Rugero Jeannette

Rugero is one of East Africa’s most respected female tourism professionals, known for her pioneering spirit, deep regional expertise, and unwavering commitment to community, conservation, and women's empowerment.

Born in exile in Tanzania to Rwandan parents who had fled the Genocide Against the Tutsi in 1994, Rugero’s early life was shaped by resilience and sacrifice. Her parents - skilled farmers - raised cows and worked the land with strength and dignity, pouring everything they had into building a future for their children. To fund Rugero’s education, they often had to sell their livestock to raise money for school fees. Despite not understanding her early passion for tourism, they supported her through school, hoping she’d pursue a more conventional career.

But Rugero forged her own path. She landed her first internship at a tour company while still in high school and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Travel and Tourism Management. What began as a spark grew into a full-fledged calling: designing and leading immersive journeys across East Africa that celebrate its extraordinary landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Slowly, her parents came to see the value of her work, and today, they are her biggest champions. In a full-circle gesture of gratitude, Rugero has begun buying back the cows they once sold to support her education.

Professionally, Rugero has been recognized as a trailblazer. She was named Best Female Guide 2022 and honored as Best Guide in Rwanda 2024 - awards that reflect her excellence, leadership, and dedication to meaningful, sustainable travel.

An advocate for gender equality, Rugero mentors young women in tourism and conservation, working to ensure that women have equal access and influence in shaping the future of the industry. Conservation also sits at the heart of her work: she champions community-based tourism initiatives, supports local artisans, and promotes eco-conscious practices that protect both landscapes and livelihoods.

Rugero is especially passionate about off-the-beaten-path destinations, including the DRC, South Sudan, and other hidden gems of East Africa. She specializes in crafting cross-border road trips that combine wild adventure with rich cultural encounters - transforming every journey into a bucket-list experience.

Whether she’s guiding travelers through remote terrains or inspiring the next generation of women in tourism, Jeanette leads with heart, purpose, and a profound love for her people and her land.

Home location: Rwanda

Guides in: Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, DRC

Languages: English

Daily rate: $