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Gorilla Highlands Pocket Guide
free pocket guide gorillahighlands.com/ videomap interactive map full of short videos trek volcanoes, track gorillas, tour the culture Are you coming to southwestern Uganda for mountain gorillas? You won’t be disappointed! But you may be surprised by what else is on offer... The Gorilla Highlands are defined by towering dormant volcanoes (8) and a mysterious rainforest (7) with many pretty lakes thrown in as a bonus. Lake Bunyonyi (1) boasts numerous islands, like Habukomi with Tom’s Homestay (2), yet it is Lake Mutanda’s (6) volcano backdrop that has no equal. While birders will love the endemic species in Echuya’s mix of woods and bamboo (3), history buffs will be moved by the WWI colonial battles around Chahafi (4) and gourmets appreciate the food of Kisoro (5). If you care about culture, visit the Bakiga museum in Kabale and learn how unmarried pregnant girls were punished at Kisizi Falls (10). For a complete travel package add the savannah of Queen Elizabeth NP (9) and Akagera NP (11) to the wonders of our highlands. 2 Cover photo: Bwindi Impenetrable NP by Marcus Westberg; Mgahinga Gorilla NP volcanoes by Ross Langdon About Gorilla Highlands Kihihi road closed Rwerere Kambuga Queen 9 Elizabeth NP Congo Rukungiri Kebisoni Kanyantorogo Mbarara Kanungu Butogota Buhoma Rutenga 7 Nteko Ruhija Bwindi Impenetrable NP Kisizi 10 Mafuga Forest (planted) Nkuringo Ndego Rushaga Rubuguri Ikumba Karukara Lake Mutanda Lake Mulehe Kateretere 6 Bunagana Muko Kisoro Goma Mgahinga Gorilla NP 8 Ruhengeri, Musanze Kabale Kachwekano Mutolere 5 Bubale Karengere Echuya Forest 3 2 1 Bufundi Mbarara Lake Bunyonyi Lake 4 Kayumbu Akagera Cyanika Rwanda Butanda Rubaya For full info on Gorilla Highlands Trails see pages 4-5 11 Kigali Katuna 5 mile 10 km 3 Gorilla Highlands Trails The Gorilla Highlands initiative (www.gorillahighlands.com) is about branding and promoting our region to make tourism dollars reach those who need them most. The Gorilla Highlands Trails are a prime example of prosperity that comes from work that carries dignity, far away from the usual tourism loop. This system of guided trips, started in 2005, connects the biggest regional attractions and allows visitors to meet and stay with locals who proudly share their rich cultures. Time and again, guests who flew to Uganda to see wildlife will go home talking instead about how rewarding interaction with local people has been! The following page summarises long distance treks while pages 12-13 present Lake Bunyonyi options. 4 An overnight at Mama Bena’s; photo by Marcus Westberg Valley of No Living | $190 👤👤👤👤👤 👤👤👤👤 $230 | 👤👤👤 $290 | 👤👤 $390 | 👤 $550 Parks Reunited | $250 👤👤👤👤👤 length: 2 days; difficulty: 3 length: 3 days; difficulty: 3 start: Bunyonyi/Rushaga (Bwindi) start: Mgahinga/Bwindi Walk where no tourists walk and spend a night camping at a model mountain health centre Canoe through the raw beauty of Lake Mutanda as you connect two grand national parks Three Upland Lakes | $250 👤👤👤👤👤 👤👤👤👤 $290 | 👤👤👤 $360 | 👤👤 $470 | 👤 $810 Rainforest Ramble | $420 👤👤👤👤👤 👤👤👤👤 $480 | 👤👤👤 $590 | 👤👤 $770 | 👤 $1270 length: 3 days; difficulty: 3 length: 5 days; difficulty: 4 start: Bunyonyi/Mutanda start: Bunyonyi/Buhoma (Bwindi) Led by a Batwa “Pygmy” leader cross timeless Echuya Forest and sleep at incredible lakes Upgrade your Three Upland Lakes trek with canoeing across Lake Mutanda and traversing Bwindi Volcano Quest | $250 👤👤👤👤👤 👤👤👤👤 $290 | 👤👤👤 $360 | 👤👤 $470 | 👤 $810 Ultimate Hike | $550 👤👤👤👤👤 👤👤👤👤 $630 | 👤👤👤 $770 | 👤👤 $990 | 👤 $1670 length: 3 days; difficulty: 3 length: 7 days; difficulty: 5 start: Bunyonyi/Mgahinga start: Bunyonyi/Buhoma (Bwindi) Substitute awe-inspiring trekking at the base of volcanoes for one of the Three Upland Lakes Are you strong enough to combine Volcano Quest, a day in Mgahinga, and Parks Reunited? 👤👤👤👤 $290 | 👤👤👤 $360 | 👤👤 $470 | 👤 $810 Prices valid from January 2016 to December 2017. Additional days for gorilla tracking, accommodation upgrades and other adjustments possible. Highlighted title prices refer to five participants or more, on a per person basis. gorillahighlands.com/trails +256 752 558 222 More info 5 People Batwa “Pygmies” are one of the oldest peoples in Africa. They roamed the forests looking for fruits and honey, and hunted with bows and trained dogs. As the woods were cut down by the Bantu, Batwa numbers dwindled. In 1992 they were evicted from the national parks with no compensation. Recently the authorities have shown more understanding and some progress has been made. Please be cautious when offered to “see the Pygmies” and avoid exploitation of the Batwa. There are three recommended activities that resemble each other and show their history in the forest, involving costumes and drama: Batwa Experience at Buhoma, Buniga Forest Walk at Nkuringo and the Batwa Trail in Mgahinga. A different approach is offered through Batwa Today in Echuya Forest (see ad on p.22). More info gorillahighlands.com/batwa The Bantus—the Bakiga of Kabale and the Bafumbira of Kisoro—are primarily mixed crop and livestock farmers. They have similar origins but are divided by language (Rukiga/Rufumbira). Their traditional settlement was a compound with separate houses for wives and their children; each wife had her own livestock and fields. Nowadays high population density and land fragmentation has led to heavy migration to other parts of Uganda. 6 This Pocket Guide is part of Gorilla Highlands, an initiative for economic and cultural transformation through branding and promotion, multimedia products and cultural tourism. © Edirisa, November 2015 [email protected] +256 776 558 123 Batwa elder by Samo Acko; Bakiga lady and Festo Karwemera by Marcus Westberg Photos by Marcus Westberg and Blasio Byekwaso Animals gorillahighlands.com/animals More info Mountain gorillas evolved with the rise of the volcanoes half a million years ago, adapting to the terrain by becoming larger than lowland gorillas and with thicker fur. They are herbivores who sometimes eat ants and termites. Only 782 mountain gorillas exist in the world but the number is increasing. They can be visited in two national parks, Bwindi and Mgahinga. Golden monkeys who share the same environment are also endangered but much less researched. They spend much of their time in the bamboo zone eating bamboo shoots. Mgahinga is the only place to see them. Also present in the area are: elephants, buffalos, chimps, baboons, blue and redtail monkeys, zorillas (skunk-like creatures), otters and many other animals. There have been 115 bird species observed in Mgahinga, over 200 at Bunyonyi and at least 350 in Bwindi. 7 Bwindi Imprenetrable National Park; photo by Georg Schaumberger Bwindi Impenetrable National Park The steep valleys and high ridges of Africa’s oldest rainforest hide much more than just gorillas. Some of the highlights of different Bwindi gates: • Buhoma: most accessible gorillas, nature walk to three waterfalls, Batwa Experience (see p.6), tour of the groundbreaking Bwindi Community Hospital • Nkuringo: spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes, Buniga Forest Walk (see p.6) • Ruhija: nature walk to the bamboo zone or the big swamp that gave Bwindi its name, best birding • Rushaga: largest number of habituated gorilla groups, occasional visits of elephants 8 Bwindi habituated gorilla groups sincegate Bitukura2008Ruhija Busingye2011 Rushaga Bweeza 2011Rushaga Habinyanja1998 Buhoma Kahungye2011 Rushaga Mishaya 2010Rushaga Mubare 1993Buhoma Nkuringo2004 Nkuringo Nshongi2009Rushaga Oruzogo2011Ruhija Rushegura2002 Buhoma See p.18, 21 & 22 Reaching Bwindi km miles hours by car (mini)bus/truck departure price (USh) Kabale 414 257 7 throughout the day 25,000 Kisoro 494 307 9 throughout the day 35,000 Buhoma (via Rukungiri) 472 293 10 morning and night 45,000 Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP) 442 275 8 throughout the day 40,000 to Katunguru 95 59 5 Tue, Fri; daily (minus Sun) to Kanyantorogo 15-20,000 Buhoma (via Kanungu) 112 70 5 Tue, Sat 15-20,000 Ruhija 49 30 2 Mon-Fri 9-13,000 Rushaga 73 45 2.5 Tue, Sat 10-20,000 Nkuringo 91 57 3 Tue, Sat 12-20,000 Rushaga 35 22 1.5 Mon, Thu 5,000 Rubuguri 27 17 1.5 Mon, Thu, Fri 5,000 Nkuringo 33 20 2 Mon, Thu 6,000 from Kampala to: from Kabale to: Buhoma (via Ruhija) from Kisoro to: from Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP) to: Ishasha 96 60 3 / / Buhoma 160 99 4.5 / / Ruhija 206 128 6.5 / / ⚠ roads occasionally passable by 4WD only The prices listed are for orientation only (November 2015); for updates and special hire/boda boda prices please consult www.gorillahighlands.com/trails 9 Kabale population 40,000; elevation 1,863m/6,115ft The major town of the Gorilla Highlands provides all you may expect, including an impressive selection of banks, a challenging 9-hole golf course and the Bakiga Museum, an amazing recreation of a traditional home with unique tools and inventions (see p.22). Rugarama Hospital Highland Hotel rd Green Hills Hotel kisoro Kisoro, Lake Bunyonyi Trucks by car to Kisoro ave. nyere re Banks e. av re ere ny Referral Hospital Kabale Sports Club Golf Course Royal Supermarket District Headquarters um di sta rd Municipal Office Bank of Uganda Bank of Baroda Barclays Bank MTN ba ka Stadium d le r Queen’s Hotel Ngoma Pub Post Office t. es rag ga Cash&Carry rd za mu hu mu Bakiga museum Engagi Guest House Kabale Media Centre (magazines) Golf Side Inn Match&Mix Nightclub Hot Loaf, Little Ritz Horizon Buses Cepha’s Inn Grace Villa Drugstores 1km 10 Skyline Hotels Hotel Equity Bank Taxi Park Visitours Hotel katuna rd Main Market 1500ft Mbarara Kampala bu Buses sh ek w ire an bw White Horse Inn Capricon Hotel rd ya s ko Police Jopfan Country Hotel Gateway Buses Kalita Buses (Fort Portal) 2nd hand clothes market Kigali, Rwanda See p.18 Lake Bunyonyi Lake Bunyonyi was formed 10,000 years ago when a river was dammed by lava. This “place of many little birds” is one of the safest lakes in Africa and has a great number of islands: 29. Some of their histories: • Akampene (Punishment Island): Until the 1940s, unmarried pregnant women were left here to starve to death or drown trying to swim to the shore; they were often saved by poor men or slaves who could not afford the regular bride price. • Bwama: In 1914 it was an anti-colonial rebel base of a famous leader, Katuregye. In 1921, Dr. Leonard Sharp, a missionary, founded a leprosy hospital here. After anti-leprosy drugs were introduced in the 1980s, it became a boarding secondary school. • Njuyeera (Sharp’s Island): Dr. Sharp’s family lived on this island when he was not on duty in Kabale Hospital and converted it into a gorgeous botanical garden with a tennis court, boat house, guest cottage and windmill. Lake Bunyonyi; photo by Marcus Westberg 11 Bucuranuka Bucuranuka UpsideUpside Down Island Down Island Habukomi Island Birdnest overnight Tom’s Homestay Kifuka Munanira Overland Resort Edirisa Bufuka Africa Explorer Kyahugye Kyaba Bushara Bushara Primary S Akampene Akampene Nature’s Prime Is Bugombe Island Bugombe Island Bwama Sharp’s Island Ha’buharo Island Ha’buharo Island BirdNest Resort Bwama Island Lost Paradise Island Itambira with Sharp’s Island Byoona Amagara Itambira Karembe Hill Karembe (2487 m // 8130ft) 8130 ft) (2487m overnight Mama Bena’s place Kyevu 12 Kyevu 1 mile 2 km Gorilla Highlands Trails (p.4) began in 2005 with canoe treks on Bunyonyi. This is learn all about the lake and its people while you paddle in dugouts and hike off Touch of Bunyonyi | $15 👤👤👤👤👤 👤👤👤👤 $20 | 👤👤👤 $25 | 👤👤 $35 | 👤 $55 Kabale length: 2 hours; difficulty: 1 Slide in a dugout canoe over the lake surface to visit its lushest island Bushara Culture on the Crest | $40 👤👤👤👤👤 Swamp 👤👤👤👤 $50 |👤👤👤 $60 | 👤👤 $80 | 👤 $140 BirdNest Resort Kalebas Byoona Amagara landing Rutindo Market, landing Crater Bay Cottages Gorilla Packers Bunyonyi Overland Bugombe Gateway e Beach Arcadia Bunyonyi Safaris Edirisa Bufuka Resort Primary School Feza Cottage ahinga School sland length: half a day; difficulty: 2 Get friendly with a traditional healer and a craftmaker as you admire superb views Islands of Miracles | $90 👤👤👤👤👤 👤👤👤👤 $105 | 👤👤👤 $125 | 👤👤 $165 | 👤 $250 length: 1day; difficulty: 2 Add Bunyonyi’s most famous islands to the program of Culture on the Crest Mama Bena’s Bonus | $180 👤👤👤👤👤 👤👤👤👤 $200 | 👤👤👤 $250 | 👤👤 $320 | 👤 $520 length: 2 days; difficulty: 3 Bunyonyi in numbers: size: 25 km (15 mi) x 7 km (4 mi) area: 61 km2 (24 mi2) altitude: 1,950 m (6,400 ft) depth: 44 m (144 ft) number of islands: 29 max. surface temp.: 25 ºC (77 ºF) 1.6 km Get floored by Bakiga hospitality as you paddle and hike around the lake Mother of All Treks | $230 👤👤👤👤👤 👤👤👤👤 $270 | 👤👤👤 $320 | 👤👤 $410 | 👤 $690 length: 3 days; difficulty: 3 add a tented island homestay and a craftmaker session to Mama’s Bena’s Bonus 1 km s a special way to the beaten track. More info See p.19-20 gorillahighlands.com/trails +256 752 558 222 13 Kisoro population 13,000; elevation 1,890m/6,200ft Lake Mutanda Golden Virunga Hotel Monkey Imperial Supermarket Sawasawa Guest House Coffee Tours UWA office Bunagana, Coffee Pot, Congo crafts Police ro kiso Crane Bank kabale-kisoro rd. Equity Bank Internet Post Office Horizon Travellers Rest buses Mucha Shared Bistro vehicles and Tourist Guesthouse Hotel Stanbic Kisoro UOBDU Supermarket . na rd aga -bun Hospital Market Gateway buses Shared vehicles to Kabale Kindly gas station Graceland Kisoro Centenary Bank Buses Kabale Rwanda oro kis ika an -cy rd. See p.18, 22 Kisoro Congo Ntebeko Ntebeko Gate Kazibakye Swamp Sabinyo Gorge Mt. Sabinyo Garama Cave Mgahinga Gorilla NP 1000ft 500m Muhavura Trailhead Mt. Muhavura Kabiranyuma Mt. Gahinga Swamp 1 mile 2 km Rwanda 14 Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Kisoro, the region’s prettiest town, is in an idyllic setting below the volcanoes. It hosts colourful cross-border markets on Mondays and Thursdays and has a strong beekeeping community. It is the ideal base for adventures in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The smallest, but possibly greatest, of Uganda’s national parks boasts three Virunga volcanoes: Muhavura (4,127m/13,500ft) with a lake at the top, Mount Gahinga (3,474m/11,400ft) with a swamp-filled crater, and Sabinyo (3669m/12,000ft) where three countries meet. Mountain gorilla tracking is, due to less dense vegetation, usually better for photography here than in Bwindi. Other activities: • tracking of rare golden monkeys • the Batwa Trail (see p.6) • hiking into Sabinyo Gorge, to all volcanoes and more MGNP; photo by Marcus Westberg More info get a full chapter on the park in the free PDF sample at: gorillahighlands.com/ebook 15 Lake Mutanda; photo by Blasio Byekwaso Lakes of Kisoro Kisoro district hosts five crater lakes. To swim in the highest one you will have to climb Mt Muhavura (see p.15), while the other four are more easily accessible. Lake Mutanda north of Kisoro is the biggest (10 x 3km or 6 x 2mi), with six significant islands. One of them, Kyangushu, used to be a burial site to avoid bringing bad luck to the mainland – bones remain visible from the lake surface. Lake Murehe nearby is as long as Mutanda is wide, with two islands and much more fish. The twin lakes of Chahafi and Kayumbu to the southeast have swamps with over 60 bird species recorded and sport fishing opportunities. During World War 1 Germans fought the Anglo-Belgian coalition at Lake Chahafi (2 x 0.5km or 1.25 x 0.3mi); trenches can still be seen. Lake Kayumbu is as long as Chahafi but twice as wide, and has an island. 16 See p.20 QENP; photos by Marcus Westberg Queen Elizabeth National Park This park is a wonderful addition to a Gorilla Highlands holiday, popular due to abundant wildlife thriving in its diverse ecosystem of sprawling savanna, humid forests and sparkling lakes. Rare treeclimbing lions live in the Ishasha sector, the part closest to our region, and there are many other species: antelopes, buffalos, crocodiles, elephants, hippos, leopards, primates and more. Some of the attractions: • Kazinga Channel launch trip with plentiful birds and other animals visible from the boat • chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge • equator circles at the northern tip of the park See p.21 17 Classifieds Buhoma Buhoma Lodge: situated at Buhoma, adjacent to the Bwindi National Park from where gorilla tracking begins, this exclusive eco lodge offers top quality services and accommodation with spectacular uninterrupted views of the pristine rainforest canopy from the individual verandas and main area. Ten beautifully appointed and spacious en suite cottages (including one honey-moon suite), with solar lighting, piping hot high pressure showers and flushing toilets, are situated along the mountainside. Doubles/ Twins From USD 280ppn full board, Singles from USD 375ppn with discounts for residents offered. Meals are wholesome and freshly prepared with a variety of international dishes and local specialties also available. Unlimited hot beverages are available all day on a self-serve basis and are delivered to your cottage with early morning wake up calls upon request. Cosy fireplaces provide warmth and comfort in the cool evenings in the main area where guests can relax, dine and discuss the day’s events in this intimate and friendly lodge. 📞 +256 772 721 155 + 256 414 321 479 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.ugandaexclusivecamps.com Mahogany Springs Luxury Lodge: a highend lodge in Buhoma with stunning views of the Bwindi rainforest and surrounding areas, located in beautiful gardens set back on a stream. Our Paradise in the Mist has no equal - do your gorilla tracking in style! Prices start at $240 per person per night, full board. ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.mahoganysprings.com Gorilla Friends Lodge: guest house primarily catering for budget travellers, researchers, and volunteers, located on the main road in Buhoma trading centre. Prices from USD 25 (single) to 70 (self-contained twin full board). 📞 +256 782 822 043, +256 752 600 960 🔗 [email protected] 18 Kabale Cepha's Inn: situated on top of Makanga Hill just minutes from the centre of Kabale Town, boasts the finest amenities around. Relax and enjoy our swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, game room, bouncing castle, fully stocked bar, DSTV, and continental cuisine. Accommodation from USh 85,000 to 220,000 with breakfast included; camping 25,000 pppn. Free wireless internet for residents. 📞 +256 392 821 667, +256 773 240 946 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.cephasinn.com Kisoro Travellers Rest Hotel: the founder of gorilla tourism, Dian Fossey’s, second home and still a home away from home. We offer 11 rooms, USD 82 for a single B&B or USD 95 for a double. Relax in the gardens, enjoy our food and wide range of drinks, sit at the fireplace, or treat yourself to a massage. 📞 +256 414 200 221, +256 777 820 071 ✉ [email protected] Mucha Bistro and Guesthouse: provides a peaceful and modern environment with a stylish interior design in the heart of Kisoro Town. Our accommodation consists of nine European-style rooms, all with own toilet and hot shower. Enjoy the best coffee in town while checking your emails. Rates starting at USD 12. 📞 +256 784 479 520 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 hotel-mucha.com/bistroandguesthouse Sawasawa Guest House: the friendliest accommodation in Kisoro, a great place for backpackers and budget travellers. Prices from $10. 📞 +256 785 642 114, +256 774 472 926 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.sawasawaguesthouse.com Lake Bunyonyi BirdNest@Bunyonyi Resort: This peninsula grass-thatched hotel is as impressive on the inside as it is from the outside. A Belgian investor created it in 2011 after finding a small ruin at a tremendous location. He built it in a way that gives each of the 14 rooms full panoramic lake views. All rooms have a personal touch with a tasteful mix of European and African designs and start from USD 85 at BirdNest Eco Overseas and USD 130 at BirdNest Main Lodge. The resort restaurant and reception are located in one big space that provides a cosy atmosphere. The kitchen is the best in the area, offering a large menu with specialities. The spacious terrace with a fireplace and the large ecological lake shore swimming pool are the central spots for relaxing satisfaction. Different activities organised by the resort will make your BirdNest experience even more complete. The staff are trained following European standards and the management is directly handled by the owner which guarantees a professional approach with lots of personal attention. 📞 +256 758 402 585, +256 776 252 560 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.birdnestatbunyonyi.com Nature’s Prime Island: an ecotourism site on the number one island, for you who wish to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers a unique vantage point from which you experience the beauty and majesty of Mother Nature’s ability. Rise with the sun to the sound of birds singing, not the morning rush hour. Our well-designed rooms (USD 50pp full-board and USD 35pp B&B) have a picturesque view of the lake, mountains and terraces that cover every slope. 📞 +256 772 423 215, +256 772 478 411 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.naturesprimeisland.com Bunyonyi Safaris Resort: the perfect retreat location for workshops and conferences, team building retreats, wedding receptions and anniversaries, graduation and birthday parties, honeymoon and family retreats. Ideal for large groups as we have 46 rooms: 6 cosy private cottages, 36 lake view rooms, 2 executive suites and 2 dormitories. Our rates start from USD 40 for a single room / USD 80 for a double room, on Bed & Breakfast basis. Our facilities and services include a wellequipped conference hall, hilltop events arena, waterfront dock, gym and wellness centre, fireplace lounge and bar, onsite restaurant, canoe and motor boat rides and mountain bike hire. 📞 +256 782 187 892 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.bunyonyisafarisresort.com Bunyonyi Overland Resort: a place beyond comparison in terms of facilities, accessibility, accommodation options and size. The best base to explore the lake. It is ecologically built, with local materials, locally owned and provides important employment opportunities for the people around the lake. Some of the services: free wifi, satellite TV, hot showers, flushing toilets, secure car park, fireplaces, picnic sites. Visa, MasterCard and American Express accepted. Camping from USD 8; dorm bed USD 15; furnished tents from USD 50 B&B; rooms from USD 55 B&B; cottages from USD 70 B&B; family cottage (2 bedrooms, lounge, kitchen) USD 140. 📞 +256 793 930 006, +256 772 409 510 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.bunyonyioverland.com Crater Bay Cottages: a cosy and affordable place to relax and explore Lake Bunyonyi, offering 12 self-contained cottages (twin/ double at USD 65 and family at USD 110), 2 furnished tents at USD 25 and camping at USD 5pp. It is located on the mainland next to the Rutindo Market. Contact: Kamaga Drug Store, Kabale 📞 +256 772 643 996, +256 392 825 467 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 craterbaycottageslakebunyonyi.com 19 Lake Bunyonyi continued... Tom’s Homestay: a community overnight on a beautiful remote island. A cultural tour led by a professional guide, with a dugout canoe ride to and fro, traditional music, and campfire stories. Accommodation is tented, dinner enriched by crayfish, breakfast with local honey. Only USD 55pp. 📞 +256 752 558 222 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.edirisa.org/homestay Edirisa: a rustic place on a primary school peninsula, with basic facilities but a lot of charm and a gorgeous location. The base of an award-winning multimedia team behind Gorilla Highlands. Prices under USD 10. 📞 +256 752 558 222 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.edirisa.org Bunyonyi View Gorilla Packers: relax, refresh, rejuvenate! Where the rates are as incredible as the view! Camping $5, Self-Contained Rooms $30, Family Suite $60. Volunteer with our children’s project and get discounted rates. 📞 +256 779 515 920, +256 700 933 151 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.lovingheartsuganda.com Lost Paradise Beach: wonderful place on the lake with four original cottages - from USh 25,000! Experience African lifestyle at Bunyonyi… Living and travelling with us you support www.orutindo.eu orphans project. 📞 +256 782 192 689, +256 782 435 426 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.lostparadisebeach.jimdo.com Lakeview Coffee House: located on the main road from Kabale, offering excellent views of Bunyonyi. It is a relaxed place to savour Italian coffee and enjoy snacks like pizza, tilapia, crayfish and Indian food. Includes a craft shop, free wifi and satellite TV. 📞 +256 750 777 434, +256 775 925 848 ✉ [email protected] 20 Lake Chahafi Lake Chahafi Resort: we offer eight permanent cabins with spacious en suite bathrooms with both cold and warm shower; bar and restaurant; fireplace and a lounge. The cabins are beautifully designed to blend with the natural setting and spacious inside, with an outer wooden frame and a canvas tent inner. Inside you will find either a twin or double bed decked with plenty of thick layers of bedding to keep you cosy. The roll up netted windows allow for privacy from the outside and ensure that you don't miss out on the magnificent scenery while you are inside. Dbl/Sgl/Dorm USD 90/70/20 BB. 📞 +256 782 754 496, +256 793 330 974 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.lakechahafiresort.com Lake Mutanda Hotel Mucha: the modern, unique and fresh hotel experience between Kisoro Town and Lake Mutanda. Our aim was to integrate a western style hotel into the natural environment of the Mucha river and to conserve the unique flora and fauna. 10 luxury double rooms with either volcano or river view, a restaurant with terrace serving crossover cuisine, managed by owners from Europe. Rates starting at USD 70. 📞 +256 784 478 605 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 hotel-mucha.com/hotel Mutanda Lake Resort: located on a peninsula and a great starting point for gorilla tracking. It is famous for excellent food and the most beautiful views on the Virunga volcanoes. Rooms from USD 135 for a single or USD 180 for a double/twin. 📞 +256 789 951 943 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.mutandalakeresort.com Chameleon Hill Lodge: this exclusive, yet un-pretentious and vibrant new lodge enjoys spectacular views across Lake Mutanda, with the Virunga mountains as a magnificent back drop. Each chalet flaunts its own identity and colour scheme along with furnishings that boast a unique Euro-African style. We offer a special blend of comfort and relaxation, where attention to detail and friendly personalised service are paramount. As well as being the perfect base to visit the Gorillas, one can also enjoy a trip on our hand built boat available for various excursions. If in need of a little pampering, our masseur is also on hand to spoil you. The resort’s kitchen is already famous for its mouth-watering food. Specialities include bread from a wood fired oven and the freshest salads from our very own organic herb garden. Enter ‘Lake Mutanda Chameleon Hill ‘ on www. tripadvisor.com to see what other people think of us! Prices start at USD 200. 📞 +256 772 721 818 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.chameleonhill.com Nkuringo Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge: tucked away in Nkuringo (southern Bwindi), it is removed from traditional tourist traps but has immediate access to track 6 gorilla families, and perfect, uninterrupted views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Since it opened, this intimate lodge continues to win prizes, awards and accolades. Guests stay in their own cottages built of local volcanic stone, which have large sitting rooms with double-sided fireplaces, vast overstuffed armchairs, big bathrooms, private verandas and the most comfortable beds in Uganda. Personal butlers, delicious food from our organic vegetable garden, a massage spa and infinite attention-to-detail complete your stay. Priced $395 - $610 per person sharing per night (season-dependent). Kampala office: Wildplaces Africa, Bugolobi. 📞 +256 414 251 182, +256 772 489 497 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.wildplacesafrica.com Queen Elizabeth NP Ishasha Wilderness Camp: situated besides the Ntungwe river within the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, this eco friendly, upmarket wilderness camp offers the ideal combination of luxury in a natural, bush environment. Renowned for its excellent game viewing opportunities including the lions in the trees, elephants, buffalos, leopards, hyenas and many antelope varieties, there is much to offer at this location for bird enthusiasts too. Ten spacious en suite tented rooms under the shady riverine trees overlook the river where animals can often be seen enjoying the cooling water. Doubles/Twins From USD 310ppn full board, Singles from USD 405ppn with discounts for residents offered. Meals are top quality and special arrangements for intimate dinners, bush breakfasts and sundowners can be made. Unlimited hot beverages are available all day on a self-serve basis and are delivered to your room with early morning wake up calls upon request. An open fire area is provided in the evenings where guests can relax and enjoy the "safari" environment. 📞 +256 772 721 155, + 256 414 321 479 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.ugandaexclusivecamps.com Wild Tracks Overland Camp: located on the boundary of Queen Elizabeth National Park, 1.5 km past the equator on Fort Portal - Mpondwe Road along the way to Bwera, Kikorongo (3 km from the Equator). Set on a hill with spectacular views of Lake George, Lake Kikorongo and the Savannah plains, we offer accommodation in affordable shared guest cabins (from USD 26) and safari camping (from USD 7) with a variety of meals and drinks served in the restaurant and an adjacent bar. 📞 +256 701 317 476, +256 771 629 804 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.wildtracksafaris.com 21 Ruhija Bakiga Lodge: four ensuite rooms (2 people USD180 FB), restaurant and bar, all with spectacular views over Bwindi. We are just 5 minutes from the Ruhija gorilla tracking meeting point. All profits fund water development work for our NGO. 📞 +256 774 518 421 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.bakigalodge.org Rushaga Nshongi Camp: ideally situated just 5 minutes walking distance from the UWA meeting point, this environmentally friendly accommodation is the perfect base for visiting the many gorilla groups in Rushaga. Guests stay in cosy and clean traditional bandas right at the boundary of the forest, in a nice garden full of flowers. Perfect place for birdwatching. The kitchen serves delicious local food. Camping USh 10,000, bandas from 35,000. Visit to the local Batwa village and other activities can be organised. ✉ [email protected] 🔗 nshongicamp.altervista.org Rushaga Gorilla Camp: built on 6 acres of land bordering Bwindi, the lodge is 15 minutes’ walk away from the gorilla tracking starting point. Its location on a mountain slope guarantees nice vistas of the national park and of a spring where elephants occasionally come down for a drink. Camping from USD 10; rooms from USD 40 B&B; luxury tents from USD 80 B&B. 📞 +256 774 633 331, +256 752 409 510 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.rushaga.com Gorilla Valley Lodge: hidden in a beautiful valley close to Rushaga, with fantastic panoramic views of Bwindi, this is a lodge to fall in love with. Our place from which you can trek any of the gorilla groups in the southern sector of the park is also reasonably priced: a double on a full-board basis starts at USD 156. 📞 +256 414 200 221, ++256 777 820 071 ✉ [email protected] 22 Tours and Activities Coffee Tours: a community-based travel agency that practices responsible tourism and provides: coffee safaris, homestays, nature walks, school visits, Batwa visits, general tours to Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. 📞 +256 777 412 288, +256 706 783 311 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 mountaingoriillacoffeetours.shutterfly.com Chigo Tours: offers tailor made tours, unique adventures in Uganda; from chimpanzee tracking and wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth to oncein-life time experience to view mountain gorillas! Enjoy primate viewing and nature with us! 📞 +256 776 301 902 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.chigotours.com Bakiga Museum: Festo Kar wemera’s masterpiece is an impressive recreation of a traditional homestead with unique tools and inventions. USh 10,000 for a guided tour of 30 minutes. 📞 +256 752 558 222 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.edirisa.org/museum Batwa Today: How to make a visit to the Batwa “Pygmies” a positive and enriching experience, for both the Batwa and their visitors? Edirisa has been trying to answer this question for a decade. In 2012 we got to know John Kanusu as our guide for treks that include crossing Echuya Forest Reserve. A year later we began to closely cooperate with the Batwa community Kanusu leads, impressed by their dedication to bettering their situation. The resulting activity, Batwa Today, combines a nature walk in Echuya Forest Reserve, a visit to the Batwa community of Rwamahano and a unique Bakiga bar cultural exchange. It usually begins from any Lake Bunyonyi lodge and includes a scenic lake drive. We can also meet you on the road if you arrive from Kisoro or Bwindi. Prices start from USD 30. 📞 +256 752 558 222 ✉ [email protected] 🔗 www.edirisa.org/batwa Phrase Book RukigaEnglish Rufumbira Ni gaahe/Agandi How are you? Ndi gye/Ni marungi I’m fine Oraire gye? How was your night? Osiibire gye? How’s your day been? Osiibi gye Good day Oraare gye Good night OgumehoGoodbye Umezute/Uraho? Ndaho/Meze neza/Yegoo Waraye/Waramutseho neza? Wiriwe/Wiriweho? Umusi mwiza Urare neza/Uramuke Ngaho/Urabeho Yebare (munonga) Thank you (very much) YeegoYes IngaahaNo KareOK SeboSir NyaboMadam Munywani/MugyenziFriend Wakoze (cane) Yeego/Yee Oya Kare/Nibyo Mutware Mubyeyi/Mucyara/Mukuru Nshuti/Mugenzi Interactive eBook $14.99 on the iBooks Store An award-winning travel guide with an in-depth companion: almost 400 pages of expert advice and photography, video clips, an extensive audio phrasebook, up to date prices and maps gorillahighlands.com/ebook 23 launch trip Queen Elizabeth NP Lake Edward chimps tree-climbing lions Uganda DR Congo Bwindi The Gorilla Highlands region is compact enough to allow for short visits chock-full of attractions but if you have a week or two at your disposal, you will get the best out of it. When coming from abroad, it makes sense to fly through Rwanda’s capital Kigali. More: gorillahighlands.com/tours Kampala Ntungamo gorillas Tanzania Lake Bunyonyi Kisoro Mgahinga volcanoes, gorillas Kabale Katuna Musanze Rwanda Akagera NP sand beaches giraffes, zebras Rubavu Lake Kivu 25 km 10 mi Kigali This edition of the Pocket Guide is supported by the UNDP in collaboration with UTB and UNWTO.
