Are you in search of an undiscovered treasure, scenic views, wildlife, beauty, and surprises? Look no further than bustling Kisoro town. Kisoro is a district located in the southwestern part of Uganda, roughly 550 km from Kampala city, a journey taking 8-10 hours by road. It borders Rwanda to the south, DRC to the west, Kanungu district to the north, and Kabale to the east. Kisoro has a population of approximately 220,000 people and covers an area of 729.7 sq. km. The district boasts numerous tourism sites, hotels, and hospitals.
This wonderful destination is hilly with plenty of beautiful places to visit, highlands, and forests to trek. Travelers have the opportunity to participate in various activities at the different attractions in Kisoro district.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Though Mgahinga is the smallest park in the country, it covers an area of 33.7 sq. km within the 434 sq. km Bwindi – Mgahinga conservation area. It is one of the most outstanding destinations near Kisoro town, home to mountain gorillas and the rare golden monkeys. The main activity here is Gorilla Trekking.
Cave Exploration
Kisoro is blessed with several caves that were once occupied by the Batwa people, who were wanderers and warriors. This group used these caves as places of refuge during conflicts with their Bantu neighbors. The major one, Garama Cave, is located 3 km from Mgahinga National Park headquarters.
Primate & Game Viewing
Being home to Mgahinga National Park, Kisoro offers travelers the chance to view a number of rare and endangered primates, including mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park also hosts forest mammals such as buffaloes, forest elephants, bushbucks, and a variety of primates like baboons and monkeys.
Volcano Climbing
Kisoro is home to three volcanic mountains within the Virunga massif. Adjacent to Mgahinga National Park are three extinct volcanoes that offer year-round climbing experiences: Mt. Muhabura (4,127m), Mt. Sabyinyo (3,634m), and Mt. Gahinga (3,474m), all providing excellent volcano climbing experiences.
Viewing Platform
Located about 800m from the park gate, this platform offers magnificent views of the park, the Virunga ranges, and the surrounding communities. There are exhibit points at the hilltop that provide visitors with information about all the features of the area. The hilly terrain of Kisoro, shaped by volcanic activity, offers visitors ample hiking opportunities, one of the fastest-growing activities in the region.
Bird Watching
Birding is a rapidly growing activity in this area, conducted along the edge of Mgahinga forest and on the slopes of the Virunga volcanic mountains, exploring the many Albertine Rift and Rwenzori endemics. A stroll along the buffalo wall towards Congo takes you through a wetland area rich in a variety of bird species such as white-tailed blue flycatchers, malachite sunbirds, and moorland chats, among others.
Forest/Nature Walks
Forest walks are conducted within the forested part of the national park, while nature walks are done within and outside the communities. Various easy forest hikes can be taken on the lower slopes of Mount Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhabura. One of the famous walks is the gorge walk; Kisoro and its surroundings offer a variety of nature walks to satisfy your thirst for adventure.
Community/Market Visits
Market visits occur on specific days of the week and provide a unique experience for visitors. Community visits are also organized so that visitors can learn more about the native people of Kisoro (Bafumbira and Batwa).
Crater Lakes
The most prominent crater in Kisoro is the emerald-green Lake Mutanda, located 14 km from town, along with other crater lakes scattered throughout the area. Some of these lakes offer spectacular sunset experiences, perfect for sun-downer cruises. Lake Mutanda, in particular, is ideal for canoeing, fishing, and other recreational activities.
Scenery Viewing
The breathtaking sights of the rift valley, rounded terraced hills, and beautiful crater lakes offer stunning scenic views, making scenery viewing one of the most popular tourist activities. Some of the notable scenes include the Abbis at Muremure in Kitende parish.
Cultural Performances
The rich culture of the Bafumbira and Batwa is showcased through beautiful traditional dances and practices that leave visitors wanting more. These performances can be arranged upon request, often enjoyed in the evenings at respective lodges after a day of mountain climbing, gorilla trekking, or golden monkey experiences.
Crafts and Souvenirs Shopping
Kisoro town is dotted with countless craft shops offering a wide array of handmade items and African handicrafts made by the resident Bafumbira and Twa natives. These unique items highlight the beauty of Kisoro and its cultural diversity, including handwoven baskets, gorilla sculptures, wood carvings, African clothing, and more. The extensive papyrus swamp stretching from Kisoro to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale provides the raw materials for many of these crafts.
