Welcome to Joe Wanderlust, a Rwandan locally founded, globally minded tour company dedicated to travelers who seek more than sightseeing. We design immersive, meaningful, and unforgettable journeys across Rwanda and East Africa—crafted for adventurers, nature lovers, cultural explorers, and curious souls from around the world.
From misty mountain trails and ancient forests to iconic wildlife safaris and vibrant cultural encounters, our experiences are guided by passion, safety, and authenticity.
At Joe Wanderlust, we believe travel should inspire, transform, and connect. Every itinerary is designed with care, flexibility, and a spirit of discovery – so your journey is not just a trip, but a story you’ll carry forever.
Mount Prau, Central Java
Mount Prau, Central Java
Go Beyond the Tourist Trail. Authentic Gorilla Trekking & Safaris in East Africa.
We are proudly locally owned and operated, with deep roots and firsthand knowledge of Rwanda and East Africa. This allows us to take you beyond the guidebooks and into authentic places, stories, and encounters only locals truly know.
We are committed to sustainable and eco‑friendly tourism that protects wildlife, respects local communities, and preserves natural beauty for future generations. Traveling with us means your journey has a positive impact.
Enjoy private safari experiences in comfortable, well‑maintained 4×4 safari vehicles, designed for excellent wildlife viewing, safety, and smooth travel across diverse landscapes.
Our guides are experienced, passionate, and friendly, fluent in English and French languages. They are not just drivers - they are storytellers, wildlife experts, and cultural ambassadors dedicated to your safety and enjoyment.
No two travelers are the same. We create custom itineraries for all budgets and travel styles - from budget‑friendly adventures to luxury and premium safaris - for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups.
We offer a wide range of tour packages and accommodation options tailored to our guests’ preferences, including Budget-Friendly Adventures, Mid-Range Comfort Tours, and Luxury & Premium Experiences. Our carefully selected hotels, lodges, and camps are suitable for solo travelers, couples and honeymooners, families, and groups or organizations, ensuring comfort, quality, and memorable and unforgettable wanderlust experiences stays for every traveler.
Destination
Discover Rwanda’s soul through an unforgettable journey: trek misty Volcanoes National Park to meet majestic mountain gorillas; explore Nyungwe Forest’s ancient canopy with chimpanzees and rich primate life; roam Akagera National Park on classic Big Five safaris and serene lake cruises; unwind on the shores of Lake Kivu with peaceful beaches and watersports; and dive into Kigali’s powerful history, vibrant culture, art, and warm hospitality.
Experience Uganda’s wild heart in one epic adventure: track endangered mountain gorillas deep in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga’s volcanic landscapes; follow lively chimpanzees in Kibale’s lush rainforest; conquer the legendary Rwenzori “Mountains of the Moon” with breathtaking hikes; and finish in Jinja, the adventure capital, with thrilling Nile rafting, kayaking, and adrenaline-filled outdoor experiences.
Posted on Adrian SewellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our Trip to Rwanda In the autumn of last year (2025), my wife and I had the idea of doing a tour of Uganda. Neither of us had been to East Africa before, although we had visited other African countries in the past. My wife is president of our local Zonta Club and for many years the club has supported a school project in Rwanda and so we thought that we would visit both Uganda and Rwanda. Contact was made with the school in Byumba and our host Ursula said: if you’re going to Uganda you can come and see me; whereon I asked the question: what has Uganda got that Rwanda doesn’t? and Ursula answered ‘nothing; we have it all here!’ Plans were drawn up and we decided to do an 8-day tour of the country and then spend 3 weeks helping in the school. Ursula then suggested we use Joseph or Joe as he is called to be our tour guide as he was one of her first pupils. This turned out to be a superb idea and we can only thank Joe for making our tour so interesting. He wanted to know exactly what we wanted to see and do. Most tourists come to Rwanda just to trek mountain gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys – we wanted to learn about the country and its people although Joe did persuade us to do a strenuous but highly rewarding chimpanzee trek and also a golden monkey trek too. From the moment he picked us up at the airport and drove us through the chaos of Kigali, we realised that we were in very safe hands! Our tour in Akagera National Park was special as Joe knew Dennis, a park ranger, who guided us for two days providing us with spectacular encounters with elephants and other mammals and even found a male lion for us! Joe organised a bird-watching tour and the guide was most knowledgeable – we saw many species including a couple the guide had not seen here before! A further highlight was a visit to a tea plantation: this was a small co-operative which employs single mothers and enables them to earn some money. We had to pick tea leaves and learn about the production – Joe had to pick leaves too! This was something tourists do not normally see. Here we met Oscar, a ranger in the Nyungwe National Park and he was to be our guide for the chimpanzee trek the next day. As the Nyungwe trek was hard, we asked if we could alter the itinerary and stay a further night in Kibuye – no problem for Joe! A super boat trip on Lake Kiwu to see bats and swimming cows, the captain again a friend of Joseph. Did we want to visit the border with the Democratic Republic Congo? Why not? Joe had a friend in the immigration office so we could visit and ask a few questions but no photos were allowed. Our final two days were spent in the Volcanoes National Park where we had an amazing experience trekking golden monkeys. Visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Research Centre and the twin lakes rounded off this wonderful 8-day tour. Joe was a perfect guide and host. In particular, we were impressed by the effort he made to show us as much of the country and the people as possible. He even took us to meet his family where we learnt how to prepare and enjoy typical Rwandan food – a truly unforgettable experience! This was exactly what we wanted to see and do prior to our work at the school. We can highly recommend Joe as a tour guide and we would certainly travel with him again. Dr. Adrian C. Sewell and Roswitha Sewell-Basedow, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany February 2026Posted on Alyce NamahoroTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Rwanda, look no further than touring with Joe. We recently did a 3days gorilla trekking and cultural experience safari through Nyungwe and the surrounding areas and honestly, it exceeded every expectation we had. From the very first moment, Joe made us feel like family. His knowledge of Rwanda’s wildlife, history, and culture is remarkable. Not only did he guide us through the breathtaking Nyungwe Forest, but he also shared personal stories and deep insights about the communities we visited, making the whole experience meaningful and personal. The highlight, of course, was the gorilla trekking, an absolutely humbling experience to stand so close to these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Joe’s experience and connections with the local guides made everything smooth and well-organized. What made this trip special was how it combined adventure with authentic cultural interaction. We visited local communities, interacted with artisans, and even learned traditional dances. Joe is passionate about supporting local communities, which added another layer of purpose to the journey. If you want a safari that’s more than just sightseeing, and you want a guide who truly cares about your experience, I highly recommend booking your tour with Joe. Rwanda is beautiful, but with Joe, it comes alive in a special way. I can’t wait to come back and explore more with him.Posted on Jean de Dieu UDAHEMUKATrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were a large group of travelers, and having Joe as our tour guide and organizer made all the difference. From start to finish, he was reliable, professional, and incredibly friendly. Joe didn’t just guide us, he became one of us. The way he treated everyone made us feel like he was part of our group, not just leading it. He offered us a truly remarkable experience, full of insights, great organization, and genuine care. Whether it was logistics, local knowledge, or just good company, Joe delivered it all with a smile. If you're looking for a tour guide in Rwanda, I can’t recommend Joe enough. He’s the kind of guide who turns a trip into a lasting memory. Thank you, Joe!Posted on Junior BujirwaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My partner and I recently embarked on a four-day journey through Rwanda with Be Wild Tours, and it surpassed all expectations! From the exhilarating Nyungwe Canopy Walk to the tranquil exploration of Lake Kivu's islands and the insightful tea plantation visit, every moment was filled with wonder and excitement. Be Wild Tours' attention to detail, knowledgeable guides, and seamless organization made our experience truly unforgettable. We highly recommend Be Wild Tours to anyone looking for an immersive and enriching adventure in Rwanda. Thank you for the memories that will last a lifetime!Posted on alineTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joseph, the guide was very upcoming and flexible. He took care of all our worries and problems. He was very well prepared and had everywhere contacts to get the best experience!Posted on Chris BollaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Disfruté mucho de mi experiencia con ellos. Sí quieres tener una experiencia especial, cuando estas en Ruanda., especialmente senderismo, contacta con ellos. Gracias amigosPosted on niyibizi michaelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family had an incredible adventure with Be Wild Tours, guided by Joe. From chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park to boating on Lake Kivu, every moment was unforgettable. Joe's expertise and professionalism made the experience seamless and enriching. We highly recommend Be Wild Tours for their expert guides and immersive experiences. Thank you, Joe, and the Be Wild Tours team, for an unforgettable journey. We wholeheartedly endorse Be Wild Tours for an authentic exploration of Rwanda and Uganda.Posted on HABINSHUTI Jean PierreTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good services and experiences with Be wild Tours. I am convinced and I would like to recommend each and everyone who wants to visit Rwanda to taste the experience with Be wild Tours.Posted on Pascal NizeyimanaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We took the whole trip through Akangera with our drive guide Joe from Be Wild Tours. From the very South until the North. The lions were sleeping during the day. We saw lots of zebras, antilopen, waterbuffels, other antilopes,hippo's and elephants. Amazing was a leopard just before starting to hunt. Service was great stops for Coffee and lunch just on time. Thsnk you for the experiencePosted on Faustin HABIMANATrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was great experience to travel with be wild tours I and my wife were very happy to experience new things.Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 10 reviews
WhatsApp us