Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp is a community-owned and community-managed accommodation located near the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The camp offers an authentic, budget-friendly stay for travelers visiting one of Uganda’s most important gorilla trekking regions. It focuses on cultural connection, conservation support, and direct community benefit rather than luxury, making it a meaningful base for gorilla trekkers and responsible travelers.
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Explore More About Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
Background and Lodge Mission
The name Amajambere Iwacu translates to “Our Development,” clearly reflecting the camp’s purpose. The camp was established by the local community to ensure tourism revenue directly improves livelihoods around Bwindi. Its mission centers on empowering local families, supporting education and health initiatives, and encouraging conservation by linking income to the protection of mountain gorillas and their forest habitat.
Location and Accessibility
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp is located in Rushaga, one of Bwindi’s most active gorilla trekking sectors. The camp sits close to the Rushaga Gorilla Trekking briefing point, making it highly convenient for early morning departures.
Access routes include:
Road transfers from Kabale and Kisoro
Southern Bwindi circuit connections
Cross-border access from Rwanda via Cyanika Border
Its strategic location reduces travel time on trekking days and allows guests to fully engage with community activities nearby.
Accommodation Style and Comfort
Accommodation at the camp remains simple, functional, and locally inspired.
Bandas and Rooms
The camp offers basic bandas and rooms constructed using local materials. Rooms are clean and practical, designed to provide rest after long trekking days rather than indulgence.
Camping Options
Space is available for guests traveling with their own tents, ideal for backpackers and overland safari travelers.
Facilities are shared, and comfort levels are modest, aligning with the camp’s community-focused approach.
Dining Experience
Meals at Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp are locally prepared, using ingredients sourced from nearby farms and markets. The menu typically features Ugandan staple dishes that are filling and nutritious, ideal for guests preparing for or recovering from gorilla treks.
Dining often takes place in a communal setting, encouraging interaction between travelers, staff, and community members.
Activities at or Around the Lodge
Gorilla Trekking
Rushaga sector offers multiple habituated gorilla families, and the camp provides one of the closest budget bases for trekking activities.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Rushaga is one of the few sectors offering the gorilla habituation experience, making the camp a practical stay for travelers participating in this extended encounter.
Community and Cultural Walks
Guests can join guided village walks, traditional dance performances, and local craft demonstrations organized by the community.
Nature Walks and Birding
The surrounding countryside supports birdlife and scenic walks that introduce guests to Bwindi’s agricultural and forest-edge landscapes.
Services at the Lodge
Services are simple but supportive:
Basic accommodation and camping facilities
Shared sanitation facilities
Communal dining area
Assistance with gorilla permits and activity arrangements
Local guides for community tours
Electricity may be limited, and guests should plan for an off-grid experience.
Conservation and Social Impact
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp plays a direct role in conservation by tying tourism income to forest protection. Funds generated support education programs, household income diversification, and conservation awareness. This model helps reduce reliance on forest resources and strengthens local support for gorilla conservation.
Who Should Stay at the Lodge
This camp is ideal for:
Budget travelers and backpackers
Gorilla trekkers in Rushaga sector
Travelers interested in community-based tourism
Conservation-focused visitors
Overland and adventure travelers
It may not suit travelers seeking luxury facilities or private amenities.
Planning Your Stay
Advance reservations are recommended during peak gorilla trekking seasons, particularly from June to September and December to February. Guests should pack warm clothing, rain gear, and personal essentials. The camp pairs well with itineraries combining Bwindi with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Rwanda’s Volcanoes region.
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp stands as a strong example of how tourism can directly empower communities while protecting Bwindi’s endangered mountain gorillas. It offers purpose-driven accommodation for travelers who value impact, authenticity, and connection over comfort.