Illumineers from the Gorilla Highlands region and friends from near and far — we’re coming together again!
You’re probably wondering: “Who’s ‘we’?”
We are breakthrough young activists from DR Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. Gorilla Highlands Experts want to see these amazing changemakers unite on a beautiful Lake Bunyonyi peninsula, right at the edge of the Virunga volcanoes, to debate, dream big, and craft the mindset our communities need to thrive.
Feeling inspired? Let us paint the picture for you:
You know the saying: “Surround yourself with great people…”
From 28 to 31 August 2025, action-oriented youth aged 15–30, with entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, a love for nature, and real leadership potential will gather at Edirisa on Lake Bunyonyi. Free of charge.
All you need is your camping spirit, swimwear, and a way to get to Kabale Town! From there, our team will take you to the village of Bufuka. After that? Pure Gorilla Highlands magic — a space built for those who care deeply about this tri-country region.
Yes, you read that right: THIS IS FREE OF CHARGE!
But here’s your ticket in: we’ll be selecting participants based on what you’re sweating for.
What are you doing to uplift your community?
That’s your way in. We want to hear your story — and then see you bring your pride and passion to life through hands-on participation at Lake Bunyonyi.
We’ll dive into topics like:
- Culture, unity & regional identity
- Leadership & personal growth
- Nature conservation & global perspective
- Practical environmental skills
- Innovation & smart risk-taking
And of course, we’ll have loads of fun while learning!
Think epic campfires, movie nights, swimming, hiking, and bonding with some of the most inspiring youth in the region.
Ready? Apply now via this link, impress us with your thinking, and don’t forget to share this opportunity with your fellow changemakers.
⏰ Deadline: 31 July 2025
⚠️ If you’re 15–18, we’ll need to talk to your parents or guardians if you’re shortlisted.
Questions?
📩 misigaro@gorillahighlands.com
📱 WhatsApp: +49 1521 6647443
🖋️ text by:
Misigaro Rebero, the chair of Gorilla Highlands Experts in Rwanda, has deep interest in rural communities, equity and business. Currently trying to make ends meet in Bonn, Germany. [bio updated: 2026-03]
📸 photography by:
Brenda Katusiime is the excellent self-taught chef who ran Edirisa on Lake Bunyonyi from 2019 to 2021. She returned in 2024 and still considers it home in Bufuka, Uganda. [bio updated: 2026-03]
Marcus Westberg is a multiple award-winning photographer and writer from Sweden whose work — covering conservation, wildlife and travel — appears regularly in several global publications. He has made several trips to our region specifically to volunteer for Gorilla Highlands Experts. When not globetrotting, Marcus lives with his wife and daughter close to Lisbon, Portugal. Click for our interview with Marcus. [bio updated: 2026-03]
ML Rwebandira — formerly known as Miha Logar — is an adventure and cultural tourism expert, writer and multimedia producer who co-founded Gorilla Highlands Experts. His most recent publication is the Pocket Treasure. A national of both Uganda and Slovenia, ML resides with his son Lan in Musanze, Rwanda. Click for his personality-infused quarterly newsletters. [bio updated: 2026-05]
Comments
2 responses to “Friendship Camp 2025: Bonding at Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda”
besigamukamasilah@gmail.com
I’m so excited for this new journey with Illumineers. I just can’t wait to Share my experiences with everyone!