Islands in Uganda's part of Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. This guide covers the Ugandan islands you can plan a trip around. The largest group is the Ssese Islands, which make up Kalangala District and consist entirely of islands. Other islands, such as Bulago and Ngamba, lie closer to Entebbe and are separate destinations.
The district counts 84 islands in total. It says 64 of them are permanently inhabited, while an older tourism-board page gives 43. The numbers differ, so use them as a rough guide only.
The islands compared
What each one offers visitors and how you get there.
| Island | Group | How to reach it | Stay or visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bugala | Ssese Islands | Ferry from Nakiwogo near Entebbe or from Bukakata | Kalangala Town, Lutoboka, resorts and lodges |
| Banda | Ssese Islands, Bufumira area | Boat from Kasenyi, or a transfer from Bugala | Camping, cabins and cottages at the island's lodge |
| Bukasa | Ssese Islands, Kyamuswa area | A ferry route from Nakiwogo started in November 2025 | Few visitor services are known |
| Bubeke and Serinya | Ssese Islands | – | Few visitor services are known |
| Bulago | Separate destination | Boat trips on the operator's own vessel | A villa and cottage run by one operator |
| Ngamba | Koome group | Boat from the Entebbe area | Chimpanzee sanctuary, day and overnight trips |
Ask locally before you plan a stay on Bukasa, Bubeke or Serinya. A route from Nakiwogo to Kiwungu on Bukasa started in November 2025 with two trips a week, but that was a press report and not a current timetable.
Our picks: on the lake near Entebbe
A chimpanzee sanctuary island, a cycling tour with a boat ride and a sunset cruise to the Equator.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary by boat
Pick-up and return, the boat, a guided sanctuary visit with feeding observation, lunch at the eco-lodge, and snacks and water on board. Tips, souvenirs and alcohol are extra.
Check availability →
Sunset cruise to the Equator monument
Hotel transfer within Entebbe, the boat to Lwaji, an English-speaking guide, the Equator monument, water and life jackets. Meals, snacks and drinks are extra.
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Lake Victoria island cycling tour
Bike and helmet, the boat ride, an English-speaking guide, one soft drink and a traditional snack.
Check availability →Lake Victoria trips from Entebbe and Kampala
Boat cruises, bird trips and island days on Lake Victoria, with live prices and availability.
The Ssese Islands
The Ssese Islands are the main reason to come here. Bugala is the biggest island, and Kalangala Town Council sits on it. You arrive by ferry, and the ferries land on Bugala. See our Bugala Island guide for the main island and the Banda Island page for the smaller one.
Getting to the group takes time. The MV Kalangala from Nakiwogo needs about 3.5 hours, and the Bukakata crossing takes around 30 minutes but adds a long drive from Kampala. Our ferry guide has the details.
Bulago and Ngamba
Two island destinations that are easy to confuse with the Ssese group.
Bulago
One operator runs a villa and a cottage on Bulago and offers trips on its own boat, the MV Silver Fulu. It is a separate destination in the lake. Do not assume that it belongs to Kalangala District or that ferries from Bugala stop there.
Ngamba
Ngamba belongs to the Koome group, about 23 km south of Entebbe. It is known for a chimpanzee sanctuary, and tour operators offer day and overnight trips. It is not a forest on Bugala with wild chimpanzees. Entrance fees and visiting programmes change, so confirm them with the sanctuary or your operator.
Mabamba wetland
Birders head to the papyrus swamp at Mabamba for the shoebill. One Entebbe operator lists a trip of about 3 to 4 hours, best early in the morning or late in the afternoon, from about $100 per person in 2026 depending on the group. A sighting is never guaranteed.
Sunset cruise
The same operator runs sunset cruises from Banga Beach near Nakiwogo, about 1 to 2 hours from around 5 p.m., from about $25 per person in 2026. Price depends on boat and group size.
Day trips from Entebbe do not replace a stay on the Ssese Islands. They show a different part of the lake. Our tours page compares these options in more detail.
Beyond Kalangala: the lake at Jinja
The Nile leaves Lake Victoria at Jinja, on the northern shore. That area has its own guide, including the source of the Nile and white-water rafting. We keep it separate so that this site stays with the islands. For the lake at Jinja, see Lake Victoria at Jinja, and for the river, the source of the Nile.
Wherever you cross the lake, the same safety rules apply. Wear a life jacket, avoid overloaded boats and read the notes on swimming before you get in the water. Our safety guide covers both.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that go deeper.
Lake Victoria islands: frequently asked questions
How many islands are in the Ssese group?
The district counts 84. According to the district, 64 are permanently inhabited. An older tourism-board page says 43. The figures differ, so treat them as approximate.
Which Lake Victoria island is best for a first visit?
Bugala is the main island, and the ferries land there, so it is the easiest base. Banda is a separate island stay. Ngamba and Mabamba fit a day from Entebbe.
Can I hop between the islands?
There is no single island-hopping ticket and no daily public service between all islands. Some crossings, such as Lutoboka to Banda, are arranged privately. Ask your lodge.
Is Ngamba part of Kalangala District?
It is described as part of the Koome group south of Entebbe and is a separate trip from the Ssese Islands.
Where is Jinja in relation to the islands?
Jinja lies on the northern shore, where the Nile leaves the lake. It has its own guide on our sister site.