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active 3 days ago

Peter Mwanja

Peter is an accomplished entrepreneur, Incentive travel specialist and the visionary founder of Umoja Motherland Tours (DMC) and Lasta Events (PCO), one of Uganda’s leading MICE outfits. With unwavering commitment to transforming the MICE and Safari in Uganda, Peter has propelled Incentive travel to the forefront of Uganda as a destination.
As the CEO of Lasta Events, Peter draws upon hi s extensive background in Incentive travel to the stage, captivating audiences with his visionary insights into the future of events and the pivotal role that MICE plays in shaping memorable and impactful experiences. His thought process explores a convergence of experience driven decision making and the art of crafting seamless attendee journeys, inspiring professionals across the world to re imagine the possibilities of collaborations and partnerships while planning events and executing.
With a proven track record in executing Conferences and incentive travel, a passion for enhancing live experiences, and a gift of articulating complex ideas in an accessible manner, Peter continues to be an influential voice in the MICE landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the way we create and participate in events.
Peter is a Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS) and sits on several boards including
- SITE – Society for Incentive Travel Excellence representing East and Central Africa, and also as Chairperson for Young leaders
- Board member at UACII – Uganda Association of Conference and Incentive Industry
- Board member at the UTA – Uganda Tourism Association as Secretary General

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda
Water safaris, Gorilla treks, Chimpanzee, Big 5 tours, Mountain climbing, Golfing tours, Cycling, Nature, Gastronomy, History tours"

How did you get involved in travel?

"From my formative years at college, i was introduced to travel by my mother. She was into travel already and made me tag along whenever leisure trips were organized. Once she asked me to plan a holiday for the family over Christmas. This is what opened my travel career as it involved making contact with various service providers and negotiations. This was unique and interesting."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"My unique experience was in the Murchison falls National park in Uganda, while i worked at the Paraa safari lodge across the river.
I had driven 6 hours from the capital in Kampala and had car breakdown. basically, the engine was overheating, but i also had beef products that were needed at the lodge. I had no way of not reaching the lodge otherwise the products would go bad. But the gates to the part closed at 6pm as a rule and i had to make it.
Long story short, i got to the riverbank and the public transport ferry had left. Now i had to take a private boat. Coxswain was contacted and he came out od his sleep...time check 9pm. He loaded my meats and started the engine. He forgot the engine was out of fuel. And now we were crossing a hippo infested area and we had no lights.
Imagine the horror.
But the guys on the other side quickly noticed and turned on their engines, raved and kept moving to the side where the boat was gliding to. This is where we were saved as the hippos do not love the lights. And the boat docked on the other side safely having been assisted by the currents.
This is my experience that will never leave my mind.
"

Peter is part of the following groups: Uganda Travel Agents, Rwanda Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Peter

Fabulous experience in Tanzania in spite of local specialist's lack of assistance
Tanzania | Jun 17 - Jun 27, 2025

P
Pamela W.
Leander, TX | Reviewed on Jul 05, 2025
My son already wrote you about our disappointment regarding our trip planning experience with Peter. He also told you about changes with respect to some of our lodgings without our knowledge. NOTE: Someone from kimkim personally reached out to and spoke with my son. This was my 3rd trip arranged through kimkim and the first, and hopefully last one, to have a negative experience with the planning part of the trip.
However, on the flip side, we were so very blessed to have Eli as our full...
Read more

My son already wrote you about our disappointment regarding our trip planning experience with Peter. He also told you about changes with respect to some of our lodgings without our knowledge. NOTE: Someone from kimkim personally reached out to and spoke with my son. This was my 3rd trip arranged through kimkim and the first, and hopefully last one, to have a negative experience with the planning part of the trip.
However, on the flip side, we were so very blessed to have Eli as our full time guide and driver!!! He has 15 years experience and willingly shared so many wonderful facts about his country, the animals, birds, etc. Anyone who has Eli as their personal guide is truly blessed. He is a gem!!!! We were able to see the "big 5" and had so many closeup opportunities with numerous species of wildlife. My son shot over 2,000 photos and 75 videos.
Our lodgings were very nice and the food was quite tasty. We were surprised that almost all of the food served was geared to American tastes. The Tanzanian people are very welcoming and always had lovely smiles.

Local specialist: Peter Mwanja

Excellent Trip to Tanzania, but issues with booking agent
Tanzania | Jun 17 - Jun 27, 2025

Andrew
Andrew W.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025
We had a wonderful time on safari in Tanzania. Our guide Ely was an extremely knowledgable, courteous and safe driver. He has over 15 years experience providing safaris in Tanzania's national parks, and was an encyclopedia of knowledge about every animal and tree we encountered. He was also a good conversationalist which is important when you are spending 10 days together in a car! The experience booking the trip with Peter was less positive and was below the standard of other agents we've... Read more

We had a wonderful time on safari in Tanzania. Our guide Ely was an extremely knowledgable, courteous and safe driver. He has over 15 years experience providing safaris in Tanzania's national parks, and was an encyclopedia of knowledge about every animal and tree we encountered. He was also a good conversationalist which is important when you are spending 10 days together in a car!

The experience booking the trip with Peter was less positive and was below the standard of other agents we've used on KimKim:

- Two of the hotels selected were a 1.5 hour drive away from the parks, which meant longer trips in the car and less time spent in the parks. This seemed unnecessary since we had booked 6 months in advance of our trip and there were acceptable accommodations closer to the activity.
- A few of the hotels we had agreed to were changed without our knowledge. The substitutions were acceptable, but it would have been nice to know this in advance.
- Written communication was at times unclear making it difficult to understand the context behind why decisions were made and to assess whether everything was booked as requested.
- We were never reminded or given any guidance about the Visa application process.
- We twice setup a phone call and twice Peter did not show up for the call. Eventually we were able to connect.

Hotel Review
Arusha Coffee Lodge

Beautiful property, excellent service and food, and amazing coffee. Good starting location for your safari if you are arriving in JRO.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Masai boma experience
Masai boma experience
Serengeti National Park

Would not recommend this activity. Received a brief tour of the tribes home and culture, and then were guided to a large area of crafts made by their tribe. We felt obligated and pressured to buy something. No price was listed, and when we asked how much the items we selected would cost we were provided very high numbers (as compared to anywhere else). When we said we were not interested in purchasing, they several times pushed the items back into our hands and told us to negotiate. Also Google the Maasai people and learn about their treatment of women. Patriarchal society that treats women as property and performs female genital mutilation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Peter Mwanja

Rwanda, a beautiful place to visit. Need to use an agent based in Rwanada
Rwanda | Jun 2 - Jun 13, 2025

H
Helen L.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025
This is our third trip with KimKim. I am very disappointed with some of the issues around how this trip was planned. It was very expensive and when I asked to about option for cost reduction such as staying in mid range hotels (as requested on our booking form) some changes were made but we still ended up staying in top end accommodation. Despite voicing concerns about cost we were not told it was 50% less to see the gorillas in Uganada (what most other groups staying at our lodge in... Read more

This is our third trip with KimKim. I am very disappointed with some of the issues around how this trip was planned. It was very expensive and when I asked to about option for cost reduction such as staying in mid range hotels (as requested on our booking form) some changes were made but we still ended up staying in top end accommodation. Despite voicing concerns about cost we were not told it was 50% less to see the gorillas in Uganada (what most other groups staying at our lodge in Volcanos National Park had decided to do. We also had many issues with the way our itinerary was planned, zigzagging across the country which would mean far more time in the car than necessary. We discovered this mistake the day before we drove 11.5 hours when we expected to travel for 3.5 hours based on our itinerary (we could not do the planed stop or boat ride when we arrived at the location because it was dark, delays not do to road construction but just how long it takes to travel in this hilly country side. Another day was scheduled as 2 hours travel time, but this was actually 6. We were unable to do our night safari as we were not actually staying in Akagera National Park. Peter is based in Uganada and I feel it would be better to use someone based in Rwanada as the local Kimkim specialist. Driving around Rwanada is beautiful, but long road trips when you are not expecting them is hard, particularly when you are travelling with teenagers.

Our driver Khalif was excellent, with his other boss Agnes he managed to reorganize a part of our trip that meant we did not actually have to spend an extra 10 hours in the car travelling. He had not seen our itinerary until the day before he picked us up but was very aware it did not make sense. As we had booked our trip early October to travel in early June, paying our deposit in October it does not make sense why availability dates for gorilla trekking would be the barrier to having a sensible travel itinerary (instead of trying to Zig Zag across the coutry. Peter was unavailable to help as he was in the US, he never sent a follow up message to answer our specific questions seeking explanation or to apologize, despite know about our frustrations.

Hotel Reviews
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Did not stay here as this part of our trip had to be removed due to difficulties with our itinerary.

Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Musanze

Great lodge, heated with fireplaces and hot water bottles in the beds. Very comfortable. Beautiful scenery.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
rusizi

Expensive, resort like hotel, on hill. Lack character but very clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rutete Eco Lodge

This was a wonderful place to stay for three nights. Fantastic tour around the organic farm, wonderful food shared around a communal table with great conversations. Friendly and helpful staff. Juilianne is fantastic host and very knowledgeable about the local area and the country. Local female traditional drumming group visited one evening while we were there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Outside the park therefor cannot to night safari. Instead consider behind the scenes tour as this was excellent.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe national park
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe national park
Nyungwe

Disappointing. Based on adjustments made to our schedule so we didn't have to zig zag across the country it took us 3.5 hours to get to trekking starting point (not the main park centre), this meant we arrived to the start of our hike very late and did not really get to see chimpanzee - one dark blob in a tree across a very wide valley. The long drive also meant we spent three hours getting back to the park centre the canopy walk later in the day.

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk
Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk
Nyungwe

Fantastic views, great short hike.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Buhanga Eco Park – Nature walk
Buhanga Eco Park – Nature walk
Volcanoes National Park

Beautiful forest, easy walk, interesting history.

Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trek
Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trek
Volcanoes National Park

Wonderful experience! The hike was challenging but we really enjoyed it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kigali City Tour and shopping
Kigali City Tour and shopping
Kigali
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cultural Village Visit
Cultural Village Visit
Volcanoes National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Behind the scenes tour in Akagera National Park
Behind the scenes tour in Akagera National Park
Akagera

Great tour guide, fascinating to learn so much about the park and the relationship to Rwanada's history and the community development that is currently happening.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat Ride in Akagera-Lake Ihema
Boat Ride in Akagera-Lake Ihema
Akagera
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Morning Game drive akagera National park
Morning Game drive akagera National park
Akagera

Khalif is a knowledgeable guide. We saw so much wildlife and learned so much!

Local specialist: Peter Mwanja

Wonderful Time in Uganda and Tanzania but would not use our agent
Uganda | Jan 23 - Feb 6, 2025

Allen
Allen E.
Encinitas, CA | Reviewed on Feb 20, 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar. However, we would not recommend using Peter from Umoja African Journeys as we had too many issues on our trip to mention. We had two outstanding guides on our trip. Moses in Uganda and Isaiah in Tanzania. They were fantastic taking the time to tell us about the country, animals, food, life in both countries. Isaiah is contracted from Watatu Tours in Arusha, Tanzania and would use him again. When planning a trip to... Read more

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar. However, we would not recommend using Peter from Umoja African Journeys as we had too many issues on our trip to mention.

We had two outstanding guides on our trip. Moses in Uganda and Isaiah in Tanzania. They were fantastic taking the time to tell us about the country, animals, food, life in both countries. Isaiah is contracted from Watatu Tours in Arusha, Tanzania and would use him again.

When planning a trip to multiple countries, utilize an expert in that country as I would have used an expert in Tanzania and one in Uganda and Zanzibar. Find locals in that country.

Hotel Review
& Beyond Manyara Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

And Beyond Hotels and properties are the best. Would stay at this again and all other properties

Authenticity & Character
Its truly a tree lodge in the forest.
Location
Only hotel in Lake Manyara Park
Staff
And Beyond Service is second to none
Cleanliness & Comfort
Incredible room food, and comfort.
Local specialist: Peter Mwanja
Peter
Peter Mwanja
Local specialist in Uganda | Replied on Jun 08, 2025

Thank you, Allen, for this review. I am glad you enjoyed your trip to Uganda and Tanzania. We take your concerns very seriously and will use this review as a learning experience.

Regards
Peter

Great Trip!
Uganda | Dec 8 - Dec 14, 2024

H
Hunter M.
Snellville, GA | Reviewed on Dec 16, 2024
Great Trip! The only negative was I confirmed the itinerary before departing but when I arrived, the itinerary was much different than the plans I had approved. This was incredibly upsetting. The changes to the itinerary were necessary and ended up being for the best, but I would have like to have been consulted before the itinerary was changed so I wasn't surprised with a different plan I wasn't expecting immediately after travelling all the way to Uganda. But, as I mentioned, the changes... Read more

Great Trip!

The only negative was I confirmed the itinerary before departing but when I arrived, the itinerary was much different than the plans I had approved. This was incredibly upsetting. The changes to the itinerary were necessary and ended up being for the best, but I would have like to have been consulted before the itinerary was changed so I wasn't surprised with a different plan I wasn't expecting immediately after travelling all the way to Uganda. But, as I mentioned, the changes were good. Bryt was a great guide, very knowledgeable and kept us feeling very safe. He is also a great driver. All lodges and activities were incredible and everyone we met was so friendly. We really loved Sana Gorilla Rafting and highly recommend it! The whole trip was a 10/10!

Hotel Reviews
2 Friends Beach Hotel
Entebbe

Clean, comfortable, Air Conditioning. Short walk to beautiful views of Lake Victoria. Very friendly staff too.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Turaco Tree tops
Fort portal

Beautiful views, friendly owners, friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was a bit buggy but they had mosquito nets.
Four Gorillas lodge

Gorgeous, comfortable, extremely professional and friendly staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
They go a above and beyond!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The shower and Wifi could have been better.
Mpogo safari lodge
Lake Mburo national park

Beautiful views, very clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to Mburo National Park and farm walk was cool.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Beautiful river, enough of a challenge to be fun but not too much to where you fall out. So much fun! Sadat and his team were so friendly and cool guys to hangout with! They are also professionals and make you feel very safe and taken care of. The pictures they took were amazing too! Definitely a highlight of the trip and a can't miss for other travelers!

Quality of Experience
So much fun! So beauitful!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Super cool guys. Professional kayakers/raftering guides. Very friendly and spoke great english.
Transport
Their van was very comfortable.
Local specialist: Peter Mwanja
Peter
Peter Mwanja
Local specialist in Uganda | Replied on Jan 09, 2025

Thank you very much for this review

Kind regards
Peter

Amazing trek with the primates!
Uganda | Oct 27 - Nov 7, 2024

A
Alain G.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 10, 2024
Great trip. Fantastic accommodations. Trek with chimpanzees and gorillas are unforgetable.
Great safaris. The itinerary was great. Bright ( the driver ) was very efficient, always on time and knowledgeable
Read more

Great trip. Fantastic accommodations. Trek with chimpanzees and gorillas are unforgetable.
Great safaris. The itinerary was great. Bright ( the driver ) was very efficient, always on time and knowledgeable

Hotel Reviews
2 Friends Beach Hotel
Entebbe
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mihingo lodge

Great hotel also, felt like in a safari lodge again

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pakuba safari lodge
Murchison falls national park
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Twin lake safari lodge

Felt like in a safari lodge like in a movie. Exceptional place

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isunga lodge
Kibale
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Bugambira

Great hotel again, fantastic place

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Murchison Falls Morning game drive
Murchison Falls Morning game drive
Murchison Falls National Park

finally saw a leopard

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park
Transfer Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park
Uganda
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local lunch at Tinka’s homestead
Local lunch at Tinka’s homestead
Kibale National Park
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kazinga Channel Water Safari
Kazinga Channel Water Safari
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local Community Tour with the Batwa
Local Community Tour with the Batwa
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rhino Trek
Rhino Trek
Uganda
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Murchison Falls Cruise and Hike
Murchison Falls Cruise and Hike
Murchison Falls National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda

saw several leopards again!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience
Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Fantastic interaction with gorillas

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Top of the falls trek
Murchison Falls National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee Trekking
Kibale National Park

fantastic interaction with chimps

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Peter Mwanja
Peter
Peter Mwanja
Local specialist in Uganda | Replied on Nov 15, 2024

Thank you very much for this review. It was a pleasure exploring Uhanda with you

Kind regards
Peter

Visit Rwanda
Rwanda | Oct 5 - Oct 20, 2024

D
Duncan M.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024
We had a well organized trip to Rwanda and enjoyed both the cultural side and the amazing wildlife. A big shout-out to our guide Kalif who was able to share his knowledge of animals, birds, food and customs. Read more

We had a well organized trip to Rwanda and enjoyed both the cultural side and the amazing wildlife. A big shout-out to our guide Kalif who was able to share his knowledge of animals, birds, food and customs.

Hotel Review
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Musanze

Rustic but really friendly, with character and great staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Peter Mwanja
Peter
Peter Mwanja
Local specialist in Uganda | Replied on Oct 21, 2024

Hi Duncan,
Thank you very much for this review. I am so glad you enjoyed your trip to Rwanda.
Hope to plan with you again in the future

Kind regards
Peter