September 1st – 3rd was a weekend of adventure to South Western Uganda region of Kigezi, covering Kabale City, Lake Bunyonyi and Gatuna Uganda-Rwanda Border. the Travel that started from Ibanda District took us through districts of Mbarara, Rwampala, Ntungamo and Kabale before concluding the trip from Rwanda soil at Gatuna border. Organized by the Trekkers Club of Ibanda, participants were from across districts of Ibanda, Kamwenge, Fort Portal, Kyegegwa, Kiruhura and Isingiro.

Ibanda Trekkers Club has since inception committed to break the norm in tourism which Ugandans have believed for centuries, that Tourism is for the rich foreigners. Embracing local tourism has remained the trekkers call and passion, which this time took the team to Kigezi Highlands far South west of the country crossing 5 districts.

The journey that started on Friday afternoon ended on Sunday night on return, with lots of feeding for the eyes, soul, mind and the physical. Lots of exciting moments were encountered on every point of the trip.

Spending the first night at Kirigime guest house in Kabale town proved us wrong on the perception we all had that Kabale is a very cold place in the country. The night was hot at the beginning and was warm in the morning. However, the second night at Lake Bunyonyi Overland resort was cold requiring for a jacket and camp fire was much a solution.

The journey in Brief: The day was hot and were many people aboard the old fashion Coaster vehicle. We made so many stop over points along the way, refreshing and taking moments of photoshoots. We entered Kabale town in the night around 9pm. Along the way there were several points of Nyamachoma with heavy aroma entering our nostrils at every point. The night breeze was like a refreshing sip of mineral water after hours in hell fire. The breathing hills welcomed us to the flat land in a hilly region, this was the famous virgin town of Kabale.

Kabale town is the heart of Kigezi sub region, the land that binds the Bakiga who speak Rukiga. Kabale in Rukiga means a small stone. There are different folktales, but according to Festo Karwemera, author of Empandiika ya Runyankole-Rukiga, the name Kabale was derived from a small stone. While at Club Monalisa in the night, a native I talked to revealed to me that there was a mysterious small round and heavy stone which was located at the current district headquarters. The popular legend is of curious young men who were out grazing and made a futile attempt to roll the stone. The object became a center of attention for many folks in the village. Sorrow and misery befell the parents of the young men and whenever they inquired about the where abouts of their sons, the feedback was, ‘bari aha kabale’ (they are at the stone). Meanwhile, the Europeans who arrived in the region could not pronounce aha kabale, but rather spoke Kabale with ease. It is believed that the colonialists stole this stone.

Night Out in Kabale: While different options were given such as Club Earthquake, match and mix club and others, Club Monalisa became the winning choice for the trekkers. Kabale did not only crep into the hearts of the trekkers, it also united them with the natives of Kabale town and the vibe became unique for both visitors and their hosts. Kyebayita okudugaza emeza was the code of the day, it was vibe after vibe.

The moment we reached at Kirigime Guest house, we opted to put our heads and hearts together for the nightlife in the valley of Kigezi. Lady Amooti AKA “Hustle nobody loves you” became the queen of the night as she was filled with intense excitement. It was her maiden trio to the region as well as it was for many. Mixing with Bakiga people in the club was amazing, you know, Bakiga are people of character, generous and are full of vibe.  Club Monalisa made the best part of our first night, Mr Divasi and his trip queen Eunice Amutuhaire led us and were looking forward to a charming night for us. Indeed, the night life in Kabale had something for everyone.

Club Monalisa became one of the highly rated clubs in town, if you’re a beer lover like Moses Kaciciri you cannot party in the town without checking out Club Monalisa. The cooporates of kabale, the managers and university students patronized the club.

Entering the club at 11pm and leaving it at 4am means that a lot of whisky bottles were opened and lots of dancing including zero distance and regy strokes were part of the night. When we asked one of the last persons to leave the club, she answered ‘‘it was just Marvelous’’.

Lake Bunyonyi: Lake Bunyonyi is found in the south-western part of Uganda near the border with Rwanda in Kabale District.

Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most naturally beautiful lakes in Africa and is one of the leading tourism destinations in Uganda. It is the second deepest lake in Africa and famous for having the largest number of islands (over 25 islands). The lake attracts tourists, honeymooners and Ugandans who wish to get away from the mundane life and enjoy the cool weather and beautiful islands. The lake offers great panoramic views from all sides and is a great place to go for meditation and relaxation. The Lake is collection of water that filled a valley created by volcanic explosion hundreds of thousands of years ago.

The name Bunyonyi means “a place with little bird” in reference to the fact that the lake and its islands are home to an amazing collection of bird species. It is one of the deepest lakes in Africa. Lake Bunyonyi area has a generally cool climate throughout the year with enough rain that support the lush green hills surrounding the lake.

Lake Bunyonyi is made up twenty nine islands among which include Bushara, Njuyeera, Bwama and the infamous Punishment Island (Akampene).

Activities Trekkers did on the lake Bunyonyi adventure

Apart from marveling at the beautiful scenery on arrival, there were a lot of interesting activities we did in Lake Bunyonyi.

Relaxing and Chilling with friends The beautiful scenery and cool weather was perfect for relaxing after the travel and overnight tiring activities in Kabale town. Others had taken some climbing of the hills and doing all fun activities. Several of the team members were seen at different times in different locations simply chilling, reading a book, having a conversation with a friend and meditating about the entire trip. When a popular member named Edgar was asked what he was doing at one time he answered “I am here forgetting my problems”

Canoeing: Canoes were the only way of getting around the lake and its islands. The locals make the canoes by digging into large trees to create a depression using axes to create a depression. Some canoes are made of timber and are pedaled by an engine. The canoes are moved using rowing sticks or motor engines.

Canoes were rented from individuals at the shores for a fee of 10,000 shillings per person. Although the team used two engine boats, some members later went for the small canoe experience. Using these locally made canoes offered a completely different experience and added to the magic of the Lake.

The best time for canoeing was at sunset. This was a beautiful sight to behold for everyone with a love for nature and adventure. Other members arranged for night canoeing to experience the cool night breeze and sounds from night crickets, frogs and birds on the lake.

The team was amazed by the two young men who operated the boats for their experience of the lake, knowledge of the area and all ages stories told from their mouths without referring to any document. The two young men kept the boats moving close to each other as teams continued having fun together. Ladies on the team were especially attracted by the boys as one Hilda made fun on the boat declaring herself “Mukyala captain” after asking one of the boart captains if he was married and then booked for a one-on-one cruse.

Island hopping: Canoeing for 2 or more hours allowed the team to hop from one island to another while learning about their history. Visiting the “punishment island” where girls who lost got pregnant before marriage were left to die was a must on the trip. We passed by Bwama Island and learnt about its history of hosting lepers. The lepers are no longer taken to the island as a permanent cure for leprosy was discovered and the leper hospital has been turned into a school for children.

Nature Walks: Members took unguided nature walks around the hotel, others hiked through an established trail early morning up to the hills in order to have a better view of the place and to explore and marvel at the terraced hills which give majestic views of the lake and towering landscapes.

Birdwatching: Among the trekkers were a number of birders, and Lake Bunyonyi is a birders paradise and one of the best places to go for birding in Uganda. The name Bunyonyi suggests a place with birds. Over 100 species of birds were spotted in the lake. The small islands in the lake act as sanctuaries and breeding grounds for many water birds. The species seen included both resident and those that migrate from Europe during the harsh winters. Some of the species seen included egrets, slender-billed baglafetch, weaverbirds, herons, grey crowned cranes and the levillant cuckoo among many others.

Zip Lining:  On our boat cruze we reached Rock Resort where we found the best zip lining experience at affordable rates. Our members liked swinging on top of the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi to go across the lake. High ropes are connected between trees on the opposite shores of the lake and travelers swing from one point to the other over the waters. This experience offered the trekkers with a fresh feeling of cold water breezes and excellent views of local communities, islands and rolling hills of the area. Trekkers who did zip lining were first reminded to keep mentally alert and enjoy this memorable adventure.

Where we stayed in Lake Bunyonyi: 

Bunyonyi Overland Resort; This resort is locally owned and built with material got from surrounding villages. The resort provided us with single and family cottages.  There was also safari and mobile camping tents. The safari tents were built on raised platforms with great views of the lake and surrounding islands. The safari tents had chairs, a table, some had twin beds while others were single and all had electricity.

Food at Bunyonyi Overland Resort:

Food was plenty and consisted of local vegetables, fruits and a variety of local foods such as irish, matoke, chapatti, rice, supaget, meat, beans etc. as well as international dishes.

There was always breakfast and evening tea which consisted of milk and hot water for coffee and African tea, which was served with matoke and Irish katogo, eggs, chapatti, yellow banana and a cold glass of juice in the morning.

Sunday Mass on the lake shores:

Sunday morning became a Spiritual Adventure on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi with Fr Everest the Trekkers Shepherd celebrating a mass with Holly Communion. Songs of praises were spiritually moving and the trekkers world here was different from one in Club Monalisa of the previous night.

Fr Everest shared words of counsel to the team, he called upon participants to uphold religious principles on every adventure and to maintain good and healthy relationships. He concluded it with holy communion. Songs of praises were sung and in prayers you would see trekkers in a different world, different from what it was the first night in Kabale and the rest of the trip. Except Mr Izzy whose spiritual being is of the gods of his ancestors of Nyakahondogoro Caves back home in Ibanda, he remained unchanged at all.

Departure from Lake Bunyonyi and Visit to Katuna Border:

Agreement was reached that the trekkers must kiss the Rwanda soils before returning to Ibanda. Many went abroad for the first time, a chance that many Ugandans have not had. It was exciting being in a foreign country without passport or visa. On returning back to Uganda members were seen jumping high on crossing the border line, you would really tell the sense of returning to your mother country.

Asking why she was so excited and jumping high, Kyomugisha Racheal said, Being my first time in a foreign country, it felt outright overwhelming. After a long drive from Ibanda, entering into Rwanda I imagined orienting myself in a foreign country, where the time zone, language and currency are different from I am used to. Not to mention many surprises that are popping up along .

Karugaba Patrick said, Growing up, I never traveled outside of Uganda, so I knew when I started the trip that would end in Rwanda was definitely an experience that I wanted to have; Upon finding this opportunity, I expressed excitement, but before leaving Lake Bunyonyi for Gatuna Border I steadily became nervous because this entire journey was brand new to me.

Interviews with travelers on the trip

On the trip we spoke to a number of travellers to get their feel about the trip. All interviewed, organizers, team leaders and the entire clue concluded that the trip was amazing.

Was planning for this trip difficult? KK Julius: 

Taking many people and especially those who are new to you on the road trip for entire weekend has its challenges and logistics and finances are frightening. Once the commitment is made, tasks are ticked off one by one, money mobilized, and before you know it the car is on road and you’re heading to a place across districts.

What were your biggest worries? Mr Eriya Divas: 

You must accept that ladies on the trip will be exposed to dangers otherwise not encountered in their normal life. So it was essential to be able to evaluate and prepare for risks and convince ourselves that with the right preparations and research they can be minimized to a point where it was possible to head off relatively confident of their safety. There are so many unknowns that you just have to bumble your way through. Ladies on the trip are great icebreakers when meeting people and they help open doors that you may not otherwise have noticed.

What’s your best travel advice for groups? Hilda

Prepare as best as you can. Respect characters and cultures different from your own, learn at least basic courtesies of communities you are going to visit. Go with an open mind, flexibility, and spontaneity. When traveling as a group, keep an eye on the vulnerable but give them enough freedom to explore and extend their boundaries naturally.

What are the hardest challenges of being together on the road? Kenneth: 

Communication; It has been important for us all to find snippets of time for ourselves. Living in such confined places of work and homes for so long can be exhausting and claustrophobic. Communication takes patience, and this is important for all of us but a bonus to team leaders. When we’re breaking off from our routines, it can be profoundly rewarding, but incredibly challenging. If the group members see and experience difficult situations and conditions, you have to remember to come in to answer the nonstop questions patiently. And when surrounded by all group members, all vying for attention, you have to remember your team members from time to time, some time you remember your own interests on the trip later.

What advice do you have for all members on the group? Cleopatra

Be ready for it to be different than home. Volunteer your time to help your colleagues whenever there is need. It’s hard and scary and you see things you don’t want to and can’t even believe, but you’ll make friends and learn a lot. Don’t be shy to share your story and fun with others. Be ready to be surrounded by people asking different questions and seeking different attention. Have fun. Roads are rough and drives are long. Always be ready for unusual. Expect to hold in your anger sometimes, annoying moments will be.

Share some new discoveries on this Trip: Mbura Ruth

It’s great to travel in groups. You get to know a whole new family and learn how people behave. You meet people doing different activities, you learn lessons for your life time. You make friends and connections you will never have imagined.

What does it mean to travel with passion and purpose? Okello George: 

To travel with passion and purpose is to move through as a student, learn all you can, and contribute where possible. We are all keen to lend our skills in some meaningful way and get deeper insights into the places we travel through and to the people we travel with.

What have you discovered on this trip? Turyasingura Gilbert: 

My goal in the beginning was to spend time in a group and to see different things on the trip, reassess the direction of my life, work, and where am living. The most important thing was to remind myself of how privileged I am belonging to the trekkers group, to be experiencing all the wonders of nature and humanity in such an extraordinary way. I have discovered that travel is not always a holiday but that each day brings experiences that challenge or delight in unexpected ways is one of my best discoveries. Along the way, our group grows closer and stronger.

What was your most challenge as a team photographer? Baguma Arnold: 

As a photographer, while others are minding their business I also mind their business at the expense of mine. Everyone wants my attention, they have hope in me, so I must give them the best. On the lake I aimed at capturing every moment without dropping my camera into the water. I could not participate in a number of activities as I had to capture those activities. I am worried I may not be seen as was part of this trip because I was always behind the camera and the camera captures on those who are in front of it.

How has this trip inspired you? Mr KOBS:

It’s always a privilege and a great opportunity to see with your naked eyes what you studied in class many years ago. And guess what this time I was able to see, touch and feel Lake Bunyonyi the deepest lake in Africa. I have been to lake Bunyonyi thrice before but this 1-3 Sept 2023 was a fantastic and massive one full of joy and happiness. I enjoyed both the morning and evening breeze of the lake. The Sunday morning mass, the Gatuna boarder experience, drinking Bakiga traditional energy drinks “Enturire” and “Omuramba, ” a night out at Monalisa club in Kabale city, without forgetting networking with great brains from various disciplines. The hospitality at Bunyonyi Overland Resort is unbelievable for sure. “Bakiga you are great people”. I will ensure that my Children and family become tourists and even future ambassadors of tourism in the country.

How did it feel travelling with strangers for the first time? Nshemerirwe Patricia

We all travel for a reason whether it is Experience or Mood Swing, it was 1st September 2023, when we the journey for the trip to a beautiful place to see nature beauty, Kigezi is known as the Switzerland of Africa, it is completely covered with natural beauty. If you are a traveler and want to feel the touch of nature up close, then I would suggest that you should go to this region once. So I planned this trip because the journey can spin any mood, it was a first trip with me and Trekkers Club and the time I spent with them I can’t say in the words because that was unbelievable.

Conclusion: By-and-large this was a signature visit for the trekkers, filled with a lot of amazing moments and sceneries, a lot to feed the eyes, mind and body. In short, it was a satisfying trip. To the entire team, it was “a weekend well spent”

Ibanda Trekkers Club is a social enterprise involved in regional Tourism Development aimed at improving community livelihoods, protecting nature & preserving cultural heritage.

“It’s difficult to put into words the true value of this travel for the team, because I’m sure it will continue to influence all of us well beyond the here and now.” As for the new members on the team, they’ve learned valuable new lessons