About this Package

This itinerary seamlessly fuses the exhilarating, high-altitude challenge of Mountain Gorilla Trekking with the tranquil, human-powered exploration of Lake Mutanda, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes, making for a comprehensive Kisoro experience. The Wild Experience: Mountain Gorilla Trekking • Location: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or the southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga/Nkuringo), both a short drive from Kisoro town/Lake Mutanda. • The Experience: This is an intense, early-morning activity involving an unpredictable hike through the dense rainforest, often lasting between 2 and 6 hours. The terrain is steep, muddy, and challenging. • Encounters: o The Trek: A thrilling, focused search led by expert UWA trackers and armed rangers. The immersion in the damp, misty forest is an experience in itself, filled with the sounds of exotic birds and other forest primates. o The Silverback & Family: The primary encounter is the privileged one hour spent with a habituated gorilla family. You observe the massive, dominant Silverback, mothers nursing their infants, and juveniles playing. o Emotional Connection: The profound, quiet moment when you lock eyes with one of these endangered, gentle giants is a deeply humbling and emotional "wild encounter." The Community Experience: Lake Mutanda Cultural Immersion & Canoe Tour (CIFU) • Location: Lake Mutanda and the surrounding communities, like Mukozi village. • The Experience: A day that blends serene natural beauty with direct, purposeful engagement with the local people. The pace is slow, tranquil, and focused on cultural exchange. • Encounters: o The Volcanic Panorama: The Lake Mutanda Boat Cruise (or traditional dug-out canoe tour) offers spectacular, clear views of the Virunga Volcanoes (Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo). o Wildlife Sightings: A peaceful Wild Encounter with the lake’s endemic wildlife, most notably the playful otters often seen gliding through the water, along with various water birds like kingfishers and cormorants. Crucially, the lake is noted to be free of dangerous wildlife like crocodiles, hippos, and bilharzia. o Deep Cultural Connections: Your Community Encounters are direct and personal:  Mutanda Island Visit: A glimpse into the life of the Abagesera clan, visiting their church and seeing their subsistence farming.  Historical Islands: Hearing the poignant folklore from your local guide about the Punishment Islands where people were historically banished.  Village Walk (Mukozi): Hands-on interaction, such as visiting a local nursery school, meeting a craft maker/artisan, and potentially a traditional healer, ensuring direct support for local livelihoods. o Batwa Cultural Experience (Optional): An extension to learn about the ancient forest culture, dances, and traditions of the indigenous Batwa pygmy people. Accommodation is provided at Mutanda Eco Community Centre at $80 per night per person

What you'll do