Kigezi Highlands
The Kigezi Highlands, which span several districts in the southwest of Uganda, including Kabale, Kisoro, Kanungu, and Rukungiri, are located there. The Highlands are known for their breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural legacy. They are bounded by the Virunga Mountains and the neighboring countries of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
At elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 meters above sea level, the Highlands are distinguished by their rough topography, which includes a number of steep hills and valleys. A rich scenery of terraced hillsides, thick woods, and breathtakingly green foliage is a result of the colder temperatures and copious amounts of rainfall.
The Kigezi Highlands’ natural beauty is further enhanced by a number of lakes and rivers, such as the magnificent Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest and clearest lakes, and other stunning islands like Chahafi, Mutanda, and Mulehe. As a result, the Kigezi Highlands are considered a unique destination for Ugandan tourists who are interested in discovering the beauty of nature.
The Kigezi Highlands’ varied ecosystems are home to a wide range of plant and animal species. The uncommon white-tailed robin and the endangered African ghastly parrot are among the many bird species that call the southwest’s woodlands, such as Bwindi impenetrable forest, home.
A variety of primates, like as the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, which can be seen in neighboring national parks like Bwindi and Mgahinga, are also supported by the abundant vegetation of the Kigezi Highlands.
The interesting mountain gorillas, who are found in the Kigezi highlands, can be found in the national parks of Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Consequently, Kigezi has been referred to as the “gorilla highlands” due to the presence of mountain gorillas in these parks.
The Kigezi highlands are among the most breathtaking scenery in East Africa because of its lakes and terraced hills. Because of its lush, undulating hills and stunning scenery that evokes the lovely Swiss countryside, they are frequently referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.”
People from the southwest of Uganda live in the Kigezi Highlands; among them are the Batwa Pygmies, the Bafumbira, and the Bakiga, who are renowned for their vivid customs, including dances and music.
The best travel experience in Uganda is provided by Kigezi Highlands tourism, which is focused on the country’s natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural history. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities, such as treks along the Batwa paths in Mgahinga and Echuya forests. Walking tours, boat excursions, and canoeing on the Lake Bunyonyi islands.
The Kigezi Highlands’ attractions
The primary draw of the Kigezi Highlands is the mountain gorillas, which may be found in the Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable national parks. Nonetheless, Kigezi boasts a number of attractions that have drew thousands of visitors and provided an incredible and unforgettable experience. We can list a few of the primary attractions as follows:
With 459 gorillas, or about 50% of the world’s mountain gorilla population, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is well-known for housing 22 gorilla families that have been tamed for tourists. Buhoma (the park’s headquarters), Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija are the four gorilla trekking destinations in Bwindi.
One must carefully consider the topography, accommodations, gorilla family interest, and other activities before selecting a destination. In contrast to other gorilla viewing locations, Bwindi is the only park that provides both gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experiences.
Reservations for both of these activities can be made at the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala, the country’s capital, or through a tour operator. The terrain in Bwindi can make trekking difficult. Steep mountains and thick tropical woods can be found in Bwindi.
One of the three protected regions in the Virunga massif, a sequence of eight volcanic mountains, of which two are active (Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira), is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are all bordered by the Mufumbiro mountain range. Mgahinga is connected to Virunga Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
There are 603 gorillas in the Virunga region, with more than 100 of them in Mgahinga. Only one gorilla family, Nyakagezi, with nine members, including silverbacks, has been habituated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The smallest park in Uganda, spanning 34 square kilometers, offers hiking opportunities on three dormant volcanoes: Muhabura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga. Bamboo flora covers a large portion of the park, providing home for golden monkeys, an old-world monkey species native to the Virunga region.
In addition to gorillas, Mgahinga offers golden monkeys chances for monitoring and habituation. Hikes in the park are less demanding because of the less dense forest. It can be challenging to ascend the volcano, but it is much easier to descend.
The most stunning of all is Lake Bunyonyi, which is made up of 19 islands. Bunyonyi, which translates to “a place of many little birds,” is an important location for birdwatchers. The endangered grey-crowned crane is one of more than 200 kinds. The most crucial means of transportation for traversing Africa’s second-deepest region is the canoe.
With an average depth of more than 39 meters, the lake is overly deep because of the steep hills. There are no crocodiles or hippos, and there is very little chance of contracting bilharzia. Skilled swimmers are advised to swim in Lake Bunyonyi.
Lodges including Bird Nest and Bunyonyo Rock Resort include diving platforms. To guard against typhoid fever or other water-borne diseases, you should exercise vigilance. The easiest way to tour Lake Bunyonyi’s islands is in a motorized boat or canoe. Every island has a distinct past.