Discover Uganda & Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. This remarkable park is most renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, making it one of the most sought-after ecotourism destinations on the planet. As the place where Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research, it offers a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Beyond its famous gorilla inhabitants, Volcanoes National Park also serves as a crucial center for conservation efforts. The park’s rangers and researchers work tirelessly to protect not only gorillas but also other endangered species like golden monkeys. Visitors can witness the fruits of these conservation efforts as they explore the lush forests and volcanic landscapes. Every trek through the park is an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing conservation and research projects aimed at preserving Rwanda’s precious biodiversity.

The park’s stunning natural beauty extends far beyond its wildlife. With a backdrop of towering volcanoes, lush bamboo forests, and rolling hills, Volcanoes National Park offers a breathtaking setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and trekking trails wind through this remarkable terrain, rewarding visitors with panoramic views of the dramatic landscape and the chance to encounter a wealth of wildlife, both large and small.

Volcanoes National Park isn’t just about nature; it’s also a gateway to Rwanda’s rich culture. The park is surrounded by vibrant local communities, and visitors can engage in immersive cultural experiences. Whether it’s a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or simply interacting with local people, you’ll find a warm welcome that enhances your understanding of the fascinating Rwandan way of life.

Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a place where the boundary between the human and natural world blurs into obscurity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its lush, dense rainforests that seem to defy human intrusion. Within its depths resides one of the world’s most precious treasures, the endangered mountain gorilla. Bwindi is home to almost half of the world’s remaining population, offering a unique and intimate opportunity to encounter these majestic creatures in their wild habitat.

The biodiversity within Bwindi National Park extends far beyond its iconic gorilla population. Visitors will discover a kaleidoscope of life, including over 350 bird species, an array of primates, and a rich mosaic of plant species. With its dense foliage, the park appears impenetrable at first glance, but this makes for the perfect environment for rare and endemic flora and fauna. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting species like the African green broadbill and the bar-tailed trogon, adding an extra layer of enchantment to their experience.

While Bwindi is primarily celebrated for its natural wonders, it also offers a unique opportunity for cultural immersion. The local Batwa people, once forest dwellers, are now sharing their heritage with visitors through cultural performances and guided tours. Learning about their traditional way of life and the forest’s significance to their culture adds depth and meaning to any visit to Bwindi.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a stronghold for the preservation of biodiversity and an integral part of global conservation efforts. To ensure the sustainability of this precious ecosystem, responsible tourism practices are in place. Visitors are limited in number, and strict regulations are enforced to minimize disturbance to the gorillas and their habitat.

Akagera National Park is a stunning blend of savannah, wetlands, and rolling hills, offering visitors a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. Spanning over 1 100 square kilometres, the park is home to an array of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and the endangered black rhino. Its expansive landscapes and rich biodiversity make it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The park’s unique topography is marked by a network of lakes, including Lake Akagera, which supports a rich variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The stunning views from the hilltops provide breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscapes, while the vibrant sunsets paint the skies in hues of orange and pink. Visitors can embark on thrilling game drives, boat safaris, and guided nature walks to immerse themselves in this enchanting wilderness.

Conservation efforts in Akagera have successfully reintroduced several species, ensuring that this natural treasure continues to thrive. The park is a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage, showcasing the harmony between wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.

Whether seeking adventure, tranquility, or a deeper connection with nature, Akagera National Park offers an unforgettable experience. The combination of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage creates a captivating destination that invites exploration and appreciation of Rwanda’s breathtaking beauty.

Rwanda is often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and its capital city is no exception. Kigali is a region of rolling hills, valleys, ridges, and steep slopes. It enjoys a temperate tropical highland climate, a bit cooler than typical due to its high elevation. Average daily temperatures range between 15 – 27C (59 – 81F) and don’t fluctuate much throughout the year. Farmland comprises over 60% of the land within the city’s boundaries, mostly in outer areas surrounding the urban centre and, like the rest of the country, most of the agriculture is small subsistence farming.

As in all of Rwanda, the last Saturday of each month in Kigali is a morning of mandatory community service called Umuganda. One person per household between the ages of 18 and 65 is expected to carry out community tasks such as cleaning streets or building homes for vulnerable people. Most normal services close down during Umuganda, and public transportation is limited. Rwandese take great pride in this national service and in the ritual of coming together to support one another, and their commitment shows.

Local people are very friendly and often willing to share the country’s history of genocide with visitors. The Kigali Genocide Museum is well done and worth a visit for those looking to understand the events leading up to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. There is also a flourishing local art scene with many new galleries opening up.

Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital, sits at the heart of a country known for its spectacular, unspoiled natural landscapes and welcoming communities. Often called the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda boasts a wealth of natural wonders, from glistening lakes to diverse wildlife habitats that span moorlands, rainforests, and savannas. Its scenic backdrop and temperate climate make it an ideal destination for holidays, Kampala itself offers a blend of culture and convenience with nearby attractions such as the Kampala Serena Hotel, craft markets, and a lively nightlife.

Just outside Kampala lies the Mabira Forest, home to Uganda’s first canopy zip-line system: the Mabira Forest Canopy Super Skyway. Located 44 kilometres east of Kampala, this thrilling zip-line experience offers adventurers an unforgettable journey through towering rainforest trees. Under the guidance of trained Sky Captains, participants traverse zip-lines stretching across the River Musamya, enjoying views of native wildlife like red-tailed monkeys and exotic birds, including African fish eagles and blue turacos, along the way. The adventure culminates with a hike past the stunning Griffin Falls, a natural gem within the forest.

Further afield, the Nile River in Jinja offers a tranquil sunset cruise, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. From the shores of Lake Victoria to the iconic Source of the Nile, this leisurely cruise reveals an array of wildlife, from African fish eagles to monitor lizards, while offering breathtaking views at sunset. The cruise is an ideal way to complete a safari holiday, offering a serene blend of nature and relaxation.

Murchison Falls National Park, at 3 840 square kilometre elevation, lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savanna. First gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, it is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, hosting 76 species of mammals and 451 birds. The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45 metres over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the park’s centrepiece and the final event in an 80 kilometre stretch of rapids.

At Murchison Falls, the Nile squeezes through a six-metre wide gorge and plunges with a thunderous roar into the “Devil’s Cauldron,” creating a trademark rainbow. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes, and buffalo, while hippo, Nile crocodile, and aquatic birds are permanent residents.

The fabled “Mountains of the Moon” is a world class hiking and mountaineering destination in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich,  moist, montane forest. Huge tree-heathers and colourful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers,” creating an enchanting, fairytale scene.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park includes the highest parts of the 120 kilometre long and 65 kilometre wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest botanical species.

Close to 2 000 square kilometres in size and straddling the equator, Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is the jewel in Uganda’s crown. Set against the backdrop of the sprawling Rwenzori Mountains, the park contains a wide diversity of habitats, including forests, lakes, open savannas, and wetlands, as well as a large variety of animals, including ten primate species, of which chimpanzees are one.

The park is most famous for tree climbing lions and panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel and the Ishasha Plains. It also has awe-inspiring craters carved dramatically into the stunning green hills where buffaloes and elephants roam.