Kigezi Highlands
The Kigezi Highlands lie in the heart of southwestern Uganda, a region often called the “Switzerland of Africa” for its rolling green hills, cool climate, and breathtaking terraced landscapes. These highlands, stretching across Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu districts, form one of Uganda’s top tourist destinations. The area offers unmatched scenic beauty, cultural richness, and easy access to iconic national parks.
The Scenic Appeal
Kigezi’s landscape stuns visitors with its lush, undulating hills, crater lakes, and fertile valleys. Locals cultivate these slopes with precision, creating intricate patterns of terraces that climb steep mountainsides. The cool, misty air adds charm to morning views across Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda, two of the most beautiful crater lakes in the country.
Photographers, hikers, and nature lovers find endless inspiration in these panoramic vistas. The region’s peaceful atmosphere and remote feel also make it ideal for travelers seeking a quiet escape into nature.
Adventure and Wildlife Access
Kigezi Highlands serve as a gateway to Uganda’s top primate destinations. From Kabale or Kisoro, tourists reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking here provides a life-changing wildlife encounter. The dense forest also shelters chimpanzees, forest elephants, and over 350 bird species.
Just east of Kisoro lies Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where tourists can also trek golden monkeys and hike the Virunga volcanoes. Mount Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura rise dramatically from the plains, offering thrilling one-day hikes for adventurous travelers.
Culture and Community Experiences
The Kigezi Highlands house the Bakiga and Batwa people. Visitors can explore traditional homesteads, attend cultural dance performances, and sample local cuisine. The Bakiga, known for their resilience and agricultural skill, often welcome tourists for immersive village walks. The Batwa, former forest dwellers, offer storytelling, music, and forest knowledge from their ancestral perspective.
These experiences support community-based tourism initiatives and ensure that local people benefit from conservation and tourism income.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Kigezi Highlands ranges from budget guesthouses to luxury eco-lodges. Around Lake Bunyonyi, travelers can book lodges like Arcadia Cottages or BirdNest Resort, both with lake views and canoeing activities. Near Bwindi, top options include Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Lodge, and Ride 4 a Woman guesthouse for community-minded stays. Mgahinga offers cozy choices like Gahinga Lodge and Amajambere Camp.
Each lodge blends sustainability with comfort, ensuring travelers enjoy authentic experiences without harming the environment.
Best Time to Visit
June to August and December to February mark the dry seasons, ideal for gorilla trekking, hiking, and scenic travel. Trails stay dry, and visibility improves in the highlands. However, the region remains accessible year-round, and off-peak months (March–May and September–November) offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
Getting There
From Kampala, drive southwest for about 8–9 hours via Mbarara to Kabale or Kisoro. Regular buses and private car hires serve the route. Alternatively, fly from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kihihi with domestic carriers like Aerolink Uganda. These airstrips reduce travel time and offer aerial views of the highlands and lakes.
Plan Your Visit With Us
The Kigezi Highlands deliver nature, culture, and adventure in one unforgettable package. Whether you seek gorilla trekking, crater lake canoeing, or quiet village walks, this region rewards every traveler with rich experiences and timeless scenery.
Let us help you plan your journey to the Kigezi Highlands—the green crown of Uganda’s southwest.
