A TOUR OF THE KIGEZI HIGHLANDS
A popular location for nature, adventure, and cultural trips, the Kigezi Highlands in southwest Uganda are known as the "Switzerland of Africa" because of their temperate climate, terraced fields, and undulating hills. The area, which includes districts like Kabale, Kisoro, Kanungu, and Rukungiri, is well-known for its crater lakes, beautiful landscapes, and close proximity to mountain gorilla habitats in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable.
Key Attractions and Activities
Gorilla Trekking:
With four sectors (Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija), Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides gorilla trekking and habituation experiences. Golden monkey and gorilla trekking are also available at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Tour operators or the Uganda Wildlife Authority can arrange permits. Treks, which range two to eight hours, can be physically taxing because of the high terrain and dense trees.
Hiking and Volcano Treks:
One-day hikes with expansive views are available in Mgahinga's Virunga Mountains (Mount Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura). Although the trails vary in severity, Sabinyo, also known as "old man's teeth," is the roughest.
Boat Cruises and Canoeing:
Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi, Africa's second-deepest lake, provide island tours, boat excursions, and canoeing. For peaceful vistas and birdlife, paddle on Mutanda at sunrise or dusk or explore the 29 islands of Bunyonyi.
Cultural Experiences:
Interact with the Batwa, Bakiga, and Bafumbira populations to get cultural experiences. For cultural hikes, traditional dances, and an introduction to terrace farming, visit Batwa Trails in Mgahinga or Echuya Forest. Experiences with Ankole cattle and farm visits are available at Nshenyi Village.
Birdwatching:
More than 350 bird species, including the African grey parrot and Rwenzori turaco, can be found in the region's many habitats, which include Echuya Forest and Bwindi. The best way to see birds is with a guide.
Kigezi Wildlife Reserve:
This reserve provides guided nature walks and game drives to see elephants, birds like the grey-crowned crane, and primates like chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
Cultural and Natural Heritage:
Take a tour of Kisoro's Home of Kigezi, a museum that features local customs and conservation initiatives, and enjoy views of the garden and camping areas.
Magnificent Scenery:
The area's undulating hills, volcanic terrain, and crater lakes, such as Lake Bunyonyi (the second-deepest in Africa) and Lake Mutanda, provide stunning vistas ideal for nature hikes, kayaking, and photography.
The Kigezi Highlands: Why?
It is a unique destination because of its combination of gorilla trekking, volcanic hikes, tranquil lakes, and the rich cultures of the Bakiga and Batwa people. Although its biodiversity and terraced hills equal those of major tourist attractions worldwide, it is nonetheless less congested and more reasonably priced than other East African locations.
Known as the "Switzerland of Africa," the Kigezi Highlands enthrall with their breathtaking terraced hills, crater lakes like Bunyonyi, and temperate weather. They are home to more than half of the world's mountain gorillas and provide rare gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. Hiking in the Virunga Mountains is exhilarating, and 350+ bird species can be seen while canoeing and birdwatching.