Amasiko Homestay
At Amasiko Homestay we provide an excellent service and do our best to make you feel at home. In addition, we can take you for a cultural hike, introduce you to our projects and much more! Our accommodation includes full board and our cottages have been built in an eco-friendly manner. We believe that eco-tourism can facilitate the development of this region, and we use all our profits to fund our community focused projects.
Whether you come from Kigali or Kampala or anywhere else, Amasiko Homestay is the perfect place to recharge in a beautiful natural environment!
Surroundings
Amasiko is located on a peninsula with stunning views over Lake Bunyonyi, a natural reservoir in the far Southwest of Uganda. It is 20km from Kabale, the capital of the district. Lake Bunyonyi is situated in a mountainous region, with peaks reaching 2500 meters altitude. There are fertile valleys, and there is a pleasant temperate climate.
Lake Bunyonyo is a fresh water lake and one of the few lakes in Africa that is sufficiently clean to swim in. This also makes it very attractive place to stay. Not only can you relax and unwind with us, but there is the possibility to explore the surroundings and to do several sporting and cultural activities. You can also use our accommodation as a base for Gorilla tracking!
Activities
During your stay there is plenty to do here!
Bamboo Forest Hike and Visiting the BATWA
Not far from Amasiko lies a large jungle with mostly bamboo vegetation. This was originally the natural habitat of the Batwa. These pygmy people originally lived in the forest; however, they now inhabit agricultural land on the side of the mountain next to the forest. Nonetheless, they have not forgotten their traditional way of life. If you are interested, we can arrange with our village chief to guide you during a hike through the woods in order for you to visit the local Batwa community. Throughout the tour he will translate for you, so you can gain an insight to their customs and traditions. Watch out on the walk for birds and animals such as chameleons!
Bird Watching
The surrounding area of Lake Bunyonyi is renowned for bird watching. There are a large variety of birds living on and around our property. For example, two cranes - which are the national bird of Uganda - live in one of our tall trees. Because of this, Amasiko is an ideal spot for bird watchers. Bring your binoculars with you!
Cultural hike
Take a walk of about four hours in the area of Amasiko - you will meet representatives of the local community and you will get a good impression of the living conditions of local farmers. Our guide will take you to a peasant family where the woman of the house shows how the local drink -"obushera" - is produced and brewed from sorghum. You are invited to participate in the brewing process and you can try a freshly brewed cup. The trip also includes paying a visit to an old lady who can tell you much about the local Bakiga culture, and the many changes the recent decades have brought.
On the return journey we will pay a visit to a women’s group who demonstrate how baskets and mats are being woven traditionally. They also offer great products for sale as souvenirs.
Hiking
Find your adventurous spirit and explore the beautiful surroundings to your hearts content! There are plenty of paths through the local lands, so why not discover where they lead you. You can also combine hiking with a canoe or motorboat tour – take the boat to the other side of the lake and explore at your leisure. We are happy to advise you about our own discoveries or take you on a hike!
Canoe or Motorboat trips on the Lake
Amasiko has a wooden dug-out canoe which fits four people. Our neighbour is a good boatman and likes to take visitors on canoe trips. On request we can also arrange a larger canoe or motorboat.
Visit Amasiko Green School
The classrooms of Amasiko Green School are located on the plateau above the lodge and guest houses. Visitors can attend the school, play games with the children, or help preparing the lunch in the afternoon. We are in need of educational toys; if you have any you would be willing to donate we would be very grateful!
The school hires local teachers to teach the children of the village and surrounding areas. At Amasiko Green School we are very keen to introduce modern teaching methods which emphasise practical education and interaction between the students and the teacher. Traditional teaching methods in Uganda often lack this practical aspect, where children can learn by doing and seeing. Here at Amasiko Green School we want to provide a space where children can experiment and play, and thus have a more thorough, rounded, and fun education.
Swimming
Amasiko is situated on Lake Bunyonyi. The water of the lake is very clean and is one of the few lakes in Africa where it is safe to swim. You can take a dive from our jetty where the water is immediately six meters deep.
Dance with the local community
The parents of the school have set up a traditional dance group to allow visitors to experience the "Bakiga" culture. Participation is allowed and is highly valued. Keep in mind that this is an intense aerobic workout!
Accommodation
During your stay with us you will sleep in a cottage. You can also rent a tent or bring your own and stay at our camping site. All our cottages have been built by local craftsmen men using organic materials from the surrounding area.
Lion Cottage
There are two single beds in this cabin. It has a covered veranda from which you have a stunning view over the lake.
The lion cottage has been built according to a traditional construction method in which a wooden structure is filled with clay.
Giraffe Cottage
There are two single beds in this cottage. Giraffe Cottage is a hut with good views of the lake.
The special feature of this cottage is that it has been made of pieces of wood residue that remained after sawing felled trees.
Elephant Cottage
This cabin is most suitable for a family as it is equipped with a double bed and a bunk bed.
Elephant cottage has been built on stilts and has a private veranda from which you have a perfect view of the lake and sunset.
Zebra Cottage
This cabin is equipped with a double bed. There is also an attic which is accessible by a ladder - a perfect den for children to sleep in.
The zebra cottage is a round hut built using the “earthbag” technique. With this technique sacks of earth are stacked up to form walls.
Camping
We have a small tent and several spacious multi-person dome tents - these tents are for three or four people. The tents are equipped with mattresses and bedding. It is also possible to camp in your own tent.
Meals
We offer full board to all our guests, and you will eat your meals with us. Here is an idea of what you can expect:
- A breakfast of bread, eggs, cheese, honey and homemade jams - all served with freshly brewed Ugandan coffee or tea.
- A lunch of soup and / or pancakes complemented with a delicious salad using vegetables from the garden.
- A delicious, hot, three course evening meal. The best thing to finish off a day of adventuring!
We do our best to take into account special dietary needs. Please let us know in advance so we can take your wishes into account.
Facilities
Amasiko is situated in a remote part of Lake Bunyonyi which offers breath-taking views, silence to relax to the fullest, and splendid natural surroundings. However, please note that in our area there is no connection to the electricity grid. In line with our eco-friendly ethos, we have solar panels that provide electricity for light and allow you to charge your devices. During the night, there are a few portable solar lamps at your disposal.
The shower and eco-friendly toilets are in a central building near the lodgings. A wood-fired stove heats water for a hot shower, which is available upon your request.
Prices
Cottages
$ 35 per person per day;
Amasiko tent
$ 30 per person per day;
In your own tent
$ 25 per person per day;
Full board is included in all prices.
Forest hike and visit the Batwa: $45 per visit (A part of the fee goes to the Batwa community, a part to the Batwa guide, a part and the remainder is a service fee).
Guided Canoe or Motorboat hire:
Canoe: $10 per trip
Motorboat: $50 per trip from or to Rutinda Bay near Kabale
Cultural Hike: $40 for the tour
We accept Dollars, Euros and Ugandan Shillings as payment. Please pay in cash.
Bookings
Want to stay at Amasiko? There are several ways to book a stay with us. Please fill in the booking form.
Do you want a longer holiday in order to see the highlights of Uganda, such as visiting wildlife parks, gorilla tours and rafting? Then we recommend that you contact our partners who focus on eco-tours - Fairweggistan and Grassrootz Uganda . It is likely that your itinerary with them include a visit here with us!
Book
Questions?
Amasiko is situated in a remote place; please let us know in advance when you want to visit so that we have time to prepare for your arrival.
Are you a tour operator?
Are you a small tour operator looking for an engaging and inspiring destination or stopover in the area around Kabale, Uganda?
We regularly receive visits from travel agents who are impressed by how we use eco-tourism to fund our development projects. Among others, Fairweggistan and International Contact Uganda (ICU / Grassrootz Uganda) have utilised our services for the purpose of a stopover on longer routes. Amasiko is a unique place where we care for the environment, provide local education, and facilitate community development, which is funded by our provision of various opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
We can host your small to medium sized groups of travellers in our comfortable accommodation, all at a fair price.