At the end of 2021, I had an interesting trip from Kigali to Rubavu on foot. It was an epic experience for me. I also had a two-week road trip from Kigali, Musanze, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Nyamagabe, and Huye including different villages of those districts.

I love touring and experiencing new places. Normally, I travel on a weekly basis within Kigali, on a monthly basis out of Kigali, and have one long trip every year.

This time the plan was to walk from Kigali to Rusizi District which I wasn’t able to do because my right leg was not in good condition due to an accident I had earlier.

So I went for an even much more exciting option— travelling around East Africa. And when I set off for this year-ender trip, I was determined to experience it all.

I was to explore Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania (some countries were removed from the list due to security reasons).

I was eager to experience Uganda more because it was going to be my first time there. And so, on the eve of Christmas, I set off for my journey.

I reached Kampala on December 14. And much as it was 5am, you could sense how busy it was, confirming the saying ‘Kampala: The city that really never sleeps.’

Different places were open at that time and the roads were busy, and packed with cars. I was up for a good time.

I had the privilege of visiting the Uganda Museum, Voice and Beats Recording Label, the famous Next Media Office, and so many different places.

But my highlight was the food. Uganda has some of the best dishes; there is the famous luwombo (food prepared in banana leaves, meat usually) that left me wanting more. This one time, we went to a local restaurant, Shakazulu, and we ate luwombo of groundnut sauce with matooke (plantain) rice, posho, chapatti, and fresh juice. That was it! I wanted to make Kampala my home.

I love a good time, I enjoy hanging out with people and experiencing new things. And Uganda was up for the challenge.

East Africa is rich with so much culture. The people, norms, food, values and all. It’s all so beautiful that we need to experience it completely.

I saw love from strangers and confirmed that despite our differences we are one people. I also noticed that there is a ‘more genuine love’ you find in villages than in cities. These people were willing to share and teach me their traditions, they were all so welcoming even to a total stranger.

I stayed in Kampala for almost a month and moved to Kenya. So many people travel for the picturesque views and wildlife, which I also find fascinating, but my trip was marked by the different people I met.

I had a good time visiting places such as Lavington Mall, Artcaffe and bought things from the Maasai market. I visited a private members club in Lavington and ate nyama choma with mukimo, sauté potatoes and spinach.

The rich culture and deep history of all these countries left a mark on me. As a person who grew up with a liking for exploring new places, connecting with new people and learning about their places, I was beyond fascinated.

As an adventurer, I always feel extremely content when I experience nature or explore new places. I connect with plants, wind, rain, different sounds of birds, etc. Be it a tourist area, a farm, or a forest, I do enjoy each moment I have with myself and nature. Especially, I like being a stranger in a strange land with strangers, and I easily connect with people but most importantly, I try to build and maintain meaningful relationships/friendships.

After my eight days in Kenya, I transited to Tanzania- known for its pleasantness and peaceful atmosphere, I expected nothing but an amusing stay. Tanzanians are indeed very warm and peaceful people.

I visited Mlimani City Shopping Mall, The Waves Beach, Makumbusho Village, Golden Fork Restaurant, Giraffe Hotel Beach, Shekinah Garden, among others. I particularly liked Arusha because of the weather, but Dar es Salaam was amazing.

If you have enjoyed the safe and peaceful space of Rwanda, Tanzania is a good place for you. If you like tourism and the weather in Musanze, Arusha should be your destination. If you want to do business easily, Kampala is waiting for you.

Kampala, Nairobi, and Dar es Salaam are busy cities. But it’s very easy and typical to be robbed, mostly in Kampala and Nairobi.

It was a great experience for me to learn about new cultures, and places, meet people with different backgrounds and beliefs but most importantly, understand what the almighty God created, and experience the love of His people and generally the joy that comes from His creation. There is a lot to enjoy, the world is beautiful.

Highlights

Travelling itself is a school. Apart from the joy that comes from doing what you like as a traveller, you learn a lot. You get a new perspective on life and living in general and new business ideas.

A wise man said ‘don't listen to what they say, go and see.’ When you travel you experience what you have heard and more. I got to learn that we share almost similar traditions. Genuine and unconditional love is what we need or lack in the world.

Everything comes with a cost and travelling is not an exception. It’s all about what we like or desire to do, how we plan and how brave we are or how badly we really want it.

Considering that prices have been raised by the impact of Covid-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as well as the festive season, this time it was costlier, but there is always a way where there is a will.

I have heard and experienced that giving is better than receiving. And my mother told me in 2005 that I should love and value people because all the things I need in this world are with people. My work has connected me with people from different countries and I like hosting them when they visit our homeland. I think that all of this somehow made it easier for me as I travelled to all these countries. My friends hosted me and it helped with managing costs.

Travelling comfortably

For those who might want to travel, the first thing is to plan and save for your trip. Second, have your itinerary and budget. Third, be strategic. For instance, I knew that hotels would be very expensive. So, I chose to be hosted by friends in all these places. This reduced or eliminated accommodation costs. You can contribute to other things or go out with your friends or do something else for fun with that money. This is also better for security, but it also helps to easily get recommendations for things to do, guidance and strengthening friendships.

From the bottom of my heart and the depth of my soul, I pray to God to bless my hosts, Eric, Brian, George, and Angel. I am also thankful for famous people who made the time to meet me (whom I won’t share their names) and friends with whom we reconnected and took me around like Florence, Christine, Giselle, Angel, Paula, Suleiman, Phylis, and Lynnet to mention but a few. I am forever grateful for the more than 25 new friends I have gained. And apologise to whoever availed him/herself to see me but failed to meet due to my schedule.

I will be visiting West Africa in December this year, all those who want to join are welcome.