My life is an incredible adventure that has taken me down some very exciting and extraordinary paths. I have been fortunate to be able to follow my passions in life. This has been a challenge, and at times a difficult road, but worth it in unimaginable ways. A life with tigers and lions has been a dream of mine since I was a child. My work with the big cats eventually led me to wildlife conservation in East Africa. Currently, I am working for the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda. In 1998, the sanctuary was founded by Dr. Jane Goodall and a group of founding trustees. This website is an account of my journey.
I was especially excited to see the hippos, zebras, and crocodiles in Akagera. After working around these animals for so many years in animal parks, It was a thrill to see them in the wild.
Akagera National Park is an incredible place. It’s located in the north east area of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. I highly recommend visiting this park. It’s very well managed and a short drive from Kigali.
I am professional photographer, videographer, and the CEO of Chris Austria Safaris Ltd. in Uganda. Before moving to this beautiful country, I lived in Ethiopia, and Rwanda. My travel company offers customized wildlife, cultural, and photographic safaris in Uganda, and Rwanda. I’m very passionate about sharing the stunning beauty, culture, people, fashion, food and wildlife from the Pearl Of Africa.
When I lived in the US, I worked with tigers, lions, and other animals for many years at Six Flags in Vallejo, CA and the San Francisco Zoo. This rewarding career inspired me to focus my energies towards wildlife conservation, tourism, and protecting endangered species. To see more of my work, visit ChrisAustriaSafaris.com, and ChrisAustriaPhotography.com
Chris Austria 