This Uganda & Rwanda Wildlife Safari adventure allows you to participate in several activities, including golden monkey trekking, wildlife viewing, a launch cruise along the Kazinga channel, lion/leopard tracking, and a unique cultural experience. All meals are included.
Highlights include Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale National Park.
The Volcanoes National Park is the most visited site in Rwanda. It is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and more. While at the Volcanoes National Park, the main activities will be golden monkey trekking and visiting the Ibyiwacu Cultural Centre.
Bwindi for gorilla trekking and another excellent cultural encounter with the Batwa.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most visited and naturally beautiful park. Queen Elizabeth has 4 of the big 5 mammals, including the rare tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.
Kibale National Park is known as the primate's capital of Africa. The park is home to 13 species of primates, with chimps being the most popular.
Culture and Etiquette
Rwanda:
In Rwandan culture, you will find that people are a very conservative society; most people dress modestly, especially women. Wearing shorts, tight skirts, and skimpy tops will likely get you stared at twice as much as usual.
Greetings are essential in Rwanda. It is impolite not to return a greeting or to start a conversation without a proper greeting. Younger persons must greet older persons first, and women must welcome men first.
When being introduced or greeting a professional colleague, Rwandans shake their right hands and may place their left hand under the right forearm as a sign of respect. Some young urbanites “kiss the air” near each cheek while shaking hands.
Usual greetings include Muraho (Hello, it’s been a while), Mwaramutse (Good morning), or Mwiriwe (Good afternoon/evening). Amakuru usually follows the initial greeting. (How’s the news?) or, among close friends, Bite se? (How are things going?). The typical response is Ni meza (Fine) or Ni meza cyane (Very fine).
Avoid eye contact with a superior or elder. The distance between people when they converse indicates their relationship: friends require little or no space, while superiors must have more. Friends of the same sex often hold hands while walking or talking, but such public contact between members of the opposite sex is inappropriate.
Pass items to an older person with both hands. Rwandans toss their heads aside while uttering ‘eh’ to express disbelief, usually when listening to a personal experience. Pointing with the finger or hand is impolite; instead, the head is used, with the chin and mouth jutting in the direction indicated.
Rwandans will generally never eat or drink in public, apart from restaurants. Rwandan women are rarely seen smoking in public or out in bars unaccompanied.
Although there is no smoking ban in most public places like bars and restaurants, generally, it’s not encouraged. Sometimes, people may complain of being disturbed by your smoking.
Rwandans are very private, reserved people, and loud public confrontations or apparent displays of emotion are frowned upon. If you feel a trader overcharges you, quiet persistence will likely produce results much faster than an angry outburst.
Understand that Rwanda is recovering from civil war and genocide in which approximately a million people were murdered. Many lost relatives and friends. Remember to be sensitive to this extreme tragedy when associating with people. Most people today are trying to forget. It is considered impolite to ask someone about their ethnic origin.
There is not much political discourse in Rwanda due to erupting violence, unlike in many neighboring countries such as Uganda and Kenya, where people talk freely about the government and political issues, people in Rwanda will be uncomfortable if asked about their views or even if seated at a table where national politics is discussed.
Uganda:
Uganda is a culturally diverse country with a rich heritage, and it is essential to respect and appreciate local customs and traditions while visiting. Ugandans are generally friendly and welcoming, and showing an interest in their culture will be highly regarded.
When interacting with locals, greeting them with a handshake and using appropriate titles such as Mr., Mrs., or Doctor when addressing someone is customary. Polite and respectful language is expected in conversations, and taking the time to learn a few basic phrases in the local language, such as greetings and simple expressions, can go a long way in establishing a positive connection.
Modest clothing is recommended, especially when visiting rural areas or religious sites. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing dresses and opt for attire that covers the shoulders and knees out of respect for local customs and traditions.
Public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum, as they may not be well-received in Ugandan society. Exercising cultural sensitivity and being mindful of local norms and expectations regarding personal interactions is essential.
When visiting someone’s home or a local community, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering as a sign of respect. It is also common to be offered food and drink during visits, and it is polite to accept these offers to show appreciation for local hospitality.
Uganda is known for its delicious cuisine; trying traditional dishes is a great way to experience the local culture. When dining, it is customary to eat with your right hand, as many Ugandans traditionally eat with their hands. However, it is also acceptable to use utensils if you prefer.
Rwandans and Ugandans appreciate those who dress modestly. Cotton clothing is the most comfortable during the day. Please take note of specific packing guidelines for gorilla trekking. Only a limited number of permits are available in each gorilla park. It is, therefore, essential to book well in advance.
About
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About The Host
Amy Walker
Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. When Amy is not leading international retreats, she works as an online mental health therapist. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run the wellness retreats.