Running toward something bigger: How one man’s journey is putting Uganda on the map for adventure travel

Ever booked a trip around a marathon? What about signing up for a race not just to beat a time—but to find your rhythm again, deep in the shadow of one of Africa’s most beautiful mountains?

This week, I want to introduce you to someone who changed the way I think about travel, movement, and meaning. His name is Amos Wekesa, and his life story reads like the kind of film you’d think was too inspiring to be true—until you meet him.

Born into extreme poverty in a tiny Ugandan border village called Lwakhakha, Amos didn’t wear shoes until he was 10, didn’t ride in a car or go to school until age 11, and at one point, his mother considered ending his life—not out of malice, but because she genuinely couldn’t imagine a way for him to survive.

He spent his childhood helping his family smuggle salt across the border into Kenya, sleeping in huts with gaping holes in the roof, and dreaming of a life he’d never seen. As a young adult, he moved to Kampala, worked as a houseboy, and saved every penny. He was once offered a job as a messenger at a travel office—he told them he could drive, even though he couldn’t. (He learned fast.)

From those humble beginnings, Amos built Great Lakes Safaris, one of Uganda’s top tourism companies, and Uganda Lodges, a respected collection of eco-friendly properties in national parks across the country. He didn’t get there with handouts or shortcuts. He got there with vision, faith, and sheer tenacity.

And despite his success, he’s never forgotten where he came from.

“If poverty can’t inspire you, nothing can,” he says.

Today, he’s not only running a successful business—he’s literally running. Three times a week. Every week. Up to 30 kilometres at a time. For his health. For his mind. For his mission.

The Rwenzori Marathon: More than a race

Held annually in Kasese, a town at the base of Uganda’s snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, this is no ordinary race. It’s the only marathon in the world that crosses an international border, from Uganda into the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the route is simply breathtaking. You’ll pass through banana plantations, crater lakes, tea fields, and villages where children run alongside you cheering as if you’re already a champion.

But the marathon isn’t just about the race—it’s about what it represents. For Amos, this event is a way to ignite a new kind of tourism, one where local culture, conservation, and athleticism intersect. It draws elite runners and beginners alike, with options from a 5K fun run to the full marathon. And it plants visitors in the heart of a region that deserves far more international attention than it receives.

The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon," are one of the most spectacular and least explored high-altitude regions in Africa. Their glacier-capped peaks rise from equatorial rainforest—home to unique wildlife and over 1,000 bird species. Just outside the race area, you’ll find Queen Elizabeth National Park, which has the highest concentration of birdlife per square kilometre of any protected area in the world and is famous for its tree-climbing lions.

You can register for the marathon and plan your trip HERE. You’ll find everything you need there: route maps, accommodation tips, and travel advice. I recommend booking early—spaces fill quickly, and rightly so.

What else to do in Uganda if you’re the adventurous type

Uganda isn’t just a destination—it’s a revelation for anyone who loves the outdoors. If you're the kind of traveller who prefers trail shoes over flip-flops, this is your kind of place.

Here are just a few active adventures you can add to your itinerary:

White water rafting with Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Situated on a private island in the Nile near Jinja, this is luxury-meets-adrenaline. You can go white water rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding—or simply enjoy the rush from a hammock above the rapids. It’s a beautiful spot that blends high energy with high comfort.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
One of the most moving wildlife encounters on Earth. Treks can last several hours through dense jungle, but the reward—spending time with a silverback and his family—is unforgettable. It’s physically demanding, emotionally charged, and completely worth it. Permits are required and must be booked in advance.

Mountain biking and community trails in Fort Portal
This charming town in western Uganda is an ideal base for crater lake hikes, guided village visits, and multi-day cycling routes through tea plantations and rolling hills. It’s also home to inspiring social enterprises where travellers can support local crafts and culinary programs.

Kazinga Channel boat safari
After all the hiking and running, enjoy a water-based safari along this natural canal that links Lake Edward and Lake George. You’ll float past hippos, elephants, and colourful birdlife—with camera-ready views around every bend.

Climb the Rwenzoris—Even if you don’t race
If you’re not ready to run a marathon, you can still explore the mountains through shorter guided treks. Routes range from one-day hikes to multi-day alpine ascents that require technical climbing. It’s some of the most beautiful and least trafficked mountain terrain in Africa.

Coffee tastings and village stays
Uganda’s coffee—especially its robusta—is world-renowned. Several local cooperatives offer tours where you can see how beans are grown, picked, roasted and brewed. These experiences are especially powerful when they include village homestays, giving travellers deeper insight into the lives behind the beans.

Where to stay
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, group, or solo, Uganda has options ranging from safari lodges to charming boutique hotels. Amos’s own Uganda Lodges are a great place to start—eco-conscious, locally staffed, and beautifully located. I personally loved Elephant Plains near Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Final thoughts: Travel for a reason

I’ve been writing about travel for decades, but few stories have stayed with me the way Amos Wekesa’s has. He’s someone who has redefined what it means to move forward—through sheer will, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the potential of his people.

He built a business from nothing, not by chasing money, but by chasing meaning. He turned every setback into fuel. And now, through events like the Rwenzori Marathon, he’s inviting the rest of us to join him—not just in running a race, but in running toward something bigger.

So if you’re looking for a trip that resets your compass, moves your body, and reminds you of what really matters—book the flight. Come to Uganda. Run, walk, cheer, explore. This is travel that gives more than it takes.

Join me in Uganda or Tanzania—Your next great adventure awaits

Ready to turn travel into something truly meaningful?

I’ll be hosting a small group in Uganda on February 12th, 2026, exploring the very places I wrote about here—including the region around the Rwenzori Marathon. You don’t have to run to join us—just bring a spirit of adventure. This trip can also be customized to suit your own dates at a similar price. Click here for details.

Or, if Tanzania has been calling your name, come with me this November or January to witness the Great Migration, stay at stunning safari lodges, and share the experience with a small group of like-minded travellers.

And don’t forget—if you’re planning something special, I still own a TICO-registered travel agency in Ontario, and I’d be happy to help. Whether you’re dreaming of a solo trip, a family getaway, or your own private group adventure, we can make it happen.

The best way to reach me is by email, as I mostly work remotely. I’m happy to set up a time to chat—or recommend the perfect local agent from my team to assist you: