From Campus Trips to Eco-Tourism Innovation: The Story of Brian George Kkunsa
Published by Daily Monitor, Uganda’s leading independent newspaper "For Kkunsa, sustainability is not just a concept, but a direction for the future of travel. He believes that for tourism to become truly sustainable, technology must play a central role." — Daily Monitor
HOME / ABOUT
Kkunsa Brian George
The Innovator Redefining African Safari Tourism
My name is Kkunsa Brian George, and the story of Tribes Gorilla Trekking Tours is deeply personal.
I lost my mother when I was only four years old. Soon after, my father abandoned me who was living in the UK. I grew up moving between the homes of relatives, piecing together my mother’s memory through the stories people told me—about her kindness, her love for people, her passion for conservation in Uganda, and her joy in travel and adventure.
Those stories became my compass. They shaped my dreams and gave me a vision of the kind of life I wanted to live: one rooted in compassion, exploration, and purpose.
From Campus Trips to Eco-Tourism Innovation: The Story of Brian George Kkunsa
Brian George Kkunsa is not your average tour operator. As the founder of Tribes Gorilla Trekking Tours and Savanna Vows Safaris he has spent nearly a decade redefining what it means to explore Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. But what truly sets him apart is his rare combination of skills: he is both a seasoned tourism professional and a software engineer, blending Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with travel to create seamless, personalised experiences for his clients
Published by Daily Monitor, Uganda’s leading independent newspaper
“For Kkunsa, sustainability is not just a concept, but a direction for the future of travel. He believes that for tourism to become truly sustainable, technology must play a central role.” — Daily Monitor
Read the full feature on Daily Monitor:
Kkunsa’s Travel Revolution: From Campus Trips to Eco-Tourism Innovation
This story was originally published by Daily Monitor, Uganda’s leading independent newspaper, on May 2, 2026.
A Unique Fusion of Technology and Travel
Brian George Kkunsa is not your average tour operator. As the founder of Tribes Gorilla Trekking Tours, he has spent nearly a decade redefining what it means to explore Uganda. But what truly sets him apart is his rare combination of skills: he is both a seasoned tourism professional and a software engineer, blending Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with travel to create seamless, personalized experiences for his clients.
His journey began at Kampala International University, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management alongside a diploma in ICT—an academic pairing that would later become the bedrock of his innovative approach to modern tourism.
From Seven Students to a Thriving Enterprise
Kkunsa’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident long before he graduated. In 2018, while still a student, he launched his first tour venture, organising domestic trips for his campus peers to Jinja and nearby islands.
The road was not easy. His first attempt ended in postponement when only seven students showed up for a trip designed for more than twenty. Rather than giving up, Kkunsa expanded his marketing to other institutions, including Makerere University Business School. His second attempt drew 18 participants—and he never looked back.
With help from his sister, a lawyer, he formally registered the business and opened his first office at Wandegeya Market, paying just Shs60,000 in monthly rent.
A Pandemic Pivot That Changed Everything
When COVID-19 struck in 2020, Uganda’s tourism industry ground to a halt. Rather than waiting for the storm to pass, Kkunsa used the downtime to sharpen his digital skills. Every morning, he walked to a free Wi-Fi spot called “My Ug” at Bunga junction, where he taught himself web development, graphic design, and digital marketing by consuming YouTube tutorials and online content.
That investment paid off. When the lockdown lifted, Kkunsa was better equipped than many of his peers to navigate the new digital-first landscape of travel. He emphasises: “To start a travel company, you need a team with skills in branding and marketing, a good website and a strategic location, which is crucial for licensing.”
A Vision Rooted in Purpose
Kkunsa’s drive is deeply personal. He was inspired by his late mother, Bernadette Nakiganda, whose charitable travels showed him that tourism could be a force for good. Today, through the Bernadette Nakiganda Foundation, he promotes tree planting and conservation education.
His company, Tribes Gorilla Trekking Tours, operates on a simple but powerful principle: every trip gives back. A portion of each journey supports Uganda’s orphans and vulnerable children, carrying forward his mother’s legacy of kindness and conservation.
Beyond the Traditional Safari
Kkunsa views Uganda as an underexplored gem. While gorilla trekking remains a flagship experience, he advocates for diversification beyond the traditional safari circuit—highlighting Uganda’s primate diversity, cultural tribes, food tours, and Jinja’s adventure offerings.
His firm offers immersive community experiences that go far beyond wildlife viewing: urban farming in Bwaise, boda tours, market fruit tastings, and school visits that connect travellers with the heartbeat of Ugandan life.
The Future Is Green and Digital
Looking ahead, Kkunsa is planning an eco-friendly luxury ranch with sustainable cottages, a project that will further cement his commitment to responsible tourism. His company has already begun exploring hybrid vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing travellers to share their experiences in real time while minimising their environmental footprint.
Despite the challenges—booking uncertainties, high marketing costs, pricey permits, and poor roads to attractions—Kkunsa remains undeterred. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a deep love for his country.
Read the full feature on Daily Monitor:
Kkunsa’s Travel Revolution: From Campus Trips to Eco-Tourism Innovation
Connect with Tribes Gorilla Trekking Tours:
www.tribesgorillatrekkingtours.com
