Ku Tunza Travel - About Ku Tunza

The formula behind Ku Tunza is to provide quality safaris for people who are interested in visiting Uganda, Rwanda and East Africa. We established the company over 4 years ago and having based ourselves locally in Jinja, Uganda we are able to offer first hand knowledge and experience on areas of specific interest, as well as providing exciting safaris within this part of the world. One of our main areas of concern is personal service - by being a family run company with a hands-on approach, backed up by a great crew, we have successfully managed to fulfil many people's safaris - resulting in them experiencing this wonderful continent at its best.

We have excellent guides and cooks and an administration staff who are also ex-crew. Most of our guides are locally sourced and have been guiding and working in the tourism field for several years. They are well versed in English and know the areas where our safaris travel intimately, taking you off the beaten track to visit a local market tucked away in a remote village, or to meet their extended family. We have also developed a Guide Training Program in order to pass on various skills - offering them higher education, employment and recognised qualifications which will in turn improve their and their families lives. They have all excelled themselves in these roles.

Chris Higginson	At the age of 21 Chris Higginson drove from the UK to India in a VW Camper Van and was instantly drawn to the lifestyle of overland travel. Several years later he has added Europe, East & Southern Africa, Aisa and the Middle East to the list of countries where he has guided and led extensive tours. He first came to Uganda in 1995 and returned over 4 years ago having recognised the potential Uganda offers for those seeking to discover unspoilt national parks, forests, cultures and wildlife. Chris settled in Jinja and established Ku Tunza Travel soon after and continues to develop and lead safaris for Ku Tunza that are off the beaten track.
Georgie Higginson	Georgie Higginson started travelling over 12 years ago and having spent time in India, Nepal, Thailand and Africa it's finally Uganda where she has chosen to settle with her husband, Chris Higginson. Her experience in the UK travel industry is extensive and from 2004 to 2007 she managed a Soft Power Education, a British regsitered charity that is based in Uganda, co-ordinating volunteers and projects. However with the lure of travel around East Africa never far away she joined Ku Tunza to run the administration side of things and will no doubt be the one you hear from after your initial safari enquiry.
Natalie McComb	Another of our experienced guides is Natalie McComb, who has been guiding and driving in East, Central and Southern Africa since 2000. She has also led expeditions in The Sudan, including the unstable southern regions, Ethiopia and Egypt. A member of the White Nile Expedition Team, she was the first woman in the world to successfully descend the White Nile from source to sea and has since released documentaries for National Geographic Television Worldwide, as well as South American International television. She has an in-depth knowledge of remote regions, animals, history and peoples and with the arrival of her first child, Kya, Natalie is now the Operations Manager for Ku Tunza - as well as operating her own successful company, Nile Horseback Safaris, from her home on the edge of the Nile.
Isaac Ouma	We are fortunate to have Isaac Ouma, a conservationalist from Naivasha, Kenya, guiding for us. He is a birding and wildlife specialist who has been running trips in East Africa for over 10 years, dividing his time between Uganda and Kenya. He is also committed to promoting tourism within Uganda so we are privileged to have him working with us.
Ivan Alithua	With over 8 years experience in the tourism industry and having been guiding within Uganda and Rwanda for more than 4 years Ivan's knowledge on flora and fauna in this part of the continent is exceptional. His Ugandan history on culture and politics is also fascinating, making for lengthy discussions whilst on those long drive days out west and over dinner whilst watching the sun set.
Courtney Halsted	Courtney Halsted co-ordinates and runs our Murchison Falls Scheduled Safari departures and manages our bookings office. She is from Zimbabwe and spent much of her youth growing up around the tourist haven known as Victoria Falls! She has travelled extensively in Southern, Eastern and Western Africa and arrived in Uganda in 2002 to try her hand at whitewater rafting. She returned a couple of years ago - drawn by the beauty of Uganda and the exciting opportunities available in the tourism industry. We're delighted to have her on board.
Frank Wataka	Having been guiding within Uganda and Rwanda for over 5 years, Frank has a great reputation not only as a knowledgeable guide, but also as a safe and considerate driver. He is well known in the places where we visit and will go that extra mile to find you the animals that often elude whilst on safari - the tree climbing lions of Ishasha!
Julius Ngabo	Julius Ngabo is originally from Rwanda and has has been working for Ku Tunza, as their on-road chef, for over 3 years. He has a vast amount of cooking experience and his meals range from western dishes to something more local, but either way they wont fail to impress. If you happen to be on a trip with Julius then do take the opportunity of shopping with him in the local food markets - he's fluent in Kiswahili, English & Lugandan - and it's a great way of seeing more of the local way of life.
Paul Muwumuza	Ku Tunza's Ugandan mechanic, Paul Muwumuza, is never far away from a spanner or a pair of overalls. He's in-charge of servicing and looking after our vehicles and has a great approach to getting things done - because in Africa it helps to be patient! Paul is also an experienced driver and is regularly away on our trips, whether in one of our 4x4's or overland truck. He has a wonderful smile, a great attitude and has the ability to make you feel immediately at home in his country.
Virian Kabulezi	Virian Kabulezi has accompanied Chris Higginson on Ku Tunza's longer East African safaris as their Camp Assistant. His job is to keep all equipment in excellent condition and having worked his way up from fixing tents during the school holidays he recently enrolled in a part-time Tourism and Guiding course at the local college in Jinja.