Kabale Town, sometimes also known as “Kaston,” is located in Kabale District, Uganda, in western Uganda. The word Kabale means “a small stone” in the local Rukiga language. The estimated population of Kabale is 41,350 people.
Kabale Town is situated 10 kilometers from the Katuna border with Rwanda. The town is bustling with various tourist activities. It is also a common stop for tourists who book gorilla trekking tours from Kigali.
Top Things to Do in Kabale Town
Activities to Do in Kabale Town:
- Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located near Kabale town, is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas and is the only place where gorilla habituation can be done. The park features approximately 15 habituated mountain gorilla families, and two groups are currently being habituated. A maximum of eight people are allowed to trek with a given gorilla family, and visitors are permitted one hour of observation once the gorillas are found. The cost of gorilla permits is $800 per person, while gorilla habituation costs $1,500 per person.
- Visit Edirisa House: The House of Edirisa is a replica museum designed as a traditional homestead, showcasing the culture of the Bakiga people from years past. It also serves as a departure point for canoe trips to the highlands of Kabale, where visitors can enjoy performances by local traditional dancers and purchase souvenirs from a nearby gift shop.
- Visit Lake Bunyonyi: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most scenic lake, is located in Kabale town. Also referred to as the “Lake of Little Lakes,” it is an ideal spot for relaxation after gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park. Visitors can swim in the lake, as it is bilharzia-free. Boat cruises to various islands, such as Punishment Island—historically used as a place of exile for unmarried pregnant girls—are also available. Additionally, Lake Bunyonyi is a great destination for bird watching.
- Mountain Biking: Kabale, one of Uganda’s hilliest towns, is perfect for mountain biking. Cycling around the lake and through village farm plantations provides an adventurous experience in the African countryside.
Where to Stay
Kabale town, Bwindi National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi offer a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget to mid-range and luxury lodges.
Some recommended places to stay include: Green Hill Hotel, Cephas Inn, Arcadia Cottages, Bunyonyi Safari Resort, Nature’s Prime Island, Bunyonyi Overland Resort and Edirisa Guest Hotel.
How to Get There
Kabale town is approximately 470 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. It can be reached in 7-8 hours by road from Kampala. Alternatively, you can fly to Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield.
