Situated in the extreme Southwestern Uganda, Kisoro town is a chief town of Kisoro district – one of the top tourism destinations in the pearl of Africa. Kisoro town is a border town with Rwanda to the South and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the West. From Kabale, Kisoro is approximately 30kms but considering the geographical terrain, accessing Kisoro by road from Kabale can take more than 1 hour.
Kisoro border town lies at the base of Virunga Massif hence its close proximity to Rwanda and DRC. It takes visitors about 10 hours to drive from Kampala or Entebbe. Visitors in Kigali and they are interested in Uganda safaris, it is possible to connect to Kisoro within 3 to 4 hours’ drive through Chanika border.
Tourist attractions/activities in and around Kisoro district.
Mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas are the prime attractions and it is no doubt one reason why most holidaymakers travel to Kisoro for a holiday. Kisoro is strategically situated in an area where you can trek mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which forms the vast Virunga Conservation Area or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Mgahinga gorilla adventures begin from Ntebeko area and Nyakagezi family is the only group habituated in Mgahinga N/Park. While in Kisoro, it is possible also to track mountain gorilla families in the southern sectors (Nkuringo/Rushaga) of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla permits for Mgahinga & Bwindi National Parks are available for reservation by foreign non-residents at $700, $600 for foreign residents and if you are visiting as an East African Citizen, you pay UG. Shs. 250,000. Whether it is Mgahinga or Bwindi, gorilla permits can be purchased via a ground tour operator or directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Golden monkeys.
Other than mountain gorillas, visitors in Kisoro can also track golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. About 500 golden monkeys exist within Mgahinga N/Park and golden monkey permits are obtainable at an affordable rate at $100.
Just like gorilla safaris, our team is also readily available to assist you arrange the most memorable golden monkey tracking holiday to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda.
Lake Mutanda.
Lake Mutanda is a beautiful lake with calm water, extending 26sq.kms and has a depth of 60.5m. This fresh water lake consists of 22 tiny islands that offer such a refreshing natural feeling.
You can take a boat ride on Lake Mutanda and you can enjoy interesting bird sights and few primates. Other than Lake Mutanda, Kisoro also features 3 more beautiful lakes; Lake Chahafi, Lake Kaumbu and Lake Mulehe.
Echuya Forest.
Set along Kisoro – Kabale highway, Echuya Forest is a beautiful montane forest with about 105 species of birds, 12 of these are endemics. There are also 53 butterfly species, 43 moth species and 20 mammal species all concentrated within Echuya Forest.
This montane forest is said to have served as a permanent home for the Batwa pygmies who later were displaced in the 1990s to allow forest conservation.
Volcano climbing.
For adventure seekers, Kisoro still has you sorted out. Mgahinga N/Park has 3 extinct Virunga Volcanoes and these are set in Kisoro district. They include Sabyinyo, Muhabura and Gahinga Volcanoes.
Cave tours.
Cave tours in Kisoro are best done in the legendary Garama Caves, an area previously occupied by the Batwa pygmies. This is a 3km extensive cave from Mgahinga N/Park headquarters. You can spend 4 hours to complete walking through the 3kms, 342m long and 14m deep cave.
Cave tours are led by an experienced local guide and it is advisable to wear gumboots so as not to face challenges in the muddy areas inside the caves. Other exciting activities include nature walks, community visits, viewing hills/platform.
Places to stay.
Kisoro is a complete destination and presents a wide range of accommodation options. These include Mount. Gahinga Lodge, Gahinga Rest Camp, Lake Chahafi lodge, Sky Blue Motel, Mutanda Lake Resort, Travelers Rest Hotel and others.
