Interview with Rwanda-based Augustine Tours

Two years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic surged and brought many business sectors to a halt, particularly the tourism industry. And here we are in 2022, and life goes on- thanks to the health workers, and everyone who contributed to producing Covid-19 vaccines.

Despite the challenges that the pandemic has brought, the East African tourism industry has stood resilient.

I had a chance to speak to chat with Augustin Ndikuriyo, who runs Augustine Tours a Rwanda-based tour operator, and about how his business has survived the pandemic.

Credit: thebarletts.co

What inspired you to develop your idea of creating Augustine Tours?

Before founding the company Augustine Tours back in 2010, I spent five years in hotel management whereby I fell in love with the hospitality industry. The feeling of helping somebody explore your country and talking to people from every corner of the planet is just amazing.  

Credit: thebarletts.co

Where does your company name Augustine Tours come from?

Well, I was inspired by a quote from Saint Augustine” The world is a book and those who don't only read a page”. I believe that tourism is an excellent channel for both educational and cultural exchange. From there, the idea of creating a company offering custom tours in East Africa for families, small groups, and solo travelers was born.

As you may know, tourists go places for different needs. Some want to experience the local culture, while others are just interested in Gorilla trekking tours and wildlife game drive safaris. They all have one thing in common- they want to see the country.

Zebras in Akagera national park in Rwanda

Why do you prefer to offer tailor-made tours?

After over a decade in the tourism industry, I came to realize that travel needs are different. I believe offering a personalized tour experience is one of the ways to answer that need.

As a local travel expert, it doesn't require much to craft a fresh custom-made tour reflecting the client's needs. The East African travel experience goes beyond the Rwanda Gorilla trekking tour and Tanzania's great migration safari experience.

A gorilla eating plants in the forest, Rwanda

Where do you currently get tourists from?

In 2020, most of the tour bookings we had been postponed for 2021. The good news is we are now seeing more travelers from Europe and United States looking for a gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda and Uganda.

Tourists looking at mountain gorillas in the African jungle. Getting very close to wildlife.

You mentioned gorillas, when is the best time for a gorilla trekking tour?

Trekking gorillas is a pillar of Rwanda and Uganda's tourism potential. The Gorilla trek can run any time of the year.

However, most tourists find visiting the gorillas during the dry season preferable. The reason is that the low rain season makes hiking through the forest easier. The best time to trek gorillas is June-September and December-February. 

African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) crossing the road, Akagera National Park, Rwanda, Africa

Any last word you want to share with our audience?

Although tourism hasn't fully recovered from the pandemic, there are green signs that things are improving. With the opening of borders and the introduction of vaccines, countries have allowed more tourists and travelers in. Countries like Uganda have dropped mandatory testing for incoming and outgoing travelers.

I hope to even see more travelers coming to experience the beauty of East Africa, its exquisite wildlife game drives in Tanzania and Kenya, and life-changing gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda and Uganda.

Kuntala

A blogger interested in travelling and exploring new places and sharing ideas with all. Curious about the unique features of a place and its ethereal beauty.

12 thoughts on “Interview with Rwanda-based Augustine Tours

  • May 18, 2022 at 5:41 pm
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    Very inspiring interview! I would love to sign up with Augustine Tours, that would be amazing….

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    • May 26, 2022 at 1:42 pm
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      Many thanks for your comment! Let’s connect! You can sign up for updates on our blog posts and tours.

      Reply
  • May 18, 2022 at 6:58 pm
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    Glad to hear that business survived the pandemic, so many did not! What a cool looking tour! I would love to go!

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  • May 18, 2022 at 8:11 pm
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    Oh my gosh what an incredible tour! The baby gorillas are so cute! I wish I could experience this one day.

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  • May 18, 2022 at 9:17 pm
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    I think custom tours are great as you can see exactly what you want to see, and get out of a trip exactly what you want to get out of it x

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    • May 26, 2022 at 1:49 pm
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      Agree! Custom tours are actually meant to deliver a unique travel experience! “one-size-fits-all” isn’t a good option when it comes to experiential tourism.

      Reply
  • May 19, 2022 at 3:20 am
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    I’ve always wanted to visit a place like this. I love animals, and I would love to seem them up closer, in there natural habitats. Thanks for sharing!!

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  • May 20, 2022 at 1:38 am
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    Such a lovely interview and I do love the name Augustine and the quote by St Augustine is just perfect for what they do

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  • May 21, 2022 at 11:48 am
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    I have honestly never heard of custom tours for the people who attend them – that’s such a great idea so that everyone can have a unique experience. What an interesting interview.

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  • May 22, 2022 at 12:31 am
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    Wow I’d love to experience something like this .

    Reply

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