About Mahanda Safaris

Our affection for Africa isn't just a sentiment; it's a way of life.

An African safari is an unparalleled life experience, and every safari adventure, every game drive, is unique in its own right. At Mahanda, we give you that unique experience.

Our Story

From the vast Serengeti plains to the enigmatic rainforests inhabited by mountain gorillas, Africa offers an endless variety of landscapes, wildlife, and encounters with the local people that beckon travelers back time and again. In fact, nearly half of our clients are repeat visitors or referrals.

Since 2015, our commitment has been to acquire firsthand knowledge of each destination, lodge, and activity we recommend through our meticulously selected safari partners. We go the extra mile, traversing the entire expanse of every recommended destination so that we can provide you with our firsthand experiences and impartial advice, ensuring that every aspect of your itinerary is tried and tested.

We take immense pride in our expertise, collectively spending over 365 days each year on safari to guarantee you an unforgettable journey every time.

With our presence spanning East Africa, from Nairobi to Kampala, our team of safari experts are all natives of East Africa, born and raised. We have grown up on game reserves, served as head rangers and lodge managers, and chosen to spend our own vacations on safari. We comprehend the meticulous planning and dedication required to make every African trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

When you book with us, we stand by your side right from our initial conversation, offering round-the-clock support and local insights from the appropriate time zone whenever you need it. 

Whether your dream entails encountering the Big 5, tracking the Wildebeest Migration, sharing moments with endangered gorillas, or simply savoring sundowner drinks on the endless savannah, we will tailor your ideal safari experience to completely immerse you in Africa's enchantment.

As a company with its roots in Uganda, when you travel with us, you can be assured that 100% of the funds from your safari stay in Africa. Your travels contribute to supporting local communities and conservation projects, leaving a lasting impact long after your return home and ensuring the preservation of these extraordinary places for future generations.

Mahanda Safaris proudly holds membership in the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF), the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO). These affiliations unite responsible tour operators, local communities, and expert partners to deliver exceptional travel services while creating a positive, long-term influence on communities and wildlife.

Whether you seek inspiration, information, or guidance, you can rely on us because our connection with East Africa isn't just affection; it's our way of life.

You can explore genuine client reviews in our Traveller Reviews section, engage with a community of like-minded adventurers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and become part of a global community of safari enthusiasts by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

Our Values

Compassion and Concern

Our existence is intricately tied to our people, and their well-being is our genuine concern. 

We nurture strong relationships with our partners to ensure an exceptional experience for our travelers. Every aspect, no matter how minor, is important when it comes to our travelers. This commitment drives us to provide an unparalleled experience that remains etched in their memories, leaving a lasting impression. Our very existence is indebted to our Mahanda Safari partners and travelers.

2. Trust and Reliability

With a reputation spanning over 13 years, we are one of the most trustworthy tour operators in the country. Trust is the foundation of our relationships—with each other, partners, and clients. Our numerous industry accolades testify to our commitment, expertise, and exceptional client service. Our travelers place their trust in us with confidence.

3. Going the Extra Mile

Mediocrity is not an option; we consistently surpass expectations, continually striving to enhance and excel in providing our travelers with the finest experiences

4. Resilience

We endure through adversity, demonstrating our strength and ability to withstand challenges, learn from them, and move forward.

5. Collaboration

We take pride in cultivating relationships with travelers, field guides, tour managers, and service providers. Our approach is personal, and we value and nurture each relationship to ensure the highest quality results, contributing to shared success.

6. Conservation

We are deeply committed to Africa's sustainability, dedicating ourselves to preserving communities, wildlife, fauna, and flora. Our passion for Africa is profound—it's more than a mere destination; it resides in our hearts and defines our very sense of home.

Why Travel With Us?

Our affection for Africa is profound. Our team of safari specialists are all East African natives. We were raised in game reserves, served as head rangers and lodge managers, and even dedicate our personal holidays to safaris. This background grants us a unique understanding of what it takes to create a truly unforgettable African journey.

Positive Impact

Protecting Wildlife, Uplifting Communities, and Caring for the Planet

As a participant in the safari travel industry, we take pride in embracing a fundamental principle at Mahanda Safaris—' We Preserve.' Embodying this principle in our actions, we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients' journeys contribute to the conservation and safeguarding of Africa's wildlife, unspoiled landscapes, and neighboring communities.

Customer Reviews

4.8/5 from 293 reviews

  • Africa gorilla safari reviews
    Very helpful and supportive. We have been taken care of every step of the way. From the moment we got out of the plane until our flight back home felt being safe. Attention to details was a positive impact on our memorable trip. Mahanda team made my daughters graduation full of positive and wonderful memories. We, mother and daughter felt safe and enjoyed every moment we spent in Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Bwindi.
    Catherine
    Canada
  • africa safari reviews
    I would definitely recommend Mahanda Safaris. From the first interaction, they worked with me to craft an itinerary suited to my interests, and were always on top of date changes and other logistical things that came up. It was great. A wonderful itinerary and experience.
    Danielle
    Capri, Italy
  • wildlife safaris in uganda customer reviews
    Vacation of a lifetime and Mahanda Safaros was instrumental in making it so. We got off to a great start with a carefully creating safari options that incorporated our timing, budget, and the experiences we wanted most. Exceptional communication — keeping us informed every step of the way and answering all our questions. We also feel we got great value. We could not be happier with Mahanda and give them our highest recommendation!!!
    Prisca T.
    France
  • Africa safari reviews
    Martha and Rodney were amazing! They were so helpful and made sure we knew what to expect and what to do every step of the way. Martha even sent us a comprehensive list of what to pack. Every moment of the trip was a new and amazing experience. I felt like we got so much more than we paid for. It was worth every penny, easily!
    Mignon W.
    NY, USA
  • safaris rwanda reviews __
    Martha and Rodney organized the most perfect Uganda & Tanzania safari in a very efficient way. We had all the details of our trip, they chose for us wonderful lodges, especially the new Simbavati in Serengeti Ndutu, everything was perfect. As our travel experts, they answered all our questions on time and made us feel so relaxed about the upcoming journey.
    Lean Jeffries
    Nevada, USA
  • reviews for gorilla trekking
    We really appreciated our Uganda safari guide - Vincent. He was great. Very knowledgeable, organized and we felt very safe with him. Thanks to Mahanda Safaris for arranging a great guide for us. Mahanda worked within our budget and we felt we received value for money.
    Christopher P.T
    Chicago, USA