At Redroad Tours, human development and sustainable tourism are values we hold dearly. We believe travel and tourism are great tools for mutually developing both the travellers and the host communities. Our experiential tours to East Africa are two-pronged; we offer unique cultural and community immersion experiences born from our many years of working in these communities. Redroad Tours also aspires to offer travellers keen on a naturally intimate and up and close experience in the wild. Students, experts, enthusiasts, and researchers are led down the road that directly fosters conservation and sustainable eco-tourism.
The dwindling number of rhinos globally makes rhino tracking a delicate but truly special affair. These majestic creatures are the second-largest land mammals but have sadly been plagued by poaching to near extinction. The rhino is not to be found roaming free in any game parks in Uganda, which explains why rhinos inside Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda are physically protected 24/7.
Experiential Tours to Africa guests are taken on emotionally exciting and unforgettable guided tours. At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, rhinos are safe and occasionally bred to ensure continuity of the Great Rhino. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya is home to the Black Rhino is a great place to check out. Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary in Tanzania is incredible too.
Kenya and Tanzania are hotspots for lion tracking. Kenya has had to contend with the constant conflict between nomadic tribes and wildlife in the past. The Maasai nomads are known to protect their cattle passionately and will do anything within their might, including killing lions to do so. Lion tracking inside conservancies like Ol Peteja in Kenya is a smart attempt to ensure coexistence between tribal communities and wildlife.
Lion tracking expeditions are perfect because they foster certainty of lion sightings, unlike ordinary game drives where sightings of lions are rare. Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, home to tree-climbing lions, equally runs a commendable research-centred lion ranch where one may appreciate lion behaviour close. Travellers keen on a research centred tracking expedition may on request be paired with Dr Caroline Ngweno, a lion conservationist based in Kenya.
Gorilla Habituation is a delicate process that fosters familiarisation between Mountain Gorilla families in the wild and humans. Habituation takes anywhere between 2-3 years and is done by primate experts, trackers, rangers and conservationists. The Gorilla Habitual experience is a deeply intimate four-hour encounter between humans and wild gorillas. Unlike gorilla trekking which is somewhat detached and only an hour-long, habitual experience allows tourists to intimately watch and study gorilla families and get to know individual gorillas by trait and name.
Gorilla Habitual Experience is only offered in Uganda; booking is made six months prior. An enhanced gorilla experience may be negotiated with us thanks to the partnership between Redroad Tours and Dr Gladys Kalema, a primate expert who accompanies trekkers at a slightly improved fee – this is convenient for conservationists and zoology students.
Conservancies are great travel destination options combining tourism, research, and conservation. Conservation Safari allows for a trip that appeals to all the senses; travellers get to venture into the vast savannah on foot where they can feel, smell, touch African Wildlife without limiting themselves to just seeing wildlife from the comfort of vehicles.
For instance, the Elephant Orphanage in Kenya is premised on rescuing and preserving elephant calves orphaned by poaching activities. Travellers get to ‘adopt’ elephants, learn about them, and hand-feed them. Conservancies equally focus on rhinos, primates, giraffes, and snakes.
There is no better way to truly understand the life and spirit of East Africa than through experiential tours to East Africa, which invite travellers to immerse themselves in the traditions and hospitality of the local people. Cultural immersion tours typically involve staying with a host family, with whom you’ll forge genuine connections as you share in their chores and break bread together. Alternatively, one might choose shorter stays, village tours, or suburban community walks. Spice up your stay in East Africa by volunteering with partner organisations that work towards the human development of vulnerable communities through medical outreaches, literacy, advocacy or entrepreneurship.
Interact with locals at a depth and level that’s impossible with traditional tours. Meet people you would otherwise not meet; see places you would otherwise not see. Listen to the music of a new language; feel strange new words slip across your tongue. Attend a wedding celebration; sway to the rhythm of drums and ancient prayers. Speak with tribal elders and students; watch as the ghosts of East Africa come to life through stories, music, laughter, and dance.