After Murchison Falls, Ssezibwa Falls is among the most frequently visited waterfalls in Uganda. The tourism capital of Uganda, Jinja City, and Ssezibwa Falls are both located nearby. Ssezibwa Falls, which is 32 kilometers from Kampala, is an important cultural and historical site in Uganda and Buganda people and the monarchy inclusive. The location is administered by the Buganda tourism department and is regarded as the most significant cultural and spiritual place in the country. There are tourist residents around who assist in providing information to visitors. For sports like water rafting and bungee jumping, it is advisable to visit the location at the end of the tour or after visiting the source of the River Nile. Ssezibwa falls is one of the top attractions to see in Uganda. Most people visit the falls for relaxation on weekends because of its fascinating beautiful scenery that offers the best destination for picnics and taking photographs.
History of Ssezibwa Falls
The Ssezibwa falls were created when water squeezed through small openings in the rocks and fell at a speed of 16 into a sizable pool that was 13 meters deep. The falls include a wide pool below and a number of sizable rocks with jagged edges. The Buganda Kabaka In order to establish it as a significant tourist destination, His Majesty the Kabaka Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II visited the location in 2002.
The River Ssezibwa is thought to have magical abilities in Buganda. This makes the falls look much more appealing. According to Buganda mythology, Nakagu Tabatusa, a Muganda married woman, had a marriage problem with her charming husband, Nsubuga Ssebwata, and she left her marital home for her parents’ house. She was instructed to resolve the matter at her husband’s house by her biological father. Her mother left her closer to her house as she was being escorted. She became weary as she got closer to her house and chose to rest. While she was sleeping, she gave birth to twins in the shape of water.
After being led by a man who observed her entering a bush, her husband eventually located her. When two rivers, named River Bwanda and River Ssezibwa, were born, they flowed in opposite directions: Bwanda went eastward to Nyenge, and Ssezibwa flowed westward to Lake Kyoga. Nalongo kkubo assisted the husband in pacifying the local spirits so that the shrine to cleanse them could be built. There are additional spiritual gods with abilities than Nalongo Kkubo, such as Walugembe (the deity of life and death), Kibuka (the god of war), Mukasa (the god of prosperity and riches), Musoke (the god of rain), and Dungu (god for hunting).
The tale of this Muganda woman continues from there. In Uganda, twins are considered a great blessing, and ceremonies are done to appease these gods. As a result, the parents have given the mother (Nalongo) and the father (Ssalongo) distinctive names.
The Luganda expression “Ssezibwa kkubo”, which means that my pass cannot be closed because the River Ssezibwa flows far to the east of Lake Kyoga—about 150 km—is the source of the name Ssezibwa. Visit Ssezibwa Falls and take in the wonderful sights, and fascinating tales told by the local guides. Additionally, the church owns property here. As well as gatherings and retreats, Christians often frequent this location to participate in baptismal activities.
Attractions and activities at Ssezibwa falls
The Ssezibwa waterfalls are a wonderful spot to unwind on the weekend or on a vacation. It provides a pleasant and tranquil setting and is close to Kampala, the country’s capital. In addition, it is inexpensive in comparison to other places in Uganda. Visitors to the Eastern Districts of Uganda who are going zip lining in the Mabira forest or returning from whitewater rafting in Jinja can stop at the falls to rest and wonder at the crystal-clear waters. The further pursuits include:
Bird watching: Over 50 different bird species can be seen in the woodland that encircles the Ssezibwa falls. African fin foot and Long Tailed Carmeportents can be seen swimming at the foot of the Ssezibwa waterfalls, which is undoubtedly the best location for birders. African hornbills, grey African paradise flycatchers, Black Necked Weavers, Ashly Fly Catchers, Hadada ibises, Olive Bellied Sunbirds, Little Grey Greenbuls, Striped Kingfishers, Red Eyed Doves, Yellow Fronted Canaries, and numerous other bird species can also be seen.
Camping and hiking rocks: The area is ideal for picnics and camping because it includes lovely greenery and rocks. While having a picnic, guests enjoy climbing and hiking these rocks. On some days, visitors can also go fire camping at the falls. Although climbing these cliffs is difficult and calls for physical fitness, the view of the falls and the surroundings are breathtaking.
Viewing waterfalls: Viewing the stunning waterfalls at the Ssezibwa falls is one of the fun things to do there. The environment is exciting and interesting, and the sounds and splashes here will change the way you live.
Cultural encounters: Local Ugandans have their own traditional religious practices and tiny gods they used to worship before Christianity and other religions arrived there. The most well-known shrines are still those of Jjaja Ssezibwa, which are situated adjacent to stunning waterfalls. People who are curious about Buganda and want to understand more about their ancestors’ deities and other supernatural beings. The shrine itself is reported to contain a number of relics, including pots, calabashes, beads, and cowrie shells. Women are not permitted inside the cave; only men who have not engaged in sexual activity the night before visiting are admitted. Smokes can be observed at waterfalls as a means of offering sacrifice to the gods.
Nature walks and photographs: The nature walk is the most intriguing and well-liked activity; it’s lovely to stroll about here. The first place to go is the woodlands nearby. Bamboo, Muvule, Musizi, Mahogany, fig, Eucalyptus, and Ebony trees are the predominant tree species. There are numerous bushes and shrubs in the region. You will see more birds, butterflies, and small primates with the aid of a local guide. It is possible to extend the walk by stopping at nearby farms, sugarcane fields, and tea plantations. Ssezibwa Falls is the spot to go if you’re looking for good views for taking pictures due to its lush flora, background full of rocks, trees, and thrilling waterfalls. The location is close to Kampala and boasts lovely foliage and waterfalls.
How to Reach Ssezibwa Falls
The distance from Kampala to Ssezibwa Falls is around 30 kilometers or one hour’s worth of driving. There is signage pointing visitors to the falls so that you don’t get lost, however depending on the volume of traffic in the town that day, from the asphalt road, the rest is murum road, which requires a four-wheel vehicle.
Best time to visit Ssezibwa falls
The Sezibwa Falls are open all year round, but if you want to see them at their most powerful, you must go when it’s raining. However, it’s preferable to visit during the dry season to take advantage of other waterfall activities. The view is unobstructed, the hiking trails are usable, and the camping spots are dry here.