Private guided touring means no set departure dates, no minimum spend and no existing groups for you to join. You travel where you want and when you want, simply bring us the number of travelers, the ideal dates and the ‘must-haves’ for the trip, and our Destination Experts will create your itinerary to fit your specific needs.

Yes, Rwanda and East Africa in general are family friendly destinations with spectacular offerings for families or friends travelling together. By nature, Africa allows engaging and inspiring experiences, which provide unrivalled bonding opportunities and quality time together as a family. Most places promote family and multi-generational travel, however some safari lodges and tented camps do have a minimum age requirement of 5 years old. Walking, trekking and canoeing trails normally stipulate a minimum age of 12.  Chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking require a 15 years of age and above.

• For an extraordinary travel experience full of inspiration and opportunities to create your own memories by partaking in your safari experience.
• For a personalized and private travel experience. We always ensure your safari will particularly respond to your specific needs and travel interests.
• For a life changing and involving safari. We want to make sure your money does not only benefit the Company but also the communities around places we visit.
• We use only the best guides, accommodations and most comfortable means of transport. We selectively work with best on-ground operating teams with knowledge and first hand experience of everything we suggest for your safari. We only offer what we have experienced.
• We pride ourselves on the relationships we have built with our industry partners which allows us to always go one extra mile to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests.

We always recommend to limit the number of hard suitcases while on a safari whenever possible. Soft or duffle-type bags are best to carry your luggage, especially when you have to fly more than once and on regional flights/aircrafts. There will be specific weight and size limitations for baggage depending on which countries you will be visiting and the D-Guide Travels team will always provide the full packing list prior to your travel dates including what to carry and wear during your safari. Consider travelling with a backpack for wipes,  insect repellent, water and/or snacks especially when your safari includes trekking.

Travel in Africa is generally casual.  Natural colours are recommended, particularly on safari and essential on walking trails in the bush.

Dress codes are basically informal yet respectful. Men tend to wear trousers but shorts are fine, although walking around without a shirt is frowned upon. Women will feel more comfortable in knee-length or longer.

Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing and think about sun protection, including a hat and sunglasses. The evenings tend to be cool, and a light sweater appreciated.

In Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park slightly heavier clothing is useful. A lightweight waterproof jacket may come in handy in the moist mountains.

When tracking gorillas, wear sturdier clothing to protect against stinging nettles, and solid walking shoes. Consider bringing a lightweight waterproof jacket and gardening or leather gloves as well as gaiters. Some properties offer gaiters complimentary.

For those who wear contact lenses, cleaning fluid is not readily available and dust or sun could prove an irritation, so it’s best to bring a pair of glasses along for peace of mind.

You may also consider packing long sleeve cotton shirts, walking shoes or hiking shoes for trekkers, waterproof jacket especially while travelling in rainy season, suncream, insect repellent, personal toiletries, tissues and wet wipes.

Laundry facilities are offered at all the properties at an extra cost, except some Hotels where it is complimentary.

Tipping is not compulsory but always enthusiastically received if you are happy with the service and would like to tip. There are no set percentages for tips. Local culture believes the level of tips should be at the discretion of the client and any token of appreciation is gladly received. We recommend that you tip your driver guide direct at the end of your tour US $20 per guest, per day.

In restaurants; at lodges/camps US $10 - $15 per guest per stay/night. Obviously this is very much a rough guide and you are completely free to give whatever you feel is appropriate.

US dollars are widely accepted in Rwanda/East Africa. Bills should be in excellent condition with no stains or tears. MasterCard and Visa credit cards are most commonly accepted at restaurants, hotels or lodges.  Ensure you have a good amount of cash as only cash is accepted by some places. ATM machines are available in most cities/Airports to withdraw local currency.

At all the lodges/hotels you visit, food is prepared by well trained chefs and is all hygienic. Bottled water will be given to you at all of the lodges/hotels. Do not drink tap water. We provide bottled water for the clients on all of the excursions.

We recommend all our guests visit their medical local clinic before travelling. Seek medical advice from your medical doctor, such as what specific precautions for malaria and any personal medication you may require. For malaria, you may be required to take some anti-malaria tablets or bring with you mosquito repellent, among other essential travel requirements. Some countries require Yellow Fever inoculation cards. We provide you with specific travel requirements including health conditions and updates, but insist you also seek medical advice before travel.

Rwanda offers Visa on arrival to all travellers. There is also an East African Visa that can be obtained once you wish to combine two or more East African countries. We will provide more specific information on Visa requirements at the time of your booking.