Ideas For Unforgettable, Responsible Travel

From the hot springs, waterfalls and crater lakes of Tooro and Rwenzori Region to the Long horned Ankole cows, the majestic caves and pristine cycads of Ankole and Kitagwenda—with some comforts of wild adventure camps, mountain climbing and hydrotherapy massage activities, plus exposure to the most beautiful National parks to trekking with local hiking groups—these trips are designed with positive impacts in mind and on ground.

Sustainable, regenerative, conscious, eco, green: These are the adjectives of luxury travel. While parts of the world are doubling down on seven-star hotels and others are seeing locals revolt against poorly managed tourism, there are still places and people who are doing things right.

The New Tourist, a book that encouraged travelers to think about their impact, recently became the talk of the luxury travel world. Visionary hoteliers have recommitted to leaving the places where they set up shop better than they were before. And quite a few lower-profile hoteliers, travel agents and destination management specialists set about making their clients’ dreams come true while considering the consequences for the communities where they operate.

Here are “where to go in Uganda” ideas recommended by some of those small travel managers—many of whom live in the destinations they’re selling—who care about principles as well as profits to the host communities. Some of them are up-and-coming, others are perpetually overlooked, and a few more are hidden corners, responsible alternatives within busy regions or ideas for the offseason. What they share is a commitment to the idea that travel can still be a force for good, even as it’s deeply enjoyable along the way.

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Look no further than Kitara Foundation’s sustainable tourism travels in Western Uganda!

As part of our mission to promote local tourism, empower local communities, and conserve nature and culture, we offer a range of exciting hiking tours to the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and the neighbouring scenic attractions.

Our Mountaineering Tours:

1. Bwamba Pass Trail: Explore the scenic trails of the Rwenzori Mountains and experience the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. https://kitararcc.com/2024/02/12/fascinating-bwamba-pass-trail-of-karangura-community-in-the-rwenzori-mountains/

2. Karangura Waterfalls Trail: Hike to the stunning Karangura waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools. https://kitararcc.com/2024/12/01/conquering-karangura-waterfalls-a-rwenzori-adventure/

3. Nyakitokoli Trail: Discover the hidden gems of the Rwenzori Mountains on this scenic hike, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. https://kitararcc.com/2024/11/26/hiking-friends-to-the-mountains-of-the-moon-an-adventure-of-nature-friendship-and-determination/

4. Musandama Trail: Explore the rugged terrain of the Rwenzori Mountains on this challenging hike, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape including the Western Rift Valley, Semulik valley and across Lake Albert.

5. Karangura High Peak Trail: Take on the ultimate challenge and hike to the highest peak in the Rwenzori Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. https://kitararcc.com/2024/03/04/the-planned-tourist-on-his-longest-hike-karangura-peak-in-the-rwenzori/

Other Mountaineering Trips:

1. Kiima Waterfalls: Hike to the stunning Kiima waterfalls in Mapatha Village in Kasese district. https://kitararcc.com/2024/02/05/the-challenge-to-kiima-waterfalls-in-mapatha-village-in-the-mountains-of-the-moon/

2. Kororo Waterfalls: Explore the scenic trails of Kasese and hike to the breathtaking Kororo waterfalls. https://kitararcc.com/2023/09/27/trip-to-the-stunning-natural-beautiful-waterfalls-of-kororo-in-western-uganda/

3. Sebwe Waterfalls: Discover the hidden gems of Kasese on this scenic hike to the stunning Sebwe waterfalls. https://kitararcc.com/2024/02/09/hike-to-the-stunning-natural-sebwe-waterfalls-in-the-rwenzori/

4. Ngite Waterfalls: Hike to the breathtaking Ngite waterfalls combined with Bumaga forest nature walk, Ssempaya hot springs and cocoa farms in Bundibugyo. https://kitararcc.com/2024/07/03/a-cultural-adventure-trip-to-the-magical-hot-springs-and-waterfalls-of-uganda/

5. Gerald Portal Peaks View: Take in the stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains from the Gerald Portal Peaks view in Ruboni tourism village. https://kitararcc.com/2024/09/27/ruboni-tourism-village-tours/

6. Rwagimba Hot Springs: Explore the scenic community trail to Rwagimba hot springs at the footsteps of Rwenzori mountains for both cultural and curative water experience. https://kitararcc.com/2023/06/23/the-mystical-challenge-to-rwagimba-rwajimba-hot-springs-in-uganda/

Explore Other Hidden Destinations of Western Uganda with Kitara Foundation:

Coordinated from Fort Portal Tourism City, Kitara Foundation offers a range of travel destinations within the region. If you are not interested in mountaineering, we have got several community destinations for you;

1. Cultural Visits: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Ankole Long Horned community in Rwamwanja and other cultural villages in western Uganda. https://kitararcc.com/longo-horned-kitara-cows/ and https://kitararcc.com/2024/03/17/kitara-cultural-tours-cultural-village-and-cultural-festivals/

2. Nyakahondogoro Caves: Explore the ancient caves in Ibanda and uncover their secrets; take a satisfying hike up Mabanga hills. https://kitararcc.com/2024/06/01/the-nyakahondogoro-house-of-prayer-of-all-nations-up-mabanga-hill/

3. Cycads Village excursions: Visit the stunning cycads village in Mpanga gorge, Kitagwenda. Discover the foods of the ancient dinosaurs, enjoy a moderate hike and stunning waterfalls. https://kitararcc.com/2024/02/06/captivating-adventures-to-the-africas-cycad-villages-of-kyotamusana-and-karubuguma/

4. Crater Lakes Excursion: Discover the breathtaking crater lakes in Kasenda with the magnificent Lake Nyinambuga. https://kitararcc.com/2024/11/15/discover-the-hidden-gems-of-lake-nyinambuga-and-mahoma-waterfalls/

5. Waterfalls Excursion: Hike to the stunning waterfalls in Kasenda and Mpanga Gorge. https://kitararcc.com/2023/06/23/waterfalls-tourism-in-uganda/

6. Nature Walks: Take leisurely walks around Kyaninga crater lake and Kyeganywa hills for scenic views of water bodies, green vegetation covers and mountains. https://kitararcc.com/2024/11/19/beyond-national-parks-uncover-western-ugandas-hidden-gems-with-kitara-foundation/

7. Adventure Parks: Get your adrenaline pumping at Migano Adventure park in Bigodi or Jobi Adventure park in Kasese, with activities like zip lining, wall climbing, space cycling, and ball games. https://kitararcc.com/2024/11/11/conquering-migano-fort-portal-city-walkers-unforgettable-adventure/

Other Tourism Services by Kitara Foundation

Kitara Foundation offers a range of other tourism and hospitality services in and around Fort Portal Area. Join us on your trip and get the best of Western Uganda.

Accommodation and Meals:

Kitara Foundation offers affordable accommodation options at its Kitara Foundation home for travelers and volunteers, complete with meals. Other options are also provided within Fort Portal and to other destinations. https://kitararcc.com/2024/02/26/fort-portal-home-stay-and-home-for-volunteers-from-abroad/

Community Volunteers Program:

Kitara Foundation also hosts volunteers from abroad in meaningful community empowerment projects such as local schools, village clinics, women and youths’ projects, children projects and other community empowerment projects. https://kitararcc.com/volunteers-from-abroad/

Community-Based Tourism:

We work with local community tourism initiatives, such as hiking clubs and district tourism forums, to promote community-based tourism focusing on Nature conservation and cultural preservation. https://kitararcc.com/community-based-tourism/

Tourism Networking and Marketing:

Kitara Foundation is involved in tourism networking and marketing in Western Uganda under its initiative Uganda Tourism Marketing Team. https://kitararcc.com/portfolio/uganda-tourism-marketing-team/

Tourism Exhibitions, Fairs, and Cultural Festivals:

We organize tourism exhibitions, fairs, and cultural festivals to promote local tourism. https://kitararcc.com/community-tourism/  https://kitararcc.com/2021/11/23/the-bantu-cultural-day/

Kitara Foundation School of Tourism and Hospitality:

We offer community-based tourism and hospitality training in Western Uganda. We extend our skills training program to communities that need the skills most. https://kitararcc.com/school-of-tourism-and-hospitality/

What to Expect:

– Cultural experiences with Bakonzo settlers

– Nature walks and forest walks

– Waterfalls excursions

– Wildlife and birdwatching

– Agricultural experiences (e.g., Karangura coffee)

– Physical fitness hiking

– Camping in the wilderness

– Cultural dance and interactions

– Traditional foods including preparation

– Complete cultural immersion

Join us on an unforgettable adventure in Fort Portal! Contact us to book your mountaineering tour today!