Profile photo for Vivian Kironde
1686 messages
active 2 days ago

Vivian Kironde

We deliver high quality, excellence and passions, our strong expertise and knowledge of our destinations helps us to constantly develop new offers, we give you luxury packages at mid range price.

Our approach not only seek to minimize local environmental impact, but also give greater priority to community participation and poverty alleviation through sustainable tourism development.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"We are committed to delivering exceptional safari experiences that exceed clients expectations through effective service delivery.

We specialize in individual and small group safaris; we focus on community based tourism and support direct local involvement and interaction. We organize
weddings and honeymoon, luxury wildlife photography, safaris and tours, flying safaris, self-drive tours, volunteer tourism and experiential travel through East Africa and leisure packages to the Republic of Seychelles."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I joined tourism and travel as a German and Italian guide in Uganda and Rwanda, a part time job during my first degree BSc at Makerere University. With experience in field knowledge i later joined safari management and marketing in tours and travel as i pursued a masters degree in tourism and hospitality management at Makerere university Kampala. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Once upon a time in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda was a giant african savanna elephant called Sadam believed to have migrated from Congo. During an evening game drive we spotted Sadam from a far, i was guiding German tourists who requested to wait on track for Sadam to come near. I remember he just suddenly started charging at us from a far, in a blink of an eye i could see Sadam by our safari vehicle, clients screaming WAIT WAIT we need photos...as the driver guide sped away from Sadam. Long story short i said my last prayer and hide under the dash board. To this day i do not know how we survived Sadam. This happened in 2012!"

A lion and her cut in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda's National Parks: Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi - 7 Days

Southwestern Uganda is home to two jewels of biodiversity and conservation: Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Parks. On this week-long adventure, you'll immerse yourself in the wonders of both—observing lions, giraffes, and elephants on Rift Valley savannahs, then trekking through mist-laden jungles to see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

Wild mountain gorillas at Bwindi
Uganda's National Parks: Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth - 5 Days

This 5-day Ugandan adventure takes you deep into the mist-shrouded hills of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park—home to over half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. With the help of specialized guides, you'll track, observe, and interact with these gentle giants in an unforgettable and environmentally-conscious way. After two nights in the jungle, transfer to the sweeping savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where lions, elephants, and giraffes roam the Rift Valley floor.

Wild Gorilla in Uganda
Uganda's National Parks: Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Kibale & Rwenzori - 10 Days

This 10-day tour showcases four of Uganda's most spectacular national parks, with an unforgettable itinerary of wildlife safaris and trekking excursions. Spot lions, elephants, and hippos on the protected savannahs of Queen Elizabeth, interact with rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, track chimpanzees in Kibale, and discover the lush, flowering mountainsides of Rwenzori.

Giraffes in Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda's National Parks: Kidepo to Bwindi - 2 Weeks

Hop between five of Uganda's greatest national parks on this two-week itinerary for nature lovers. Spot lions in rugged Kidepo, cruise along the Nile at Murchison Falls, embark on incredible wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth, and track chimpanzees through the jungle in Kalinzu. After a visit to the lush "Mountains of the Moon" in Rwenzori, you'll trek into the Bwindi Impenetrable forest to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Sunset over the Serengeti
Parks & Beaches of Tanzania: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar - 13 Days

The first part of this Tanzania adventure will take you on safari at Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, you'll do game drives, learn about the ecology of the parks, and see the African big five. Then, you'll fly over to the gorgeous Zanzibar archipelago, where you'll spend days swimming in crystal-clear waters and diving around corals.

Wild Gorilla in Uganda
Uganda National Parks: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi - 8 days

On this 8-day tour, you will be visiting some of Uganda's incredible national parks. Begin at Kibale Forest National Park, where you will track chimpanzees and go bird-watching at a wetland preserve. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for land and water safaris. You'll see elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, buffalos, crocodiles, and more! End with the experience of a lifetime: seeing wild mountain gorillas up-close at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Recent trip reviews for Vivian

Great guide, poor accommodation choices
Uganda | Nov 10 - Dec 3, 2022

Jeff
Jeff H.
Union Hill-Novelty Hill, WA | Reviewed on Dec 06, 2022

Gideon, our guide was great, and provided excellent service, and should have been consulted when Vivian was developing our itinerary. The micro-lodges Vivian booked us into were not necessarily the best choices for us, and we suspect a conflict of interest. The Budda Guest House in particular was well out of the way, causing extra travel time.
We will write more about this read more

Gideon, our guide was great, and provided excellent service, and should have been consulted when Vivian was developing our itinerary. The micro-lodges Vivian booked us into were not necessarily the best choices for us, and we suspect a conflict of interest. The Budda Guest House in particular was well out of the way, causing extra travel time.
We will write more about this

Hotel Review
Buddo Guest House
Buddo, Wakiso
Location
Move it to Entebbe
Staff
Training in chicken purchasing. One dinner included meat from an old rooster, and it could not be eaten. It was too tough, and Patricia chipped a filling.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Little space in the bedroom, and awkward arrangement of rooms.
Local specialist: Vivian Kironde
Vivian
Vivian Kironde
Local specialist in Uganda | Reviewed on Dec 10, 2022

Jambo Jeff,

many thanks for your feedback. Thank you for the time for the telephone conversation today.

We are sorry that the Lodges did not match exactly the expectations. We are always trying to find special accommodation that is either fitting into the budget and/or has a special beautiful setting that we think is matching the customers wishes.

Asante sana,

Vivian and team.

A fantastic trip to Rwanda!
Rwanda | Aug 10 - Aug 17, 2022

V
Vamsi D.
Westbury, NY | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2022

Our trip was amazing and we are very grateful for all the hard work that went into planning it! We were able to see all the sites that we wanted to and Francis, our tour guide, was spectacular throughout the trip. He was very friendly, knowledgeable, and resourceful in making sure that the trip went smoothly—even when we encountered car troubles. The trip went very well, and I have no major complaints.

The only recommendation I would have for future people taking this trip is that they be... read more

Our trip was amazing and we are very grateful for all the hard work that went into planning it! We were able to see all the sites that we wanted to and Francis, our tour guide, was spectacular throughout the trip. He was very friendly, knowledgeable, and resourceful in making sure that the trip went smoothly—even when we encountered car troubles. The trip went very well, and I have no major complaints.

The only recommendation I would have for future people taking this trip is that they be given a safari car instead of a regular Toyota 4x4 since many of the roads we drove on require a safari car. Thank you very much for all your help planning a great trip!

Local specialist: Vivian Kironde

Cradle of life, Tanzania
Tanzania | Jul 11 - Jul 22, 2022

M
Marcello A.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jul 30, 2022

My wife and I recently returned from our bucket list trip to Tanzania in East Africa on Saturday July 23rd. What an amazing experience. We want to thank Magic Africa and Vivian Kironde for helping to coordinate, schedule, recommend and provide us with an unforgettable trip to the cradle of life. Vivian was very patient with us and listened to our needs. Our experience from the moment we arrived to all the lodges/accommodations/food/people/places were picture perfect but the most important... read more

My wife and I recently returned from our bucket list trip to Tanzania in East Africa on Saturday July 23rd. What an amazing experience. We want to thank Magic Africa and Vivian Kironde for helping to coordinate, schedule, recommend and provide us with an unforgettable trip to the cradle of life. Vivian was very patient with us and listened to our needs. Our experience from the moment we arrived to all the lodges/accommodations/food/people/places were picture perfect but the most important and highlight of our trip was our local guide and driver Johnson Mapimma. Johnson was not only personable, friendly, and accommodating but he had a wealth of knowledge and shared that knowledge with us. He taught us about the local wildlife during the safaris; where to find them, why they do certain things, how humans should respect them and more importantly, he taught us about the culture, it’s people and history. Because of Johnsons knowledge, know how and quick thinking he provided us with an opportunity to experience a rare catch of a lioness taking down a zebra along with her pride. Asante Sana Johnson for showing us your beautiful country and for being a friend.

Best,
Marcello &Anita
Kew Gardens, NY
USA

Hotel Review
Suenos De Africa Luxury camp
Serengeti, Arusha

My wife and I want to thank all the staff at Sueños de Africa for hosting us and taking care of us while we stayed there. We stayed 3 nights in mid July 2022. Special thanks to JuJu, Freddie and I believe it was Franklin. Apologies but I don’t recall all of their name but the entire staff was amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Vivian Kironde

Fantastic Uganda trip thanks to KimKim/Natureissan and Vivian!
Uganda | Jan 22 - Feb 1, 2020

E
elizabeth c.
Shaw, DC | Reviewed on Feb 06, 2020

We just returned from an amazing trip to Uganda. Vivian was a true pleasure to work with. She is super responsive and planned us a first-class trip with one week notice. She arranged for the best guide ever in Hamid, who stopped us up at the airport and showed us all over his country for 12 days. We saw the rare African shoebill, chimpanzees in Kibale, lions and elephant in QE park, rare golden monkeys in MGhahinga--each a special trek or exploration. We stayed in beautiful lodges, especially... read more

We just returned from an amazing trip to Uganda. Vivian was a true pleasure to work with. She is super responsive and planned us a first-class trip with one week notice. She arranged for the best guide ever in Hamid, who stopped us up at the airport and showed us all over his country for 12 days. We saw the rare African shoebill, chimpanzees in Kibale, lions and elephant in QE park, rare golden monkeys in MGhahinga--each a special trek or exploration. We stayed in beautiful lodges, especially the Volcanoes Kyambura Lodge. Vivian thought of everything and planned a logical and effective loop to end with an epic trek with a four-hour habituation permit to see mountain gorilla in Bwindi. It was a trip we will never forget, nor will will ever forget our new friend Hamid.

Local specialist: Vivian Kironde