Nestled within the captivating beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, commonly known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” Ruboni Camp stands as a beacon for travelers seeking authentic experiences amidst Uganda’s stunning landscapes. Offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion and outdoor adventure, this eco-friendly retreat beckons adventurers from around the globe to explore the wonders of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Location: Situated in the heart of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, the camp serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the majestic peaks and lush valleys of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hiking enthusiasts and mountain climbers alike are drawn to the allure of Rwenzori trekking, where they can embark on thrilling Uganda mountain expeditions such as the amazing Mahoma trail trek, Bukurungu trail, the central circuit trail or the various community guided tours guided by experienced local experts.
Price: Ruboni Camp prides itself on providing affordable accommodation options without compromising on quality or comfort. Whether you’re seeking a cozy cottage overlooking the Rwenzori glaciers or a rustic tent nestled in the mountain foothills, there’s an option to suit every budget.
Cleanliness and Comfort: Rest assured, cleanliness and comfort are paramount at accommodation facility. After a day of hiking in Uganda’s mountain biodiversity hot spot, guests can retreat to their well-appointed accommodations, complete with plush bedding, modern amenities, and breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine scenery.
Amenities: From guided treks along scenic Uganda hiking trails to cultural tours showcasing the rich heritage of the Bakonzo people, the lodge offers a diverse range of amenities to enrich your stay. Delight in hearty meals crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, or gather around the campfire for captivating stories beneath the starlit sky.
Customer Service: The friendly and attentive staff at Ruboni Community Camp are dedicated to ensuring your experience exceeds expectations. Whether you’re planning your Uganda adventure travel itinerary or seeking recommendations for the best trekking routes in Rwenzori, they’re always on hand to assist with personalized assistance and insider tips.
Reviews and Reputation: Renowned for its unparalleled hospitality and commitment to sustainability, Ruboni Community Camp has earned glowing reviews from satisfied guests around the world. Travelers praise its immersive cultural experiences, breathtaking mountain vistas, and genuine connections forged with the local community.
Safety and Security: Your safety is our top priority at Ruboni. With well-trained guides, secure accommodations, and adherence to strict safety protocols, guests can explore the Rwenzori Mountains with confidence, knowing they’re in good hands.
Flexibility and Convenience: Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or planning a group expedition, Ruboni Community Camp offers flexible booking options to accommodate your needs. With easy online reservations and customizable itineraries, planning your Uganda mountain trek has never been easier.
Special Requests and Personalization: We understand that every traveler is unique. Whether you have dietary restrictions, special requests, or specific preferences, our team is committed to ensuring your stay is tailored to your individual needs.
To reach Ruboni Community Camp from Kasese or Fort portal town, follow these simple steps:
If you’re arriving from outside the region, your journey will likely begin in the town of Kasese, located in western Uganda. Kasese is accessible by various modes of transportation, including buses, minibusses (matatus), private taxis, and by air landing at Kasese airstrip.
From Kasese town center, head north on Fort Portal Road for 10km. You will then branch off left at Nkenda Electric Terminal, toward the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and drive for another 17km on a murram road. The full journey typically takes around 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Those traveling from Fort Portal will not have to go all the way to Kasese town. You will drive 65km south towards Kasese and branch right at Nkenda Electric Terminal and follow the same directions. Nkenda is located after crossing River Mubuku, next to Mubuku Trading Center.
Alternatively, you can input ‘Ruboni Community Camp’ into your Google Maps app, and you will be continuously directed while you travel
Embark on the journey of a lifetime and experience the magic of this community owned camp, your gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains. Discover the unparalleled beauty of Uganda’s mountain peaks, immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the region, and create memories to last a lifetime amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the “Mountains of the Moon.”
Do you want to plant a tree on your next trip around Uganda? Yes, now you can with Ruboni Community. this is how you can easily do it. The trees are planted on the degraded foothills of Rwenzori, neighboring the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. It is very easy to arrange it on arrival.
this is a war on climate change and global warming. the community is inviting all stakeholders who can offer any contribution from volunteering to plant, planting a seedling, to sponsoring as many acres of land as you want on the currently degraded landscapes and those susceptible to degradation.
Rwenzori mountains are a world heritage site selected by UNESCO in 1994. It is also a Ramser site selected in 1998. The mountain is located in western Uganda, and shared by Uganda and Congo. Being the highest block mountain in Africa, the highest point of this mountain is 5019 meters above sea level on mount Stanley – Margarita peak.
The importance of Rwenzori Mountains
Globally: the ecological importance of Rwenzori has been recognized globally. This is why it is a world heritage site and a Ramsar site at the same time. The waters that comes from Rwenzori mountains go global when they contribute the the Nile river as the only snow caped mountain in this pat of the region Rwenzori protects a unique ecosystem with endemic species that will not exist any more if this habitat disapears.
Nationally: Rwenzori has permanent snows. the glaciers are a natural source of many rivers that support the Ugandan economic livelihoods. Many rivers are used to irrigate the agriculture schemes which supply food across the country. Many rivers that come from the mountains are used to generate hydro electricity in …… plants (and more coming) on the foothills. This power serves the national grid that supplies clean energy for development. This value goes beyond Uganda to Congo. As a tourist attraction in the region, the mountains create a source of employment.
Locally: Rwenzori mountains forms an ecosystem of local importance too. It supports the local indigenous people. As the global climate has risen, the population has increased and land productivity has lowered, the Bakonzo and other people who live on the Rwenzori foothills have no option and are at a vary high risk. Pests and diseases have increased, the need low supply of food and income has lowered and the need for cash has increased. Tourism as an alternative livelihood is threatened by excessive degradation of the environment when the local look for survival. This also puts the natural habitat at stake.
For these many reasons, we have to delay the disappearing of the Rwenzori ecosystem as much as we can. It is a need of the local community initiatives, National and the global community alike to save the only Ugandan permanent glacial habitat. The Ruboni community, Ruboni tourism village and other local initiatives to implement all possible actions to engage stakeholders in this action.
This is probably the best time every traveler It is easy to plant a tree. You can choose to plant it physically or with a little financial contribution. Contributing labor will require at least one full day of panting with the community while cash contribution will be in two categories. the planter can choose one or both categories as follow;
The fee for option 3 can be paid at one time or on a monthly basis for one year. Payment per month will be at 100$ each month. payment at once will be 800$. The advantage with this package is that you gift nature and remain sure that this gift will be for 30 years. the disadvantage is, the prices for this package can easily change based on the price of land. This is another reason to do it now while the prices are still affordable.
On all tour activities arranged by Ruboni community camp and other tourism centers in Ruboni village, we charge 1USD per unit of activities sold. If you buy two walks, 2 USD are reserved for tree planting.
The donations for tree planting contributed from this drive is used to buy seedlings from the local women raising them, plant the seedling and tend to them for the first three months. After the three months, the tree is handed to the land owner to take care of them. if the land was rented for 30 years as in the third option of support, the project tends to the trees for three years until they surpress the bushes.
Here are some of the trees we plant; avocados, Guava, jackfruit, red stinkwood, maesopsis Emini, African mahogany, Albizia, bark cloth fig, Bayberry, maesa lanceolata, mango tree, markhemia, flame tree, pegionwood, soursop, sycamore fig, Uganda greenheart, water berry and others.
We are planting only indigenous and fruit trees. In this campaign, we plant over ten different tree species. These trees are inter-cropped to ensure that we make the activity crates a rich ecosystem for human and wildlife co-existance.
It is simple process that can be done in a day. Make your trip plan and book your accommodations. We can help you to do this at no extra cost. tell us the way of choice from the three above, that you want to use to plant your tree(s)
If you chose option 1, make a deposit payment by the means of your choice. this can be by wire transfer, credit card payment or mobile money.
If you chose option 2, this is the time to pay your booked activity. We will then book your spot as you wait to travel and arrive to the tree planting.
For those who choose option 3, we will send you more details on the plots available with a description of the landscape. you will choose the one you like and then you can make a deposit payment. this will require that we sign an MOU/ land user agreement with a farmer and share it with you. we also map the plot, including details of the trees planted and share them. this way, you can monitor the progress of restoration.
Here is the camping accommodation that is located at the base camp of Rwenzori Mountains National park. This campground is specifically designed for travelers who want to explore the community and the Rwenzori mountains in the most flexible and non touristy way.
It might be that you want this option of accommodation before and after your trek into the Rwenzori mountains or just looking to unwind in a new way of life with the locals in a secure and clean space located in a magical landscape. Try Ruboni community visitors centre for your ultimate camping experience. pray that you will want to leave this spot or you might want to stay forever!
Ruboni community visitors center is located in the heart of Ruboni community surrounded by the beautiful mountains and hills. The camp overlooks the portal peaks; the forefront high peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. This spot is a special one. it is the birth place for community tourism in this area, when no tourists had access to the local life other than that in the mountains.
If you stay here, you will have an opportunity to listen to this inspiring story over the campfire with the local residents, and guides.
Located on the trail head to the park gate, this campground is just 2km before the park gate where the treks to margarita start. All other trekking tours start from this village near the campground. This makes it possible to spend here your night before and after the trek.
Other benefits of staying here are unlimited. When it comes to mixing with locals, this campsite is comparable to none. On certain community days, the local village members of all ages come to welcome the guests and share the local way of life with them in the dances, plays drinks and cultural workshops. From the center, the local women run a tree nursery near the camp. This gives an opportunity for the staying guests to learn the tree planting story of Ruboni community, its motivation and how it has evolved.
The campsite is not cash only. The staff accepts credit card payment alongside wire transfers, mobile money or cash on arrival the accepted currency is only Uganda shillings. US dollars can be taken on prior request.
Ruboni village doesn’t have a bank or ATM machine. The nearest money access point of this nature is in Kasese town (25km away) your advised to come with cash to buy gifts, give tips or make other small purchases
during the stay, guests can engage in different activities. these include trekking inside Rwenzori mountains (from 1-7 days), including the famous 3 days mahoma trek. Other activities that guests can participate in include the community experiences mentioned below;
The community visitos centre is located 25km from kasese town via Fort Portal-Mpondwe Rd/Hima – Katunguru Rd/A109 and Muramba Rd.
From Kasese town, drive 10km on fort portal road. You will then branch left at Nkenda electric terminal. From the branch off you drive for 15km. towards the national park gate. You will find the community visitors center on your left with a green bar gate and a mural on the house facing the road.
For those coming from fort portal, you will drive 65km and branch right at the same place (Nkenda) this is located just after crossing rover Mubuku bridge. The main landmark are the many steel poles of the electric terminal. You can also see the location on the map of Ruboni tourism village here.
Ruboni village doesn’t have public shared transport. The only options available are special hire taxi or boda-boda. The public shared transport will end at the electric terminal and then you can choose one of these two options mentioned earlier. For those willing to use special hire, it is advisable to find special hire taxi from Kasese town as you wont find them waiting and the branch off. You can also contact us in advance to arrange one for you.
Please contact us or book your spot today!
In the ideal situation, there is a reduction of indigenous trees by growing more coffee. here we are doing the opposite. we are making sure we plant 5 trees for every one existing coffee plant. we are promoting improved farming of coffee. the farmer practice agro forestry by inter-cropping their coffee gardens with trees.
On the hill tops, the households have left the land to create a pure indigenous forest. On these tips, we are planting fruit and indigenous trees to control excessive erosion that starts from the top.
Are you interested in promoting shade coffee? here is an opportunity to support indigenous trees in Ruboni village. We have already set a goal that you can align with. We are collaborating with farmers to ensure they restore hilltops with indigenous and fruit trees.
This will help to integrate their coffee cultivation with indigenous and fruit trees. Over the years, Ruboni village members have observed low crop yields, harsh climate conditions, and have established a collective goal that we intend to achieve with our conservation and development stakeholders.
The first stakeholder is you who is reading this post right now. Thank you for finding and or following our conservation and development work in Ruboni village, Rwenzori Mountains foothills. Our other stakeholders include the local community, the local government, tourists visiting the area, conservation organizations, donors of all types, and buyers of our produce. Here’s how each of our stakeholders will contribute to our goal. never the less, you may also fall in one of the following categories of stakeholders that we target for this initiative.
The community offers their land to plant the trees, both on the hilltops as forests and on their farm plots as agro-forestry projects.
The Kasese District local government has provided us with policy support and backing. We work directly with the district forest officer, the district environment officer, and other conservation partners of the district. The support provided mainly includes seedlings, field visits, associated technical advice, linkages, and advocacy.
Visitors coming to Rwenzori can assist us in various ways. When they buy tourism products, they provide much-needed income. Part of this income supports conservation projects, and part is retained by the community as an alternative livelihood, diverting farmers from over dependence on land. All visitors booking through Ruboni tourism village, do the activities at Ruboni community camp and the elephant home have supported our activities through their stay. Some tourists may go the extra mile and support tree planting projects directly, secure land critically degraded for restoration, or provide assistance in other ways based on prevailing challenges.
Partnering with conservation organizations holds significant potential, bringing various resources on board. These may include technical support in the form of human resources or advice, grants in the form of cash, or purchasing seedlings.
Acquiring cash donations is complex but highly useful. Such donations enable us to allocate resources to specific needs of tree planting projects. Therefore, we will continue fundraising for this opportunity.
Buyers of our produce, such as coffee, bananas, vegetables, and others, play a crucial role in providing much-needed income. These buyers can further contribute by demanding environmentally friendly production and paying better prices or agreeing to better terms. This will motivate good practices that align with our goal.
You can also do something, and be the seventh stakeholder to help us plant even more trees. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something! Any level of love for nature adds value to our journey. You have something within your reach and possibility that you can contribute to support our greening goal. Please let us know if you have any opportunity to explore.
Together we can make a stride that increases the tree cover through our various tree planting activities on the Rwenzori foothills!
Kazinga channel boat cruise is a water boat activity that show cases across section of wildlife in Uganda. it is one of queen Elizabeth park tours that excites most visitors, and added on most Uganda safari packages. The 40km fresh water channel flowing west between lake George and lake Edward, dissects this conservation area into to; the southern and northern sectors. This is a shared or private two hour return trip that showcases wildlife on both journeys.
The boat cruise ranks number one on things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Anyone who wants to see a big variety of wildlife at close range would never miss to choose the Kazinga channel boat cruise This experience is a medley of wonders. You will be able to see almost everything in queen Elizabeth during this cruise. During the day, wildlife pours from north and south to cool off. Here you will find elephants, buffalo, water bucks, variety of birds, primates and the aquatic game such as the hippos, crocodiles, birds, and sometimes the cats coming to hunt. The big five safari in Uganda comes live on this boat experience.
While on the boat, you will ride past fishing communities. Here you will observe the life of some of the many communities that make queen Elizabeth qualify as a biosphere. With a ranger or guide aboard the boat, everything will be interpreted, leaving you conversant with the wildlife and people around the park and other nature reserves in uganda.
It is so easy. this is how to do a boat cruise on Kazinga easily and cheaply. Pay the boat cruise fee, pay the park fee, arrive to the boat starting point in time 30 minutes before it starts. the park entrance fees help to facilitate Uganda wildlife conservation activities and it is paid once every 24 hours. If you have paid the park entrance fees to do any other activity in the park before and after the boat cruise (within 24 hours) then this entrance fee will cover the boat cruise and you wont have to pay an extra fee. Better keep your receipt well and close to you.
It is important to note that, there are two different popular boat cruise starting points. one is a community boat cruise and the other is for Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA). UWA is in charge of all Uganda’s national parks and wildlife reserves
The community boat cruise starts from Katunguru bridge on Kasese Mbarara road, while the UWA boat cruise starts from Mweya peninsular inside the park. some factors depreciate the two boat cruises as you will see bellow.
The factors that equally apply to both boat cruises are;
Wildlife seekers have many options of finding local guides for their safari adventures in Uganda. Kazinga channel location at Katunguru tourism town has access to the local hub of guides and cars for hire. Most Uganda safari lodges have cars or guides attached to them. You will easily find guides at Katunguru if you didn’t find one in your hotel or with your Uganda travel company. In case both options don’t work, you can find a ranger guide from the local park office. Besides every boat tour goes with a guide who interprets nature during the cruise. If all options have not worked, you can contact the elephant home to arrange for you the transportation, and safari guide that is experienced, fully registered by government and professional.
Queen Elizabeth national park, the home to Kazinga channel, is located in western Uganda. the parks total area size is around 234 miles and touches 4 different districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri and Kamwenge. The channel itself is located between Kasese and Rubirizi as a boundary of these two districts. Another key feature is that, the Kazinga channel connects the two major fresh water lakes; Edward and George both making a unique habitat for wildlife in Uganda
Before and after the boat cruise, you have a range of optional activities you can add to your trip. these include both community experiences outside the park and safari activities inside the park.
Activities you can do inside the park include;
Activities outside the park
Ruboni Community camp is your ultimate accommodation in this destination. Starting from accommodation at Rwenzori Mountains through the landscapes wonders to the culture and friendly people in a unique lifestyle are some of the many reasons why Rwenzori is still the most unique off the beaten path destination everyone yearns to visit.
As many people think Rwenzori is only about trekking high mountains. We are here to open a new perspective about this beautiful landscape and culture loaded area. We know you may be planning to visit Rwenzori but may be lacking sufficient reasons to do so. Here I provide you an answer beyond your expectation.
Rwenzori Mountains holds snow at the equator. It is the third highest mountain on the African continent. Not holding permanent snow at the equator is the most unique factor about Rwenzori, but Rwenzori is the highest block mountain on the African continent. this is why it offers the most beautiful and challenging trek in Africa. Yes, you heard it right, the most challenging trek.
Rwenzori mountains trek ranks high on the global mountains list. Only that just a handful of trekkers have had a chance to climb it. This is why it is least known and therefore still lies off the beaten path. It is a range of mountains with the highest at 5109 m above sea level on margarita peak or mount Stanley that lies between the Uganda and Congo border.
There is more about Rwenzori that you may not know yet. Rwenzori is one of the three world heritage sites in Uganda, since 1994. Rwenzori is also one of the Ramsar sites of Uganda since 1998
Rwenzori trekking alone takes 1-7 days depending on how high one plans to climb. this can be on multiple trails. People who want to trek up to Margarita take seven days while those willing to take a nature walk to Nyabithaba take one day. Other shorter trails include, three days Mahoma trek, five days Bukurungu loop, fine days trek to Weiseman peak and many others that can be crafted on the different trails
A full Rwenzori experience includes visiting the communities, exploring the lower slopes and trekking up to the high peaks. The high peaks can be accessed through different trails which include the Kilembe southern trail, Ibanda central circuit trail and the Bukurungu northern trail.
Because many people don’t find that much time and budget to scale the peaks, it is ideal to visit the communities and or lower slopes, as this gives a more detailed experience of the Rwenzoris. The beautiful landscapes, the cultures and the people lie in these lower areas. It will take one a minimum of one day to take this option, yet offer a great deal of experience in the stories, village tours, foods, handicrafts purchase and the natural heritage.
Just staying in the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains will spice every trip or trek. Ruboni community has tailored the perfect accommodation for both trekkers and non trekkers. The trekkers love it because it is on the trail head (just 500m before the park gate). The non trekkers love it because in its mountain views, it gives them the best feel of the mountains.
Actually, non trekkers see more of the mountains than the trekkers themselves. The accommodation offers beautiful mountain views, an opportunity to mix with the locals, tasting local foods and exploring the unique cultures of the Bakonzo people in the dances, beer parties, community projects and the wonderful climate.
The view of the portal peaks while seating at the lodge is enormous. Other mountain experience opportunities while one stays at Ruboni community camp include;
During your stay at Ruboni community camp. You will definitely love the views of the blue portal peaks and the foothills dotted with farms and homesteads of the Bakonzo people.
Rwenzori is much about the culture too. During your stay at Ruboni community camp. You will immerse in the local culture through the tourist that visit local homes, attending cultural events, participating in crafts making, drumming and cooking lessons with the locals.
Starting from accommodation and Rwenzori Mountains through the landscapes, the culture and friendly people in a unique lifestyle are one of the many reasons why Rwenzori is still the most unique off the beaten path destination everyone yearns to visit.
As many people think Rwenzori is only about trekking high mountains. We are here to open a new perspective about this beautiful landscape and culture loaded area. We know you may be planning to visit Rwenzori but may be lacking sufficient reasons to do so. This article will provide you an answer beyond your expectation.
Rwenzori Mountains holds snow at the equator. It is the third highest mountain on the African continent. Not holding permanent snow at the equator is the most unique factor about Rwenzori, but Rwenzori is the highest block mountain on the African continent. this is why it offers the most beautiful and challenging trek in Africa. Yes, you heard it right, the most challenging trek.
Rwenzori mountains trek ranks high on the global mountains list. Only that just a handful of trekkers have had a chance to climb it. This is why it is least known and therefore still lies off the beaten path. It is a range of mountains with the highest at 5109 m above sea level on margarita peak or mount Stanley that lies between the Uganda and Congo border.
There is more about Rwenzori that you may not know yet. Rwenzori is one of the three world heritage sites in Uganda, since 1994. Rwenzori is also one of the Ramsar sites of Uganda since 1998
What the detailed Rwenzori experience can entile?
Rwenzori trekking alone takes 1-7 days depending on how high one plans to climb. this can be on multiple trails. People who want to trek up to Margarita take seven days while those willing to take a nature walk to Nyabithaba take one day. Other shorter trails include, three days mahoma trek, five days Bukurungu loop, fine days trek to Wisemann peak and many others that can be crafted on the different trails
A full Rwenzori experience includes visiting the communities, exploring the lower slopes and trekking up to the high peaks. The high peaks can be accessed through different trails which include the Kilembe southern trail, Ibanda central circuit trail and the Bukurungu northern trail.
Because many people don’t find that much time and budget to scale the peaks, it is ideal to visit the communities and or lower slopes, as this gives a more detailed experience of the Rwenzoris. The beautiful landscapes, the cultures and the people lie in these lower areas. It will take one a minimum of one day to take this option, yet offer a great deal of experience in the stories, village tours, foods, handicrafts purchase and the natural heritage.
Just staying in the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains will spice every trip or trek. Ruboni community has tailored the perfect accommodation for both trekkers and non trekkers. The trekkers love it because it is on the trail head (just 500m before the park gate). The non trekkers love it because in its mountain views, it gives them the best feel of the mountains.
Actually, non trekkers see more of the mountains than the trekkers themselves. The accommodation offers beautiful mountain views, an opportunity to mix with the locals, tasting local foods and exploring the unique cultures of the Bakonzo people in the dances, beer parties, community projects and the wonderful climate.
The view of the portal peaks while seating at the lodge is enormous. Other mountain experience opportunities while one stays at Ruboni community camp include;
During your stay at Ruboni community camp. You will definitely love the views of the blue portal peaks and the foothills dotted with farms and homesteads of the Bakonzo people.
one more reason to stay at Ruboni community camp is, if you stay here, you get discounts at the sister lodge near Queen Elizabeth national park; The elephant Home. This gives an advantage to guests who want to visit Rwenzori and Queen Elizabeth national park on the same trip. If you want this discount, just mention this when you contact the elephant home and a discount will be instantly granted.
Rwenzori is much about the culture too. During your stay at Ruboni community camp. You will immerse in the local culture through the tours that visit local homes, attending cultural events, participating in crafts making, drumming and cooking lessons with the locals.
Picture a time before the Rwenzori Mountains National Park existed, when the inhabitants of Ruboni Village freely roamed the forest, cultivating, gathering firewood, foraging for mushrooms, honey, vegetables, and medicinal plants, and hunting for animals for both sustenance and cultural artifacts. This was the reality up until the early 1990s.
Back then, every individual had equal access to the land that now constitutes the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The forest and mountainous terrain of what would become the park were essential sources of livelihood for the community, supporting various activities as mentioned earlier.
However, in 1991, the government officially designated the area as the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Consequently, all individuals engaging in activities within the newly designated park boundaries were displaced. The land was earmarked solely for conservation and tourism purposes. This displacement led to increased pressure on the remaining community lands, where people now concentrated their farming, settlement, natural resource harvesting, and other activities.
As resources dwindled on the community lands, life became increasingly challenging. Many resorted to clandestine forays into the park to gather resources, risking severe penalties including imprisonment or even death if caught by park rangers.
Around 1996, conflicts over land and resources erupted within the community itself. Overutilization of communal land resulted in reduced tree cover, diminished crop yields, rampant bush burning, and ultimately, famine leading to malnutrition and poverty.
By 1998, the community had reached a breaking point. In February of that year, 50 members of Ruboni came together and established the Ruboni Community Conservation and Development Program (RCCDP). Their mission was clear: to foster local community involvement in environmental conservation for the benefit of the entire community through sustainable development.
Over the years, RCCDP has been involved in various community development and conservation initiatives. These efforts encompass partnerships, community grants, and self-help activities supporting tree planting and landscape restorstion, child education, tourism development, infrastructure improvement, community donations, women’s empowerment, among others.
In 2020, Ruboni Community was recognized by the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Program. This global initiative aimes to identify rural tourism destinations worldwide that excel in tourism management, preservation of local culture and heritage, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the local community. Ruboni emerged as a promising candidate for sustainable rural tourism development and was admitted into the Best Tourism Villages network, under the upgrade program.
Ruboni Tourism Village is the realization of a grand vision set forth by the Ruboni Community Conservation and Development Program. It represents a significant step towards achieving RCCDP’s original mission. Through this initiative, Ruboni reaches out to tourism and conservation stakeholders beyond Ruboni Village, aiming to promote sustainable tourism in the Rwenzori foothills within the rwenzori gateway.
Building upon the foundation laid by RCCDP, Ruboni Tourism Village expands its activities to a broader level of development. These activities include tourism marketing and promotion, tree planting, and landscape restoration, capacity building for tourism stakeholders, tourism product development, and partnerships, operations, sales and marketing which includes reservations management.
Ruboni Tourism Village consolidates tourism service providers within the Rwenzori Gateway, creating a sustainable tourism destination that addresses all pillars of sustainability: people, economy, and environment. This initiative extends to all service providers and neighboring communities, with engagement efforts spanning from local to international levels.
This is how to travel cheaply, comfortably and off the beaten path for your accommodation at Kibale national park. For easy access, comfortable nights, a pool of community experiences and the most hospitable people
Tinkas homestay beats all accommodations on this. It is a place where you share a home with the locals in the most comfortable and affordable way. Did you know that Tinkas homestay charges the lowest price in Kibale destination and yet gives a lot more value than any other lodge in the area?
All meals, accommodation, the home experience can be given at one small price charged in Uganda shillings.
The Homestay is easy to access, just behind Bigodi town. The rooms are twin and double in a self contained house. Those interested to stay outside the main house, the Homestay has external cabins. The grass thatched open huts in the garden of this home stay make it a lovely spot to chill and mix with the rest of the family. you wont forget the lunch moments filled with stories, you have with the family in these huts.
During the stay, guests have their private rooms but share the living room, dining area. Guests are free to participate in all actvities at their will. Food harvesting, preparation, cooking and serving.
Tinka is s senior citizen of the area. You will share a rick story of the local nature and cultural heritage from them, especially Tinka John.
It is easy to arrange your Chimp trek through the home and then you can quickly transfer to the gate by private or public transport just passing by.
What more would you want in your accommodation in Kibale national park? from this accommodation, you can arrange dive in over 15 community guided tours and experiences around Kibale National Park. These include the famous bigodi swamp walk and other excursions.
If you’re travelling beyond Kibale, you have an opportunity of getting a rich contact list of other community accommodation options around the country while you stay. For this travelling to Rwenzori and Queen Elizabeth, one more previvalle awaiats you at Tinkas homestay, you will get a commendable discount at Ruboni community camp – Rwenzori and The elephanthome – Queen Elizabeth national park if you stay at Tinka’s homestay.
The discount at these two accommodations can go up to 20% off. Don’t worry if you will stay at Tinka’s homestay after Rwenzori or Queen Elizabeth. The proof of booking Tinka’s homestay is enough to earn you this discount as well.
The home prepares both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. It is important to communicate your special diet requirements at booking time. like other community accommodations, most of the food ingredients cooked at Tinkas homestay is locally farmed. This makes them fresh, mainly organic and with a very low carbon footprint.
The income from this produce sinks better in the local community supporting sustainable livelihoods. You will listen to this story when you stay or you will even have a chance to visit some of the gardens.
Tinka’s homestay is located next to Bigodi town, 38km east of Kbale National Park on Fort portal Kamwenge road. Access can be through Mbarara – Ibanda Kamwenge (143km) or through Fort portal town. Those coming from Bwindi will not have to go through Kasese, unless they have to go to Queen Elizabeth, as connecting from Mbarara to Ibanda is shorter.
Are you looking for accommodation in Murchison falls National Park?
Access to Murchison falls National park can be quite challenging. This is especially common for people going to do a safari in this park for the first time or on public transportation.
Well, we have an option and this wont be a challenge to many who are lucky to find this post. This is how you will find an accommodation that is on the route, easy to book and next to the national park. It is probably the cheapest accommodation in this destination, yet giving the greatest value in offering the local story of life in and around this park.
It is Boomu women’s campsite. It is located in Kigaragara village, 13km from Masindi town at the gate to the national park. the road to this accommodation is well tarmacked and easy to find from Masindi town.
Boomu women’s campsite is a social project run by women. Staying at this accommodation gives you access to many community experiences. Staying at the campsite is a local experience on its own. The local foods and ingredients, meeting the local women, the village setting and landscape all create an ambient setting.
To go an extra mile deeper, you can participate in the village tours organized by the women at the lodge. These include the village walk, the cooking tour, the basket weaving experience, the traditional dances, visiting or volunteering at the local school they support or shopping handicrafts from the shop on site.
You get a lot of added value to your safari if you choose Boomu women’s campsite. We have driver guides that can pick or transfer you to any part of the area. From Masindi town, you can arrive by bus on your way to Kampala and the rest will be well handled by our drivers (at an additional fee)
If you want to do it yourself, we give you guiding information on how to look for the Boda-boda or sopecial hire in Masindi town. The distance is 13km and easy to take by any means of transport from bicycle, motorcycle or car, on a well all-season paved road.
Boomu is located near to Budongo forest. We easily organize chimp trekking in Budongo forest, arrangement of a wildlife safari in Murchison falls or just a visit to the top of the falls to view the wonderful of the worlds longest river.
Important to note, Boomu women’s campsite is located outside the park. This way, it doesn’t require park entrance fee when you stay. As the park entrance fee lasts 24 ours, you can pay the next day and have a longer tenure of using it on the following days during the safari activities. For those who want to get the feel of Murchison falls people and landscapes without entering in the park, this works for you very well. during your stay, you can just walk to the park gate and meet the people to tell you the story of the park.
Boomu women’s camp offers delicious meals. The lodge offers vegetarian and vegetarian options. Most of the meal ingredients are locally sources and fresh. This is one reason you should book in advance and tell them if you want to have a meal with them on arrival. Upon booking, Edna calls the community members to deliver some of their produce.
Community development support is a big component of this lodge. As it is owned by a local women’s cooperative, it is also 100% run by local labor. The income generated is reinvested in the local community. some of the activities supported are; a local primary school construction and management, feeding the local children who cant afford a daily lunch at school, supporting immunization programs, establishment of women’s household enterprises and many others.
During the stay, the teal will be happy to tell you more and show you around the village. you will realize that this money is truly put to the best use building community wildlife relations between the people of Kigaragara village.
Boomu women’s group is cash only. However, we do provide credit card payment option for those who can’t manage to travel with cash. For this reason, a credit card invoice will only be sent on request.
One last and most important component of this lodge, it is one of the network of community lodges supported by UCOTA around the country. It is also linked to the lodges that are promoted by Rain-forest ad community tours. Specifically, if you stay at Boomu women’s campsite, you will be entitled to discounts at these two lodges;
If you will visit these accommodations after Murchison falls, better claim your discounts at these lodges. It will also be possible if you will stay at Boomu afterwards, as long as you have made your booking to Boomu.
We wish you a wonderful safari in Murchison falls national park that starts with a memorable stay at Boomu women’s campsite.
Are you planning to travel to Ruboni Village? We have great suggestions for transport to Rwenzori area, that will likely work for you. The choice of transportation for your journey will largely depend on factors such as pickup location, group size, and desired level of comfort.
If you have been wondering how to travel to Rwenzori, this article provides you many options that cater for a range of budgets and interests. we start from the most luxury options and end with the extremely budget options. You will be surprised that the lowest price for a transfer to Ruboni can be as low as just 20000 Uganda shillings. Please explore over ten transportation options that you can chose from, organized by pickup location:
Ruboni village in Rwenzori foothills is approximately 376 kilometers away from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda..
For groups larger than ten, please contact Ruboni Tourism Village. Please note that prices may change upwards or downwards without prior notice.
Bodaboda refers to motorcycle taxis with local drivers. Each can carry one passenger and limited luggage. It’s available for trips from Kasese to Ruboni (28 km). You can also take a bodaboda from Fort Portal (83 km), although this isn’t recommended. The estimated rate is 1200 UGx per kilometer.
The bus departing from the Link Bus Station will take you from Kampala to the main towns, including Kasese town. On this route, the bus travels along the Kampala-Mubende-Fort Portal-Kasese route. As of now (2024), the average cost of transportation from Kampala to Kasese is around 50,000 UGX which is equivalent to $15. From Kasese, you can then take either a special hire taxi or a bodaboda for a distance of 18-28km, where the previously mentioned prices for these transportation options will apply.
Pro tip: If you opt for a bus ride, it’s better to depart from Kampala early in the morning, preferably before 6 am, to avoid morning traffic.
Shared taxi (Matatu):
This is a small 14-seater van (sometimes smaller), commonly referred to as a Matatu in Kenya. They travel from all over the country, connecting big cities. However, due to the low level of comfort, they are not recommended for long distances. They can get very full, as they are shared between many people. If you still would like to have this local experience, search for cars marked by a line or dotted strip with a big (T) somewhere on the body. The pricing varies, but these are the cheapest options after bus transport. For planning purposes, estimate around 200 UGX for each kilometer driven. They are common on the Fort Portal-Kasese road or Kasese-Mbarara road.
It is also possible to fly from Kajansi, Entebbe or any other small towns of Uganda, to Kasese airstrip. these small planes always fly on schedule but can also be chartered. for prices and more information about these flights, contact Aerolink Uganda and your flight needs will be sorted.
As transport prices may change without prior notice, please contact the lodge before you travel so that you can confirm the transportation trends and prices at the moment. For more information about Ruboni, you can also view the sightseeing map of Ruboni Village here.
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