Acacia Safaris has grown along with Uganda’s high-potential tourism sector. Launched as a car-hire operation in 2001, the enterprise quickly branched out into providing tourism services as peace in Uganda began to draw more visitors to the country. Managing Director Connie Tumusiime says, “We still do car-hire for conferences and tourists, but we are primarily a tourism company now. We offer a wide range of services, but our speciality is classic luxury safaris.”
The highest international standards and professional, friendly service give Acacia Safaris its competitive edge. Connie Tumusiime explains, “At Acacia Safaris, we do things the way they should be done. We give tours that leave our customers satisfied.”
While focusing on the high-end market, Acacia Safaris remains flexible and provides tours at moderate prices as well as tailored services for travellers with special needs, including the elderly. Around 70% of the company’s clients are European, particularly from Spain and Italy, but Acacia Safaris is stepping up its marketing efforts worldwide.
Unique attractions still unspoiled
Connie Tumusiime is looking forward to steady growth for Acacia Safaris and for Uganda’s tourism sector, but she points out that the government needs to promote the country’s tourism appeal more than it currently does. She says, “Uganda has so many things that Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania do not have, but we do not match their visitor numbers because this country has not made the same level of investments in tourism, including marketing. As tourism operators, we regularly attend international tourism conferences and have gone the extra mile to make the world more aware of Uganda’s unique attractions.”
Looking to the future, Acacia Safaris is investing in lodges around the country and welcomes the support of international investors in this crucial tourism-infrastructure effort. Uganda still has a very limited network of lodges and the growth potential for luxury lodges is exceptional. Connie Tumusiime explains, “Uganda has amazing wildlife, and the lodges we are working on are spectacularly beautiful. Investors and travellers need to come here and see for themselves what makes this country so special.” As for Uganda’s tourism sector, she adds, “The sky is the limit. In five years, we will have achieved a great deal, both at Acacia Safaris and Uganda as a destination.”
