Small Group Travel: An Alternative Way to Go On Safari

If you’re dreaming of a safari to Uganda and/or Rwanda, but you want to travel with others, join a themed tour (like bird watching or a women-only group), or explore a more affordable way to experience these incredible countries, then small group travel could be exactly what you’re looking for.

A small group safari gives you the opportunity to join like-minded travellers (usually between 6-12 people) on a scheduled tour with a set departure date and a fixed itinerary, escorted by a safari guide. Unlike bespoke safaris (a private tour with a custom itinerary tailored to your individual requirements, and a private guide), small groups allow you to meet new people whether they’re solo travellers, couples, or a few friends holidaying together. It’s social, streamlined and keeps the costs down.

All you have to do is book your flights and arrive on time at the agreed meeting point and the rest is taken care of, so you can enjoy socialising and exploring all that Uganda or Rwanda has to offer. Keep reading to find out if small group travel could be for you.

Share the Magic

Imagine marvelling at a herd of elephants down by the river, spotting a lion just metres from your safari vehicle, or trekking through the forest in search of mountain gorillas. Share those experiences with others. Discover together.

Have fun and enjoy reflecting on the day’s sightings and activities at dinner. What a way to bond, create new friendships, and make memories together.

And if you need a little space, there’s time for that, too. Unwind by the pool at your accommodation, dine separately, or read your book as you watch the sun go down from your own private veranda.

The safari guide escorting your tour will always ensure everyone is comfortable, and will be happy to provide company if you’d like to go for a walk or chat at dinner.

Great for Solo Travellers

For some people, the thought of travelling alone can be a little off-putting. Perhaps it seems prohibitively expensive, or you feel responsible for carrying the conversation with the guide all the time. Maybe a holiday in lesser-known destinations might feel too ‘risky’ on your own.

Travelling in a small group alleviates all of these concerns (although we’d like to point out Venture provides safe, friendly, affordable solo travel!!) and it can actually enhance your travel experience.

Group safaris take the stress out of travelling. We organise everything in advance together with your travel agent and of course you see the itinerary and all arrangements before you commit. Our safari guide will escort the tour to ensure it runs smoothly, with back-up from our in-country office, if necessary.

That means all you have to do is focus on enjoying the wildlife and having fun in the community as you build relationships with fellow travellers. Many guests form lasting friendships and we think that’s an amazing way to make friends!

If you are a travel agent and you would like to offer a small group tour to Uganda or Rwanda to your clients, drop us an email and let’s talk.

Our Safari Guides Escort Small Group Tours

Each tour is managed by one of our professional, friendly safari guides. Their role is to ensure the tour runs smoothly and that you get the most from your safari.

As well as meeting other travellers and forming friendships, you will also form a relationship with your guide. S/he is there not only to share their incredible knowledge of the wildlife and culture, but also to manage the group, assist with hotel check-ins and handle any requests or problems.

Your guide will accompany you on many activities, which makes it easier to get to know them. They will also get to know you, your interests, and preferences, helping you get the most from your safari. That might mean looking for target animals/birds on your wish list, or taking a stroll in the evening to watch football with locals in a nearby bar.

You will find they go above and beyond to make sure everyone has a great time.

Where Will You Stay?

Typical accommodation for small group travellers tends to be in boutique safari lodges, often in spectacular locations or with great views. They are clean and safe and provide tasty food and excellent service. We try to use properties with sustainable features such as solar power and rainwater harvesting.

For example, we love Pakuba Safari Lodge, which provides comfortable bedrooms, indoor and outdoor dining, views of the River Nile and a refreshing pool to take a dip and unwind.

When joining a small group, you will typically have the option of sharing a double/twin room or taking a single room, at an additional cost.

Are You a Travel Agent?

As a Destination Management Company (DMC), Venture Uganda Travel doesn’t run ‘own-brand’ small group tours. Instead, we work closely with travel agents who want to offer their clients a ‘join-a-group’ experience.

We provide support every step of the way from designing an itinerary that meets requirements to delivering tours on the ground that receive outstanding client feedback, leaving agents to focus on promoting their adventures to their clients.

If you’re a travel agent interested in offering a small group safaris to your clients, then get in touch and we’ll explain how we do it and what makes our safaris special.