Where to Exchange Money in Kisoro. Are you planning your safari to Kisoro, perhaps heading in for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or visiting the surrounding attractions like Lake Mutanda and the Batwa community? If so, it’s essential to have some Ugandan Shillings (UGX) on hand to cater for local expenses such as shopping in craft markets, tipping guides or porters, and buying souvenirs.

While many lodges and tour operators accept credit or debit cards, cash is king in most small shops, local restaurants, and rural areas. Having local currency ensures you can fully enjoy your experience without unnecessary inconvenience.

Kisoro town offers several reliable options for money exchange:

1. Banks in Kisoro

Kisoro has branches of major banks where you can exchange foreign currency or withdraw cash using a debit card:

• Stanbic Bank – Offers currency exchange and ATM services.

• Centenary Bank – A popular local bank with ATM access and forex services.

• DFCU Bank – Offers forex services and has an ATM for cardholders.

Note: Most ATMs in Kisoro accept Visa cards, but MasterCard and other international cards may not always work. Always inform your bank before traveling.

2. Forex Bureaus

There are a number of forex bureaus in Kisoro town that offer competitive exchange rates for USD, EUR, GBP, and other major currencies. These bureaus are usually found within the town center, close to the banks and main commercial areas.

Before heading into the mountains or national park, ensure you’ve exchanged enough money, as there are no banking facilities inside Mgahinga or Bwindi. For a smooth safari experience in Kisoro, arrive prepared and enjoy the local hospitality and culture with ease.

Driving from Kisoro Town to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a top destination—and getting there from Kisoro Town is relatively easy and scenic. The park is located about 13 kilometers south of Kisoro, and the journey takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes by vehicle, depending on the weather and road conditions.

The drive begins in Kisoro town, a bustling and friendly center with essential services like banks, forex bureaus, supermarkets, and local markets. As you head out of town towards the park, the road meanders through beautiful countryside—rolling hills, banana plantations, small homesteads, and scenic views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

The road to Mgahinga is murram (gravel), and while generally accessible, it can be bumpy and slippery during the rainy season (March–May and October–November). A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially for tourists visiting the park during the wetter months.

There are clear signs along the way pointing toward the park entrance. As you approach, you’ll be welcomed by the magnificent views of Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo—part of the Virunga range. The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park headquarters, where most treks begin, is situated at Ntebeko Gate.

What to do and expect in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Nestled in the scenic Virunga Mountains, it’s the only park in Uganda where you can experience gorilla trekking alongside golden monkey tracking. Despite being the smallest national park in Uganda, it offers big adventures and deep cultural encounters.

Top Activities in Mgahinga:

1. Gorilla Trekking:
   The park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, a habituated group that visitors can trek to observe in their natural forest habitat. Trekking can take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. The experience of coming face-to-face with these gentle giants is both emotional and unforgettable.

2. Golden Monkey Tracking:
   Mgahinga is also one of the few places in the world where you can see golden monkeys, a rare and endangered primate species. This trek is less strenuous and offers excellent opportunities for photography and learning about the monkeys’ behavior.

3. Volcano Hiking:
   The park encompasses three of the Virunga Volcanoes—Mt. Gahinga (3,474m), Mt. Sabinyo (3,669m), and Mt. Muhabura (4,127m). These can be climbed in a day with a guide and offer breathtaking views of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.

4. Batwa Cultural Trail:
   This immersive trail allows you to walk with the Batwa pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants. They share stories of their ancient traditions, hunting methods, and sacred sites, offering a profound cultural exchange.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a truly intimate and off-the-beaten-path experience. Located in Uganda’s southwestern corner, Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, a habituated group that’s known for its playful juveniles and relaxed silverbacks. Unlike the more crowded Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga provides a quieter, less commercialized gorilla trekking experience.

Trekking begins early in the morning from the Ntebeko Visitor Centre, where visitors are briefed and assigned to groups led by expert guides and armed rangers. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements, but every minute is a journey through lush bamboo forests, moss-covered trees, and panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Once you locate the gorillas, you’re allowed one hour to observe and photograph them at a safe distance. Watching them interact—feeding, grooming, or simply resting—is an awe-inspiring moment you’ll never forget.

How to buy a Gorilla Tracking Permit for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Booking a gorilla trekking permit for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is simple but requires early planning due to limited availability. Only eight permits are issued per day for the Nyakagezi Gorilla family, so advance booking—at least 3 to 6 months before your trek—is highly recommended.

You can secure your permit in one of two main ways:

1. Through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA):

UWA is the official body in charge of issuing gorilla permits in Uganda. Permits can be purchased directly from their offices in Kampala or online through their portal. You’ll need to provide your full name, passport number, nationality, and preferred trekking date.

2. Through a Registered Tour Operator – Like Kenlink Tours:

At Kenlink Tours, we make the process seamless. We handle everything—from checking permit availability to securing your booking. We’ll also organize your full safari package including transportation, accommodation, and guide services.

Permit Costs (2025 Rates):

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800

• Foreign Residents: $700

• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000

To book your permit and safari, contact us:
📧 info@kenlinktours.com