Keije resort derived its name from Runyankore/Rukiga dialect Keije meaning “You are welcome”. Keije resort is a mid-range eco-friendly accommodation facility situated in southwestern Uganda in Kabale district strategically located along the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest Lake and Africa’s second deepest just adjacent to the Lake’s Islands such as Akahonde, Munanira and Kyahungye. This resort is just 9 kilometers away from Kabale town and 75 kilometers away from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a home to half of the world’s remaining gorilla population. Keije Resort is 419 kilometers away from Kampala which is a 7 to 8 hours’ drive from the city center via Masaka Mbarara and Mbarara-Kabale. In case one is not comfortable with the long hours of drive, the resort can be accessed by flying from Entebbe or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip and proceed with a 1:30hours drive to the Resort. Briefly about its history, this resort derives its name from “Keije” a Rukiga phrase or greeting that is in state of a joyous welcome. Keije Resort is not only an accommodation facility but a convenient and perfect place for visitors or holiday makers seeking for relaxation since the resort offers splendid panoramic views of the Lake and its surrounding. At Keije Resort one is able to enjoy the following facilities and services;
Accommodation
Keije resort has 12 well spacious and fully furnished cottages that were constructed on a raised wooden deck which reflects on the true traditional African architecture. Since all the cottages are raised on an elevated platform, they do offer exceptional panoramic views of Lake Bunyonyi and its surroundings such as Mount Muhabura that can be viewed from the rooms’ large windows and balconies. The Resort’s room types include a single room, double room, twin room and several others that can be organized on a client’s request. The Resort rooms also feature a working desk, bed linen, mosquito nets, bath showers with cold and hot water, flushing toilets with free toiletries, closet, complementary bottled water, free internet to mention but a few.
Restaurant/meals
Keije Resort has a standardized restaurant that serves international breakfast types such as continental, full English or American breakfast. The restaurant also offers all international cuisines, local dishes as well as vegetarian meals to meet all their clients’ appetite. The resort offers room service meaning you can have your meal served in your room and other places of your choice for example balcony, gardens and lake shores.
Fully stocked bar
This resort’s bar has a shared lounge offering various drink types both hard and soft. These drinks can as well be served while on a boat trip to Lake Bunyonyi’s Islands, while relaxing on the Lake’s shores as you enjoy the Lake’s evening breezes and the spectacular view of the Islands.
Other services include laundry services, free Wi-Fi throughout the Resort, spacious parking, pick-ups and drop-offs, to mention but a few.
Keije Resort also offers recreational activities such as;
Canoeing
The canoe ride lasts for about 2 hours as one explores Lake Bunyonyi’s corners on a wooden canoe with the guidance of an experienced guide. This is a perfect activity for those interested in capturing the birdlife around the Lake and enjoying the Lake’s scenic beauty.
Lake Bunyonyi Island hopping and exploration
The Lake’s Islands are visited on a motorized boat where one can chose to peddle oneself of to be peddled across the Lake with options ranging from a few hours to the entire day. There are over 29 Islands on Lake Bunyonyi where a few are occupied by people and making visits to these Islands one has the opportunity to meet and interact with the local people as you learn about their way of life. Each Island holds a historical attachment that will be told to you and these include the Punishment island, Bucuranuka island, Bushara, Bwama, Kyahungye to mention but a few.
This is another activity that the Resort can organize for their clients. It is usually carried out on a motorized boat or a local canoe along Lake Bunyonyi and while on a nature walk around the Lake and the surrounding communities.
Cultural tours/ community visits
Keije resort offers captivating cultural themes of the Bakiga culture and African art to its customers. This Resort is also known for hosting a cultural entertainment group that presents unique cultural performances composed of songs, instrumentals, dances from different tribes across Uganda. Cultural trips are also organized to the surrounding communities such as the Bakiga, Batwa where you are able to learn about their ancient and current lifestyle.
Other adventurous activities available at the Resort include guided nature walks, mount hiking, swimming, cycling, sport fishing to mention but a few.
Why Visit Keije Resort?
Keije Resort’s tranquility and its location on the shore of Lake Bunyonyi which gives the Resort stunning view of almost all the 29 Islands on the lake has made it traveler’s choice. Keije Resort is so close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park, therefore for travelers who want to track gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have chosen Keije Resort to be the number one accommodation choice because it is cost friendly, it takes about 1:30hours drive to reach Mgahinga or Bwindi National Park, it has best services and the magical serene of Keije Resort makes it to be the outstanding midrange accommodation for travelers.
The resort being on the shore of Lake Bunyonyi which has the coolest breezes, it attracts travelers from all corners of the world especially those on Honeymoon, tourists after long safari days around Uganda, those from tracking gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda, travelers who engage in wildebeest migration that happens in June to October in both Kenya and Tanzania, they have made it a point to visit Lake Bunyonyi as a desert for their safari holidays.