In Uganda, where tourism is one of the country’s most celebrated industries, Deaf travelers have long been left out of the experience. National parks, safaris, and cultural excursions are rarely designed with Deaf accessibility in mind. But two innovators, Denis Ssebayiga and Simone Pabsch, are changing that. Together, they founded SS Sign Language Tourism, a Deaf-led tour company offering immersive, accessible safaris and cultural experiences for Deaf and hearing travelers alike. Their mission is simple but impactful: to make Uganda’s natural wonders fully accessible through sign language, Deaf-centered guiding, and community empowerment.
SS Sign Language Tourism offers guided trips through Uganda’s major natural landscapes, cultural sites and national parks, including notable destinations such the Nile river, Lake Victoria, and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
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A Dream Born in Childhood
For Denis, the company began as a childhood vision. “I’ve had this dream since I was young,” Denis shared through Simone. “I always believed Deaf people should be able to see animals and explore nature just like anyone else.” Growing up, Denis spent time with his uncle, where he developed his love for wildlife and the outdoors. That early exposure shaped his lifelong desire to work in nature and, eventually, to guide others through it.
Simone first met Denis in 2014 while visiting a small Deaf school in Uganda. The conditions were poor with limited resources, but the connection between them didn’t form until years later. “In 2019 we met again,” Simone explained. “Denis asked me many times to support his business idea. I believed in him, and we started building it together.” By 2024, the pair launched their first tours. In 2025, they completed government licensing, officially establishing SS Sign Language Tourism.
Founders With Complementary Strengths
Before founding the company, Denis worked as a teacher for Deaf children. Simone studied communication design — a skillset that now shapes the company’s branding, website, and visual identity. “Denis had the idea for the logo,” Simone said. “I designed it — the turtle with two hands represents tourism in Ugandan Sign Language.” Their complementary backgrounds of education, design, nature, and Deaf culture form the backbone of their business.
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Originally from Germany, Simone has explored many regions of Africa and now lives in Uganda, bringing energy and heart to SS Sign Language Tourism. She manages the tours, helping guests plan their experiences. With her strong sign-language skills and passion for people, her goal is to make every traveler feel welcome, understood, and supported throughout their experience.
What a Deaf-Centered Tour Looks Like
SS Sign Language Tourism offers experiences that blend wildlife, culture, and sign language education. Their first tour launched in Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic landscapes.
A typical SS Sign Language Tourism experience blends wildlife and culture in a Deaf-centered way. Guests may go on animal safaris, take boat trips, visit waterfalls, and explore local cultural sites, depending on the itinerary and the park. Simone and Denis use Ugandan Sign Language and International Sign during tours, and Simone also knows German Sign Language and South African Sign Language. Their tours have already attracted both Deaf and hearing travelers from around the world.
They would also like to include children in their tours. “Many Deaf children have never seen animals,” Simone said. “Parents often don’t know how to access these experiences or don’t believe their children can participate. We want to change that.”
Building a Deaf Led Workforce
As growing start-up, one of the tour company’s long-term goals is to create employment opportunities for Deaf Ugandans. “Right now, Denis is the driver and guide,” Simone explained. “In the future we want more Deaf people working with us — as guides, drivers, and staff.” The company currently operates with one van and hopes to acquire a second 4×4 Land Cruiser to expand their routes. To build upon his skills, Denis is also preparing to attend a three-month guide certification program, with an interpreter, to deepen his expertise.
A Growing International Audience
Despite being a young company, SS Sign Language Tourism has already attracted travelers from around the world. “We’ve had visitors from the USA, Germany, France, Uganda, and Kenya,” Simone said. “We’re excited to welcome people from everywhere.”
Their tours are open to both Deaf and hearing clients, and they’re actively building partnerships with Deaf communities across East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda. They’ve also begun outreach to international Deaf organizations.
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A Unique Connection With Animals
One of the most remarkable aspects of the company is Denis’s intuitive connection with wildlife — especially elephants. “Denis can feel animals through their soul,” Simone explained. “Not all animals, mostly elephants. He senses their emotions.” When asked whether animals recognize him, Simone didn’t hesitate. “Yes. The elephants know him.” This intuitive bond shapes the way Denis guides tours, offering guests a perspective that blends nature, Deaf culture, and emotional intelligence.
Denis describes this connection as similar to sensing the energy of water — something alive, shifting, and emotional. “Water is living,” Simone said on his behalf. “It can feel hard or easy, high or low. It’s the same with animals.”
Wildlife Encounters Across Uganda
In addition to elephants, guest can encounter gorillas on a dedicated excursion. Other tours tours may encounter lions, giraffes, buffalo, tigers, and a wide variety of birds. They also visit unique conservation centers such as the CTC Conservation Center that feature animals like lemures. In remote parks like Kotido National Park, travelers may encounter the rock hyrax.
Images That Sustain the Journey
Denis is also a wildlife photographer, using a 100–400mm lens to capture Uganda’s landscapes and animals. The company sells Denis’s photographs as another source of revenue to support growth of the tour company. They provide high resolution images to the public as well as clients on the tours.
Looking Ahead
SS Sign Language Tourism is still growing, but the vision is clear: a Deaf-led, Deaf-centered tourism company that opens Uganda’s natural world to everyone. “We want to grow across East Africa,” Simone said. “And we want Deaf people to have jobs as guides, drivers, photographers, everything.” Their work is not just about tourism. It’s about representation, empowerment, and rewriting who gets to explore the world.
