About Olive Safari Uganda

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At Olive Safari Uganda, we believe that tourism should not only delight and inspire but also contribute positively to the preservation of our planet. We are deeply committed to minimizing our environmental footprint and protecting the rich biodiversity that makes Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania so unique. Our tours are designed with sustainability in mind, from carefully planned itineraries that reduce carbon emissions to partnerships with eco-friendly lodges and camps that prioritize energy conservation, waste reduction, and water management.

We actively engage in conservation efforts, supporting local wildlife protection initiatives and encouraging our guests to travel responsibly. Whether it's gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or exploring the vast savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park, we ensure that every experience is both enriching and respectful of the natural world.

Olive Safari Uganda was founded by Ayebale Olive and her husband Christer, combining decades of community service and a shared vision for hospitality and tourism in Uganda. Ayebale Olive served as the secretary to the Mayor of Entebbe for over 20 years, during which she managed a wide range of programs and initiatives, including international collaborations like the Global Journey program from Sweden. This program facilitated teacher and student exchange programs, fostering cultural ties between Uganda and Sweden. 

Through her role, Olive became widely admired for her organizational skills, seamless execution of events, and warm demeanor, which earned her respect from both local and international stakeholders.

Her journey took a personal turn when she met her husband Christer through one of these programs, three years after the death of her first husband and raising three children on her own. Recognizing the growing influx of foreign visitors to Uganda and the limited availability of quality hospitality services at the time, Olive and Christer established Sunset Hotel Entebbe to meet this need. 

Many guests at the hotel expressed interest in exploring Uganda’s natural wonders, inspiring the birth of Olive Safari Uganda in 2008. The dedication to exceptional service quickly earned the loyalty of clients, who returned with their families and friends, driving the rapid growth of both the hotel and safari company. 

Today, Olive Safari Uganda continues to thrive as a testament to Olive’s unwavering passion for service and her vision of connecting people to the beauty of Uganda.

Tusiime Cheryl Myra, the eldest daughter of Ayebale Olive, has embraced the responsibility of continuing her mother’s legacy with resilience and determination. Cheryl’s journey has been one of perseverance. After losing her father at the age of six, her mother, Olive, raised her and her two younger sisters, Laura and Britta, with the support of Christer Torstensson, who later became Olive’s husband. Olive’s passing in 2017 from throat cancer was a turning point for Cheryl, who was just 19 years old and in her second year at university, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

From an early age, Cheryl and her sisters were introduced to the foundations of Sunset Hotel Entebbe and Olive Safari Uganda. After Olive’s death, Cheryl stepped into her mother’s role alongside Christer to manage the businesses, despite her young age and a background in tech rather than business. Under Christer’s mentorship, she navigated the challenges of running a business while completing her education. Over time, Cheryl discovered her passion for the tourism industry and decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Administration, which she earned in October 2024.

Cheryl’s hands-on approach has been instrumental in maintaining the loyal clientele of Sunset Hotel Entebbe and adapting the hotel to meet post-COVID standards. As a certified tour guide for Uganda and Zanzibar, she has been deeply involved in growing Olive Safari Uganda, bringing her mother’s vision of exceptional service to life. Cheryl also hopes that her two sisters, Laura and Britta, will develop the same passion for tourism after completing their university studies, joining forces with her and Christer to continue expanding their family’s legacy. Together, they aim to uphold the values and standards set by Olive, ensuring that the businesses remain a testament to her vision and dedication.