AN EXCURSION AT SSEZIBWA FALLS

An excursion is a short trip to a tourist destination where the tourist enjoys the product of the place and returns to his or her premises. And this text will talk about an excursion at Ssezibwa falls.

Excursions in the pearl of Africa have picked up interest especially for the domestic market, as more Ugandans have developed the love to tour and explore their country and also the curiosity to discover the wonders offered by the different destinations across Uganda.

Surrounding Areas

Jinja city located in the eastern region of Uganda 81 kilometers east of Kampala, has been one of the top visited destinations by the domestic travelers. For the fact that it lies on the shores of Lake Victoria, Jinja city offers a range wide of activities that can be enjoyed on a Uganda safari.

Some on these include white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, tubing, quad biking, hiking, foodie adventures and many more, no wonder it’s referred to as, the adventurous capital of the pearl of Africa, that shouldn’t miss out on your safari bucket list.

The neighboring towns of Jinja city are also endowed with different tourist attractions among which is Mukono district, where Ssezibwa falls is located, one spot that is a must visit while one tours the peal of Africa

While on your way to visit the Ssezibwa falls, a stopover for the foodie people at Namawojoloa is truly mouthwatering. Have a taste of the delicious roasted chicken, beef, goat’s meat, liver served usually with “gonja” roasted sweet bananas, roasted maize and soft drinks offered by vendors.

Ssezibwa falls is a water fall located in Mukono district with its source being the Ssezibwa River. The River is a 150 kilometer river that flows from Buikwe district near Ngogwe from the swamps of Lake Victoria and empties its waters into Lake Kyoka.

Ssezibwa River came up with the formation of the Ssezibwa falls and Bwanda. This river and its two flows has high tradition significance to the Buganda people due to the interesting tradition formation of the Ssezibwa falls.

Traditionally, it is believed that Ssezibwa falls and Bwanda came into existence after a birth of a local ancient woman called Nakkungu Tebatuusa and Nsubuga Sebwaato.

The tradition account has it that Nakkungu Tebatuusa who had a misunderstanding with the husband Nsubuga Sebwaato, decided to return to her parents, where her visit was not welcome and advised to return to her husband. On her way to her husband in Kavuma Bukunja , she gave birth on a way as she was pregnant, giving birth to two twin brothers who were in form of water.

These two twins were named Ssezibwa and Bwanda, Ssezibwa flowed west were he found a lot of obstacles but was helped by a spirit called Nalongo Nnkubo. While his brother flowed east towards Nyenga.

The name Ssezibwa was derived from a local Luganda phase of “sizibwa Kkubo” which means “my path cannot be blocked”, in reference to the hardships Ssezibwa (Twin brother) faced he managed to make way for himself.
Due to this traditional belief by the Buganda this site is regarded as a heritage site in the pearl and it holds great tradition importance to the Baganda people. This site is believed to possess super natural powers, with the spirits protecting the place and guiding their premises.

Traditional healers, locals and herbalists come to this place for blessings in their careers, families, marriages and in all that they do. While at this place, you can witness traditional shrines as they were set up for worshiping, praying and making sacrifices to the gods that are located at the water falls.

People come and bath in the water of the water fall for spiritual cleansing and to ask for blessings from the gods of the Ssezibwa. There was a practice at the water falls, as when one is passing the falls, they were required to throw stones into the falls, as a way of asking blessings from the spiritual heads of the Ssezibwa falls.

Ssezibwa falls holds possession of a historical wild olive tree that was planted by Kabaka Mwanga the second. This tree has a twin shape and it was used as a crowning ground for the ancient kings of Buganda. This tree is approximately over 100 years and was planted in 1884.

Kabaka Mutesa also planted a tree in the Ssezibwa area as a mark of recognition and respect of the spiritual significance of the Ssezibwa falls.
Besides the traditional culture at the Ssezibwa there are other attractions and activities to enjoy while at the water fall, these include;

Birding

As one marvels through the beautiful forests along the banks of the river , there are a number of bird species that can be sighted these include , the red chested cuckoo, lesser stripped swallows , parrots, woodland kingfisher, white and black Mankins, red eyed dove , snake birds and olive birds to mention but a few.

Primate and reptile walks

Ssezibwa falls has a natural forest ambiance where a variety of primate species can be spotted, for the primates that can be seen while at Ssezibwa these include bush monkeys, Vervet monkeys red tailed monkeys etc. And for the reptiles, a number of snake species are found at the falls, of which some are offered sacrifices for they are believed to be gods or ancestors. Snake species include the green mambas, African Cobra and the horned adder among the many.

Rock climbing

A tourist can also climb and hike to the top of the falls for a break taking view of the Ssezibwa falls, witnessing how the 150 km Ssezibwa rives rambles through the sharp rock edges and falls 7 meters to the bass forming the soothing and relaxing Ssezibwa falls.
Excursion to this beautiful water falls is truly a lifetime experience like no other in the world that a person shouldn’t miss as they visit Uganda.