KISIIZI FALLS
Overview
Just a short distance from Kisiizi Hospital is the stunning Kisiizi Falls on the Kyabamba River. As you go through this stunning nation, you may include this on your safari tour in Uganda. These about 27-meter-tall falls release water into a valley that continues the river's course.
The mist from the Kisiizi falls greets visitors from a minimum of 100 meters away. This is a sign that you are getting close to a stunning location with a sombre past. When on one of our lengthier safaris in Uganda, such as our gorilla safaris, wildlife safaris, birding tours, or cultural experiences, you can stop by these falls. As an alternative, when you're in the neighbourhood, consider making a journey just to Kisiizi Falls and exploring this less-travelled location.
The history of Kisiizi Falls' culture
The older residents of this area believe that the Bakiga girls' moral character is a result of these falls. The father and brother would take the girl to the top of these falls and then let her slide off the cliff where she would die if she became pregnant outside of marriage. This was done to deter other girls from having sex before marriage, which frequently results in pregnancy. Consequently, girls were kept virgins until marriage.
"Where were the men who made these women pregnant?" is a question that frequently stays in the minds of many visitors, including myself. This makes me think of the biblical adulteress lady, who was accused of adultery but whose accusers never brought up the guy she was having an affair with. The people who commit this savage crime, I suppose, chose to act as though they have never had to answer that question.
An incident when a young woman who was pregnant before marriage was taken to the top of the cliff and forced to descend the water falls is said to have been the catalyst for the end of this practice. They had no idea that she had a plan until the three of them died after she was pushed by her father and brother, as was customary. The practice was discontinued after two men died since it was realised that more daughters might follow in the footsteps of their fathers and/or brothers.
Kisiizi Falls' birds
There are many birds in the area because of the constant presence of trees and water. Some breed there, while others take pleasure in the meal. African Harrier Hawk, African Firefinch, and African Black Headed Oriole are a few of the birds. The Bronze Mannequin, Black-winged Red Bishop, Black Headed Weaver, Black Kite, Augur Buzzard, African Paradise Fly-catcher, African Pied Wagtail, and African Pygmy Kingfisher.
The Double Toothed Barbet, Emerald-spotted Wood-dove, Grey Crowned Crane, Grey Heron, Haddad Ibis, and Hamerkop are additional bird species. Mackinnon's Fiscal, Malachite Kingfisher, Long Crested Eagle, Nubian Woodpecker, and Lesser Striped Swallow. The Rufus Chested Swallow, Ross's Turaco, Ring-necked Dove, Pied Crow, and Purple-breasted Sunbird. Yellow-backed Weaver, Yellow-billed Stork, White Browed Robin Chat, Willow Warbler, Scarlet Chested Sunbird, Speckled Mousebird, and Yellow Mottled Widowbirds
Walks in forests
Kisiizi Falls is surrounded by a little forest. Enjoy a local picnic and a little walk into the forest to get stunning views of the Kigezi valleys and hills. Trek to the summit of Kisiizi Falls and observe them from the surrounding landscape. You can explore this lovely area for roughly two hours in total.
Experiences in the community
The Ugandan Bakiga tribe occupies Kisiizi. You can visit a local family while you're here to get a better understanding of their way of life. Learn about their farming practices by visiting their gardens. You can help prepare a regional dish and harvest food. Learn about local customs and how they have evolved throughout time while you're at home.
photography
Photographing this whole region will keep you moving and wanting to take pictures. from the breath-taking waterfalls, the fauna, the landscape, and the overcrowded trucks. Another treasure trove is the locals' pictures; just make sure to get their consent before taking them.
Monument to Kisiizi Falls
An exceptional piece of art, the beautiful Kisiizi Falls Monument is one-of-a-kind. Its striking depiction of Kisiizi's transition from a historical site of death and despair to a modern site of healing and hope has astounded people of all ages who have looked at it.
In the past, unmarried girls who fell pregnant were taken before a clan court and, if found guilty, were thrown to their deaths from the top of Kisiizi Falls. Since their brother would have been the one most impacted by their pregnancy and would no longer be able to bring in the bride price that he was depending on to set up his own marriage, he would typically be the one to push them over the over.
When one of the girls pulled the brother over with her, it is reported that the practice came to a stop. Although the exact date of this event is unknown, it seems to have occurred in the 1920s.
Although the Monument is made of concrete, some tourists mistakenly believe it to be made of bronze! Wire mesh was used to create the figures, and a concealed skeleton of metal rods was welded in place to provide structure and shape. The bare bodies were then cast in concrete and dressed with fibre-glass. The Engozi stretcher's ostensibly wooden poles are really made of concrete!
Nature and Wildlife
The comparatively uncommon chestnut-winged starlings, which inhabit the cliff face below Kisiizi Falls, are among the stunning variety of birds of all sizes that can be found there. Then there are a variety of insects and butterflies with amazing patterns. In addition to the fish in the streams, this area is home to lizards, chameleons, and bats. Because snakes can occasionally be spotted, we suggest visitors to stick to the pathways and avoid becoming lost in the dense undergrowth.
Kisiizi Falls is planting a lot of native trees, despite the large number of plantation eucalyptus. You can appreciate vegetation, including orchids, close to the Falls.
Cave
The tiny cave across from the Falls had been hidden away and obscured by vegetation until it was finally found in 2016.
Rain had carried a lot of dirt in, which was then removed all the way down to the stony floor.
It is easy to see the rock's layers and strata.
Despite its diminutive size, the cave offers a unique viewpoint of the stunning Falls.