About Rafiki Trekks

Indigenous. Purpose-driven. Passionate about Uganda's wildlife and people.

Our Story

Director

Being born in the great lakes of lake Africa and East Africa, mixture languages and culture, Evolution of Swahili words "safari"Rafiki""Hakunamatata" Safari translating to a journey both in wild or flight" Rafiki "because when you travel you make friends, rafiki is a Swahili ward you can't forget to tell while on kimanjaro hikes or in Nairobi city " born seeing the volcanoes on a distance in the evening,night volcanic eruption at times occurs , bunyonyi,burera , ruhondo and mutanda are what a beautiful community ismail irankunda Aka rafiki was born in and dreamed of show tourists to these beautiful places as person. at Rafiki or living heart and the Bantulivingadventure.com tours we are the three in one Impact Rafiki Hakunamata A friend The direct impact to community Solving both tourists and local community development. With out a kiswahili word I managed to backpack through the four East Africa countries Sudan, Tanzania,Kenya , Uganda, rwanda, DRC and Burundi. The common words Uraho Agandi Asante Musuzungu Pesa Hakunamatata Musuzungu musungu will be your common local term as a tourist its not a harassing word in our local community,it's how a local person refers to a tourist. My life dream is to show you the Gorrillas, I saw a gorrillas first as early as 10 years old when the come to our garden, 8 huge gorrillas, Silverback Mother gorrillas Many juvenile gorrillas Babies Kizere is the common names of the famous volcanic oldest gorrillas in Rwanda. Every some past years drums were hit , Community gathered together in kinigi to name after the new born gorrillas in kinigi. The tourists who indeed saw the gorrillas before me ,saw me collecting firewood on sides of the road as 9 year old future who became a famous tour guide , those tourist passed sweets on the car windows to me and my team , Long hours running after safari vehicles up until I reached them the Virungu volcanic park entrance where I was not permitted, It's a long time dream that makes your tour truely unfortunately Three words Rafiki Hakunamata Asante Is the genius Excellent tour operator you are about to book

Meet Ismail Irankunda

Born and raised in the Kigezi highlands of southwestern Uganda, Ismail Irankunda has spent his life studying and protecting the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. His deep knowledge of the forest, its inhabitants, and the local communities makes every trek a truly authentic experience.

500+
Trekks
800+
Lives Impacted
1000+
Conservation 500
15+
Years Experience

Conservation First

We operate in strict accordance with Uganda Wildlife Authority regulations. Every trek contributes directly to gorilla conservation and habitat protection.

Community Impact

The Living Heart Child GO Foundation, powered by proceeds from every booking, provides education, healthcare, and economic opportunity to children in the Kigezi region.

Local Leadership

Every guide, tracker, and staff member is from the local community. Your money stays in Uganda and Rwanda, empowering the very people who protect the forests.

Certified Excellence

Registered with the Uganda Tourism Board and East African Tourism Association. Our guides are certified by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

A safari with the big dreams, big mission and big impact

Bantu Wild Gorilla Safaris was born from a deep love for Uganda and a commitment to its people. A portion of every booking supports the Living Heart Child GO Foundation, providing education, healthcare, and opportunity to children in the Kigezi region. When you trek with us, you don't just witness nature โ€” you help protect it.

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