Kisiizi Falls: From Tragedy to Triumph, a Journey of Water, Hope, and Beauty

Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, feeling the misty spray of water on your face, hearing the thunderous roar of a waterfall, and seeing the lush greenery of a tropical forest. You are witnessing one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Uganda: Kisiizi Falls.

Kisiizi Falls is located in the southwestern region of Uganda, near the border with Rwanda. It is a stunning sight to behold, as the water of the Rushoma River plunges over 30 meters into a deep gorge, creating a rainbow of colors in the sunlight. But Kisiizi Falls is more than just a beautiful waterfall. It is also a place of cultural significance, historical tragedy, and inspiring transformation.

A Tale of Two Eras

The history of Kisiizi Falls is a tale of two eras: one of darkness and despair, and one of light and hope. In the past, Kisiizi Falls was a place of horror and shame, where unmarried pregnant girls were ostracized and forced to jump to their deaths. This was a common practice among the Bakiga people, who inhabited the area and followed a strict code of morality and honor. The girls who became pregnant out of wedlock were seen as a disgrace to their families and communities, and the only way to restore their honor was to end their lives and those of their unborn children.

This practice was not only cruel and inhumane, but also wasteful and tragic. Many young lives were lost, and many potential contributions to society were never realized. The falls became a symbol of death and sorrow, a place where tears and blood mingled with the water.

Transformation and Hope

The turning point came in 1958, when the Church of Uganda arrived in the area and established Kisiizi Hospital. The hospital was founded by a missionary doctor named John Sharp, who was appalled by the practice of throwing girls off the falls. He decided to intervene and offer a different solution: to provide medical care and education to the girls and their families, and to help them cope with the social and emotional consequences of their situation. He also preached the message of God's love and forgiveness and encouraged the people to abandon their harmful traditions and embrace a new way of life.

The hospital soon became a center of hope and healing, not only for the pregnant girls but also for the entire community. The hospital provided various services, such as maternity care, immunization, surgery, dentistry, and mental health. It also established a school, a church, a hydroelectric plant, and a community health insurance scheme. The hospital's motto was "Life in all its fullness," and it aimed to improve the quality of life of the people in the area.

Unveiling the Beauty

As the hospital grew and prospered, so did the falls. The falls were no longer a place of fear and shame, but a place of joy and beauty. The falls became a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from near and far who wanted to see the magnificent waterfall and learn about its history and transformation. The falls also became a source of income and employment for the local people, who offered various services and products to the visitors.

Today, Kisiizi Falls is a sight to behold. The water cascades over the cliff, creating a misty veil that shimmers in the sun. The surrounding forest is home to a variety of plants and animals, such as monkeys, birds, butterflies, and flowers. The falls offer a serene and scenic backdrop for relaxation and meditation, as well as a thrilling and adventurous playground for exploration and fun.

Adventure Awaits

If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience, Kisiizi Falls has plenty to offer. You can enjoy a range of activities, such as hiking trails, ziplining, birdwatching, and picnicking. You can also visit the Visitors' Center, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the falls and the hospital. You can also cross the suspension bridge, which spans the gorge and offers a panoramic view of the falls. And if you are feeling brave, you can try the SkyTrail, a zipline that takes you over the falls and gives you a bird's-eye view of the water and the forest.

The Thrilling Adventure of Kisiizi Falls SkyTrail

The SkyTrail was launched in 2017 as part of a tourism development project funded by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Korea.

The SkyTrail is the first and only zip-line in Uganda and one of the highest and longest in Africa. It consists of three cables, each with a different length, height, and speed. The first cable is 110 meters long, 40 meters high, and 40 km/h fast. The second cable is 130 meters long, 60 meters high, and 60 km/h fast. The third cable is 100 meters long, 20 meters high, and 20 km/h fast.

The SkyTrail offers you a thrilling and unforgettable experience as you fly over the waterfall, the river, and the lush vegetation. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the landscape, the fresh breeze of the air, and the exhilarating sensation of speed. You can also spot some of the wildlife that inhabits the area, such as monkeys, birds, and butterflies.

The SkyTrail is operated by trained and friendly staff who ensure your safety and comfort. The SkyTrail is suitable for anyone above 10 years old and below 120 kg. The SkyTrail is open every day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The SkyTrail costs 50,000 Ugandan shillings (about 14 US dollars) per person, and the proceeds go to support the Good Samaritan Fund of Kisiizi Hospital.

A Symbol of Resilience

Kisiizi Falls is more than just a waterfall. It is a symbol of resilience and hope, a testament to the power of human compassion and divine grace. It is a place where tragedy has turned into triumph, where death has given way to life, and where sorrow has been replaced by joy. It is a place where water, hope, and beauty flow together, creating a harmony that inspires and uplifts.

How to Visit Kisiizi Falls

Kisiizi Falls is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature, history, culture, and adventure. Kisiizi Falls is located about 30 km from Rukungiri town and about 390 km from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. You can reach Kisiizi Falls by road, using public or private transport. You can also fly to Mbarara airport, which is about 120 km from Kisiizi Falls, and then take a taxi or a bus.

If you want to stay overnight at Kisiizi Falls, you can book a room at the Kisiizi Falls Guest House, which is run by the hospital. The guest house offers comfortable and affordable accommodation, with single, double, and family rooms. The guest house also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, and a conference hall. The guest house charges 50,000 Ugandan shillings (about 14 US dollars) per night, including breakfast.

If you want to explore more of the area, you can visit some of the nearby attractions, such as the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, the Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is famous for its wildlife and scenery; and Lake Bunyonyi, which is the second deepest lake in Africa.

If you are looking for a destination that combines natural wonder, cultural heritage, and inspiring transformation, look no further than Kisiizi Falls. You will not regret it.