Walk with gorillas.
Track the wild heart of Africa.
Welcome to Ruigo Tours & Safari your trusted safari partner in East Africa. We specialize in tailor-made wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking adventures, cultural experiences, and unforgettable journeys across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Highlights
Kibale National Park is one of Uganda’s most spectacular rainforest destinations, covering approximately 766 km² in western Uganda. Famous for its rich biodiversity and exceptional primate population, Kibale is widely recognised as the “Primate Capital of the World.
The park is home to 13 primate species, including habituated chimpanzee communities, Uganda mangabeys, red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and blue monkeys. Chimpanzee trekking offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to observe these intelligent and social animals in their natural forest habitat.
Beyond primates, Kibale supports a variety of wildlife, including forest elephants, buffaloes, duikers, bushpigs, warthogs, and leopards, while lions occasionally pass through the forest. The park is also a rewarding destination for bird enthusiasts, with more than 325 recorded bird species, including several species of conservation and regional importance.
Kibale forms an important wildlife corridor with Queen Elizabeth National Park, allowing animals to move between the forest and savannah ecosystems. Visitors can explore the park through chimpanzee trekking, guided nature walks, birdwatching, forest experiences, and community activities.
With its ancient rainforest, diverse wildlife, rich birdlife, and unforgettable primate encounters, Kibale offers an authentic and immersive Ugandan safari experience for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure travellers.
Highlights
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of Africa’s most extraordinary mountain destinations. Established in 1991 and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the park is renowned for its exceptional landscapes, biodiversity, and dramatic alpine scenery.
Covering nearly 1,000 km², the park protects a significant portion of the Rwenzori Mountains, famously known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” The range is home to Africa’s third-highest peak, Mount Stanley’s Margherita Peak, as well as Mount Speke, Mount Baker, Mount Gessi, Mount Emin, and Mount Luigi da Savoia.
The Rwenzori landscape is remarkably diverse, extending from lush montane forests and bamboo zones to high-altitude moorlands, glaciers, snowfields, waterfalls, and spectacular mountain lakes. Its unique vegetation includes giant lobelias, heathers, mosses, and other rare alpine plants that create an enchanting, otherworldly atmosphere.
The park supports approximately 70 mammal species and more than 200 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Wildlife and birdwatching are complemented by the extraordinary beauty of the mountain environment.
Rwenzori is a world-class hiking and mountaineering destination, offering experiences for both experienced climbers and adventure travellers. Multi-day expeditions can reach Margherita Peak, while shorter, non-technical hikes provide opportunities to explore the foothills, forests, waterfalls, and lower mountain landscapes.
From tropical forests to snow-capped peaks, the Rwenzori Mountains offer a truly unique and unforgettable adventure in Uganda.
Highlights
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the south western part of Uganda, on the boundary of the Albertine Rift Valley, at an elevation of between 1,160m and 2,607m asl. This is a genuine tropical rainforest, spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys.
The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and it borders the Virunga National Park inthe Democratic Republic of Congo, contains both montane and lowland forest and is accessible only on foot. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site and it also boasts one of the richest ecosystems in Africa
In the local language “bwindi”/“mubwindi” means “dark place”, referring to the impenetrable nature of the thick forest and this is where it derives its name from.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve was first gazetted in 1942 and later on upgraded to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in 1992. In 1994, it was acknowledged as the World Heritage Site.
What makes Bwindi Impenetrable is the fact that it covers an area of about 327 square kms of tangled plant life draped over a deep fissured landscape of steep, slippery valleys & high, draughty ridges. However if the terrain is far from easy to manage, it’s well worth the effort as a trek through one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests in search of the vulnerable mountain gorillaranks among one of the world’s premier wildlife encounters.
The park is inhabited by a population of about 400 individual mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), known as the Bwindi population, which makes up approximately 50% of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. A 2006 census of the mountain gorilla population in the park showed that its numbers had increased modestly from an estimated 300 individuals in 1997 to 320 individuals in 2002 to 340 individuals in 2006.
Inside the park there are 11 species of primates which can be seen, including chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, black and white colobus and the ubiquitous olive baboon. Additionally there are approximately 346 species of birds which can be seen, and Bwindi contains 90% of all Albertine Rift endemics which are very hard to experience in any other place in East Africa, along with approximately 200 species of butterflies.
However, gorilla tracking is the park’s main tourist attraction and those wishing to track gorillas must first obtain a permit to do so. Selected gorillas families have been habituated to human presence and the number of visitors is tightly controlled to prevent degradation of the habitat and risks to the gorillas.
Tourists can visit the park any time throughout the year, although conditions in the park are more difficult during the rainy seasons. Available tourist accommodations include lodges, tented camps, and cheaper options generally run by the local community, located near the Buhoma entrance gate.
Access: Approximately a 6 hour drive from Kampala to Kabale and then Kabale to Buhoma Park Headquarters takes 3-4 hours; Kabale – Ruhija – Buhoma takes about 3 hours. The public does not use this road much and a 4-wheel drive vehicle is necessary. A bus leaves from Kampala to Butogota daily at circa 06:30 a.m. Otherwise you may travel by bus or matatu from Kampala to Kabale for circa Ush 12,000. From Kabale you can hire a car for about Ush 100,000, or take a pickup truck to Butogota. Public transport to Butogota is unpredictable, but most common on market days in Kabale. It is 18 kms from Butogota to Buhoma.
Highlights
Murchison Falls National Park is located in Masindi District in western Uganda and is situated approximately 300 kilometres (190 miles) northwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park, measuring approximately 3,840 square kilometres (1,480 sq mi). Also in the park, adjacent to the Masindi-Gulu Highway, are the Karuma Falls.
The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile from east to west for a distance of about 115 kilometres (71 miles) and is home to the world-famous Murchison Falls, where the waters of the majestic Nile River squeeze through a narrow gorge, only 7 metres (23 feet) wide, before plunging 43 metres (141 feet) below.
Unsurprisingly Murchison Falls National Park derives its name from the waterfall, the centerpiece of the park, and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert.
This stretch of river provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes and buffaloes, while hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds are permanent residents.
In Murchison it is possible to spot four of the “big five”, and buffalos, elephants, lions andleopards are best to be seen in the northern sector (above the Nile). Due to excessive hunting and poaching, Rhinos became extinct by 1983, but were re-introduced into Uganda in 2005 by Rhino Fund Uganda. White rhinos are now being bred again in the 7000ha Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is located 70 km south of the park; their mission is to reintroduce small herds of rhinos (around five at a time), whilst retaining a nucleus breeding herd in the sanctuary.
Boat trips operate from Paraa to the foot of Murchison Falls and takes around 3 hours for a round trip. This is an extremely popular activity and it will enable you to see hippos, crocodiles and magnificent bird life close up. There are also nature walks to the top of the falls (sometimes not available in the wet seasons) and at Kaniyo Pabidi, where you can trek chimpanzees.
Kampala to Paraa takes around 5 hours and a 4WD vehicle is recommended.
The 1951 film “The African Queen” starring Humphrey Bogart was filmed on Lake Albert and the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park.
Highlights
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the country’s most diverse and rewarding safari destinations. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, the park features vast savannah plains, crater lakes, wetlands, forests, and the famous Kazinga Channel.
The park offers excellent game drives, with opportunities to encounter elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Uganda kob, waterbuck, warthogs, and other wildlife.
The Ishasha Sector is particularly famous for its unique tree-climbing lions, often seen resting on the branches of large fig and acacia trees overlooking the plains.
A Kazinga Channel boat cruise is another unforgettable experience, providing close views of hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds along the shoreline.
With more than 600 recorded bird species, Queen Elizabeth is also an exceptional destination for birdwatching. Visitors can further explore the park’s volcanic crater lakes, local communities, and rich cultural heritage through authentic community experiences.
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers the perfect blend of wildlife, scenic beauty, adventure, and culture—making it an essential highlight of any Uganda safari.
Highlights
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda along the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, covering just 33.7 km². Despite its compact size, the park offers an exceptional combination of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, volcanic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
Mgahinga forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area, a transboundary ecosystem shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is home to three of the eight Virunga volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo, each offering rewarding one-day hiking experiences.
Mountain Gorilla & Golden Monkey Encounters
Mgahinga is one of only two destinations in Uganda where visitors can trek endangered mountain gorillas, the other being Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is home to a habituated gorilla family, although gorillas may occasionally cross international borders, making sightings less predictable than in Bwindi.
The park is also renowned for golden monkey trekking, offering visitors the opportunity to encounter this rare and striking primate in its natural habitat.
Mgahinga supports approximately 76 mammal species and more than 115 recorded bird species, including buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, Rwenzori turacos, crowned hornbills, yellow-billed kites, and grey crowned cranes.
Volcanoes, Forest & Adventure
The park’s dramatic volcanic scenery provides a spectacular setting for hiking and nature exploration. Visitors can climb Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, or Mount Muhabura, with each volcano offering a unique experience and panoramic views across the Virunga region.
Batwa Cultural Heritage
Beyond its wildlife, Mgahinga holds deep cultural significance for the Batwa people, who have a longstanding connection with the forests of the region. A Batwa cultural experience provides an opportunity to learn about their traditional knowledge, forest heritage, and way of life.
Getting There
Mgahinga is approximately 540 km from Kampala and can be reached by road via Kabale and Kisoro. The journey takes around 8 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. Travelers can also access Kisoro by scheduled or chartered domestic flights from Entebbe, followed by a transfer to the park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an intimate combination of gorilla trekking, golden monkey encounters, volcanic hiking, wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences in southwestern Uganda.
Highlights
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a scenic wildlife destination in western Uganda, approximately 240 km from Kampala and 30 km east of Mbarara. Covering about 260 km², it is Uganda’s smallest savannah national park, yet offers an impressive variety of wildlife, landscapes, and outdoor experiences.
The park is characterised by rolling hills, open savannah, acacia woodland, wetlands, and beautiful lakeshores, creating a diverse habitat for wildlife. Visitors can encounter zebras, impalas, Uganda kob, eland, topi, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, leopards, and spotted hyenas.
The scenic Lake Mburo provides excellent opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, and numerous waterbirds. The park is also a rewarding birding destination, with more than 300 recorded bird species, including African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, grey crowned cranes, papyrus yellow warblers, and the elusive shoebill.
Lake Mburo stands out for its variety of safari experiences. In addition to traditional game drives, visitors can enjoy boat cruises, guided nature walks, horseback safaris, and cycling adventures, offering a more intimate way to experience Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes.
Conveniently located along the Kampala–Mbarara route, Lake Mburo is an excellent destination for travelers seeking wildlife, nature, adventure, and authentic experiences in a peaceful and easily accessible setting.