Visiting this blog for the first time? Here are popular pages I just know you’ll like:

*Launched 2024* The East Africa Travel Podcast is my biggest project in a long time. Tune in for the sounds of the forest (and strictly positive vibes).

What makes the Pearl of Africa so special? Read the ever-popular 50 reasons why I love Uganda.

Coming to Uganda to work, volunteer or simply live? Read Uganda for beginners – a guide for new expats and Is Uganda safe? (expats share their experiences about life in Uganda).

Looking for a tour operator?

The Travel Directory lists registered tour operators, accommodation and things to do in Uganda. New listings are added regularly

You can also read reviews of Uganda tour operators on SafariBookings, the largest online marketplace for African safari tours.

Uganda tourist visas – apply online before you fly!

The East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda / Rwanda / Kenya) – a definitive guide

Going on safari? Here’s the price list for visiting the National Parks, buying gorilla permits and a lot more. Uganda Wildlife Authority revises conservation fees FEES for 2024

Ultimate Guide to Tracking Mountain Gorillas a multi-page guide

Uganda’s National Parks a page on each of the country’s ten National Parks

I regularly travel to Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania too. I have visited – and researched – a long list of places that haven’t (yet) made it onto the blog. Since 2022, that included:

UGANDA Kalangala (Ssese Islands), the very cool Banda Island, the Railway Museum in Jinja and both sides of the River Nile at Jinja, Arua and Pakwach in West Nile, Entebbe, Kampala, Kibale Forest and Fort Portal, Murchison Falls, Ishasha Wilderness Camp in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Honey Bear Camp in Kyambura Game Reserve, every lodge in Lake Mburo National Park, Mbarara, Kisoro, Lake Chahafi, Lake Mutanda, glorious Mgahinga and every sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo).

RWANDA Kigali, Gisenyi and Lake Kivu, the world-class Ellen de Generes Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Kinigi, Musanze and Gishwati-Mukura National Park (all part of my research for Fodor’s Complete Guide to the African Safari).

TANZANIA Arusha and Moshi with views of Kilimanjaro.

Who is Diary of a Muzungu?

Read a bit About me, some Interviews and my Portfolio of writing for other publications. Do get in touch!

Random Uganda that will make you smile

Diary of a Muzungu comprises 100s of personal stories, travel reviews, wildlife encounters (and dating disasters!) Here are a few favourites.

Pant hoots and knuckle spins. Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest

Are Muzungus all rich? Apparently!

Ants in my pants insects EEEEH!

How to feed a baby elephant … cute! but the truth is shocking

Were Toto right about Africa? remember that song?

My local name is Nagawa but what does it mean? And how did I get this charming name? Read Bwindi – eye to eye with my totem

Downtown dreadlocks – the muzungu’s blind date

Grateful every day is dedicated to my home at Sunbird Hill on the edge of Kibale Forest AKA “how nature saved me.”

Want the latest news in your inbox? Then sign up to Diary of a Muzungu’s newsletter!

The post New to Diary of a Muzungu? Start here 😁🦍🌳🦁 appeared first on Diary of a Muzungu.

The East Africa Travel Podcast has been a labour of love… my biggest project in many a year… with many long nights… and a steep learning curve. If you’ve noticed I’ve been quiet for a while, now you know why!

Are you ready? It’s easy to listen to the Podcast section of Diary of a Muzungu – just click here 

The East Africa Travel Podcast is inspired by life on the edge of Uganda’s Kibale Forest      

It’s a National Park famous for chimpanzees, forest elephants & African grey parrots. 

Listen to the podcast for birdsong, travel advice, lively chats (& strictly positive vibes with a long list of brilliant conservationists in Africa and beyond, along with glowing endorsements from visitors from around the world).

The East Africa Travel Podcast launched in April 2024 with a Trailer and the first few episodes.

Where do I start? 

• The 3 minute Trailer. You’ll LOVE the beginning!
• Episode 1 Welcome to my world! sets the scene with a glimpse of life at Sunbird Hill, Kibale Forest. I know you’ll love the forest sounds…
• Episode 2 Chimps, elephants and how I ended up in Uganda.
• Episode 3, tune in to my conversation with the Nnaabagereka, Queen Sylvia of Buganda after she returns from gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka.
• Episode 4, Tickling a rhino and bowing to the Shoebill is my conversation with Rob Walker, the British sports commentator and Uganda’s official sports tourism ambassador. His excitement is infectious!
• Episodes 5, 6 and & are live. What are they about?
• Well, you’ll just have to listen in to find out 
• New podcast episodes every Tuesday

The Muzungu has a request! 

I would LOVE you to:

• Listen to the Trailer + at least one episode
• Share the podcast with your friends and everyone interested in travel in / to East Africa
• Leave a Review / Comment
• Why? Reviews + ratings mean the East Africa Travel Podcast will be shown to a bigger audience. Help me tell more people about this fabulously beautiful corner of our world.

Got a Spotify subscription? Then click here + listen + Follow + rate 5 stars

Click to listen on Apple Podcasts and go to the Show description to write a review and we’ll be friends forever 

Thanks for all your comments and questions. I LOVE hearing from you!

The East Africa Travel Podcast is hosted by Charlotte Beauvoisin, AKA Nagawa author of Diary of a Muzungu

The post What do a Queen & a sports commentator have in common? Podcast now live appeared first on Diary of a Muzungu.

If you can do all – or even one – of these sports, then why not get a team together for the superb Kyaninga Triathlon on May 18th 2024? (We still have time to get in shape!) You can also sign up for a fun run, duathlon or bike ride.

The annual triathlon takes place in the glorious countryside around Kyaninga Lodge outside Fort Portal, western Uganda. Full details – prices + how to enter + race descriptions + contact details – are on the Kyaninga Events website.

I’ve also written extensively about all Kyaninga sporting / fundraising events here Run or Ride the Rift? Sign up for Kyaninga’s 2024 events now! NOTE: info is updated every year.

Kyaninga Triathlon, Fort Portal - previous events

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Kyaninga Triathlon, marathon, run the rift events Uganda

Kyaninga Triathlon, marathon, run the rift events Uganda

Kyaninga Triathlon, marathon, run the rift events Uganda

Triathlon. Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre, Fort Portal Uganda

Triathlon. Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre, Fort Portal Uganda

Triathlon. Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre, Fort Portal Uganda

Triathlon. Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre, Fort Portal Uganda

Triathlon. Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre, Fort Portal Uganda

Fancy winning a cool prize, like a free night at one of Uganda’s top lodges?

Scroll down to read how to buy raffle tickets to stays at top lodges, free meals and more, including: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mihingo Lodge, Red Chilli Hideaway, Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge, Seasons Lodge Zanzibar, Little Elephant Camp, Kikorongo Safari Lodge, Rwakobo Rock, Turaco Treetops and Trekkers Safari Lodge.

Help change the future of children with disabilities in Uganda

All proceeds of these fundraiser events go to the amazing Kyaninga Child Development Centre who work with disabled children and their families. I have seen the positive impact of their work – it’s life-changing! 13% of children in Uganda – that’s more than 2.5 million children – are living with a disability

How to register for the Kyaninga Triathlon + how to buy raffle tickets to win awesome prizes at lodges, cafes and restaurants across Uganda

1. Visit the Kyaninga Triathlon website for more info.

2. If you’re in Uganda, register for all these events OR pay for raffle tickets by using MTN MoMo Pay 613517.

3. Got a question? WhatsApp Fiona at KCDC on +256 778277248 or events@kyaningacdc.org

4. Buy a ton of raffle tickets! You can even buy them remotely and your numbers will be sent via WhatsApp.

5. Looking for ideas on accommodation around Fort Portal? Send me a message.

The post Run, cycle or swim? (Win fab prizes!) Kyaninga Triathlon May 2024 appeared first on Diary of a Muzungu.

Got a thing for great apes? This is what you need to know if you want to track gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda in 2024 and beyond

There are now at least SIX* more great reasons to track gorillas in Uganda!

Did you hear that five more gorilla families are now available for tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest? Scroll down for full information.

And to make gorilla tracking even more appealing, we’ve just heard that another baby has been born in Rushaga, to the south of the forest.

*5 more gorilla families + 1 new baby = 6

Is there anything cuter than a baby gorilla?

This week brought exciting news from the Uganda Wildlife Authority: a fluffy addition to the Bikingi mountain gorilla family! The newest family member is the offspring of mother Mucecuru and fathered by Silverback Kaharata.

Five more gorilla families available for tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

With the habituation programme complete, UWA has confirmed that permits can now be booked to see the following gorilla families:

• Buhoma [northern Bwindi] – Binyindo + Muyambi families
• Nkuringo [southwest Bwindi] – Posho family
• Rushaga [southern Bwindi] – Rwigi + Tindatine families

During the course of habituation, which has taken up to four years for some gorilla families, visitors from around the world have accompanied rangers and researchers on their daily monitoring. The process of habituation gradually acclimatises wildlife to the presence of humans. It means we can safely spend time in each other’s company safely without impacting the great apes’ behaviour.

With another five habituated gorilla families, Uganda now has 194 gorilla tracking permits available every day. In addition, there are four permits available for the gorilla habituation experience.

What’s the catch?

Simultaneously, Uganda Wildlife Authority have announced price increases* to primate tracking fees, and a number of other activities, to take effect on July 1 2024. Still, with a gorilla permit in Rwanda costing a hefty $1500, Uganda’s gorilla permits continue to get snapped up very quickly, particularly during peak seasons of summer and Christmas. If you’re planning a gorilla tracking safari, you may even need to reserve permits a year in advance.

*These are the key fee changes, but scroll down for the full list.

Mountain gorilla tracking permits

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks: $800 (currently $700)

Chimp tracking permits

Kibale Forest: $250 (currently $200)
Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park: $100 (currently $50)

Chimpanzee habituation permits

Kibale Forest: $300 (currently $250)

Gorilla tracking discounts for African passport holders:

Gorilla tracking permit: $500

Gorilla habituation experience: $1000

Uganda Wildlife Authority revised CONSERVATION TARIFF from July 2024

Click here to download Uganda Wildlife Authority’s 2024 tariff for all permits and National Parks. Note that unless stated in the letter above, other prices will not increase after July 1 2024 (as far as the muzungu is aware!)

What’s it like to track gorillas and chimpanzees?

I’ve tracked gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys numerous times in Uganda and Rwanda and written extensively about gorilla tracking for international publications. I also work closely with gorilla and chimpanzee conservation NGOs, guides and tour operators. Got a question? Send me a message

The post Six more great reasons to track gorillas in Uganda! appeared first on Diary of a Muzungu.

It’s amazing what interests people: one of my British friends is planning to visit me in Uganda. This is the very thing that she wants to see!

Sadly, this particular beetle was attacked by a black and white casqued hornbill. (You can see the damage to its wing).

Did you know the giant goliath beetle is the world’s heaviest beetle?

We see them occasionally at Sunbird Hill, on the edge of Kibale Forest. They love tree sap. In fact I have seen them fighting with butterflies for it. They all get drunk! Yes! Imagine this big drunken beetle flying through the air.

The Sunbird Hill team specialise in immersive nature experiences, conservation and citizen science focusing on the smaller creatures: butterflies, moths, insects, birds and snakes. I’ve written dozens of stories about our extraordinary life here.

Sign up to be the first to be notified when we go live.

The post Have you seen the Giant goliath beetle? appeared first on Diary of a Muzungu.

Being a developing country, things change quickly here in Uganda: I’ve never lived anywhere that evolves so fast. Uganda has mushrooming numbers of lodges and guides, new subjects such as adventure tourism and every other person I meet wants to join the industry, or so it feels. We’re living in exciting times – but not without their challenges – which is why in 2024, I’ll be focusing more on responsible tourism and sustainable tourism, my true passions. As I read last week: “The tourist sector has both a wondrous opportunity to lead in global climate awareness and action, and a heavy responsibility to ensure the sustainable development of the tourist sector itself.”

But enough of all that serious stuff… IT’S THE HOLIDAYS! 

Venturing into unexplored corners of Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kyambura Game Reserve

This cheeky photo was taken on a walking safari on the northern bank of the Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park, accompanied by a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger. Safari courtesy of Honey Bear Camp (the River Station Bush Camp), Wildplaces Africa’s new luxury concession (in Kyambura Game Reserve, a boat ride away).

“Communing with my inner warthog” photo and caption by Philip Briggs Bradt Guides author and SafariBookings writer.

Revisiting Queen Elizabeth National Park – the Kazinga Channel

HO HO HO. My view from the MV Kazinga boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Kazinga Channel ‘water safari’ in the heart of QE is one of the country’s best wildlife experiences. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve done it. Kazinga Channel is a mecca for birdlovers. Photo taken November 2023.

Did you hear that travelers and Africa travel experts voted Uganda “Africa’s best safari country?”

In 2023, 1000s of travelers and SafariBookings experts voted Uganda “Africa’s best safari country” and “Africa’s best birding safari country.” (No surprise at all, really!)

GOT A QUESTION?
If you’re looking for travel recommendations, email me or text via WhatsApp.  I’m also active on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook so let’s hang out there too!

NEW TO DIARY OF A MUZUNGU? … Start your journey here.

Thanks for being a part of my 2023. Happy Christmas everyone! 

With love from Charlotte Beauvoisin AKA Nagawa Diary of a Muzungu

The post May your Christmas be WILD with elephants and warthogs! appeared first on Diary of a Muzungu.

For those of us who live in this insanely beautiful corner of the world, it’s no surprise to read that Uganda has just been rated “Africa’s best safari country by travelers.” This is the result of a survey by SafariBookings, the continent’s biggest online platform for tour operators and safari companies.

This remarkable performance takes into account a whole range of categories, from wildlife and scenic beauty to birding and bush credentials. Uganda was also the clear winner when it comes to Africa’s best birding-safari country, as voted by the experts.

Uganda clearly has reason to be optimistic about future surveys, as they’re hot on the heels of the current top three. Watch this space…

SafariBookings‘ verdict on Uganda as a safari destination. SafariBookings is the world’s largest resource and leading authority for planning an African safari. They check the registration papers of all tour operators, and have 92,471 traveler reviews written by people like you. 

What the experts say about Uganda

We know Philip Briggs as the author of the Uganda Bradt Guide, the country’s best-known guidebook. I interviewed Briggs in Uganda. He also writes for SafariBookings.

In the same survey, SafariBookings travel experts rank Uganda as Africa’s best birding safari destination!

If you’ve been reading Diary of a Muzungu for a while, you’ll know that I love birds. Birds send my heart a flutter is a collection of some of my Uganda birdwatching stories.

New to Diary of a Muzungu? Start here links to popular pages and the most useful resources.

The post Yes! Travelers vote Uganda “Best Safari Country” appeared first on Diary of a Muzungu.

Although best known for its group of 1500 raucous chimpanzees, Kibale Forest’s chimps even have their NetFlix series. The whole Toro region has a mesmerizing landscape: mile after mile of rolling green hills, crater lakes and the essence of rural Ugandan life.

Built by hand, Kibale Lodge is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the rocky outcrop that dominates the 150-acre site. The new luxury lodge will feature eight deluxe rooms, a villa, swimming pool, sauna and spa. I can’t wait to see the final result! The main lodge building will overlook Lake Lugembe in the lodge grounds, with sweeping views of the Rwenzori Mountains, famously known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” and a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth and the Kazinga Channel to the south.

This clip makes me fall in love with Kibale Forest all over again!

Like other Volcanoes Safaris properties, Kibale Lodge has been a long time in the making. Although we had wanted a lodge there for many years, there were no attractive large sites available. So five years ago we started assembling this site, centred on the breathtaking ridge above Lake Lugembe. Finally it has come together.

We have been assessing the topography, light, and weather patterns. The design and build style will ensure the lodge remains consistent with our ecological principles as well as retaining our Afro-chic ethos. The lodge will fit into the landscape in a seamless way, as if it always existed and just grew out of the earth.

Our style of building boutique lodges develops informally and in a fluid way. We like to bring out the natural essence of buildings.

Praveen Moman, the visionary founder of Volcanoes Safaris and a seasoned figure in Ugandan and Rwandan tourism

Kibale Lodge is the natural addition to Volcanoes Safaris’ existing circuit of four “great ape lodges,” these being: Bwindi Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge and Kyambura Gorge Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, Virunga Lodge in Rwanda. In 2023 alone, Volcanoes Safaris have won a series of awards including Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards and Marie Claire Sustainability Awards.

Vision

Volcanoes Safaris not only provides high levels of services (think: complimentary massages and personal butlers) in awe-inspiring locations but also distinguishes itself through unwavering dedication to great ape conservation and long-term investment in the local community.

We believe that the conservation of species such as the mountain gorilla has to be part of the economic mainstream to succeed; sensitive and controlled tourism has an essential role to play in conservation; and most of all, if an endangered species is to survive, the focus of conservation and tourism must be on communities getting tangible long-term benefits.

Praveen Moman

In Kibale Forest, the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust will collaborate with the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda. This is modelled on the successful community-based conservation projects that have been running at Kyambura Gorge Lodge for over a decade.

Drive times to Kibale Lodge

• An hour from Fort Portal.
• An hour from the airstrip at Kasese, ideal for daily flights to and from Entebbe, and the other Volcanoes Safaris lodges.
• 30 minutes to the starting point for chimp tracking at Kanyanchu in Kibale Forest, one of Africa’s best parks for viewing chimpanzees. Read Diary of a Muzungu’s firsthand account of chimp tracking in Kibale Forest in “Pant hoots and knuckle spins.”

Opening offer in 2024

Looking ahead, Kibale Lodge’s first three deluxe bandas will be ready for guests by May 2024; an additional five bandas will be unveiled by the year’s end. To celebrate this milestone, Volcanoes Safaris are offering a special opening promotion. Guests can combine their Kibale Lodge experience with gorilla trekking at Bwindi or Mount Gahinga Lodge and enjoy five nights for the price of four.

For more details, contact Volcanoes Safaris directly enquiries@volcanoessafaris.com – and do mention Diary of a Muzungu sent you

*Regular Diary of a Muzungu readers know I am “blogger in residence” at Sunbird Hill, a few minutes drive from Kibale National Park.

The post Kibale Forest welcomes Volcanoes Safaris! appeared first on Diary of a Muzungu.

Join me in registering for this year’s calendar of sporting events taking place at the fabulous Kyaninga Lodge near Fort Portal. I love these professionally organised annual events! Full booking info, prices and contact details are on the Kyaninga Sporting Events website.

Where do the annual Kyaninga sporting events take place?

These events are centred in and around Kyaninga Lodge, just 15 minutes’ drive from Fort Portal. The lodge provides one of the most spectacular, and challenging, backdrops for a sporting event that any athlete – serious or recreational (like me) – could wish for. Read my blog, Kyaninga Lodge – the dancing, running (and relaxing!) lodge.

Who profits from the Kyaninga sporting events?

All proceeds go to the excellent Kyaninga Child Development Centre. KCDC provides much needed therapy services for children with disabilities in the region, the majority of whom are from disadvantaged families and would otherwise go untreated. I’ve seen how their work can transform a disabled child’s family for the better.

One year we all took part in Running the Rift. Innocent and Emmanuel steamed into 4th and 5th places in the 21 km (while some of us walked the 5 km!) Assumptah carried baby Stella the whole 5 km. Way to go, team!

Ride the Rift bike races Kyaninga Lodge – Date to be confirmed

Choose from the 65 km descent bike race or the 95 km “Beast Route!”

Take in Lake Albert, cycle through the Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, and then up and down the foothills of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Choose the challenge of cycling the ‘up’ course, climbing from the lowest point in Uganda, 615 metres, up over a vertical kilometre, to finish at 1685 metres. On the ‘down’ course, cycle into the valley and watch it open up in front of you. For the ultimate adventure, choose the Beast Route – a total of 95 km.

The date of the 2024 event is to be confirmed later in the year.

Ride the Rift bike race, Kyaninga Lodge near Fort Portal

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Ride the Rift bike race for Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre

Ride the Rift bike race for Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre

Ride the Rift bike race for Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre

Ride the Rift bike race for Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre

Ride the Rift bike race for Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre

Ride the Rift bike race for Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre

How much does it cost to Ride the Rift in 2024?

• Pre-registration is required for all events.
• Entry fee $45 includes event registration, prize-giving ceremony and evening entertainment. For Ugandans, the fee is 165k ugx.
• There is also a special prize for the top Ugandan finisher in each category (male / female, 65km / 95km race).
• TO REGISTER: MomoPay 613517 events@kyaningacdc.org or +256 778277248.
• Bike hire options are available.
• All races start and finish at Kyaninga Lodge with afternoon prizegiving and evening entertainment in the events hall. These events are always a great day out, even if you’re just an observer (but do buy lunch and some raffle tickets; it’s a fundraiser after all!)
• Bus transfer $15 (optional bus transport for bike and rider from Lake Albert back to Kyaninga Lodge). Local lunch is available at Lake Albert finish line (at additional cost).

Kyaninga Triathlon and Duathlon, Kyaninga Lodge – Saturday May 18th 2024

Kyaninga Triathlon, Fort Portal - previous events

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Kyaninga Triathlon, marathon, run the rift events Uganda

Kyaninga Triathlon, marathon, run the rift events Uganda

Kyaninga Triathlon, marathon, run the rift events Uganda

Triathlon. Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre, Fort Portal Uganda

Triathlon. Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre, Fort Portal Uganda

Triathlon. Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre, Fort Portal Uganda

Triathlon. Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre, Fort Portal Uganda

Triathlon. Kyaninga Childhood Development Centre, Fort Portal Uganda

The Kyaninga (42km) Marathon is a big day in the local and international running calendar. Beginners run alongside Olympians, locals run alongside visitors from around the world and everyone runs the most stunning race route imaginable. You will run high up on the Rift Valley Escarpment, looking out “as the Rwenzori Mountains melt into the East African plain.” The races are followed by a big after-party and BBQ.

How much does it cost to Run the Rift?

“Race-only entry” is available to Ugandan residents. Pre-registration required.

• 42 km $45 or 165k UGX
• 21 km $45 or 165k UGX
• 10 km $40 or 150k UGX
• 5 km $30 or 110 k UGX
• Event fee includes registration, prize-giving ceremony and evening entertainment. Half price for kids under 12.

Choose from Triathlon, Duathlon or Fun Run.

For the ultimate challenge, or team event, sign up for the popular Kyaninga Triathlon. Swim, cycle and run, solo or in a team relay. Choose the long course or the medium course. Explore the lake and forest of Kyaninga then join your team mates and competitors for another after party to remember. Lake Kyaninga is completely safe to swim in.

What’s the difference between the triathlon, duathlon and fun run?

Triathlon. Medium course – 750 m swim, 17 km cycle, 5 km run
Triathlon. Long course – 1500 m swim, 34 km cycle, 10 km run
Duathlon. 5 km run, 17 km cycle, 5 km run
Fun run. 5 km run or walk

Each team should have two or three competitors: in a two-person team, one member will complete two disciplines. For a three-person team, each member will complete one discipline.

How much does it cost to take part in the Kyaninga Triathlon?

Full packages that include accommodation at Kyaninga Lodge and a week full of safari activities are available for international visitors.

“Race-only entry” is available to Ugandan residents. Pre-registration required.

Triathlon and duathlon. Individual entry $45 or 165k UGX. Team entry $80 or 295k UGX
Fun run. Individual entry $30 or 110k UGX. Kids under 12 $15 or 55k UGX.

To register for any of these events, please contact the event organisers directly. Email events@kyaningacdc.org or call 0778 277248 for details on how to pay. Hope to see you at one of the events – and best of luck!

The post Run or Ride the Rift? Sign up for Kyaninga’s 2024 events now! appeared first on Diary of a Muzungu.

Trying new foods is such an integral part of the travel experience.

As well as the regular packets of biscuits and bottles of sodas and water, the small bus park in Musanze (stop off point for tracking the gorillas in Rwanda) has an interesting selection of snacks for the traveller.

Rwanda seems remarkably free from the heavy, starchy snacks like chapatti, mandazi and ‘defenders’ (‘defender from hunger’ cakes), and even sambosas (samosas) that we have everywhere in Uganda.

In Rwanda, you might break up your bus journey by munching on:

• Hard-boiled eggs, served with hot akabanga chilli oil of course!
• Fresh groundnuts in their shells
• Cape gooseberries – in a plastic bag! – in Rwanda?
• Strings of bright orange tangerines
• Igikwanga (chewy snack made of cassava flour) pictured above. On its own igikwanga has little taste. Eat it with groundnuts and it’s rather interesting.
• Strings of sweet tree tomatoes (it’s rare to see these in Uganda)

Here are a few favourite Rwandan foods

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lady eating in bus. Nyirangarama Rwandan snack foods

Nyirangarama Rwandan snack potato. Diary of a Muzungu

Nyirangarama Rwandan snack potatoes. Diary of a Muzungu

Nyirangarama Rwandan chips foods. Diary of a Muzungu

Nyirangarama sign. Rwandan snack foods. Diary of a Muzungu

Packed lunch. Kigali Serena Hotel. VisitRwanda

Packed lunch. Kigali Serena Hotel. VisitRwanda

Kinty Rwandese tea. Kwita Izina 2018. Kigali Serena Hotel

Kinty Rwandese tea. Kwita Izina 2018. Kigali Serena Hotel. VisitRwanda travel

Gishwati cheese. Rwandese food. Diary of a Muzungu

Gishwati cheese. Rwandese food. VisitRwanda

Solomon Oleny tries local wine. Red Rocks, Musanze, Rwanda

`Solomon Oleny tries local wine. Red Rocks, Musanze, Rwanda

Diary of a Muzungu drinks iyiwacu wine. Red Rocks, Musanze, Rwanda

Diary of a Muzungu drinks iyiwacu wine. Red Rocks, Musanze, Rwanda

Nyirangarama strawberry jam. Made in Rwanda

Nyirangarama strawberry jam. Made in Rwanda

Akagera National Park Rwanda. buffer zone honey

Akagera National Park Rwanda. buffer zone honey

Rwanda street food. bus trip

Rwanda street food. bus trip. This photo was taken in Musanze bus park

Rwanda street food. bus trip

Rwanda street food. bus trip

I really enjoy Rwandan food and have been known to bring a few titbits back with me to Uganda. Some of the favourite items I’ve found so far are:

• Nyirangarama strawberry jam. I love strawberries and they are rare to find in Uganda. This strawberry jam is made in Rwanda. It’s delectable and full of fruit.
• Gishwati cheese. This mild flavoured Gouda-type cheese is very moorish and can withstand a two-day journey back to my village in western Uganda! It’s better priced than any such quality cheese in Uganda. Did you know Gishwati – Mukura is Rwanda’s newest National Park?
• At Red Rocks Initiatives in Musanze, I tasted potato wine and banana beer. My friend David loved the banana beer so much, he wrote a whole story about it.
• Rwanda is known for its good quality tea and coffee. Tourists that track the gorillas are given smart-looking presentation boxes of tea or coffee as a memento of their experience.
• Akagera ‘buffer honey’ is harvested from beehives near the boundary of Akagera National Park.
• Nyirangarama must be Rwanda’s most popular stopover – and the BEST place I’ve found in East Africa for enjoying baked (Irish) potatoes! I’m drooling just remembering them. They are big, cheap and always ready. They also sell chips. The shop next door sells whole Gishwati cheese, akabanga chilli oil, fresh bread, mandazi (donuts), strawberry yoghurt, Uganda Waragi, takeaway buffet and other snacks. (There’s a free – clean – toilet nearby too).
• If you’re staying at a tourist hotel, you can often get a packed lunch to take on your journey. The lunch box provided by the Kigali Serena Hotel is one of the smartest I’ve seen. I particularly like the local products.
• However, by far my favourite takeaway on my last trip to Rwanda was this fantastic sambaza (fish) and matooke chips lunch! Thank you and murakoze to Bethany Hotel on Lake Kivu for this filling and tasty lunch.

These are some of my favourite Rwandan snacks and foods – and I haven’t even mentioned brochettes and the excellent beers!

Trying local food is such an important part of my travels and so is taking public transport, but beware the ‘helpful porter’ at Musanze who grabs hold of your bag as you exit the bus and demands 500 Rwanda francs to haul it 100 metres!

“No way!” I told him. “I dragged my heavy bag for 20 minutes and no-one paid me!” I joked indignantly in a language he did not understand. I pulled a face and the price dropped to 100 RWF – for a service I didn’t really need.

Which are your favourite East African foods? If you are in Uganda, it may be the rolex! Mombasa street food is a favourite of mine too.

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