The Ssese Islands are a group of islands in Lake Victoria, in Kalangala District. The main island, Bugala, has beaches, forest, palm plantations and the small town of Kalangala, and it is the easiest to reach.
The trip starts with a ferry ride across the lake, a small adventure in itself. On the island, life slows down. The islands are part of the Buganda Kingdom, and in Kiganda tradition they are closely tied to Mukasa, the spirit of the lake. Kalangala is a favourite for weekend breaks, groups of friends and company retreats, and a relaxed lake finish after a safari.
Fishing and palm oil shape island life today. Early in the morning you can watch fishermen bring in the catch at a fishing village and hear how families on the islands make a living from the lake. Your guide can also explain the place of Mukasa in Buganda belief; shrines to the lake spirit stand on Bubembe island. The fishing village visit is arranged with the community and included in your trip, so what you pay goes to the families you meet.
Kalangala is good all year, and a favourite for end-of-year trips and long weekends. Check ferry times when you plan, as they shape the whole trip.
The MV Kalangala ferry runs from Nakiwogo pier in Entebbe, close to our home base, to Lutoboka on Bugala, in about 3.5 hours. From Kampala, add about 1 hour to reach Entebbe. Vehicles can also cross on a shorter ferry from Bukakata, near Masaka, to the island.
Hotels and resorts are mostly around Lutoboka and Kalangala town; outside these, facilities are basic. Because of the ferry times, two nights is the minimum we suggest, and our Kalangala trip runs for 3 days and 2 nights. Walking and beach days are relaxed, Level 1.
Take the ferry from Entebbe to the Ssese Islands for beaches, forest walks, fishing villages and slow sunsets on Lake Victoria.
