Page 24 - April-June 2024 Edition

| TRAVEL FEATURE
By Denise & Gabriele Passarella (Travelingminds Couple)

UNVEILING PARADISE:
A TRANSFORMATIVE ESCAPE AT RUBALIKA SAFARI LODGE & FARM

The dusty road stretched before
me, a testament to the Ugandan
wilderness waiting to be explored.
The anticipation crackled in the air,
promising adventure. As I crested a
final rise, the scene that unfolded
was a breathtaking tapestry of
rolling hills carpeted in lush
greenery. Vibrant wildflowers and
traditional crops intermingled, while
the majestic snow-capped peaks
of the Rwenzori Mountains pierced
the azure sky, like celestial pearls.

This wasn't just the entrance to a
lodge; it was the gateway to an
unforgettable Ugandan experience.

My arrival at Rubalika Safari Lodge & Farm was a sensory feast. The rhythmic beats of drums
and local dances by the Rubalika troupe, funded by the lodge and its guests, filled the air. The
performers, adorned with intricate beadwork shimmering under the Ugandan sun, showcased
the region's rich cultural heritage with captivating grace and power. Their infectious energy was
a fitting welcome, and I found myself swaying to the rhythm.

The lodge itself was a charming blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort. Locally
sourced materials and traditional Ugandan crafts seamlessly integrated with the surrounding
landscape. My canvas cottage, nestled amidst the verdant expanse of the farm, offered a
haven of tranquility. Stepping inside, I was greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of
farmlands rolling towards the horizon, merging with the dense emerald embrace of Kibale
Forest National Park in the distance. The only sound that disturbed the peace was the gentle
murmur of the River Dura rapids, harmonizing with the natural symphony of the Ugandan
countryside.

One of the defining features of Rubalika was its unwavering commitment to farm-to-table
dining. Freshness wasn't a buzzword here; it was a philosophy woven into the very fabric of the
culinary experience. From the moment I sat down for breakfast, vibrant colors and intoxicating
aromas emanating from the plates around me sparked my appetite. Juices bursting with the
essence of freshly squeezed local fruits – passion fruit, pineapple, and mango – cleansed the
palate and awakened the senses. Each bite of the breakfast spread, featuring perfectly
cooked free-range eggs and fluffy homemade bread, was a revelation. Every meal at
Rubalika was a journey celebrating the bounty of the farm and the expertise of the chefs.
Lunchtime often found me gathered with fellow guests on the expansive veranda, its
floorboards worn smooth by countless conversations and laughter shared over delicious meals.
The veranda became an open-air sanctuary, offering a breathtaking panorama as we
devoured colorful salads with a delightful mix of familiar and exotic vegetables, including the

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