Sustainable tour company, community oriented, true value. As an American, trying to making touring choices from abroad, it’s hard to discern which companies are truly legitimate and sustainable. Ultimately, we chose Jackie from gorilla safaris tours because he was incredibly responsive, professional, and provided the best value for our money. Arranging a tour through the internet is always a bit risky so I was more than pleasantly surprised by the excellent and dependable service with gorilla safaris tours.
We were picked up from our hotel, and escorted on our organized and very exciting trip that had been personally set up to meet our needs and interests. Upon meeting Jackie (tour operator) and Emma (tour guide) in person, it was clear that we were in good hands. Both gentleman care deeply about sustainability – both from an ecological and community perspective.
We spent 9 days touring Uganda and 4 days in Rwanda. There were so many highlights and our guide Emma was responsible for making the whole trip so bespoke and relaxing. His knowledge of the routes and sights was unbelievable and he gave us the best insight into life in Uganda as we felt we saw it first hand from the trip. From Entebbe through Murchison Falls National Park and the river Nile cruise was spectacular, I never expected to see so many hippos and crocodiles close up, and the climb up Murchison Falls made a really nice activity.
Another river cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Kyambura channel gave us great sights of elephants and buffalo in the water. Kibale forest trekking and having our first experience of seeing chimpanzees was unforgettable we had an hour of watching them close up- it was awesome.
Then the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in itself was amazing- the African mud roads, the forest mist, the scenery of fields of tea was superb. The trek and the experience of seeing the gorillas was a memory we will treasure for a lifetime, all our friends and family are still in awe of our experience. It was a privilege and a young male gorilla playfully grabbed Stuart’s leg – he is never going to wash his trousers!
The lodges near each forest were stunning especially Mahogany Lodge and Kibale Primate Lodge has the most stunning gardens and Ichumbi gorilla lodge were all beautiful luxurious lodges. Also a swamp tour in the Bigodi wetlands with Patrick and Julius was a highlight to learn about the local medicinal plants and trees where we saw the Colobus monkeys.
Rwanda itself is a spectacular and special country. The landscape is beyond incredible, it is spotlessly clean, it is safe and the people are a true delight. We have traveled all over the world, but there is no other country that has it all like Rwanda does. Truly, that country and its people have changed me forever. I hate the phrase “once in a lifetime trip”, but it is really the only phrase you can use about Rwanda. If you want to go, do yourself a favour and use gorilla safaris tours. You will definitely not be disappointed.
Both the chimp and gorilla trekking were wonderful and we had a lot of time to observe the animals and their surroundings. The tracker teams do everything to make sure it’s a success and it’s great to see their skills and knowledge of the animals and know that the park fees go back to the local community and protecting the habitat.
Lake Kivu was an unexpected highlight. A beautiful place and great spot to relax and watch many kinds of birds. It was a truly special experience to see the teams of fishermen going out at sunset and coming back in singing in the morning.
All in all a magical trip. It was my first time in Africa and I loved every minute and will be back. Specifically, Emma is one of the best tour guides I’ve ever met, he brings deep expertise as a conservationist, and cares deeply about mentoring the local community. From a value perspective, you can’t do any better.
Genuinely wanted to make sure we had the best possible trip and still in touch several times following our visit. Literally provided 24/7 support and advice when planning the trip and added so many little touches to make it memorable. They really listen and ensure a tailored experience and I will definitely be back booking with them again.
Our transport and pick up were flawless, and Jackie ensured that we stayed in a lovely hotel with staff that knew us and our preferences well. Honestly, do not waste your money going with large tour groups, this tour company cares about your needs and will cater to you specifically. Congrats to Jackie and Emma. I would recommend this holiday to everyone as the trip of a lifetime.
