DISCOVER THE UNIQUE CULTURAL HISTORY OF KISIIZI FALLS

Set on Kyabamba River-Rukungiri district, southwestern Uganda, Kisiizi waterfalls are a few magical sites with unique cultural history that visitors on Uganda cultural safari, birding tour or Uganda gorilla safari shouldn’t miss to discover. Kisiizi falls are a few meters away from Kisiizi Hospital and cascades about 30 meters prior flowing along River Rushoma which then pours its water into Lake Edward.

KISIIZI WATERFALLS

Kisiizi waterfalls are known for their tragic history. They served as area where unmarried pregnant Bakiga girls were punished to death, a practice that was later abandoned making it a place of hope and healing after Church of Uganda set up Kisiizi Hospital in 1958. However, these waterfalls are believed to have impacted good morals of the unmarried Bakiga girls within and those from other places. At the time, a girl who gets pregnant out of wedlock, the father and brother could escort her to the top of the waterfalls and then release her to fall off the cliff where she can meet her death. The move was mainly to scare the rest of the girls from getting involved in pre-marital sex which results into pregnancy thus ensuring girls remain virgins till they get married officially. In 1944, the British also made the best use of the Kisiizi Valley as spot for a flax processing factory that was constructed to produce linen cords for parachutes used during the second war two.

Birding at Kisiizi falls

Kisiizi waterfalls are not only famous for its scenic beauty but also as a significant birding spot. These waterfalls attract variety of bird species that come to breed and look for food. They include among others grey heron, Augur Buzzard, African paradise flycatcher, African pied wagtail, African pygmy kingfisher, African harrier hawk, double toothed barbet, bronze mannequin, African harrier hawk, long crested eagle, Ross’s Turaco, Nubian woodpeckers, emerald spotted wood dove, scarlet chested sun bird, white browed robin chat, willow warbler, African Black Headed Oriole, African Firefinch, African Harrier Hawk, African Paradise Fly-catcher, 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, yellow mottled widow-birds, yellow billed stork to mention but a few.

Kisiizi waterfalls are also perfect for forest/nature walks which rewards nature lovers with magical views of the scenic Kigezi Hills and Valleys. Hikes to the top of these waterfalls can last you approximately 2 hours.

A visit to Kisiizi waterfalls is not about enjoying the magical views of the falls but also for you to get thrilled by the cultural/community experiences. A community experience at Kisiizi waterfalls takes you through different practices of the Bakiga, enjoy their stories, explore their unique traditions and have a taste of traditional meals.