Kisoro

Situated near the base of the Virunga volcanoes, near Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, the little town of Kisoro is primarily used as a base for excursions into the surrounding mountains, which are famous for being one of the only places on earth where you can witness mountain gorillas in the wild. The area is home to an astonishing abundance of wildlife including 11 different species of primate, lion, leopard, giraffe, elephant, buffalo and zebra, and countless bird species. Highlights in the area include: visits to a Pygmy village; swimming or canoeing in the scenic Lake Mutanda; or hiking the spectacular Virunga volcanoes. The town itself hosts a local market where you can buy a wide variety of goods ranging from fresh fruits to fabrics. There are also plenty of shops along Kisoro’s main street, which are known for their skillfully produced handicrafts.