OUR TEAM
The Safari Experts
The Gorilla o'Clock team is committed to create your unforgettable journey
Paul Karanja
Founder and CEO
Gorilla O’clock was founded by Paul Karanja, a seasoned tourism expert with over 18 years of experience working in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Paul’s unmatched passion for East Africa as a premier safari destination, combined with his extensive expertise as a safari consultant and customer care specialist, has positioned him as one of the world’s top East Africa Destination Specialists. His in-depth knowledge ensures that every safari itinerary is meticulously designed to meet individual preferences, interests, and budgets.
At Gorilla O’clock, you’ll benefit not only from Paul’s expertise but also from a team of professional East African Safari Guides, all native to the region and seasoned travelers within it. These guides are dedicated to ensuring you experience the wonders of East Africa in the best possible way, leading you through unforgettable journeys. Whether you choose from our carefully curated sample itineraries or prefer a bespoke adventure, we are committed to creating a safari experience tailored exclusively for you.
Bitekerezo Vivian
Co-founder and Senior Consultant
With over a decade in hospitality management, Vivian brings expertise in guest care and capacity building. A passionate traveller, she draws from her global adventures to inspire her team and craft unforgettable safaris. Her calm finesse keeps Gorilla O’clock running seamlessly.
Namagembe Ronah
Office Manager and Accounts
A highly organized professional who ensures smooth office operations and accurate financial management. With strong accounting expertise, precision and integrity, she maintains efficient workflows, supports reporting and drives operational excellence at Gorilla O’clock.
Namara Priscilla Burunde
Sales Support Executive and PA to the CEO
A dedicated and detail-oriented individual playing a central role in both client relations and overall company operations. Serves as the main point of contact for clients, ensuring clear communication and seamless support from booking through to post-safari follow-up. Known for her reliability, she oversees overall client welfare throughout their journey and ensures efficient operations for a high-quality safari experience.
Owamazima Eunice
Destination Specialist
Passionate and knowledgeable travel expert with strong experience in planning exceptional journeys across East Africa. She provides tailored itineraries, accurate destination guidance, and seamless trip coordination. Through strong organization and client support, she ensures memorable travel experiences and consistently high customer satisfaction.
Sylvia Muhoro
Office Administrator
Reliable and well-organized, she supports daily office operations through effective coordination, documentation management and communication support. Known for her attention to detail, she helps maintain a structured and productive working environment at Gorilla O’clock.
Simon Karanja
Tour Guide & Operations Manager
Our Operations Manager and Head Guide bring over 27 years of experience and a distinguished Silver Class guiding certification. He oversees our fleet and leads all safari guide coordination across East Africa, ensuring seamless operations and exceptional guest experiences. As our senior safari expert, Simon combines deep knowledge of wildlife and culture with a warm, engaging presence that makes every journey unforgettable. He also serves as the CEO’s personal advisor.
Kendi Florence
Safari Consultant
A knowledgeable safari expert with strong experience in planning unforgettable journeys across East Africa. She creates personalized itineraries, provides expert destination guidance, and ensures seamless travel coordination. Known for her attention to detail and friendly approach, she is a valued member of the team.
Lilian Otieno
Reservations Consultant
She manages bookings and ensures smooth travel arrangements for clients through accurate reservation handling and effective coordination with service providers. With timely communication and strong organizational skills, she delivers reliable support, helping create seamless travel experiences and high levels of customer satisfaction.
Kevin Kipruto
Safari Specialist
A skilled and passionate professional dedicated to creating unforgettable safari experiences for clients. He provides expert itinerary planning, destination guidance, seamless coordination of safari logistics and professional meet-and-greet support. With strong attention to detail and a customer-focused approach, he ensures smooth travel arrangements and memorable experiences from arrival to departure.
Guides
Gilbert Assimwe
Safari Guide
With over 8 years of guiding in Uganda and Rwanda, Gilbert brings unmatched expertise in wildlife and culture. Praised by clients for his knowledge, intuition, and passion, he ensures every safari is unforgettable. As one guest put it, “We couldn’t have asked for a better guide—Gilbert’s love for what he does is truly inspiring.”
Joseph Kihoro (joe)
Safari Guide
With over 10 years of guiding experience, Joe is a true safari expert on Kenya. His attention to detail, passion, and friendly nature ensure a safari experience that’s as informative as it is unforgettable. Joe’s love for his country shines through every step of the journey.
James Wanjugu
Safari Guide
A professional and experienced Tour Guide in Kenya with over 7 years of guiding expertise, dedicated to delivering unforgettable safari experiences. With strong knowledge of Kenya’s wildlife, national parks and local culture, he ensures every tour is safe, informative and enjoyable. Known for excellent communication skills and a friendly approach, he handles guests with professionalism and care.
Lucas Lucaku
Safari Guide
A dedicated safari expert with a strong background in guided tours across varied natural environments and destinations. Known for creating engaging travel experiences that highlight landscapes, culture and outdoor exploration. Calm and service-oriented, he prioritizes guest comfort, ensuring every journey is well-organized, informative and memorable from start to finish.
Abuu Issa
Safari Guide
A highly experienced safari professional specializing in overland journeys through diverse wilderness areas and scenic routes. Skilled in navigating challenging terrains and interpreting wildlife behavior, he offers insightful and immersive travel experiences. With strong attention to safety and detail, he ensures smooth operations, well-coordinated excursions and consistently high-quality guest satisfaction.
Nellson Molel
Safari Guide
A skilled safari tour-guide based in Tanzania, committed to delivering smooth and enjoyable travel experiences. He has extensive experience leading guests through iconic safari destinations, ensuring well-timed transfers and rewarding wildlife encounters. With a calm and professional manner, he supports travelers throughout their journey and is valued for his dependable service, courteous attitude, and ability to create a relaxed and well-managed safari experience.
Khalif Nkoola Makubuya
Safari Guide
An experienced Guide in Uganda and Rwanda with over 10 years of guiding expertise, dedicated to delivering exceptional safari and travel experiences. With strong knowledge of wildlife, national parks and cultural heritage, he ensures every tour is safe, informative and enjoyable. Known for excellent communication skills, he provides outstanding service to both local and international travelers.
Safari with a Personal Touch
Embark on a tailor-made safari across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, designed to immerse you in Africa’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the gorilla-filled forests of Bwindi, each journey is crafted to match your unique interests and travel style.
Epic Group Safaris, Lasting Memories
Join a group safari across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, and create unforgettable moments with fellow adventurers. Witness the Great Migration in Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti, or track Mountain Gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
