The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities is organizing yet another domestic tourism promotion campaign dubbed Explore Kigezi – the 7th edition in the Explore Uganda the Pearl of Africa series.
Preceded by editions that traversed other regions of the country including Elgon, West, North, Bunyoro, Busoga and Rwenzori respectively, Explore Kigezi will focus on the Kigezi subregion which covers districts including Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, Rubanda, Rukiga, and Rukungiri.
This domestic tourism promotion campaign is slated for May 16th to 19th, aimed at showcasing the beauty of Kigezi, from her wuthering cliffs to turf carpeted meadows, misty Virunga ranges and island-dotted lakes.
Prime News has put together a list of the places and touristy spots in Kigezi that will take your breath away, lets take a look, shall we?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The gem of Southwestern Uganda, a rich ecosystem that is home to numerous species of flora and fauna, and the crown jewel – the Mountain Gorillas – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is arguably Kigezi’s biggest tourist attraction.
While Gorilla trekking is usually the go-to activity for tourists, the park offers various other ventures for excursionists.
Gorilla habituation – a rare opportunity where lucky tourists get to join researchers and line experts in preparing a gorilla family for human interaction, bird watching, nature walks and the Batwa cultural experience are among the prized activities tourists can engage in.
Virunga Ranges
There are multiple viewpoints from where tourists adore the Virunga range peaks, worshipping at the altar the beautiful volcanic chaos.
Million-dollar pictures have been taken of the Virungas, and now, you get to savor this backdrop or dare the hike! Oh, there is a catch, pray to the heavens for sunny weather, better a mirage than a foggy mess!
A clear view of the ranges is quite rewarding, a misty one calls for another visit, either way, Kigezi still will be spell-binding.
Home of Kigezi Museum
Curated by Gerald Nkusi, the Home of Kigezi Museum stretches beyond artifacts that embody the history of the Bafumbira, it is a conservation hub for traditional herbs that have cured illness for centuries.
The museum draws in a sizable number of tourists who drop by to enjoy the histories, immerse themselves in the culture, interact with the community, dine and stay.
Lake Bunyonyi
If the 29 islands of Lake Bunyonyi and their intriguing stories aren’t interesting enough for you, consider the adventure component that attracts hundreds of thrill seekers to the Islands. You might want to tick ziplining from one island to another off your bucket list.
Did I mention Kyahugye Island, Lake Bunyonyi’s second largest island and mini zoo? A brainchild of the Late Emmanuel Mutebile, the island as animals like kobs, waterbucks, donkeys and a zebra. An eco resort at the Island boasts accommodation suites, a restaurant and view points of the lake.
Mgahinga National Park
Apart from the lone habituated transboundary gorilla group that is said to have eventually settled in Uganda – Nyakagezi family, the park is home to about 80 gorillas and a plethora of other mammal species.
Bird watching, volcano hiking and the Batwa trail experience are some of the other activities tourists can do in Mgahinga.
Lake Mulehe
Imagine a lunch time ride on this beautiful lake under the bluest of skies with a clear view of the volcanic mountains on the Virunga range. Or better yet, a sundowner boat cruise with the quintessential Ugandan sunset painting the horizon orange.
Various species of birds including the Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori Turaco also call the verdant vegetation around Lake Mulehe, home. Birders will have a field day at Lake Mulehe.
Lake Mutanda
Yet another island-dotted lake, a boat ride on Mutanda gives tourists the best view of Mountains Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabinyo.
Just like Bunyonyi, the 15 islands of Lake Mutanda have rich histories that will captivate your soul. For cultural immersion, the Abagesera clan, the native occupants of the largest island named after the lake itself, will have you yearning for more time in their community.
Sagitwe Caldera
Before you google the difference between a caldera and a crater, let me get you onboard with the easiest explanation. While both are formed due to volcanic activity, a caldera is a result of inward collapse while a crater is a result of outward eruption.
Sagitwe Caldera, found in Gisozi Parish, Muramba subcounty in Kisoro is yet another view point for the Virunga ranges, a reward tourists work hard for by hiking the heavily terraced hill.
You might as well dust off your sturdy hiking shoes because the Sagitwe challenge is forthcoming.
Caves
What would a visit to Destination Kigezi be without cave-hopping?
Away from the gothic thoughts that engulf your mind at the mention of a dark cave, allow me remind you that most of the caves in Kigezi were homes to the Batwa and served as reliable crypts during times of civil and political unrest.
Some of the caves you might want to visit include Garama Cave, Ruhenju in Gisozi, Soko in Soko Parish and Mwambike among others.
Kisiizi Falls
Not the most outpouring waterfall but equally mesmerizing, Kisiizi bears a stain from centuries that intrigues every soul that learns of the detail.
A cliff where girls who conceived out of wedlock were thrown off to meet their demise, this place will have your emotions rising and falling as the story unfolds. A few meters away from the waterfall, a monument that recounts the heinous act still stands.
The Kisiizi Falls Cave, discovered about a decade ago having been sheltered off from the prying eyes of inquisitive locals and tourists alike, is also another attraction to check out at this spot.
