Travulous

19/04/2024

We are pleased to announce the opening of Travulous' newly refurbished office in Kampala. Our Ugandan office team recently welcomed 2 new starters, thereby growing the company's local presence in Kampala to 5 individuals. Situated only a 15-minute drive from Kampala’s Acacia Mall, Travulous’ new office is ideally located for the company’s staff to continue servicing its growing base of Travel Advisors located in North America, Europe, and Africa.

We hope you enjoy our selection of photos showcasing some of Uganda's world famous tourism attractions.

Read the full article here -> https://apta.biz/2024/04/17/travulous-expands-its-operations-in-uganda-the-pearl-of-africa/

31/03/2024

**In the Footsteps of the Legendary Gorilla Primatologist, Dian Fossey**

In this month's newsletter, we would like to present our exclusive Small Group Tours, personally guided by our specialist Tour Leaders comprised of the former research staff and colleagues of the world-renowned gorilla primatologist, the late Dian Fossey. The work of Dian Fossey, as documented in her book and portrayed in the movie ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, is the stuff of legends.

Our Tour Leaders will share their stories of what it was like working with Dian and provide insights into how mountain gorilla conservation has progressed over the years.

Last but not least, we have included in this month’s newsletter a video which demonstrates how far Travulous has evolved in the space of 6+ years to be named an award-winning DMC and Tour Operator by LUXlife magazine.

Read our newsletter for more information -> https://conta.cc/3Txfz2Q

Quintessential Safari Experiences View Newsletter as Webpage   In the Footsteps of Dian Fossey Quintessential Safari Experiences Guided by Dian's Former Research Staff   Sunny Easter Greetings from Ea

18/03/2024

What a beautiful video! Where would you rather be than right here, right now in the middle of the Maasai Mara?

For the ultimate inspiration, watch a selection of our favourite accommodation videos in Kenya's premier wildlife viewing area:

https://www.travulous.com/video-gallery-mara

29/02/2024

**New Tailor-made Itineraries for Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania**

We are delighted to present you with our new Tailor-made Itineraries for East Africa. Our company specialises in designing exclusive one-of-a-kind luxury travel experiences, taking great pride in our ability to plan and execute every trip to perfection.

To provide an insight into the types of luxury travel experiences we create, please view the enclosed sample itineraries for Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

Last but not least, we have also included in this month's newsletter a couple of 'get-to-know' Travulous videos, where we talk about our decision to move to Rwanda and open an office, our specialist Tour Leaders, and working with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Atlanta and Rwanda for almost 8 years.

Read our newsletter for more information -> https://conta.cc/48xJXjb

View Newsletter as Webpage   New Tailor-made Itineraries Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania   Greetings from East Africa! We are delighted to present you with our new Tailor-made Itineraries for East

24/02/2024

The Results Are In! The most popular Travulous newsletter in 2023 was 'Why are Travulous the Mountain Gorilla Experts?'. It lists 10 key differentiators that set Travulous apart from our competitors.

https://conta.cc/44Lk91T

31/01/2024

**One-Stop-Shop for East Africa: Kigali & Kampala Offices, New Staff & More Driver Guides**

Travulous is thrilled to welcome you to our first newsletter of 2024. For us, it has been a good start to the year, especially since we recently received the award of 'Leading Experts in Tour Operations & Destination Management - Rwanda' by LUXlife. As outlined in our newsletter, LUXlife's merit-driven approach ensures that winners are not determined by the popularity of votes, but instead by their contributions.

January has also been a busy month for Travulous as we are opening our second regional office in East Africa and recruiting new staff to join our growing company. We have increased the size of our team to 21 individuals, comprised of 6 Office Staff, 10 Driver Guides and 5 Tour Leaders.

Read our newsletter for more information -> https://conta.cc/4bxhvRt

View Newsletter as Webpage   One-Stop-Shop for East Africa Kigali & Kampala Offices, New Staff & More Driver Guides   Greetings from Kigali and Kampala! Travulous is thrilled to welcome you to our fir

17/01/2024

We are delighted to have been awarded 'Leading Experts in Tour Operations & Destination Management - Rwanda' by LUX

With offices in Kigali and Kampala, we create one-of-a-kind luxury travel experiences in East Africa.

22/12/2023

**2023 In Review: A Time to Reflect and Plan for the Year Ahead**

As 2023 draws to a close, we want to reflect on what has turned out to be a phenomenal year of growth, successes, new collaborations and unforgettable memories for Travulous. Our company highlights for the past 12 months include operating two very successful Familiarisation trips in Rwanda, onboarding several new travel advisors, further strengthening our working relationships with our suppliers, and laying the foundations for our East African expansion program next year. In celebration of these company milestones, we are showcasing in this month's newsletter some of our proudest highlights from 2023.

We are brimming with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead of us in 2024. Read our newsletter for more information -> https://conta.cc/3NCkAoR

May the coming year be filled with happiness, good fortune and adventures for all of us.

With offices in Kigali and Kampala, we create one-of-a-kind luxury travel experiences in East Africa.

14/12/2023

Meet our Founders: In 2010, Kristin and Richard were both living in the UK, and only 10 minutes apart from each other in London. They had spent years visiting the same restaurants, shops and bars, yet had never met!

In the same year, both decided it was time to find their life partner and took the first steps by joining an internet dating site. At the time, Richard was the owner of an African Tour Operator specialising in mountain gorilla safaris in Rwanda and Uganda.

Whilst scrolling through online profiles, the search terms Richard used to find Kristin were 'Mountain Gorillas', 'Rwanda' and 'Uganda'. To Richard's surprise, Kristin's profile popped up and this was the beginning of their Africa journey together! This selection of photos were taken during their first trip together to Africa, visiting Ruaha, Selous and Zanzibar.

Since then, Kristin and Richard have travelled the length and breadth of the African continent together, moved to Kigali to open Travulous' first regional office, and are about to open the company's second regional office in Kampala.

https://www.travulous.com/expertise-services

30/11/2023

**The Best Camps, Hotels and Lodges in Rwanda**

In this month's newsletter, we are including a selection of our in-house videos featuring some of our favourite camps, hotels and lodges in Rwanda, known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills’. The properties showcased in our Video Gallery are located in the country's top tourism destinations, namely Volcanoes National Park, Kigali, Akagera National Park, and the Kivu Belt region, which comprises of Lake Kivu and Nyungwe National Park.

Offering a combination of nature, adventure and culture, from trekking through the forest in search of mountain gorillas to exploring art galleries in the country's vibrant capital city Kigali, it is no surprise that Rwanda consistently ranks as one of Africa's hottest travel destinations. Read our newsletter for more information, including photos of our recent FAM trips -> https://conta.cc/3GklxOC

View Newsletter as Webpage   Land Of A Thousand Hills Rwanda's Best Camps, Hotels & Lodges   Greetings from Kigali! In this month's newsletter, we are including a selection of our in-house videos feat

15/11/2023

This month Travulous hosted two Familiarisation trips, which were a great success with our travel advisors learning more about Rwanda, including its mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, Big Five and conservation initiatives.

Accompanied by our Tour Leader Ian Redmond and our Driver Guides Jean Marie and Guillaume, the group visited leading properties in Kigali, Akagera and Volcanoes National Park.

Safaris and Primates will also be the highlights of our FAM trips in 2024, so why not experience these for yourself? If you belong to the Travel Trade and are interested in joining us to learn more about Rwanda, sign up or log in to our Agent Portal to review the itinerary, including dates and prices:

https://www.travulous.com/agent-landing-page

01/11/2023

**The Best of Entebbe and Kampala**

There aren't many countries on the African continent that can match Uganda for sheer beauty and diversity. Home to approximately half the world's population of mountain gorillas, there are a great selection of activities for visitors to enjoy, from rafting the rapids of the Nile and going in search of Kibale's elusive chimpanzees, to cruising the Kazinga channel in search of hippos and elephants, and admiring the abundant wildlife and spectacular falls in Murchison Falls National Park.

As most visitors to Uganda will spend either a pre or post safari stop-over in Entebbe or Kampala, we have compiled in this month's newsletter an overview of both cities, including the best places to stay, a list of popular activities for visitors to enjoy, and a description of their respective histories -> https://conta.cc/3s9tbYL

16/10/2023

Happy to read that Rwanda will be featured in November's issue of Condé Nast Traveler. The country has so much to offer its visitors, including an incredibly rich culture with a mix of history, art, cuisine, wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

"It all makes visiting Rwanda a frictionless, spiritually nourishing experience—a remarkable turn of events, decades in the making." ~ Condé Nast Traveler

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/conservation-and-community-in-rwanda/amp

Across the East African nation, once-warring neighbors are quietly coming together to restore their natural heritage.

12/10/2023

East Africa is home to a multitude of different cultures, social dynamics, traditional customs and fascinating folklore. A visit to this region is a must for those who want to experience the best of what the African continent has to offer.

30/09/2023

**East Africa's Leading Wildlife Sanctuaries**

Many travellers who go on safari are unaware of the incredible work which is being done in the background and out of sight to safeguard Africa's wildlife.

This is why, we at Travulous, try to encourage our guests to include at least one visit to an East African wildlife sanctuary whilst on safari. It is exceptionally rewarding to meet the inspiring individuals who tirelessly work for these organisations and to learn about the incredible work they are doing to protect and conserve Africa's wildlife.

For this month's newsletter, we have compiled a list of some of East Africa's most reputable and popular wildlife sanctuaries. Read our newsletter for more information -> https://conta.cc/3RBXVvJ

28/09/2023

Lake Manyara and Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth are two of the best national parks in East Africa to spot the famed tree climbing lions. It is believed the lions climb trees for 3 reasons; to alleviate the hot humid climate, to distance themselves from tsetse flies, and to obtain an aerial view of potential prey below, such as grazing antelope.

These are some of the few places in Africa where when your safari guide shouts 'lion', you should definitely look up!

22/09/2023

Nyungwe National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the first site in Rwanda to be listed for its ecological value.

Known to be one of the oldest and best preserved rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe National Park is home to approximately 300 bird species, 75 mammal species and 13 primate species.

The UN organisation has described the rainforest as being home to "highly diverse flora and fauna" and "habitats for a number of species found nowhere else in the world".

14/09/2023

**2024 Small Group Tour dates and prices**

Join our Small Group Tours and discover some of the most sought after safari locations in the world, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Maasai Mara and Volcanoes National Park:

*In the Footsteps of Dian Fossey*
-> 2024 Dates: 03-07 Aug | 26-30 October
-> Tour Leader: Craig Sholley, SVP of the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)
-> https://www.travulous.com/tours/scheduled-fossey-footsteps

*The Highlights of Rwanda*
-> 2024 Dates: 02-12 Sep | 07-17 Dec
-> Tour Leader: Ian Redmond, Chairman of the Ape Alliance and Consultant to Born Free
-> https://www.travulous.com/tours/scheduled-highlights-rwanda

*Primates and Kenya's Big Five*
-> 2024 Dates: 13-23 Jul | 07-17 Dec
-> Tour Leader: Peter Veit, Director of the World Resources Institute (WRI)
-> https://www.travulous.com/tours/scheduled-primates-bigfive

*Gorillas, Tanzania's Big Five & Zanzibar*
-> 2024 Dates: 20-30 Jul | 11-21 Dec
-> Tour Leader: John Fowler, author of the book 'A Forest in the Clouds'
-> https://www.travulous.com/tours/scheduled-gorillas-bigfive

31/08/2023

**East Africa's Best Beaches: Diani Vs Mahé Vs Zanzibar?**

When going on safari to visit the Mountain Gorillas, spotting the Big Five, or maybe both, many travellers decide to end their trip by packing away their sturdy safari boots and swapping them for a comfortable pair of beach sandals.

Although there are many East African beach destinations to choose from, some of which are not as well known and are therefore more secluded, it is widely accepted that Diani Beach in Kenya, Mahé Island in the Seychelles, and Unguja (also known as Zanzibar) in Tanzania are undoubtedly the top three contenders in the region.

Read our newsletter for more information -> https://conta.cc/3svey1r

View Newsletter as Webpage Diani Vs Mahé Vs Zanzibar? East Africa's Best Beaches Greetings from Kigali! When going on safari to visit the Mountain Gorillas, spotting the Big Five, or maybe both, many

16/08/2023

Hosted at the base of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda has celebrated the Kwita Izina infant mountain gorilla naming ceremony since 2005. Kwita Izina is inspired by the ancient tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends.

This year Kwita Izina will be held on Friday 1 September. If you would like to join the celebrations, view our itinerary and get in touch with us:

https://www.travulous.com/tours/scheduled-highlights-rwanda

31/07/2023

**Why are Travulous the Mountain Gorilla Experts?**

Each year, many tourists make their way to Rwanda and Uganda to visit the magnificent mountain gorillas. As the mountain gorilla tourism infrastructure has expanded, so has the number of DMCs and Tour Operators who service their customers via offices in Rwanda and Uganda. We often speak with prospective customers who find it challenging to differentiate between the various companies, as many of them seem to have similar offerings.

For this reason, in the spirit of facilitating the decision-making process, we have created a list with 10 key differentiators that set Travulous apart from our competitors. Read our newsletter for more information -> https://conta.cc/3q892kL

View Newsletter as Webpage Why are Travulous the Mountain Gorilla Experts? Rwanda and Uganda Greetings from Kigali! Many of us working in the safari industry believe the term 'Big 5' has become outda

17/07/2023

We first came to Rwanda in the early 2000s. Since then, the country has evolved dramatically, which is why Co-Founders Richard and Kristin decided to open our African headquarters for Travulous in Kigali in 2021. Here are some interesting facts about Rwanda:

-> Rwanda has been voted the safest country for solo travellers in Africa, and the 6th safest in the world.

-> Rwanda is committed to conservation. Mountain Gorilla numbers continue to increase in Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura national parks are safe havens for African wildlife.

-> Rwanda paves the way for gender equality, with more than 60% of parliamentary seats belonging to women.

-> To fight climate change and combat carbon emissions, Rwanda plans to plant over 43 million trees across the country.

-> Since 2008, plastic bags have been banned in Rwanda. This law has significantly contributed to making Kigali one of the cleanest cities in Africa.

-> Rwanda was the last chair of The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), bringing together 54 nations for multilateral talks in Kigali.

-> Rwanda chaired the African Union between 2018 - 2019, championing game-changing initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

-> In 2022 Rwanda was voted number 4 in the top 10 best African countries to invest in.

-> Kigali is home to leading global brands including Volkswagen, Heineken, Radisson and Motorola.

-> Kigali's proposed new cable car project could be a 1st on the African continent to offer an alternative mode of transportation for improving mobility for residents and tourists alike

Why not visit Rwanda for yourself?

With offices in Kigali and Kampala, we create one-of-a-kind luxury travel experiences in East Africa.

05/07/2023

Meet our Team! With the destination knowledge of our office staff, coupled with the expertise of our tour leaders and driver guides, we pride ourselves on our ability to design inspirational Tailor-made and Small Group Tours, plus exclusive, one-of-a-kind events.

https://www.travulous.com/our-team

With offices in Kigali and Kampala, we create one-of-a-kind luxury travel experiences in East Africa.

30/06/2023

**Kenya Vs Tanzania: How do they Compare?**

We are often asked: "Should I go on Safari in Kenya or Tanzania?" Both are excellent choices and ultimately, it's a personal decision. Although the safari industry began in Kenya, Tanzania has done well to develop its tourism industry and catch up with its neighbour.

Regardless of whether you visit Kenya or Tanzania, there is no wrong decision as your safari will undoubtedly rank as an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Read our newsletter for more information -> https://conta.cc/436K1DN

View Newsletter as Webpage Kenya Vs Tanzania How do they Compare? Greetings from Kigali! We are often asked: "Should I go on Safari in Kenya or Tanzania?" Both are excellent choices and ultimately, it

19/06/2023

Meet our Founders, Kristin and Richard. Working in East Africa since 2003, Kristin and Richard have extensive experience of designing one-of-a-kind luxury travel experiences across the region.

Living in Kigali, they are both avid explorers and travel enthusiasts, having travelled the length and breadth of the African continent.

https://lnkd.in/e7g6HYJ2



Mountain Gorilla tracking photo was taken pre-Covid

09/06/2023

Did you know, UNESCO protects and preserves cultural and natural heritage around the world which they consider to be of outstanding value to humanity?

Africa has 98 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including 54 cultural, 39 natural and 5 mixed sites. From this list, in the countries Travulous operates in, Kenya is home to 7 sites (https://lnkd.in/dTadMhVz), Tanzania has 7 sites (https://lnkd.in/d5Zb9DTN), 3 sites are located in Uganda (https://lnkd.in/dxKcBCQc), and Rwanda has 2 sites on the tentative list.

Today we are showcasing some of our favourite East African World Heritage Sites, including Kilimanjaro NP, Lake Nakuru, Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Stone Town, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lamu Old Town, and Nyungwe NP (tentative).

31/05/2023

**Rwanda Vs Uganda: How do they Compare?**

When reviewing leading safari destinations in East Africa, the two country comparisons which are often highlighted are Kenya compared with Tanzania, due to the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, and Rwanda versus Uganda, as both destinations are home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

This month, we have decided to focus on the comparison between Rwanda vs Uganda. Read our newsletter for more information -> https://conta.cc/3O2ZQGn

View Newsletter as Webpage Rwanda Vs Uganda How do they Compare? Greetings from Kigali! When reviewing leading safari destinations in East Africa, the two country comparisons which are often highlight

25/05/2023

There’s always something so special about sunrises and sunsets on safari in East Africa. Is it the ‘big’ sun and colours of the sky? The sights and sounds of nature in picturesque locations? Perhaps it is something impossible to put into words and these peaceful and magical moments can only be understood by being there…

17/05/2023

Have you visited the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund? Located just outside Volcanoes National Park, the completion of the campus represents the fulfilment of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s long standing ambition to build a home in Rwanda aimed at showcasing their conservation work.

Contact us to incorporate a visit to the campus into your next Rwanda holiday: https://www.travulous.com/contact