Fly to Kihihi and Kisoro
Kihihi and Kisoro are vital hubs for tourism in southwestern Uganda, primarily serving as access points for some of the country’s most renowned attractions. While Kisoro is a tourist destination in its own right, Kihihi’s main role is providing air access and lodging for travelers heading to nearby parks.
Kihihi and its relation to tourism
Kihihi is a small town in the Kanungu District that acts as a key gateway for tourists visiting the northern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Tourist activities near Kihihi
- Gorilla trekking: The Kihihi Airstrip is the primary access point for tourists with limited time who are visiting the northern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, particularly the Buhoma sector.
- Wildlife viewing: Kihihi is near the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. Tourists often fly into Kihihi to shorten the travel time for game drives in this area.
- Cultural experiences: While in Kihihi, visitors can engage in cultural tours, including the Batwa Experience, which educates visitors on the culture of the forest’s original inhabitants.
- Community support: The “Ride 4 A Woman” project offers mountain biking and homestays, providing a community-based tourism experience that supports local livelihoods.
Key infrastructure
- Kihihi Airstrip: This domestic airfield is crucial for tourism, providing a fast alternative to the long, 8–9 hour drive from Kampala. The airstrip is serviced by airlines like Aerolink Uganda.
- Lodging: Kihihi has accommodations ranging from comfortable guesthouses to lodges, providing a convenient base for exploring the area’s wildlife parks.
Kisoro and its relation to tourism
Kisoro is a bustling town and district in the southwestern corner of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a major tourism center, famously known as the “Gateway to the Gorilla Highlands”.
Tourist activities in Kisoro
- Gorilla trekking: The town provides direct road and air access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga and Nkuringo).
- Golden monkey tracking: Kisoro is the base for tracking the endangered golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a rare primate species endemic to the Virunga Mountains.
- Volcano hiking: Visitors can hike the three Virunga volcanoes located within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Muhabura. A trek to the summit of Mount Sabinyo offers the unique experience of standing in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo simultaneously.
- Batwa cultural trail: This trail allows tourists to explore the history and traditions of the Batwa people, the indigenous forest dwellers of the region.
- Lake Mutanda: This scenic lake, surrounded by the Virunga volcanoes, is ideal for canoeing, birdwatching, and enjoying stunning landscapes.
- Local culture: Kisoro is known for its friendly people, vibrant local markets, and a growing coffee tourism industry, offering a chance to learn about local coffee production.
Key infrastructure and access
- Kisoro Airstrip: Like Kihihi, Kisoro has an airstrip for domestic flights, shortening the journey from Entebbe for those visiting the southern gorilla trekking areas.
- Cross-border access: Its proximity to the Rwandan border, particularly the Cyanika border crossing, makes it accessible for tourists beginning their safari in Kigali.
- Local operators: Numerous tour companies are based in Kisoro, providing tailored packages for gorilla trekking, hiking, and other activities in the region.
