Great Lakes Safaris

Photo credit Ivan Ssebuuma

About Great lakes Safaris

Great Lakes Safaris is a private travel company specializing in tailor-made and set departure safaris and holidays in East Africa. With our years of experience and intensive knowledge of the countries and respective tourism attractions, we strive to always create unique, special and authentic safari packages that go beyond the ordinary…

Whether you want to go on your first African wildlife safari, out for an adventure or beach relaxation, are planning your honeymoon or other special occasion – or a combination of several of these – we will create a unique, personalized itinerary suited to both you and your budget.

Great Lakes Safaris stands for:

Expertise

Our team of highly skilled travel specialists and consultants are based throughout the East African region where they have been living and working for many years. Together they possess over 60 years of safari operating experience across the East African region. We only work with the best guides in the country who are not only professional local experts but also add that personal touch to your journey.

Focus on you!

Your safari will be 100% tailor-made, designed to suit the best ethos, your personal interests as well as your budget. We do not take you on one of ‘our safaris’; instead you will be the one creating the perfect trip with the help of our safari specialists. With our experience and expertise we will guide you and give you the needful advice where requested.

Reliability

Indigenously owned and managed, Great Lakes Safaris is a thoroughly professional and well established company with over 14 years of experience. With our head office centrally based in Kampala-Uganda, our second office in Kigali, Rwanda as well as and permanent representation in Tanzania and Kenya you can talk to us anywhere, at any time. During your safari, from start to finish, you will be in safe and experienced hands. Furthermore, all our guests are automatically covered with AMREF Flying Doctors who provide medical emergency air evacuation to the best available international-standard facilities in east Africa for that extra peace of mind.

Sustainability

Whilst it is our endeavor to offer you extraordinary and authentic African experiences, we are also committed to sustainability and to do our part in protecting the natural environment, the African wildlife and the valuable cultural heritage.

We carefully select hotels and safari lodges and camps that have a comprehensive sustainability policy and ensure as minimal an impact as possible on the environment. We support local projects such as Watoto Foundation in Arusha, RAHAB Uganda or Laikipia Wildlife Forum in Kenya, in an effort to increase awareness for conservation and ensure that the local communities also benefit from your visit. While on your safari we also kindly request you to respect the environment by minimizing the footprint that you leave and follow our guidelines for responsible tourism.

The only way we can save Africa and the world’s unspoiled wilderness and heritate for posterity is if we all do it together!

We offer you more than just a safari… we help bring your dreams to life on an African experience you will never forget!

Our Founder and CEO Amos Wekesa

Amos Masaba Wekesa, is the founder of Great Lakes Safaris and Uganda Lodges Limited. Born and raised in Eastern Uganda, he has an inspiring and humbling background that reflects the person he is today, and the strong values and vision he has for company and staff.

Great Lakes Safaris celebrates 20 years of operation and to celebrate this anniversary, we asked him to reflect by sharing the life lessons his journey has taught him.

Read Amos’ life lessons

Interview in Forbes “From Poverty To CEO: Ugandan Founder Of ‘Great Lakes Safaris’ Looks Back On 20 Years Of Success

CNN African Voices interview (video) “Amos Wekesa, from young smuggler to tourism boss”

Amos Wekesa, from smuggler to tourism boss
Play
Amos with Sustainable Eco-Tourism award

Sustainable Eco-tourism award presented to Amos Wekesa for outstanding contribution to wildlife conservation in Uganda.

We are a local Ugandan Tour Operator, we are large enough to be respected as a premier safari company in Uganda and still small enough to care about each of our travellers.

Some key points about us and the way we operate:

  • Passionate about Uganda Safaris.The bottom line is, our guides are happy with their jobs, love the interaction with people of different cultures, and work hard to make sure that their passengers are satisfied. All of that becomes very apparent when you experience Uganda through their insightful eyes.
  • The guide is the key to a great safari!A guide’s knowledge, sensitivity, and good humour are some of the most essential elements of a successful Uganda tour. And quite simply, Great Lakes Safaris guides are the best. We don’t say so. Our passengers do! They rave about every one of them.
  • Our small size gives us the ability to respond to each of our passengers as individuals, with unique needs, wants and desires.When you call, any member of our staff will answer your questions with authority and patience. After you book a trip, we’ll stay in contact, providing you with thorough information about your trip. This level of personal interaction continues in Uganda, where our staff is as curious about you as you are about them.
  • We take care of all the details from helping you choose the best trip to match your interests and budget, to advise you on your international flights.We are known for our personalized and professional service. Contact us and you will immediately experience the difference.
  • We have the resources and the knowledge to get things done.Being experienced locals, we know how to work out all the kinks, and can handle any little bumps along the way with ease and professionalism. That translates into the smoothest and safest possible safari experience for our passengers. Another benefit is that we have long-standing relationships with the Ugandan Government, game wardens, park keepers, the Uganda Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism. These friendships are extremely helpful when problems arise, and are essential to the running of safe, successful safaris in Uganda.
  • Everyone who works for Great Lakes Safaris has an enthusiastic commitment to the protection of Uganda’s natural resources.We are practicing low impact tourism in Uganda. When you travel with us, you are supporting sustainable and responsible tourism that helps the country.
  • Our Safaris are a Great ValueBecause with us there is no middleman, we can offer higher quality safaris for a better price. Whether you choose our budget camping safaris, or our luxurious lodge safaris you can trust that with us you are getting the best value experience possible.Other companies may offer cheaper safaris, but we can promise and deliver superior value. Because we own our own operation in Uganda, we never have to cut corners to offer a great safari at a reasonable price. Just take a look at our safari itineraries and you’ll see the difference. And remember, we take care of all the details including advising you on your international flights to Uganda and providing you with comprehensive pre-departure information so you can be confident that you are well prepared for your gorilla safari or trekking adventure. Once you arrive in Uganda, you’ll really understand the difference. So, contact us and take your first step toward the trip of a lifetime

To summarize:

  • We have unmatched company-wide expertise.
  • The best safari guides in Uganda.
  • Committed to low impact tourism and the protection of Uganda’s natural resources.
  • Personalized care and attention.
  • Expert staff easily accessible.

Being situated in the protected area of Kibale National Park, Primate Lodge is highly committed to the conservation of nature and culture. The lodge is constructed with local materials and makes use of solar powered electricity in order to minimize the impact on the environment. Moreover, the accommodation contributes to the livelihood of the surrounding communities by involving the local families in different service areas, ranging from employment and the supply of locally grown products to providing handmade crafts and cultural performances.