Welcome to Travulous

As an award-winning DMC, Travulous specialises in creating authentic, immersive, and memorable luxury travel experiences across Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Seychelles. Driven by an unquenchable passion for East Africa, our dedicated local team is always actively seeking out the absolute finest wildlife experiences, hidden gems, and exceptional luxury lodges that the entire region has to offer.

Combining the deep destination insight of our travel specialists with the ground expertise of our tour leaders and private driver-guides, we pride ourselves on our ability to design truly inspirational, tailor-made itineraries.

With comprehensive first-hand knowledge across all our featured destinations, we bring over 20 years of luxury travel industry and bespoke event management experience to every single journey we curate for our discerning global travel partners.

Our professional team of 23 travel experts includes 5 office staff, 12 driver-guides, and 6 specialist tour leaders. Based directly in our regional operational offices in Kigali and Kampala, our dynamic team unites an international mix of exceptional talent from Rwanda, Uganda, Canada, the UK, and Switzerland.

20+ Years’ Experience in East Africa

Travulous is the creation of Kristin McGee and Richard Pfäffli, who have operated in East Africa since 2003, built upon Richard's earlier work as Travel Provider and Tour Consultant for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund across Rwanda and the US.

With over 20 years of expertise across the travel, tourism, and events sectors, Kristin & Richard possess extensive experience in crafting bespoke luxury journeys throughout East Africa, serving both the travel trade and discerning direct guests.

Travulous takes immense pride in designing authentic, immersive, and unforgettable travel itineraries alongside unique, exclusive off-the-beaten-track encounters, seamlessly executing every custom journey across Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Seychelles to absolute perfection.

Our expert local team manages all operational logistics, seamlessly coordinating everything from ground transfers and private charter flights to bespoke luxury accommodation reservations, exclusive dining arrangements, and custom venue requirements.

This comprehensive support empowers our specialist Driver-Guides and Tour Leaders to focus entirely on delivering rare Behind the Scenes insights into mountain gorilla conservation, Big Five protection initiatives, endangered wildlife sanctuaries, authentic cultural exchanges, and East Africa’s rich heritage.

Dividing their time between Travulous’ regional headquarters in Kigali and Kampala, Kristin and Richard remain passionate explorers and dedicated travel connoisseurs.

OUR DIAN FOSSEY EXPERTISE

Our tailor-made and small group itineraries are guided by the former research staff of gorilla primatologist, Dian Fossey. Our CEO Richard Pfäffli, who has worked in the region since 2003, is the former Travel Provider & Tour Consultant for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
FOCUS ON ECOTOURISM

For 20+ years, Richard has designed luxury conservation-based travel itineraries in collaboration with Born Free, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Jane Goodall Institute, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and our newest partnership with AWF (African Wildlife Foundation).
PTS FINANCIAL PROTECTION

Travulous is a member of Protected Trust Services (PTS). No matter your location, book with confidence knowing all monies are safely held in a separate trust account, managed by independent trustees with the funds only used to pay for each booking.
TRAVULOUS STAFF ON THE GROUND

Designing award-winning tailor-made and small group Itineraries, Travulous’ teams in our Kigali and Kampala offices provide first-hand knowledge of all the destinations we feature. With our exceptional customer service, we are with you every step of the way.
DRIVER GUIDES & TOUR LEADERS

Our tailor-made and small group itineraries are led by our Driver Guides and Tour Leaders. Boasting first-hand experience, they will provide unique insights into Mountain Gorilla & Big 5 Conservation, Educational Experiences, History, Customs and Traditions.
4x4 SAFARI VEHICLES AND SUVs

Our fleet of vehicles includes custom-built 4x4 safari vehicles and luxury SUVs operated by our local Driver Guides. Our vehicles and safari equipment will cater for all requirements, including fully guided safaris, self-drive safaris, in addition to point-to-point transfers.

Ecotourism Focus

For the last 20 years, our Co-Founder Richard has expertly designed bespoke conservation-focused luxury travel itineraries alongside leading wildlife organisations across East Africa, including the renowned Born Free Foundation in Kenya, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda, the Jane Goodall Institute in Tanzania, and WWF in India.

In 2013, Richard personally introduced the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to Craghoppers, an outdoor clothing specialist that became a key corporate partner of the Fossey Fund. To this day, Craghoppers continues supplying the dedicated Fossey Fund field team with essential field uniforms, helping them protect vital mountain gorillas.

In 2021, Travulous was officially selected by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) as its preferred travel partner in Rwanda. Our unwavering conviction to support genuine wildlife conservation coupled with our extensive regional knowledge of East Africa was the key reason for our selection by these distinguished organisations.

Read about some these past and current partnerships below: