Skip to content
UGANDA • RWANDA • KENYA • TANZANIA • PRIVATE & TAILOR-MADE SAFARIS
WhatsApp +256 701 243 304[email protected]
OFFMAPSAFARIS — Home

Uganda

Kabale

Southwestern Uganda, near the Rwanda border · Year-round; timing depends on destination, activity and weather.

Uganda's highland hub in the far southwest, often called the Switzerland of Africa for its terraced hillsides, tea estates and unusually cool climate for a country on the equator. Kabale is the principal gateway town for travellers heading to Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

Why visit Kabale

Uganda’s highland hub in the far southwest, often called the Switzerland of Africa for its terraced hillsides, tea estates and unusually cool climate for a country on the equator. Kabale is the principal gateway town for travellers heading to Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Offmap Safaris can build this destination into a private Uganda safari around the traveller’s interests and pace.

Things to do

Tea Estate Visits, Mountain Views, Local Market Visits, Gateway to Bwindi & Mgahinga.

Travel planning

Access, permits, accommodation and activity availability can vary. Confirm current arrangements before travel and follow applicable conservation, safety and community guidance.

Best for

This destination can be combined with other Uganda tourist sites to create a multi-stop safari.

Experience this place

What you can do here

Explore the experiences available around this destination and open each one for its own detailed guide.

Explore all Experiences →
01Gateway to Bwindi & Mgahinga1 Country · 1 Site · 0 Safaris02Local Market Visits4 Countries · 4 Sites · 0 Safaris03Mountain Views4 Countries · 13 Sites · 1 Safari04Tea Estate Visits1 Country · 2 Sites · 0 Safaris

Related safaris

Safaris that visit this place

Need to know?

Questions about Kabale

View all FAQs →
Why is Kabale called the Switzerland of Africa?

Kabale sits at an elevation of about 2,000 metres, giving it a cool highland climate and terraced hill-and-valley scenery that has earned it the nickname “Switzerland of Africa.”

What is Kabale a gateway to?

Kabale is the main regional hub for travelers heading to Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda’s far southwest.

How far is Kabale from Lake Bunyonyi?

Lake Bunyonyi is just a short drive from Kabale town, making it an easy stop for canoeing, island walks and lakeside relaxation before or after gorilla trekking.

What does the name Kabale mean?

Kabale comes from the Rukiga word meaning small stone, and the town is known locally by the nickname “Kastone.”

Is Kabale cold?

Kabale’s elevation of about 2,000 metres gives it a notably cool climate for Uganda, with average temperatures around 17°C, so a warm layer is worth packing.