10 Eco-Tour Tips for Rwanda & Uganda

Rwanda and Uganda are among the most conservation-minded countries in Africa — Rwanda even wrote environmental protection into its constitution. Travelling lightly here isn't just good manners; it's how you get closer to the places you came to see. These ten tips cost nothing (or save you money) and make a real difference.

1. Leave the plastic bags at home

Rwanda banned non-biodegradable plastic bags in 2008 — they're confiscated at Kigali airport and at border posts. Pack reusable cloth bags instead; you'll find them for a dollar or two in any market.

2. Bring a refillable bottle

Tap water isn't safe to drink in either country, but a bottle with a built-in filter pays for itself on day one. Most lodges we work with offer free filtered refills — ask at check-in.

3. Drive hybrid where you can

Kigali's hills and stop-start traffic are ideal hybrid territory — our hybrid fleet uses 30–40% less fuel than comparable petrol SUVs, and the regenerative braking saves brake pads on long descents. Lower cost, lower emissions, quieter around wildlife areas.

4. Take the e-bike city tour

Our Kigali Green City Tour covers the genocide memorial, Kimironko market and the city's e-bike lanes without a single drop of fuel. In Kampala, the electric tuk-tuk tour does the same between the Kasubi tombs and craft villages.

5. Hire porters and local guides

A porter on a gorilla trek costs about $20 and carries your bag up terrain that's genuinely hard. The money goes directly to villages bordering the national parks — which is precisely why those communities protect the gorillas instead of poaching them.

6. Follow gorilla trekking etiquette

Stay at least 7 metres from the gorillas — your ranger will enforce it.
Never trek if you're sick. Human colds and flu can be fatal to gorillas.
Respect the one-hour visit limit; it's a stress cap for the family.
No flash photography, no food near the group, and keep voices low.

7. Plan around Umuganda

On the last Saturday of every month, 8:00–11:00, Rwanda pauses for national community service. Most roads close, so don't schedule a border run or gorilla drive that morning. Better: ask your hotel whether you can join a site — it's one of the most genuine cultural experiences you'll have.

8. Choose low-impact tours

Boat safaris and walking safaris tread more lightly than long game drives. Our Akagera Eco Safari pairs a game drive with a boat trip on Lake Ihema, and Murchison Falls includes a solar-powered Nile launch — wildlife viewing with a fraction of the engine noise.

9. Eat and buy local

A meal at a neighbourhood restaurant, coffee direct from a Kivu cooperative, or craft from the market rather than a hotel gift shop keeps far more money in the country. Bonus: local food is fresher and cheaper.

10. Choose a low-impact operator

Ask your rental or tour company how they maintain their fleet and how they support conservation. Small choices — efficient vehicles, community guides, fair wages — keep the trip itself as green as the places you visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a plastic bag ban in Rwanda?

Yes. Rwanda has banned non-biodegradable plastic bags since 2008, and they're confiscated at the airport and borders. Pack a few reusable cloth bags for shopping — you can buy them cheaply in Kigali markets.

Can I drink tap water in Kigali or Kampala?

No — stick to bottled, filtered or boiled water. Bring a refillable bottle with a filter and refill at your hotel or lodge; many eco-lodges offer free filtered refills, which saves both money and plastic.

What is Umuganda and can tourists join?

Umuganda is Rwanda's national community service morning, held on the last Saturday of every month from 8:00–11:00. Roads close and locals clean, build and plant together. Visitors are welcome to join at many sites — ask your hotel. Just don't plan to drive that morning.

How do I trek gorillas responsibly?

Keep at least 7 metres from the gorillas, never trek when sick (a human cold can be deadly to them), follow your ranger's instructions exactly, keep the one-hour limit, and hire a local porter — the money goes straight into the communities that protect the park.

Travel green with us

Every vehicle and tour we offer is chosen with these principles in mind. Browse our eco tours or hybrid rental fleet, or talk to our team about building a low-impact itinerary.