Ssezibwa Falls in Uganda

 Activities and History

Ssezibwa Falls is situated in the District of Mukono, 32 kilometers from Kampala city, on the main route that connects Kampala and Jinja. Water rushes through a small gap in the rocks, plummeting 17 meters per second into a big pool that is roughly 14 meters deep, creating the Ssezibwa falls.

The area around the falls are one of best places to go for relaxation after a long wildlife safari in Uganda or before visiting the source of the Nile river for activities like Whitewater rafting or bungee jumping. Ssezibwa is a colloquial expression from the area that means “something endless.” For the Baganda people, the Sezibwa Falls are a significant cultural and spiritual location. 

The department of culture and tourism in Buganda is in charge of overseeing the location. The Sezibwa falls are distinguished by a sizable lake below and a number of jagged rocks. The Ssezibwa River empties into Lake Kyoga from the falls.

Vervet and red-tailed monkeys are among the small primates that call the area surrounding the falls home. The area is also home to snakes such as the horned adder, green mamba, and African cobra. Mongooses, tadpoles, otters, and wild cats are among the other creatures.Sezibwa Waterfall, Ugandan essential component of Buganda’s history, culture, and beliefs are the Ssezibwa Falls.

The falls are all the more mysterious and alluring because of their significance to culture. The Ssezibwa River is thought to possess mystical abilities by the Baganda people. According to a Buganda legend, a woman named Nakangu Tebatuusa left her married home to her parents after her husband, Nsubuga Sebwaata, had a falling out. Her father advised her to return to her spouse and resolve their marital problems. Her mother dropped her off near her house and escorted her.

She became weary as she got closer to her married residence and gave birth to twins while she slept. A man who had seen her go to the bush took her husband to where she was. They observed a pool of water flowing into the Bwanda and Sezibwa rivers. At birth, Sezibwa flowed toward the East, toward Nyenga, while Bwanda flowed toward the East the west with numerous challenges.

Through the challenges, Nalongo Nnkubo, a spirit, assisted him. The spirits made their home near the waterfalls, where shrines were erected in their honor. Other deities besides Nnalongo Kkubo are the gods of death and life, Walumbe, Musoke, Ddungu, Kibuuka, Musisi, and Mukasa (fecundity, wealth, and good health). In Buganda, twins are greatly prized due to this legend.

Rituals were carried out to please the gods, and their birth is considered a unique gift. Special names are given to the parents, such as Salongo for Father and Nalongo for Mother. It was customary for everyone walking by the waterfalls to toss a stone into the river in order to get blessings.In the past, the Kabakas, or Kings, of Buganda would to this location in order to obtain health and blessings.

A wild olive tree known as the Mwanga tree was planted by Kabaka Mwanga in 1889 as he was traveling between two of his palaces. This tree is more than a century old. The natural splendor of the waterfalls captivated him, and he made the decision to spend some time there with his slaves.

He dedicated a tree to the falls’ gods as he was departing Cultural Subsequently, King Muteesa II also planted a tree in observance of the waterfalls’ and the Ssezibwa River’s spiritual significance. In 2002, King Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II visited the location to officially designate it as one of Buganda’s major tourist destinations.

A sacrifice was made at the Falls of Sezibwa Despite the kings, people continue to go from all over Uganda to this location in order to ask the gods for blessings on their families, businesses, careers, children, and health. The medicine men, or traditional healers, treat illnesses, toothaches, stomach problems, and skin conditions by calling on the gods or using local herbs.

To gain the gods’ favor, offerings can be made of coffee beans, eggs, craft beer, poultry, goats, and sheep. To please the gods and provide food for Ssezibwa, the animals and chicken are murdered at top of the falls and then lowered. If you come across dead animals along the base of the falls, do not be alarmed.

Fascinatingly, despite the fact that these ethnic customs are prevalent here, the Anglican church owns some land close to the waterfalls. Christians travel to this region for meditation retreats. The same waters are used for baptism services.

An article about the best heritage sites in Uganda might be of interest to you. Our fantastic one-day Jinja city tour package includes a visit to Sezibwa Falls as well as all the other fascinating things to do in Jinja.

Directions to Sezibwa Falls

How do you go to Kampala, the capital of the falls? It is roughly thirty kilometers from Kampala to the Sezibwa Waterfalls. The road is composed of murram once you cross the junction that leads to the falls. To get through this difficult time, especially during the rainy season, you will need a decent four-wheel drive vehicle.

You must drive cautiously and keep an eye out to avoid missing the primary intersection that leads to the falls. The Ssezibwa River Resort is indicated by a signage, however it is quite simple to overlook.

The stunning landscape and tranquil sounds of the waterfalls greet you as soon as you walk through the main gate, which is constructed of reeds. There are many trees in this comparatively pristine location. As you proceed deeper within the complex, you will see a bridge that crosses a river that flows downstream in addition to the waterfalls.

 Arguably, the greatest place to see the falls and snap pictures is from the bridge. There are additional trees and pebbles on well-kept grass across the bridge. These all come together to make a fantastic ambiance ideal for unwinding.

Things to do near Ssezibwa Falls

The Ssezibwa waterfalls are a wonderful spot to unwind on the weekend or during the school break. It is close to the capital of Kampala and offers a pleasant and serene environment. It is very inexpensive in comparison to other Ugandan locations.

 Those who are coming from whitewater rafting in Jinja or touring the Eastern Districts of Uganda can stop at the falls to rest and wonder at the clear waters. The further pursuits include:

Swimming:

The management of the facility discourages swimming in the beautiful pool after the falls especially for those who are not good in swimming. There may have been a few deaths here, in my opinion.

If you wish to play with nature and you are an accomplished swimmer, nobody will be able to stop you. Who could possibly dissuade you from entering these waters after conquering more challenging activities like whitewater rafting and bungee jumping in Jinja?

Photography:

The Sezibwa Falls may be the ideal location for you if you’re searching for a spot to snap stunning pictures. In addition to the waterfalls, the lush surroundings, trees, and rocks make for attractive photos. During the nature hikes, you might snap pictures of the monkeys or while playing games in the gardens across the bridge.

Climbing and Hiking:

This activity entails ascending to the top of the fall, from where you can observe the River Sezibwa ferociously tumbling down the rocks and making its way out of the dense forest shrubs and trees. The climb may be hard for people who are not fit but the end reward is amazing views of the waterfalls and surrounding surroundings. Along the journey, you might even see lizards and other animals.

Birdwatching:

There are around fifty different bird species that call the forest that encircles the Ssezibwa waterfalls home. For birdwatchers, this is a fantastic location. The Long-tailed Cormorant and African Finfoot can be seen swimming right at the base of the falls.

The African Finfoot, African Grey Hornbill, African Paradise Fly Catcher, Ashy Fly Catcher, Black-necked Weaver, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Bronze Mannikin, Dark-capped Bulbul, Emerald Cuckoo, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Osprey, Great Blue Turaco, Green, and Black-necked Weaver are among the numerous species found within and surrounding the falls. Green Hylia Woodland Kingfisher, Crombec Grey-headed Sparrow, Grey-backed Carmaroptera, Hadada Ibis, Olive-bellied Sunbird, Red-bellied Paradise-Flycatcher, Olive-chested Sunbird, Red-eyed Dove, Red-faced Crombec, Red-headed Malimbe, Ross’ Turaco, Shining Blue Kingfisher, Speckled Mousebird, Superb Sunbird, Tambourine Dove, Velvet Mantled Drongo, Vieillot’s Black Weaver, Western Nicator, White-browed Scrub Robin, White-headed Sawwing, White-spotted Flufftails, Black and White Mannikin, Yellow-fronted Canary, Yellow Wagtail, White-throated Bee-eater, and Yellow-White-eye.

Nature Walks:

Walking on the nature trails is perhaps the most alluring thing to do after seeing the stunning waterfall. The best place to start is in the nearby forests. Bamboo, Muvule, Musizi, Mahogany, fig, Eucalyptus, and Ebony trees are the principal tree species.

There are also a lot of with a local Guide, you will also spot numerous birds, butterflies and small primates. You can extend the trek to include stops at nearby farms and plantations growing tea and sugarcane. Travelers from other countries pay roughly $4.

Village Walks:

Ngogwe, Madudu, Wamala, and Kungu are the four nearby villages. Intentional visitors frequently want to interact closely with the local villagers in order to get a sense of what it is like to live in an African home. Students from several Ugandan schools also select this location as the ideal setting for their fieldwork and research. Each person may need to pay 10,000 Ugandan  Shillings for this walk.

Cultural Experience:

The indigenous people of Uganda practiced their own traditional faiths prior to the arrival of Christianity and other religions. To help people maintain a connection to their deceased ancestors and gods, several shrines were constructed. Jajja Ssezibwa’s Shrine, which is next to the stunning waterfalls, is still well known.

Visitors to the shrines can learn about the ancient gods and spiritual beings of the Buganda people, if they are interested in learning more about their traditional cultural practices. According to legend, the shrine itself contains a number of items of symbolic meaning, such as cowrie shells, calabashes, beans, spears, bark cloth, and other fetishes.

Offerings to the river and other gods cause smoke to rise from the base of the falls. Women are not Permitted to enter the shrine proper, which is housed inside a cave. Men who did not engage in sexual activity the previous evening are the only ones permitted. If you identify as a Christian, Muslim, or belong to another denomination, you should certainly consider twice before visiting this location.

Picnics and camping:

 The gorgeous green gardens around the falls are great for picnics, modest family parties and merry making without bothering others. Enjoy the refreshing breeze, watch the breathtaking waterfalls, set up a picnic area beneath a towering tree, play games, and spend quality time with loved ones. The carefully manicured grounds beyond the bridge are ideal for campers.

Near the Sezibwa Falls, camping provides a serene setting with lovely bird and monkey sounds. The Sezibwa Falls Resort sells food and drinks, however we advise bringing your own food and drink in order to prevent being let down by the inadequate facilities. Please be aware that you will be camping next to some locals who come to the shrines for their visits.

Details on how to get to Ssezibwa Falls

The Sezibwa Falls are open all year round, but you have to go during the rainy season to feel the full intensity of the falls.Regretfully, the facility is poorly run, just like the Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa. Unfortunately, particularly given that there is if the administration woke up and started thinking more creatively, the place has a ton of potential.

There is not a restaurant in the location, and the one hotel there is not very nice. I am sure that if they improved on a few things here and there, the place would draw in more visitors and money. Travelers hoping to enjoy delicious cuisine and first-rate services while spending one or two days in this pristine setting.