Kigezi Highlands
The Kigezi Highlands are found in southwestern region of Uganda ,the highlands cover across a number of districts in this region like Kabale, Kisoro, Kanungu, and Rukungiri . The hills are bordered by Virunga massif the two nonboring countries Rwanda and Demecratic republic of congo (DRC) ,The Highlands are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The Highlands are characterized by a rugged terrain with series of steep hills and valleys, the area is elevated with altitudes ranging between 1,200 and2,000 meters above the sea level. The cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall contribute to a vibrant landscape of terraced hillsides, dense forests and amazing green vegetation. The Natural Beauty of the Kigezi Highlands is further enhanced by several lakes and rivers including the one of the deepest and clearest lake in Africa, the majestic Lake Bunyonyi and other beautiful islands like, Chahafi, Mutanda, and Mulehe and all these has ranked Kigezi highlands a unique destination for tourist in Uganda who are interested in exploring nature beauty.
The diverse ecosystems in the Kigezi Highlands support a variety of plant and animal life, the southwester’s forests like Bwindi impenetrable forest and others are home of numerous bird species including the endangered African gory parrot and the rare white-tailed robin.
Kigezi Highlands rich vegetation also support a variety of primates including the golden monkey and the mountain gorillas which are found in nearby National Park like Bwindi and Mgahinga.
The national parks of Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest national Park, both of which are known as homes of the fascinating mountain gorillas which are geographically part of the Kigezi highlands. Therefore the availability of mountain gorillas in these parks has ranked and reffered Kigezi as the “gorilla highlands.”
The lakes and terraced hills make Kigezi highlands one of the most magnificent landscapes in East Africa. Were they are often referred to as “Switzerland of Africa” due to its lush, rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes which are remindful of the picturesque swiss country side.
The Kigezi Highlands are inhabited by People of southwestern region of Uganda, we can talk of Batwa pygmies, Bafumbira, and the Bakiga people who are known for their rich cultural Heritage and vibrant traditions such as dances ,music and others.
Tourism in Kigezi highlands offers the best tour experience in Uganda were its centered around by natural beauty and wildlife and cultural heritage were visitors will be able to explore different activities like walks to the Batwa trails in Mgahinga and Echuya forest. Canoeing, boat trips, and walking tours on the islands of Lake Bunyonyi.
Attractions in Kigezi highlands
Kigezi Highlands are famously known for Mountain gorilla as the main attraction which are found in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga national Parks. However, there are multiple attractions in Kigezi that has drawn thousands of tourists to visit and explore them and has offered an amazing and memorable experience. Some of the main attractions we can mention are:
Bwindi impenetrable national park: the park is famous for harbouring 459 gorillas, which is almost 50% of the world mountain gorilla population of which 22 gorilla families have been habituated for tourism. There are 4 gorilla trekking locations in Bwindi including Buhoma (the park’s headquarters), Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. When choosing a destination, one must carefully examine the nature of terrain, lodging, interest in gorilla families, and other activities. Unlike other places to see gorillas, Bwindi is the only park that offers two options to see gorillas which include gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience. Both of these activities are available for booking through a tour operator or Uganda Wildlife Authority head offices in Kampala capital city. Treks in Bwindi can be challenging due the nature of terrain. Bwindi has dense tropical forests and steep mountains.
Mgahinga gorilla national park: Mgahinga is one of the 3 protected areas in the Virunga massif – a chain of 8 volcanic mountains of which 2 are active including Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. The Mufumbiro mountain range straddles the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Mgahinga interconnects with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga park in DR Congo.
The Virunga area is home to 603 gorillas of which over 100 are found in Mgahinga. Uganda Wildlife Authority has habituated only 1 gorilla family Nyakagezi with 9 individuals including silverback. Covering 34 sq.km, the park is the smallest in Uganda, but has 3 dormant volcanoes to hike including Muhabura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga. Much of the park is covered by bamboo vegetation which is a habitat for golden monkeys, a species of old-world monkey’s endemic to Virunga area. Mgahinga also provides tracking and habituation opportunities for golden monkeys in addition to gorillas. Given that the foliage is less dense, hikes in the park are less taxing. Although climbing the volcano can be difficult, going down is much simpler.
Lake Bunyonyi:Lake Bunyonyi has 19 islands and is the most beautiful of all. Bunyonyi means ‘a place of many little birds’ in English, making for a key birding spot. There are over 200 species including the endangered grey crowned crane. The canoe is the most important mode of transport used to move across the 2nd deepest in Africa. Due to the steep slopes, the lake is too deep with an average depth of over 39 meters. There are no hippos, crocodiles, and the risk of bilharzia is very low. Swimming in lake Bunyonyi is recommended for experienced swimmers. There are diving platforms at lodges including Bird Nest and Bunyonyo rock resort. However, you should take caution to protect yourself against water borne infections or typhoid fever. Motorized canoes and boats offer the quickest way to explore the islands of lake Bunyonyi. Each island has its own unique history.
