From a Gifted Camera to Life Behind the Lens
In the wild places of East Africa, guiding is not only about finding wildlife—it is about reading landscapes, understanding behaviour, respecting nature, and patiently waiting for moments to unfold. For Jaz Abaho, lead guide at Wild Compass Africa, this philosophy has shaped a journey rooted in passion for nature, wildlife, photography, and people.
From mist-covered forests to open savannahs and remote cultural frontiers, Jaz’s work blends nature guiding, wildlife photography, and birding into carefully led private safaris and expeditions across Africa.
A Foundation Built in Uganda’s Wild Landscapes
Jaz’s journey into professional guiding began with formal training in Tourism Management, providing a strong academic foundation in sustainable tourism and conservation-focused travel. This knowledge was later deepened through hands-on training in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where he participated in both research and volunteering activities.
Working in one of Africa’s most biologically rich forests instilled a deep respect for ecosystems, primate behavior, and the delicate balance between conservation and tourism. Bwindi was not just a training ground—it was where guiding shifted from theory into lived experience.
Professional Nature Guiding and Field Certification
Beyond academic study, Jaz pursued professional guiding standards through USAGA (Uganda Safari Guides Association) and is currently certified at Level 3 guiding. This training emphasizes ethical wildlife encounters, safety, interpretation skills, and responsible tourism practices.
As a nature guide, Jaz focuses on the full environment—not just iconic species. Tracks, sounds, plants, insects, landscapes, and seasonal changes all form part of the story he shares with guests, creating immersive safari experiences grounded in understanding rather than speed.
From a Gifted Camera to Life Behind the Lens
Jaz’s photography journey began in a simple but meaningful way—with a Yashica camera gifted by his mother. That first camera sparked a curiosity for documenting nature and moments in the wild.
Later, holding a Nikon D5300 with an 18–55mm lens marked the beginning of learning wildlife photography seriously. The addition of a 70–300mm AF‑P lens opened new possibilities, allowing closer studies of animals and birds and significantly sharpening field skills. As experience grew, upgrading to a Sigma 150–600mm lens marked a turning point, enabling confident wildlife photography across varied ecosystems.
Each stage represented growth, patience, and countless hours in the field—learning light, animal behaviour, and timing.
A Self‑Made Wildlife and Nature Photographer
Jaz describes himself as a self‑made photographer, shaped not by shortcuts but by time in nature. His photography focuses on wildlife and natural landscapes, guided by respect for the subject and its environment.
Rather than chasing images, he believes in allowing scenes to unfold naturally—whether capturing elephants moving through morning mist, birds at the edge of wetlands, or subtle details that tell deeper ecological stories. This approach resonates strongly with photography-focused travellers who value ethics, patience, and authenticity.
Birding: From Hobby to Professional Expertise
Birding began as a personal interest and gradually evolved into a professional specialty. Spending countless hours observing habitats, migration patterns, and bird behavior transformed a hobby into a guiding strength.
Today, Jaz leads dedicated birding safaris across forests, wetlands, savannahs, and river systems, offering guests informed identification skills, behavioral insights, and appreciation for both endemic and migratory species. Birding, like photography, is approached as a discipline built on observation and respect.
Leading Private Safaris and Regional Expeditions
While Uganda remains the heart of Jaz’s guiding work, his experience extends far beyond its borders. He leads private safaris, photography journeys, birding tours, and exploratory expeditions across South Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Madagascar.
Each destination presents unique ecosystems, cultures, and logistical challenges—from remote wilderness areas to culturally rich landscapes. This regional experience allows Jaz to adapt guiding styles, photographic approaches, and guest expectations to each environment, ensuring well-rounded and meaningful journeys.
Language, Culture, and Meaningful Travel
Fluent in English and Kiswahili, Jaz values communication as a bridge between travelers and local communities. His love for culture is a driving reason behind his passion for raw cultural heritage expeditions, where travel goes beyond wildlife to include traditions, stories, and everyday life.
Cultural respect, local engagement, and responsible interaction are integral to every journey he leads.
Tools of the Trade Today
Currently, Jaz works with a Nikon Z9, a tool that supports his professional wildlife and nature photography while meeting the demands of fast-moving subjects and challenging light conditions. As always, equipment serves the vision—not the other way around.
Guiding Philosophy at Wild Compass Africa
At the core of Jaz Abaho’s work is a belief that safaris should be unrushed, ethical, and deeply connected to nature. As lead guide at Wild Compass Africa, he combines nature guiding, wildlife and nature photography, birding expertise, and cultural curiosity to craft private experiences that feel personal and purposeful.
Whether tracking wildlife, waiting for perfect light, identifying birds, or sharing stories with local communities, each journey is guided by respect—for nature, for people, and for the moments that make Africa unforgettable.
Plan a Safari Led by Experience
Travelers seeking private safaris, photography-focused journeys, birding expeditions, or culturally immersive travelacross Uganda and the wider region can explore tailor-made experiences led by Jaz Abaho through Wild Compass Africa. Each journey is designed around patience, ethical guiding, and a deep connection to nature.
About the Guide
Jaz Abaho is the Lead Nature, Photography, and Birding Guide at Wild Compass Africa. He is a USAGA Level 3–certified guide with formal training in tourism management and extensive field experience across Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Madagascar. His guiding combines nature interpretation, wildlife and landscape photography, birding expertise, and cultural exploration into carefully crafted private safaris and expeditions.
