Dancan Kiiza is the founder and Managing Director of Signature Africa.
He is a social traveler who finds excitement in every new destination and believes the world is full of incredible stories waiting to be discovered, and shared. As someone who hails from a small village in Western Uganda, traveling allows Dancan see new places, and meet new people.
Oh, and he loves sharing those stories with others! One of the most intriguing places he has encountered is South Sudan, embedded with the culturally rich cattle people of the Mundari tribe. He confesses that South Sudan’s vast plains and uncharted experiences are just mesmerizing
How do your friends describe you?
Oh, my friends would probably say I’m a mix of adventure-seeker and a bit of a dreamer! A dreamer who chases even the most seemingly impossible dream. But they’d also say I’m always up for a good laugh, a spontaneous trip, and never shy away from sharing my latest travel stories.
What‘s in your travel bag?
Ah, my travel bag is very simple. You’ll find a tablet that helps me track my calendar, take photos, and stay in touch with my team. An iPhone to capture all the magic, and a notebook for jotting down those spontaneous inspirations. And of course, there’s always a good book or two for those quiet moments.
What was your dream when setting up Signature Africa?
My dream was to showcase the incredible beauty and diversity of East Africa to the world. I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively across Europe, Asia, and Southern Africa and this opened my eyes to how I’d set up my own company. It enriched my perspective and also enabled me to forge strong partnerships worldwide which are key especially when you choose to focus on luxury travel.
I wanted to create travel experiences that are not just about seeing the sights, but truly immersing oneself in this amazing region’s culture, landscapes, and spirit. Signature Africa was all about making travel feel personal and extraordinary.
Describe your ideal travel experience…
For me, the ideal travel experience is a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Imagine waking up to the sunrise over a savannah, going on a thrilling safari, then winding down with a serene evening by a campfire under a blanket of stars. It’s about discovering new places, meeting fascinating people, and feeling like you’ve truly connected with the essence of the destination.
Take us through your planning process for client trips…
Planning a trip with Signature Africa is like tailoring a suit for a mukolo – everything has to be tailored to fit perfectly! We start with a detailed conversation to understand our client’s interests, preferences, and dreams. Then we dive into crafting an itinerary that blends unique experiences with must-see highlights. We handle all the logistics, so our clients can just focus on enjoying their adventure.
How unique are your offerings to tourists?
Our offerings are like a unique spice blend—carefully crafted to make each experience distinct! We focus on providing authentic interactions, whether it’s meeting local artisans or participating in traditional ceremonies. Our itineraries are designed to offer a mix of nature, adventure, luxury, and cultural immersion that’s hard to find elsewhere.
From where have you gotten the skill set to accomplish work as a tour operator?
A lot of it comes from hands-on experience and a deep love for travel. I’ve spent countless hours exploring the region, learning from local guides, and understanding what makes each destination special.
Additionally, I do have a degree in Tourism from Makerere university which gave me a good start from day one. Working with other top brands in Uganda like Amos Wekesa’s Great Lakes Safaris, and Jonathan and Pamela Wright’s Wildplaces Africa, equipped me with hands-on skills to create seamless and memorable travel experiences. Nothing beats mentorship.
People and places are different; please share about the most intriguing people and places, and why…
One of the most intriguing places I’ve encountered is South Sudan, embedded with the culturally rich cattle people of the Mundari tribe. South Sudan’s vast plains and uncharted experiences are just mesmerizing.
As for people, I’d say the Mundari people themselves are incredibly fascinating. Their rich culture, traditional practices, and warm hospitality offer a profound insight into a way of life that’s both unique and deeply rooted in tradition.
To stay in a lodge/hotel or to camp, which one wins for you, and why?
Oh, that’s a tough one! Both have their charms, but if I had to choose, I’d say camping wins, especially luxury camping (which we call Glamping), for the sheer magic of connecting seamlessly with the sights and sounds of nature.
There’s something so special about being fully immersed in the environment, though a comfortable lodge is perfect for unwinding after a day of adventures, or when you are travelling with a spouse or children.
What makes Uganda the Pearl of Africa?
Uganda truly lives up to its nickname with its breathtaking landscapes, from rainforests to savannahs, serene lakes and majestic mountains. Uganda’s unique habitats mean that wildlife is incredibly diverse, with opportunities to see everything from gorillas in Bwindi to the big cats in Queen Elizabeth National Park. But what really makes it special is the warmth, cultural diversity and friendliness of the people- Uganda’s spirit is what makes it shine.
What would you like to see done better in Destination Uganda?
I’d love to see more investment in sustainable tourism practices to ensure that our natural treasures are preserved for future generations. Not just from government’s infrastructure like roads and communications, or maintaining environmental and cultural integrity, but from Ugandan business people believing in our country and investing appropriately. It would be great to see Ugandans involved in all aspects of the tourism industry since it has a fantastic economic and social benefits.
