Ruboni tourism village is collective social initiative that works towards enhancing tourism benefits to the social environmental and economic needs of Ruboni community in the Rwenzori foothills. With the vision of making tourism a positive force for transformation, rural development, and community well-being, United Nations World tourism Organization (UNWTO) launched the “Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative”in 2021.
This initiative recognizes those villages committing to making tourism a strong driver of their development and well being, and seek to advance the role of tourism in valuing and safeguarding rural villages along with their associated landscapes, knowledge systems, biological and cultural diversity, local values, and activities (agriculture, forestry, livestock, and/ or fisheries, including their gastronomy.
Located in the Rwenzori foothills, Ruboni village was selected and recognized by United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the global top 20 villages with the potential to become an outstanding top-tier rural tourism destination. Ruboni is the only tourism village that met this score in Uganda in 2021 at the initial selection.
Based on this, the residents of Ruboni village are working very hard, aiming to Position the local communities to reap from the available tourism opportunities. The village has over nine Hotels and accommodations including, Ruboni community camp, home stays and campsites offering a range of hospitality services, cultural experiences, and tours.
Why you must visit Ruboni Tourism Village
The Ruboni Tourism Village is a rustic territory, nestled in the foothills of Mount Rwenzori in Uganda, is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique and authentic African experience. This documentary will take viewers on a journey to explore the natural beauty of the region, the rich culture of the local Bakonzo people, and the sustainable tourism initiatives that are helping to support the community.
A visit to Ruboni village will open to you the stunning scenery of Mount Rwenzori, one of Africa’s highest mountain range and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the stay, you’ll hear from locals about the mountain’s significance in their culture and learn about the challenges of living in such a remote and rugged environment.
Next, we’ll meet some of the residents of the Ruboni Tourism Village, who will share their stories and provide insights into the daily life and customs of the Bakonzo people. you’ll learn about their traditional music, dance, and art, and see how they have adapted to the changing world while preserving their heritage.
The visit will also highlight the innovative tourism initiatives that have been developed in the village, including guided tours and hikes to the mountain and cultural immersion experiences. We’ll meet some of the local guides and see firsthand the impact that tourism has had on the community, including the creation of jobs and the preservation of natural and cultural resources.
How to visit Ruboni village
Through the several tourism offices in Ruboni village or your tour operator, you will e able to get more information about the attractions and activities in Ruboni village and how to integrate them in your main tour around Uganda.
If you’re planing to do a community guided tour in Ruboni, here we have provided you with information regarding getting to Ruboni village. this information is prepared for people who have never been to Ruboni before and i bet you will find this direction information useful.
Ruboni Tourism Village is located in the Rwenzori Mountains foothills, Kasese District, Western Uganda, within the Albertine Rift valley.
To access or travel to Ruboni Tourism village, you will either be coming from Kasese or fort portal town. the direction will depend on where you’re coming from.
support map on getting to Ruboni village
From Kasese town, drive for 10km north on Kasese – fort portal road. When you reach at Nkenda Electric terminal (Kisanyarazi) looking at the key landmark of many metallic electric poles, turn left and drive on marrum road.
If your’re driving from fort portal, you will drive for 8km from Hima town and rich mubuku trading centre. Just after crossing River Mubuku, you will branch off right at Nkenda Electric terminal (Kisanyarazi) The key landmark here is the metallic electric poles on the right.
From the branch off, you will drive to your hotel / accommodation or destination in Ruboni Tourism village. Based on your booked hotel, this may take up to 18 km on your way towards the park gate.
Please contact us if you need assistance.
Tel/ Whatsapp: +256752503445
Email: visitruboni@gmail.com
Instagram @rubonitourismvillage
Facebook @rubonitourismvillage
These are the tourism offices found in Ruboni village. They are the places to go if you need tourism information or want to make reservation of any of the tourism activities in this village.
Ruboni Community Visitors Centre:
Information: Located 24km from Kasese town, Specious event grounds, tourism information, sale of community tours, Rwenzori trekking tours, gift shop, restaurant and bar, WiFi, accessible by road, accepts credit card, village bank, serene meeting space.
Description: Ruboni Community Visitors Centre is a one-stop Centre for all tourism needs in Ruboni tourism village and Rwenzori Mountains. With an information and tours office, the visitor Centre is a sales point for accommodation, community experiences, guided tours and Rwenzori trekking experiences and access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences.
Opening hours: Open Monday to Sunday – 8:00-10:00pm.
Information: Located 24km from Kasese town, tourism information Centre, accessible by road,
Description: The base camp where Treks to Rwenzori mountains start, going to the central circuit trail of Rwenzori Mountains National Park. it is here that one can do the Rwenzori trekking to margarita peak. Rwenzori mountaineering services (RMS) also Houses Rwenzori Mountains National park Cash office where park entrance fees can be paid.
Opening hours: Open Monday to Sunday – office hours,
Contact Details: Here
Rwenzori Coffee House:
Information: Stopover, cash only, accessible by road, suitable for small meetings and events, open 7:00 am to 6:00pm, no booking required,
Description: A social enterprise owned and run by the community to support the rural farmers in the coffee value chain. The community guide, who is also a coffee farmer, will take you through the process of farming, harvesting and processing coffee. End the tour with a fresh cup of coffee which can also be made by you during the tour.
Opening hours: Open Monday to Sunday – office ours,
Contact Details: Here
Rwenzori Mountains National Park tourism offices:
Information: The base office for all policy, administration, law enforcement and conservation works of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Key highlights: providing information, patrols, ranger and other staff quarters, stakeholder and tourist meetings
Description: Located in Rwakingi village. The UWA/ Rwenzori Mountains National Park headquarter is the destination office of Uganda Wildlife Authority. All conservation, stakeholder engagement, planning, and implementation, conservation and tourism, security policy support is provided to all tourism stakeholders through this office. Rwenzori Mountains National Park office also has Mihunga Park gate to the Central circuit gate of Rwenzori Mountains National Park, where you can do a Two days, Nyabithaba Camp/ Lake Mahoma overnight Rwenzori trek.
Opening hours: Open Monday to Friday – office ours,
Contact Details: here
Location of Ruboni Tourism village and how to get there:
Ruboni Tourism Village is located in the Rwenzori Mountains foothills, Kasese District, Western Uganda. In other words, it is located within the Albertine Rift valley.
The tourism village entrance is on Kasese fort portal Road. You drive 17km on Nyakalengijo road up to Rwenzori Mountains National Park gate.
Ruboni tourism village may also be referred to in different names. since it is on the north ans south of River Mubuku, this village is also called Mubuku valley or the Rwenzori gateway as it is the gateway to Rwenzori mountains national park central circuit gate of Mihunga.
To access or travel to Ruboni Tourism village, you will either be coming from Kasese (south) or fort portal town (north). the directions bellow will depend on where you’re coming from.
From Kasese town, drive for 10km north on Kasese – fort portal road. When you reach at Nkenda Electric terminal (Kisanyarazi) looking at the key landmark of many metallic electric poles, turn left and drive on marrum road.
From fort portal, you will drive for 8km from Hima town. Just after crossing River Mubuku, you will branch off right at Nkenda Electric terminal (Kisanyarazi) looking at the key landmark of many metallic electric poles.
From the branch off, you will drive to your hotel / accommodation or destination in Ruboni Tourism village. remember, it starts from the main road up to the park gate, 17km west. for more direction, please contact your hotel, tour organizer or us through this website.
Here I provide community activities that you can choose from for your spare time to tour around Rwenzori during Theluji festival and Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon. These accommodations and are all located in Kasese district, withing easy reach to where the event will be celebrated.
For more information and placing your reservation, please contact us.
Ruboni Village walk:
Information: 3-4 hours, moderate walking, with private guide, in the village, visiting households, Credit card accepted.
Key highlights/ attractions: cultural encounters, local homesteads, art and crafts, people experiences of life, rural street life
Description: An opportunity to walk through the rustic villages on the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains. This walk happens in the hills and plains overlooking river Mubuku you will see the local trades. Meet the Ugandan indigenous people while you participate in their daily way of life, cooking, craft making, farming, traditional healing and listening to the local stories of life on these beautiful mountains.
Ruboni Forest walk:
Information: 3-4 hours , moderate walking with slight climbs, walking in nature, neighboring Rwenzori Mountain National Park, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: Plants and trees, chameleons, birds, rivers, insects and butterflies, reptiles medicinal plants, food crops
Description: On this trail, nature is in a abundance. On a lucky day, you may spot monkeys, Rwenzori Turaco bird, and the small animals such as chameleons and other reptiles. it is like walking in a dreamland with the forest sounds from the insects and rivers flowing from the Rwenzori glaciers.
Ruboni Hill climb walk:
Information: 3-4 hours, climbing from 1603 to 2300 m, complex and demanding, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: scenery, residential homes with gardens, birds and insects, medicinal plants, food crops
Description: The trek exposes astonishing beauty of Ruboni village as you view the Mubuku valley extending from the Rwenzori glaciers to lake George in queen Elizabeth National Park. On a clear day, you will be able to view margarita peak from the top of the hill. It is also possible to take an overnight on the hill and take the clear morning and evening Mountain and sunrise views.
Ruboni Overnight hill trek:
Information: Overnight activity, wildness camping experience, climbing from 1603 to 2300 m, complex and demanding, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: scenery, residential homes with gardens, birds and insects, medicinal plants, food crops, night panoramic views, campfire, morning sunrise and mountain views
Description: After an early lunch, you will trek from Ruboni village to the hills on north of river Mubuku. Trekking uphill is a moment to enjoy this beautiful scenery offered by the Rwenzori Mountains. The trek is through a mix of homesteads, farms and Savannah vegetation with chances of spotting birds, insects and other small creatures. As you get higher, the scenery gets more fascinating. You will set camp on the top of the mountains. On a clear sky you will have an opportunity to view margarita peak and Lake George at the same time, especially in the evening and morning.
Banana farming tour:
Information: 1 – 2 hours, on the farm, hands-on experience, short /flat/ moderate walk, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: local homestead experience, practical farming, tasting different banana food products.
Description: the story of the bananas will experience how much one single crop can do in the life of the village people. From food, building materials, art and crafts, animal feeds, games and sports, irrigation and water supply. At the end of the tour, you may move to learn why the farmers started producing wine out of the bananas.
Key highlights/ attractions: listening to the local dialect and expressions, learning the local indigenous culture, local building architecture,
Description: Meet the local story teller in his home and learn how he educates the young and old members of Ruboni village. listen to the local stories and expressions as they have been used by the local people for hundreds of years in the Rwenzori foothills. You will listen to the different stories that shape the traditional culture of the Bakonzo people and how it has managed to move over generations. The naming story, traditional marriage, conservation stories and other entertaining cultural tales.
Bakonzo Black smith:
Information: 1-2 hours, moderate walk through the village, hands-on activity, visit for all ages. Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: Seeing essential tools being made by hand, making own tool, purchase some made tools,
Description: Traditionally, tools in Ruboni village are used to till the land, grow grops, protect the family, build houses, cure diseases, hunting and many other roles. In the past, the villages never accessed tools. Until now, not all people in the village can afford modern tools, yet everyone in the village must own these tools to survive. You will appreciate the role of the blacksmith when you participate in making some of the tools that he makes and sales to the local community members.
Coffee experience:
Information: 1-2 hours, on the farm, homestead visit, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: following coffee from planting to making a cup of coffee, participating in the coffee making, learning the uses of coffee by the local family, seeing the coffee trees in the garden, hands-on use of local household tools and equipment, buying some coffee beans to take home
Description: A practical story of how coffee is planted, farmed, harvested and processed until you take that fresh organic cup of Rwenzori coffee. You will participate in the traditional methods of making the coffee drink from the farm to the table, just as the bakonzo have done it for years in the most nature friendly approaches. At the end, you can buy some of this precious drink to bring to your loved ones.
Vanilla farming experience:
Information: 1 hour, on the farm, hands-on experience, short /flat/ moderate walk, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: local homestead experience, practical farming, and pollinating a vanilla flower by hand, learning how to cure vanilla, making vanilla extract, buying some vanilla for use at home.
Description: One farmer takes you through a journey of her day of work on the vanilla orchid, as you practice this tedious work of planting, tending pollinating and harvesting vanilla. Learn how every pod is pollinated by hand as you follow the full journey of growing this orchid from vine to making the best flavor for your confectionery or perfume back home. After going through the curing experience, you may buy some for taking as gifts to your loved ones.
Kikorongo Bodaboda safaris:
Information: 2-3 hours, outdoor activity, circuit trail, Credit card accepted, lunch included, accommodation available at starting point, riding on motorcycle with guide,
Key highlights/ attractions: viewing the wildlife, meeting locals, participating in the local activities, salt mining activity optional, crossing the equator line.
Description: experiencing the landscapes and wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park through the eyes of a local community guide, cheaply and safely. Meeting a cross section of local persons in the different livelihoods ranging from farming, fishing, cattle keeping, salt mining, tourism, and business enterprises. The guide will share with you their knowledge of the local wildlife as you spot some of the big games such as elephants, hippos, buffallos and others.
Banana wine making experience:
Information: 1 hour, all activities at a home, hands-on experience, short /flat/ moderate walk, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: learning the background of banana wine, learning the process of making banana wine, tasting banan wine, buying some banana wine to take away, intarcting with the family members about their life aspects.
Description: The banana is doing wonders in the lives of the locals in Ruboni village, and you will see how this innovation is now producing a great wine out of the bananas. On the visit, a farmer will tell you a background of why they have started making wine from bananas, tell you the stages of making wine and allow you to participate or test the ready wine. At the end, you may buy a bottle to take a way.
Ssebwe water falls trek:
Information: 4-6 hours hiking, trek from 1232m to 2080m.a.s.l. located inside the park and requires park entrance fees, Hilly terrain and demanding, guided trek
Key highlights/ attractions: rewarding views of the Valleys, the rift valley floor plains, Hima town, and the crater lakes in Kibaale National Park, plenty of fresh water rivers, feeling the ice-cold waters, walking under the natural rain forest, a lovely view of the falls with roaring sounds, the rich green vegetation, birds and primates, meeting the happy local people of the mountain side
Description: It is a family of seven cascading waterfalls and rapids. It is viewed through openings in the green equatorial rain forest of Rwenzori mountains National Park. the trek goes through the local community. Common sight is the crop garden of coffee and Cassava the warm smiles and waves of the locals as you pass them. The falls are so massive that, from a distance, you can already enjoy their views and roaring sounds as they thump and roll over the rocks.
Rwenzori trekking activities:
Information: Multi-day treks into the mountains (1-6 nights options) trekking the mid and high mountains, up to 5109, requires park entrance fees, sold in a package covering all, peak climbing requires technical equipment, cashless payments only,
Key highlights/ attractions: Climbing margarita peak at 5109, seeing snow at the equator, great scenery five vegetation zones, unique Rwenzori turaco bird, primates, chameleons, glacier rivers, a rich selection of plants and flower life,
Description: This is a collection of trekking options. It offers from a one day to multi-day treks on the low and high mountain peaks including margarita peak standing at 5109m above sea level. Ruboni tourism village is the base camp to these Mountain treks offered by different providers in the village. The starting point of these treks is at the park gate. They include the 7 days 6 nights margarita trek, the 3 days mahoma trek, the one day nature walk, an overnight trek to Nyabitaba and any other days of choice.
Here I provide community accommodations you cans choose from for your stay around Rwenzori during Theluji festival and Tusker Lite Rwenzori marathon. These accommodations are all located in Kasese district, within short distance to where the event will be celebrated.
For more information and placing your reservation, please contact us.
Snow heights lodge:
Information: Rwenzori information centre, restaurant and Bar, bird watching, all Ruboni community tours organized, at the gate of Rwenzori Mountain National Park, Free amble parking space
Key Highlights: Forest ssarounding, Mountain views, River views, serene balcony forest views, onsite hotsprings, access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences.
Description: A 3-star hotel nestled in the heart of one of Africa’s most stunning natural wonders, surrounded by lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and majestic mountains. It is located 28k from Kasese town, which is Theluji festival venue.
Snow Heights Lodge Reception
Ruboni Community Camp:
Information: 8 guestrooms with 20 beds, storage space available, accessible by road, 28km from Kasese, accepts credit card, booking essential,
Key Highlights: Best Mountain views, access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences, starting point for Rwenzori trekking, Balcony mountain views,
Description: Probably offering the best Mountain View in the area, Ruboni community camp is the pioneer of community tourism and most preferred in Ruboni village. Is it owned and run by the community with all benefits going to the local people. The camp offers guestrooms, a restaurant and bar to the guests before or after they trek the Rwenzori Mountains.
Summit guest house:
Information: Accessed by road, 27km from Kasese town, bar and guestrooms, community tours, free parking space, 4 rooms, free store available,
Key Highlights: access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences, nature walks and Rwenori mountain hiking, garden mountain views
Description: Situated in Kasese, Summit Guesthouse is features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a bar.
Snow valley cottages:
Information: furnished apartments, self catering accessible by road, cash only, booking essential, plenty of free parking space and storage for guest luggage.
Key highlights: mountain views, participating in farm activities, onsite fishing experience, access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences, Rwenzori trekking experience.
Description: located on the farm at Makura village in the Rwenzori foothills. The rooms are set with all the necessary furnishings suitable for self catering needs.
Rwenzori Turaco Camp:
Information: 11rooms, 15beds, Free ample parking space, payment by cash and mobile money only,
Key Highlights: Camp fire, nature walks, weeding/ meeting ground, access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences, views of portal peaks and adjacent hills.
Decsription: A small tourist camp offering a restaurant with bar, rooms, tents and a camping ground where guests can pitch their own tent.
Rwenzori Homestay:
Information: A rural home, two rooms half board, storage space available, locable private bedrooms, accessible by road, 26km from Kasese, accepts credit card, booking essential,
Key Highlights: View of the portal peaks, mountain scenery, access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences, starting point for Rwenzori trekking, next to the community visitors centre,
Description: This small family is part of a chain of extended families that showcase the local traditional way of life. While you stay, you will learn how the local village members live with each other in their family networks. Staying in a private room, guests get half board package and access to participate in all the house activities.
Ruboni Community Camp, Banda
Tours holiday Inn:
Information: Restaurant and bar, Store for luggage, free parking, accessible by road, cash only, 22km from Kasese town, 25 rooms, 31 beds, conference facilities. Wedding and event venue, booking required.
Key Highlights: sales self-contained rooms, starting of rwenzori trekking and access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences.
Description: Rwenzori base camp Holiday Inn is located in a beautiful neighborhood near Ibanda trading center on Nkenda Nyakalengijo road. It is about 6km from the Rwenzori mountains National Park Gate. The hotel offers self contained rooms, a restaurant and spacious parking area for staying guests.
Lafrique guesthouse Rwakingi:
Information: 6 self contained rooms with 6 beds, 10km from Kasese town, cash only accessed by road, restaurant and bar, WiFi available, free luggage storage and parking for guests.
Key Highlights: access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences, Rwenzori trekking, community walk, hot springs visit.
Description: A well catered and accessible guesthouse offering meals, bar and comfortable rooms in a very clean environment. La-frique is located on the road to the park gate and suitable for the night before and after your trek to the Rwenzori or if you want to explore the beauty of Ruboni Tourism Village
BLT residence:
Information: self catering facility, 3 spacious bedrooms, queen size beds, 4 bathrooms, Fully equipped kitchen with a cooker, coffee maker, blender and cutlery. Living room with smart TV and DSTV, bookshelf and dining area, big gardens and paved parking, Standby power inverter, Picnic benches by Riverside
Key highlights: A little stream and forest in the back. Overlooking the Rwenzori ranges, generally serene, cool and quiet place, all country home experience.
Description: BLT Residence is a bungalow nestled at the foothills of Rwenzori Mountain in a cool and peaceful environment. It is easily accessed via a decent road a few minutes out of Kasese town. Whether you enjoy a picnic at the riverside or just being serenaded by the birds, this place is ideal for you. At night, you will be lulled to sleep by the sound of the river sounds as it makes its way downstream. The place is and is suitable for all categories of holiday makers like hikers, tourists, families and people traveling for work.
The Elephant Home
The Elephant Home:
Information: 20km from Kasese town, free parking, child friendly, 3 rooms, restaurant, cashless payment options available, self-contained rooms, meals and drinks served on order, campfire every night, open air dinner option, pitch your own tent.
Key highlights: Wildlife safaris, boat cruise, gift shop on site, village tours, near Queen Elizabeth National Park,
Description: The Elephant Home is a community owned and run tourist lodge. The initiative is a social project that helps to create alternative sustainable livelihood for the local residents as a way of raising conservation awareness. The business pilots sustainable living and coexistence of people and wildlife, by supporting local innovations and businesses. The lodge runs a long list of community tourism activities and experiences as a way of creating opportunities for the locals and educating the tourisms about the life near the national park. Most of the money and benefits generated are reinvested back for conservation and community development.
On the dates of 23rd August to 3rd September 2023, all roads lead to The Rwenzori region. Specifically many people including Ugandans and foreigners will be flocking Kasese municipality, to participate in one of the largest annual tourism events of Uganda; the Theluji festival and Tusker Lite Rwenzori marathon.
Are you looking for accommodation or activities to do during Theluji festival and the Tusker Lite Rwenzori marathon? This is the place where you will find that accommodation that is both affordable and giving you the value for your money, while benefiting the indigenous communities.
Though we understand that this will be the time participants want to join the most cheerful and happy crowds, we are making sure that this event also becomes the best opportunity for you to be as private and close to Rwenzori nature and culture, as you have always dreamt.
The accommodations:
The kind of accommodation we will give you during this time is Peaceful, spacious, self contained, clean and private. They are all located in natural setting with a mix of bushes, wildlife, and scenery and closest to the National Parks both in Savannah and the Mountains. The two national parks the accommodations are located next to are; Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Thius gives you a chance to make your choice which location you like.
Considering that the Theluji festival and Tuskler Lite Rwenzori marathon are going to be in and around Kasese municipality, our accommodations are most suitable for the participants who want to reach the event venue without much struggle of transport, access and connections. All our accommodations are accessible by road. Besides, we have driver guides knowledgeable of the area, that will be able to provide the transfers at a fee.
Yes, our accommodation facilities are accessible by good road, are run by friendly staff and all operated by the locals. Our experienced chefs will feed you with our local cuisine to give you the best memories during and after the marathon.
Our accommodations that are still open for booking during the annual Theluji festival and Tusker Lite Rwenzori marathon include;
Ruboni Community Camp, in Ruboni Village, near Rwenzori Mountains National park, and
The Elephant Home, in Kikorongo village, Next to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Distance and driving time:
The elephant home is located 20km south of Kasese town on Kasese-Mbarara tarmac road. It only takes you only 15 minutes drive to the event venue. Ruboni community Camp is located 28km north of Kasese town (off Kasese – Fort portal road) on marrun and tarmac roads respectively. It takes 30 minutes drive time to the event venue in Kasese municipality.
Why choose our accommodation:
What makes this accommodation unique is that, they are small and personalized. We focus on giving guests the privacy they deserve and yet enable them to mix with the community as much as they wish in our community activities. Besides, we have dedicated experienced indigenous guides and transport providers at our facilities. Guests who stay with us get their safari or community activities organized at no additional costs.
Yes, we are not for large groups. We are for people who like to be private while they immerse in the beauty of our nature and culture around the Rwenzori Mountains or Queen Elizabeth National Parks. The Elephant home is only 10 people at full capacity while Ruboni Community Camp is 16 people at full capacity. This leaves a lot of space for nature and for our special guests like you, whenever you stay.
The smallness of our lodges give our guests a feel of being close to nature in our nature surrounded and scenic locations.
These accommodations are also fully owned and run by the local communities living near the national parks. This is why our staff and communities are able to share with our guest, the most accurate story of their life with wildlife, during the stay.
From the lodges, we organize community guided tours, wildlife safaris and daily excursions that are easy to organize on arrival. When you participate in these tours, you will be able to use all your times between the theluji festival and Tusker Lite Rwenzori marathon events.
If you want a non congested accommodation with personalized hospitality, then you should choose one of our accommodations. Near one of the two National Parks.
Other accommodations:
What happens if you don’t like any of our accommodations or if we are already full? We have a solution for this. We will not leave any guest in the dark. Since we have very limited beds, we are making sure we don’t overcrowd our place beside the many bookings and inquiries. We do understand that not all participants will have a chance to stay with us.
We have a list of other accommodations in Ruboni village, where guests can stay subject to availability. We will be happy to book you in and organizes all your travels, tours and meals or other activities on request.
The village guided tours and their descriptions
village walk:
Information: 3-4 hours, moderate walking, with private guide, in the village, visiting households, Credit card accepted.
Key highlights/ attractions: cultural encounters, local homesteads, art and crafts, people experiences of life, rural street life
Description: An opportunity to walk through the rustic villages on the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains. This walk happens in the hills and plains overlooking river Mubuku you will see the local trades. Meet the Ugandan indigenous people while you participate in their daily way of life, cooking, craft making, farming, traditional healing and listening to the local stories of life on these beautiful mountains.
Buraru Forest walk:
Information: 3-4 hours , moderate walking with slight climbs, walking in nature, neighboring Rwenzori Mountain National Park, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: Plants and trees, chameleons, birds, rivers, insects and butterflies, reptiles medicinal plants, food crops
Description: On this trail, nature is in a abundance. On a lucky day, you may spot monkeys, Rwenzori Turaco bird, and the small animals such as chameleons and other reptiles. it is like walking in a dreamland with the forest sounds from the insects and rivers flowing from the Rwenzori glaciers.
You can also find the interactive version of the Ruboni village map here
Makongothe Hill climb walk:
Information: 3-4 hours, climbing from 1603 to 2300 m, complex and demanding, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: scenery, residential homes with gardens, birds and insects, medicinal plants, food crops
Description: The trek exposes astonishing beauty of Ruboni village as you view the Mubuku valley extending from the Rwenzori glaciers to lake George in queen Elizabeth National Park. On a clear day, you will be able to view margarita peak from the top of the hill. It is also possible to take an overnight on the hill and take the clear morning and evening Mountain and sunrise views.
Makongothe Overnight hill trek:
Information: Overnight activity, wildness camping experience, climbing from 1603 to 2300 m, complex and demanding, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: scenery, residential homes with gardens, birds and insects, medicinal plants, food crops, night panoramic views, campfire, morning sunrise and mountain views
Description: After an early lunch, you will trek from Ruboni village to the hills on north of river Mubuku. Trekking uphill is a moment to enjoy this beautiful scenery offered by the Rwenzori Mountains. The trek is through a mix of homesteads, farms and savannah vegetation with chances of spotting birds, insects and other small creatures. As you get higher, the scenery gets more fascinating. You will set camp on the top of the mountains. On a clear sky you will have an opportunity to view margarita peak and Lake George at the same time, especially in the evening and morning.
Banana farming tour experience:
Information: 1 – 2 hours, on the farm, hands-on experience, short /flat/ moderate walk, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: local homestead experience, practical farming, tasting different banana food products.
Description: the story of the bananas will experience how much one single crop can do in the life of the village people. From food, building materials, art and crafts, animal feeds, games and sports, irrigation and water supply. At the end of the tour, you may move to learn why the farmers started producing wine out of the bananas.
Key highlights/ attractions: listening to the local dialect and experssions, learning the local indigenous culture, local building architecture,
Description: Meet the local story teller in his home and learn how he educates the young and old members of Ruboni village. listen to the local stories and experesions as they have been used by the local people for hundredsof years in the rwenzori foothills. You will listen to the different stories that shape the traditional culture of the Bakonzo people and how it has managed to move over generations. The naming story, traditional marriage, conservation stories and other entertaining cultural tales.
Bakonzo Black smith visit:
Information: 1-2 hours, moderate walk through the village, hands-on activity, visit for all ages. Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: Seeing essential tools being made by hand, making own tool, purchase some made tools,
Description: Traditionally, tools in Ruboni village are used to till the land, grow crops, used for defending of the family, build houses, cure diseases, hunting and many other roles. In the past, the villages never accessed tools. Until now, not all people in the village can afford modern tools, yet everyone in the village must own these tools to survive. You will appreciate the role of the blacksmith when you participate in making some of the tools that he makes and sales to the local community members.
Coffee farming and making experience:
Information: 1-2 hours, on the farm, homestead visit, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: following coffee from planting to making a cup of coffee, participating in the coffee making, learning the uses of coffee by the local family, seeing the coffee trees in the garden, hands-on use of local household tools and equipment, buying some coffee beans to take home
Description: A practical story of how coffee is planted, farmed, harvested and processed until you take that fresh organic cup of Rwenzori coffee. You will participate in the traditional methods of making the coffee drink from the farm to the table, just as the bakonzo have done it for years in the most nature friendly approaches. At the end, you can buy some of this precious drink to bring to your loved ones.
Vanilla farming experience:
Information: 1 hour, on the farm, hands-on experience, short /flat/ moderate walk, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: local homestead experience, practical farming, and pollinating a vanilla flower by hand, learning how to cure vanilla, making vanilla extract, buying some vanilla for use at home.
Description: One farmer takes you through a journey of her day of work on the vanilla orchid, as you practice this tedious work of planting, tending pollinating and harvesting vanilla. Learn how every pod is pollinated by hand as you follow the full journey of growing this orchid from vine to making the best flavor for your confectionery or perfume back home. After going through the curing experience, you may buy some for taking as gifts to your loved ones.
Banana wine making experience:
Information: 1 hour, all activities at a home, hands-on experience, short /flat/ moderate walk, Credit card accepted
Key highlights/ attractions: learning the background of banana wine, learning the process of making banana wine, tasting banana wine, buying some banana wine to take away, interacting with the family members about their life aspects.
Description: The banana is doing wonders in the lives of the locals in Ruboni village, and you will see how this innovation is now producing a great wine out of the bananas. On the visit, a farmer will tell you a background of why they have started making wine from bananas, tell you the stages of making wine and allow you to participate or test the ready wine. At the end, you may buy a bottle to take a way.
Ssebwe water falls trek:
Information: 4-6 hours hiking, trek from 1232m to 2080m.a.s.l. located inside the park and requires park entrance fees, Hilly terrain and demanding, guided trek
Key highlights/ attractions: rewarding views of the Valleys, the rift valley floor plains, Hima town, and the crater lakes in Kibale National Park, plenty of fresh water rivers, feeling the ice-cold waters, walking under the natural rain forest, a lovely view of the falls with roaring sounds, the rich green vegetation, birds and primates, meeting the happy local people of the mountain side
Description: It is a family of seven cascading waterfalls and rapids. It is viewed through openings in the green equatorial rain forest of Rwenzori mountains National Park. the trek goes through the local community. Common sight is the crop garden of coffee and Cassava the warm smiles and waves of the locals as you pass them. The falls are so massive that, from a distance, you can already enjoy their views and roaring sounds as they thump and roll over the rocks.
Rwenzori trekking activities:
Information: Multi-day treks into the mountains (1-6 nights options) trekking the mid and high mountains, up to 5109, requires park entrance fees, sold in a package covering all, peak climbing requires technical equipment, cashless payments only,
Key highlights/ attractions: Climbing margarita peak at 5109, seeing snow at the equator, great scenery five vegetation zones, unique Rwenzori turaco bird, primates, chameleons, glacier rivers, a rich selection of plants and flower life,
Description: This is a collection of trekking options. It offers from a one day to multi-day treks on the low and high mountain peaks including margarita peak standing at 5109m above sea level. Ruboni tourism village is the base camp to these Mountain treks offered by different providers in the village. The starting point of these treks is at the park gate. They include the 7 days 6 nights margarita trek, the 3 days mahoma trek, the one day nature walk to Nyabitaba and any other days of choice.
Here is a list of popular hotels that offer the best village accommodation options at Rwenzori base camp, Nyakalengijo. Nyakalengijo is the central circuit, oldest and most popular gate of Rwenzori Mountains National park. It is located within Ruboni Village. If you are planning to trek through the central circuit, or interested in exploring the people, nature and culture of Rwenzori mountains, you will better stay in one of the hotels close to the gate, as you will find them in the list bellow;
Snow Heights Lodge
Information: Rwenzori information centre, restaurant and Bar, bird watching, all Ruboni community tours organized, at the gate of Rwenzori Mountain National Park, Free amble parking space
Key Highlights: Forest ssarounding, Mountain views, River views, serene balcony forest views, onsite hotsprings, access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences.
Description: A 3-star hotel nestled in the heart of one of Africa’s most stunning natural wonders, surrounded by lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and majestic mountains.
Ruboni Community Camp
Information: 8 guestrooms with 20 beds, storage space available, accessible by road, 28km from Kasese, accepts credit card, booking essential,
Key Highlights: Best Mountain views, access to all the 12 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences, starting point for Rwenzori trekking, Balcony mountain views,
Description: Probably offering the best Mountain View in the area, Ruboni community camp is the pioneer of community tourism and most preferred in Ruboni village. Is it owned and run by the community with all benefits going to the local people. The camp offers guestrooms, a restaurant and bar to the guests before or after they trek the Rwenzori Mountains.
Summit Guest House
Information: Accessed by road, 27km from Kasese town, bar and guestrooms, community tours, free parking space, 4 rooms, free store available,
Key Highlights: access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences, nature walks and mountain hiking, garden mountain views
Description: Situated in Kasese, Summit Guesthouse is features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a bar.
Rwenzori Turaco view camp
Information: 11rooms, 15 beds, Free ample parking space, payment by cash and mobile money only,
Key Highlights: Camp fire, nature walks, weeding/ meeting ground, access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences, views of portal peaks and adjacent hills.
Description: A small tourist camp offering a restaurant with bar, rooms, tents and a camping ground where guests can pitch their own tent.
Snow Valley cottages
Information: furnished apartments, self catering accessible by road, cash only, booking essential, plenty of free parking space and storage for guest luggage.
Description: located on the farm at Makura village in the Rwenzori foothills. The rooms are set with all the necessary furnishings suitable for self catering needs.
Base Camp, tours holiday Inn
Information: Restaurant and bar, Store for luggage, free parking, accessible by road, cash only, 22km from Kasese town, 25 rooms, 31 beds, conference facilities. Wedding and event venue, booking required.
Key Highlights: sales self-contained rooms, starting of Rwenzori trekking and access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences.
Description: Rwenzori base camp Holiday Inn is located in a beautiful neighborhood near Ibanda trading center on Nkenda-Nyakalengijo road. It is about 6km from the Rwenzori mountains National Park Gate. The hotel offers self contained rooms, a restaurant and spacious parking area for staying guests.
La-frique Guesthouse
Information: 6 self contained rooms with 6 beds, 10km from Kasese town, cash only accessed by road, restaurant and bar, WiFi available, free luggage storage and parking for guests.
Key Highlights: access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences, Rwenzori trekking, community walk, hot springs visit.
Description: A well catered and accessible guesthouse offering meals, bar and comfortable rooms in a very clean environment. La-frique is located on the road to the park gate and suitable for the night before and after your trek to the Rwenzori or if you want to explore the beauty of Ruboni Tourism Village
BLT residence:
Information: self catering facility, 3 spacious bedrooms, queen size beds, 4 bathrooms, Fully equipped kitchen with a cooker, coffee maker, blender and cutlery.Living room with smart TV and DSTV, bookshelf and dining area, big gardens and paved parking, Standby power inverter, Picnic benches by Riverside
Key highlights: A little stream and forest in the back. Overlooking the Rwenzori ranges, generally serene, cool and quiet place, all country home experience, access to all the 15 Ruboni Village guided tours and cultural experiences.
Description: BLT Residence is a bungalow nestled at the foothills of Rwenzori Mountain in a cool and peaceful environment. It is easily accessed via a decent road a few minutes out of Kasese town. Whether you enjoy a picnic at the riverside or just being serenaded by the birds, this place is ideal for you. At night, you will be lulled to sleep by the sound of the river sounds as it makes its way downstream. The place is and is suitable for all categories of holiday makers like hikers, tourists, families and people traveling for work.
Rwenzori Homestay:
Information: A rural home, two rooms half board, storage space available, locable private bedrooms, accessible by road, 26km from Kasese, accepts credit card, booking essential,
Key Highlights: View of the portal peaks, mountain scenery, access to all the 15 Ruboni village guided tours and cultural experiences, starting point for Rwenzori trekking, next to the Community Visitors Centre,
Description: This small family is part of a chain of extended families that showcase the local traditional way of life. it is located 2.5km before the park gate. While you stay, you will learn how the local village members live with each other in their family networks. Staying in a private room, guests get half board package and access to participate in all the house activities.
Community campground – Nyakalenginjo:
this campground is located at the community visitors Centre. it is a perfect blend of scenery, budget, comfort and community integration in your visit to Rwenzori. the campground is secures, has leveled rounds and a high level of privacy in many aspects.
You will find all you need for a campground. the clean flushing toilets and overhead showers, electricity 24/7, a store for keeping your luggage, a bar where you can buy local and modern drinks, a local kitchen where you can order meals and a gift shop to carry your memories of the village with you. a camp fire can be organized too, as this is suited for large groups. Remember, this campground is big and can hold large groups of 5o people.
How to book these village accommodation options
Bookings for any of these accommodations can be made directly with individual hotels, or through your tour operator. If you want to book through a local community operator that is resident to the Rwenzori, you will contact Ruboni Tourism Village to arrange your bookings. Soon, these facilities will be bookable on the Visit Ruboni website and Mobile application.
Ruboni Tourism Village is a local initiative that consolidated all the tourism players and service providers at the Rwenzori Base Camp to the central circuit trail. This village initiative works with the different tourism stakeholders to promote sustainability in this part of the Rwenzori foothills. by staying at any of these lodges, your supporting sustainability through the many ways of Ruboni Tourism Village.
You probably can’t wait any longer to experience the Rwenzori trekking challenge. When it is finally the time to go, Remember that Rwenzori home stay has been a choice of many who want to experience this area beyond the mountains. At This home stay, you have a great view of fore peaks these snow caped Mountains.
The home overlooks the great heights of the blue forested portal peaks, and the foothills. The experience and showcases the local way of life through the foods, meeting with people, on the farm and the available walks that you can freely take through the surrounding residential villages.
This guesthouse is located on the trail to the Rwenzori summit, through the Nyakalengijo central circuit gate at Mihunga village. with great preparedness and information that will be given by the host at Rwenzori homestay, your Rwenzori mountaineering experience will always be exceptional.
Rwenzori mountains park gate
Rwenzori homestay is connected to local guides that will show you everything in the Rwenzori Mountains and villages, than any other person. These are local experienced guides that have further been trained to do the job. They know hoe to relate the Rwenzori to their local life when you look for the chameleons, primates, viewing the Rwenzori Turaco and other animals unique to the Rwenzoris.
In case you want to dine out, there are many places you can have meals. These places include the Snow heights lodge, (former equator snow lodge) and Ruboni Community Camp. The home is located next to the community visitor’s Centre, where you have an opportunity to enjoy local affordable meals, and drinks at discounted prices while you mix with the local people.
During and after making it to the summit of the Rwenzori mountains, gift purchase is also possible from the home-stay. You will find a fully stocked gift shop at the community visitor Centre. Beside crafts, you can also buy locally farmed foods such as coffee, vanilla, Honey and locally made banana wine to enjoy instantly or take to your loved ones back home.
Locally made baskets
Indeed the Rwenzori homestay gives a full spectrum of Rwenzori Mountains from the landscapes, cultures, the foods and culture. In certain evenings, the village members perform the cultural songs and dance at the community visitor’s Centre. You will have an opportunity to participate in these events if you have time in the evening. During the event, you will learn how to sing, dance and play local musical instruments. Just come with some change to pay a small fee that will be charged for attending the event, to support the local community
For those who like to do their own cooking, the home has a kitchen, running water and electricity. You can also shop local foods and vegetables from the food basket that is located in front of the community Visitor’s Centre. Buying food from this stall supports the local girl child go back to school. It is owned and run by a local child empowerment initiative called; Child Education Recovery Action (CERA). You will hear more about CERA during your stay.
Besides providing accommodation for those trekking the Rwenzori Summit, Rwenzori homestay is ideal for people who want to explore the beautiful Rwenzori foothills. The homestay will introduce you to the local guided village tours. These include Ruboni village walk, Ruboni forest trails and the Ruboni hill trek.
In the village walk, you get a chance to meet the local households in their local setting, to show you their livelihoods such as storytelling, traditional healing, Blacksmithing, basket weaving and local farming experiences. on the forest trail, you will be looking for the Chameleons, snakes, birds, the variety of plant life and some times primates crossing from the park. on a lucky day, you can spot the great Rwenzori Turaco in this forest. The hill trek can sometimes be an over night or a day experience. the tiop of the hill is 2400m abve sea level and the highest in the village. while at the top, you have an opportunity to veiw margarita peak if the weather is clear.
Kitchen
Before you book your space at Rwenzori home stay, you can first read what our past guests have said about Rwenzori homestay. Today as you get ready for your mountaineering experience that will take you to summit the high snow peaks of Rwenzori.
Here is is the best camping ground at Ruboni tourism village that will answer close to all your camping needs. In most cases, campers will look for the following qualities on their campgrounds;
Great views
Safe and secure property
Flat enough with space to keep property
Affordable
Easy to buy food, drinks and snacks
A clean toilet and shower (bathroom)
Lots of activities do during the days
Options of buying gifts
An opportunity of meeting the local people to learn the local way of life
No park entrance fees required
the location of the community visitors centre offers the best mountain views overlooking the portal peaks. the portal peaks covers the forefront of the Rwenzori high peaks. the ground is fenced with hedges offering the required privacy. within the campground, you have a kitchen and restaurant and bar that offers local meals and selected snacks.
A section of the campground
If you’re looking to camp somewhere in the Rwenzori Mountains foothills, and looking for the above qualities in your campground, you will better stay at the Ruboni Community visitors centre. It is all easy! Contact us through several ways; Whatsapp/ call: +256780278010, google maps, or email: theugandatrips@gmail.com.
Ruboni Community visitor Centre is located in Ruboni village, Nyakalengijo trading center within Ibanda-Kyanya town council. It is 24km from Kasese town. From Kasese town, you branch off left at 10km on Kasese fort portal road. The main landmark here at the branch-off is the Nkenda electric terminal. You will then drive 14km on the dirt road towards the park gate. You will find our sign on the left with an old house having a mural on the front wall.
Traditional dances offered at the camping ground at Ruboni
At the visitor’s centre campground, the prices are very low but the standard is a lot higher than some room accommodations in the area. In case you don’t have your own tent and other camping gear, he cam has them available for hire onsite. You just need to book them in advance and you will be required to pay a little extra for them. The campground is surrounded by the Rwenzori foothills. It has a bar, kitchen and gift shop, making it easy to buy everything you like during your stay.
For those who want to do their own cooking, we have a community food stall where you can buy the different vegetables, fruits and foods to do a good cooking. In the neighboring villages or in the shop onsite, you can buy other local produce ready to use such as drinking coffee, honey, vanilla pods, and banana wine. All these are made locally by the farmers that you can visit to get the local experience of producing these items.
A restaurant onsite within the campground
At the community visitor center, the locals perform cultural dances on certain evenings (between 17:00 and 19:00). This has turned out to be a good evening entertainment for most guests who stay here. You can choose to participate at a small fee.
And for those who want to get information, the visitor center is a perfect base for exploring the entire village and region. We have a tourist notice board that has information that is helpful for planning further travels. We also have staff that is experienced to put together tours of the whole region or country. These staff will provide you information on how to travel to other communities and parks around Uganda.
Now you may be wondering how to book and or pay for the stay. It is all easy! Contact us through several ways; Whatsapp/ call: +256780278010, google maps, or email: theugandatrips@gmail.com. Payment can either be by cash or credit card.
