ABOUT DANKE RWENZORI TOURS

A Guide. A Story. A Deeper Connection

“My name is James Bahemuka, founder and lead guide of Danke Rwenzori Tours. I grew up in Western Uganda, and today I help travelers discover the real East Africa with guidance, care and experience that truly matter.”

THIS IS WHERE IT STARTED

Before Uganda Was a Destination, It Was Home.

I was born in Kyaninga, Bulyanyenje, Kyakaigo, in Fort Portal in Western Uganda.

Growing up, I was surrounded by volcanic crater lakes, forests, communities and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

I walked through the countryside collecting firewood. I fetched domestic water from the Nyabukara River, whose waters originate from the Rwenzori Mountains.

At the time, none of this felt extraordinary. It was simply home.

I could not have known that the landscapes I grew up around would eventually become the places I would introduce to travelers from around the world.

” The places I now guide travelers through are the places that shaped me “
THE FIRST SPARK

I Used to Watch Safari Vehicles Pass By.

While I was in secondary school, I regularly saw safari vehicles traveling near Kibale National Park. I would watch travelers in Land Cruisers and others exploring by bicycle.

I didn’t know much about where they were going, but I was fascinated.

Nature, Geography and English became some of my strongest subjects. During holidays, Carol Adams Adyeri, would take me on safaris. Those experiences opened my eyes to the incredible world around me.

When she asked, “James, what would you like to do as a career?”

I knew the answer — I wanted to work in tourism
THE TRAINING

I Choose Guiding as a Profession

I studied Tourism and Hotel Management for three years, with practical training through internships in Uganda’s national parks.

That’s where my classroom knowledge met real-life experience — learning wildlife, landscapes, logistics and what it truly means to look after travelers in the wilderness.

2011

I began working as a professional guide.

15+ YEARS

of guiding experience across East Africa.

ONE LESSON FROM THE WILDERNESS

“I Thought It Was a Very Big Tree.”

During an internship in Kibale Forest, I and some fellow students were exploring the forest.

At one point, I moved ahead of the group.Looking upward, I noticed what appeared to be an enormous tree.

It wasn’t a tree. It was a forest elephant.

I suddenly realized I was standing underneath one of Africa’s most powerful animals.

The elephant raised the alarm. Everyone ran. I ran too. So quickly that he lost one of his gumboots. It was a frightening moment but it taught me a lesson I’ve never forgotten 

” The Wilderness is Beautiful But it deserves respect “
EXPERIENCE ACROSS EAST AFRICA

Today, I Guide Across Remarkable Destinations.

From Uganda’s forests to Kenya’s savannahs and Tanzania’s iconic wildlife areas, I bring real experience and local knowledge wherever I guide you.

Gorillas & Forests

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Home to unforgettable mountain gorilla encounters and ancient rainforest landscapes.

TOP
Chimpanzees & Primates

Kibale Forest National Park

Discover Uganda's primate capital, with chimpanzee trekking and exceptional forest experiences.

Wildlife & The Nile

Murchison Falls National Park

Experience big wildlife, dramatic landscapes and the powerful Nile as it squeezes through Murchison Falls.

Wildlife & Landscapes

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Explore classic savannah, tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos and the beautiful Kazinga Channel.

WHY DANKE RWENZORI TOURS

MORE THAN SAFARIS. BETTER DECISIONS.

I didn’t want to just sell more safaris. I wanted to help people choose better ones.

Danke Rwenzori Tours was founded in 2019 to put the traveler first — with honest advice, personal guidance and experiences that truly fit you.

LISTEN FIRST

RECOMMEND HONESTLY

PLAN CAREFULLY

STAY AVAILABLE

LOOK AFTER YOU

A DETAIL THAT MATTERS

WE DON'TNJUST LOOK AT THE LODGE PHOTO

We personally visit and assess the lodges and camps we work with — looking at cleanliness, location, service, rooms, guest areas and proximity to wildlife.

We want to recommend places we would be comfortable recommending to someone we care about.

A SIMPLE AND PERSONAL PROCESS

From Your First Message to Your Safari.

You Tell Us

Your dates, interests and what you want from Africa.

We Talk

We ask questions and understand what matters to you.

We Plan

We build your itinerary around your priorities.

You Approve

We refine the details until the plan feels right.

We Support

From preparation to your trip, our team stays involved.

A REAL COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST

Licensed. Experienced. Personally Involved.

Uganda Wildlife Authority

15+ Years Guiding

Founder-Led

East African Expertise

Personal Support

Registered Business

"It's a privilege to
show you my home."
James Buhemuka