Updated
Kampala to Kisoro is about 490 km by road and takes 8 to 10 hours with stops. The route runs south-west on the tarmac highway through Masaka, Mbarara and Kabale, then on a winding paved road over the Kigezi hills to Kisoro, at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes. Kisoro is the base for gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga and for the southern sectors of Bwindi. Many travellers split the drive with a night in Kabale or at Lake Bunyonyi, or fly to Kisoro instead.
The route, section by section
The first stretch runs from Kampala to Masaka, about 130 km, crossing the equator at Kayabwe roughly 70 km out of the city. Most drivers stop there for photos and coffee; see our equator stop guide. Traffic leaving Kampala is the slowest part of the day, so an early start saves an hour or more.
From Masaka the road continues to Mbarara, about 270 km from Kampala, the usual lunch and fuel stop. Our Mbarara stopover guide lists places to eat. Beyond Mbarara the land rises through Ntungamo into the steep, terraced Kigezi highlands, reaching Kabale after another 140 km or so.
The last leg, Kabale to Kisoro, is about 75 to 80 km and takes around two hours. The paved road climbs over ridges with views of terraced hills and Lake Bunyonyi, then drops towards Kisoro as the volcanoes Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo appear ahead. It has many tight bends and steep gradients, so it is slower than the distance suggests, especially in rain or fog.
One day or two?
You can drive it in one long day if you leave Kampala by 6:30am, which gets you to Kisoro by late afternoon. Splitting the trip is more comfortable, especially if you trek the morning after arrival. Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi, a short drive from Kabale, both make good overnight stops, leaving a relaxed two-hour drive to Kisoro the next morning. Avoid driving the Kabale to Kisoro section after dark. Our guide to Uganda road conditions covers what to expect.
Flying instead of driving
Scheduled light-aircraft flights link Entebbe with Kisoro airstrip in about an hour and a half, sometimes stopping at other airstrips on the way. Flying saves a full day and suits short trips, but baggage limits are tight, usually around 15 kg in soft bags. Lodges or operators collect you from the airstrip. See our guide to flying to Bwindi and the southwest.
Buses and other options
Most visitors travel with a driver-guide in a safari vehicle, which is the easiest way to manage the timing for an early trek. Several bus companies also run Kampala to Kisoro services, mostly overnight or early morning, which is cheap but long and tiring. From Kisoro town, lodges or special hire cars take you to the Mgahinga park gate, about 14 km away on a rough road, or to the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi.
What to do around Kisoro
Mgahinga offers gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano climbs and the Batwa trail. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November, the same in Mgahinga as in Bwindi. Nearby Lake Mutanda has canoe trips and views of the volcanoes. Read our guides to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Lake Mutanda and Kisoro town.
Practical tips
Fuel up in Mbarara or Kabale, as stations are fewer on the last stretch. Carry snacks, water and a warm layer, since Kisoro sits at about 1,900 m and evenings are cool. Mobile coverage is good along most of the route. If you get car sick, take something before the Kabale to Kisoro bends, and sit in the front.
Frequently asked questions
About 490 km, taking 8 to 10 hours with stops.
Kabale or Lake Bunyonyi, about two hours before Kisoro.
Yes, the main route is tarmac, though the last stretch is steep and winding.
Yes. Light-aircraft flights from Entebbe take about an hour and a half.
About 14 km, on a rough road that takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
