WE LISTEN AND GUIDE YOU
Who we are
A dynamic, knowledgeable and well-connected travel specialists who go above and beyond to offering the best in experiential travel.
Fact: However much well designed and thoughtful your safari planning phase was, your Guide on an ongoing safari will always remain a make or break!
Specialized in Personalized High-End Travel Services
We pride ourselves as a number one travel company specializing in Private Guiding mainly in Rwanda and East Africa at large. Every safari is designed to meet the expectations of and fulfil the specific needs of our guests. Furthermore, on top of an exceptional safari itinerary designed just for you by our Travel Expert, we always provide a private specialist guide who brings expertise to the area you are travelling in, adding depth to your interactions with the wildlife and to your historical and cultural experiences.
The full value of an expedition is better realised with the input of a private guide interpreting your journey and linking the diverse sightings and experiences to create a bigger picture. The daily logistics and planning whilst on a safari will also be managed entirely by your private guide allowing you to completely immerse yourself in your surroundings. To us that’s the definition of luxury travel experience and we don’t take chances when it comes to selecting our safari guides!
What we do
Our team pays very close attention to every detail and we plan for all eventualities;
Safari Planning Phase
Our professional handpicked Expert Travel Designers will always make sure your next Africa’s adventure is nothing short of exceptional. From the most relevant required information to help you understand what you need to know about your trip to Africa, to the unique experiences that you have always been looking forward to, we will build with you from scratch and come up with an itinerary that perfectly fits your travel specifications and budget. All our suggested travel experiences are privately designed just for you and providing a dedicated private guide throughout the entire safari.
While on expedition
With a Meet & Greet by one of our dedicated staff right on your arrival in the country, you will be warmly welcomed, have a short brief introduction about the country and the incoming trip, learn a few words in our local language as you head to the next stop with your private Guide embarking on the journey that will last a lifetime. Our guides are knowledgeable and passionate about their job, their vast experience allows them to read between the lines and interpret the intricacies of every aspect of a safari and professionally responding to your expectations and beyond. All your Safari logistics and daily planning details are entirely looked after; you can therefore have a peace of mind and just enjoy your Luxe Horizons Africa Experience. We organize all transfers required, whether on-road by our wide range of vehicle fleet, by Boat when it has to include water experience or even on a Helicopter when you wish to make it shorter but also scenic.
Post Experience
We do believe your Luxe Horizons Africa Experience was remarkable and more importantly memorable, we always appreciate any feedback, understanding that having enjoyed your travel experience with us is all what we are here for and as a team we always strive to go beyond your expectations. However, also knowing where we could have done better will be as constructive as what we excellently achieved for an even better experience in the future.
Our Expert Team
Our team pays very close attention to every detail and we plan for all eventualities;
David Rutikanga
Founder and Managing Director
David Rutikanga
Founder and Managing Director
David boasts a comprehensive background in tourism and hospitality, accumulating nearly 15 years of invaluable experience in the field. His dedication to excellence is underscored by a Special Honors Certificate of Master Class in Incentive Travel Planning and Operations from SITE Africa, a distinguished South African organization specializing in Incentive Travel Excellence. Furthermore, he holds a Diploma in Hospitality Management, with a focus on Tourism and Service Excellence, earned from Cornell University in the United States.
Renowned for his travel expertise and captivating personality, David has garnered the trust and recognition of prestigious local and international tourism brands and organizations. His standing in the industry was further solidified when he was invited to participate at the esteemed ‘We Are Africa’ Live Webinars in August 2021, as a Panelist in discussions about new tourism trends, sustainable tourism, and the industry's response during and post COVID-19.
David's unique skill set shines, particularly in East Africa's safaris. Proficient in French, English, and Swahili, and as a well-traveled and experienced Tour Guide, he not only possesses extensive knowledge about African wildlife and cultures but also a delightful sense of humor. His storytelling abilities are remarkably captivating, ensuring that embarking on a safari with David is a guaranteed inspiration for a lifetime. For David, travel planning is not just a job; it is a way of life. His exceptional skills extend beyond his love for travel, enabling him to establish a vital network and lasting business relationships throughout his illustrious career.
With outstanding know-how, David excels in recommending tailor-made itineraries meticulously curated to suit your specific needs and interests. His commitment to delivering unparalleled travel experiences makes him a true maestro in the art of travel planning.
Emile Gashumba
Operations Manager
Emile Gashumba
Operations Manager
Emile, with over a decade of experience in banking operations and finances, has a remarkable journey that echoes resilience and triumph over adversity. Born and raised in Rwanda, his life took a tragic turn in 1994 when he had to flee to Tanzania, surviving a genocide that claimed both of his parents and five of his siblings. Despite this harrowing past, Emile returned to Rwanda 20 years ago, determined to overcome the wounds of his dark history. His past sorrow has only fueled his relentless pursuit of inner peace and authentic joy, a journey that led him to discover his passion for travel.
Married to Esther Gashumba, with whom he shares four children, Emile's transformative journey began seven years ago when he started exploring Rwanda and East Africa, especially Tanzania. What began as an adventure has evolved into a profound passion. With a Master's degree in Finance, Emile has served as the head of operations at various banks in Rwanda before joining the Luxe Horizons Africa team. Currently, he oversees the company's daily travel operations and logistics.
Emile's attention to detail and mastery of travel logistics set him apart, making him an invaluable treasure to the team and a significant asset for any client seeking to fulfill their travel desires. His personal journey of overcoming adversity adds a unique depth to his role, ensuring that every travel experience he orchestrates is not just a journey but a transformative adventure.
Honorine Uwase
Accounts Manager
Honorine Uwase
Accounts Manager
A mother of two, Honorine Uwase, has always harbored a passion for numbers, ensuring that accounts are not only meticulously balanced but also presented in an easily comprehensible manner for all of us. Her primary focus revolves around managing the company's assets & finances and meticulously handling balance sheets, a task she undertakes with dedication when she's not busy raising her children. In her precious moments of free time, she delights in beach outings with her husband, David, and close friends.
With a commendable track record, she has served as the Senior Accountant at the esteemed global firm, Jibu Corporate, for over five years. While Honorine may not frequently grace the halls of Luxe Horizons Africa' offices, her occasional visits never fail to elicit smiles from everyone. Her infectious warmth and sense of humor create a positive atmosphere, making her a cherished presence.
She is a repository of intriguing stories, and everyone eagerly shares their latest office updates with her. Even Deo, our watchman and gatekeeper, knows the drill – a bag of chocolate or biscuits is the customary entry pass for Honorine.
Eduige Mbabazi
Senior Travel Designer
Eduige Mbabazi
Senior Travel Designer
Meet Eduige, the heart and soul of our social activities and the epitome of kindness at the Luxe Horizons Africa family. Renowned as the kindest person around, Eduige has an unparalleled ability to make you consider a tour package solely through the remarkable warmth in her emails or, better yet, the cheerful resonance of her voice during a phone call. Her infectious laughter and radiant smile speak volumes about her personality.
Interestingly, Eduige finds solace in solo travel, considering it her best way to connect with nature. Her love for people and nurturing spirit make her an exceptional travel designer. With almost a decade of experience in hospitality, Eduige's caring approach and exceptional handling of trip details make her a cherished treasure, not just within the Luxe Horizons Africa family but for every guest seeking a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Eduige's expertise goes beyond creating memorable journeys – she crafts personalized experiences that linger in the hearts of our guests. So, if you're fortunate enough to have Eduige design your travel, be prepared for an adventure infused with warmth, care, and an unforgettable connection with nature.
Davinah Uwera
Travel Designer
Davinah Uwera
Travel Designer
Meet Davinah, the epitome of boundless energy in the realm of travel consultancy. A dynamo in her field, she takes pride in providing swift and precise responses to your inquiries, offering the most accurate information for all your travel needs. Davinah's meticulous attention to detail has not only garnered trust within the office but has also positioned her as the designated proofreader for most travel documents and itinerary descriptions before they are shared.
She possesses the uncanny ability to read between the lines, effortlessly spotting even the minutest errors that might escape notice, ensuring a flawlessly crafted travel experience. Davinah’s dedication to perfection is unmatched.
She discovered her passion for the travel business at a young age. During her time as a Front Desk Coordinator in a city hotel, she concurrently engaged in travel consultancy for a renowned tour company. Both roles not only fueled her love for travel but also provided the means to finance her education in Law School at the University Libre de Kigali from where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree.
Davinah's unique blend of legal acumen and travel expertise makes her an invaluable asset to the Luxe Horizons Africa team.
Sheila Tuti Mpairwe
Travel and Lifestyle Specialist
Sheila Tuti Mpairwe
Travel and Lifestyle Specialist
Also known as "Doctor," Sheila has an extraordinary ability to turn the seemingly impossible into a reality in ways that few could conceive. She possesses a unique talent for weaving captivating stories around travel experiences, adding her own special blend of spices, as she likes to call them. For Sheila, an itinerary is not truly complete unless it incorporates a community engagement aspect. "Each of our guests should become a part of our community's lifestyle; it must inspire both the guest and our people," she emphasizes. Sheila is the embodiment of responsible travel and sustainability within the Luxe Horizons Africa family.
Armed with an MBA from Makerere University, Uganda, Sheila dedicates the majority of her time to fam trips, capturing moments through photography, documenting insights, and developing new tourism products. She is equally committed to enhancing the quality of our existing travel experiences. Sheila's intellectual curiosity knows no bounds, and her extensive knowledge is reflected in her impressive reading repertoire. If you ask her about any book, chances are she has either read it already or is engrossed in it at this very moment. Her passion for reading and relentless research on a diverse range of topics have earned her the affectionate title of "Doctor Sheila."