Boomu Women’s group is one of the Community-Based projects that bring you exciting cultural encounters while on a safari in Uganda, especially the Murchison Falls National park.
Much as it is known as a Women’s Group, there are some men in the Group. It is found 13 miles from Masindi within Kigaragara Village, Kihaguzi parish at the edge of the Murchison Falls National Park and Budongo Forest Reserve (near Kichumbayobo gate) and a perfect place to experience an African Village while on a safari in Uganda.
Just like a typical African Village, there is no running water, electricity or even solar lighting within Boomu Village Stay (not because it is not affordable) so as to allow tourists experience and enjoy life in an African Village hence offering an Authentic African cultural Experience. While at this place, you will spends overnight/s in a traditional African Banda and also learn and get to understand how rural Ugandans live their daily lives. You will participate in harvesting and preparing of traditional foods with traditional means (firewood).
Typical organic foods direct from the gardens without refrigeration to the fire then to the plate and interestingly, you will be involved in the entire process from the garden to the plate. Boomu is a local word meaning “together” and visiting this Village Stay will give you an understanding of “working together” as a way of thriving in this World. When the food is ready, you will sit on mats not dining tables and eat using hands as it is done in most Ugandan Villages. However, at you can be offered a fork if you so desire.
The Traditional Cottages/Bandas have clean and well maintained grounds, are surrounded by trees (including fruit trees), flowers and shrubs that offer shelter to several bird and butterfly species. Not only that, the trees offer serene environments perfect for unwinding as you relish the sights and sounds of different birds such as the weaver birds.
The showers of the establishment are open-air with warm water provided in jerry-cans, which is rare although cold water is common. Toilets are environmentally friendly and composing kind.
When it comes to meals, you will be treated to typical traditional Ugandan cuisines. You will participate in the process of preparing it. However, if you desire to eat western food, it will also be prepared for you as well as vegetarians are taken care of. If you desire to feel the freshness and comfort of sleeping in an African Hut, you will be taken to one of the Bandas created as a traditional mud hut. The night will be graced by campfires where you can share stories and legends, which is an ancient African way of sharing history and traditions from one generation to another.
While at Boomu Women’s Group, you will experience an African Village in Uganda where you will also enjoy a guided nature walk, listen to old tales and legends from some of the village elders in addition to the Bunyoro courtship rituals and child birth celebrations among others. You will get firsthand information on the obstacles and challenges that most Ugandan villages face due to the lack of education, utilities such as running water and electricity, the high rate of population growth (an average Ugandan woman gives birth to 7 children in her entire life) and its effect on the land and pressure it brings on the food. This group gives an opportunity to see traditional farming methods and how crops are harvested and processed. Some of the amenities include verdant gardens, craft shop and restaurant as well as an open bar.
Not only that, the group uses some fine bed and other woven products dyed with colors from nature around the surrounding Village. You will see some of the beautiful basket weaving done by the local women. Therefore, some of the activities conducted within this Village include basket weaving lessons. Baskets are made from banana fibres, papyrus and sorghum husks, bee keeping, harvesting and selling of honey, Village walks, cooking demonstrations and bird watching among others.