Kisoro Town Guide: Volcano Views, Mgahinga and the Far South-West of Uganda

The town sits close to the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a cool, fertile valley ringed by cones. The mood is relaxed, with market stalls and bicycles dominating the main streets.

This guide describes what the town offers and how it fits a gorilla safari.

This guide is part of our Uganda districts and towns guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

A Town Under the Volcanoes

The skyline around Kisoro is dominated by the Virunga volcanoes, extinct or dormant peaks that straddle the borders. On clear days their outlines are striking from almost any street. The town is small and informal, with a market, craftspeople and a good supply of basic services. It makes a quiet base for travellers who want to start gorilla treks early without a long drive, and its position in the corner of the country means that other attractions, such as the lakes and Batwa culture, are close at hand. See the volcanoes in Uganda page for background.

Mgahinga and Gorilla Trekking

The nearest park is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a small park on the volcano slopes known for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and volcano hikes. Gorilla permits are limited, so book well ahead; see gorilla permits explained. Kisoro is also a base for the Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors of Bwindi, discussed in Bwindi trekking sectors. A comparison of the two parks is in Mgahinga versus Bwindi, and golden monkey tracking gives another option.

Lake Mutanda and Cultural Visits

Beyond trekking, the area offers gentle pleasures:

• Lake Mutanda, a scenic lake with volcano views, canoes and birdwatching.
• Batwa cultural experiences, which share the heritage of the forest people; see the Batwa cultural experience.
• Village walks through terraced farms and craft cooperatives.
• Short hikes with views across the valley, especially in the early morning.

Choose experiences that are community-led, and ask your operator how income is shared.

Getting to Kisoro

The journey from Kampala is a full day by road, through Mbarara and Kabale, and many travellers break it with a night at Lake Bunyonyi. The route is described in Kampala to Kisoro and Kabale to Kisoro, and the short onward transfer to the park in Kisoro to Volcanoes National Park. A scheduled or charter flight may be available for part of the journey; check current options with your operator. Borders nearby are for use only with correct documents and arranged crossings.

Where to Stay

Kisoro has town hotels and guesthouses, plus lodges and camps in the surrounding hills and beside Lake Mutanda. Pick a lodge near your trekking sector to shorten the pre-dawn drive, and ask about heating, hot water and laundry, because trekking clothes get muddy. Budget travellers will find simple rooms in town, while those seeking views and quiet should consider lakeside or hillside lodges. See hotels in Kisoro for guidance on choosing.

Seasons and Packing

Kisoro is cool, with misty mornings and rain possible throughout the year, heavier in the wet months. Trekking trails can be muddy, so pack waterproof layers, gloves for nettles, gaiters and sturdy boots. See Mgahinga in the dry season and in the rainy season. A fleece for evenings is essential.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team