A Local Team Built Around East Africa
Giravex Safaris designs and handles tailor made tours through Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar, from mountain gorillas in Bwindi to the great wildebeest…
Built By Guides, Not A Booking Engine
Giravex Safaris is a Uganda based Tour Destination Management Company, run by guides and planners who grew up among the parks, forests and communities we now share with our guests.
- Licensed Uganda based DMC
- Hands on trip planning
- Trusted local guides and drivers
- Flexible, tailor made itineraries
Creating Exceptional African Journeys With Expertise, Passion And Authentic Local Knowledge
Local Expertise
Built and run by East Africans who plan every route from firsthand knowledge, not a brochure.
Tailor Made Plans
Every itinerary is adjusted to your pace, budget and interests, never a fixed package.
On Ground Support
A local team and direct contact are reachable throughout your trip, not only before booking.
Responsible Travel
We work with community and conservation partners so your visit gives something back.
Our Travel Styles
Every trip we design fits one of these styles, or a blend of a few. Pick the ones that sound like you and we will build the rest.
Gorilla Tours
Face-to-face time with mountain gorillas in Bwindi, usually combined with chimpanzees and a savannah park.
- 16 ready itineraries
- 4 to 23 days
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Wildlife Safaris
Game drives, boat cruises and guided walks to see lions, elephants, giraffes and hippos.
- 23 ready itineraries
- 4 to 18 days
- Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo
Birding Tours
Slow, specialist trips for shoebill, turacos and Albertine Rift endemics with an expert guide.
- 4 ready itineraries
- 4 to 23 days
- Mabamba Swamp and the Albertine Rift
Cultural Tours
Village visits, craft workshops and community meals that put local people at the centre.
- 4 ready itineraries
- 2 to 12 days
- Communities across Uganda
Mountain Climbing
Multi-day treks through the Rwenzori Mountains, the legendary Mountains of the Moon.
- 2 ready itineraries
- 6 to 9 days
- Rwenzori Mountains
Family Tours
Safaris paced for children: shorter drives, hands-on activities and family-friendly camps.
- Built to order
- Any length you need
- Planned to order for your family
Honeymoon Vacations
Private game drives, quiet lodges and time on the beach to finish your trip.
- Built to order
- Any length you need
- Planned to order for couples
East Africa Tours
Combine Uganda with Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar in one journey, one planner.
- 6 ready itineraries
- 4 to 18 days
- Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar
Meet Our Specialists
The team who will actually plan and support your trip, each one with years on the ground across East Africa.
Hamza Kizito
Fifteen years planning gorilla and wildlife itineraries across Uganda and Rwanda.
Habib Kizito
Coordinates every vehicle, permit and lodge booking behind the scenes on the ground.
Narsh Grace
Designs cross border trips through Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Brian Tumusiime
A licensed guide who leads many of our gorilla and chimp treks personally.
Responsible Travel Is Not An Add On
Tourism only works long term if the parks, forests and communities behind it are still standing to welcome the next visitor. We build that thinking into how we operate, not as a marketing line but as daily practice.
- Community Revenue ShareA portion of every gorilla trek supports conservation and community programs around the park.
- Local EmploymentOur guides, drivers and office staff are drawn from the communities we operate in.
- Low Impact TravelSmall group sizes and respectful trekking practices that limit pressure on wildlife.
- Conservation PartnersWe work directly with UWA and community trusts on habitat and wildlife protection.
Our Destinations
Uganda packs more variety per mile than almost anywhere else in East Africa - mountain gorillas in misty rain…
Kenya wrote the modern idea of the safari - wide open savannah, the Masai Mara's big cats and, for a few mont…
Rwanda pairs some of the most accessible mountain gorilla trekking in the world with a country that is remark…
Tanzania holds the country's biggest natural spectacles in one place - the endless plains of the Serengeti, t…
Zanzibar is the classic way to close an East Africa safari - warm Indian Ocean water, sugar-white beaches and…
Zambia is where the modern walking safari was born, and South Luangwa National Park remains one of the best p…
What Our Travelers Say
Every detail was handled before we even landed. Our guide's knowledge of the forest made the trek itself feel effortless, and the hour with the gorilla family is something I still think about.
We told Giravex roughly what we wanted and they built something better than we could have planned ourselves. The camps were exactly the kind of quiet, private spots we'd hoped for.
Traveling with two kids under ten made us nervous, but the pacing was perfect and our guide kept them engaged the whole trip. Genuinely one of our best family holidays.
The crew's pacing and altitude management made the difference between our group and others we met on the mountain. Every one of us reached the summit.
Fast, efficient, and beautifully organized. Two hours from Kigali to the gorillas, then a completely different pace by the lake. Couldn't have asked for a smoother trip.
We saw more wildlife in five days than we expected to see in two weeks. Our guide's tracking instincts were incredible - he'd spot a leopard from what felt like a mile away.
How To Book Your Tour
Tell Us Your Plans
Send an enquiry or request a quote with your dates, interests and rough budget.
Get A Tailored Itinerary
A specialist builds a draft itinerary around what you told us, adjusted until it fits.
Confirm And Pay A Deposit
Once you are happy with the plan, we secure your permits, lodges and transport.
Travel With Support
Your driver guide and our office are reachable throughout your trip, start to finish.
Pay Securely Online
Once your trip is confirmed you can pay your deposit or balance online with Pesapal, from anywhere in the world. Pay by Visa or Mastercard, by mobile money, or by bank.
- Encrypted checkout: card and mobile money details are entered on the payment provider's secure page
- A clear invoice with your booking reference
- Confirmation sent to your e-mail as soon as the payment arrives
Our Partners
Licensed, recognised and listed with the bodies that regulate and promote tourism in Uganda.
We are also represented on safaribookings.com
Request A Quote
Tell us where you would like to go and we will get back to you with a tailored itinerary and pricing, usually within one business day.
- No obligation, no pressure to book
- A real specialist reviews every enquiry
- Pricing based on your actual dates and group
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda or East Africa?
Most visitors need a visa. Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda are covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows travel between all three on one visa. Tanzania and Zanzibar require a separate visa. We'll confirm exactly what you need once we know your itinerary and nationality.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost?
A Uganda gorilla permit costs $800 per person, and a Rwanda permit costs $1,500 per person. Permits are limited and sell out months in advance, especially in peak season, so we recommend booking as early as possible.
What is the best time of year to go on safari?
Uganda and Rwanda can be visited year-round for gorilla trekking, though the June to September and December to February dry seasons make for easier hiking. For the wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania, timing depends on which stage of the migration you want to see.
Do I need vaccinations before traveling?
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. We recommend visiting a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for a full personal recommendation, including malaria prevention.
Is it safe to travel to East Africa?
Yes. Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania are popular, well-established safari destinations with a strong tourism safety record. Our guides and drivers are experienced, our vehicles are well maintained, and we stay in regular contact with you throughout your trip.
What should I pack for a safari or gorilla trek?
Neutral-colored clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, waterproof hiking boots for gorilla trekking, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sun protection and a good camera. We send every guest a detailed packing list once their trip is booked.
How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
It varies. Some treks take under an hour; others can take up to six. The terrain is steep and can be muddy. A reasonable level of fitness helps, but porters are available to carry your bag and assist you on the trail, and our guides set a pace that works for the group.
Can children join a safari or gorilla trekking?
Wildlife safaris are family-friendly at most ages. Gorilla trekking has a minimum age requirement of 15 years old, set by the park authorities, so younger children can join a safari but not a gorilla permit.
What payment methods do you accept, and is a deposit required?
We accept bank transfer and major credit cards. A deposit (typically 30%) secures your booking and permits, with the balance due before travel. We'll walk you through the exact terms when we send your itinerary and invoice.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
For gorilla trekking, 4-6 months ahead is ideal since permits are limited, especially for July, August and December. For general wildlife safaris, 2-3 months' notice is usually enough, though earlier is always better for the best lodge availability.
