Uganda & Rwanda

Traverse west of the Maasai Mara to a land rich in biodiversity and home to magnificent mountain gorillas & mischievous golden monkeys.

Highlights

Gorilla Trekking

In the soft mountainous terrain of Rwanda or Uganda, the hour you will spend in close proximity with the mountain gorillas will take your breath away, as these great apes neither flee nor fight, and simply carry on their way peacefully in your presence, as if you were not there – what a life changing experience.
Stories about Gorilla Trekking
 

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Chimpanzees in the Wild

An experience quite like no other, coming face to face to our closest relative sharing 98.7% of our DNA, stops you in your tracks. Uganda and Tanzania are home to these magnificent apes who predominantly inhabit forested areas so we suggest you pack your walking shoes.
Stories about Chimpanzees
 

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The Capital City of Kigali

En-route to gorilla trekking a visit to the capital city, Kigali, is not to be missed with many immersive cultural experiences; each offering something special to the curious traveller. Whether its learning about Rwanda’s road to forgiveness at the deeply moving Genocide Memorial, listening to local story tellers or experiencing the mouth-watering local coffee and cuisine.
Stories about Kigali
 

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Safari Itineraries

Trekking primates is a life changing experience – there are many ways to combine this with your Mara safari.

JUST FOR TWO

A Safari of the Heart

A Grand Romantic Safari

Singita Kwitonda, Singita Sasakwa & Angama Mara
10 Nights
Quotation on Request
 

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Family

From West to East

Gorillas, Big Five & Beach

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Angama Mara & Alfajiri Villas
11 Nights
Quotation on Request
 

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Adventure

East African Icons

Rwanda, Kenya & Tanzania

Gorilla’s Nest, Nyungwe House, Ngorongoro Crater & Angama Mara
11 Nights
Quotation on Request
 

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We pride ourselves in curating bespoke itineraries for our guests. Share your dreams with us and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories together.

Getting There

Both Rwanda & Uganda’s capital cities of Kigali & Kampala are well serviced by international flights, from Nairobi or further afield. There is even a direct flight between Uganda & the Maasai Mara and a good network of scheduled flights and scenic helicopter flips that connect the parks.

Highlights
Discover all East African Journeys

Safari Adventures Not To Be Missed

Discover the land of Africa’s great apes, the Virunga Volcanoes, the Mountains of the Moon, and chimp and gorilla trekking. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is surely Africa’s loveliest city and Uganda is home to the source of the Nile.

Partners We Love

All these partner properties have been handpicked by the Angama Safaris team because of the exceptional experiences and high standards they consistently deliver, making each an exceptional destination in an East African Safari.

Singita Kwitonda

Enveloped by lush forest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge sits on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park. The eight suites were built by nearby communities, created with oven-red clay bricks, handcrafted tiles and river stone, whilst the interiors were designed by local artists and blend contemporary style with tradition. For those travellers seeking a private stay adjoining the lodge is the exclusive-use villa, Singita Kataza House. The villa accommodates eight guests in four villas.
VIsit Singita Kwitonda
 

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One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Surrounded by a fragrant forest of eucalyptus trees set against the foothills of the imposing Birunga Volcanoes range. In complete harmony with its environment One&Only offers a combination of suites and private forest lodges, all of which are immersed in wild Rwandan gardens offering a sense of place.
VIsit One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
 

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Bisate Lodge

Located just 20 minutes from the Volcanoes Park Headquarters from where the gorilla treks commence every morning, Bisate Lodge is a visionary destination created by Wilderness Safaris, taking design and service to new levels: architectural inspiration from gorillas’ nests, contemporary Rwandan furniture, delicious food and warm service.
Visit Bisate Lodge
 

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One&Only Nyungwe House

In southern Rwanda alongside an ancient rainforest, within the lush green expanse of a working tea plantation, Nyungwe House offers an exclusive window to Africa’s fascinating wildlife and culture. Curating immersive tailored experiences from gastronomic picnics to wild chimpanzee tracking. Once-in-a-lifetime moments are sure to delight you at every turn.
Visit One&Only Nyungwe House
 

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Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Ecologically respectful, contemporary yet classic in style, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp blends in sensitively with the dramatic African mountain landscape. Exclusively situated inside Uganda’s famous national park, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you are only minutes away from the start of your gorilla trekking adventure.
Visit Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
 

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Greystoke Mahale

Set on the shores of the Tanzanian side of Lake Tanganyika with the backdrop of a lush rain forest, Greystoke Mahale is made up of six thatched bandas nestled into the undergrowth of the foothills of the nearby mountains. Each with uninterrupted lake views and a wonderful upstairs relaxation deck, the perfect place to watch the sun set. It is here that you will meet the wild chimpanzees of Mahale National Park - another African adventure that will stop your heart.
Visit Greystoke Mahale
 

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Travel Stories

Rwanda – Africa’s New Culinary Darling

Trees Piersma

Food is key in Rwanda. Exploring the food scene is one of the best ways to experience the culture, meet the locals and enjoy dishes unique to this beautiful country. Kigali, set on a thousand hills and Africa’s cleanest city (by far), is the centre of Rwanda’s culinary action. Discovering street food is the best...
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In Search of the Shoebill

Tyler Davis

If you’ve ever been dubious about birds being the descendants of dinosaurs, look no further than the shoebill. Just look at it; it’s basically a flying dinosaur. Even its scientific name, Balaeniceps rex (which literally translates to “King of the Whale Heads”), sounds more like a name reserved for a giant prehistoric reptile than a...
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It’s a Question of Coffee

Michael Boyd

I thought a coffee tasting would involve the serving of various coffees of the world, with interesting stories of the way coffee beans were affected by altitude, soil and temperature. Basically, I thought that it would be a wine tasting. Without the alcohol. Or the swirling. Question Coffee’s tasting workshop wasn’t that. It was so...
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Our Africa Travel Team

With many years of experience travelling and planning journeys throughout East Africa, the Angama Safaris team is always standing by to assist with extensive first-hand knowledge of the region and on-the-ground expertise.

Tammy Stone

Travel Planner

Travelling is my passion and having the opportunity to create the perfect, often once-in-a-lifetime safari, is my calling. Ensuring that everything goes to plan provides me with enormous gratification, and something I enjoy on a daily basis.

Alex Musyimi

Nairobi Driver Guide

Different cultures and lifestyles fascinate me and my job gives me the chance to meet people from all over the world. I also happen to know just about every street in Nairobi, so that makes me one of the best drivers in town!

Quinter Odera

Travel Planner

There is a saying that goes: “Fill your life with experiences not things’’. Going on safari is definitely one of the best experiences one can have. Having worked in the Kenyan travel industry for nine years, I can firmly stand by this.

Rose Moraa

Travel Planner

I joined Angama Mara in July 2015 and my love for it grows every day. I have enjoyed building close working relationships with agents who in many instances have now become more like friends. My motto is work is not work if you love what you do, and I do!

Kristin van Lelyveld

Travel Manager

With 16 years in the travel Industry, I have had the wonderful privilege of travelling all over Southern and East Africa. As William Burchell said, “The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa — for he has so much to look forward to”.

Helle Sejer-Hansen

Travel Planner

My passion for adventure, freedom and wildlife led to nearly 15 years working in lodges in Kenya and Tanzania. Deciding on a life less nomadic, I now focus on channelling that passion as a travel planner. I get immense joy from crafting wonderful journeys in a timely and personable manner.

John Thuku

Nairobi Driver Guide

I always knew that I wanted to meet people, explore and learn about the world. Having worked in the tourism sector for 25 years, I still enjoy every moment. Our bosses empower us - they trust us with expensive vehicles and precious guests!

Travel FAQs

Our knowledgeable and experienced team of East African experts answer some of the commonly asked questions
Baggage Restrictions

Please note that scheduled flights between the Mara and Entebbe carry a luggage restriction of 15kg per person in soft bags, including carry-ons. The acceptance of excess baggage is at the sole discretion of the airline but some offer the option to purchase an additional freight seat for luggage weighing up to 75kg.

City Hotels

Angama Safaris can assist with all your city hotel arrangements in Kigali and Entebbe and has a close relationship with a network of properties such as the Retreat Boutique Hotel, Amata N’ubuki Boutique Hotel in Kigali and the Protea Hotel in Kampala. Our team conducts regular site inspections to stay up to date with new hotels and upgrades at existing partner properties.

Safety

We are often asked, understandably, by travellers ‘how safe will I be?’ It is a good question to ask and simply put the answer is that Angama Safaris will do all and more to ensure your personal safety and the safety of your possessions every step of your journey. We have teams on the ground in Nairobi, at our lodge in the Maasai Mara and in Johannesburg all of whom are on call 24/7. As a lodge operator in Africa with over 25 years of operational experience in the safari business across 6 countries we know that keeping our guests safe is paramount. We have done, and continue to do this, day in and day out. Angama Safaris applies the same stringent adherences to safety as does the Angama Mara lodge team. Should you have any specific questions in this regard please ask your travel planner.

Excursions

Angama Safaris is glad to assist with excursions in Rwanda to various attractions including: The Genocide Memorial, art exhibitions and coffee plantations and workshops as well as various shopping locations.

Packing Recommendations
  • Comfortable cotton clothing
  • A jacket and/or warm fleece, layers are always good as it can be cold at altitude
  • Light raincoat
  • Both long and short sleeve shirts, shorts and trousers
  • Beanie
  • Comfortable, durable hiking boots
  • Extra pair of walking shoes / trainers
  • Flipflops or sandals
  • Gaiters or anklets
  • Sunhat, sunglasses, sun block, lip balm
  • An extra pair of reading glasses (if you need ‘em)
  • Camera, binoculars, extra memory cards, charging equipment
  • Leather (gardening) gloves (for stinging nettles in the park)
  • Medium-to-large zip-lock bags (great for waterproofing)
  • Daypack
  • Poncho
  • Walking stick
  • Please note: No bright colours, white or camouflage designs are allowed on the gorilla trek
  • Clothes may get muddy, especially in the winter months, so suggest wearing old clothes
  • Cotton is best for drying in the often damp weather
  • Laundry can be done at most lodges, use it!
Vaccinations

Many countries require travellers to have a Yellow Fever certificate prior to returning from a visit to East Africa, including children from the age of nine months. Malaria is prevalent across East Africa – Rwanda and Uganda are no exception. For updated advice, we recommend consulting the WHO’s international travel & health department, and checking their list of specific country requirements. We also suggest that you speak to a medical professional for the most up-to-date advice prior to travel.

Entry Requirements
  • A valid passport for at least six months from the date of entry, with at least three consecutive blank pages
  • Citizens of the European union, USA, UK, Australia, Germany, Israel, South Africa & Sweden can easily obtain visas on arrival
  • Citizens of other countries should apply well in advance, either online or to Rwanda/Uganda missions abroad
  • A single entry visa to Rwanda costs US$50 and for Uganda costs US$100, these are valid for a period of 90 days
  • East African Tourist Visas valid for travel to all of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda are also available
Trekking Permits
  • Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person per trek
  • Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $700 per person per trek
  • Chimpanzee trekking permits included in stay at Greystoke Mahale
Money and Gratuities
  • The local currency is the Rwanda Francs (RWF) and the current rate of exchange is approximately RWF 952 / US$1. The Ugandan Shilling (UGX) and the current rate of exchange is approximately UGX 3,764 / US$1.
  • The local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX) and the current rate of exchange is ± UGX 3,764 = US$1
  • US$ are widely accepted, though you may have some trouble exchanging high denomination notes, and only those issued after 2006 are accepted
  • Credit cards are accepted by only a few lodges and hotels (Visa & MasterCard), and ATMs only available in Kampala and in Kigali
  • We recommend travelling with US$ in cash, in multiple denominations for any eventuality

Gratuities are entirely at guests’ discretion and are not included in Angama Safaris quotes. There is no hard and fast rule, and recommendations vary from property to property. However as we are frequently asked for advice, herewith a guideline: (per couple)

* Driver Guides: $20 – $40 per day
* National Park Guides: $30
* Armed Security: $20
* Park Trackers: $5 per tracker
* Park Porters: $20 per porter
* Lodge butlers / waiters: $10 – $20 per day
* General Staff: $10 – $20 per day (generally pooled and distributed)
* Please note that there are always more guides and trackers on gorilla treks than you expect! And we strongly advise you engage a porter for trekking – they are extremely helpful and gracious and very appreciative of the opportunity to earn.

Do you have more questions?

Contact our travel team