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Welcome to Uganda: Sustainable and Experiential Travel with Manya Africa Tours
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a place where nature still feels wild, people still wave as you pass, and every moment feels like something out of a storybook Uganda might just be the journey your soul has been waiting for.
From lush rainforests filled with mountain gorillas to quiet villages where traditions are still alive, Uganda is a place that welcomes you not just as a tourist but as a guest, a friend, and part of the family.
SINA Project recycled Juice Boxes
And here at Manya Africa Tours, that’s exactly how we want you to feel.
Who We Are
We’re a small team of Ugandans and Germans who share one big passion: showing people the real Uganda, its beauty, its people, its spirit.
In fact, the word “Manya” means “to know” in Luganda, one of our local languages. And that’s what we want you to do here: get to know Africa, not just see it through a car window.
Our slogan says it best: “Experiencing is better than being told!”
Our founder has lived and worked in Uganda for over 16 years and now calls it home. Together with our Ugandan guides—who speak several languages and know these places like the back of their hand—we create honest, down-to-earth travel experiences. The kind that stay with you long after you leave.
Why Travel with Manya Africa Tours?
Because we believe travel should feel right.
When you explore with us, you’re not just checking sights off a list. You’re:
Sharing meals with local families
Walking forest trails where wildlife roams free
Planting trees that will stand for generations
Laughing and dancing with communities that welcome you in like one of their own
We personally check every place we recommend—every lodge, every activity, every road—making sure it’s not only safe and fun, but that it truly supports people and the planet.
We’re not about mass tourism or big buses. We’re about authentic moments, real smiles, and travel that gives back.
What Is Sustainable and Experiential Tourism?
It’s pretty simple.
Sustainable tourism means we leave things better than we found them—protecting nature, supporting communities, and respecting cultures.
Experiential tourism means you actually do things. You don’t just watch—you join in, connect, and learn.
Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative cultivates and processes coffee organically on land that acts as a wildlife buffer zone near the gorge
With Manya Africa Tours, you’re not a bystander. You’re part of the story.
Our Favorite Experiences (And Yours Too)
Track Gorillas in Bwindi
Few things compare to locking eyes with a mountain gorilla in the middle of the rainforest. It’s humbling, magical, and unforgettable. Plus, your gorilla trekking permit helps protect these incredible creatures and support local communities.
Spend a Day in the Village
Cook traditional meals over a fire. Learn to weave a basket. Dance around a drum circle. These are not tourist shows—they’re real moments of connection with people happy to share their way of life.
Ugandan Banana gin experience
Go Beyond the Safari
Sure, you’ll see elephants, lions, hippos, and giraffes—but how about tracking lions on foot with conservationists? Or helping chip one for protection? Our safaris are wild, but they also have purpose.
Hike, Bike, or Raft Uganda’s Backroads
Uganda is made for the adventurous heart. Hike the Rwenzori Mountains, bike through national parks, or raft the Nile if you’re up for a thrill. Or, just sit quietly by a crater lake and watch the world slow down.
Join Us in Giving Back
Visit a local school, help plant a tree, or donate a solar oven to a community kitchen. These aren’t charity stops—they’re about building lasting connections and doing something that matters.
A Safari That Gives Back
Every trip with us is built on small acts that make a big difference.
Our safari cars have built-in stainless-steel water tanks, so you won’t need to buy plastic bottles every day.
Each guest gets a reusable steel bottle on arrival.
We use eco-lodges whenever we can—places that harvest rainwater, run on solar, and support their communities.
And our favorite: “One tourist – One tree – One forest”. Every guest helps us plant a tree. Over 300 trees planted and counting.
We’re proud members of ESTOA—Uganda’s Exclusive Sustainable Tour Operators Association. And we’re working on bigger things too, like waste management in national parks and lion tracking with conservationists.
Our Ongoing Projects
We don’t just talk about sustainability—we live it. Here’s a glimpse:
Tree Planting: 300+ trees already planted, with more on the way
Go Green Movement: We promote glass bottles in hotels and reusable bottles in tours
Solar Energy: We provide ECOCA solar ovens for schools and communities
Lion Protection: Support GPS tracking and lion research
Waste Management: Partnering with park authorities in Queen Elizabeth and beyond
Coming soon: Projects in Mt. Elgon region, with focus on forests and communities
So, Who Is This For?
We welcome everyone who loves meaningful travel.
Families, couples, solo travelers, students, photographers, adventure seekers, wildlife lovers—you name it.
We create customized tours based on what matters to you: from budget to luxury, from cultural deep-dives to high-adrenaline adventure.
What Past Guests Say
“It had been a awesome journey.
After a bumpy arrival from Hamburg, we were fully compensated in Uganda. A dream vacation. First class accommodation and food paired with the great service in all areas of our stay, let only one conclusion, – as must go back. Our special thanks to our guide Carlos, very well done my friend !
Best regards Walter” —Walter Kryskiw
“Our trip with Manya Tours in Uganda was simply incredible. We had the opportunity to visit several national parks and stay in beautiful, traditional lodges, which made our stay unforgettable. The absolute highlight, however, was the chance to observe mountain gorillas live and see the Big Five in their natural habitat. Our companion and tour guide, Matiya, was simply fantastic – his reliability and experience made the trip an unforgettable experience. Many thanks to Manya Africa Tours, Yvonne for the excellent planning and Matiya for the reliable guiding.” —Michael Weber
Captured during a game drive in Ishasha — a rare close encounter with the iconic tree-climbing lions. Photo by Michael Weber.
Helpful Travel Tips
When to Visit
Dry seasons (June–August & December–February) are best for trekking and safaris, but Uganda is beautiful all year round.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing
Walking shoes
Sunscreen and a hat
A good camera
Reusable water bottle (or use the one we give you)
An open mind
Local Etiquette
Learn a few Luganda words (we’ll teach you!)
Ask before taking photos of people
Dress modestly in villages
Respect the rhythm of local life
Come Experience Uganda With Us
Uganda is not a checklist of sights. It’s a feeling—a rhythm—a story waiting to be lived.
When you travel with Manya Africa Tours, you’re not just seeing a place. You’re connecting with it. You’re leaving a little bit of yourself behind, and taking a whole lot of Uganda home in your heart.
