23 Apr 2025

Webinar Recording: Beyond Borders: Great Lakes Safaris’ expands in East Africa with new lodges in Uganda and Tanzania

Key Highlights from the Presentation:

  • Amos Wekesa’s Introduction: Amos opened the session by sharing his inspiring personal journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure in East African tourism, and one of the few indigenous safari lodge owners in the region. Amos shared his start in life and how his passion for tourism began which can be read about in full here 
  • Company Evolution: Great Lakes Safaris now operates in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. They’ve rebranded Uganda Lodges to The Great Lakes Collection, bringing our safari and lodge experiences under one cohesive identity.
  • Introduction of Signature Lodges: The Great Lakes Collection now includes Primate Lodge Kibale (Kibale National Park) and Elephant Plains Lodge (Queen Elizabeth National Park), offering premium experiences in Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
  • New Launch: Introduction of Mwamba Lodge Tarangire in Tanzania’s Randilen Wildlife Management Area – a first step into Tanzania, with plans for new tented camps in the Serengeti by 2026.
  • Upcoming PropertyPabidi Lodge, a luxury tented camp near Budongo Forest, will open in late 2025, offering exclusive chimpanzee trekking experiences.
  • Core Values: GLS remain committed to ExcellenceAuthenticitySustainabilityPassion, and Community Upliftment – all reflected in how we serve guests and engage with local communities.
  • Celebrating 25 Years: In 2026 GLS celebrate their 25th anniversary. Look out for special anniversary offers, FAM trips, and more as we celebrate this exciting milestone.
  • The Great Lakes Foundation: Also spotlighted was the GLS foundation’s efforts in community development and youth empowerment through tourism.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Let’s keep growing together and sharing the magic of East Africa with the world.

For all images, factsheets and rates etc you can access our Agents Information here