About - Great Lakes Safaris

Great Lakes Safaris

WHO WE ARE

Great Lakes Safaris invites you to embark on a journey of discovery across the breathtaking landscapes of East Africa. As a premier private travel company, we specialize in crafting tailor-made and set departure safaris and holidays that exceed expectations.

Drawing on our extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the region’s diverse attractions, we are committed to curating unique and authentic safari experiences that transcend the ordinary. Whether you’re seeking your first African wildlife safari, an adrenaline-fueled adventure, serene beach relaxation, or a special occasion like a honeymoon, our team is dedicated to creating personalized itineraries tailored to your preferences and budget. Join us as we unlock the secrets of East Africa’s natural wonders and cultural treasures, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Your adventure begins here with us.

Great Lakes Safaris stands for:

Expertise

Our team comprises of expert travel specialists and consultants strategically located across the East African region, each boasting extensive experience accumulated from years of living and working in the area. Collectively, they possess over 60 years of safari operating expertise spanning the East African landscape.

We exclusively collaborate with top tier guides renowned for their professionalism and local expertise, ensuring they infuse each journey with a personalized touch.

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. Leveraging our wealth of experience and expertise, we’ll provide guidance and invaluable insights wherever needed, ensuring your trip is tailored precisely to your desires.

Reliability

Indigenously owned and managed we pride ourselves in professionalism and a rich legacy of over two decades in the industry. With our headquarters strategically located in Kampala, Uganda, a secondary office in Kigali, Rwanda, as well as permanent representation in Tanzania and Kenya, our accessibility knows no bounds.

Throughout your safari adventure, rest assured that you’re in capable and seasoned hands, from start to finish. Additionally, all our guests benefit from automatic coverage with AMREF Flying Doctors, ensuring prompt medical emergency air evacuation to top-tier international-standard facilities across East Africa, offering an added layer of reassurance.

Sustainability

While our primary goal is to provide you with extraordinary and authentic African experiences, we are equally dedicated to sustainability and the preservation of the natural environment, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Africa.

We meticulously select hotels, safari lodges, and camps that adhere to comprehensive sustainability policies, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, we advocate for responsible tourism practices, urging our guests to respect the environment and minimize their ecological footprint during their safari experience.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we also provide all our clients with reusable water bottles, promoting eco-friendly practices throughout their journey. We firmly believe that collective efforts are essential to safeguarding Africa’s pristine wilderness and heritage for future generations.

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

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”

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.