Rita Waganagwa

Luxury travel and safari operations professional with more than 15 years of experience spanning luxury tourism operations, guest experience management, transport logistics, supplier relations, and corporate finance. Experienced in coordinating bespoke East African safari itineraries, managing high-value stakeholder relationships, overseeing operational excellence, and delivering exceptional service to international travelers and VIP guests.

Operations Manager at HIDDEN TRACK AFRICA (2024-11 – Present)

• Direct end-to-end delivery of luxury safari experiences across Kenya and East Africa.
• Coordinate accommodation, transfers, flights, guides, activities, and special guest requests.
• Serve as the operational liaison between international travel advisors, suppliers, guides, and guests.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate competitive rates while maintaining premium service standards.
• Provide rapid operational support during itinerary changes and travel disruptions.
• Drive continuous improvements to operational processes and guest satisfaction.

Transport Manager at EAST AFRICAN EAGLE (K) LTD (2016-05 – 2024-10)

• Led large-scale transport and logistics operations supporting tourism and corporate travel requirements.
• Managed fleet planning, scheduling, safety compliance, and service delivery standards.
• Supervised operational teams and coordinated resources across multiple locations.
• Implemented efficiency improvements that enhanced reliability and customer service delivery.

Fleet Logistics Manager at INTERWAYS WORKS LTD (2016-01 – 2016-05)

• Managed dispatch, routing, vehicle utilization, compliance, and reporting functions.
• Coordinated logistics activities ensuring operational efficiency and cost control.

Operations & Finance Manager at CESAR RITZ INVESTMENTS (2012-06 – 2015-12)

• Oversaw operational planning, financial management, budgeting, procurement, and staff supervision.
• Developed management controls that improved accountability and operational performance.

Fixed Asset Accountant at PepsiCo Inc. (2011-01 – 2011-12)

Senior Accountant at Nexion LLC (2010-01 – 2011-12)

Reconciliations Accountant at Culinaire International Inc. (2006-01 – 2010-12)

Bank Reconciliation Clerk at ClubCorp Inc. (2006-01 – 2006-12)

Accounts Payable Specialist at Nokia Inc. (2005-01 – 2006-12)

These positions provided a strong foundation in financial governance, reporting, controls, and stakeholder management that continues to enhance operational leadership within the luxury tourism industry.

Bachelor's in Accounting – University of North Texas

Transfer credits to UNT – North Lake College