About Rustika Journeys
Authentic adventures that connect you deeply with nature and culture — born in Uganda, roaming the Great Lakes Region and across Africa.
Company Overview
We are adventure travelers in Africa, focused on authentic experiences that benefit local communities and preserve natural habitats.
Founder, Michael Otti
In search of Magical Places
Rustika Journeys is where adventure meets purpose. Founded and led by Michael Otti — mountain guide, forester, restoration practitioner, and salvage hunter — we infuse every journey with depth, authenticity, and a reverence for nature and heritage.
Our mission is to offer responsible tourism options that awaken the free spirit in every traveler. Our vision is to craft tailored travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary, helping you discover not just new places, but new parts of yourself.
Overlanding through East Africa
Overlanding — The Journey is the Destination
We believe the deepest experiences come by road — immersing in daily life and culture along the way. Often, we go big and overland across countries, with the journey itself as the principal goal. We keep it simple and effortless, connecting with people and reaching places that are remote yet magical.
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains
Mountaineering
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” Tropical mountains of the Great Lakes Region inspire like nothing else — montane jungles, bamboo, heathers, afro‑alpine zones, rivers, lakes, bogs, calderas, and snow‑capped equatorial peaks.
We are on a journey to hike Africa’s major ranges — from Elgon and Rwenzori to the Virungas and beyond.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Rainforests, Swamps, and Deltas
Tropical rainforests are healing — a “rainforest bath” opens up your senses and renews the soul. Bwindi and Nyungwe are among our favorites.
Massive swamps and deltas fascinate us — canoe trips into wetlands and island camping are hugely rewarding. The Okavango remains one of our most profound destinations.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Savannahs of Wonder
The vastness of African savannahs is breathtaking — from Kidepo‑Narus Valley under the Morungole ranges to the dry immensity of the Serengeti‑Mara ecosystem.
Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Why Uganda and the Great Lakes
We live in the Great Lakes Region — a mosaic of contrasts from equatorial snow peaks to ancient forests and Rift Valley plains. It is an inexhaustible source of wonder and a perfect canvas for responsible, authentic journeys.
Victoria Falls, Zambia
Further South — Rivers and Deserts
We overland to the Zambezi and the Victoria Falls — the Smoke that Thunders — then into Botswana’s Chobe and the Okavango’s islands, and onward across the Kalahari where the sky feels endless.
Tree planting in Bwindi
Responsible Travel
We are acutely aware of our footprint and the climate challenge. On every journey we plant trees, work with community partners, and support ecological restoration around conservation areas.
We minimize contact with wildlife and advocate for harmonious coexistence that allows biodiversity to prosper.
Rustika Place development
Rustika EcoHomes & Rustika Place
We’re creating living spaces with love and deep care for nature — eco‑friendly builds rooted in local cultures. Rustika Place in Fort Portal will be a rainforest enclave, a base for expeditions and an epicenter for community eco‑restoration and learning.
Rustic luxury interiors
Rustika Fine Living
Fine Living should be for everyone. We transform ordinary spaces into fine ones with eco principles, rustic innovation and a knack for timeless beauty — working with wood, leather, metal and fabric, and sourcing soulful artifacts with history and character.