The Ssese Islands is a archipelago of 84 islands found on the Northwestern shore of Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake in the world. Some of the islands have been developed for tourism and provide some of the best getaway destinations in East Africa. The lush islands are a different world all together, with their beautiful sandy beaches and a serene and untouched environment. Their virgin forest habitat teem with plenty of wildlife, delightful empty beaches and friendly islanders all make the Ssese a wonderful place to get way to! The Islands were named Ssese because some of them were formerly inhabited by tsetse flies which had forced some of the inhabitants to vacate the area about 100 years ago. The main languages spoken on the Island are; Luganda and Lussese, which is a combination of Luganda and Lusoga.

Found with the Kalangala district, Ssese islands are divided into two main groups: Koome and Bugala. The Koome group is after Koome island in the Northeast, and is the largest among in this group. Others in the group include Damba and Luwaji. Bugala group is found in the Southwest of Bugala Island which is the largest in the group. The others include Bukasa and Bugaba among others. Bugala Island, which stretches to over 40 kilometres, is the biggest in the Ugandan waters, and it is the most developed for tourism hosting many beach resorts along lake shores. Lutoboka Bay hosts the island's main cluster of beach resorts. The bay also has the Lubotoka Forest Reserve, a medium altitude most forest occupying 378 hectares of land. The forest hosts plenty of wildlife including 300 species of birds and many monkeys. The forest provides activities such as birdwatching, and nature walks. Bugala Island also houses the administrative center of the Kalangala District, the local government administrative entity that encompasses all the Ssese islands. The easiest way to Bugala is by taking a ferry at Nakiwogo landing in Entebbe and journey is 3 - 4 hours. Some of the popular hotels at Bugala Island are: Bravod sands beach, Sesese islands beach, Kalangala pearl Resort, Ssese Islands hotel. The several hills on this island offer scenic views of the lake with a combination of pleasure and nature that includes animal species like the colobus monkeys, bush bucks, vervet monkeys and snakes. Hippos, crocodiles and three endemic butterfly species also add to the diversity of the island!

Another notable tourism island include Bulago Island. This island stretches over 500 acres and is approximately 2 miles long. The island has 6 sandy beaches and is ideal for water activities. There is a forest of the Island's Northestern tip. Some of the other islands include: Bufumira, Bukasa, Buyova, Funve and Bubeke among others.

There are two large ferries serving Ssese Island that runs between the Nakiwogo dock (Nakiwogo landing site) in Entebbe and Kalangala Bay. The ferry departs from Bukakata near Masaka and Luku\ Bugoma on the western end of the island. It leaves Bukakata at 8:00am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 4pm and return at 9:00am,2:30pm and 5pm.

Activities include: Fishing (main economic activity on the island,) Sun bathing, Forest Walks, etc. The place is lined with canoes for hire which makes boat rides ideal! Swimming also happens in the area but is not advised due to the risk of bilharzia, as well as hippos and crocodiles that inhabit some islands. However, there is a place called Mutumbala on Bugala island that is popular for this activity! You can carryout a 3 days Ssese Island safari for a gateaway, honeymoon and relaxation trip. It is during the 3 days Ssese island safari that one has the opportunity to visit the fishing villages to interact with the local people and get a taste of the traditional culture. One can also visit the Kihumuro cave on Bugala island at Kalaya village. Thus cave has a rich cultural history and is visited by people for blessings from a certain god known as jaaja muwanga. Locals who don't engage in  fishing rely on animal rearing and employment on palm oil plantations.

For birding enthusiats, the island is ideal for spotting some migratory birds as well as the resident birds.The stunning beaches, spectacular landscapes and fresh air altogether make the atmosphere of the island serene and beautiful!

Activities

Fishing on Lake Victoria

Fishing for the huge Nile Perch in Lake Victoria is an exciting activity. You go out into the lake catch your own fish to roast and eat at the beaches. Alternatively, you can hire a local fisherman's boat who will take you out on the lake or to a different less visited shore to fish.

The fisherman will also provide you with a professional fishing-rod if you wish or you just try your luck the 'local way' with a stick, a fishing line and a hock! 

Boat Cruises on Lake Victoria

Boat rides/cruises on Africa's largest lake are thrilling and one of the most famous activities when visiting the Ssese Islands. Enjoy the beautiful warm weather feel the cool winds blowing on your face, observe the scenery and lush islands and all the different bird species you come across while cruising along the shores.