Ssesse islands and Jinja

Jinja:
*accommodation: Jinja Nile Resort, Rain forest Lodge Mabira and 2 friends guest house. upmarket and mid-range respectively.
*transport: public taxis from Kampala charge about $2 to Jinja. Private car hire can cost $50-70
*food/restaurants: Check out Gately on the Nile for food. the 2 friends guest house has some nice pizzas
*activites: White water rafting and a nature walk in Mabira.

Ssese Islands
*accommodation: All are budget facilities except check out Ssese Habitat Resort.
*transport: A mordern ship from Nakiwogo near Entebbe leaves daily at 2pm. Its a 3 hours voyage.
*food/restaurants: Check out the Islands Club Ssese.
*activites: sunbathing, forest nature walk, barbecue at the beach in the evening, boat ride to the parrot island at Bugaba.

In terms of restaurants, Jinja serves some top nosh.

Baraza's do really good Indian/Pizzas as does 2 Friends although not everything on the menu is available there. There's also a cracking Chinese restaurant on the main road from Kampala (think it's called LingLing). I'd also consider the Source Café.

Ozzie's Café is right across the street from the Source Café but it's run by an angry old Australian woman and it feels a little tired.

Activities wise, it's got everything you need if you're a thrill seeker, white water rafting, bungee jumping and jet boating all available. Sadly a tour of the Nile Breweries is now out of the question (at least it was when I visited in June). Although, Nile River Explorers offer a sunset cruise for $15 with unlimited drinks at the bar (if that's your thing). Wouldn't recommend the source of the Nile trip however, is very uninteresting and quite frankly very anti-climatic

Accommodation is widely available, my pick of the bunch being the Nile High resort; it's the base of Adrift who run bungee jumping and white water rafting; the rooms/tents are very tidy and the ablutions block is absolutely fabulous. Lovely views over the Nile and even better views of all the bungee jumpers if that tickles your fancy. Explorers backpackers is less expensive but feels a little bit dirty.

Transport easily available, both coaches and taxis run from Kampala, but I'd recommend a taxi as they tend to set off more regularly. Price will be anywhere between 5-10,000 /=

Activities while at Ssese Islands
While you are in and around Ssese islands, there are a number of activities and discoveries, one can make:
* Short boat rides
* Sport fishing
* Bird Monkey Hippos and other viewing

Recommended Tours and Historical Places of interest in Ssese
Nsirwe Island is famous for both bird and spider breeding . A day tour costs Ug.Shs150.000 1-6 people.
Bugaba Island is the birth and home place of the African Grey parrots .It also hosts a living sample of a true African virgin Equatorial forest.
Bubembe and Funve Islands are situated in the far south west of lake Victoria facing the Tanzania border with Uganda. This area is famous for Nile perch Catfish angling. The day can be rewarded with Nile perch fish of a whopping 100 kilograms or more. The best seasons lie between April to August. A one day tour will yield for you. Travel Hemispheres will arrange this or your excitement and holiday
Serinya, Banda and Kitobo Islands: These are fast developing islands .a tourist in search of a classic example of how islanders in the developing world live receive a world of experience and knowledge. Modern schools, animals farming and clinics in the fishing villages are seen in their different phases of completion and operation. Development that comes with facilities such as solar energy is very clear to an on looker.
At the end of the day we usually retire for a nice basic meal and cold refreshing drinks typical of Banda camping site.
This is where most island beaches and accommodation facilities are located in also a tropical paradise. Mos facilities are situated on acres of forested land . The virgin forests are among the most luxuriant and beautiful in tropical Africa, with an extraordinary variety of colours and scenery .The shoreline hosts some marine life that is un known to man .Perhaps the most striking and beautiful faunas are the brilliantly coloured butterflies that swarm around in these 40 acres .These butterflies are in close completion for notice with the equally beautiful birds Islanders hospitality and comfort has made it not only arresting place for tourist , but home to monkey ,s marine life ,birds butterflies clear crystal waters white sand beaches magnificent sunsets and well rehearsed night life gosh it a mouthful of wonders.

Jinja is a classic African adventure tourism destination. This is attributed to the existence of the Mighty River Nile which is characterized by its mysterious falls and high grade rapids. Jinja is also a relaxing and scenic place to spend a few days during your vacation. The wide Nile fringed by lush riparian woodland rattling along the equally scenic western bank of the river make Jinja the best destination to stay during your holiday.

White water rafting
For adrenalin activities, the Bujagali Falls are Africa's answer long sought after adrenaline adventure destination. At an average gush of 1.8 million litres of water per second, the Nile river, the World second longest river offer some good high grade rapids, excellent for a white water rafting expedition. The unforgettable thrilling experience you can get when the wild waters toss up and turn over huge falls make Jinja a fantastic one-stop destination for white water rafting in Africa. The less demanding white water rafting expedition is fit for everyone and demands no experience. Safety boat or family float trips at the headwaters of the Nile are also available for those who fear to raft over the Nile while the scenery and wildlife along the banks of the river are a bonus.
Bungee Jumping
Jinja is the only destination in Uganda where you can have an experience of Bungee jumping sporting adventure. Just 2kilometres downstream from the Bujagali Falls, the Nile High Bungee presents you with a chance to conquer any fear of heights you may have. The wonderful drop offers an exceptional, breath-taking opportunity for a 44-meter bungee jump. The bungee adrenaline is exhilarating whether you choose being dangled over the waters or being dipped into the river below. Different themes are available for you. You can take a ‘a freestyle’; where you can jump alone or you can choose to tower over the river with a friend. Ride your bike off the top, skip rope, dive, -the choice is yours.

Horse riding
One of the best ways to experience the African bush is on horseback. Rom Jinja all riders novice to experienced, will enjoy their leisurely trails offering stunning views over the wide Nile fringed by lush riparian woodlands rattling with birds and odd monkeys.

Cycling and Mountain Biking
As Jinja seems to be a growing adventure destination cycling and mountain biking is one of the other activities available to make your holiday fantastic and memorable. Cycle paths Mountain Bike Tours have now joined in the fun. If you are looking to capture the feel for the African lifestyle, Jinja is the best destination to do it. Cycling through the villages at a leisurely pace gives you an insight into the village life as you get many locals on the way. The African cultural settings and buildings of the homesteads as well as the plantation farms that you pass through make the cycling experience more interesting and memorable. The guided trip around the Bujagali falls area is a great way to spend your morning or afternoon.

Kayaking adventures
Jinja offers an excellent spot for kayaking in Uganda. Upriver from Bujagali Falls serves are excellent opportunities to discover all the sections of the Nile River-the world’s second longest river. The area is free of crocodiles and hippos and a kayak school is also at hand to ensure that you may have a simple, easiest and safer kayak over the Nile waters. Each year, hundreds of kayakers and kayak fans throng the Bujagali Falls to be part of annual international kayaking competitions. The Nile Freestyle Festival is Bujagali's largest calendar event; a 3-day international party that brings together experts and amateurs.

Other holiday activities in Jinja include river boarding-a stirring sport recently introduced in Uganda, canoeing, fishing, as well enjoying plenty of riverside entertainment: barbecues, camping, biking, acrobatic shows, stunts masters, among others.

Hi, thanx a bunch for all the good advice. Starting to get very excited now as am going in October. I know this is the rainy season so any info. about this i.e does it usually rain throughout the day, or mainly in the nights/mornings? Also, would it good to bring a lot of warm clothes and rain gear/wellies or is that a bit too much?

i have been in Kampala for awhile..most accommodation you can just walk in and ask for a room as they are never full..and since you are a family private car would be cost effective..avoid tour companies..they are a rip off..you can pay half the amount they are asking and get the same service..for restaurants you need a restaurant guide which you can get at a book store..for activities i agree with the above..however the biggest challenge i found was transport.the best option is to hire a private car/driver which is way cheaper about 60 dollars and have them drop you and pick you up..all u tell them is your destination..thats better than carrying a map around in publiv trnspt asking for directions .avoid public transport as i had my camera and phone stolen..i can recommend the cab company +256783328828 or rojaddon @ gmail.com..all the best wishes..