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Escape the Crowds in East Africa
The Best National Parks With Fewer Tourists
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Greetings from East Africa!
According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Africa was the continent with the fastest tourism growth in 2023, spurred on in part by the post-Covid migration towards open spaces, which Africa, as the leading continent for wildlife tourism, has in abundance. It is now widely reported that countries in East Africa's tourism sector, particularly Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, have all surpassed pre-COVID tourism activity.
Living in East Africa and dividing our time between Travulous' offices in Kigali and Kampala, we are continuously reminded of the efforts the local governments and their tourist departments are taking to further grow their respective tourism sectors. In the World Economic Forum's most recent 'Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024', Tanzania is ranked as the 5th most improved economy, globally, for enabling Travel and Tourism development, whereas Kenya ranked the 4th best when it comes to confronting factors relating to overcrowding, and Rwanda comes in at 6th place. No doubt, Kenya's ranking was influenced by the country's recent focus on how to deal with overcrowding in the Maasai Mara, whereas Rwanda works to avoid overtourism by operating a high-price-low-volume model.
On the one hand, this post-Covid tourism growth is welcome news, especially for those who work in the tourism sector, yet on the other hand, the consequences of overtourism are becoming increasingly troublesome in some parts of East Africa. In the spirit of helping our clients address the challenges faced by overtourism, we are dedicating this month's newsletter to shining a spotlight on some of our favourite 'lesser visited' national parks in East Africa, comprising of Akagera, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Ruaha.
Increasingly, travellers 'in the know' are heading off-the-beaten-track to explore the uncrowded corners of East Africa. In the same vein, one of the best ways to see wildlife in a scenic, relaxing and less-crowded manner, is to embark on a water-based safari which allows you to visit areas that are generally inaccessible by land. Observing wildlife wading, swimming or drinking in the cool waters of the mighty Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park or the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, ranks as some of the best-water based safari experiences on the African Continent. Taking a boat trip on Lakes Ihema or Rwanyakazinga in Akagera National Park is also a highlight, as is game viewing along the Great Ruaha River. Bird watching along all these waterbodies is a huge attraction in these national parks.
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OUR FAVOURITE 'LESSER VISITED' PARKS | |
Acting as your eyes and ears here on the ground in East Africa, we get a great sense of satisfaction from sharing our recommendations with fellow wildlife enthusiasts who are seeking a special and secluded safari experience in the region. We hope you enjoy watching the videos of some of our favourite under-the-radar national parks in East Africa: | |
To give an insight into the types of luxury travel experiences we create, please view the sample itineraries below. These can either be treated as a standalone programs, incorporated into a longer itinerary, or modified to match your particular interests and budget. Alternatively, you may wish for us to start with a blank canvas, to handcraft a personalised itinerary based on what you want and nothing more. | |
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Akagera NP
Rwanda | Duration: 5 days
Highlights
> Enjoy game drives spotting the Big Five, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons and monkeys
> Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Akagera’s HQ to learn about its conservation success-story
> Cruise along Lake Ihema in search of large pods of hippos and Nile crocodiles
> Discover the largest concentration of waterbirds in Africa, including the shoebill stork
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Queen Elizabeth NP
Uganda | Duration: 13 days
Highlights
> Encounter crocodile, elephant and hippos on a Kazinga Channel cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
> Vsit Queen Elizabeth's Ishasha plains, which are home to the park's famous tree climbing lions
> Go in search of Kibale’s 13 primate species, including its elusive chimpanzees
> Embark on 2 gorilla treks in Bwindi, and spend a magical hour per visit with them
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Murchison Falls NP
Uganda | Duration: 13 days
Highlights
> Enjoy the spectacular sights of Murchison Falls and the Nile thundering thorough its gorge
> Encounter elephant, hippo and crocodile on a river cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls
> Embark on 2 gorilla treks in Bwindi, and spend a magical hour per visit with them
> Go in search of Kibale’s 13 primate species, including its elusive chimpanzees
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Ruaha NP
Tanzania | Duration: 8 days
Highlights
> With its abundant wildlife and fewer tourists, visit Ruaha which offers a wild safari experience
> Spot Ruaha’s elephants, one of the largest populations of any of Tanzania’s parks
> Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Nyerere, Africa’s newest and largest national park
> Enjoy a boat safari surrounded by Nyerere’s wildlife, keeping a lookout for elephant, hippo and lion
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Prices will fluctuate based on the time of year, length of stay, accommodation choices, number of participants and inclusions. | |
When choosing accommodations in Akagera National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Ruaha National Park, we can suggest a wide range of properties where guests can stay. A sample of some of our favourite lodges and camps are listed below. Click on the blue links to learn more about these properties: | |
We have access to the best locally contracted industry rates, and we regularly compare our prices against those of our competitors to ensure we always offer a competitive service. We also conduct regular site inspections in every destination to ensure all properties and suppliers featured in our itineraries adhere to and maintain the service levels as expected. |
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FAMILIARISATION TRIPS TO RWANDA & UGANDA | |
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There is no doubt Mountain Gorillas and the Big Five will be the big highlights of our safaris in 2024 and 2025, so why not experience these for yourself?
In 2024 and 2025 Travulous will be offering Familiarisation Trips for the Travel Trade to visit Rwanda and Uganda:
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The Volcanoes National Park segment of this trip will be guided by Ian Redmond. Ian worked with Dian Fossey at the original Karisoke Research Center in the 1970s, introduced Sir David Attenborough to the mountain gorillas, and taught Sigourney Weaver to grunt like a gorilla for her award-winning role in 'Gorillas in the Mist'.
Site inspections will include luxury properties in Kigali, Akagera NP and Volcanoes NP (including The Retreat, Magashi, Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge and Gorilla's Nest).
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The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park segment of our two trips will be guided by Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. In the legacy of the late Dian Fossey, Gladys has become one of the leading conservationists and scientists working to save mountain gorillas. Gladys is the founder and CEO of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH).
Site inspections will include luxury properties in Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
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If you belong to the Travel Trade and are interested in joining us in 2024 or 2025 to learn more about Rwanda or Uganda, sign up or log in to our Agent Portal to review the itineraries, including dates and prices: | |
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RWANDA OFFICE:
Anglican Business Centre, KK 18 Avenue, Giporoso, Kigali, Rwanda
Tel: +250 786 415 499
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UGANDA OFFICE:
Plot 2321, Kyadondo Block, Kigowa, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 742037702
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