Beautiful Kisoro: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

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Caldera in Kisoro
One of the Calderas in Kisoro. Courtesy photo

Kisoro district located in the south western part of Uganda has been endowed with tourism attractions unique to it alone.

From Bwindi Impenetrable forest, one of the four National Parks in the world with the African mountain gorilla, Mgahinga gorilla National Park, which covers three of the Virunga volcanoes that is; Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo, which borders Uganda and Rwanda, stretching up to Lake Mutanda, located approximately 20 kilometers north of Kisoro.

Found under the peaks of Mufumbiro Mountains which are part of the Virunga Mountains, the mountain scenery, colorful markets, and volcano trekking are also available for visitors to Kisoro.

Samuel Amanya, the Chief Warden of Uganda Wildlife Authority says that, in case a local or international tourist is looking for a fresh scenery in the country side, Kisoro should be on top of their list.

Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda located in Chahi Sub-County in Kisoro District

The tour will involve bird watching within a 30 minute walk, trekking of golden monkeys, visiting the Batwa (Pygmy) village who are hunters and Gathers, famously known for their shortness just outside the park.

“Tourists have crossed Kanaba pass and reached the summit where they get to see a glorious view of a line of Volcanic Mountains, Kisoro volcanic organic coffee farms and one day Gorilla trekking,” Amanya revealed in an interview with this website.

Amanya further said that a drive through Kabale-Kisoro Road past the view of Lake Bunyonyi will lead you to pass through one of the sharpest corners in Uganda’s road Network, which is the Kanaba corner as you drive on a very carpet like road viewing one road over another.

However, Kisoro district also has an airport administered by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority which tourists can as well utilize.

According to Charles Nkurunziza, a local resident, Kisoro is famous for having the best Irish Potatoes in Uganda, which a local tourist cannot leave the town without tasting or buying a sack for their families.

Nkurunziza also revealed famous lodges like Gorilla heights hotels located in Nkuringo Bwindi Impenetrable forest. However, campers are catered for since they are many camping sites like Virunga Camping site and Back Packers.

One of the camping sites in Kisoro. Courtesy photo

Laban Niyongabo, a freelancer Tourism Guide revealed in an interview that, Bafumbira culture experience is another tourism activity that many tourists enjoy. From how marriages are conducted to the grinding stone experience (orubengo).

However, according to Niyongabo, most Whites have revealed that unfortunately, Uganda does not advertise effectively compared to what is available in the area.

He said that apart from Gorilla trekking which is also done in neighboring Rwanda (which rarely advertises a lot) and golden monkeys trekking, there is a lot more to enjoy in Kisoro.

“These Whites really love Kisoro but the one thing they complain about is publicity. Kisoro does not just have Gorillas and Monkeys but it also has mountains, lakes, good views, Bafumbira Culture experience, among other things,” Niyongabo said.

He added that there are other activities like mountain hiking, Lake zip lining, yet tour companies only show a few.

One of the local tourists
One of the local tourists doing mountain hiking in Kisoro. Courtesy photo

After Covid-19, people have been reluctant to travel, according to Niyongabo.

However, people like Niyongabo are optimistic that with more publicity of the whole package, Kisoro has a lot to offer.