Also known as “Dave the Cave Camp”, Nyanz’ibiri Eco-Community Camp is one of the off the beaten-path places that allows birding enthusiasts, hikers and adventure lovers to unleash their passion and experience whatever in the World is described as breathtaking.
The site is referred as a gateway to exploring the twin Crater Lakes-Kyema and Kamweru as well as the transparent Lake known as Kamunzuku on top of offering opportunities of exploring the nearby Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest Reserve.
While in this place, you are sure of encountering the Chimpanzees (if lucky), beautiful birds that are endemic to the area of western Albertine Rift Valley of which the Crater Lakes are part of in addition to the small mammals species. It’s not only the natural attractions that will blow your mind but also the oral legends that will be told of the area (especially those surrounding the Lakes) by some of the local guides. Notably, the area of known to have acted as an area of refuge by the local community members during the war times especially during Dr Apollo Milton Obote and Idi Amin Dada regimes and when National Resistance Army soldiers passed through the area during the time of Bush Wars.
There are also Caves that were used for conducting sacrifices as part of the oral traditions of the area regarding the Caves and the mysterious Crater Lakes. Therefore, your visit to the site is not just for the wildlife, birds and comfortable basic accommodation as well as place of unwinding but also an area of cultural encounters due to the rich cultures to experience.
Nyanz’ibiri Eco-Community Camp is a budget accommodation facility featuring three African-style furnished Bandas with comfortable beds, showers (hot water is provided on demand) and a semi-open air toilet and bathroom. Not only that, there is a private deck that overlooks the phenomenal Crater Lake in front of you but also offers views of the surrounding areas in addition to the sounds of the beautiful singing birds such as grey crowned cranes and African fish eagles among others.
One unforgettable moment about this site is the finger-licking foods and vegetable salads harvested from the fertile gardens including the herbs that add flavor to the meals you will be served. The fish you will enjoy here is harvested from the nearby Crater Lake or the larger Lake at the bottom of the escarpment. Dinner time is not only about food but endless entertainment by the local community dancers that allow you to get an understanding on the culture of the people around.
Still on-site is the Museum with an authentically preserved Bunyaruguru Hut that is filled with several precious local artifacts that were used as tools and objects in the past and today. Be prepared to learn about the creativity and innovations for the locals.
In conclusion, visiting the Nyanz’ibiri Eco-Community Center offers an off-beaten path and as an add-on for tourists visiting Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks for gorilla trekking safaris, Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking as well as Queen Elizabeth National Park during Uganda safaris.
