Kigezi Region: Amazing Facts That Attract Tourists To This Western Region Of Uganda

If you’re planning a trip to western Uganda, there are a few things you should know:

1. This region is home to some of Africa’s most beautiful scenery and wildlife.

2. The region has a vibrant nightlife scene with clubs and bars in most of its urban centres like Kabale and Kisoro.

3. The people are quite different from those in Kampala or Jinja – they’re warm and friendly but also very reserved when it comes to outsiders. But most importantly for this article: Kigezi is where it’s at!

Kigezi Region is known for the Batwa Pygmies, Mountain Gorillas and the Virunga Mountain ranges, etc

Where is Kigezi located?

Kigezi is located in Western Uganda and borders three other East African countries including Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The region has been inhabited for hundreds of years by the Bakiga, Bafumbira, Bahororo and Bafumbira people who have a long history of hard work and resistance to harsh weather conditions.

The region consists of the following districts: Kabale District (Rukiga county), Kanungu District and Kisoro District (Kisoro county) and Rukungiri district (Kinkizi county).

What is Kigezi known for?

Kigezi is known for its mountains, hills, lakes and amazing wildlife. It is located at the foot of the Virunga Mountains and Lake Edward, which makes it an ideal place to go hiking or fishing. You can also enjoy your time there by visiting some of the tourist attractions in this region such as:

1. Lake Bunyonyi.

Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa afterLake Tanganyika and the deepest lake in Uganda. The lake is located at 1,962 meters above sea level, about 25 km long and 7 km wide.

The lake is dominated by 29 little islands. One of these islands habours the historic culture of the Banyakigezi in the way the used to preserve virginity by punishing unmarried pregnant women. Akampene Island which is known today as Punishment Island is where the women were banished to and left either to starve or drown while trying to swim to the mainland.

Find cheap Hotel rooms and Guesthouses in Kabale to visit Akampene Island with the locals.

Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale showing some of the Islands

2. Virunga Mountain.

Virunga mountains, the most famous unique tourist attraction in Africa is a chain of 8 volcanic mountains in East Africa. Virunga came from a Kinyarwanda word Ibirunga which means mountains. The mountains in the Virunga also known as the Virunga Massif include;

Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Mikeno all found in DRC,

Mount Bisoke, Mount, Mount Karisimbi located at the border of Rwanda and DRC,

Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhabura at the border of Uganda and Rwanda.

Out of these 8 volcanic mountains, only 2 are active Volcanoes. These include; the Nyiragongo Mountain and Nyamuragira Mountain and they are both found in the Democratic republic of Congo.

The Virunga mountain ranges are famous for the endangered Golden monkeys and mountain gorillas which are found only in the Virunga.The mountains are also home of the Bates pygmies who have been occupying the area for now over 300 years.

3. Muhabura Mountain.

Muhabura Mountains or Muhavura Mountains gives interesting views of the surrounding areas of rolling hills and lush green vegetation. From here you can enjoy views of 3 other volcanoes with the twin lakes of Rwanda and the Crater Lake at the summit.The Mountain has the 3rd highest peak among the Virunga Ranges of mountains with Mount Karisimbi being the tallest followed by Mikeno. The mountain stands at 4,127 meters above sea level. However, Muhabura is the steepest of all the eight Volcanoes found within the Virunga ranges.

Who are the people in kigezi

You may be surprised to learn that the people of Kigezi are some of the most friendly and welcoming in all of Uganda. They are hardworking, industrious, entrepreneurial and ambitious. They have a strong faith in God which makes them religious as well as being very charitable. The people in Kigezi include; Bakiga, Bafumbira, Bahororo and the Batwa pygmies who became centre of attraction due to their unique culture in the region. Many tourists especially those who visit the area are more attracted to the Batwa culture especially the dances. The Batwa have for over 300 years been living in the forests as hunters until when they were mobilised to get out of the forest.

One of the Batwa homes in Kisoro. The Batwa are originally forest people.

Echuya Batwa commonly known as the Batwa are an endangered species of people who are now less than 7,000 people According to the recent national population census.

Besides the Batwa who still have pre civilization behaviors like living in forests, surviving on hunting, etc, the rest of the people are highly civilized and friendly people.

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What is the lifestyle of Kigezi people

It’s important to note that the people of Kigezi are warm, friendly and hospitable. They will welcome you with open arms into their homes and make sure that you feel at home.

The people of Kigezi are very accommodating as well. Whether it be food or accommodation, they will ensure your stay is comfortable.

Night life in kigezi

Kigezi has a lot of nightclubs and bars. You can find them in Kabale, Rukungiri, Kisoro and Kanungu. The night life in Kigezi is very vibrant.

If you’re planning a trip to western Uganda, you should make sure to visit Kabale, Rukungiri, Kisoro and KanunguIf you’re planning a trip to western Uganda, Kabale is the place to go. It’s known for its tourist attractions and has several places that are worth visiting.

Kisoro is another good place to visit. It has lots of things to do: you can go hiking, visit museums or just hang out at the beach!If you want to get away from it all and forget about everything else in life for a while then Kanungu is definitely one of your options because it’s located right next door with easy access by car or bus from Kampala city center so there really isn’t any excuse not too make this part of your itinerary!

The mountainous road network in western Uganda is one of the amazing experiences loved by tourists in Uganda

Conclusion.

Kigezi is an amazing place to visit. It has many interesting things to do and see, including a lake that is said to have been created by God himself. If you’re planning a trip to western Uganda, then this region should definitely be on your list!

We want to hear from you.

Do you know of any experience that can be loved by Tourists in Kigezi region? Please add it in the comments below.

We are also helping travelers find cheap, safe quality accommodation. If you know of any good place please click here to add it

2 comments

  1. Tumuramye edson

    October 22, 2022

    Kigezi my home

  2. Obius Ayebare Kato

    October 22, 2022

    Am a very proud mukiga, Kigezi is my motherland

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