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Meet Our Safari Guides

KASAIJA DENIS SENIOR SAFARI GUIDE (HEAD GUIDE)

A country boy by heart, Denis was born and raised in Mukono where he lived for all his childhood life.

He studied in Mukono for high school and then went on to attain a professionals guiding certificate from the Uganda safari Guides Association (USAGA) and currently pursuing further studies in tourism and wildlife management at the Uganda wildlife institute (Katwe) .

Before joining tourism, Denis trained as a primary school teacher and taught Mathematics and science at the elementary level at Rise and shine Primary school in Kampala from 2007 – 2009 before deciding upon a career change and went through a series of tour guiding courses.

Denis started guiding in 2011 and worked for various tour companies in Kampala where he decided to branch out and joined Prime Safaris in 2015 as a senior guide and has furthered his training whilst with us to include defense driving 4X4 driving (high range and self-recovery) and the first Aid certificate from the Uganda Red cross.

Denis’s language ability includes English, Swahili, a little German and Italian which helps him communicate well with guests.

His hobbies and interests include running, reading, watching football and spending time with his animals on the farm.

He has great passionate interests in zoology, botany coupled with an expanding love for birding and entomology. Being a very personable guide helps him relate stories he has heard and searched about on Uganda and the world at large with his sense of humor, enables him to offer his general wildlife knowledge and experience and ensures he operates a first class safari, this with a great experience in caring for clients makes him dependable, reliable, trustable and an excellent all round guide thus the head of safari guides at Prime safaris and Tours Ltd.

Denis is quiet instrumental in mentoring other upcoming guides as he has personally trained some of our guides.

SSEBANJA JOSEPH NYANZI “SILVERBACK”(SENIOR GUIDE)

Joseph was born on 27th /07/ 1968.

He was born and raised in central Uganda as a country boy to a family of fruit farmers where he grew up helping out in growing oranges on their family farm.

Joseph qualified in motor mechanical engineering and customer care at Kyambongo technical institute and was awarded a certificate in the above.

He is married with four children and lives in Kampala Ggaba town with his family.

Joseph started guiding in 1996 after undergoing career change and has worked for Travel various companies in Uganda and Kenya before joining Prime safaris in 2014 as a guide and is our longest serving guide as well as an integral member in the company. From this he has gained a lot of knowledge over the years as he has undergone several trainings.

Joseph’s warm friendly, caring and welcoming character has helped several clients have remarkable trips as he is particularly good with elderly travellers as well as children. He always cheers them up with great but professional jokes making the journeys shorter enjoyable and most have always felt comfortable and in safe hands during the tour.

His great character has made him famous and is loved by most tourism colleagues, park rangers and site guides thus making his work while in the parks swifter because of the warm reception he receives from them.

His mechanical knowledge is a plus as he is always in control, a great but safe driver even with the most difficult terrains.

Joseph takes great pride in his work and is always dependable thus often chosen as the lead guide for our large safari groups.

ROBERT KUNGUJJE (SENIOR BIRDING GUIDE)

Robert was born on 18th/10/1972 and raised in Central Uganda from a Peasantry farmer family.

He holds a National Certificate in Tour Guiding and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Robert lives 40km east of Kampala the capital City of Uganda near a government Protected Tropical Rain Forest – the Mabira Forest with his wife and children.

In 1996, Robert started working as a Forest Tour Guide with the Mabira Forest till 2008 before joining national tour guiding.

For the last 12 years, worked with different tour companies before joining Prime Safari and tours ltd.

As a specialized bird watcher, Robert boasts of total bird list of 800 species out of the Uganda’s total of 1078 species.

Besides specialty bird watching, Robert also specializes in ecological interpretation of the numerous ecosystems of Uganda which include lowland and Montane Rain Forests, Savanna woodlands and grasslands, Wetlands and Water bodies.

When Robert not on safari he enjoys watching football and current affairs, reading Christian materials. Bird watching and nature walks are also his interests.

Robert in 1994/1995. Received field trainings on birds, animals and plants identification and their ecological interactions from Uganda’s Forestry Department and Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) a UK based Organization with funds from EU.

In 2005 he Designed and developed the forest trail network for the Rainforest Eco

lodge located in Mabira Forest

In 1998 he formed the Mabira Forest Guides and Extension Association which delivers Ecotourism services in Mabira Forest.

Robert was a part time field instructor with Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute in areas of bird watching, nature/wildlife interpretation and Ecotourism during 2014 – 2018.

In 2001, he was the Co-founder of the Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organization (MAFICO) conservation NGO which manages the Griffin Falls Camp in Mabira Forest.

Robert was part of the team that worked with the Forestry Department to develop an Environment Education Guide Book for primary school teachers in Uganda

In 2008 he was among the reseachers that carried out the Birds and Plants Inventories along the Nile River with the Adrift Adventure Company.

Robert Trained in Zipline installation and Mangabey (primate) tracking in Mabira Forest with funds from American Peace Corps and Nature and Livelihoods Uganda respectively.

Robert has participated Training Forest Eco guides.

He is an active member and of prominent Tour guides affiliations like Nature – Uganda, a research and conservation Non-Government Organization in Uganda and Destination Birders – Uganda which is an Organisation for passionate birders in Uganda

Robert has participated in various prominent surveys like;

Worked with Dr. Richard Fuller of Sheffield University to survey on the decline and the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on Nahan’s francolin in Mabira forest a project funded by the BP Conservation UK.
Surveyed the status of Nahan’s francolin in Uganda’s forests – a globally threatened species led by Makerere University- Zoology Department
Surveyed the Biodiversity status for Mabira Forest led by the Makerere University and the African Tropical Biodiversity Network
1997–2001. Conducted Conservation Education in schools around Uganda’s Forests.

PETER NSUBUGA

Peter was born in a rural village adjacent to Mabira Forest – the biggest tropical rainforest in Central Uganda. The future adventureholic is the fourth in a family of eleven (11) children born to a builder and a farm-loving mother.

Since childhood, he desired to be a zoologist but his performance at sciences was poor that he could not pursue his dream career pursuant to the education curriculum in Uganda.

His mother proposed that he would be a good Catholic Priest and he joined a seminary-related elementary school at his upper primary but the financial situation could not allow him go ahead with his mother’s choice of the future status of the humble boy!

In the high school, he could only do wonderful performance in humanities but trailing in sciences. This left him with no option but to specialize in humanities (arts) and later after high school, he was fully sponsored by the government to take Education as the available course at the Kampala-based varsity Kyambogo University majoring in Geography and Religious Studies.

He later went to the Jinja-based tourism institute: The Crested Crane Hotel & Tourism Training Institute (now Hotel and Tourism Training Institute –HTTI) for a Diploma in Tourism Management as a discipline next to zoology and later he would use the same track as the only option to join up with nature

Peter Nsubuga is a Graduate Professional Teacher who has been teaching and assessing learners for 12 years, and a professional tour guide with over five (5) years of professional experience much of which has been associated with Carrying out Environmental Education, Fieldwork excursions, Wildlife Inventories, tour guiding and Teaching in higher institutions. He has also carried out Ecological Interpretations in Protected Areas (PAs) in Uganda.

Peter Nsubuga’s professional experience as a Teacher includes:- Geographical interpretations, general fieldwork, topographical excursions and Religious Education. He is well conversant with various Computer Packages. He is a good listener but also an excellent orator who has gained more experience from public relations.

Peter holds a Diploma in Education, a Diploma in Tourism Management and numerous certificates in different fields including; Herpetology, Research methodology, Human resource management, first aid, professional driving, computer studies and digital marketing.

Peter has worked as a teacher with; Standard High School Bulumagi and Buikwe Senior School where he also worked as the Assistant director of studies.

He worked as an Assistant Sociologist and a Liasons Officer for 3 years at Beza Consulting Engineers – an engineering consultancy firm.

He has worked as a site tour guide for about seven years and as a safari guide for other companies before joining Prime Safaris and Tours Limited in January 2018. As a site guide, he leads ziplining tours, does marketing and works as a resident guide for nature walks.

He is a member of; Nature Uganda, Uganda Tourist Guides Association (UTGA), Tour Guides Forum – Uganda (TGF-U) and Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organisation (MAFICO) a Non-Government Organisation where he works as a voluntary community worker during his work-gap time.

He is a registered guide with Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) under the categories: Tourists Driving, Wildlife, Zipline and Herpetology as his specialty.

He is a father, husband, tour guide, teacher and naturalist who sometimes love political debates.

He spends his free time riding a bike especially in natural environments, listening to music, watching wildlife, internet, hiking and photography.

This Christian social wildlife addict will always spare time to drink at least a litre of water on daily basis but will not spare a cup of milk with coffee if it comes across by any chance; a glass of homemade juice and over the real free time out of work, a glass of wine may be handy. Being a Ugandan from central region – our staple food Matooke (smashed green bananas) served with fresh fish is his best dish

He has researched and written many reports and presentations including the under-listed.

The Impact of Mabira Ecotourism Centre to the surrounding Communities and the Country (Unpublished) 2011
The Effect of Drugs on the Ex-rebels in Northern Uganda (Unpublished) 2008
Facts About Mabira Forest (Unpublished) 2007
Prostitution: Causes, Impact and Way Forward (Unpublished) 2006
The Impact of Small-Scale Agro-Based Industries to the People of Buwama Sub-County, Mpigi District (Unpublished) 2002.
Causes of a High School Drop-Out Rate: Case Study-Primary School in Nangabo Sub-County, Wakiso District (Unpublished) 2001.

TUGUME EMMANUEL ‘EMMA’

Emma was born on 8/8/1977 in Kamwenge, Western Uganda close to Kibale N/Park in a farming family.

He played football in different teams at Sub – county and District levels.

Emma holds a Diploma in Accounting.

He practiced accounting at Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED) from 2008 and it’s from this same organization that he underwent an Interpretative Guide Training Course.

Emma underwent several trainings in tourism like the Community Tourism Enterprise Development & Tour Planning and Guiding with Uganda Community Tourism Association (UCOTA) alongside Pearls of Uganda.

He attained the professional guiding training named Introduction to Skills in Nature Guiding by Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA).

He was awarded a certificate after accomplishing the Tourist Driver Guides training by Africa Institute of Tourism and Field Guiding.

Emma is an experienced driver who also holds a certificate in defensive driving which explains his keen adherence to traffic regulations.

He worked with different researchers as a field assistant and Driver at freelance level with Makerere Biological Field station Kanyawara from where he freelance as a Tour Guide and Driver for International and Local Tourists before joining Prime Safaris in 2018.Since then he has endeavored to increase his guiding knowledge and widen his scope of operation to all parks of Uganda.

His outgoing character makes it easy for him to associate well with people as he is always happy and gets along with people easily. Emma’s hobbies include watching movies, research and he is passionate about farming as well thus when not on safari, he indulges in crop farming and animal rearing.

MUSISI JEROM

Jerome was born on 10^th/09/1996

Jerome was born and raised in Central Uganda particularly one of the villages in the town of Entebbe which is situated South West of Uganda’s capital and biggest city Kampala called Nakiwogo.

He moved to Rubaga division in western part of Kampala where he attained a Diploma in Tourism and Hotel management at Muteesa 1 Royal University.

He is a Christian and after school he returned to Entebbe where he lives with his siblings/family.

Jerome’s interests and hobbies include music majorly traditional cultural dances, swimming, Reading, making friends and serving in church when not on Safari.

Jerome joined is our youngest guide and Prime Uganda Safaris in 2018 during his internship training and due to his passion for Tourism, the company gave him an opportunity to return after perusing his Bachelors and undertake comprehensive training.

He underwent Tour guiding and driving training for a period of one year under the mentorship of our best guides and director.

In early 2019 he officially started guiding but with his positive attitude and good sense of humor he has exhibited great aptitude as he is a hard worker, knowledgeable and has great customer care as has been commended by most of the travellers that have enjoyed his services.

He’s desire is to become the best tour guide in Africa.

GODFREY NKUNDA

Born and raised in southwestern Uganda as country boy Godfrey helped to participate in farming on small scale for home use and the surplus of it for market to generate money for other necessities at home including his school fees.

He moved to the Kisoro town where he successfully completed diploma in tourism management and hospitality.

Godfrey still lives in Kisoro with his family and currently has one child.

His hobbies and interests include watching football, swimming and spending time with his family as well as friends when not on safari

Godfrey started guiding in 2014 and has worked with various tour companies in Kigezi region before joining PRIME SAFARIS AFRICA in 2017 as professional guide.

During this time he has broadened his knowledge through training s like the Tour guiding and professional driving of 4×4 ( high range and self-recovery) as well as THE HOTEL AND TOURISM TRAINING INSTITUTE where he has been awarded a Certificate after successful three months Internship placement at Queen Elizabeth national park.

Godfrey is self-spoken, kind and polite but at the same time exhibits excellent customer care while on safari which attributes to excellent reviews as seen on trip advisor.

Godfrey is based in Kisoro and operates most of our Gorilla flying trips.

PATRICK KWIZERA (RWANDA GUIDE)

Patrick was born and raised in Kampala-Uganda although is based in Rwanda. He obtained his Bachelors` degree in Social Sciences 2011 at Kigali Independent University in Rwanda.

He is married and holds a Master`s degree in Human Resource Management. He has two children and lives with his family in Rwanda.

Patrick is a licensed silver 1 level tour-guide, a member and the Chairman 2016-2020 of the Rwanda Safari Guides Association (RSGA).

He is diligent in career tour-guiding and committed to professionalism. He joined the association in 2006 after serving for three years as a transport manager in one of the best local tour company Rwanda.

With 13years of experience, he has been so instrumental in helping to advance the association of tour guides both men and women to improve their welfare, going professional and advocating for capacity building in various areas.

He is skilled in wildlife interpretation, bird-watching, hiking adventures and a regional historian

Patrick has been representing and running tours for Prime Safaris and Tours in Rwanda since 2016.

SSENTONGO ANANIAS GGUNGA

Ananias was born in Mityana district ,at a village called Namukozi close to Mityana Diocese and was raised in Butega Ntikidde village in Mityana as well.

He was born in a family of 11 children and who were birthed by two mothers.

Ananias’ mum was a teacher and Dad a farmer.

He completed his Advanced level in 2001 and Joined Buganda Royal Institute for a Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management 2002 – 03.

He engaged in animal farming such as rearing animals Goats, Pigs and cows and trading in produce during 2004 to 2009 after joining University.

Ananias holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Operations from Nkumba University which he attained in 2011.

Joined Prime safaris and Tours Ltd in 2016 through recommendation from one of our close associates within the Tourism fraternity but has never let us down.

He’s joyful yet humble and approachable character has enabled him work smoothly with all clients as they feel safe because of the friendly but professional environment he creates while executing his duties.

Ananias has worked with several reputable organizations like AAR where he attained a certificate in First aid and Defensive driving from USSDA Kampala.

He is passionate about animals in general and during his free time he rears goats as well as engages in reading travel writings, following various prominent travel bloggers social media updates.

STEVEN MUVUNI JEFFREY (CONGO GUIDE)

Steven was born on 2/ 05/1995.

He was born and grew up in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Steven’s family moved to Rwanda in 2002 due to volcanic eruption but however returned to Congo in 2004 where he completed his primary school and secondary school majoring in Electricity.

He is a graduate in Project Development Management.

Steven developed his passion into guiding from his father who is a professional tour guide in Virunga national park area and through his mentorship he has guided several tourists from different part of the world.

He is passionate about Wildlife and has worked with different tourism agencies

Steven can communicate in languages like English, Spanish, French, Swahili, Lingala (Congolese) and Kinyarwanda (Rwandese).
He enjoys playing basketball, volleyball, reading books, jogging during his leisure time.