Meet the Team
Who Are We?
Office Staff
For us a trip is deemed successful knowing we have thoroughly scrutinised all the details - your accommodations, the ground transfers, the route chosen, and the people you meet along the way. For each itinerary we draw on our own extensive local knowledge to provide our guests with East Africa’s most rewarding travel experiences.
Driver Guides
Travulous’ Tailor-made Itineraries are led by our team of specialist Driver Guides, all of whom are licensed by the relevant tourism authorities in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Our Driver Guides love to share their knowledge and passion for the region’s wildlife, landscapes, activities, people, culture and history.
Tour Leaders
Travulous’ Small Group Tours & Events are led and hosted by our inspiring Tour Leaders who are experts in their particular field. They will provide a unique insight into specific areas of interest, such as the work of renowned Gorilla Primatologist Dian Fossey, Endangered Mountain Gorilla Conservation, or Big Five Conservation Initiatives.
Chief Executive Officer
For the last 25 years, Richard has travelled the length and breadth of the African continent. He first visited Africa in 1996 whilst participating in a conservation project in Ghana, and first started working on the continent in the early 2000s when he launched Baobab Expeditions (awarded 'Best Adventure Travel Companies' by National Geographic and nominated 'Best Specialist Tour Operator' by the British Travel Awards).Working in the region since 2003, Richard currently lives in East Africa, dividing his time between Travulous’ offices in Kigali and Kampala. As CEO and Co-Founder of Travulous, an expert Tour Operations & Destination Management company, Richard manages all aspects of the business with a special focus on Sales, Marketing and Product Development. Prior to launching Travulous, Richard worked for a number of leading travel companies. As Founder of Baobab Expeditions, he designed specialist conservation-based travel itineraries to Africa and India in collaboration with the Born Free Foundation, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the Jane Goodall Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).Richard loves nothing more than to share his passion for the natural world. An avid explorer and travel enthusiast, he's completed several overland trips including an 18-month self-drive journey in an expedition equipped 4x4 vehicle from London to Cape Town (return), explored more than 25 countries throughout the African continent, and set up a luxury tented-camp project in the Zanzibar Archipelago. A dual national, Richard speaks English, German and Swiss German.
Senior Sales Coordinator
Sangwa is Travulous' Sales Coordinator based in the company's Kigali office. Born in Kigali, Sangwa also lived in Western Uganda for six years. He speaks Kinyarwanda, English, Runyankole and Rukiga. From an early age he developed a passion for nature, wildlife and conservation, which inspired him to study Travel and Tourism Management at the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies in Kigali. As part of his studies, he wrote a dissertation on the re-introduction of lions and rhinos into Akagera National Park. Sangwa enjoys exploring new destinations, meeting people, cooking, reading books and watching wildlife documentaries.
RWANDA
Driver Guide
Guillaume has been working as a driver guide for over 10 years and he speaks Kinyarwanda, Swahili, Luganda, English and French. Specialising in Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi, he loves nature, going on safari, and especially enjoys telling stories and sharing highlights of the region. His passion is taking guests mountain gorilla trekking, and showing them the spectacular wildlife of Akagera National Park, especially the elusive leopard. Guillaume lives in Kigali, is a keen photographer and when he's not busy out guiding, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 children.
KENYA
Driver Guide
Michael was born in the central part of Kenya. After being awarded his Diploma in Tour Guiding, he became a tour guide and has been working in this role for over 10 years. Michael is fluent in Kikuyu, Kiswahili and English, and is currently taking Spanish lessons. He is passionate about wildlife and is also a specialist in mountain trekking. In his free time, Michael is actively involved in working with the local communities. Apart from being a guide, Michael also has a Diploma in Theology and enjoys being a pastor. He loves nothing more than meeting new people and creating new friendships.
Tour Leader
John holds a BS in Zoology from the University of Georgia and an MS in Technology and Science Policy from Georgia Tech. After completing an undergraduate study program in Kenya, John got the rare opportunity that would become, “A Forest in the Clouds: My Year Among the Mountain Gorillas in the Remote Enclave of Dian Fossey”— his memoir of life and work in the Virunga Volcanos of Rwanda with National Geographic’s famous gorilla behaviourist. John also appeared in the pages of Fossey’s own, “Gorillas in the Mist” as well as Farley Mowat’s story, “Woman in the Mists”. Upon his return from Africa, John began a 21-year career in zoos in the U.S. and Australia, and met fellow zookeeper, Janet, who became his wife. His zoo work included leading tours to Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Now retired from zoo work, John is a research coordinator in human behavioural healthcare. In addition to writing, John is an artist in nature-based abstract painting.
Tour Leader
Peter is a conservationist and Director of the Land and Resource Rights initiative with the World Resources Institute (WRI) in Washington. For more than 35 years, Peter has worked on environment and development issues, in 70+ countries. Early in his career, Peter studied animal behavior and wildlife conservation at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This work inspired him to study wildlife in Africa. In 1978, Peter met Dian Fossey in the San Francisco Bay area, after which he was invited to study the behavior of mountain gorillas at the Karisoke Research Center in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Peter lived in the park and worked with the mountain gorillas for more than 2 years from 1979 to 1981, serving as the director of the Karisoke Center whilst Dian moved back to the US to teach at Cornell University in New York. Peter has worked for WRI for more than 30 years, specialising in the links between natural resource management, human rights and democratic governance.
Chief Operating Officer
Curious by nature, Kristin has always been on the lookout for new and exciting adventures. From growing up in a small town in Canada to travelling the world and living a big city life in Toronto and London UK, she has always loved seeking out the extraordinary.
From a school age, Kristin loved all things Africa. The nature and its wildlife fascinated her, and she knew, one day, she will explore and live on this alluring continent. After rising through the ranks of a corporate career in investment banking organising the logistics of client marketing roadshows for C-suite individuals of blue-chip / global 500 companies, the call of the wild and unknown remained.
Having travelled extensively across Africa since 2005, and realising sabbaticals and holidays were not enough to satisfy her wanderlust, it was time to make a career change and do something inspirational where she could use her skills and apply them to her passions.
As a result, Travulous, an expert Tour Operations & Destination Management company was born. As Co-Founder, Kristin lives with her partner in Kigali managing the business with a special focus on reservations, operations, and product development. Offering a high-touch service and specialising in creating one-of-a-kind luxury travel experiences in East Africa for both the travel trade and direct customers alike, she and the team curate meaningful moments for the curious, adventurous and those seeking to make a positive impact to support conservation and local communities.
Reservations Coordinator
Ndanyuzwe is Travulous’ Reservations Coordinator based in Kigali. Born near Lake Kivu in Rwanda, he speaks Kinyarwanda, English, and Kiswahili. From a young age, Ndanyuzwe developed a passion for the great outdoors and meeting new people whilst swimming in Lake Kivu, feeding blue monkeys and showing tourists around his local village. In 2018, he created ‘Youth For Better Change’, a group focused on conserving Lake Kivu’s marine life. With a flair for mathematics, he studied Business Management, with a special focus on logistics and operations at Southern New Hampshire University. Ndanyuzwe enjoys travelling, meeting people, swimming, playing and watching football.
UGANDA
Driver Guide
Born in Western Uganda, William lives in Kampala. He has been working as a driver guide for 11 years and speaks English, Luganda, Lunyankole, Rukiga, Kinyarwanda and some Swahili. William is experienced in guiding guests around his home country Uganda, in addition to Rwanda and Burundi. He enjoys showcasing the splendours of these diverse regions and offering a wealth of knowledge in their wildlife, local culture and communities. In his spare time, William enjoys spending time with his family on his farm and is actively involved in offering volunteer assistance to the local communities.
KENYA
Driver Guide
Born in the Eastern Part of Kenya, Evans speaks Kikamba, Kiswahili and English. After receiving his Diploma in Tour Guiding, he started guiding customers around Kenya's National Parks and showcasing the country's diverse highlights, which he has been doing for more than 12 years. He has a deep love for wildlife and is passionate about playing a role in conservation through his guiding work. Evan's hobbies include reading, travelling and learning about new cultures. There is no bigger joy to Evans than seeing a satisfied customer. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family.
Tour Leader
Ian is a tropical field biologist and conservationist, known for his work with great apes and elephants. For more than 35 years he has supported mountain gorillas, through research, filming and conservation work. Ian first travelled to Africa in 1976 where he joined Dian Fossey, studying and protecting the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Zaire (now DR Congo). In 1978, he introduced David Attenborough to the gorillas for the BBC’s ‘Life on Earth’ series, and has advised in the making of more than 100 documentaries. Ian has been a conservation advisor for organisations including the Born Free Foundation, the Gorilla Organization, the Orangutan Foundation, and International Fund for Animal Welfare. He established and chairs the Ape Alliance, the African Ele-Fund and the UK Rhino Group. Ian was Chief Consultant and Envoy for the UNEP/UNESCO Great Apes Survival Partnership and continues advising on matters pertaining to apes and environmental issues.
Travel Specialist
Kezia was born in the Eastern part of Uganda on the slopes of Mount Elgon. She speaks English, Gishu and Luganda. With parents who practised farming and forestry, Kezia developed a deep love for nature from a young age. Inspired by her mother's cooking, she initially completed a course in Hotel and Institutional Catering, after which she went on to study Tourism and Hotel Management at Kampala International University. Whilst at University, Kezia completed an internship at the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA). As a result of her upbringing, Kezia has a love for farming and in her spare time, she enjoys meeting new people, swimming and reading.
RWANDA
Driver Guide
Jean Marie has been a driver-guide for over 7 years, leading safaris across Rwanda and Uganda. Born in Rwanda, Jean Marie speaks Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, English and French. Before becoming a driver-guide, Jean Marie worked for several safari lodges and camps. He is a passionate wildlife photographer, and his images have been featured in National Geographic and Bradt Travel Guides. Always eager to learn new skills and meet people, Jean Marie particularly enjoys taking our guests gorilla trekking, birdwatching, hiking, and on specialist photographic safaris.
UGANDA
Driver Guide
Born and raised in Uganda near Lake Mburo National Park, Robert has been specialising as a driver guide for more than 25 years. He guides tourists in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania. Robert developed a passion for nature and wildlife from an early age. As a result of this background, nature interpretation and bird watching come naturally to him. Outside of work, Robert has a passion for travelling and discovering new places. He loves to meet new people and learn about their culture. In his spare time, Robert enjoys being a mentor to individuals starting a career in tourism.
TANZANIA
Driver Guide
Yusuf hails from the Singida area in northern Tanzania and has been guiding tourists around the beautiful attractions of this country for over two decades. He graduated from Mount Meru College of Tourism in Arusha, before starting his career as a safari guide. Yusuf is passionate about wildlife, both large and small. His favourite animal is the leopard, and he is proud of his skills when it comes to trying to predict the whereabouts of this elusive big cat. Yusuf loves meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures, as well as sharing his enthusiasm for nature, wildlife and conservation.
Tour Leader
Rose-Marie is an independent researcher, historian and language expert specialising in traditional Rwandan oral literature, myths and rituals. She is a member of the Rwandan Academy of Language and Culture and regularly moderates informal study groups for cultural heritage. These groups typically attract young professionals, who have dubbed the effort as a ‘School of Rwandan Wisdom.’ Rose-Marie gives regular talks on Rwandan Culture Tourism including the Civic Education Programme known as Itorero ry'Igihugu, to train Rwandans on customs such as Umuganura (annual First Fruits Festival), and the Rwanda Women's Network, on traditional marriage rites and ceremonies. Rose-Marie participates as a key resource person in orientation seminars to educate newly appointed members to the Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO, on Intangible Cultural Heritage, Oral Literature, Heritage Sites and Cultural Industries. Rose-Marie speaks Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, English and French.
Office Coordinator
Joseph, or Happy as he is best known, was born in Southwestern Uganda. He speaks English, Rukiga/Runyankole and Luganda. Happy grew up in a large farming family servicing the agricultural sector. His family instilled a strong sense of faith in him, which has inspired him over the years. Happy moved to Kampala after completing his formal education and his hobbies include reading, gardening, listening to music, and playing the guitar. With a service oriented, warm and respectful manner, Happy enjoys meeting new people and spending time with his wife and child.
RWANDA
Driver Guide
Gilles was born in the western part of Rwanda and has been a driver guide for more than a decade, specialising in Rwanda, Uganda and the Republic Democratic of Congo. He studied Travel and Tourism and speaks Kinyarwanda, Swahili, Luganda, English and French. Gilles loves sharing his guiding experiences and country knowledge with our guests, especially the region’s flora and fauna, as well as its diverse cultures and traditions. In his spare time, Gilles enjoys reading and updating his knowledge of arts, history, culture and wildlife, especially animal behaviour and interpretation.
UGANDA
Driver Guide
Norman hails from Uganda. He speaks English, Luganda, Runyankole and Runyarwanda, and has been guiding tourists for 5 years. Norman graduated with a Diploma in Wildlife and Natural Resource Management from the Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute. Having attended courses at the Ugandan Safari Guides Association as well as the African Institute of Tourism and Field Guiding, Norman has developed an extensive knowledge of wildlife, flora and local culture. Norman is very proud of his country and likes to share his enthusiasm with new people. In his spare time he enjoys football, reading and travelling.
TANZANIA
Driver Guide
Nixson originates from the town of Moshi at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. He has over two decades of experience guiding tourists across Tanzania. With a diploma in Hotel and Management, Nixson started his career working in hotels, and whilst in Zanzibar he decided to follow his dream of being a guide. He returned to studying, graduated with a Diploma in Professional Tour Guiding and embarked on a career as a safari guide. Nixon is passionate about both the 'Big 5' and the 'Small 5' and is skilled at spotting them due to his understanding of animal movements and behaviour.
Tour Leader
Craig's passion for African wildlife and conservation began in 1973 as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zaire (now DR Congo). As an L.S.B. Leakey grant researcher in the late 1970s, Craig studied mountain gorillas with Dian Fossey and, in 1987, became Director of Rwanda's Mountain Gorilla Project, of which African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) was a sponsor. He has worked and travelled extensively, providing conservation expertise, leading tours and photographing throughout Africa. Craig has acted as Scientific Advisor for the award-winning IMAX film, "Mountain Gorilla," and with the National Geographic Society, he surveyed the conservation status of mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda and DRC in 1995. Craig’s direct involvement with AWF began as a Senior Associate and member of its Board of Trustees. Operating as a full-time employee of AWF since 2001, he now serves as Senior Vice President. He has also served on the Board of the Ecotourism Society.
Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it?
— Brian Jackman