IF - The Ssese Islands

Sailing the Ssese Islands

At Lake Victoria’s north-western corner, in Uganda, are the 84 forested islands of the Ssese archipelago. The islands float like green jewels in this vast stretch of water which is constantly replenished by melting snow from the craggy peaks of The Mountains of The Moon. Not every island is inhabited so a day’s sailing will bring you to your very own deserted island paradise where the rainforests are alive with birds, vibrant butterflies, brightly coloured frogs, cheeky Colobus monkeys and the unique Sitatunga antelope. If you’re lucky, you may well see a family of chimps high up in the forest canopy chatting noisily to one another.

On the inhabited islands, the small fishing villages along the shores signify the importance of the lake for food. With the huge Nile Perch, the tasty Tilapia and the tiny Omena being the main catches, the lake waters are also filled with delicious little freshwater crayfish and soft shell crabs. For a dollar or two, you can buy the fish just as they are landed and have yourself a banquet!