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Kisoro Day Trips – Explore Uganda’s Hidden Gem
Kisoro Day Trips — Are you dreaming of visiting Kisoro and wondering what exciting activities you can do? Whether you’re flying into Kisoro Airstrip, already staying in Kisoro Town, or looking for a convenient way to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi, we’ve got you covered! Kisoro offers some of the best day trips and tours in Uganda, allowing you to explore stunning landscapes, encounter incredible wildlife, and immerse yourself in rich culture.
Gorilla Trekking from Kisoro to Bwindi
One of the top activities from Kisoro is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is home to the largest population of endangered mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places in the world for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
How to Get to Bwindi from Kisoro
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is just a 2 to 4-hour drive from Kisoro Town, depending on which gorilla trekking region you visit. The journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes, with stops at scenic viewpoints such as:
- Lake Bunyonyi Viewpoint – Admire the stunning lake dotted with 29 islands.
- Gahinga Ranges Viewpoint – Capture panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains.
- Twin Lakes Viewpoint – A great spot for photography and sightseeing.
We use comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles with air conditioning and experienced driver-guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. The roads to Bwindi’s gorilla trekking regions are mostly dirt roads, so a 4×4 vehicle is essential, especially in the rainy season when they become muddy and slippery.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is an unforgettable adventure. The trek takes you deep into the lush rainforest, where you’ll follow expert trackers who locate the gorillas based on their previous movements. Once you find them, you’ll spend one magical hour observing and photographing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices:
- $800 per person – Non-foreign residents
- $700 per person – Foreign residents
- UGX 300,000 per person – East African citizens
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi
For those seeking a more immersive experience, gorilla habituation is available in Bwindi’s Rushaga region. This activity allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family that is still undergoing the habituation process. Unlike traditional trekking, gorilla habituation offers a rare opportunity to observe how researchers and guides help gorillas become accustomed to human presence.
Important Details About Gorilla Habituation:
- Only four visitors are allowed per day.
- The experience lasts half a day to a full day, depending on how long it takes to locate the gorillas.
- Gorilla habituation is only available in the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi.
Since spots are limited, we highly recommend booking your permit in advance to secure your place.
Other Amazing Activities in Kisoro
1. Hike to the Top of the World
If you love hiking, don’t miss the Trek to the Top of the World in Nkuringo. This 2-3 hour hike takes you through Nkuringo village and up scenic footpaths to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the mountains, valleys, and ridges of southwestern Uganda.
2. Gorilla Buffer Zone Walk
The buffer zone is a transition area between Bwindi National Park and local farmland. This walk gives you a chance to see lush tea plantations, interact with local farmers, and learn about the sustainable coexistence between wildlife conservation and community livelihoods.
3. Batwa Cultural Experience
The Batwa Cultural Experience is a fascinating and immersive activity available in various regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This experience takes you on a journey through the history and traditions of the Batwa pygmies, the original inhabitants of Bwindi Forest. Before Bwindi was declared a national park in 1991, the Batwa lived as hunter-gatherers, relying on the forest for survival. However, when conservation efforts led to their displacement, they had to adapt to a new way of life outside the jungle.
One of the best ways to learn about their culture is by taking the Buniga Forest Trail, located in the southern part of Bwindi. This initiative, supported by USAID, allows visitors to interact with the Batwa community and gain insight into their ancient way of life. The trail is easy to navigate and provides an informative and enriching experience.
Ivy River Forest Walk – A Scenic Nature Experience
The Ivy River Trail is a breathtaking nature walk that winds through the lush rainforests of Bwindi. This trail gently ascends and descends, offering spectacular viewpoints overlooking the mist-covered valleys. The route also serves as a vital footpath for local communities traveling to Nkuringo, particularly on market days in Nteko Village. Along the way, you might spot monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, and a variety of birds and butterflies that make Bwindi their home.
Suma Waterfalls – A Hidden Gem Near Kisoro
A visit to the Suma Waterfalls is one of the most refreshing activities during a Kisoro day trip. Located in the picturesque village of Suma, this stunning waterfall is surrounded by dense vegetation, creating a peaceful escape into nature. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species like the Northern Double-Collared Sunbird, Violet-Backed Starling, and Great Blue-Eared Starling frequently spotted. The best time to visit is in the morning hours when bird activity is at its peak.
Birdwatching in Bwindi – A Paradise for Bird Lovers
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of Africa’s top birdwatching destinations, home to over 350 bird species, including the rare Albertine Rift Endemics. This makes it a must-visit location for birdwatching enthusiasts. Some of the notable species you can expect to see include:
- Handsome Francolin
- Rwenzori Nightjar
- Dwarf Honeyguide
- African Green Broadbill
- Archer’s Robin-Chat
- Red-throated Alethe
- Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher
- Red-faced Woodland Warbler
- Short-tailed Warbler
- Grauer’s Warbler
- Mountain Masked Apalis
- Rwenzori Batis
- Blue-headed Sunbird
- Regal Sunbird
- Dusky Crimsonwing
At Excursia Adventures, we offer tailored birding tours with experienced guides to help you identify and learn about these incredible species.
Volunteering – Make a Difference in Bwindi’s Communities
For travelers looking to give back, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities in the communities surrounding Bwindi. You can participate in community development projects, teaching in local schools, or supporting conservation initiatives. Volunteering is a rewarding way to connect with locals, learn about their way of life, and contribute positively to their well-being.
Where to Stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi has four gorilla trekking sectors – Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. The choice of accommodation depends on where you plan to start your gorilla trekking safari. Each sector offers a range of lodges and hotels, from budget to luxury options:
Buhoma Sector:
- Budget: Buhoma Community Camp
- Midrange: Buhoma Haven Lodge
- Luxury: Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge
- Upmarket: Gorilla Forest Camp
Rushaga Sector:
- Budget & Midrange: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Luxury: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge
Nkuringo Sector:
- Midrange & Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Why Book with Excursia Adventures?
Excursia Adventures is a locally owned Ugandan tour operator with over 15 years of experience in organizing gorilla trekking safaris, wildlife adventures, and cultural tours. Based in Entebbe, Uganda, we specialize in creating unforgettable safari experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi.
Why Choose Us?
- Expertise in East African Safaris – We specialize in life-changing and sustainable travel experiences.
- Registered & Certified – We are members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and licensed by UTB (Uganda Tourism Board).
- Strong Partnerships – We have a close working relationship with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), making it easy to secure gorilla trekking permits and arrange seamless safaris.
- Excellent Reviews – Highly rated on TripAdvisor for outstanding customer service.
If you’re planning a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, let Excursia Adventures create a tailor-made safari to suit your needs. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable Batwa Cultural Experience and Bwindi Safari!
