Wild Sage is a boutique destination management company based in Kigali, specialising exclusively in Rwanda and Uganda. We operate on the ground with our own guides and vehicles, designing seamless, refined safaris rooted in deep local knowledge, trusted relationships, and real experience in the field.
Our journeys are crafted from the inside out. Living and working in the regions we operate allows us to shape safaris with thoughtful pacing, flexibility, and attention to detail—whether that means adjusting plans in real time, accessing lesser-known places, or ensuring every logistical element runs effortlessly. Luxury with Wild Sage is felt in the experience rather than advertised: calm, considered, and deeply personal.
Founded by a Guide and a Storyteller
Wild Sage was founded by Canadian travel journalist and photographer Alicia-Rae Light and Rwandan safari guide and naturalist Isaac Nzaramba, bringing together global perspective and local roots. Alicia-Rae has nearly two decades of experience in travel storytelling, content creation, and luxury safari marketing. Now based in Rwanda, she designs journeys with a storyteller’s eye—balancing flow, detail, and emotional resonance so each safari unfolds naturally and memorably.
Isaac, born and raised in Rwanda, has spent more than 15 years guiding across Rwanda, Uganda, and East Africa. Widely respected as a naturalist and storyteller, he is known for his deep understanding of wildlife behaviour, landscapes, and local traditions, as well as his close relationships with rangers, lodge owners, conservation teams, and communities. His warmth, intuition, and experience in the bush give Wild Sage safaris their distinctive sense of ease and authenticity. Together, they shape journeys that feel personal, immersive, and grounded in place.
How We Work
We operate with our own fleet of custom-designed safari vehicles and a trusted team of expert local guides. Because we are based on the ground, we remain present for our guests throughout their journey, providing 24/7 support from arrival to departure. This hands-on approach allows us to anticipate needs, respond quickly, and ensure every safari runs smoothly.
Access is central to what sets Wild Sage apart. Long-standing relationships with rangers, conservationists, researchers, lodge partners, and community leaders open doors to meaningful encounters most travellers never experience—whether going behind the scenes with conservation teams, meeting local artisans, or exploring places beyond the standard tourist routes.
Responsible tourism is embedded in how we operate. We prioritize ethical wildlife encounters, low-impact travel, and long-term partnerships that support conservation initiatives and local communities in tangible, lasting ways—not box-ticking, but genuine collaboration.
Our Safari Styles
Gorilla & Primate Safaris
Gorilla trekking is at the heart of many Wild Sage journeys. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, guests trek misty forests to encounter mountain gorilla families in their natural habitat. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, Kibale, and Kyambura Gorge adds further depth to primate-focused itineraries, all planned with careful preparation and ethical practices.
Classic Wildlife Safaris
From the savannahs of Akagera National Park to Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls in Uganda, our classic safaris showcase diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Game drives and boat safaris reveal elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, hippos, and prolific birdlife, guided by naturalists who understand animal behaviour and the rhythm of the bush.
Conservation Journeys
Our conservation safaris offer rare insight into the people protecting East Africa’s wildlife. Experiences may include trekking with some of Dian Fossey’s original gorilla trackers, spending time with Gorilla Doctors, visiting Umusambi Village’s crane conservation project, joining Akagera’s ranger teams and K9 anti-poaching units, or meeting the Kyambura Lion Monitoring team. These journeys focus on connection, context, and learning.
Cultural Journeys
Cultural experiences are woven thoughtfully into our itineraries. From Kigali’s Genocide Memorial and reconciliation villages to guided food tours, market visits, artisan workshops, and time spent in local homes, guests engage with Rwanda and Uganda through human stories that add depth and understanding to every journey.
Photographic Safaris
Designed by photographers for photographers, our photographic safaris are unhurried and flexible. Custom vehicles, specialist guides, and patience in the field allow guests to work with light, behaviour, and composition—whether waiting for a lion at sunset or spending hours with a bird along the water’s edge.
Active & Adventure Safaris
For travellers who want to experience the landscape in motion, we offer hiking, cycling, kayaking, and trekking adventures. Options include climbing volcanic peaks like Bisoke or Karisimbi, cycling sections of the Congo–Nile Trail, zip-lining through Nyungwe’s canopy, white-water rafting on the Nile, or multi-day walking safaris.
Family Safaris
Our family safaris are designed to work for every age and stage, with flexible pacing, child-friendly lodges, and guides who know how to engage young travellers. These journeys balance discovery and rest, creating meaningful shared experiences across generations.
Honeymoon & Celebration Safaris
For honeymoons and milestone journeys, we design private, romantic safaris with seamless flow. Exclusive lodges, private guiding, scenic helicopter transfers, bush breakfasts, sundowners, and starlit dinners create space for connection and celebration in some of East Africa’s most beautiful settings.
With Wild Sage, a safari is never one-size-fits-all. Every journey is handcrafted to feel immersive, personal, and deeply connected to place—transforming travel into a story shaped by people, landscapes, and moments worth carrying home.
