Kigezi Highlands
The Kigezi Highlands is located in southwest Uganda; the highlands span several districts including Kabale, Kisoro, Kanungu, and Rukungiri. Virunga massif, the two nonboring nations Rwanda and Demecratic Republic of Congo (DRC), borders the Highlands; its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural legacy are well-known.
Rising between 1,200 and 2,000 meters above sea level, the Highlands is distinguished by a rough topography with a succession of steep hills and valleys. The lower temperatures and lots of rain help to create a vivid scene of terraced slopes, deep forests and incredible green vegetation. Several lakes and rivers, including the one of the deepest and cleanest lake in Africa, the magnificent Lake Bunyonyi and other beautiful islands like Chahafi, Mutanda, and Mulehe and all these have ranked Kigezi highlands a unique destination for tourist in Uganda interested in exploring nature beauty.
The Kigezi Highland’s varied ecosystems sustain a range of plant and animal life; some of the southwester’s forests, such Bwindi impenetrable woodland, are home of many bird species including the rare white-tailed robin, while others host the threatened African ghastly parrot.
Rich in vegetation, Kigezi Highlands supports a range of primates including mountain gorillas and golden monkeys seen in adjacent National Parks such Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Geographically part of the Kigezi highlands, the national parks of Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest national Park are home to the amazing mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas’ presence in these parks has therefore classified and reffered Kigezi as the “gorilla highlands.”
One of the most beautiful settings in East Africa, Kigezi highlands are created from terraced hills and lakes. Because of its lush, rolling hills and amazing scenery reminiscent of the bucolic swiss country side, they are sometimes referred to as “Switzerland of Africa.”
People of southern Uganda live in the Kigezi Highlands; we can refer to Batwa pygmies, Bafumbira, and the Bakiga people who are renowned for their rich cultural legacy and energetic customs including dances, music, and others.
Tourism in Kigezi highlands gives the best tour experience in Uganda were is concentrated on natural beauty and wildlife and cultural legacy will guests will be able to explore numerous activities like hikes to the Batwa trails in Mgahinga and Echuya forest. Walking tours on the islands of Lake Bunyonyi, canoeing, boat excursions.
Attractions on the hills of Kigezi
Famously recognized for Mountain gorillas, the major attraction of Kigezi Highlands are found in Mgahinga national Parks and Bwindi impenetrable.
Still, Kigezi boasts some attractions that have attracted thousands of visitors to explore and provide an incredible and unforgettable experience. Among the principal attractions we can highlight are:
Famous for housing 459 gorillas, almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, Bwindi impenetrable national park has 22 gorilla families under habitation for tourism. Bwindi boasts four gorilla trekking sites: Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma, the headquarters of the park. One should carefully consider the type of terrain, accommodation, interest in gorilla families, and other activities while deciding on a place.
Unlike other locations where one may observe gorillas, Bwindi is the only park providing two choices: gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience. One can reserve both of these activities by means of a travel operator or head offices of Uganda Wildlife Authority located in Kampala capital city. The type of terrain in Bwindi makes treks difficult. Bwindi boasts steep mountains and rich tropical woods.
Mgahinga gorilla national park: Among the three protected areas in the Virunga massif—a range of eight volcanic mountains with two active ones— Nyiragongo and Nyamuragiri—are Mgahinga. The Mufumbiro mountain range crosses Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mgahinga links with the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Virunga park in DR Congo.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Mgahinga hosts roughly 100 of the 603 gorillas that call the Virunga region home. Only one gorilla family, Nyakagezi, with nine members has been habituated by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Silverback included. The smallest park in Uganda, with 34 sq. km, it boasts three dormant volcanoes—Muhabura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga—while yet being Bamboo vegetation covers most of the park; this habitat supports golden monkeys, an Old World monkey species exclusive to Virunga.
Apart from gorillas, Mgahinga offers golden monkeys monitoring and habituation opportunities. Because the vegetation is less dense, park walks are less demanding. Though ascending the volcano can be challenging, descending is far easier.
The most picturesque of all the lakes; Bunyonyi boasts nineteen islands. In English, bunyonyi refers to “a place of many little birds,” which makes for a popular birding destination. Among the more than 200 species there are the threatened grey crowned crane.
The most crucial means of mobility over the second deepest in Africa is the canoe. The lake is very deep with an average depth of almost 39 meters due to the steep hills. There are no hippos or crocodiles, and bilharzia danger is really minimal. For skilled swimmers, lake Bunyonyi is advised to be swum in Lodge Bird Nest and Bunyonyo Rock Resort features diving platforms. You should exercise care, nevertheless, to guard against typhoid fever or water-borne diseases.
The fastest approach to visit the lake Bunyonyi islands is with motorized canoes and boats. Every island bears a different past.