About BenefacTours

From the owner, Cynthia Holmes

I got bitten by the travel bug at age 19, and have been travelling the world since then. I always felt a special kinship with Africa and it was on my 3^rd trip there that I was able to accomplish a lifelong goal of volunteering.

Perhaps it is because I am the firstborn in my family, and always had to look after the younger kids, that I felt so drawn to working with children. I volunteered at a preschool for orphans, and I truly received much more than I gave. The headmistress would thank me profusely every day and about once a week would say to me “Cynseeah, thank-you for loving us”. Without a doubt, volunteering in Africa was the best experience of my life. Uganda has become a second home as I have developed countless friendships over the years.

Many trips to Africa and other continents, over 90 countries, have allowed me to create relationships with numerous tour companies, guides, and locals. After my 5 month volunteer stint in Uganda, people began to ask me how they could arrange a volunteer tour, that wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg! So, I decided to start a business promoting volunteer opportunities that improve the lives of Africans and the environment. We have now expanded to be able to offer tours all over our awesome planet.

Global TV News – Benefactours Interview with Cynthia Holmes

We are a Canadian company specializing in African safari and volunteer tours, while arranging private customized tours or group tours all over the world.

Since inception, in 2007, our mission has been to create memorable travel experiences for our clients, while promoting volunteer opportunities that improve the lives of Africans and the environment. 1% of profits are donated to an African cause. We strive to give you unique and memorable adventures.

Originally specializing in Africa, we decided to expand the business to include the rest of the world in our tours, since we were constantly being asked about other countries. we wanted to provide affordable and memorable tours to solo travellers as well as existing clients. Half of our clients have been single women travelling solo, and we want to provide everything our clients ask for.

Volunteer adventure packages in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ecuador are customized and include accommodations, meals, transport and donations. Rediscover yourself, and fulfill your dream of making a meaningful contribution. Adventures designed with flexibility in mind. Sign up to receive our newsletters. https://benefactours.com/

Climb Kilimanjaro, ride a mokoro in Botswana, track mountain gorillas in Uganda, learn to dance the salsa in Cuba, walk the Lycian Way in Turkey, sail the Norwegian fjords, learn to cook in Thailand. If you have something in mind, and don’t see it here, please ask, because we want to help you realize your dream vacation.

About The BenefacTours Team

Dirk Leysen – A long time world traveller, Dirk became attached to Uganda while on safari in 2003. He made the decision to go back to volunteer, and has been there ever since. Hailing from Belgium, Dirk has spent his life exploring the globe, and has now made a home alongside the beautiful Nile River. Dirk has been invaluable to BenefacTours as he assists with operations in Uganda for us.

Mariela Ramos – Mariela, a seasoned traveller, began working for BenefacTours in 2007. Cynthia’s fascination with Africa was infectious and now Mariela feels a special bond with this marvellous continent. She has acquired a passion for Africa, its people, its food and its culture, right down to African drumming and dancing.

Elizabeth Holmes – Elizabeth’s first taste of travel was as a child, camping in Canada’s wilderness. Her first whirlwind trip through Europe, over 20 years ago, led to a 3 month backpacking trip to Australia and New Zealand. That was the beginning of a passion for embracing new cultures for Liz. She relishes the history, culture, food, music, people and even the language wherever she goes.

Francis Francis Ochiti – Francis has been a priceless addition to BenefacTours’ operations in Uganda for several years now. He is a wonderful chef, birder, all-round lovely person and an incredible dancer too. Francis is available to show guests around the Jinja area, as well as welcome guests to his home with wife and daughter where you can share a local meal and experience a bit of life as a Ugandan. Francis always has a huge smile on his face, and you will too after meeting him.