Things to do in Kisoro after gorilla trekking in Mgahinga

Are you looking for things to do in Kisoro after gorilla trekking in Mgahinga? Look no more as Encounter Africa Safaris is here to provide options for you to select from. Mgahinga National Park is one of the two mountain gorilla National Park located in Uganda and Kisoro district to be specific. Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable National Park are places where one can enjoy a gorilla trek to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Mgahinga National Park has one habituated mountain gorilla family meaning that only 8 gorilla permits are available daily. Encounter Africa safaris organizes amazing mountain gorilla safari holidays to see these great apes and there after suggests things to do in Kisoro after your gorilla trek.

Kisoro is the main town and hub for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Many tourists choose to stay in Kisoro town given there is affordable accommodation compared to the lodges in the parks and from here you can get a chauffeur ride to the park for gorilla trekking. The main activity is gorilla trekking in Mgahinga however, there are other various activities and top things you can do in Kisoro after your gorilla trekking and these include;

Extra gorilla trekking in either Rushaga or Nkuringo region of Bwindi

Kisoro is blessed by having the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park located here. For those interested in doing multiple gorilla treks for compulsion purposes should consider doing other gorilla treks in Rushaga or Nkuringo regions of Bwindi impenetrable National Park. There reasons why people do multiple treks and different national parks. Some want to compare the experience in these national parks and also enjoy the behavior of gorillas of different gorilla families. Kisoro district therefore becomes a better option for those looking for such.

Gorilla habituation experience in Rubuguri

Among things to do in Kisoro after your gorilla trek is gorilla habituation experience done in Rushaga or Nkuringo side of Bwindi impenetrable National Park located in Kisoro district. Gorilla habituation experience gives you up to four hours with mountain gorillas still under habituation. Only four gorilla permits are available and need to book them in advance to avoid shortage. For more information about gorilla habituation experience holidays, do not hesitate to contact Encounter Africa safaris.

Batwa Cultural Trail Experience

On Batwa cultural trail experience tour you will be guided by one of the Batwa guides giving you an opportunity to learn about traditional forest life of the Batwa in Mgahinga Forest which is historically the home of the Batwa, you will also enjoy the traditional dances of the Batwa and practices including making traditional fire among others.  You can also opt to enjoy Batwa in Rushaga or Nkuringo since these two regions are also located in Kisoro district.

Nature walk

The Nature walk is done in Mgahinga forest it is a very exciting activity to do after gorilla trekking which gives you an opportunity to learn more about tree species as well other wildlife species in the forest.

Village walk around Kisoro

This walk will take you through Kisoro local communities including visiting local markets and learning the day to day life of the local people in Kisoro. You have an opportunity to engage and learn more about the Bafumbira and Bakiga tribes including enjoying traditional cultural dances, local foods and local arts.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden Monkey tracking is another activity that can be done after gorilla trekking in Mgahinga, this is only done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, like gorilla tracking this also starts in the morning with briefing and after you head out with walking through the forest in search for these endangered monkeys. Golden monkey tracking permits are readily available and can be purchased on arrival at the park headquarters.

Golden Monkey Habituation

Golden Monkey Habituation is another activity that can be done after gorilla trekking in Mgahinga, this gives you an opportunity to spend four hours’ time with the semi habituated Golden monkeys as you participate in activities geared to making them get used to human presence this also starts in the morning with briefing and after you head out with walking through the forest in search for these endangered monkeys. Golden monkey habituation permits are readily available and can also be purchased on arrival at the park headquarters.

Bird watching

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the best places for bird watching in Uganda, the park is home to over 127 bird species with various Albertine endemics. This is a great activity for those who are bird lovers.

Wildlife viewing

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to 76 mammals among which are buffaloes, elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, duikers, leopards, civets, golden cats, jackals and porcupines however due to the difficult terrain and most being nocturnal, they are rarely seen. During your trek or hike you will find footsteps of these animals and if lucky you will see some but hide away from them because they tend to be wild given the fact they are not used to human presence.

Volcano climbing

This is another great activity to do in Kisoro after your gorilla trek in Mgahinga. There are 3 main volcanoes to choose for your hike these include Mount Muhavura 4127 meters, Mount Sabino and Mount Gahinga all located close to Kisoro. These give you an opportunity for hiking giving you great views and adventure.

Local community visits

Local community visits through local villages will provide insights into the lives of the Bakiga and Batwa pygmy people living beside the Bwindi forest. Other activities include yoga at the Lodge, Mountain bicycle ride, volunteering which is done in the local community schools and projects and Butterfly watching which is done at night among others.

Where to stay in Kisoro

Lodges near Kisoro include Gahinga Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Kisoro Travelers’ Inn among others. Contact us for booking and reservation details

What is the best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga and Kisoro can be visited all year round but the best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys given the vegetation cover is not too grown

How to get to Kisoro and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

By Road; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Kisoro town from Kisoro town you will drive towards your lodge which is close to the park for an overnight. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 2-3 hours drive.

By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to access Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to the Lodge you are booked in for your stay.

Cross boarder: Mgahinga can also be accessed by flying into Kigali and driving by road to the Park via Chanika boarder. This is the shortest road transfer that takes 4-5 hours compared to 9-10 hours drive when you opt to land in Entebbe and drive to Mgahinga National Park. Encounter Africa safaris organizes Mgahinga and Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris from Kigali.

Why book your Gorilla trek in Mgahinga with Encounter Africa Safaris

Encounter Africa Safaris will help you book your gorilla trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park contact us and we advise you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla safari packages to Mgahinga ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you, including the gorilla permits. Feel free to checkout our TripAdvisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Mgahinga with us.