Super User 01 August 2023

Best Travel Guide To Kisiizi Falls Hiking/Climbing Adventures In Uganda

Explore Kisiizi Falls in western Uganda; the falls drop approximately 30 meters off a cliff along the Rushora River that flows into Lake Edward. The falls are located in a forested area and gorge and are a habitat to abundant bird species including endemic species like the Ross Turaco, Double-toothed barbet, and the Cinnamon bee-eater.

Location of Kisiizi Falls:

The beautiful Kisiizi Falls lie on the Kyabamba River a few meters from Kisiizi Hospital in Rukungiri district which borders with Kabale – in the Switzerland of Uganda found in the southwestern corner of Uganda. Visitors to the Kisiizi Falls are met by mist from the falls at least 100 meters away, indicating that you are approaching the beautiful sight with a sad cultural history according to tales. You can visit these falls while on your longer Uganda safaris like the gorilla safaris, wildlife safaris, birding tours, or cultural experiences that we run throughout the country. Alternatively, you can plan a trip just to Kisiizi Falls while in the area and explore this site which is on the road less traveled.

The falls are located along the tourist route linking the Virunga ranges home to mountain gorillas and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The falls are surrounded by a beautiful scenic environment very attractive to nature lovers with a high concentration of bird species, nature walks, and site viewing and also canoeing along River Rushora surrounds the falls.

The cultural history of Kisiizi Falls:

Historically, the falls are known as a tragic place where unmarried pregnant girls from the Bakiga tribe could be thrown to their deaths; however this practice was discontinued and with the construction of the Kisiizi hospital by the Church of Uganda in 1958, the place known to be a tragic place became a place of hope and healing.

According to the older people living in this area, these falls are believed to have contributed to the good morals of the unmarried Bakiga girls in the area and some from afar. When a girl got pregnant out of wedlock, the father and brother would escort her to the top of these falls and release her to fall off the cliff where she would meet her death. This was done to scare off other girls from engaging in premarital sex that often leads to pregnancy hence ensuring girls stayed virgins until marriage.

It is alleged that what brought this practice to an end was an incident where a young lady pregnant before marriage was brought to the top of the cliff to be pushed down the waterfalls as always. Little did they know she had a plan when the brother and father pushed her as was the practice she held unto them and the three fell to their death. With the death of two men, the practice was stopped because they realized more girls would pull their brothers and or fathers down the same path.

Birds at Kisiizi Falls:

Because of the ever-present water and trees in the area, there are numerous birds one can locate in the area. Some use the area for breeding and others enjoy the presence of food. Some of the birds seen in this area include; the African-headed Black Headed Oriole, African Firefinch, African Harrier Hawk, African Paradise Flycatcher, African Pied Wagtail, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Augur Buzzard, Black Headed Weaver, Black Kite, Black-winged Red Bishop, Bronze Mannequin, Double Toothed Barbet, Emerald-spotted Wood-dove, Grey Crowned Crane, Grey Heron, Haddad Ibis, Hammerkop, Lesser Striped Swallow, Long Crested Eagle, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Malachite Kingfisher, Nubian Woodpecker, Pied Crow, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Ring Necked Dove, Ross’s Turaco, Rufus Chested Swallow, Scarlet Chested Sunbird, Speckled Mousebird, White Browed Robin Chat, Willow Warbler, Yellow-backed Weaver, Yellow-billed stork, and Yellow Mottled Widowbirds among others.

Other Tourist Activities at Kisiizi Falls:

Forest walks:

There is a small forest surrounding Kisiizi Falls. One can take a picnic in the area and take a short forest hike for beautiful views of the Kigezi hills and valleys. One of the good views is hiking up the Kisiizi Falls and watching them from the top and the surrounding area. You can take in total of about 2 hours exploring this beautiful area.

Community experiences:

Kisiizi is occupied by the Bakiga tribe of Uganda. While in this place you have an opportunity to visit a local family and learn more about their daily lives. Visit their gardens with them and learn about the farming methods. You can harvest food and get involved in preparing a local dish which you will also partake of. While at home hear stories of the local traditions and how these have changed over the years and the place of Kisiizi Hospital in the area.

Photography:

This entire area will keep you on your feet and itching to snap away. From the beautiful falls, the bird life, the scenery, and overloaded trucks. The portraits of people in the area are another gold mine – remember to ask for their permission before snapping them.

Arrange with Ultimate Wild Safaris for a tour of the Kisiizi Falls in western Uganda.

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