ago.

He rested at the cave after a long journey, which is how the cave got its name from Kihumuro, which loosely translates to “rest.” It is believed that his spirit, as well as the spirits of some of his children, visit the cave, which is why you will find many women and men smoking pipes inside and outside the cave, seeking blessings from the gods.

Many people refer to the cave as a local traditional church, and while inside, you will notice that the floor is completely covered in grass, and you are required to remove your shoes before entering because it is regarded a holy site.

The cave has a variety of goods, including spears, bark garments, calabashes, coffee seeds in a basket, and many other local objects.

There is a guy who is said to have all of the gods’ abilities and always transmits to the people the messages that the gods want them to hear.

 

Lake Victoria fishing spots

A visit to Ssese Island will allow you to go spot fishing. With the assistance of a tour guide, you will be able to catch several common fish species such as Tilapia and Nile perch, and then enjoy smoking them on a fire that is usually provided by the resort where you are staying. This is an experience you should not miss if you visit the Island.

 

Investigate the billionaire’s point of view.

The billionaire’s view is located on top of a hill south of Kalangala town. The road leading to the billionaire’s view is a bit dusty and is largely used by the area’s bodas. When you reach the top of the hill, you can see the entire island from a unique viewpoint, including the lake, beaches, valleys, and various housing developments. Few people understand why it is dubbed Billionaire’s View, but if you want to see the best of the island, here is the place to be.

 

Investigate the tropical jungle.

The island features a tropical forest that is home to several exotic creatures common in the area, such as sitatunga antelopes, monkeys, crocodiles sunning in Lake Victoria, and numerous bird species. The forest is also home to unique flora and animals found solely on the island, and you may enjoy birdwatching, game drives into the forest, and nature hikes. But, remember to wear sunscreen and long-sleeved clothing to avoid mosquito bites.

 

Traveling to Ssese Island

There are many ferries that go to Ssese from various sites across the nation. Some of the scheduled times for the ferries are provided here so you know where to board and when to board.

The following are the various rates of the MV Kalangala, which goes to and from Kalangala, particularly for a one-way voyage. Economy-class passengers pay 10,000 Ugandan shillings, while first-class passengers pay 14,000 Ugandan shillings.

A ferry departs Masaka from Bukakata and is always free, despite the fact that it is a complex and long voyage, which is why most visitors do not utilize it.

A ferry leaves Nakiwogo in Entebbe at 2:00 pm every day and arrives at Ssese Island at 5:30 pm. • The MV Kalangala, the primary ferry on that route, departs Ssese Island at 8:00 am every morning, therefore anyone leaving the island should keep time.

Ssese Islands is a must-see destination, especially if you’ve planned a safari to Uganda. It is one of the country’s unspoiled secret jewels, where you may relax after a long day and appreciate nature at its finest. And because they are far from the city, you may enjoy peace and quiet on one of the most beautiful islands in the world.