Are you an avid traveler, eagerly awaiting to explore the majestic beauty and soul of Uganda and Africa? AGE Safaris – Uganda is a reputable and knowledgeable tour operator that can help you plan the perfect exotic holiday. AGE Safaris presents Uganda in its entire splendor while remaining true to the culture and traditions. AGE Safaris specializes in custom itineraries based on your interests that will have you blown away by the pure magic of Uganda.
As the Principal and Managing Director, Diana Kamuntu heads this ever-growing travel enterprise.
eBrandz caught up with her to speak about the motivation needed and challenges she faced in leading an expanding enterprise.
Kindly give readers an introduction to your business.
AGE safaris is a Tours and Travel company that provides a wide range of customer services. We specialize in ground handling services for tourists visiting Uganda from arranging for their transport and hotel accommodation to organizing safaris to game parks and reserves. Our headquarters are located at Speke Resort Munyonyo, a beautiful resort located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. AGE also has an office in the United States just outside of Washington, D.C.
What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture?
I became interested in the tours and travels business when I began visiting other popular tourist destinations around the world. I realized that Uganda has a lot more to offer in terms of natural beauty, wildlife and cultural attractions. I felt that (if other countries could earn a lot of revenue from their tourism industries) if other countries were earning a lot of revenue through their tourism industry, how much more could we in Uganda earn if we properly marketed our country. (I felt that) our greatest weakness in the area of tourism lay mainly in our communication, marketing and packaging of our country as a viable tourist destination.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
The top 3 skills I believe are necessary to succeed in business are:
– Passion for the business
– Persistence, as it always pays off in the end
– Building a good work-force
What motivates you?
I am motivated by a love for my country Uganda. I passionately desire that people see my perspective of Uganda, a perspective that is often overlooked in the world headlines. I strongly believe that if people could come to Uganda and experience our warm culture and breathtaking natural beauty, they would see what a gem of a land this is.
How do you define success?
I believe that success is fulfilling your God given destiny. Whatever that means for you. For some it may be being a homemaker, or policeman, or teacher, maybe a politician or entrepreneur. Each individual has his own destiny to fulfill, but the goal is universal – to reach or fulfillment in every sphere of living.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
My most satisfying moment is when our clients are totally blown away during their visit to Uganda, whether it is indulging in activities such as – white water rafting on the River Nile, or Gorilla tracking in Bwindi forest, or doing a Game Drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. When I talk to my clients and hear their amazing stories of discovery in the country I love, it is a good feeling.
I recall one couple that visited Uganda and we arranged a great tour package that included a wide array of activities. Their journey concluded with a visit to Murchison Falls, a place where the River Nile plunges through a narrow chasm spraying water mist through the refracted light. In that enchanted place the gentleman proposed to the lady and she said yes! I was happy to know that Uganda was the backdrop and maybe even an accomplice in such a momentous time in their lives.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My parents are my greatest inspiration. The values they instilled into me of faith, hard work and the courage to follow my dream have played a role in making me the person I am today. I am eternally indebted to them for the love and sacrifice they modeled to me as I grew up.
What kind of culture exists in your organization? How and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
The culture we have at AGE safaris is a love for old world hospitality and the kind of service of a by-gone era. We love the romance of the turn-of-the-century explorers who came to Africa to hunt game and instead discovered the pristine beauty of the continent. Ernest Hemingway was one of those safari enthusiasts captivated by the beauty of this land, the crimson sunsets, the exotic cultures, food and dance of Uganda. We desire that our clients experience Uganda and Africa in its untouched beauty with all its raw magnetism with the honor and respect it deserves. We focus on creating a tailor-made experience for our clients, with attention to detail, all at an unbeatable cost.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are reading epic fiction, tuning into the cooking channel and ‘who done it’ mystery movies and traveling to interesting places.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?
In the next 10 years I envision AGE Safaris establishing a regional and continental presence in Africa. It is my goal to take my passion for discovering the gem within every country beyond the borders of Uganda. We plan on developing some prime lodges in some of the more unreachable corners of the country. We would also like to explore other options of discovering our amazing landscape such as hot air ballooning and cruising on the Nile.