AMA a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kabarole, Uganda

AMA a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kabarole, Uganda Abanya-Rwenzori Mountaineering Association (AMA) is a community-based organization formed in 1992. It’s committed to improving the lives of area villagers by mobilizing and training farmers and communities in the sustainable use of resources for improved livelihoods. The group mainly engages local communities living around Rwenzori Mountains to benefit from the tourism opportunities presented by the mountains as well as community tourism. The Association mainly offers exciting mountaineering excursions in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park which is renowned for its spectacular cloud-covered mountain landscapes and extraordinary plant life, with terrain ranging from mountain forests to bamboo stands, to the third highest peak in Africa glistening with equatorial glaciers. Three distinct tribes (the Bakonzo, Batooro, Bamba and Batwa pygmies) call the mountains home. Our local guides offer unique opportunities to explore the northern circuit of the national park, and learn about the histories, cultures, and daily lives of the people. From short half-day village tours to multi-day camping expeditions, we custom-tailor each trip to your needs and budget. Activities and experiences: • Karangura Peak Hike- All-day hike to Karangura Peak (3012m) inclusive of camping. • Rwenzori Mini-Hike/ Bundibugyo. Is a Trail Hike over the mountains from Kazingo to Bundibugyo. Two-day hike includes an overnight in Bundibugyo town. • Park Boundary Hike Explore the mountains without paying park fees on this three-day trip. Two mountain home stays and meals are included. • Coffee Tour & Community Walk. Short on time and love coffee? This 2-hour community walk focuses on the area’s cash-crop, coffee • Hikes to Semliki Valley and to visit the famous Sempaya Hot Springs and Semliki River which makes the board of Uganda and DR Congo. Highlights: • Photography – With the great views and sceneries of Rwenzori and Semuliki • Community tour with an opportunity to checkout local blacksmiths at work, enjoy a coffee tour, Visit a Bukonzo witchdoctor and look for some of the potions used to treat the local diseases and misfortunes • Climbing up to the top of Karangura peak (3012m). • Visit the Batwa a community with rich culture, history and unique lifestyle of being forest people and hunters • Bird watching in the Rwenzori Mountains and Semuliki Valley, including the Ntoroko Fishing Village Responsible Travel • AMA works in Kabarole, Ntoroko and Bundibugyo districts in western Uganda and has 45 member community groups. The group is a source of income to a big number of community members. • To benefit the 45 groups and beyond, part of the profits go to community projects, like; • Building fuel-efficient stoves, • Agricultural trainings, • Supporting microfinance schemes, • Developing and supporting a local coffee cooperative. How to get there: From Fort Portal, take a boda-boda from Bundibugyo Stage to Kazingo Village (about $2). You can also hire a car to take you or call us and we’ll arrange your pick-up. Our main office is nestled on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains located in Kazingo village, 13km west of Fort Portal. Most hikes start here. Contacts: PO BOX 835 Fort Portal, Uganda Tel: +256703506081, +256792621397 +256772621397 Emails: azolibahati@gmail.com, azolibahati@yahoo.com Website: ttp://www.rwenzorihiking.org New one: http://abanyarwenzori.wixsite.com/rwenzorihiking Face book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abanya-Rwenzori-Mountaineering-Association/346456545423640 Blog: http://amarwenzori.blogspot.com/ Or contact AMA Uganda Phone: +256(0)754-969-081 E-mail: abanya_rwenzori@yahoo.com