Top Things to Do and See in Kisoro
Kisoro is one of southwestern Uganda’s most scenic and culturally rich towns. Sitting at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes and bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kisoro acts as a gateway to gorilla trekking, volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, and living traditions. It is more than a stopover town—it is a destination worth exploring in its own right.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The most iconic experience near Kisoro is gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This compact park protects part of the Virunga range and is home to mountain gorillas that move across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Treks here are often shorter and less crowded than in Bwindi, with dramatic volcano views adding depth to the experience.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where you can track golden monkeys. These energetic primates live in the bamboo zones of the park and offer a fast-paced, playful contrast to gorilla trekking. Tracking them is less physically demanding and fits well into a short Kisoro-based itinerary.
Exploring Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda is one of Uganda’s most beautiful lakes. Surrounded by steep hills and dotted with small islands, it offers canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and peaceful shoreline walks. Early mornings and sunsets here are especially rewarding, with reflections of the volcanoes stretching across the water.
Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes
Kisoro is surrounded by the Virunga Mountains, making it an excellent base for volcano hiking. Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura all rise within reach of town. These hikes range from moderate to challenging and reward climbers with sweeping views across three countries on clear days.
Batwa Cultural Experiences
The Batwa people are the original forest dwellers of the Mgahinga and Bwindi landscapes. Cultural encounters around Kisoro allow visitors to learn about Batwa traditions, forest survival skills, music, and storytelling. These experiences support community livelihoods and offer important insight into the human history of the region.
Scenic Drives and Village Walks
Kisoro sits in one of Uganda’s most photogenic rural settings. Short drives or guided walks reveal terraced hillsides, volcanic soils, stone homesteads, and vibrant local markets. The road between Kisoro town and Lake Mutanda is particularly scenic, with constant mountain views.
Cross-Border Excursions
Kisoro’s location near Rwanda and Congo makes it a strategic base for cross-border travel. Day trips or extended journeys can link Uganda with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Virunga National Park in Congo, depending on permits and border arrangements. This makes Kisoro ideal for multi-country primate safaris.
Birdwatching and Nature Walks
The wetlands, lakeshores, and forest edges around Kisoro attract a variety of birdlife. Nature walks near Lake Mutanda and community-managed areas offer chances to see kingfishers, herons, sunbirds, and seasonal migrants without entering national parks.
Local Markets and Town Life
Kisoro town itself offers a lively but relaxed atmosphere. The local market showcases fresh produce, Irish potatoes, sorghum, and crafts from surrounding villages. Spending time in town gives travelers a sense of everyday life in Uganda’s highlands.
Best Time to Visit Kisoro
Kisoro can be visited year-round, but the dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer easier hiking and trekking conditions. The wetter months bring greener landscapes and fewer crowds, especially appealing to photographers and repeat visitors.
Plan Your Safari
Kisoro blends wildlife, culture, landscapes, and cross-border adventure in a way few towns in East Africa can match. Whether you are trekking gorillas, paddling Lake Mutanda, hiking volcanoes, or engaging with local communities, Kisoro rewards travelers who slow down and explore beyond the headline attractions.
