Rafting

Rafting

Getting splashed in East Africa

East Africa is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking waterways, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for an exciting rafting or boating adventure. The region is blessed with pristine lakes, winding rivers, and vast wetlands, providing plenty of opportunities to explore and discover its incredible natural beauty from a unique perspective.

Whether it’s the adrenaline rush of rafting down the Nile River, the tranquility of a sunset boat safari in Lake Manyara, or the chance to spot wildlife from the comfort of a boat in the Selous Game Reserve, East Africa has something to offer for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your oars, and get ready for an unforgettable experience exploring the waterways of this stunning region.

More about rafting on the Nile

Welcome to the thrill of white water rafting on the Nile River, the longest river in the world. Come to Jinja, where you’ll get to experience an exhilarating white water rafting ride that will take you through the spectacular scenery of Uganda and the heart of the Nile.

The white water rafting experience on the Nile River is suitable for everyone, whether you are a seasoned rafter or a first-timer. We offer a range of rafting trips that cater to different levels of experience and expertise, so you can choose the trip that suits you best.

Where to experience boating & rafting in East Africa

Rafting:
  • Rwanda: There are no rafting opportunities in Rwanda.
  • Uganda: Nile River (near Jinja)
  • Tanzania: Rufiji River (near Selous Game Reserve)
Canoeing and Kayaking:

Recommended Tours

During your rafting adventure, you will be surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including rolling hills, lush forests, and towering cliffs.

See below for tours that include rafting and boating, or let us know what you’re interested in and we’ll tailor-make a tour just for you.

Let’s start planning your next safari.

Warren Ankwasa

Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.

As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs. When you’re ready, send us a message.

We’ll be in touch within 2 business days with ideas for your next adventure.

Safari Inspiration – Straight To Your Inbox

Wondering where in Africa to go on your first safari? How to budget for a safari? Want the latest baby mountain gorilla photos?

Each month, we send tips and stories straight from Kikooko’s headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda, sharing our unique perspective on where to go, what to do, and the impact your travels can have.

Sign up today.

Your email will only be used for monthly updates from Kikooko Africa Safaris.

Biking

Biking in East Africa

Enjoy a gentle ride through the rolling hills of East Africa

Explore some of East Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, including rugged mountain trails, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside. You will also have the chance to encounter a wide range of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and many other species.

Where to enjoy biking in East Africa

Rwanda:

  • Congo Nile Trail
  • Musanze Caves Trail
  • Ruhengeri-Gisenyi Trail

Recommended Biking Tours

At Kikooko Africa Safaris, we are passionate about providing our guests with unforgettable experiences that take them off the beaten track and into the heart of East Africa’s stunning landscapes and cultures. See below for tours that we could include bicycling as an activity, or get in touch and we’ll help design a bicycling safari for you.

Let’s start planning your next safari.

Warren Ankwasa

Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.

As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs. When you’re ready, send us a message.

We’ll be in touch within 2 business days with ideas for your next adventure.

Safari Inspiration – Straight To Your Inbox

Wondering where in Africa to go on your first safari? How to budget for a safari? Want the latest baby mountain gorilla photos?

Each month, we send tips and stories straight from Kikooko’s headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda, sharing our unique perspective on where to go, what to do, and the impact your travels can have.

Sign up today.

Your email will only be used for monthly updates from Kikooko Africa Safaris.

Trekking

Trekking

Hike through lush rainforests, climb Africa’s tallest peaks, and trek across vast savannas

Trekking and hiking in East Africa offers a unique and exhilarating experience, allowing you to get up close and personal with the natural beauty of the region.

East Africa has a range of challenges for both novice and expert hikers alike. Perhaps the most well-known in Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) at 19,340 feet (5,895 m) in altitude, making it the highest mountain in Africa.

It’s followed by Mt. Kenya at 17,058 feet (5,199 m). The Ruwenzoris, or “Mountains of the Moon” (Uganda), are Africa’s highest mountain chain, rising to 16,762 feet (5,109 m). 

Though these mountains are right around the equator, they are usually snow-capped year-round. The feel of trekking through this special Afro-alpine vegetation on these mountains makes it one of the most unique hiking experiences on the planet.

From Safari to Summit

East Africa is one of the only places in the world that lets you combine your safari experience with world-class trekking.

In Tanzania, you have the chance to take on Africa’s most well-known peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro.

In Uganda, you can trek to the summit of the Rwenzori Mountains, the highest mountain range in Africa, or hike through the spectacular scenery of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. 

In Rwanda, you can hike through the stunning Volcanoes National Park and track the mountain gorillas, or explore the lush forests of Nyungwe National Park and encounter chimpanzees and other primates.

Recommended Tours

At Kikooko Africa Safaris, we offer customized trekking and hiking itineraries that cater to your interests and needs. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, we can tailor-make a trekking or hiking tour that meets your specific requirements.

Let’s start planning your next safari.

Warren Ankwasa

Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.

As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs. When you’re ready, send us a message.

We’ll be in touch within 2 business days with ideas for your next adventure.

Safari Inspiration – Straight To Your Inbox

Wondering where in Africa to go on your first safari? How to budget for a safari? Want the latest baby mountain gorilla photos?

Each month, we send tips and stories straight from Kikooko’s headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda, sharing our unique perspective on where to go, what to do, and the impact your travels can have.

Sign up today.

Your email will only be used for monthly updates from Kikooko Africa Safaris.

Photo Safaris

Photo Safaris

See East Africa through your lens

Our East Africa photo safaris are designed for both amateur and professional photographers who want to take their photography to the next level and capture stunning images of the wildlife, landscapes, and cultures of Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. 

You will have the opportunity to photograph a wide range of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, and many other species. Our experienced guides have had the pleasure to work with professional photographers from all over the world and will be able to take you to the best locations at the best times of day to capture the perfect shot.  you’ve been dreaming of – and then help you to capture the shot you’ll never forget.

Grow as a Photographer

Our photo safaris are not just about taking pictures, but also about learning and improving your photography skills. On certain photo safaris, we are pleased to be able to invite professional photographers will provide you with valuable insights into composition, lighting, and other technical aspects of photography, helping you to capture the perfect shot.

Recommended Tours

At Kikooko Africa Safaris, we offer customized photo tour itineraries that cater to your interests and needs. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a landscape photographer, or a culture lover, we can tailor-make a tour that meets your specific requirements.

Let’s start planning your next safari.

Warren Ankwasa

Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.

As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs. When you’re ready, send us a message.

We’ll be in touch within 2 business days with ideas for your next adventure.

Safari Inspiration – Straight To Your Inbox

Wondering where in Africa to go on your first safari? How to budget for a safari? Want the latest baby mountain gorilla photos?

Each month, we send tips and stories straight from Kikooko’s headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda, sharing our unique perspective on where to go, what to do, and the impact your travels can have.

Sign up today.

Your email will only be used for monthly updates from Kikooko Africa Safaris.

Community Projects

Community Projects

Experience East Africa life firsthand with a community project

Kikooko Africa Safaris is committed to supporting local communities in East Africa by offering tours that directly benefit local people and their projects. Our community tours provide a unique opportunity for our guests to engage with local communities, learn about their daily lives, and support their projects.

During our community tours, you will have the opportunity to work with students, support entrepreneurs, and learn how local businesses operate. You will have the chance to participate in a range of activities, such as teaching at a local school, volunteering at a community center, and working with local farmers to help grow their businesses.

Important community projects throughout East Africa

Visit remote villages and rural communities, meet with local leaders and community members, and gain a deeper understanding of their projects and initiatives. By participating in our community tours, you can directly contribute to the growth and development of local projects and initiatives, and support the communities that we visit.

Rwanda:

  • Nyamirambo Women’s Center (Kigali)

Uganda:

  • Bwindi Community Hospital (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park)
  • Ssese Islands Beach Management Unit (Ssese Islands)
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (Nakasongola)

Tanzania:

  • Ilkiding’a Village (near Arusha)

Recommended tours

Whether you are interested in education, entrepreneurship, or community development, we can tailor-make an itinerary that meets your interests and needs. Our experienced guides will take you to the heart of local communities, where you can learn about their projects and initiatives, and make a difference in the lives of local people.

Local Culture

Local Culture

Spend time among the people of East Africa

When we work with people to plan their personalized East Africa safari tour, they often talk excitedly about what they’re looking forward to, like tracking the mountain gorillas or rafting down the Nile.

 What often turns out to be the most memorable moment for them? The people they meet along the way. At Kikooko, we believe the connection between travelers and locals is a powerful one, and we design our tours to give you an authentic insight into the traditions, customs, and way of life of the local communities.

Visit villages deep in the heart of East Africa

Uganda

Our guides will take you to remote villages and rural communities where you will have the chance to interact with local people and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. 

During your adventure, you will have the opportunity to engage with local people and learn about their daily lives, traditions, and practices. You will also have the chance to participate in a range of cultural activities, such as cooking traditional meals, beekeeping, brewing banana beer, harvesting tea, and visiting coffee plantations.

Tanzania

In Tanzania, there are over 120 different tribes, each with its own customs, languages, and cultures. The official languages of Tanzania are Swahili and English, although many different languages are spoken across the country. The largest ethnic group is the Sukuma, who make up about 16% of the population. 

Tanzanian culture is known for its vibrant music and dance traditions, such as taarab music and ngoma dance, as well as its rich storytelling traditions, which often center around the exploits of local heroes and historical figures. An unforgettable way to experience Tanzanian culture is to visit a local village, where you can witness daily life and participate in activities like traditional cooking and dancing. 

Rwanda In Rwanda, the largest ethnic group is the Hutu, followed by the Tutsi and the Twa. Rwanda has four official languages, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, English, and French with Kinyarwanda being the most widely spoken.The traditional customs and cultures of these groups are diverse, but they often center around community values, such as mutual support and respect for elders.

The majority of Rwandans live in self-contained compounds and work the adjacent land. Over half of the population is Christian, though many do follow more traditional African beliefs. Historically, Hutu and Tutsi tribes made up the majority of the population. 

Kikooko’s Founder’s Homecoming:
A Legacy in Kiyebe, Uganda

Opportunities to meet locals throughout East Africa

Rwanda:

  • Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (near Volcanoes National Park)
  • Nyanza Genocide Memorial (near Butare)
  • Urugo Women’s Opportunity Center (Kigali)

Uganda:

  • Ndere Cultural Centre (Kampala)
  • Kabaka’s Palace (Kampala)
  • Amabere Caves (near Fort Portal)
  • Igongo Cultural Centre (Mbarara)

Tanzania:

  • Mto wa Mbu Village (near Lake Manyara National Park)
  • Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative Society (Dar es Salaam)
  • Zanzibar Spice Farms (near Zanzibar Island)

Recommended Tours

Our cultural tours are fully customizable, and we can tailor-make an itinerary to suit your interests and needs. We are committed to connecting our guests with the communities here, so join us on a cultural adventure and experience the rich and diverse culture of East Africa.

Let’s start planning your next safari.

Warren Ankwasa

Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.

As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs. When you’re ready, send us a message.

We’ll be in touch within 2 business days with ideas for your next adventure.

Safari Inspiration – Straight To Your Inbox

Wondering where in Africa to go on your first safari? How to budget for a safari? Want the latest baby mountain gorilla photos?

Each month, we send tips and stories straight from Kikooko’s headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda, sharing our unique perspective on where to go, what to do, and the impact your travels can have.

Sign up today.

Your email will only be used for monthly updates from Kikooko Africa Safaris.

Recharge & Relax

Recharge & Relax

Enjoy a restorative moment in East Africa

For all of the activities East Africa promises, sometimes there comes a moment when finding stillness is worthwhile. In East Africa, you’ll find that moment in a region full of unique and rejuvenating experiences. These are lands of natural beauty, with vast open spaces, lush forests, and shimmering lakes, making it the perfect place to unwind and escape the stresses of modern life.

From savannas perfect for watching long sunrises and sunsets to meditative paddle boat rides through lakes, East Africa has a way of reconnecting you to what really matters. Luxurious lodges and restorative spa treatments await you at the end of your day, as do evenings and nights free of city lights and full of stars.

Let the beauty of each day take your breath away, and the stillness of each night give you the space to find it again

An island getaway in East Africa

For those seeking a laid-back experience after their Uganda safari tour, a few days in Zanzibar, the idyllic island off the coast of Tanzania, is the perfect place to unwind. Here, you can relax on white-sand beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Our favorite relaxation spots in East Africa

Rwanda:
Uganda:
Tanzania:

Recommended tours

At Kikooko Africa Safaris, we specialize in customized itineraries that cater to your interests and needs. See below for itineraries that include a moment for rest and relaxation, or write to us and we’ll personally create the restorative East African safari you’ve been dreaming about.

Let’s start planning your next safari.

Warren Ankwasa

Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.

As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs. When you’re ready, send us a message.

We’ll be in touch within 2 business days with ideas for your next adventure.

Safari Inspiration – Straight To Your Inbox

Wondering where in Africa to go on your first safari? How to budget for a safari? Want the latest baby mountain gorilla photos?

Each month, we send tips and stories straight from Kikooko’s headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda, sharing our unique perspective on where to go, what to do, and the impact your travels can have.

Sign up today.

Your email will only be used for monthly updates from Kikooko Africa Safaris.

Nature Walks

Nature Walks

Walk through the wilderness of East Africa

If you are a lover of nature and yearn to be immersed in the serene beauty of the great outdoors, then this activity is perfect for you.

 

A nature walk is a sensory feast that delights the senses and rejuvenates the soul. The rustling of leaves underfoot, the melodious sounds of the birds, the sight of grazing animals in the distance, and the earthy smell of the soil combine to create an experience that is both enchanting and invigorating.

Find your path through East Africa's stunning natural landscapes

After a few hours on the road, there’s nothing quite like slipping off on foot into the stillness of the Ugandan wilds. From the lush forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the open savannahs of the Serengeti, you’ll have a chance to marvel at the impressive flora and fauna that make the regions’ natural habitats unique.

Recommended Tours

Nature walks are a restorative adventure, and Kikooko Africa Safaris is the perfect guide to take you on this journey. See below for itineraries that incorporate this activity. We are also happy to customize your itinerary to suit your preferences.

Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris

Experience East Africa on foot

Our walking safaris take you on a journey of discovery through the savannahs, forests, and mountains of East Africa, providing an intimate and authentic experience of the country’s wildlife and culture.

 

Walking safaris offer a unique opportunity to observe wildlife, including the once-endangered white rhino, up close and personal, and to appreciate the subtle details of the African wilderness that are often missed on traditional game drives.

The most epic walking safaris in East Africa

In Uganda, you can explore the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the rugged mountains of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, or the lush forests of Kibale National Park. Each park offers a unique and unforgettable walking safari experience.

In Tanzania, areas for walking safaris exist in Tarangire National Park and in the northern part of Serengeti National Park. If accompanied by a park ranger, walking is also allowed in the Ngorongoro Conservation area, though not within the crater itself. 

In Rwanda, Akagera National Park is the main area, with a walking tour that goes along the park’s perimeter.

Recommended Tours

Our walking safaris offer more than just game viewing. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the local cultures and traditions of Uganda, as our guides share their knowledge of the country’s history and customs.

Ready to take a walk on the wild side? Kikooko Africa Safaris offers walking safari itineraries that cater to your interests and needs.

Let’s start planning your next safari.

Warren Ankwasa

Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.

As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs. When you’re ready, send us a message.

We’ll be in touch within 2 business days with ideas for your next adventure.

Safari Inspiration – Straight To Your Inbox

Wondering where in Africa to go on your first safari? How to budget for a safari? Want the latest baby mountain gorilla photos?

Each month, we send tips and stories straight from Kikooko’s headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda, sharing our unique perspective on where to go, what to do, and the impact your travels can have.

Sign up today.

Your email will only be used for monthly updates from Kikooko Africa Safaris.

Big Five

Big Five

See the Big Five like you’ve never seen them before

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the savannahs and parks of East Africa, home to a wealth of wildlife, including the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos.

Our Big Five safaris take you to some of the region’s most iconic national parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda, Akagera National Park in Rwanda, and Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park in Tanzania  These parks are teeming with wildlife and offer some of the best opportunities for game viewing in East Africa.

The Big Five in their natural habitat

Watch lions hunt, elephants roam, buffalos graze, and rhinos wander. A Big Five experience in is something to be treasured, a chance to visit with some of Africa’s most legendary wildlife throughout East Africa’s varied, vast landscapes.

Recommended Big Five tours

Because it’s that backdrop that makes our Big Five safaris special. More than just a great place to take photos, you’ll find yourself immersed in the stunning landscapes.

Kikooko Africa Safaris offers customized Big 5 safari itineraries that cater to your interests and needs.

Let’s start planning your next safari.

Warren Ankwasa

Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.

As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs. When you’re ready, send us a message.

We’ll be in touch within 2 business days with ideas for your next adventure.

Safari Inspiration – Straight To Your Inbox

Wondering where in Africa to go on your first safari? How to budget for a safari? Want the latest baby mountain gorilla photos?

Each month, we send tips and stories straight from Kikooko’s headquarters in Entebbe, Uganda, sharing our unique perspective on where to go, what to do, and the impact your travels can have.

Sign up today.

Your email will only be used for monthly updates from Kikooko Africa Safaris.