KISORO, UGANDA — If you walk around Kisoro in the morning, it’s easy to fall in love with the mountain views. But beyond the scenery, something exciting is happening with the upcoming Mountain Gorilla Festival 2026. The local community and conservationists are transforming this corner of southwestern Uganda into a major hotspot for sports tourism and gorilla conservation.

Following an official media launch at the Sheraton Hotel, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), alongside the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), announced the highly anticipated Mountain Gorilla Festival 2026. Set for November 19 to 22, 2026, in Kisoro District, the festival features its flagship sporting spectacle, the Virunga Gorilla Marathon, on Saturday, November 21, 2026.

Plans are also underway to make the festival an annual tradition that rotates across the Kigezi region’s districts—including Kisoro, Kanungu, Rubanda, Kabale, Rukiga, and Rukungiri.

Protecting Gorillas, Empowering Communities

Under the official theme “Protecting Gorillas, Empowering Communities” and the tagline “Run. Explore. Conserve,“ the event highlights how wildlife protection and community prosperity directly support each other.

Speaking at the launch, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi emphasized that conservation succeeds when surrounding communities actively participate and directly benefit from tourism through employment, guiding, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.

UWA announced discounted gorilla-trekking permits during the festival weekend:

• Foreign Tourists: Permit fees will be reduced from $800 USD to $600 USD.

• East African Citizens: Reduced tracking fees set at 300,000 UGX.

The Virunga Gorilla Marathon: 5 Trails to Conquer

Participating in the Virunga Gorilla Marathon is easily one of the most scenic ways to explore Kisoro. Open to all runners—with registration fees set at $40 USD for International runners and 70,000 UGX for the East African community. The race offers five distinct distances.

1. 112KM Trail: A demanding high-altitude trail challenge far beyond the marathon distance.

2. 42KM Full Marathon: A technical 42km circuit crossing through lush rainforests, rural terrain and ancient lava fields.

3. 21KM Half Marathon: A fast, scenic mountain route offering panoramic views across the Kigezi highlands.

4. 10KM Trail: A popular mid-distance option designed to welcome runners of all ages, including families, young athletes, and individuals seeking a taste of adventure.

5. 6KM Trail: Open to participants of all ages and fitness levels—whether you’re a family, a young athlete, or someone eager to embrace a little adventure. This run is designed for everyone.

All races start from Kisoro’s Mayor’s Garden and end with vibrant community cultural celebrations.

Community Expo, Culture & Eco-Adventures

This four-day gathering is a community conference and craft expo where local artisans showcase their talents, woodwork, and handiwork. UWA is working to establish global shipping channels so tourists can order community-made crafts directly to their home countries.

Visitors planning a trip around the Mountain Gorilla Festival 2026 can also explore:

• Gorilla Trekking: Trek habituated mountain gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks using discounted festival permits.

• Golden Monkey Tracking: Explore the bamboo forests of Mgahinga to spot the rare and energetic golden monkeys.

• Volcanic Peaks: Challenge yourself on summit hikes up Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, or Mount Muhavura.

• Lake Mutanda Canoeing: Relax post-marathon with traditional dugout canoe excursions across Lake Mutanda.

Traveler Essentials

• Getting There: Kisoro can be reached via a scenic drive from Kampala/Entebbe, or via domestic scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airport. It is also a convenient 3-to-4-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda via the Cyanika border crossing.

• Race Registration & Permits: Secure your marathon registration and discounted gorilla trekking permits well ahead of time through authorized local tour operators or through official UWA and UTB event partners.

• Lodging: Accommodation options fit every travel style, from high-end luxury eco-lodges along Lake Mutanda to budget-friendly guesthouses right in Kisoro town.

Run the trails, meet the communities, and protect the gorillas—Kisoro is calling this November 2026.