We reached the camp without any problem as it is clearly signposted at the junction in Kikorongo (2 km North of the Equator), on the road from Ishaka towards Kasese. Upon our arrival Apollo, the manager, welcomed us and was happy to show us around. The camp is new and only opened for guests late in 2008, while still completing some of the works in 2009. Apollo explained to us that SBI Road Construction used to have their offices on the compound until their works were finished a few years ago. Amos of Great Lakes Safaris’ initial plan was to demolish the old SBI structures and completely rebuild new cottages. Due to the solid foundations it proved to be too expensive and the team quickly developed a plan B on how to convert the dining hall and offices into semi-detached cottages and dormitories. The result is commendable with each room having a selfcontained bathroom and its own veranda to enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains.

Apollo informed us that after SBI road construction had abandoned the compound, bats moved into the roofs of the buildings. While they are helpful as they eat mosquitoes, their dung unfortunately can be quite smelly. The camp had a major de-infestation exercise completed in late 2008, but more are to come to make sure that the bats move out permanently from under the roofs All in all the team has done an excellent job in converting the existing structures into a green and friendly compound. The dining hall now houses three twin rooms and one triple room – in which we stayed, out of a total of currently 11 twin en-suite rooms. The previous main office was converted into a family cottage, which can sleep up to five people. Finally, two mixed dormitories were established with a total sleeping capacity of 40.

All rooms have mosquito nets, running water (toilet and shower), solar powered hot water and lights, and come with towels, soap and flip-flops. We found the rooms were very clean and had a good night rest. While the camp is directly off a main road, there was little traffic at night and the cottages are far enough away to not be disturbed by the passing trucks. The camp could improve, however, the hard foam pillows by replacing them with a softer material or just less voluminous pillows.

In addition the team has cleared some bush areas on the compound to create a campsite. Currently, campers share the lavatories attached to the dormitories, but separate facilities for the campers are planned. The plan is to also include cooking facilities for overlanders, among other improvements to cater to all travelers of all budgets.

Cuisine
As food is as important as a comfortable bed and a peaceful night’s sleep to me and my family, we glanced through the daily lunch menu with high expectations. As it turned out chips and sandwiches (steak or cheese) are regular items on the menu, supplemented by a daily special. Prices range from 3,000 UGX for chips to 6,000 to 8,000 UGX for the ham salad and sandwiches, to 12,000 UGX for the daily special, which was Spaghetti Bolognaise. The desert was a fruit salad priced at 3,500 UGX. The portions were generous and tasty, leaving no stomach hungry.

The chef is keen on providing choices for meat lovers as well as vegetarians, which was also reflected in the dinner choices, ranging from rice with vegetables, Indian daal with chapati to pork chops and chips, rounded up with a fruit salad or crepes. Prices are similar to the lunch menu, with the highest dish costing 18,000 UGX. When we expressed our compliments to the chef, we were informed that the bar and restaurant are also very popular on weekends with locals from the nearby trading centre Kikorongo – which is no surprise given the relaxed atmosphere and delicious food.

Activities
The management is very helpful in organising trips starting from the camp. For backpackers arriving with public transport, the camp can make arrangements to hire a 4WD vehicle and driver for game drives to the nearby Kasenyi track (famous for lion sightings) and the crater tour starting from the Queen’s Pavilion gate. After several days of driving safaris we opted for an outdoors activity with the Rwenzori Conservation Trust Limited. This local project only started in 2009 to offer community walks to promote sustainable tourism projects and environmental conservation. The camp works closely with the project and markets as well as arranges the community walks. Apollo helped to organise our guide, who picked us up after breakfast. The starting point is about a 10 minutes drive from the camp – which can be reached in your own or in a hired vehicle. We walked past shambas (gardens) and homes of local bakanzo people with beautiful mountain views, and crossed a locally constructed bridge. Our guide explained the various crops being grown and provided an insight into local village life. The walk lasted about 1 1/2 hours and is suitable for all age groups.

Our last stop was a primary school in Kakando, where children welcomed us with songs. There is also the opportunity to join an outdoor English lesson, but we opted to just chat with the children, which is encouraged as they benefit from practicing their English and from learning to interact with foreigners. Parts of the proceeds go to the school for maintenance and running costs but also to other small community projects.

Simba Safari Camp Facilities and prices:
- Spacious restaurant
- Well-stocked bar
- Lounge with TV
- Solar powered hot water and lights
- Recharging of batteries and phones can be done
in the restaurant area
- Internet connection and workstations are
planned for 2010
Prices for staying at Simba Safari Camp are very
reasonable starting at 40$ for a single room. Overall
our experience was very good in terms of value for
money regarding cleanliness, friendly staff and good
food.

Contact:
For more information, please contact:
Simba Safari Camp (Main Office)
Susie House, 1st Floor, Ggaba Road, Kampala
Tel: (041) 4267153. Mobile: +256 772 426368
Email: info@ugandalodges.com.
Website: www.ugandalodges.com

For bookings for the community walks:
Mobile: +256 752 597922 (Ayub Kitalemire) or
Mobile: +256 752 831412 (Balinda Julius) or
+256 774978322 (Simba Safari Camp)
Email: rwencont@gmail.com /
juliusbalindabruce@gmail.com