Hold onto your wanderlust, fellow adventurers! What if we told you there’s a new frontier in travel, one where your explorations don’t just leave footprints, but create lasting positive change? This isn’t your average tourist trail; it’s a vibrant, immersive journey into the heart of Uganda, driven by the belief that local communities hold the key to truly transformative experiences.

The spark for this incredible expedition ignited in Germany, with a passionate conversation between Danielle Finch, Rogers Nasasira, and Sabiiti Fenekansi. Danielle, a self-proclaimed “seed planter” from a Michigan classroom, was captivated by a staggering truth: 95% of tourism revenue in developing countries often vanishes, bypassing the very communities that make the experience special. But what if we could flip that script? What if local hands, empowered and connected, could unlock a potential annual income increase of $5,500 per person? With a global tourism market of $11 trillion in 2024, the opportunity to redefine who truly benefits is enormous.

The Game-Changer! This isn’t about charity; it’s about shifting market share. Equera, a revolutionary mobile app built for and with local communities, is poised to democratize the tourism industry. It provides the tools, resources, and market access local and community-based organizations need to thrive in the global arena.

And so, the Equera seed, nurtured by Danielle’s vision, sought fertile ground in Uganda. Fueled by a promise to herself to one day explore these vibrant lands, Danielle’s call echoed across Uganda’s valleys and mountains. Rogers and Sabiiti, seasoned tourism enthusiasts, instantly shifted gears. Their focus sharpened on community tourism, igniting a shared eagerness to discover, learn, and collaborate.

Just a few weeks later, Danielle touched down in Entebbe, ready to dive into the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2025 (POATE25). It was a whirlwind of fascinating stories from every corner of the country, with ministers, CEOs, and industry leaders showcasing their contributions. And amidst the impressive displays, genuinely exciting narratives of Community-Based Tourism began to emerge – promising glimpses of the adventure to come.

The Journey begins: Deep in the Heart of Ankole – Where Cows are Kings!

The real journey began in Western Uganda, with Danielle meeting Rogers amidst the iconic, long-horned Ankole cows and the vibrant Banyankole culture. Our first home was the Rwenjeru Community Tourism Camping Site, perfectly nestled near the entrance of Lake Mburo National Park. It was an instant immersion! Imagine learning to graze and even milk these magnificent creatures, all while soaking in the breathtaking Mbarara landscapes and experiencing the unparalleled hospitality of the Banyankore people. As dusk settled, we gathered around the campfire, sharing age-old Ankole tales, laughing, and bonding under the African sky.

Of course, no trip to this region is complete without a visit to Lake Mburo National Park itself, where majestic giraffes, graceful zebras, and a host of other incredible animals roamed freely. Saying goodbye to the warm embrace of Rwenjeru was tough, but the rest of Western Uganda beckoned!

Next Up: Chimpanzees, Coffee, and the Buzz of Bigodi!

Our next adventure took us to the Bigodi Community Tourism Project, where the charming Little Monkey Campsite at the gate of Kibale National Park became our new haven. Kibale, the very heartland of the majestic chimpanzee, offered a truly wild experience. We delved into banana and coffee farm experiences, satisfying our curiosity about these vital crops. The air buzzed with excitement as tourists bustled around, eager to embark on their chimpanzee trekking adventures. This was the real Africa, unfolding before our eyes! But even as new adventures beckoned, the “Tourism City” of Fort Portal awaited, ready for us to meet our final companion, Sabiiti.

Fort Portal: Where Three Minds Meet and Crater Lakes Beckon!

Finally, the trio united in Fort Portal Tourism City! Sabiiti’s cheerful demeanor was just as his online photos promised. Our excitement palpable, our next destination was an exhilarating Crater Lakes excursion. Our journey began at the incredibly scenic Lake Nyinambuga. With Crescent, a local tourism and hotel entrepreneur, leading the way, our trek continued to Lake Kifurukwa, Lake Lyantonde, and Lake Mwamba, where a beautifully crafted accommodation facility promised comfort amidst nature’s splendor. Crescent, with his Engeya Tours Uganda, is a master of these crater lake trails. At Lake Lyantonde campsite, our hearts were warmed by an impromptu interaction with the bright-eyed children of Devine Care Nursery and Primary School.

Winding through village paths and lush plantations, we stumbled upon a vanilla farm – a truly unique experience! We listened, captivated, to stories of the painstaking process of growing vanilla, learning about the rewarding harvests and excellent earnings for the farmers.

Next, a refreshing treat awaited us at the hydrotherapy massage of Mahoma waterfalls. Nestled within a lush natural forest with intriguing volcanic caves, it was the perfect spot to soak and cool our bodies after a day of exploration. Crescent, our guide, was truly making this an unforgettable experience!

As we transitioned towards the beautifully situated Lake Mwamba Lodge, perched majestically above the lake with breathtaking views, we encountered hospitable local brewers of “waragi,” a banana-based brew. They generously offered us a taste, and Sabiiti’s declaration of “It’s tasty!” summed it up perfectly. At Mwamba Lodge, an even greater treat awaited: the sweet, smooth Vanilla Gin, brewed using the very vanilla harvests we’d just seen. We all craved more, but alas, it was the last bottle in stock!

Our afternoon was topped off with a delightful lunch meeting with the Tooro Kingdom Minister for Tourism, Hon. Duncan, at Woods Place (also known as Karokarungi). Over a delicious meal of matoke, Irish potatoes, rice, chicken, and vegetable mix, Duncan shared invaluable insights into Fort Portal’s booming tourism scene, especially cultural tourism and its growing accommodation facilities. The camaraderie was palpable as Duncan and Rogers, from rival secondary schools, shared nostalgic stories. Duncan’s commitment to growing community tourism in the region was infectious, and his enthusiasm, alongside Sabiiti’s, for building a regional Tourism Investors Forum to unite entrepreneurs for collaboration and marketing was truly inspiring.

As evening approached, we headed to our next cozy accommodation: the Kitara Foundation Home for Travelers and Volunteers from Abroad, hosted by none other than Sabiiti himself! A hot cup of coffee preceded a delicious dinner at a city restaurant, where local delicacies like millet, potatoes, and rice were served with fish, beef, groundnuts, beans, cowpeas, and fresh green vegetables. Though tired, the warmth of the hospitality and the richness of the day’s discoveries left us deeply content. The night, though cool by Ugandan standards, was a welcome warmth for our German traveler.

Ascent to the “Mountains of the Moon”: The Rwenzori Adventure!

True to our word, we were up at 6 AM, hot coffee in hand, ready for the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, the “Mountains of the Moon.” The scenery was breathtaking – beautiful landscapes, swollen rivers hinting at recent rains, and serene lakes. Leaving the tarmac, we plunged deep into the roots of the mountains, arriving at Ruboni Tourism Village and the acclaimed Ruboni Tourism Community Camp – winners of the Global Community Tourism Award 2024! This entire village, we quickly learned, was a coffee haven, with “drink coffee” signs at every turn.

A welcoming cup of coffee greeted us at the camp, where energetic young men and women awaited. Our planned hike to the Portal Peaks of the Rwenzori mountains beckoned, but the heavens had other plans, unleashing a downpour. “A Rolex before we climb?” Rogers suggested, and we all eagerly agreed. As the rain subsided, we devoured Uganda’s beloved “Rolex” (a delicious omelet wrapped in chapati) before setting off.

Despite full rivers and broken local bridges, our determination remained. “Rwenzori must ask for water!” Sabiiti declared, adding to the adventurous spirit. Kilometers up the mountain, stunning views unfolded, and we spotted beautiful chamerions and birds singing. The path grew narrow and slippery, leading to an unexpected roll from Rogers, displaying his herdsman agility!

Our guide, Osbert, a focused and ambitious young man freshly trained, proudly served this well-organized tourism community of Ruboni. The uphill trails were meticulously maintained, and the summit beautifully cleared and reforested – all thanks to the dedicated work of the Ruboni Community Tourism Camp. The descent, however, came with a few fiery surprises in the form of red ants, clearly unhappy with our intrusion! And just as we thought we were in the clear, the skies opened again, soaking us through just a few kilometers before reaching the camp.

Despite being drenched by nature’s gifts, we were met with the incredible Rwenzori Cultural Dance group, an electrifying performance with songs tailored to the Bakonzo culture, the vibrant inhabitants of the Rwenzori mountains. Mr. Felix Kamalha, the coordinator for the Ruboni Community Tourism project, shared his vast knowledge about this model village – a program truly owned by community members who’ve built impressive accommodations, rejuvenated a natural forest bordering the national park, and crafted numerous engaging activities for visitors. Ruboni Tourism Village truly stands as a shining example of community tourism for the rest of Uganda. However, one key challenge emerged: the need for further skills building and enhanced marketing for their exceptional tourism products. Early the next morning, as we departed Ruboni, we witnessed a community cleaning exercise – a weekly routine where villagers, proudly adorned in aprons, meticulously collected plastics. This was commitment in action!

From Mountains to Lakes: The Rolling Hills of Kigezi!

As the sun rose bright, we left Ruboni and the majestic Rwenzori region, embarking on a journey to another incredible community tourism hub: the Kigezi region, encompassing Kabale and Kisoro. Our next destination: the serene Lake Bunyonyi.

We passed through Kasese town, clean and bustling, the main hub of the Rwenzoris, before reaching Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our obligatory stop at the Equator crossing allowed us to straddle both hemispheres – a popular photo op for locals and international tourists alike! Next, a captivating boat cruise at Katunguru bridge on the Kazinga Channel, connecting Lake George to Lake Edward. This channel, fed by rivers from the Rwenzoris, is teeming with crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, and elephants. Most remarkably, a community once reliant on hunting and a threat to wildlife has transformed into a community tourism center, where responsible fishing supports livelihoods, and park animals are protected, preserving natural heritage. A heart-stopping face-to-face encounter with an elephant and its baby (captured perfectly by Rogers’s camera!) added to the thrill, though Rogers later admitted to a moment of “screaming” when a mountain-sized elephant pretended to close the road!

Our next stop was Ibanga Eco Lodge in Bunyaruguru, where the amazing young tourism manager, Ronald, awaited. After a quick tour of the accommodations, we embarked on a trek to the majestic Twin Crater Lakes. The breathtaking scenic views of the Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the distant Rwenzori Mountains were simply unforgettable. This area boasts over 30 crater lakes, including the majestic Lake Africa. A quick Rolex lunch amidst these stunning vistas, and then we hit the road for Kabale.

The drive was long but enjoyable, filled with captivating journey stories. We traversed thick forests, lush tea plantations, verdant banana farms, and cattle ranches, finally reaching the rolling hills of Kabale. The wind grew cooler, and though Kabale town had its share of potholes, the journey’s common saying, “In Uganda you are serious alone,” provided a moment of shared humor.

Then came the climb, up hills and down valleys, to Lake Bunyonyi. Time to park the car, grab our bags, hop into a boat, and cruise to one of the lake’s 29 islands! Our boat captain, Boaz, a joyful young man, skillfully guided us, keeping the conversation lively. We were entering a different world, transitioning from the cool, rainy Rwenzoris, through the warm dry Ankole region to Uganda’s coldest zone.

Silas, our welcoming host at Paradise Eco Hub on Itambira Island, was ready for our stay. Established in 2016, this project boasts first-class accommodation, including unique GeoDome Nest caves, Deluxe Lake View cottages, and a Kings Nest cave, alongside a range of budget options.

Eco-friendly services are at the core of their operations, conserving the natural environment. Community empowerment projects like farming and beekeeping thrive here. This is also the home of the Good Life Community Project, with its vital Children’s Education Center. A magical night nature walk through the accommodation areas and delicious food completed the evening’s adventure.

The establishment, founded by Rev. Captain Byarugaba, a retired Anglican church minister and teacher, radiates inspiring stories of community empowerment. As the senior citizen himself says, “Give me where to stand, give a pulley and a wedge, I will move this world to another place.”

A new day dawned with a nature walk across Itambira Island, with Silas sharing insights into the developments and cultural perspectives of the Bakiga people of Kigezi. It was Sunday morning, and the rhythmic drumming from churches on the islands and mainland called Christians to prayer. Birds sang their melodies, and the iconic Uganda Crested Crane gracefully appeared in various locations. Other guests from Spain, America, Germany, and the Netherlands were also arriving, drawn to this idyllic haven.

The afternoon boat cruise was simply amazing, hopping from one island to another, soaking in ancient and current stories of nature, culture, and even local politics. The highlight: witnessing the breathtaking sunset over the legendary Punishment Island – a truly mesmerizing moment of appreciating the region’s beauty. An evening nature walk on the largest island, exploring historical schools, churches, and hospitals, rounded off our unforgettable experience. Though a little tired, we knew we had to rest for our early departure, saying goodbye to the wonderful people of the islands.

Kisoro: The Cradle of Gorillas and Batwa Culture!

Our journey continued to Kisoro, the land of the Bafumbira people, where our host, Mr. Roland, awaited. The winding road itself was exciting, leading us to the very cradle of gorillas.

Our visit to the Batwa people community was truly amazing, a vibrant display of culture and nature! We couldn’t resist joining their traditional dances and participating in target bow and arrow shooting – it was pure fun! The coffee experience here was equally enriching, from seeing the beans on the farm to savoring the perfect cup. A hike to Sagitwe Hills offered a glimpse of the majestic Virunga Mountains and scenic views of Kigezi. Though it was time to say goodbye once more, we left with our minds and souls brimming with knowledge and incredible experiences in Community-Based Tourism. Yes, we have found the answer. Stay tuned for the second part of this unforgettable adventure and study tour! We come with the answer to the most important question about Community Based Tourism in Uganda

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