What You Need To Know About Rwenjeru Community Camping Site

Rwenjeru hill is named after the white traditional cow of the Bachwezi, “enjeru” meaning white in Runyankole language. This white cow was treasured for special milk used on traditional duties in the families. Your visit to Rwenjeru hill will expose you to the traditional culture that rotates around the Banyankole long horned cattle inherited from the Bachwezi of in 1520 AD. Rwenjeru village is on great location in fertile farmland that is next to the park on the grazing land made up of gentle hills with the valleys for farming and drinking places for their treasured long horned cattle.

For the cow watering “Okweshera” in the local language means giving water to the animals, a routine done several times a day of the cattle keeper. Follow your guide, dressed in the true Bachwezi grazing attire carrying the walking stick, “Enkoni” and wooden bucket, “Eicuba” in the local language, with hoe and other tools for mining the anthill soil that has the salts for mixing in the animal drinking water. 

You will proceed to the water place and participate in the construction or maintenance of the existing clay trough that is used to serve the water to the animals. You will participate in the setting of the side fire by the drinking place, fill the trough with water until you will hear one of the herdsmen call the animals to come and drink.  It is a very rich experience. Everything on this trip has a purpose for the culture the cattle keepers and the welfare or safety of the well treasured animals as you will hear from your guide.

Besides, Rwenjeru camp site has a camping ground, organic gardens, a beekeeping project, bike hire, women tailoring projects and a youth carpentry project.

The village is strategically located on the road heading to Katengyeto gate of Lake Mburo national park. Also, it is located opposite Igongo museum for a perfect lunch and museum tour after the cow watering experience.

Activities:

• Camping

• Cow watering experience “Okweshera”

• Organic juices making

• Bike tours.

• Cow watering: 1 hour Highlights:

• Herdsman calling the cows for water

• Building a clay trough

• Dressing in the herdsman attire

• Fetching the water from the pond with wooden trough

• Scenic walk to the watering area

• Listening to the traditional stories of the Bachwezi

• Insights of the cattle related living styles

• A relaxed lunch at Igongo cultural centre.