How It All Started
In 2018, Musa Irankunda stood at a crossroads. A native of rural Uganda who had witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education, Musa had spent years working as a safari guide, showing travelers the breathtaking beauty of his homeland—the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, the thundering Murchison Falls, the vast savannahs teeming with wildlife.
But something troubled him deeply. While tourists marveled at Uganda's natural wonders and spent thousands of dollars on their adventures, the communities hosting these experiences—particularly the children—saw little lasting benefit. Schools lacked basic supplies. Students walked miles for education. Healthcare was scarce.
"I watched wealthy travelers come and go," Musa recalls, "and I thought: what if every safari could change a life? What if tourism could be a bridge between those who have and those who dream?"
That question became Shoebill Adventure Tours—named after Uganda's iconic and rare shoebill stork, a symbol of uniqueness and conservation. But Musa's vision went beyond creating another tour company. He wanted to build something revolutionary: a tourism model where every journey directly funds education for Ugandan children.
Musa Irankunda with students at Musezero Academy, 2024
