Kisoro is a place where you can leave your sorrows behind. Tucked away in Uganda’s southwest, this underrated town is one of the country’s most pristine and overlooked treasures. From Kisoro, you can easily cross into Congo through the Bunagana border or into Rwanda via the Chanika border, making it a hub of cultural convergence and exploration.
At the base of Mt. Muhabura, you’ll encounter a unique phenomenon—dry clouds below while rain pours in town. The land in Kisoro is highly valued and well-utilized, with farmers cultivating beans, Irish potatoes, and maize on every available plot. The people here, especially the Bafumbira, are remarkably healthy, and their thick, well-groomed hair is the envy of many. The region’s linguistic diversity, with people speaking Kifumbira, Kinyarwanda, and Kiswahili, is a reflection of its proximity to Rwanda and Congo.
Kisoro’s roads are among the best in Uganda, offering scenic views of lush hills, rows of beans, and maize fields. The town has a youthful energy, with the population largely made up of children and young people. Catholic churches are filled to capacity during services, with children often lounging on the grass outside. Despite its charm, Kisoro remains relatively undiscovered by Ugandans, except for those visiting for gorilla trekking or climbing Mt. Muhabura.
Lake Mutanda, a crystal-clear crater lake, is another hidden jewel of Kisoro. On sunny days, local children often swim in its inviting waters. The lake’s stillness, combined with the grandeur of Mt. Muhabura towering above, creates a perfect, peaceful atmosphere. It’s a place where you can close your eyes and feel like you’re in heaven.
Though small, Kisoro has a distinct culture. Its immaculate roads and serene environment make it feel far removed from the political uncertainties of Kampala. If you’re ever traveling through western Uganda, make it a point to visit Kisoro—it’s a town that offers more than meets the eye and deserves to be experienced at least once.