Introduction
This trip is more than a medical refresher course: it is a unique combination of adventure, nature, culture, and medical training.
During this 9-day educational journey, you will experience the impressive landscapes, wildlife, and local culture of Rwanda and Uganda. The course covers tropical and travel medicine, global health, and wilderness medicine, all within an adventurous and active itinerary that is partly completed by gravel bike.
The trip begins in Kigali, after which we cross the border to Kisoro. Here we explore Mgahinga National Park via the Batwa Trail, a cultural forest walk guided by indigenous Batwa guides. Next, we cycle to the scenic Lake Mutanda, with spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes. Here you will have the option to go gorilla trekking or stand-up paddleboarding.
We then continue cycling to Lake Bunyonyi, where we stay overnight on an idyllic island in a lake known for its rich birdlife. The trip concludes in Lake Mburo National Park with a boat safari, a wildlife safari, and finally a cycling safari.
Throughout the trip, practical medical training sessions will take place in unique outdoor locations. The afternoons will mainly focus on practical sessions, while the evenings will include lectures.
The course highlights key aspects of tropical and wilderness medicine, with particular attention to the African context. Topics include global health and outbreak management, infectious diseases, acute treatment of snake and scorpion envenomations, hyperthermia, trauma care with limited resources, and providing care in remote environments with the goal of evacuation to definitive care.
The course is intended for medical professionals with an interest in wilderness medicine, outdoor sports, nature, and East Africa. The experience gained provides an excellent foundation for work as an expedition doctor, for clinical (volunteer) work, for broadening your perspective, and for traveling independently with greater confidence.
NB Thanks to Fat Pigeon for the use of the gravelbike photos.
