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 Florian GabrielTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Der Wohl beste Guide, denn ich je hatte. Er versuchte alles um den Trip unvergesslich zu machen. Er beantwortete jede Frage, wir sprachen viel am Lagerfeuer und er brachte mich an die nächste Unterkunft ohne zu Fragen :) Zum Schluss gab es noch eine Überraschung, von der ich aber nichts erzàhlen werde. Try yourself.. 😜😱Posted on NDAYAMBAJE GermainTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our 4-day tour in Rwanda was an unforgettable experience, made truly exceptional by our guide, Joe from Wanderlust. From the very beginning, Joe went beyond the role of a typical tour guide he became part of our team, creating a warm, friendly atmosphere that made every moment enjoyable. He organized the entire itinerary with great attention to detail, ensuring that each day was engaging, smooth, and memorable. The transportation was comfortable and reliable, and the hotel arrangements were perfectly handled, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy the journey. Joe’s deep knowledge of Rwanda and passion for what he does clearly stood out. He was always attentive, making sure everyone in the group was comfortable and satisfied at all times. His professionalism, combined with his genuine care for our experience, turned this trip into something far more meaningful than just a tour. This was not just sightseeing it was a rich and immersive experience that we will always remember. I highly recommend Joe Wanderlust to anyone planning to visit Rwanda. With him as your guide, you can expect not just a trip, but a truly remarkable journey.Posted on MUGISHA Ishimwe confianceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were a group of three people and spent 4 wonderful days visiting Rwanda with Joe as our tour/drive guide. He is a great guide who truly cares about the quality of service he provides. From the airport pickup to the wildlife safari and different tours, everything was very well organized. Joe planned all our activities carefully and made sure we were comfortable throughout the trip. He also arranged the hotels and transportation, making the whole experience smooth and stress-free. During the four days we were able to enjoy Rwanda’s beautiful nature, wildlife, and culture. Joe was always professional, friendly, and knowledgeable, which made the trip even more enjoyable. I highly recommend Joe to anyone planning to visit Rwanda. You will have an amazing and well-organized experience.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 IYAMUREMYE LeonardTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joe is amazing guide, will give you good experience everPosted 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 Zack ProTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joe is an excellent tour guide - friendly, professional, and very knowledgeable. He made the trip smooth, enjoyable, and truly memorable. Highly recommended!Posted on Fils d'Amour NimurodiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My girlfriend and I recently had an amazing tour to Nyungwe Forest and Lake Kivu, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized thanks to our incredible tour/driver guide, Joe. Joe was not only professional and punctual, but also kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly passionate about sharing the beauty of Rwanda with us. He made sure we were comfortable, safe, and fully immersed in the culture and natural beauty throughout the trip. His attention to detail and friendly attitude truly made this journey remarkable and unforgettable. If you're planning a trip and want someone who goes above and beyond, Joe is the one to trust. Thank you for making our tour so special! Highly recommended!Posted on Glory Private CandidateTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our three days tour in Rwanda with Joe was truly unforgettable! We explored Lake Kivu, the beautiful Nyungwe Forest, and the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park. Joe was not just a driver and guide he was a kind, knowledgeable companion who made our journey smooth and exciting. He handled all the logistics perfectly and shared deep insights about each place we visited. From scenic views to cultural experiences, everything was beyond our expectations. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Rwanda!Posted on ONE HOUR TO CHANGE LIFETrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joe was the best tour guide we could have asked for during our 3-day trip in Rwanda. He’s very professional, punctual, and truly passionate about his country. Every part of our journey was well-organized, from hotel bookings to park visits and local experiences. He went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. Joe made Rwanda feel like a second home. We’re grateful for the experience and highly recommend him to anyone visiting!
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