Four Generations in
Uganda's Wild Places
safari experience
Our Beginning
The Wright family’s connection to Uganda spans four generations, from the 1950s to today, evolving into the country’s leading safari company. Drawn by Uganda’s extraordinary wilderness, we’ve built intimate lodges in the most spectacular locations across the country.
What began as a single lodge in 1997 quickly grew into The Uganda Safari Company, founded by Jonathan to help travelers explore the country’s diverse wilderness areas. As the collection of properties expanded, WildPlaces Africa was established to encompass both the lodges and the safari operations, creating a seamless experience for guests seeking authentic encounters with Uganda’s extraordinary wildlife and landscapes.
Today, our collection spans every major wilderness area in Uganda, from the gorilla-rich forests of Bwindi to the remote savannas of Kidepo Valley and the richly diverse parks and reserves in between—each offering what one guest called “African Safari Tourism 1965.”
- Our Difference:
- Inside-the-park locations for unparalleled wildlife access
- Small, intimate lodges with 6-10 rooms
- Conservation at our core
- Four generations of local knowledge and relationships
From One Lodge to Seven
1949
Colonel Frank Wright leaves India for Ethiopia, beginning the family's African journey.
1957
Dr. Francis Wright moves to Uganda to do his National Service in Tororo Hospital.
1963
Jonathan Wright is born in Jinja, Uganda, beginning a lifelong connection to the country.
1984
Jonathan and Pamela meet at Trent University in Canada, starting an unlikely love story.
1993
Jonathan meets President Yoweri Museveni in Washington, who invites him to return to Uganda to help rebuild the country's tourism industry.
1994
Agreement signed to develop Semliki Safari Lodge, with Jonathan commuting between Toronto and Uganda.
1997
Pamela, Annabelle, and Fergus move to Uganda full-time. Semliki Safari Lodge opens, and The Uganda Safari Company is launched.
2005-2008
Apoka Lodge, Emin Pasha Hotel, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge open, expanding the Wildplaces collection.
2023-2024
Honey Bear Bush Camp, Papa's Camp, and The River Station open, completing the circuit of Uganda's most spectacular wilderness areas.
2025
Kulu Ora scheduled to open in December, adding a spectacular new destination in a previously unexplored corner of Murchison Falls National Park.
“We go left when everyone goes right. We abhor the beaten track."
The Wildplaces Philosophy
Authentic Luxury
We believe adventure shouldn't mean discomfort. Our lodges offer genuine luxury without compromising authenticity—comfortable beds with fine linens, excellent food and wine, and attentive service.
Uncrowded Experiences
What you won't find: crowds, buffet lines, or scheduled activities with dozens of other guests. What you will find: personalized experiences, guides who know every bird call, and space to connect with wilderness.
Bespoke Design
Everything we do is by our own design: your trip, our furniture, our food, our lodges. Creativity and conservation are at the core of what we do.
Real Numbers,
Real Impact
Conservation isn’t something we do on the side—it’s fundamental to our existence.
- $2 million+ generated for local education and health initiatives through Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- 100% of our properties actively support conservation initiatives
- Dozens of rangers supported through our conservation trust
- Thousands of acres protected through anti-poaching patrols
We believe the future of Uganda’s wild places depends on the people who live alongside them. By creating meaningful employment and demonstrating the economic value of conservation, we’re helping ensure these areas remain protected.
A Family Legacy
Johnny was born in Jinja, a small Ugandan town on the banks of the River Nile, his first words in Swahili. Pamela was born in Canada on the shores of Lake Ontario, but having moved to Japan as an infant, her first words were in Japanese. Their unlikely paths crossed at university in Canada, beginning a partnership that would eventually bring them back to Uganda.
In the early 90s, Johnny happened across the Uganda High Commission while in Ottawa. “He popped in for a chat and when they found out he was Ugandan-born and busy doing tourism projects, they suggested he change his focus to Uganda. They said he should come home and help rebuild tourism in Uganda, and invited him to Washington to meet President Yoweri Museveni. The rest is history!”
What began as a small, intimate ‘luxury camp’ in the bush evolved organically. “Hard days and soft nights was our mantra,” Pamela recalls. “We were young and inexperienced, but full of passion and ideas. We learned as we went along.”
Today, nearly 30 years after moving to Uganda full-time, the family lives off-grid just outside Kampala, where Great Blue Turacos and Kingfishers are regular visitors on their veranda. The legacy continues as the next generation joins the family business. Annabelle and James have returned to Uganda with their children—completing a full circle, as Annabelle and Fergus spent their own childhoods here before gaining international experience.
Key Team Leaders
Pamela Kertland Wright
Founding Director
Pamela has lived in Uganda for 30 years, initially dragged here by Jonathan, who promised she'd love it. A native of Montreal, she studied Anthropology before a career overhaul. She is the creative eye behind all Wildplaces properties, personally overseeing every design element from restored antiques to handcrafted furniture. She also serves as the Honorary Consul for Canada in Kampala.
Jonathan Wright
FOUNDER / Managing Director
Born in Uganda and educated in Kenya, UK, and Canada, Jonathan would happily have skipped it all to return to his favorite spot on the Nile, fishing for Nile Perch. The creator of both The Uganda Safari Company and WildPlaces Africa, his passion for Uganda's wilderness is limitless—he is happiest in the bush in his ripped shorts, binoculars in hand, squinting at the horizon.
Fergus Wright
Strategic Partnerships
Fergus grew up in Uganda, having moved here before he could walk. His first birthday was at Semliki, sitting in a bucket under a shady tree while the lodge was being built. A naturalist at heart, he divides his time between the Pacific Northwest and Uganda, overseeing safari itineraries and partnerships.
Annabelle Wright
Operations
Born in Canada, Annabelle moved to Uganda before she turned three. After chef school in Devon and experience in restaurant kitchens, she returned to Uganda with James where they refurbished and ran Clouds for 2 years. Now, after time in Toronto and western Canada, Annabelle and James are returning home to Wildplaces with their children.
James Cairns
Operations
Originally from Canada, James grew up outside of Niagara Falls, a tourism and hospitality hotspot. Having lived in several Canadian provinces as well as the UK and Uganda, he is now venturing back to Uganda with his young family, bringing a decade of hospitality experience to this next chapter of Wildplaces.
Julius "The Bushman" Oryem
HEAD GUIDE, SAFARIS
Julius has been with us for nearly 20 years. Growing up next to Ajai Game Reserve, he was obsessed with wildlife, first working with UWA in anti-poaching before helping bring rhinos back to Uganda from Kenya. After guiding at Semliki, he spent 10 years at Apoka, and now takes our guests across Uganda with an intimate knowledge of all the parks.
Patrick Okwelle
Head Guide, Apoka Lodge
Patrick has been with us since the very beginning. His story with Kidepo began 30 years ago when he worked on the Giraffe Relocation Project. Originally an UWA ranger, he walked with giraffes from Kenya, slept by their sides, and protected them as they acclimated. Thanks to his dedication, Kidepo's giraffe population is now flourishing.
George Nyanga
Relief Manager
A favorite among our guests, George started with the Uganda Wildlife Authority working on gorilla habituation in Bwindi. He joined us first as a guide, then as an Assistant Manager, and has managed both Apoka and Semliki Lodges. Now a roaming Relief Manager across all properties, he's happiest looking after his tree plantation in Dokolo.
Crystal Mbabazi d'Ujanga
Reservations Team Manager
Crystal worked with Pamela at the Consulate of Canada before being poached in 2017 to head up the Reservations Team at Wildplaces. She’s the one who ensures a seamless guest experience, she’s the one who takes note of all special requirements or requests and ensures your trip goes smoothly. But more importantly she’s the one we all look to for fun, laughter and vitality.
Our Extended Team
It takes more than a village to make Wildplaces work. Across seven properties, we have lodge managers, guides, cooks, housekeepers, boatmen, mechanics, waiters, butlers, and gardeners—each playing a significant role in creating authentic experiences for our guests.
Many of our team members have been with us for decades, growing from entry-level positions to leadership roles. Most are hired from nearby communities, bringing local knowledge and warmth to every interaction while creating sustainable livelihoods that support conservation.
Come and Stay Awhile
Whether you want to sit with gorillas in misty forests, watch lions hunt across open plains, or simply disconnect in beautiful wilderness, we’d love to help create your perfect Uganda experience.