Popular Activities to do in Kisoro-Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Popular Activities to Do in Kisoro in Kisoro, Uganda: Explore popular activities/attractions to Do in the Gorilla hometown of Kisoro; Great mysteries come to life in one of Uganda’s smallest districts, Kisoro, also known as Gorilla Home Town. With only 728 km of total land area, the fairly vibrant town borders Rwanda to the South and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the West. Mountaineering on Muhabura at 4127m above sea level, Gahinga at 3473m above sea level, and the summit of Mt. Sabyinyo at 3699m is an experience of a lifetime bringing you to the point where Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet in the Virunga massif.
Earned the special name “Gorilla Home Town” simply because it hosts two National Parks that inhabit the rare mountain gorillas
Famous Exciting Activities to Experience in Kisoro.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, situated in the southwest region of Uganda, is a top destination for safari enthusiasts. Known for its dense vegetation, the park provides an authentic African jungle experience. Kamere Tours is pleased to lead you through this unspoiled environment, where sunlight filters through the thick canopy, creating a tranquil and pollution-free paradise.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1994, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its significant ecological value. The park is a crucial conservation area, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Covering an area of 321 square kilometers, Bwindi boasts a diverse landscape, including lush forests, bamboo stands, and shrubs. The terrain features steep, slippery valleys and ridges, providing challenges and stunning views for adventurers. The forest’s rich biodiversity isn’t limited to gorillas; it also harbors numerous plant species, birds, and other wildlife, contributing to its status as a global biodiversity hotspot. Visitors can encounter a variety of flora and fauna, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.
Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four sectors, Each with different trailheads for gorilla trekking: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector hosts multiple habituated gorilla families, allowing tourists to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Currently, 22 gorilla families are habituated for tourism.
To enhance your experience, you are allocated trailhead before booking accommodation. This helps to ensure lodging is conveniently located, minimizing travel time to the trailhead. Kamere Tours offers detailed information and assistance in selecting the best accommodations for your trek.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla tracking is the park’s main attraction, and a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority must be secured well in advance as slots are limited. Each day, only eight individuals per gorilla family are allowed to trek, ensuring minimal disturbance to the gorillas. Participants must be healthy, as diseases can be transmitted between humans and gorillas. During the trek, guides provide important safety and etiquette instructions, such as maintaining a safe distance, avoiding flash photography, and not making prolonged eye contact with the gorillas. Proper attire, including long-sleeved clothing, sturdy boots, and rain gear, is essential for the trek
Bird Watching in Bwindi,Lake Mutanda/Mgahinga
Bwindi has been acclaimed as Africa’s premier birding spot by the Africa Bird Club. The forest’s trails are easily accessible and lead to prime birding locations. Expert local guides enrich the experience by spotting and identifying unique bird species. With around 350 bird species, including many endemics, Bwindi offers an unparalleled birding experience
Nature and Waterfalls Walk | Bwindi
Various trails cater to different interests, leading to stunning waterfalls and breathtaking scenic views. These walks are guided by armed rangers for safety and insightful information. Popular trails include the Buhoma-Nkuringo trail (4-5 hours), Rushura Hill walk, Muyanga waterfall walk, Ivy River Walk (covering 14 km in 7 hours), and Muzubijiro Loop (6 km). Each trail presents unique opportunities to explore the forest’s diverse ecosystems and encounter wildlife
Visit the Mummified Relics at Ichagushu Island
The preservation of the deceased, though commonly associated with Egyptian communities, has a historical presence in various African cultures. It is believed that esteemed individuals were often preserved in their natural state after passing. This tradition reflects a sense of continuity and deep respect for the departed, and visiting the burial sites is a meaningful and noteworthy experience. Embarking on a boat ride across the picturesque Lake Mutanda leads you to Ichangushu Island, where mummified bodies speak volumes of our ancient tradition. The island is steeped in rich, evocative tales. If you listen closely to the wind, you may hear a chorus of a thousand voices, all conveying cautionary narratives
The Forest People (Batwa) Experience
Engage with the local community through various cultural experiences. The Batwa experience offers insights into the traditional forest life of the Batwa people. Other activities include the Karunga View and Sagitwe Caldela Hill View.
Getting to Kisoro
By Air:
Scheduled and charter flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi town (connecting to Buhoma) or Kisoro Airstrip (connecting to Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga). Flights from Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala are also an option. Flying is the quickest and most comfortable way to reach the park, providing stunning aerial views of Uganda’s landscape.
By Road:
Driving from Kampala offers several route options depending on your destination trailhead:
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Kampala-Kabale-Ruhija
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Kampala-Ntungamo-Rukungiri-Kihihi-Buhoma/Nyondo
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Kampala-Kabale-Kisoro-Rushaga/Nkuringo
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Kigali-Kisoro-Rushaga-Nkuringo-Ruhija-Buhoma
Each route provides a scenic journey through Uganda’s countryside, although the trip can be long and the roads may be challenging in some areas. Kamere Tours offers comfortable and reliable transportation options to ensure a smooth journey.
Accommodation in Bwindi
Kamere Tours partners with a range of accommodations to suit all preferences and budgets, ensuring a comfortable stay:
Buhoma Area:
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– Buhoma Lodge
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– Bwindi Lodge
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– Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge
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– Mahogany Springs
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– Buhoma Haven Lodge
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– Silverback Lodge
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– Mwebesa House
Rushaga Area:
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– Chameleon Hill
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– Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
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– Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
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– Rushaga Gorilla Camp
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– Gorilla Leisure Lodge
