Women birders visit Bongole GreenFingers Farm as agro-tourism in Uganda grows

SPECIAL REPORT | Carolyne Mutesi |  There’s a new way to explore Uganda, one that brings travelers closer to the heart of the land and its people. Away from the traditional Safari packages that Africa is famous for, travelers are now seeking more unique and immersive experiences when they travel.

Trends in tourism worldwide are changing away from the traditional mass tourism where big numbers of visitors tend to crowd a destination, and cause a lot of negative impacts on the environment and the local community. Both tourists and these destinations are embracing Sustainable tourism, which aims at minimizing the negative impacts of tourism like over crowding, environmental degradation, cultural erosion, inflation and rising costs among others.

The recent Spanish protests , where residents have been openly hostile towards tourists, telling them they are not welcome in Spain, is proof to this.

Destinations are aiming to promote tourism that has positive impacts on the environment and community that hosts the guests, like job creation, cultural heritage presentation and interpretation, wildlife preservation and landscape restoration. Agro tourism is blossoming, offering an intimate glimpse into rural life, while allowing visitors a chance to explore Responsibly.

Agro-Tourism involves visiting farms, plantations, agricultural businesses, attending gastronomy festivals, events and the like, all for the benefits of experiencing rural life, culture and food.  Here, we combine agriculture and tourism to create new packages that promote sustainable tourism practices, support the local agriculture and provide economic benefits to rural communities. Visitors get to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves fully in the beauty of the countryside. As guides  and tour operators, we aim at promoting responsible tourism practices.

It was in this light that Uganda Women Birders were invited for a Familiarization Farm tour to Bongole GreenFingers Farm in Buwama, Mpigi- Uganda.

Heading to the farm

On a Friday afternoon, our group of women birders set of for Buwama, Mpigi for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Kampala. Our destination Bongole GreenFingers farm is a mixed farm and we were excited to learn more about their farming practices that promote organic farming, while enjoying beautiful birds and the countryside.

We arrived at the farm which is about 2 and a half hours away from Kampala, depending on the traffic flow. The farm sits on approximately 6 acres of lush breath-taking countryside. We were ready to enjoy the fresh air, the open spaces and the wonderful Ugandan birds, nature. We we were warmly received by the owner Mr. JB. Wasswa and his daughters, who welcomed us with freshly squeezed passion, pineapple and vanilla flavored fruit juice refreshing us, as he gave us an introduction to the Farm.

Bongole Farm Lodge is a family-run lodge embracing mixed farming. They saw the necessity of visitors having a place where they can escape the hustles of city life and retreat to the countryside. Hence this wonderful serene farm. They grow crops like vanilla, coffee, different types of bananas, sweet potatoes, cassava, maize, and seasonal vegetables. The animals they have include goats, chicken, and cows will be introduced in the near future.

They showed us to our rooms where we could freshen up. The suites are minimally decorated but are large, spacious rooms with separate sitting area where you can relax, read a book or share a glass of wine. The washrooms are also spacious and very clean and we were glad to see the beautifully customized toiletries ready for us. I was particularly happy about the hot-water heaters. I love my hot showers! We quickly checked-in and off we went to do birding around the farm.

Vanilla, bark cloth and related stories at Bongole farm 

The Bongole Farm Tour is more than just a stroll through the fields; it’s an immersive experience that connects you directly with the vibrant heart of Uganda’s agro-tourism. As we ventured through the farm, our senses were awakened by the rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and scents of the countryside.

For now, the prominent crop being grown at the farm is vanilla.  Wasswa took us through the garden explaining how the plant is cultivated. Vanilla is an orchid that grows vines and the process begins with planting stakes that will allow the vines to grow with support. Ficus natalensis -Bark Cloth Tree is used  as a natural stake in the gardens as it grows fast and also provides shade for the vines. They don’t require direct sunlight especially when maturing.

The plant is then pollinated, tendered after and the caretakers ensure it grows perfectly till it is ready for harvesting. The vanilla gardens must have 24/7 care takers and guards as the crop is very lucrative. Theft is common. It is later delicately sun-dried, heat vapor-cured and then packaged for sale.

Uganda’s vanilla market is worth UGX 113 Billion and despite its fluctuating price in the international market, it is still grown on a large scale. Compared to the coffee farms, vanilla farming carried out in the country needs to be promoted. There’s so much more to learn about vanilla farming and Wasswa is happy to teach all the future farmers.  Bongole GreenFingers Farm  adds value to their products by producing Vanilla Extracts, Vanilla Body oils, Syrups and much more.  This can see farmers overcoming the fluctuating markets for the raw product, fetching so much more for their hard work. Ugandan agrotourism offers a big potential for farmers.

The birding experience

Birding around the farm, we saw several species including one of my favorite birds, the majestic Long-Crested Eagle, which for some reason always likes perching on electricity poles by the road side making it an easy raptor to spot. He also spends a long time perched, scanning his environment and is not a shy bird. Locals call the bird a Fortune-teller because they say he can predict which side your future partner will come from. I just forgot to ask him…..

Other species also include Black-and-White Casqued-Hornbill,  Pied-Wagtail, Yellow-fronted canary, Olive Sunbird, Lilac-Breasted Roller, Woodland Kingfisher, Striped Kingfisher, African Blue-Flycatcher, African- Paradise Flycatcher, Sooty Chat, Grosbeak Weaver, African Firefinch, Greater Honeyguide, and European Honey-Buzzard among others. The complete list is below.

But the adventure didn’t end at the farm’s edge. Beyond the fields of Bongole, the surrounding area offered a myriad of experiences that enriched our journey. We explored the local markets at the Equator which is always exciting despite the many times we have crossed over. There is going to be a Uganda War Memorial Museum in the area, construction has begun.

In a sombre turn of the day we then visited the Ggolo Genocide memorial.

In 1994, during the 100 days of genocide against the Tutsi, many were tortured, murdered and thrown in the rivers and streams, which drain into Lake Victoria.

In all 4,771 victims are buried here. Despite their violent end to their lives, the site is quiet, peaceful and well kept with birds like flycatchers, rollers, swallows flying and chirping around. It is off the main road so there’s hardly any traffic. Its maintained by a caretaker My Boniface Kyeyune who lives next door. Clean washrooms with flashing toilets are available.

We honor the memory of the more than 1 million Rwandes who died in the 100 days of genocide in 1994. #Kwibuka #Remember #NeverAgain. May Their Souls Rest in Eternal Peace.

After touring the poignant Genocide Memorial, wereturned to the farm,  and were welcomed back warmly by  Wasswa’s wonderful daughters who had prepared a heartwarming meal. The highlight was their famous “Everlasting Pork”, a dish steeped in family tradition, where guests can eat till they drop! The aroma of the nicely-spiced cooked pork filled the air, enticing us to the table to savor every flavorful bite. It was a delicious dinner. Alternatives are always available for guests who prefer the Halal, Vegetarian Meal plans.

The next morning at Bongole Green Fingers Farm began with the tranquil melodies of the local birdlife, beckoning us to more birdwatching adventures amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Ugandan countryside. As the sun rose, a chorus of chirps and songs filled the air, each bird adding a unique melody to the morning. Armed with our cameras, binoculars and a sense of wonder, we explored  more of the farm’s lush landscapes, spotting a variety of bird species nestled among the foliage. The whole experience was both peaceful and exhilarating, offering a serene start to the day and a deeper appreciation for Uganda’s rich biodiversity.

Later, as we savored each bite of our breakfast, featuring fresh Plantain a.k.a Gonja and Irish potatoes straight from the farm, we couldn’t help but reflect on the unique blend of agriculture and tourism at the heart of our stay. Bongole Green Fingers Farm is a shining example of agro-tourism in Uganda. Located about 60 kilometers East of Kampala, just 2-3 hours away, this farm demonstrates the immense potential of responsible tourism practices that connect visitors with the land in meaningful ways. Uganda’s wonderful weather and diverse landscapes make it an ideal location for agro-tourism, attracting many tourists who can now do more than the usual wildlife-only safaris.

This growing sector in Uganda has the potential to generate significant revenue for the government and citizens alike, diversifying the country’s tourism offerings beyond traditional attractions like safari packages and mountain gorilla trekking. Birding is an important niche market that can create a link between all attractions as birds can be found everywhere!

As we departed back to Kampala, we left with a renewed appreciation for Uganda’s rich agricultural heritage and a promise to return, eager to explore more of the diverse farming practices that contribute to the country’s vibrant tourism sector.

For a similar immersive cultural experience you can click here