Batwa Cultural Experience at Bwindi Forest National Park
Ssese Island Daytrip
Birdwatching & Wildlife Daytrip to the Ssese Islands – A Magical Boat Safari with Uganda Horizon Safaris
Embark on a beautifully curated daytrip with Uganda Horizon Safaris to the Ssese Islands, a lesser-known treasure nestled in the heart of Lake Victoria. Famous for their serene beauty, lush tropical vegetation, and thriving birdlife, the Ssese Islands are a dream come true for birdwatchers, nature photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
This exclusive day tour departs from Kampala or Entebbe and includes a scenic boat ride across Lake Victoria, rich birdwatching experiences, sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and other unique island wildlife, plus a gourmet outdoor bush lunch and a lakeside dinner snack. It’s a one-day escape into one of Uganda’s most peaceful and untouched ecosystems.
Whether you’re a passionate birder or a traveler seeking a unique off-the-beaten-path adventure, this daytrip to the Ssese Islands promises discovery, tranquility, and breathtaking nature encounters—delivered with the signature quality and comfort of Uganda Horizon Safaris.
Start Location: Your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe
Departure Time: 06:30 AM
Tour Duration: Full Day
End Location: Kampala or Entebbe (evening drop-off)
Begin your journey with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in either Kampala or Entebbe. You’ll be welcomed by your professional Uganda Horizon Safaris driver-guide and transferred to the Entebbe Pier, where a traditional breakfast of tropical fruits, fresh juice, pastries, and Ugandan coffee or tea will be served as you board the boat.
Set sail on a private boat safari across Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. As the morning sun rises over the water, enjoy sweeping lake views and your first bird sightings. Keep an eye out for African fish eagles, cormorants, open-billed storks, and the striking malachite kingfisher. During the cruise, it’s also common to spot hippos wallowing in the shallows and even crocodiles basking near the islands.
Once ashore, your local nature guide will lead you on a leisurely island walk through the forest trails, wetlands, and lakeside edges of Ssese. This area is known for its exceptional biodiversity—over 300 species of birds have been recorded here, including rare and endemic species like the African grey parrot, great blue turaco, and Ross’s turaco. Along the way, you may also encounter monkeys, bushbucks, and colorful butterflies.
Enjoy a relaxing bush lunch served in a secluded clearing near the lake, complete with fresh grilled tilapia or roasted chicken, seasonal salads, and a cool drink. Our team ensures a beautiful, hygienic, and comfortable dining setup, letting you savor every moment in nature.
After lunch, you’ll have some time to relax on the beach or take an optional canoe ride around the nearby inlets (weather permitting), where you can enjoy close-up views of birds in the papyrus reeds and lush island greenery.
Re-board your boat for the scenic return to Entebbe. As the sun begins to soften over the lake, the return trip often offers golden lighting for bird photography and peaceful views across the horizon.
Upon reaching Entebbe, enjoy a light lakeside dinner snack with fresh juice and pastries before your driver-guide transfers you back to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Arrival is expected between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
Ssese Island Daytrip
| Group Size | Price per person per day |
| 1 person | USD 490/person |
| 2 person | USD 310/person |
| 3 person | USD 280 /person |
| 4 person | USD 250 /person |
| 5 person | USD 220 /person |
| 6 person | USD 190 /person |
Absolutely yes. We will arrange all airport transfers for you from and to the airport so that you don’t have to worry about how to get to your hotel. One of our drivers or guides will come to pick you up and take you back to the airport. This is already included in our offers and services.
Absolutely yes. Our handpicked hotels all offer you to safely store your luggage during your climb. In this way you can leave all gear that you won’t need during your climb at the hotel. That is very convenient if you are planning to go on a safari or to Zanzibar after your hike.
Tanzania Horizon Safaris has worked out a very transparent cancellation policy. In most cases we can offer a voucher if you have to postpone your travel. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please note that deposits are non-refundable as they have to be used for making reservations for your hotel and transport.
*If a booking is cancelled the client is subject to a cancellation fee as follows:
