Know Before You Come to Ruboni: Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing for a trip to a remote mountain village involves a few unique logistics. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often.

1. What is the weather really like?
   Ruboni is a high-altitude tropical environment. Temperatures during the day usually hover around 20°C to 25°C, but they can drop to 10°C or lower at night. Expect rain at any time, even during the “dry” seasons (June–August and December–February).
2. Do I need a permit to hike?
   If you are doing a village walk or the Forest Portal trail within community land, you only need to book through Visit Ruboni. However, if you plan to enter the Rwenzori Mountains National Park for high-peak trekking, you will need a formal park permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which we can help you coordinate.
3. Is there electricity and Wi-Fi?
   Most lodges in Ruboni use solar power. This is usually enough to charge phones and cameras during the day, but high-wattage devices (like hair dryers) won’t work. Wi-Fi is limited; it’s best to buy a local SIM card (MTN or Airtel) for data, though the signal can be “mountain-moody.”
4. How should I handle money?
   Cash is king in Ruboni. There are no ATMs in the village; the nearest one is in Kasese town (40 minutes away). While some larger lodges may accept credit cards, we recommend carrying Uganda Shillings (UGX) for tips, crafts, and small purchases.
5. What about health and safety?
   Malaria: While Ruboni is higher up and cooler, it is still a malaria-risk zone. Consult your doctor about prophylaxis and always use a mosquito net.

Water: Do not drink tap water. Stick to filtered or boiled water provided by your lodge.

Fitness: The terrain is steep. If you have knee issues, we highly recommend renting a hand-carved walking stick from the Arts Village for a few dollars—it makes a huge difference!

6. How do I dress respectfully?
   Ugandans generally appreciate modest dress. While hiking gear (shorts and leggings) is perfectly acceptable on the trails, we recommend wearing long trousers or skirts when walking through the village or visiting a local home.

A Quick Gear Check
To make sure you’re ready for the damp, beautiful mountain air, use the layering system:

Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (not cotton!) to keep sweat off your skin.

Mid-Layer: A fleece or light down jacket to trap heat.

Outer Layer: A sturdy, waterproof rain shell to block the wind and rain.