Manya Africa Means "Know Africa"
Have you ever woken up to the melodic calls of birds in a tented camp deep in the Serengeti? Have you locked eyes with a Gorilla and felt a profound connection, as if discovering a piece of yourself in the wild? Have you ever felt your heartbeat quicken as you witness a traditional African dance, or even joined in the rhythm? Have you been moved by the powerful roar of the King of the Savannah echoing through the night?
At Manya Africa Tours, we offer unparalleled flexibility in crafting your East Africa adventure. Together, we will design a journey tailored to your unique tastes, schedule, and specifications.
All our tours are managed by our friendly and well-trained staff or by our carefully selected certified partners to ensure unique and optimally personalised travel experiences supported by an exceptional level of customer service. We specialise in “experiential tourism” and community-based tourism. Our carefully selected projects not only have a meaningful impact on local communities and the environment but also ensure your comfort and luxury are never compromised.
With our deep knowledge of Africa, we offer you genuine, first-hand insights that let you experience the continent as it truly is.
Our goal is for you to connect with Africa’s incredible diversity, immersing yourself in its cultures, landscapes, and wildlife.
We’re committed to creating sustainable experiences that preserve Africa’s beauty and heritage for generations to come.
Why Book With Us?
Meet the Team
Yvonne Hilgendorf
Owner of Manya Africa Tours Limited & Senior Sales Consultant
Yvonne Hilgendorf brings over 15 years of experience in the Ugandan tourism industry, having worked with various hotels and tour companies as Director of Sales and Business Development Manager. Her leadership has played a crucial role in building efficient teams and transforming businesses into success stories. As a native of Germany who has lived and worked in Uganda for the past 15 years, Yvonne is a seasoned Senior Travel Consultant with a deep understanding of the region.
Yvonne holds a Diploma in Tourism Geography, Economics, and Psychology from the University of Trier in Germany. Her extensive fieldwork in Uganda—spanning Ruboni in the Ruwenzori Mountains, Bigodi Wetlands in Kibale National Park, and Bushara Island in Lake Bunyonyi—provided valuable insights that led to the publication of her book, Community-based Tourism as a Form of Sustainable Tourism in Uganda, in Germany.
Yvonne has now realised her dream of establishing her own tour company and travel consultancy based in Uganda, offering travel arrangements across East Africa. Her extensive travels throughout Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa have given her a profound knowledge of these regions. Yvonne’s passion is to introduce her clients from around the world to the beautiful, authentic, and colourful essence of Africa.
Anthea Mwesigye
Marketing Assistant and Safari Planner
Anthea is a passionate travel enthusiast with over five years of experience in the tours and travel industry. She’s skilled in collaborating with agents, managing budgets, crafting itineraries, handling reservations, and more. Specializing in tour consultancy for Uganda and Rwanda, Anthea brings expert insights and a personalized approach to every safari experience. She’s also deeply committed to sustainability, working to preserve natural spaces for future generations.
Sarah Atim
German Speaking Guide
At Manya Africa Tours, we are proud to support female guides, employees, and women-led projects. Sarah Atim is one of our best German-speaking guides, known for her warm smile and extensive knowledge. With over 10 years of experience in tour guiding, and more than 4 years with us, she knows everything about Uganda’s wildlife, birds, and national parks.
Isaac Waswa
German Speaking Guide
When Isaac is on board, guests are always left in awe. Despite being one of our younger German-speaking guides, he has already won the hearts of many. With roughly 5 years of experience in the field, Isaac has had some incredible adventures. One of his favourite experiences was witnessing 12 lions on the hunt, being chased by 5 hyenas, and spotting 4 leopards all perched in a single tree.
Julius
German Speaking Guide
Julius has called Uganda home since 1991 and has been guiding with Manya Africa Tours since 2015. As one of our German-speaking guides, he’s always eager to expand his knowledge, constantly researching, reading, and exploring new places. Julius is passionate about his work and loves meeting our guests. One of his most memorable safari experiences was in Kisoro, when a gorilla reached out and touched one of our guests.
John Baptiste
The Good Soul in Our Office and Tour Guide
We’ve known John for over 13 years, though life briefly led us down different paths. Now reunited, John plays a vital role in managing our fleet of cars and has worked as a freelance guide for several tour companies in Uganda. His passion for nature and dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for our clients are unmatched. John is committed to upholding the good image and reputation of Manya Africa Tours.
Saadi Maganda
English speaking Birding and Mammal Guide Specialist
With over six years on our team and more than 11 years of experience as a licensed tour guide, Saadi brings unmatched expertise to every tour. His deep knowledge of Uganda means he knows every corner of the country and has an incredible eye for spotting even the smallest birds. Saadi’s passion for guiding shines through in his interactions with guests, and he loves creating memorable safari experiences. One unforgettable moment? In Kisoro, when a gorilla reached out and touched one of our guests – a memory that stays with him to this day.
Contact Us
Ready to Book Your Dream Safari?
Our team is here to help with any questions or custom itinerary requests. Contact our experts to craft the African safari of your dreams and enjoy a seamless, memorable adventure!