Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp

Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp was established in 1994 by families from the area around Mgahinga, and it remains community-owned. It stands next to the Ntebeko gate, about 12 km from Kisoro town, so the gorilla, golden monkey and volcano treks start practically on the doorstep.

Rooms

Guests can choose between bandas, dormitories and a campsite. The camp has a restaurant, a garden and a terrace.

Why we like it

• Unbeatable location at the park gate.
• Income stays with the local community.
• Excellent value for budget travellers and hikers.

Who it suits

Budget travellers, hikers and anyone who wants to support community tourism.

Getting there

Kisoro is about eight to nine hours by road from Kampala via Mbarara and Kabale, or three to four hours from Kigali via the Cyanika border, which makes it the easiest Ugandan gorilla area to reach from Rwanda. Scheduled flights from Entebbe land at Kisoro airstrip. The road from Kabale climbs over scenic mountain passes with views of the volcanoes.

Things to do nearby

• Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga or Bwindi’s southern sectors.
• Golden monkey tracking in the bamboo. See golden monkey trekking.
• Volcano hikes on Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo. See volcano hikes in Mgahinga.
• The Batwa Trail and Garama Cave.
• Lake Mutanda for canoeing with volcano views.

About Mgahinga and Kisoro

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park protects Uganda’s share of the Virunga volcanoes, on the borders with Rwanda and Congo. From the Ntebeko visitor centre you can trek the Nyakagezi gorilla family, track golden monkeys, climb Muhavura, Gahinga or Sabinyo, and walk the Batwa Trail. Kisoro town is the local hub, with an airstrip, and Bwindi’s southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo are about 1.5–2 hours away. Read gorillas in Mgahinga.

Permits and booking

Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla family, so permits are limited. We secure gorilla, golden monkey and volcano permits first, then confirm your lodge. Uganda’s gorilla permit costs US$800 (US$600 in April, May and November 2026). Read book gorilla permits first.