Very friendly and hospitality owner.
He helped us to organise our transport to Bisoke trail for good price!
The room was clean, interior very nice!
Good Wi-Fi, hot water in shower and warm blanket
Greatest place, very knowledgeable and helpful owner, very generous and delicious breakfast and the best laundry service in Africa if you need it Highly recommended
We had a great time staying at Virunga Homestays.
It really felt like a home from home, with nice clean rooms, a comfortable lounge and a veranda to sit on.. Breakfast was amazing with eggs, coffee and lots of fruit.
You won't get a better price/value than this in Musanze!
Francis the host is really knowledgeable as well and can help you arrange any of your local activities and onward travel and is always good for a chat!
The guys that work there are really nice and you won't see a bigger smile anywhere in Rwanda than John's when he greets you!
Nothing
It's convenient and managed by an amazing man ready to help you with almost everything you need.
very clean and such a peaceful and secure environment a few meters from the Musanze Town.
Just stop scrolling and book your stay here!
Nothing for sure!
Francis was a wonderful host.
Incredibly friendly and helpful.
My room, the dinner he prepared, and the guide he recommended were all excellent.
I highly recommend his Homestay.
Great breakfast with a lot of fruits.
Francis the host was very friendly and helpful, a real gentleman!
I had a wonderful stay at Virunga Homestay.
Francis and his staff were amazing hosts and ensured to make my stay as homely as possible.
Would definitely recommend staying here for a local Rwandan Homestay experience.
Francis is also a guide and offers tours in and around Musanze.
Location was very convenient
The hospitality was awesome.
The place is very clean and the beds comfortable.
They let us use the kitchen for our meals and on top of everything the WiFi worked perfectly
We booked a twin room.
But there is no such a thing.
After talking to the owner they reallocated us into 2 great rooms
The Breakfast was good!
And the location is calm
Dinner!
Great place for those who are looking for astonishing view from the terrace.
Really it is mind-blowing.
Strongly recommended.
Well, the conditions are not luxury, more like in normal touristic cabin, but it is pretty decent.
The stuff is great (to the managers: special thanks to Erric), trying to help.
Mornings, when fishermen from the fishermen village nearby start fishing, they sing.
They do this because they believe that unhappy fisherman can not achieve good result.
Good occasion to get new emotions and thoughts.
Don't go for boat trip, never.
It is not only overpriced but i doubt the ethics of the organiser (we had agreement for 2 and half hours, he deliberately slowed down the capitan to charge me 3hours).
To the guest: go to the city, in front of Museum of Environment is a boat pier you can negotiate better price.
To the managers: get out of this practice, organise a daily tour for all willing to participate guests.
Then the pricess will be acceptable and clients will not feel as being ripped off.
What other guest has already wrote - water pressure and the road are problems which require government help, hope soon they will receive it.
For the road - google give different direction, use the road from roundabout next to the hospital.
There are signs for the hotel, follow them.
Only last 200 meters are crazy, realy crazy, but manageable with extreme cautious.
I was about to cancel this booking only because the road.
Please, do not do it, you can manage.
Restaurant often doesn't have the most interesting local type food.
For the managers: I know it is difficult to provide constant ingredients but clients don't need just something to eat but they want to try something special.
This place is so nice and if you upgrade your menue it may attract clients from outside of the hotel.
Yes, on Friday there is huge anymal market and can be a little noisy, but it is acceptable, take it as an attraction 5.
To the managers: Please, reply to the questions which clients put here in booking chat room, it will give feeling of confidence
The atmosphere is very calm and serene, perfect for relaxation.
There is a nice spot to sit at the lake and watch the sunset.
Dinner was delicious and is served at a restaurant with a nice view.
They help organize boat trips right from the hotel, if that tickles your fancy.
It's not so much things that I didn't like, more expectation management.
Internet reception is poor, even 4G is hit or miss (for those that have to be connected).
The room is quite basic (photos are accurate), so when it rains or you are otherwise stuck in the room, I could imagine that this might become a bummer depending on the view from your room
fantastic views from the cabins, good food but a bit over-priced, comfy beds
a challenge of a drive to get there but the lodge was so kind to send a guide to escort us.
Nice small hotel with fantastic vieuw of lake kivu.
Good restaurant, nice breakfast and very friendly people.
It needs some maintenance, especially the bathrooms.
Nb: the location as given in booking.com is completely wrong: in reality rwiza village is on the shores of lake kivu.
The location of the place is amazing, the view of Lake Kivu and the surrounding hills simply breathtaking, and the place itself well kept, incredibly green and quiet, with a kitchen garden and a private access to the lake, in short: a small paradise, where you can watch the fishingboats leaving for the night's catch, fisherpeople singing beautifully.
The shower in our room was more a faint idea of what it can be like to really taking a shower, as there was near to no water coming out of the shower head.
And then, the breakfast: too small for hungry people, and any extra slice of bread costs an additional sum of RWF 1,000!!
Nice place and friendly staff
If you want, they arrange a boat trip for you.
But at their price.
And that is very expensive.
300 dollars).
One cannot leave from their shore with another boatman
Very good place
the view, the price, the restaurant area, the balcony in the room.
bathroom was a bit small food was very slow - but came with a smile!
The place is beautifull and quiet.
The room is very simple and tiny
You absolutly need a 4x4 car to arrived to the location ans the road is not correctly referenced by Google Maps!
We call the hotel in order to have some help and they wasn't helpfull More road signe is necessary!
And the guide service Booking at the reception wasn't fair.
We made a deal and the guide don't respect it in order to have more money!
The tour was more expensive as the room with breakfast and meal!
Don't Book with the reception
Good hotel with a great view.
bathroom a little small ans the pressure was Low
Honestly, this is the best guest house in Rwanda.
The visit there was even more exciting that national park itself, really...!
I wish i had more time to spend there not on transit to the park but for relaxation.
The place is good also for distant working as the room has a working desk.
Outside: Good terrace with green environment, see the pictures how they are decorated with flowers and greenery.
Small well maintained garden.
The rooms: Rooms are with nice interior, good design.
Bathroom with hot water.
Cleen.
I had no problems with mosquitoes or other insects at all.
Mattress are hard, which i like.
My room was backside, so no noise at all.
Staff: Friendly and helpful staff.
Perfect communication before my visit, they help me to plan and organise any details of my visit to the park.
The staff really care about their clients and are fully helpful and reliable.
Thank you for your great hospitality.
This is not just a place for transit but good destination to spend time there.
Friendly staff, good location, good food in the restaurant, early breakfast.
We also took an Akagera guide recommended by the hotel - all fine, good service
Everything was fine, the only thing is the lodge is a bit expensive
Excellent location very near the South Gate of the park.
Good basic room and very good restaurant.
Early breakfast.
Very friendly staff.
Nothing really.
We realy liked this place!
Internet connection was not functioning in the room.
Apparently a problem they are trying to fix.
very cosy rooms.
great shower
nothing
Great hotel next to the park.
lunch and breakfast was verry Good The room was confortable .
And the staff was very helpful and Nice .
Beautiful rooms Good food , awesome breakfast!
they prepare lunch packs
Nothing
The location of the lodge just 5min drive from the main parc entrance makes it a great starting point .
The nice and cosy rooms, the excellent restaurant and most important the very friendly and helpful staff make it even better.
Everything was incredible!
The staff were so accommodating, making sure we had dinner ready and served when we arrived late (11pm!
bookingdotcom_review_data !
and accommodated to our every need.
The rooms are beautifully done and it feels like a proper tranquil piece of paradise!
Wish we could have stayed longer!
The rooms are charming and clean.
The staff are very friendly and attentive.
The food delicious.
I loved this place located just outside the park entrance.
Like most hotels I've experienced in Rwanda, the mattresses and very stiff.
Not the most comfortable but I still slept well.
a gorgeous property with wonderful staff!
no WiFi in the room
The service was great.
We needed a Covid test for the next day and they made it possible without hesitation.
Food was fantastic.
location, rooms super nice, wonderful staff, great food and just a wonderful stay
Hillltop location is fantastic, as is the proximity to Nyungwe.
Staff are helpful.
The kitchen provides a packed breakfast for those leaving early for chimpanzee tracking nearby.
Rooms are functional.
My wife and I stayed here in August 2022.
It is an absolutely fantastic hotel, with standalone detached cottages, offering great views of Nyungwe Forest from the private terrace, a comfy bed, very clean room & bathroom and a separate cozy living room with a functional fireplace.
The hotel offers excellent meals, packed lunches for outdoor activities and above all, a great level of service from the excellent staff.
All members of staff we met were very polite and really nice persons.
An easy recommendation!!
Nothing, perfect stay!
the DIANA the receptionist she was extra nice
Beautiful hill top location with sweeping views, vey good individual chalets, good food and excellent F&B service They do a 4 'o clock breakfast for those doing the Chimp Trek at 0500 ( gate is 5 mins drive )
Post-Covid the hotel is very very quiet The location needs a little investment in terrace furniture to develop the potential further
The location on the top of the hill overlooking the forest is spectacular.
Diane was great receptionist as was the server for our meals ( I forgot his name, sorry).
The rooms are spacious and comfortable and the veranda is a lovely place to view the scenery.
The hot water bottles in the bed are a nice touch for the cool nights.
The quality of the service personnel is outstanding.
The a la carte menu is delicous.
The packed breakfast is amazing.
The normal breakfast is okay.
The buffet every second day doesn't come close to the quality of the a la carte and is for this price point not acceptable.
Absolutely no wifi in the rooms.
It's not only about the price value, but some behaviour is a no go at any price point.
$2 per bottle water at dinner is questionable.
But than also being stopped at the checkout because there was mistake of $4 (2 bottle of water.., when also 2 bottles were just returned for breakfast) in the invoice .. not accepting 4'000 rwf for it (exchange rato is 1:1.040) and requesting 5'000 when one has just spend over $1'500 .. all because of $0.2..
sure.
There are no comments available for this review
I recently stayed at this hotel with my girlfriend on Valentine's Day, and I have nothing but great things to say about our experience.
From the moment we arrived, the hotel staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful, and we were impressed by the cleanliness and attention to detail throughout the property.
The room itself was beautiful, with a serene view of the lake and surrounding landscape that made our stay even more relaxing.
We appreciated the comfortable bed, the modern amenities, and the overall atmosphere of the room.
One of the highlights of our stay was the idea of communal dining, which allowed us to meet other guests and enjoy a wonderful dinner together.
The food was exceptional, and we enjoyed every moment of the experience.
In addition to the communal dining, the hotel offered a variety of activities that kept us entertained throughout our stay.
From tennis to kayaking, we had plenty of options to choose from and loved every moment.
Overall, I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway (romantic or otherwise).
The staff, the room, the dining experience, and the activities all exceeded our expectations, and we would definitely give it a 5-star rating.
Loved everything about UMVA
I love the tradition of sharing dinner also the activities are perfect
The ambiance, food and the whole experience at UMVA
Check out is too early
No words can describe this place.
Me and wife are blown away by everything this placed offered us : the concept of UMVA like a retreat and the team just so attentive to details (I mean every detail literally) - I cant stop telling people about this place and we are definitely coming back !
p.s: Diane and Joanne are truly amazing professional attentive and helpful.
nothing.
Such as incredible stay at Umva!
I felt at home right away.
Diane, Janet and Joan are very caring and provided us with an amazing service.
Jado was great to help us do kayaking and tennis.
And the chef cooked us a delicious diner.
My favorite part of this place remains the design and architecture, unlike anything I had seen before.
I will come back for sure, very soon I hope.
UMVA Muhazi is AMAZING!
The views, the structure and design of the space, the food, the activities, the hospitality and attention to details all contributed to a wonderful stay and escape from Kigali!
I came for just a day mid-week and returned to Kigali feeling so refreshed.
The staff are friendly, attentive, and polite, and were always ready to help out.
The clay tennis court with a view of lake Muhazi makes UMVA probably one of my favorite places to play and I am sure that Rafael Nadal would agree if he gave it a try :) I will definitely be back!
The location is so convenient from Kigali, making this the perfect getaway.
From start to finish we the experience at UMVA was incredible.
We were greeted warmly by the staff who knew us by name, offered us a delicious welcome juice, and ushered us to our rooms.
The rooms were so well-designed with beautiful architecture.
The shower was amazing.
We spent the afternoon kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and playing tennis.
We joined the other guests for a community dinner, which was the best part of the trip.
The 6-course meal was sublime, each dish was delicious and beautifully displayed, and we enjoyed getting to know the other guests while we dined.
We all sat by the fire after dinner.
The following morning we had a delicious breakfast, spent more time kayaking on the lake and playing tennis, before sadly departing back to Kigali.
We will certainly be back many times, and I highly recommend UMVA Muhazi as your next Rwanda destination.
UMVA Muhazi is a beautiful lodge throughout.
the architecture with its rammed earth walls as a centrepiece is stunning and blends very well with the preserved natural surrounding.
All the design features and the addition of art pieces in selected spots are very thoughtful and draw the eye.
The staff are incredibly attentive and polite, and always ready to help- whether with a special meal request or sports activities of which UMVA Muhazi offers many!
Last but not least- the 6-course dinner was fantastic.
The food was delicious, every course was creatively crafted and they were even able to accommodate for my food intolerances.
Umva is such an excellent place to stay.
The food is excellent.
The staff are all lovely and cater to your needs.
The view is magnificent and there are so many fun things to do (Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding, Tennis, Massage, Birding etc).
I'll definitely be back!
Friendly staff, spacious and comfortable rooms, good food
The kitchen could be faster on orders
Lake view
Lighting, bathroom, cleanness
Location at the edge of the lake Kivu, 2.
Quite heaven no disturbance, 3.
Friendly staffs and quick response of request.
staff was very friendly and helpful.
the view is nice.
kitchen is a bit slow... and forgetful.. :-( ...
Nothing to like at this supposed 3 stars hotel.
This hotel should not get 3 Stars!
First the staff is not professional and not trained, They kept me waiting for 30 min to check in while I was alone.
Finally got a room on the 2nd floor: The toilet smells everywhere in the room, the bed is very old and uncomfortable, the wifi doesn't work as well as TV channels.
In addition, the breakfast was poor.
The price was a mess : 100 $ per night!
There are a lot of nice hotel around at let than 45 $
Value for money and view
Water pressure in the bathroom needs to be improved.
Showers are just drops!
There are no comments available for this review
EVERYTHING.
The Chef.. she fed us fat.. The masseuse The Front Desk especially Laurent.
It was worth every last dollar.
Exceptional place.
The only thing was Jest ski and most water activities wasn't available.. hopefully, everything would be available when next I'm back.
Friednly staff, excellent location by the lake, restaurant serves nice foof and breakfast!
The rooms feel a bit dated, especially the carpets which don't look very clean.
The opportunity to go on a boat ride.
Great breakfast and location.
It is a bit pricey, but overall, it is good value for money.
Very nice conceived classical hotel.
Each room has a small terras or balcony with super view on Lake Kivu.
Very nice swimming pool and outstanding breakfast
There were not so much customers but a lot of employees not having much to do.
It makes a little bit stiffy with people every 1 minute at your table asking if everything is fine.
Our 2 persons bed was amazingly small (1.40m only).
Nice breakfast buffets and other meals.
Loved the opportunity to taste local dishes
The breakfast was mindblowing, a super wide variety of fruit and fruit juices, continental breakfast, hot dishes, whatever you could possibly imagine, all available and in splendid quality.
The wifi did not work very well in our room, the lighting in the room was rather poor, and it was difficult to get fresh air into the room without inviting large swarms of mosquitos.
Furthermore, once again, I really don't like carpet-covered floors...
The balcony was nice and the view of the lake was great.
The buffet breakfast has a lot of options and was tasty.
The dinner buffet was quite overpriced ($30/adult) but you can order a la carte meals from the menu for a reasonable price.
It was nice to have direct access to the lake and a bit of sand to enjoy.
I was traveling with 2 young kids and enjoyed having a playground on the property.
The location is good and you can walk to some nearby restaurants.
The room was a bit outdated and didn't seem to match the price.
There didn't seem to be a place to refill reusable water bottles so we had to buy and waste a lot of plastic bottles throughout the weekend.
The boat trip through the hotel was quite overpriced ($150/hour) so we had to leave the property for a more reasonably priced ride on the lake.
Great friendly service everywhere from reception to restaurant and bar, lovely location.
Bathroom is a little outdated and the hardware is starting to fail (shower tap
Friendly staff and very helpful and cateous.
Need to improve English communication for waiters, this was a barrier at times.
Drinks were very expensive.
Food not that bad.
The location is great, the equipment, swimming pool and the breakfast are amazing.
The room is comfortable, especially the bed.
The person welcoming me when I checked in was a bit cold and rushing.
The room could have been bigger for the price and would need a refreshment/ more African vibes decoration like in the other Serena hotel.
It would be great if the staff could inform us better about the different activities in the region
I was upgraded from a 1 bedroomed to a two bed apartment, without a charge, The appartment was clean the staff freindly no complaints, additional requirements were dealt with immediatly and without fuss.
Management were accomadating and helpful.
If doing buisness it is a good location to the airport
The kitchens could be better equiped, however on request I was given what I requested.
Sometimes a little noisy at night, but this is from heavy traffic on the road
The price, cleanliness, staff's kindness and availability
The restaurant does not offer what one would expect at least for the breakfast.
Choice of food is very limited and there was no bread nor toasts
Spacious rooms, comfoortable beds and washing machine for laundry, Staff very helpful and friendly.
All my requests were addressed in time and with great professionalism
The choices for breakfast were very limited, no offer for simple toasts, jam, no bread, etc.
Kitchen is extremely noisy otherwise food was ok.
Location is a bit far from city center, unfortunately you often get stuck in traffic jams to reach other places.
The breakfast was not fantastic
Quality of food
The neatness is superb and the restaurant is excellent too.
Climbing the staircase could be tiring
Great value for money.
Cleanliness is commendable.
Local staff are pleasant, supportive, always happy to help and very professional.
They have a supermarket on the property which was great but almost every single item was Chinese and all written in Chinese.
I couldn't read product ingredients or warnings.
For someone who has allergies, it was hard for me to buy anything except global brands like soft drinks and it felt grossly unwelcoming.
Room size
Spacious and clean rooms with excellent facilities.If you're looking for an Airbnb setup with hotel services, this is the best choice.
And it's considerably cheap.
The restaurant serves only Chinese meals
The owners need to diversify the meals.
It was mostly tailored to meet Chinese people which is wrong seeing people from other nationalities visit the property.
It was good but could have been better.
No AC's in the room we had to request a fan, the meals were mostly Chinese.
The property was beyond expectations.
I actually thought it would be just 1 building and was surprised to see the huge facility.
I loved the customer service.
The staff are very warm and always willing to help.
The check-in was smooth and price was exactly same as what is on Bookings.
Amazingly, their exchange rate was very good.
Even better than what we got in town.
Incase you want to change to the Rwanda Franc currency from Dollars, they can help.
The apartment are very clean and well equipped.
We didn't cook so I can't say much about the kitchen facilities but the fridge and microwave were very useful.
The breakfast was very good too and it's buffet.
However, it ends at 9:30am so it's advised to go early.
They were even nice enough to give one of my flat mates a take away pack when she couldn't finish her food.
Not all hotels allow this for buffet.
I totally enjoyed my short stay.
Thank you Phoenix
The hike to the apartment from the reception, pool or restaurant was not something we looked forward to but well, it's Rwanda, the land of a Thousand hills so everywhere is averagely hilly.
There should be a phone in at least one of the rooms in case one wants to call the reception or the restaurant.
Though they gave us the phone numbers to call but we will have to use our phone.
Not everyone buys the local sim so they should consider this option.
The food was great and views are out of this world.
The disparity between how the staff treats black and white clients while they are all paying the same prices.
This needs to be addressed because we are paying to enjoy our stays.
Game Lodge is our favourite place to stay in the park.
It is super kids friendly with the playroom, playground, and pool.
There's enough space to run around.
Food keeps improving each time, and service is super friendly and efficient.
Combined with the amazing views over the park's lake area, it is just great.
Mosquito nets would be great to avoid nightly bug hunting.
The room was amazing, decorated very well, kettle, fridge etc, even milk supplied on our arrival.
Great staff, stunning views
Personally for me I would rather have listened to the birds chirping instead of the music playing through the outdoor speakers.
the Location up hill
the payment method.
Via booking.com it gives a diffrent Information than what they Tell you in the end at the Check in.
The setting of evening dinners.
The devin lake View Simply exceptional.
Lovely holiday destination with family
Easy access to the Park, the beds were exceptionally comfortable.
The staffs were very welcoming, very attentive and dinner is always something to look forward to.
Nothing.
Inclusion of Imigongo art work in the decor, pool area looked amazing even though I didn't get to utilize it.
view of Lake Ihema from the lodge.
the view and the swimming pool
internet was not working, nor payment by credit card
The best location for an experience tour in Mantis Akagera Park!
I got my room upgraded thanks to Ms. Sofie and I really enjoyed my stay.
My kids were happy with the stay.
They love the pools.
The room was Ok.
The shower floods into the rest of the bathroom.
The tea kettle was broken and the pillows are too soft.
The buffet breakfast was outstanding, really good.
The personnel were kind and professional, a very good experiences.
The gym was good and with the necessary elements for a good routine.
Recommended to any visitor in Kigali.
The customer service is excellent.
Very clean.
Beds are very comfortable.
I loved everything.
From the reception of the staff at the desk to the ambience, the comfortable room, and the great room service, though, paid for.
The meal was also decently laid out and rich.
Clean and staff were very friendly.
I was given a surprise cake on my birthday.
The pool was not warm for the duration of our stay
My stay was short and i enjoyed it , would definitely come back.
Great staff amazing food.
All was as i expected.
Nothing to complain.
Breakfast and the room
Too much security
The People
This hotel felt like a resort
The modern design of the facility and its interior designs
The TV programs could be better.
There was no option to watch soccer at all.
Washing machine available in the room
Staff always serve the breakfast incorrect from the order
The location is top notch, the view from the apartment is good, the serenity of the apartment and the neighborhood is a good advantage and there are stores around to get basic needs,
comfortable
The cost of taxi from the hotel could be better.
Everything about the Rose Garden Apartment was excellent, the reception staff were very helpful, the location was very clean and quiet, rooms spacious, housekeeping very committed, breakfast sumptuous.
The facilities in the apartment are just as they are in the pictures on Booking.com.
Very modern apartment in great main road location.
We had a relaxing stay at the Rose Garden.
Spacious apartment and they served nice breakfast in our room.
Nice Indian restaurant within walking distance.
Safe place to walk around at night.
It was rather hot in the room at night.
No aircon or fan.
Apartment was big, clean and confortable, staff very good and responsive.
Swimming pool was not open and breakfast took a long time to be served the first day, most probably because of Xmas day.
Second day was on time.
The staff was very welcoming
The TV is in Chinise language and could not use the youtube in TV
it was at a good, easily accessible location.
they were very responsive and welcoming
the staff were very kind, helpful and accommodating.
An extremely impressive and well run hotel.
Excellent
Nothing
The breakfast was great.
Location superb.
The bed was very comfortable.
Nothing
EXCELLENT BREAKFAST.
STAFF.
ATMOSPHERE WAS VERY GOOD .
THERE SHOULD BE MORE NON SUGAR OPTIONS FOR CAKES AND PASTERIES.
NOTHING
Excellent location, great breakfast buffet.
so nice and the staffs are really nice, good and helpful 
their strict with their rules lol
The power shower was good.
There was bottled water in the room everyday.
The room was clean.
Breakfast wasn't great even though there was a variety.
The supposedly hot breakfast was cold.
The room was very small as well as the bathroom.
Location.
room was also big
felt a bit basic
Perfect business hotel
location and good food
Abit of profiling made us uncomfortable.
All good, the water in the shower may be took some time to get warm but it was warm eventually.
We stayed one night and for the price that we paid, it was acceptable.
At first, they tried to put us into a very cramped room with a view a wall although we had booked (and paid) a room with a lake view.
They said the other room hadn't been cleaned yet (we had arrived in the afternoon, after the check-in time) but then in the end they found another (suitable) room.
The room itself was spacious and clean (but could do with some minor repair work).
The sitting area in front of the room had a nice lake view.
The bathroom was clean.
Unfortunately, there was no hot water to shower (even though this was advertised when the gave us the room).
In the end, they gave us a bucket and an electric kettle.
The server at the restaurant was very attentive and nice and the food at the restaurant was quite good.
So overall, nothing to write home about, but a fine option for budget travellers.
FYI: When we arrived, there was a tour guide at the reception office who tried very hard to get us to go on a tour with him (which we weren't interested in) and only left, when we took his number.
I don't think he worked for the hotel, but was obviously tolerated by hotel management.
the view from our balcony and from the restaurant was superb.
The pancake with tropical fruit breakfast was absolutely delicious - it came out as soon as we arrived at the restaurant, and the staff were always super kind and generous.
We loved our stay!
Beautiful place, well located half an hour drive from the Akagere park, all facilities around and extremely friendly staff.
All the stuff are wonderful and make you feel like home :
Could be a bit more clean
the hosts were so warm and welcoming!
bookingdotcom_review_data !
we had a really nice stay at Akagera Neighbors.
the place is very nice, surrounded by a restaurant, a bar and a supermarket.
the room was confortable and the staff really friendly and helpful.
they even helped us get a bus to Kigali.
I 100% recommend.
nothing
The breakfast was always exceptional!
Very fresh fruit every day and ready at the time requested.
The staff is super friendly and always willing to go the extra mile to help guests feel at home.
The internet would go out every once in a while, but this was not the hotel's fault, the national grid is just not as consistent out in Kabarondo as it is in the more popular regions of Kigali.
We had a very pleasant stay at Akagera neigbors.
The welcome was very enthusiastic and the host did everything to make us feel at home.
The next day we could have breakfast at our desired time (at 5.30 am) and the breakfast was neatly prepared.
We really felt welcome and at home.
Also the packed lunches were prepared with care.
The whole team waved us goodbye at six.
Akagera Neigbors is a good alternative for spending the night in one of the Park locations.
The only thing to take into account is, that you have to pay twice the full price for the parc entrance insted of the discoiunt if you stay in the parc, but this has nothing to do with Akagera Neighbours.
Quiet location and very close to the main road.
Ample free parking location.
Very friendly staff.
Very good breakfast included.
Dinner is made fresh everyday with natural products from the region.
Meat (goat, chicken, rabbit) is also freshly slaughtered every morning on-site.
Advice is to order meals ahead as food preparation will take up to 90 minutes.
Comfortable beds and rooms have a small sitting area outside.
Internet is fast but they sometimes run out of data and you have to ask for a data recharge.
Several shops in vicinity where you can get food or drugstore items.
Very good on-site fast food place for brochettes and potatoes.
Water pressure is too low during the whole day, so it's really hard and uncomfortable to take a shower, especially if there are guests staying in the next room also wanting to take a shower.
From Kigali to Akagera national Park it is convenient to stop even for one night, in a quiet and welcoming place, immersed in a cultural and traditional Rwandan context, such as the Neighbor hotel in Kabarondo, a few tens of km from Akagera.
And it is also true that the owner Mr. John Bosco is a courteous man of pleasant company.
TO SAY THE TRUE HE HAS NOT KNOWED TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHY HE BRINGS THE NAME AND SURNAME OF A GREAT ITALIAN HISTORIC SAINT, anyway it's nice to feel the respect of your country.
Spartan accommodation, but clean and safe, with secure indoor parking.
The breakfast has nothing to envy to the 5 stars :)
The staff, especially Eva, a super girl, good cook, with sense of humor ;-)
What are the special things we (husband and me) can do during a 5 day stay at Kayonza?
What are the companies which organize shark feeding events for scuba divers?
Is it safe for female traveller to go alone to Kayonza?
What are the best places around Kayonza for safari?
What are the best places to stay for a family to stay away from nightlife?
What are the train services that travels from cape town to Oudtshoorn?
What are the best places to spend about 2 weeks relaxing honeymoon in Rwanda?
Can we use travellers cheques and credit cards in Kayonza?
Is it warm enough to swim in early September in Kayonza?
What are the best beaches for shelling in Nyanza?
I want to find a central location in Kayonza to stay with my family with ease access of food and necessities?
What are the differences between Shamwari and Kwandwe game reserves and what is the best?
From where can I find adventure activity camps in Rwanda?
How can I select an apartment with best views on Lawhill apartments?
Is it okay to use Four Points by Sheraton Kigali shuttle service from/to airport or should I pick a taxi?
Is there any direct flights from Ruhango to Butare falls?
Can anyone suggest me a route to go from Kayonza to Kigali?
Can anyone suggest me an itinerary from Ruhango for 2 weeks for self driving road trip?
What resort would you recommend in and around Kayonza for a couple with a 5 year old towards the end of October?
Can anyone recommend a place with lovely views to stay in Knysna for 2 nights in middle of January, 2017?
Is it possible to camping in Volcanoes National Park National Park for few nights, sleeping in our own tent?
Do we have to navigate to another terminal to get into domestic flights to Skukuza?
Are chip and signature credit cards accepted in Rwanda, or is a chip and pin required?
What are the cruise lines I can use to go from Kayonza to Muhanga
Can you suggest me must see places & budget required for trip Sightseeing activities as we are coming to SA for 7 day stay for anniversary celebrations.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of visiting La Digue on Sunday?
What are the best places to spend honeymoon in Rwanda?
Can anyone suggest a good itinerary for our 4 day stay at Rwanda?
Which Kwankoro Island hotels are cheap for lunch and dinner?
Would rain be a deal breaker at the end of November for tourists?
How can I get the details about ferry services to go between islands in Rwanda?
What are the cost effective car rental services around Gisenyi?
How much cash should I carry for the incidental expenses when travelling from Praslin to La Digue ?
What are some reputable tour companies that offer tours to Praslin and/or La Digue?
Can you please suggest the best Scuba diving spots in Rwanda?
How is the watersports availability during the month of December in Rwanda?
Are there any restaurants or bars near Kempinski, Gisenyi ?
would it be worth hiring a car to explore the Rwanda island?
As a Rwandan citizen do i have to take visa for visit Rwanda?
From where can I try best local food in Rwanda?
Is it worth to going on a glass bottom boat to 3 islands ?
Can you suggest a place to stay during our honeymoon on September where we can avoid from seaweeds?
What is the best currency to use in Rwanda USD, GBP or Euro?
Can anyone who has recently married in the Rwanda recommend a wedding planner or should I go via a travel agent?
How much will be the cost of taxi from Gisenyi international airport to Radisson Blu Hotel?
What kind of weather I can expect in mid of July in Rwanda?
Is it possible to visit Spice Gardens from ferry terminal using local bus?
Which hotels on Gisenyi have interconnecting rooms ?
From where can I rent bikes and sidecars for babies in La Digue?
Where is the Mosque in Ishovu Island located?
Can anyone advice me a good bridal makeup artist and hairdresser in Rwanda?
Where will be the best shop to buy food and drinks for our 7 day sailing trip?
Could anyone put me in contact with a person I could hire a beach tent or canopies table chairs for a birthday celebration with 50 pax?
Can anyone recommend a good place to stay for couples with great snorkelling on hand and beautiful private beaches?
Do you have to protect your feet while swimming in the seychelles from fish (I have seen pictures of stone fish there) and jellyfish?
Where should I stay to get the best view of pyramids?
How is the weather in Gisenyi on September?
Does a US citizen need visa to enter to Rwanda?
How can I find a riad in Ruhango to stay for a week in October?
Are there any lockers in train stations?
Or maybe in the center of towns?
Can you suggest a 8 day itinerary which covers most of the important places starting from Gisenyi?
From where can I rent a 4WD vehicle in Gisenyi?
What are the places we can visit around Tangier within 12 hours?
Do rooms tend to have safes in them or are there safes in reception in hotels in Gisenyi?
What are the good hotels to stay for a solo female traveller in Gisenyi?
How can I book trains with beds to travel in night from Gisenyi to Byumba?
Where I can find long term rental apartments in Rubengera?
Could anyone recommend any nice restaurants within walking distance of Riu Tikida Dunas?
Can anyone please advise of a really nice spa in Essaouira?
Where to buy some good wine in Essaouira?
How to get to Busogo from Rubengera?
From where can I find a good street map of Gisenyi?
Could you please advice some tour companies who might provide transport from and to our hotel or are we better off taking a taxi from airport?
What kind of places I can visit for bird watching near Gisenyi?
When does the fishing season begin in Bin El ouidane ?
Do I need a converter or just a power adapter from the Rwanda to use in Rwanda?
From Where can I hire a local guide in Byumba?
How can find good accommodation near Samburu National Reserve?
Does anyone know of a place to rent a good Canon telephoto lenses (ideally a 400MM) in Rwanda for safari?
Which tour operators provide basic tented accommodation inside the park with 4x4 jeep safari for the game drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve?
Is there a constant sandbank at the ocean in Diani beach?
Has anyone used Rwandan bus from Byumba to Kibungo?
Can anyone suggest about rent a car companies, prices in Cyangugu?
Which companies offer balloon rides around Maasai Mara National Reserve?
Where is the most popular place for nightlife in Byumba?
Can anyone suggest a central location to spend a relaxing holiday in Rwanda?
What are the best national parks in Rwanda that I can cover within 2 weeks?
Can someone suggest me a place to stay nearby the forello expo centre in Nyanza?
What are the commonly speaking languages in Rwanda?
How reliable are the Air Rwanda flights back to Rubengera?
Does anyone know how to buy from Rwanda Air online?
How much currency should I be looking to take during my 2 weeks stay at Rwanda?
What are the average costs per day I should take into account as an mid range traveller?
Can I cover snorkeling and whale watching within 4 days at Nosy Bohara?
Can someone suggest a good places to visit during our honeymoon at Rwanda?
Does anyone know if there are good surf spots around Ifaty?
Are there surfboard rental shop in the area?
Am I correct in believing that I will need to get a visa before I go for a stay of over 30 days but under 2 months?
What are the good restaurants near Saint Lucia Reserve Rwanda?
What is the most used currency at Rwanda?
What are the must see attractions in Northern region of Rwanda?
Can anyone recommend any good restaurants in Tana?
Can someone please let me know what is the cell phone reception and WIFI are like in Tsarabanjina lodge after the upgrade?
What would you suggest for a 3-4 day itinerary to explore culture, hiking, wildlife in Rwanda?
Can you please help me with current costs for food ?
What discount could we hope for approximately if we waited for purchase domestic air tickets at Rwanda?
How much it will cost to go from Tana airport to Ampijoroa?
Can anybody recommend camping sites (where you can bring your own tent) in Rwanda, on the beaches and in forests/parks?
Do I need to book in advance or can I just show up in the morning and there will be enough guides for everyone to visit National parks?
What are the things we can do for our short holiday stay in Rwanda island?
From where can I rent a car in Rwanda?
What is the best hotel for honeymoon from St Regis, Lux Belle Mare, Lux Grand Gaube, Sofitel and Westin hotels?
What are the best places for kitesurfing during December January season?
Can anyone suggest adults only resort which has lovely beaches in Rwanda?
What are the must do activities in Rwanda as a traveller?
Can you suggest a place to have eating out at the evening in Flic-en-Flac area?
From where can I buy tobacco and rolling papers in Rwanda?
Is it good to use Rupees over GBP in Rwanda?
Is it possible to visit rum distillery company during our stay at Rwanda?
How much money I should bring for a 10 days stay at Rwanda for 2 people?
From where can I buy native gifts from Flic-en-Flac area?
Can I find a place to rent GoPro cameras of the east side of the Rwanda island?
What are the best hotels around snorkeling and surfing areas in Rwanda?
How should i carry money to Rwanda so that i could save more on exchange rate?
Is Credit/Debit cards accepted without any extra charges or minimum charges?
Should i take Travel card or Multi currency card?
How much it will cost for helicopter trip around Rwanda?
Which is the Best island or beach in Rwanda for parasailing?
What is the cleanest white sand beach with awesome aerial view in Rwanda?
Which is the Best island or beach in Rwanda for underwater sea walk?
How much does a taxi cost from the airport to Lux Le Morne?
How can I find none overpriced family rooms in Rwanda?
What is meant by Shared bathroom in Guest house in Rwanda?
Does anyone have the e-mail address for the Ambre resort & spa Rwanda?
What are the budget resorts with friendly/helping staff, good food, and a peaceful private beach which are suitable for Honeymoon?
I would like to know the approximate price of a beer or gin and tonic in and outside the hotels in Rwanda.
What do the authorities accept as proof of funds for on arrival visa?
What are the best tourist excursions when it's raining?
What is the ideal time to visit Rwanda in the year as we are planning to get married in there and spend our honeymoon?
Can anyone let me know how much per person it is to go on the speed boat trip with McCloud?
Can anyone let me know how much it is to hire a Taxi for 4 people in Rwanda ?
Can I use debit card at the airport to buy currency as I don't fancy hauling lots of cash about on our travels?
What are the best places with reasonable prices for sky diving?
Can anyone tell me the nearest medical facilities near Sugar beach?
Are the Rwanda beaches safe from sea snakes?
Is it possible to buy wedding rings around Nyamata area?
Are mosquitos an issue in Rwanda?
Is month of April a good time for whale watching around Rwanda?
Which hotels allow men to wear shorts at dinner time in Rwanda?
Is it worth taking my own mask and snorkel or are they freely available to hire?
What is the waiting time at Akagera National Park airport for a visa?
From where can I buy local phone SIM card in Harare and what documents we need for that?
How much taxi fee will it cost to go from Botswanian border to Butare falls?
Does UK citizens need any special documents when getting visa from borders of Rwanda?
What are the important places I can visit in Butare area?
Can somebody please tell me the best bus service to get from Harare to Mutare ?
Akagera National Park or Volcanoes National Park for best walking safari experience in late May early June?
Which company do you recommend for short helicopter trip around Akagera National Park?
Any recommendation for the tour operator for a full day canoe trail/safari in Akagera National Park?
Can anyone tell me the amount of rand I should take if I'm staying at the lion sands lodge for 4 nights?
Are there many places like Cango Wildlife Ranch where you can stroke the Cheetah or get close to other animals like baby hippo, elephant?
Which is the best safari park nearer to Ruhango and can be seen as a day trip or max one night halt?
Does anyone know of places that sell GoPros in Ruhango?
What places can I visit to play a golf round in Kayonza?
Where can we get prepaid SIM cards with affordable rates in Ruhango?
Is it normal to see animals jumping on cars or lions trying to bite a bumper/fender off a car in Volcanoes National Park National Park?
Is it possible to do camping near Drakensberg mountain range?
Can anyone suggest me how many min days are sufficient to visit Volcanoes National Park national park along with safari from Durban?
Is it possible to use child car seats in rent a car services in Rwanda?
Has anyone done the 3200 mile tour with SAGA from Bugarama to Akagera National Park via S Africa, Rwanda and Rwanda?
Does any know of any good cheap hotels in Ruhango?
Do we have to prebook the airport lounge for our 3-4 hour stopover in Ruhango airport?
What is the average cost of a safari in Volcanoes National Park?
What are the places we can visit around Ruhango within 2 days?
Does Uber operates in Hermanus area?
What is the cheapest option for booking a Shark Dive in Kayonza?
Are the supermarkets open on sunday at Nyamata?
Do we need malaria pills before hand if we are going to Timbavati?
Do i need the international license for driving in Rwanda as a Saudi citizen?
Do we have to bring heavy warm clothes if we are visiting Rwanda in September?
Do I need to bring Towels or are they supplied in the Bungalows in Volcanoes National Park National Park?
Any ideas on reliable and cheap Laundromat or other washing washing service near Kayonza?
Will a European plug adapter work in Rwanda?
What can we do in and around Durban?
Can I have suggestions for lunch stop between Kayonza and Vredendal?
What are the most relaxing beaches with budget campsites for adults in Kwazulu-Natal?
Is JSL Transport a good option to travel from Nyamata to Tambo?
Is Hermanus area safe for female solo traveller?
Can you please give recommendations on the best dive spots in aliwal shoals?
Has anyone used Pembury tours for travelling in Kayonza and Volcanoes National Park?
Does anyone has experience with 4seasons rent a car company?
How is the driving experience in Golden Gate Highlands in Winter?
Is there any gym near the Coastland Musgrave Ridge hotel in Durban that allows guests to pay for a one-week pass?
Can we easily exchange travellers cheques in Rwandan banks easily?
What would be a safe place to stay that is near the Kibuye?
What are the good places to stay in Betty's Bay?
Is Addo Elephant National Park worthy to visit?
What is the best option to viewing animals June or September?
Can you suggest a budget private reserve in Volcanoes National Park area for a couple?
What are the current exchange rates for the English pound today in Rwanda?
How to spend 8.5 hrs transit in OR Gikongoro airport?
Where does one obtain liability coverage for car insurance and what is the average cost on this?
Does anyone know of any hotel for family with services like self catering, house keeping etc in Durban?
Any recommendations regarding currency exchange bureaus in Bugarama that remain open until 5-6 PM?
Is it correct that ATM machines are prevalent in Bugarama?
Looking for a bus traveling from JHB park station to Busogo this weekend with time slots?
Any places to recommend in cape town in the evening for ages 73 ,17 , 46 & 37 (73 more like 50 tho :-)) with good night out food, drinks?
What are the resorts close to one hour proximity in Ruhango with heated pools?
Can anyone advise on menus ,type of food, snacks available in Pumba Game Reserve?
Are there any hotels in Durban which offer room for day use only ideally near the airport?
How much it would cost for abseiling and what are the places around Hogsback?
Is there anywhere recommended to go around Hermanus for a drink with a lovely view to see the sunset?
what time are sunrise and sunset now approximately in Hermanus?
Is there any private accommodation that does private game reserves in the kruger or will i need to look outside sabi sands, pumba etc?
Is there a taxi stand near the exit of the Kayonza Gautrain station or how would I get a taxi from there?
Where to buy US Dollars in Bugarama?
How much money we should take for family with 2 kids for 1 week stay in Marsa Alam?
What is the best currency to use in Rwanda as an European traveller?
Any shops around Coraya beach resort that sell cigarettes ?
What are the closest pyramids to Akagera National Park?
How much time required to see Camp Kigali Memorial properly?
Could anybody tell where the best place to stay for 4pax if we wanted to see the pyramids in Giza?
Which is the nearest resort to stay at and what is the best way to get to the pyramids in Giza?
Can anyone advise on adults only hotel in Rwanda?
Does anyone know the up to date prices for entry into the pyramids?
Could anyone please advise me on local tours to Gikongoro and Giza from Kibuye?
How long should that take and what is the best and cheapest way to get there from Gikongoro airport to Camp Kigali Memorial?
Anyone have an experience at the Pyramids Park Intercontinental Hotel in Gikongoro?
What is Al-Kulans pyramid and is it worth seeing?
What is the distance from Al-Kulans to cairo?
Is it ok to use a home video camera to film outside the pyramids?
What are the special things we can do in Nabq Bay?
Is it ok for me as a guy to wear Bermudas and sandals for the whole of my egypt tour ?
Rwamagana or Gikongoro What has best attractions?
Is there a museums/attractions pass for Rwanda?
Should I buy attraction tickets in advance or in Rwanda?
Does anyone know whether or not tourist attractions in Gikongoro close on celebrated Muslim Holy Days?
How much time do you think we need to set aside to do the Nile river cruise ?
Will the shops, markets & tourist attractions such as pyramids be open during the Eid festivities?
Does anyone know of any reputable tours my family & I can access for touring around Rwamagana in a day in early May ?
Are there any tour guide or tour company at a reasonable price recommended for visit Gikongoro,Rwamagana, Aswan and Abu Simbel?
Can anyone suggest a 2 day itinerary for Gikongoro?
How much it will cost for 5 day cruise on Nile River?
What are the best cruise tour companies in Rwanda?
What are the place I should contact for quad biking on deserts in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?
How much it will cost for a camel or horse sunset safari with dinner in egypt?
Do the bus tickets have to be prebooked or can they be bought on the day during Rwanda city tours?
How is the internet in Ruhango/Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?
What are the good places to stay for a family with young children in Ruhango?
What are the good areas for snorkeling in Rwanda?
Are there any good markets to hang out in Giza or is Khan market in Gikongoro the best?
From where can I buy collection of stamps in Gikongoro?
Any free Wi-Fi at Gikongoro airport?
What's a good money exchange place in Gikongoro or Giza?
How to get to Abu Simbel from Aswan by public transport?
Should I convert USD at home for EGP or wait till for Gikongoro?
What are the best companies offering snorkeling in Diani beach?
Hom much is the entry fee for Maasai Mara National Reserve?
Can anyone recommend a good budget safari on the Maasai Mara for budget backpackers?
Are there good weather conditions in July/August time that is good for safari ?
Does Uber provide services in Byumba?
Do we have to pay to take photos of Maasai tribes?
Is there a lot of Seaweed at Diani Beach in September/early October?
What are the average prices for food in not too expensive restaurant and cheap restaurant in Kayonza?
Can anyone help me here by telling me the limit when withdrawing cash from a Stanbic ATM?
Need some advice on which company's sim card to purchase ?
Are there any good restaurants accessible after arrival where one can eat a decent meal before proceeding towards the city?
Are pre-2006 USD notes accepted in Rwanda?
How much should we tip our driver for our 4 day stay at Rwanda?
Is there a left luggage storage in the Jomo Rwandatta Airport?
Does anyone have any reviews of Twiga Nyagatare about safari in Rwanda?
Does anyone know what times the buses from Byumba leave for Kayonza and Cyangugu?
Can someone tell me which area is better for diving, Rwamagana of Cyangugu at mid of June?
How safe is it to visit Masai mara on these days?
How much time do I need to get from Byumba to Hells Gate with average traffic?
Can someone suggest a place to stay for a lady for two days while on a business trip in Byumba?
Should we go for a jeep or a van during the month of December in Rwanda?
Does anyone know if I will need to have a yellow fever vaccination and certificate in Rwanda?
Which town on the coast of Rwanda do you suggest me in the way that I can have sea holiday days with a safari also?
Could anyone please advise me about the best mobile network data card for my Ipad during my visit to Cyamudongo Forest, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli and Volcanoes National Park?
Can anyone please tell me what vaccines you need to get if you're travelling from Rwanda to Rwanda?
Any suggestions for nice place to eat at Nyeri?
Is it again possible to get VISA at the airport of Rwanda?
From where can I rent bikes for city tours in Byumba?
Can anyone give us an idea of the approximate cost of a taxi from the airport to Mvuli House Hotel, about 15 minutes drive, in the evening about 9.00pm?
What is the best from Gamewatcher Safaris, Friendly Planet and Bonfire Adventures agencies?
Can anyone help me out with where to get fire and theft or comprehensive insurance for a 4x4 doing an overland trip through southern Africa?
Is there any catholic church near Taita Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge in Cyamudongo Forest?
From where can I buy cocoa powder and herbal teas in Byumba?
How should we tip for drivers and spotters during a safari in Rwanda?
Do Rwandan citizens require a Rwandan visa to enter kenya?
Should we use a tour operator or can we save a lot of money by just booking a lodge and driver?
Can anyone confirm the max length of stay in Rwanda using a transit visa issued on arrival in the airport?
Does anyone have any advice on how to get to Arusha from Byumba?
Can you suggest a 3 day itinerary starting from Gikongoro?
What are the hotels with lifts which have good view of the pyramids?
When on the All Inclusive package in Sunrise Royal, is there an extra charge for the A La Carte restaurants?
Does anyone know of nearby eating places of the Aida Hotel El alamein?
Is guest laundry services available on the Royal Lily Nile cruise ship?
Is there a place to store luggage in Ramses Station?
Does anyone know for sure which beach resorts in Ruhango where they serve Shisha right on the beach?
What is the price of drinks at an all-inclusive resort in Ruhango if you pay for them rather than going all inclusive?
What will the special food in Ruhango during Christmas season?
What will the weather be like in Ruhango during Christmas season?
Does Rwanda airport allow travellers to bring E-cigarettes?
How to cross from Taba to Nyamata without going through Cyangugu?
From where can I hire a motorcycle in Dahab?
What are the hot trips in HURGHADA at the moment and prices?
Is breakfast served to passengers travelling to Rwamagana on overnight sleeping train from Gikongoro?
Any info please on good places to eat near to Mamlouk palace, Ruhango?
What are the excursion operators recommendations in Marsa Alam?
Is there a ferry over to Rwanda from Rwanda?
Are there biting insects in Gikongoro/Rwamagana/Aswan that would necessitate me bringing repellent?
From where can I buy a portable wifi unit in Ruhango?
Could someone please tell me how the soft drinks at Jaz el dar Madina hotel are served please?
Canned or glasses from pumps?
Where's the best place to change sterling to Rwandaian pounds in Gikongoro?
Does anyone have the e mail address for room reservations for the Sunrise Holiday Resort, Ruhango?
Are there any travel insurance companies which offer insurances for Asian travellers in Gikongoro?
Are cocktails included in the AI package at Sunrise Royal, Rubengera?
What are the shops at Ruhango airport duty free?
Which time in the year hotels in Ruhango are mostly occupied?
Has anyone found craft beer around Gikongoro?
What is the best mid range hotel for food in Ruhango?
Can anyone tell me if there is a safe in the room and also how much it is at the Jungle Aqua Park, Ruhango
Is it safe to visit mount sinai?
Is there any recommended nanny agency in Rwanda?
Can anyone tell me if tipping with Euro coins is OK in Rwanda?
Does anyone know a good local photographer in Rwanda that do lifestyle and natural photos?
Do they celebrate Halloween with the kids at Ephelia?
Can we get a water taxi or private boat from Beau Vallon to visit some more beautiful beaches?
What side of the islands in Rwanda should I be staying on ?
Does anyone know prices for helicopter excursions with ZilAir?
Is it less expensive to book excursions from home via the internet or once on Gisenyi?
What are the beachfront self-catering holiday cottages in seychelles which suits for small family of three?
What is the best currency to use in the local shops ie sterling or use the local currency in Rwanda?
Can you suggest a quiet location in Rwanda for relaxing stay for a couple ?
Any shopping area to go beside victory market which are not very expensive?
Does anyone know the email address of Le Repaire?
Does Avani Barbarons Resort has any shops, restaurants in its suburbs or is it isolated?
Is it easy and quick to get a taxi at Gisenyi airport?
How much to get from airport to Anse Aux Pins by a taxi?
How much from airport to Anse a la Mouche by a taxi?
Is Rwanda a good place to spend the holiday with children?
Does anyone know whether there is a baggage storage in Gisenyi airport?
Does anyone know the status of the drinking water in Hilton in Rwanda?
What are the best places to have vegan food in seychelles?
What is the best transportation method to travel around Rwanda?
Diving in La Digue Or Praslin is better?
How long does it take to the ferry from Praslin to Gisenyi?
Is there a free shuttle from the port of the ferry to SEZ?
How much it can cost to eat a meal in restaurant or to drink coffee in Rwanda?
Where can I rent a car in Muhanga and what will be the price?
What are the reviews of Park Grand Lancaster Gate?
Would I be better off traveling by car/van from Bugarama to Coromandel?
When travelling to Nelson to Fox Glacier by bus, where can I stop for a night and explore around?
What are the best places to visit during our 3 week honeymoon trip in South Island?
Which is the best overnight cruise Fiordland Discovery or Nyagatare Sound Mariner?
What are the Bars and Pubs suggestion in Bugarama City?
How can I hire a one way car to travel from Nyamata to Rwamagana?
How much it will cost to fly from Muhanga to Nyanza?
What's the fastest way to the International terminal from the domestic terminal in Bugarama airport?
Are there direct shuttles to go from Bugarama airport to Mercure hotel?
What are the wheelchair accessible restaurants around Mayoral drive?
Is possible to get to Motukiekie Beach without a car?
Starting from Kibungo, what are the places we can visit on Southern Coastal route?
If you can only stop at one glacier which would you choose from Fox and Kibuye Glaciers?
Is it possible to cover Karisoke Research Centre and Karisoke Research Centre in North Island within a day?
Can anyone suggest an itinerary of 10 days to cover Nyagatare sound, Fiordland national, Kibungo, Byumba, Lake Tekapo, Muhanga Hanmer springs?
Can anyone provide some suggestions for places to stop between Kibungo and Nyagatare Sound?
What are the food that are not allowed to be brought into Rwanda through airport?
Can anyone recommend any day trips from Kibungo?
From where can I hire campervans in Bugarama?
Are there peacocks in Muhanga zoo?
Has anyone used Amazing Rwanda to create a tour of Rwanda?
What are the best tour guide companies in Northern island?
How can I find apartments for short stay of one week in Muhanga and Kibungo?
How is the weather in Kibungo during December?
Which month is the best to visit Northern island?
What is the etiquette in tipping at Rwanda hotels?
What is the best luxury hotel in Bugarama CBD?
Is there Uber in Kibungo?
Can you give recommendation about a good cab company in Kibungo?
Are there any good car rental companies close the ferry in Picton?
Can I hire a tent for camping and how much it would cost me one night in camp?
If you had to pick to stay in the Bay of Island or the Bay of Plenty for 4 nights which would you pick?
What are the must see places in Bugarama?
Can anyone recommendations for a good car hire company to use in Rotorua, dropping off in Muhanga?
Can anyone give suggestions for hikes around Te Anau?
Can anyone please suggest some must eat vegetarian things including deserts in Rwanda?
Which are the best chocolates available in supermarkets?
How does one figure out where public toilets are along any given route in Northern Island?
Where should I go for skydiving in Kibungo?
What are the must visit greenery places in Southern Island as a nature lover?
How can I find the places offering buffet lunch in Rotorua?
What are the special events on Christmas season at Muhanga?
Anyone have a good idea of where would be best to take my partner for a Birthday meal in Kibuye?
Which car rental company is good for solo backpacker type traveller to find cheap car?
What will be the temperature during October in Queesntown area?
From where can I buy Manuka Honey products in Rwanda?
What is the best Bus Service to got from Kibungo to Kibuye?
Which beaches in Bugarama are safe for kids?
What is the best option for 3 of us to travel from Byumba to Mount cook?
Can anyone please recommend a local Caterer or Private Chef who could cook dinner for +18 ppl in late January 2017?
Which attractions do I need to book in advance if I am going to visit Rotorua?
What is the fastest way from Kibungo to Muhanga self drive, train or bus?
How long does it take to drive from Kaikoura to Mt.Cook?
How much spending money will I need for a self drive road trip per day?
Is there a liquor outlet in Seddon?
Is there a compressed air outlet to fill SCUBA tanks in Seddon?
What can I cover within 2 days at Byumba?
What are the best national parks to visit in South Island?
What are the companies in Bugarama we can hire a motor home for 2 weeks?
Which places are good for a little kid to play with snow near Kibungo?
What are the companies which offer heli hike near Kibuye?
Is there any threat from sand flies in Haast?
Does anyone know of any places in Muhanga where you can get a medical done at a more reasonable cost?
What are the best wineries in Nyanza?
Is it safe to leave our campervan in the Abel Tasman car park in Marahau?
Is there somewhere in Marahau to rent equipments like camp stove and cookware?
Could you advise what are the names of famous sports supermarket in NZ?
Which is the best from Glowworms and Ruakuri caves ?
How much is one litre of diesel price at Kibuye?
Which is the best place to celebrate New Year's Eve in NZ?
Does anyone have a recommendation for a 12-14 day cruise which we can get aboard at Bugarama ?
Is there any tour card which we can use for public transport in Bugarama?
Which restaurants in Nyamata have private room for dining for 15-20 group?
Any suggestions for a bite to eat close to where you get off from the Ferry at Devonport?
Could somebody please recommend a suitable place for Trout fishing within one hour driving distance from Lake Hawea or Byumba ?
Can you recommend motels near Bugarama airport with free shuttles to the airport?
Are there any tour guides which offer discounts for attractions in both North and South islands?
Which is the best local TV/Radio stations for weather in Rwanda?
Can anyone give recommendations for some good food within walking distance of Queen St, Bugarama which is best for solo female traveller?
What type of snacks are the not too expensive go-to choice in NZ?
What is the best mobile carrier with good coverage all around NZ?
Is the entire month of January really busy or just the week prior to or following Rwandan New Year is busy at Rwanda?
How far in advance do we need to book our excursions in South island?
Suggest us an itinerary for 5 days that maximize seeing wildlife of all sorts between Muhanga and Bugarama?
In Bugarama, from where can I buy good pair of hiking shoes for a reasonable price?
Where would be the best place to stay in Bugarama to get to the ferry in the morning which leave to Colville?
What is the actual drive time from Kibungo to Oamaru in mid November?
Has anyone had any experience with childcare on the Kibungo mountains?
Is bus the best option to travel from wellington airport to the willis wellington hotel in the city for budget traveller?
Is sleeping in the car at night on residential streets in Muhanga okay?
Do you have any good websites who offer special deals for activities in Rwanda?
How much it will cost to park the car in main cities in Rwanda ?
Is self driving safe at midnight to go from Bugarama to Matamata?
Where the best seats are in the Opera House, Muhanga?
Is there a cheap hair salon in Taupo I can get a hair wash/blow dry ?
How long can I legally leave my car parked on the street in Muhanga?
Where is the closest Market to buy food near Queen Street, Bugarama?
What type of cafe & restaurants in the Queen street neighborhood?
Anyone know of any craft beer events on in Muhanga in March next year?
What are cheap parking options near Darling harbour?
Is Kibungo safe enough for solo female senior citizen?
What are the hotels with package tours in Kibungo?
Will there be outdoor festivals or christmas markets in Kibungo in November?
Is there free transit zones in Nyagatare?
What are the good hotels on Bruny Island for our 1st wedding anniversary?
What are the laneways in Nyamata that have quality street art?
What are restaurant options in Hobart?
In Rottnest which way of travelling suits better for a family with a 8 year old boy?
What's the weather condition in Rwamagana
Where to buy a buy a 3G SIM in Queensland?
Would it be cheaper for me to buy 1000 cigarettes and then pay the duty in Kibungo or buy 1000 cigarettes from Kibungo?
Can you recommend the quality of Personalised Kwankoro Islandn Nyagatare by Philip and Theresa Rowley?
would it be pleasant to stay without AC in Hobart during summer time?
Will bringing panadol with my luggage will cause issues in clearing by custom?
What are the places for WEDDING and BRIDAL shopping in Nyamata?
Is there any special policy for parking Motorhomes in Adelaide?
Anyone know of a good money changer in the Kibungo that handles Tongan currency?
Could anyone recommend a good camping spot on Muhanga island for a family with 3 children under age 6?
What are the differences in driving rules and road signs in australia
Could you recommend me a good clinic to visit for a leg injury in melbourn
Which place is the best to watch New Year's Eve fireworks, Luna Park or Opera House Bar?
where to go for first time for surfing in July 2017 in queensland?
can someone guide me on the best photographic spots and the best time to visit Ruhango?
What to do in Christmas Day in Ruhango?
Other than mosquitoes, are there any really scary, and/or dangerous insects?
any suggestions to any good wineries?
Can you recommend a decent stylist for pixie cut and bleach/tone between xmas and nye in Kayonza?
What is the traffic situation in Nyagatare?
What is is the typical maximum AUDs that Rwandan banks will allow per withdrawal?
Which petrol stations in WA (Nyagatare - MR - Nyanza) offer the lowest price ?
What is the best Spa in Queensland
What is the best supermarket price wise and quality wise in Nyagatare?
Can a person work in Rwanda without working visa?
What would you recommend a single female traveller to do when trying to get to the hostel at midnight?
would like to know is it truly possible to see the milky way from Lady Darley Lookout, Blue mountain, Kibungo?
I'm looking to get a visa for travel from the US to Rwanda and what is the best price to pay and who is a reputable provider?
Typically are the BBQ Grills electric or gas at rental accommodations that have them?
how do we get to Nyamata in the cheapest Way
Is it cheaper to buy the tickets online than at the gate for theme park?
Are we required by law to rent a child car seat for travelling in Kigali?
We wonder what will the sea temperature be in Port Douglas Queensland
Which hotel in Ruhango has kid friendly pools
Is it better to get a local sim for internet access in Ruhango?
Any idea if there is any restaurant serve frozen bellini cocktail?
Does anyone know an insurance company who would cover pre existing medical condition for 68 year old person?
Does tour operator for great barrier reef pick up and drop tourists from Lilybank?
What is the price of clothing in perth
Will there be a custom tax for some family heirlooms bought at Rwanda?
Traveling from Rwanda to Rwanda for 3 weeks and need to know if I will need a voltage converter along with an electrical adapter?
Which one of pram or Stroller suits better for a 10 month old child in fiji island?
would there be any confusion discrimination in relation to our family choices in staying at a hotel as we are a gay couple with a child?
is there anywhere to hang hand washing around or should I bring one of those travel lines to hang washed clothes?
suggest us a nice beach front resort away from the mainland preferably
I have a Bangladeshi Passport do I need a visa to visit Rwanda?
does anyone know if the exchange rate for AUD to FJ is better at the Ruhango Airport or am I better to wait till I arrive at Nyanza ?
Has anyone visited an orphanage in Rwanda?
Any suggestions on which nightclubs suits for a couple in fiji
are there any lasting effects or signs of the cyclone Winston at Nyanza?
How much is a taxi from the Warwick to the port in Denarau?
Are you able to snorkel right off of the shower or do you have to go on the guided boat trips?
Wanting resort type stay somewhere everything is provided as far as amusements for children and adults in fiji?
Is the website bookmefiji.com which offers heavily discounted day trips legit?
has anyone us it?
Are there restaurants/cafes, bakeries or a mini supermarket within walking distance of InterContinental Rwanda Golf Resort & Spa?
Will the 2-3 hour bus trip from Nyanza to Wananavu suits an old women of 73?
Is Maui Palms too quiet/small for younger people like us or would we be better off at a bigger resort style place for the last few days of the honeymoon?
Are there any restaurants outside of the resort within reasonable walking or taxi distance that are recommended?
is there any time of year when there are more sales for flights?
Is it ok to travel by boat to savusavu for 3 days or should we take 4*4
What is the rainy season for Sigatoka?
Can anyone give me an idea of the cost of food and drink at the Aquarius?
I am trying to find out how much it costs to get the boat to either plantation island or Mana island and what times do they travel?
Has anyone planned a simple wedding by themselves for Rwanda that would point me in the right direction?
How can you get a power wheelchair to Taveuni?
Is there ample money changing facilities in sigatoka?
And is there plenty of atms?
Is staying in a private island in Rwanda safe for a 19 weeks pregnant lady?
I'd like recommendations for adults only resorts in Rwanda ?
can i pack a 3ltr cask of wine that i have bought at supermarket in my luggage when i am leaving nz to fiji
Will there be bed bugs in 400s bure resorts in fiji
Anyone had a massage for damaged tissue on South Sea Island?
Is the Rwandaan language still alive and well in Rwanda?
Did the taxis in Nyanza arrive on time and drive safely?
Suggest me a good place in Rwanda to get reef shoes for both adults and kids?
Has anyone travelled to Rwanda from Rwanda and taken advantage of their $5/day international roaming?
What is the quality of water in remote villages in Nyanza?
why is Rwanda Departure tax so high?
Any advice for Rwanda snorkeling to help keep me safe from stonefish and other dangers?
What's the best way to get to Cloud 9 from Mana Island?
Also does anyone know how much it cost from Mana?
Does anyone have any experience on seaplane transfer from Octopus to Nyanza further information regarding this?
Where can I find a coconut crab meal in Taveuni?
what hazardous creatures are there and also poisonous plants that would cause trouble if I brushed up against leaves or flowers etc, in Yasawa Island?
Does anyone know of a butcher in or around the Nyanza area who supplies Halal meat?
what's the going rate for a pack of cigarettes in Rwanda?
How much can my suitcase weigh when flying on a propeller plane from Nyanza to Savusavu without being charged any extra fees?
can you hire flippers and beach towels on Treasure, or should we be taking our own?
Are there any suitable hiking tracks I can take on my own nearby in Denarau?
just want to know if there is any concerns there around the zika virus in Denarau?
I'd love to hear more about any positive or negative experiences anyone knows of with respect to Rwandans in Rwanda?
Does anyone know where I would be able to get a map/ directions from etc in Muhanga?
Are there any schools close Naisoso island that would need stationery and school items?
Has anyone had any experience of the nannies in malolo?
can i get bed rails in resorts?
Is gluten free readily available in supermarkets or restaurants in fiji?
Can anyone recommend a luxury resort in Denarau that has the wow factor I can surprise my fiance with?
I was wondering if there is still a gym or a fitness center in treasure island?
Is there anywhere people are aware of in Denarau that you can purchase GoPro accessories?
Does anyone have a tide chart around Mana island in early August?
How to obtain the lost departure card from I got on arriving in Rwanda?
Would anyone be able to confirm if the Single Status declaration is still required?
Are there any waterfalls that don't take hours to get to that you can swim in?
Does anyone know of a recorded tour guide that plays through the radio using a GPS in Rwanda?
Can you advise if there are places to buy basic supplies in Arthur's Pass?
Is there anything I can do around Muhanga between 5am-10am in the morning?
Which are the top two most romantic, memorable restaurants for dinner in Waiheke island?
Are US credit cards including AMEX accepted in most places in Rwanda?
Would appreciate any recommendation of farm stay ideally between Taupo /Rotorua and Bugarama?
What is the best way to have phone and data access when visiting NZ?
Where is the best place for money exchange in Bugarama CBD area?
Can anyone please advise of an approximate taxi fare from Kibungo to Arrowtown?
Just wondering if anyone has had any dealings with this company - Backpacker Sleepervans?
I am looking for a company that can plan a self-drive itinerary for my husband and I to stay at B & B's or farm stays with a few added activities
If you have one or two sea kayaking recommendations on South Island, what would they be?
Can anyone suggest a scenic travel route from Oamaru to Mt cook?
Anyone have idea about car rental companies in Kibungo which offer mobile wifi with the car?
What is the best bargain hotel in Bugarama CBD?
Which area in Bugarama is the safest to stay for 2 nights?
Is it difficult to find halal food in Rwanda?
Is Bay Plaza Hotel In Muhanga is suitable for a family?
What are the restaurants and bars near Bay Plaza Hotel, Muhanga?
Pros and cons of booking a Rwanda tour with a US based Travel agent versus a Rwanda one?
Any suggestions for Christmas dinner in Bugarama?
What is the best way to get to our hotel on Willis Street from Muhanga train station?
What is the best way to get to the Ferry Terminal from Willis street, Muhanga?
Can anyone suggest a 1 week travel itinerary in South Island for bunch of backpackers?
Which provide the best car rental services Blue Sky or Apex?
Could anyone please recommend Jucy Car Rental company in Muhanga as a good company?
Is there snow on the Kibungo mountains during November?
What are the good places to stay for a couple in Abel Tasman?
Is it warm enough to swim in the beach in Kaiteriteri during September or October?
What can we do within one day at Kibungo?
Has anyone used Pacific Horizon (campervan company) recently?
Any recommendations looking for some good day hikes to explore in Te Anau and Kibungo?
Could please tell me the total driving time from Kaikoura to Punakaiki?
What is the closest hotel to the shops and restaurants on the Viaduct for two senior citizens?
Does anyone know of a campervan company that allows after-hours returns in Bugarama?
Which is a more romantic choice for a quiet dinner for 2, Sugar club or Orbit restaurants?
Where to watch the sunset in South-Eastern Suburbs of Nyamata?
If anyone knows a good place to go good music for 50 years olds in Gold Coast?
Which parks and places to explore from Rwamagana ?
Are 2 weeks enough to explore Nyamata, Kibungo and Adelaide using public transport?
Can anyone suggest a good road trip itinerary for one week period from Kibungo to Nyamata?
Are there any Authentic Rwandan Restaurants in Kibungo?
Which hotels are in 150-$200 USD/night range in Kibungo?
What are the local authentic food we must try at Rwanda?
Suggest me an itinerary for 3 days stay at Kibungo?
Could you recommend me a good clinic to visit in Nyamata?
What restaurants are good for romantic anniversary dinner at Nyamata?
From where can I buy gas canisters in Nyamata for camping?
Which shops offer the best desserts in Kibungo?
How am I best to pay for hotels In Rwanda?
What are the family friendly accommodation places at Hervey Bay?
What would be the cheaper option to get to Spencer st from Tullamarine airport, taxi or skybus?
Is anyone aware of a restaurant in Nyagatare that matches food to whiskey?
Is Badgingarra National Park worth the visit?
Can anyone recommend shops selling ladies hats in Kibungo?
Where is the best place to stop overnight when we are travelling from Nyamata to Noosa?
Can someone guide me on the best photographic spots in Kibungo and the best time to visit them?
Is the weather still hot enough to swim in July at Nyamata?
Any car hire recommendations around Nyamata?
Is it possible for us to drive from Nyagatare to Butare and back to Nyagatare in a day?
Which restaurants will do best dinner on Christmas eve in Adelaide?
Did any of you find giant spiders in your accommodations at Great Keppel?
Any suggestions on car rental agencies Rwanda beyond the main International ones such as Budget, Hertz, Europcar?
What's the easiest and cheapest way for us to get to Penguin Island from Elizabeth Quay?
In Rwanda, do they have Uber for hire boats?
Any personal experience on the chances of picking up an Uber ride at Nyamata domestic?
Any suggestions for things to see and do in Rwamagana itself?
What can we buy as souvenirs in Adelaide?
Any good wineries in Rutherglen?
Can anyone tell me about the babysitting service at Desert Gardens Hotel?
Does anyone know about famous lobster restaurant around Margaret River Region?
Which national park in Rwanda with more wildlife during November?
Does anyone have recommendations for good 'local' food in Nyagatare ?
Are there any lookout points that I should not miss at Kings Park?
How will be the weather in Kwankoro Island on next October?
What is the name of the bus service from the Hyperdome to Southport?
Was just wondering whether 1200 English pound was a good deal for 2 people to stay in a room in someone's property in Kibungo for a month over New Year / January
What is the best company to hire campervans in Rwanda?
Does anyone know if there is any rafting tour going to Whitehaven from Hamilton Island?
Taxi cost Nyamata Airport to Clyde?
Do the maxi taxis at the Gold Coast airport have child/booster seats?
Can anyone suggest me a good hairdresser in Kayonza Island?
Any interesting places to recommend for Kangaroo Valley?
Any sports stores around Kigali that sell Kigali teams merch?
How much is the typical maximum withdrawal from ATMs at Rwanda?
Can anyone recommend a restaurant in Nyamata that has a round / square table that would accommodate 13 people on a Friday night?
What are the differences between Coles and Woolworths Supermarkets in South Western Rwanda?
Are plastic bags provided on a complimentary basis in the supermarkets in WA ?
What is best to spend New Year's Eve, Cyamudongo Forest or Goat Island?
Does anyone know of a way to get any discounts or promo for Kibungo City Tour with Opera House Tour
Can anyone recommend a day tour of the swan valley with visits to wineries included?
Is it truly possible to see the milky way from Lady Darley Lookout or are there any other places that I can go to see the Milky way?
Typically are the BBQ Grills electric or gas at rental accommodations that have them?
What car companies offer drop-off services at the international terminal?
Just wondering if anyone can recommend a travel insurance company for domestic travel.
Does anyone have any ideas where should we visit at Night in the Eastern suburbs of Nyamata?
Which places in Butare offer good fish and seafood on New Year's Eve?
When apartments/lodges & cabins in tourist parks say that trolls and linens included, does that include wash clothes, sometimes called facial clothes?
Is it cheaper to buy the tickets for Seaworld and for Dreamworld online than at the gate?
What are the fancy 5 star hotels in Kibungo with club lounge?
can anyone recommend a reliable minibus / van rental company in Kibungo with reasonable rates?
Is there a wifi egg rental at the Kibungo airport?
Does anyone know of a car rental company at the Launceston airport that will give a full insurance coverage policy?
From which websites I can find details about public transport in Rwanda?
What can we do for 5 hour layover at Kibungo airport?
Is it possible to book a ticket on arrival to climb Kibungo Harbour Bridge?
Is it feasible to cover Blue Mountains tour with a toddler?
Does tour operator for great barrier reef pick up and drop tourists from Lilybank?
What are the special things we can see during a Seaplane tour at Airlie beach?
I would like to know if there are any fruit orchards around Nyagatare that allows fruit picking?
I need help picking a snorkeling tour operator in Rwamagana.
Any suggestions for a central hotel in Nyagatare which is in walking distance of restaurants?
What are some reasonably priced motels with a free shuttle to the Kibungo airport?
Does the Landsborough Pub have a courtesy bus?
Is it safe to do a Great Barrier Reef tour in Summer?
Is there anywhere to go to get a good view of the Kibungo harbour?
Is there a good sized grocery in Port Douglas ?
Need to know whether US traveller need a voltage converter along with an electrical adapter to use in Rwanda?
Which is the best option for buffet at Surfers Paradise Seafood Buffet at Citrique Marriott or Four Winds Crown?
Is the Woodland Store in Jabiru more like a Supermarket or more like a convenience store with just a few items?
What are the laundromats in Kibungo CBD which I can do self washing?
What exactly is there to do on the Green island?
I want to find great camping spots between cairns and Adelaide?
Is it a long drive between Port fairy to Nyamata for 1 day?
What documentation will I need when picking up a rental car?
How are the beaches in Kibungo during March?
Any suggestions for a great Farm stay suitable for a family ?
Are there any restaurants or Pubs in Black Cockatoo near the Wilsons Promontory National Park?
Is it possible to buy and be able to drink, any duty free alcohol that is brought from the bond shop while on holidays on the island?
Is there any shop offer baggage storage nearby The Rock, Kibungo?
Does anyone know of any alternative campervan hire companies that accommodate one way journeys from Nyagatare to Carnarvon?
Looking to get married in Kibungo in December, very simple just 2 of us and our son, where is best to find information ?
Is there anywhere we could get to from Adelaide that we could see some wild seals?
are there any recommendations for picking fruits at fruit farms near Joondalup around mid September?
Does anyone know if there are more race meetings held other than the Towong Cup in March each year?
Is there any restaurants similar to Graze in Nyagatare?
Are there any clubs in Kigali that you would consider safe to go out by yourself to dance?
Which areas we should consider when hiring apartments in Nyamata for 2 weeks?
Are there any casual dinner options in the Harbor Rocks area without breaking the bank?
What's the best way to get around Kibungo?
Where would be the ideal place to go for whale tour if in early December?
What is the best location to stay in King Island with easy access to shops, pubs and fishing?
Is January too hot for a 5 or 6 day visit in Flingers Range?
What are the companies which offer hot air balloon rides in Gold Coast?
Does anyone have suggestions for the best / most cost effective way to get a local cellphone for about two weeks when we visit Rwanda?
Is Edith falls hike a doable hike with kids at September around noon?
Is there more than one camel tour in Uluru?
Which zoo in Kibungo is the best, especially for hand feeding kangaroo and cuddle a koala bear?
Which train station in Kibungo are able to top up opal card by cash ?
Does anybody know what the price is for a weekend ticket for Motogp at Phillip Island when you buy it at the circuit?
Is there any Shark Cage Diving places in Port Douglas?
What time do most restaurants close in Hobart?
Is it safe from jelly fishes and other poisonous creatures to swim at the Hamilton Island Beach in Oct?
Does anyone know the opening hours and prices of the Avalon hostel?
Any good recommendation for places to stay in Kibungo for family of 8, consist of 2 adult , 3 kids & a grandmother?
Where I can find details of visa requirements for Rwanda?
What vaccinations are needed for Rwanda if any?
What is the best tour guide companies that facilitate climbing Mt.
Kilimanjaro, you've seen?
Is it necessary to have yellow fever vaccination for a visit to Rwanda?
Has anyone had any recent experience with fast jet or precision air in Rwanda?
Is the Menai marine park or the nature at Fumba a better?
Which area would be best for the safari part of the holiday (safari for one week) if going to Rwamagana afterwards?
Is there any Verizon affiliated service available for emails and international calls?
Is this a good time to visit the rock island at the high tide?
Is there anyone out there who wants to try and form a group to get better prices to climb Kilimanjaro?
Is staying overnight at Mikumi worth it?
Is it safe to keep the money in hotel while going out for sightseeing or safari in Rwamagana?
Or is it recommended to keep it with me all times.
Can anyone suggest which beach to go apart from spending some time in stone town?
I would like to know what are the possible ways of arranging a hike Mount Meru in February?
Paje or Nungwi, which is safe good for swimming?
Would really appreciate some guidance on tipping in Rwamagana specially on the right amount for waiters ,bar staff ,room service etc
Could somebody give me an indication of the street taxi prices in Rwamagana?
Is banning the plastic bags in Rwamagana still going on?
Is there are day boat trips leaving from Nkombo Island in the morning and that spend a day going around pemba, returning to Nkombo Island in the evening?
Has anyone had success with shipping to the US (or other countries) from Rwamagana large or small items?
Are there any places people trust to make a good gin and tonic with ice in Rwamagana?
How long will it take to go to Rwamagana from Gikongoro airport via ferry?
Can anyone confirm whether need to carry a certificate for oral polio vaccine in Rwanda?
Is Rwamagana safe for a single girl who is planning to explore stone town and scuba dive?
How to file a complaint to get refund+damages for a service provided by a travel agency that mislead us regarding visa information and status and caused us major financial losses?
How is the road now from nairobi to arusha... is there still road work going on?
Will the recent VAT increase in Rwanda will affect our holiday in November?
Are there any medication restrictions for Rwanda?
Anyone have info / experience with all natural wristband that repels mosquito called 'Parakito'?
I have a universal adapter but it doesn't list Africa or any of its countries.
Will it still work, and if so - how?
How many of you experienced safari goers of Rwanda have become ill, and do you know what kept you healthy or made you sick?
Is there any park rule not to get down from the safari jeep for taking some pictures with the herbivorous animals in Arusha National park?
What's the best time of year to visit Pongwe?
What are the weather conditions like in October?
Should I go to Nkombo Island or Ruhango first?
Can I have assistance regarding any photographers in Rwamagana?
Should we be canceling trip to Nkombo Island because of Cholera outbreak?
Does anyone know whether the fishing is good off the shore at kendwa /nungwi or matemwe?
Just wondering if there are coffee shops that opens early Sunday Mornings at Central Kibungo?
I want to mail/ship a parcel to our guide in Arusha Rwanda from my home in Kansas Rwanda.
Any suggestions on the best way?
Can anyone recommend a way to rent a 4x4 car to explore Mikumi and Selous park?
Do you recommend helicopter scenic flight to Mount Kilimanjaro after 9 am?
Does anyone have any suggestions for areas or companies that facilitate fishing in Dar Es Salaam?
Does anyone have a phone number for the police in Arusha?
Do you have suggestions as to some temporary medical insurance coverage, for say a one month period?
Can you suggest your favorite food stands for Rwamagana pizza, urojo, kachori, mishkaki, and mkate mayai?
what are the requirements on the allowable measurements and type of bag for a plane from the Central Serengeti back to Arusha?
can i see the endless flocks of flamingos at that time at MANYARA in tanzania?
How can I check if a company has a valid license from Rwanda board of tourism?
Are you able to have a wedding planner who can arrange a wedding in Rwanda?
Is hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti really worthy?
What is the difference between cheap and not cheap Kilimanjaro hike?
Any tips of what to wear/what not to wear for ladies in Rwamagana to be respectful to local culture?
How should I buy a sim card for my Android phone when I get to Harare?
Do i need to carry a converter for a camera battery charger that lists its Input as 100-240V?
Would 2 days be long enough to see both sides of the falls and visit devils pool?
Is there are private drivers for shuttle to get from Akagera National Park or Livingstone to go to Windhoek?
Can someone suggest on good primers on history of Southern Africa and geology/history of Akagera National Park?
Can anyone suggest a bike rental shop in Harare?
How many dollars should I bring if I am going to Akagera National Park for 3 days ?
HAs anyone joint as a volunteer in GoEco lion conservation volunteer camp in August by Akagera National Park?
What is the native language in Chinotimba township?
How late is the border of Rwanda and Rwanda open at night?
Approximately what time of the day does the sun rise and set in Akagera National Park in early-to-mid September?
Could anyone recommend any accommodation near Kibungo which has free wifi, free parking and washing machines?
Are there places to get breakfast in Bugarama airport?
Any hints on hot springs on the South Island?
Just wondered if there were any day excursions we could do from Muhanga ?
are there any parking lots Bugarama city area that have cheaper overnight prices?
Looking for a short (around 4 hrs) fishing charter near Muhanga or Nyamata.
Any recommendations on a good place to stay that is preferably within walking distance to a good part of the Muhanga city for eating and exploring?
Do you think it will be easy to find places to stay under 60NZD per night in february?
Do jet boat companies in Kibungo offer any kind of babysitting service in order for parents to enjoy these activities?
Anyone try with any tour provide by the Limousine South that base in Kibungo?
How can I find a good tour guide from Coromandel area?
Can you tell me any nice hotels in Muhanga with room service and restaurant that is close to places of interest within walking distance?
From where can I rent a convertible car in Bugarama?
Can anyone advise where I can buy dried black fungus (unbleached ones) in Muhanga ?
Does Uber provide self drive cars in Rwanda?
What special activities can be done at Picton?
Which restaurants in Muhanga are good to enjoy dinner and view of NYE Fireworks?
What are the adventure touring companies in Kibungo?
Can anyone advise me about backpacker hostels in NZ please?
Do older people use the hostels in NZ?
How much does an average meal cost in Rwanda?
Are there any difference in fuel costs in different parts of Rwanda?
Are there any zorbing spots in Rwanda?
From which banks I can get easily exchange my travellers cheque?
What are the museums in Rwanda I should go for find about the country's history?
Which airline in Rwanda has the best rates for domestic flights?
Can anyone recommend me a good touring company in Rwanda?
Is it feasible to make a day trip from Gikongoro to Kibuye and back same day?
If booking a flight from Bugarama to Durban for Mid October should I book now or would the fares be a lot higher closer the time as in when I'm in Bugarama?
What are the supermarkets nearby Intercontinental Moorea?
Anyone know of a makeup and hair artist who is either based in Tahaa or willing to travel there to do it?
Can someone guide me to websites that have the best, most reasonable prices to stay in Gombo Island?
Does anyone know the best car rental place on Moorea?
Which Jet ski company in Gombo Island do you recommend?
What are the excursions in Gombo Island?
Can anyone advice on day packages at hotels in or around Papeete?
Can you store your luggage securely for up to 4 days in Papeete airport?
What is the best restaurant or resort to go for romantic dinner in Gombo Island?
What is the age limit for drinking in Gombo Island?
What are the money exchanging options at Papeete airport?
What is the best hotel to stay in Bugarama during New Year's Eve?
Has anyone had any luck finding hotels in Moorea under $200 USD per night?
What are the ferry companies in Moorea?
How deep is the water around the over water bungalows, specifically at the Intercontinental, Gombo Island?
Can anyone tell me if the spa at the Hilton Moorea is massages only or if there is an area with jacuzzi's and any other relaxing things like that that is for the spa customers only?
Please advise how to find a small plane rental service in Rwanda.
Does anyone know where I can find Christmas tree souvenir in Rwanda?
Does anyone know if Tiare Market is open on Sundays?
From where can I rent a scooter in Moorea?
How much cash do you need per day per person in Gombo Island?
From where can I buy real pearl jewellery in Moorea?
What should I expect to pay for a SIM card in Rwanda and what will the phone rates be?
I'm wondering if it would be safe to take our American Express or stick with Visa/MasterCard during our stay at Rwanda?
Which are the best beaches to snorkeling in FP?
What are your thoughts for best islands in FP to do water sports?
What are the mid range hotels around Fakarava?
Are there any markets, stores or restaurants within walking distance of the Hilton Moorea?
Does anyone know if it's possible to hire a minibus in Rwanda?
What are the best taxi service in Rwanda ?
Any sushi restaurants in Nyamata?
Does Gombo Island have any regulations on fishing ?
Has anyone stayed at the Gombo Island Yacht Club?
What are the family friendly resorts in Rwanda?
What are the adult only resorts in Port Vila?
which cruise liners in Rwanda are the best for value and pricing?
Is there any places nearby Warwick that do laundry?
Can anyone please tell me where abouts the thermal pools are on Efate?
From where can I rent a scooter in Efate?
Does the golf club at the Warwick Le Lagon have golf buggies?
Where to buy traditional Ukuleles in Port Vila?
If anybody knows any shared fishing charters available in Port Vila?
How to get from Tanna to Santo?
I was wondering if there was any one who does traditional or normal tattooing in Rwanda.
Do kids pay the same amount on the local buses in Rwanda as adults?
Does anyone know which sanctuary is the best on Efate to see turtles?
How much would you expect to pay for a taxi to Nasama Resort from Bauerfield airport?
From where can I rent quad bikes in Port Vila?
How much time it takes to travel on Tanna island by scooter?
What are the best places in Rwanda to stay for a family?
Is it possible to get a private yacht charter for a day out around Efate?
Can someone tell me where can i make reservation to shared bus transfer from Ruhengeri airport to Kibuye?
How much it will cost to go from Ruhengeri airport to Kibuye by bus?
Is there any desert safari in Ruhengeri?
Which places are good for snorkeling around Walindi Resort, Kayonza?
can australians get visa at port moresby airport?
Do local shops in Rwanda accept USD?
Can I buy antimalarial meds on Cyangugu?
Can you recommend a reliable tour operator for daytrip around Cyangugu?
Can anyone give me a guideline how much to tip a guide, driver, security escort for a day tour in Rwanda?
Are Rwandan made quality mosquito coils easily available in towns and cities of Rwanda?
Do hotels in Rwanda usually have mosquito repellant plugs in the room or even better mosquito nets?
Where can I buy the best whole coffee beans in Mount Hagen?
Is there any good bird watching in/around Alotau?
Is there a way to get to Busogo or somewhere in the Sepik region from Rabaul by boat?
Which hotel or lodge is closer to the Vanimo/Jayapura border?
Is ATM with plus system readily available in Cyangugu?
Is there a safe and secure place to leave some of the luggage in the Cyangugu airport?
Is there any place in Cyangugu to see people in their cultural costumes?
Which domestic airline in Rwanda is most reliable?
Which tour operators in Rwanda have good service?
What is the best diving location in Rwanda during December?
Can anyone please advise the area in port moresby where there is restaurants ?
Is there any free wifi in the Rabaul wharf area ?
Are there buses or transport options to get from Rabaul to Rubengera independently?
Can you get a visa for Rwanda in Alotau?
What are the car rental companies in Cyangugu?
Do most accommodations in Rabaul offer a laundry services?
What is the best restaurant in Cyangugu for western dinner?
Can anyone recommend a good sports bar or a pub in Cyangugu that would be showing sports - live, with sound, on a large screen?
Is anybody aware of a company that we can rent a 4x4 off road vehicle in Kigali?
Is it better to purchase Kina in Rwanda before departing or to withdraw local money from an ATM machine in Cyangugu?
Can anyone please recommend me a good restaurant in Cyangugu area that offer quality vegetarian food?
Would anyone know the prices in internet cafes in Goroka?
How can I buy the VIP tickets for Goroka Show?
Can anyone advise me of a tour group or local who can organise a trip to Gona Bara Bara to see the Manta Ray cleaning station?
Can anyone suggest a tour company that offer guided tours on Kokoda trek?
What are the places we must visit in Busogo area?
What food can I take into Rwanda?
Do the currency exchange and banks accept travelers checks for Tala currency?
What supermarkets in Nyagatare open during Sunday?
What are the taxi services available in Pago Pago?
Are there domestic flight services between Savaii and Pago Pago?
Where to stay in Upolu for a solo female traveller?
What are the ideal locations in Rwanda for a family to stay for few weeks?
How much is the taxi cost from Savaii airport to ferry?
What are the tour companies in Nyagatare?
If you stay at a resort in Rwanda do you have to pay them for use of their beaches?
Can we take rented car from one island to another in Rwanda?
Is there a provider in Rwanda you would recommend and can I purchase calls and Data together?
How can I find ferry timetables to travel between Upolu and Savaii?
Is some able to tell me the name on the bus that will be able to take me from the Wharf in Savaii to the Savaii Lagoon Resort?
How much can I expect to pay for a taxi from the airport to the Wharf, Rwanda?
What are the must sees for a short visit in Rwanda?
where is the best Rwandan food on the island of Upolu?
Do you know the best fales or cheap accomodation for young backpackers ?
What's the best way to travel there in Rwanda for backpacker ?
What are the hotels in upolu near restaurants and bars?
if anyone knows the price of a nanny in Nyagatare or can point me in the right direction to find a good agency?
Does anyone know the cost of purchasing a SIM card for 2-5 gigs and if I can purchase from Nyagatare Airport?
Does anyone know the best contact email for Savaii lagoon resort?
What are the restaurants near airport of Rwanda?
From where can i buy surfing boards in upolu?
Which hotels in Upolu have infinity pools?
Are there any tour operators in Rwanda which offer fishing trips?
How much money would an average meal cost in Rwanda?
Which places are good to stay during our honeymoon in Rwanda?
How much is the cost from airport to Nyagatare?
does anyone know if there any small supermarkets near sinalei reef resort samoa?
Where is it best to exchange Rwandan money to Rwanda tala.
in Rwanda or in samoa?
does anyone have any recommendations for places to eat in Nyagatare?
Is it possible to bring bottled tonic/soda water into Rwanda?
Can anyone recommend cheap but family friendly places to stay during our trip to Rwanda?
Anyone know of excellent and reliable caterers in Rwanda?
Can someone, please, let me know what price to expect for taxi from Faleolo International Airport to Airport Lodge (6km)?
Which church would you recommend around Nyagatare to go for Sunday service?
Are banks open on Saturdays and Sundays in Nyagatare?
what place in Nyagatare do you recommend for FiaFia night?
Does anyone know what the Duty free allowance is for alcohol in Rwanda?
Is there a local sim card I can pick up with cheap data packages for internet usage in Rwanda?
Is there much gluten free food available throughout Rwanda in restaurants and shops?
wondering if there are any dj's for hire on the island?
Is there a possibility of getting Ciguatera Fish Poisoning from the fish served in Rwanda?
How far is Nyagatare from the Sinalei Resort, & the airport?
Is there any restaurants within walking distance from the Sinalei?
Anyone know of any rental car company in Savai'i that offers car restraints for toddlers?
any methodist churches in Nyagatare you recommend?
What are the going rates for babysitting in Upolu?
What are the going rates for massages in Upolu?
Does anyone know if there any churches near Cayo Coco Guillermo?
Just wondering if jack Daniels is available at Iberostar playa pilar?
Can anyone tell me where you book the alacarte and also what number villas have the best views?
Does anyone know if private Cadillac tours are available from Iberostar Playa Pilar?
Just checking that one can purchase their Rum, etc at Iberostar playa pilar?
Wondering if the water will likely be warm enough to snorkel off of Rwandasca Beach, Rwanda during 2nd half of February?
From where can I rent a minivan in Ruhango?
How much roughly I would be asked for by a taxi driver for getting from the Ruhango Airport, to the Viazul coaches station?
Which places are suitable for diving in Rwanda?
Does anyone know if Cayo Coco airport sell tobacco?
Does anyone know if Cayo Coco airport sell 1 ounce rum bottles at the airport?
Any beach parties to go to while in Cyangugu during end of October?
What are the 4 star hotels in Cayo Coco?
From where can I hire a classic car in Ruhango?
Has anyone been to Rwanda in 2016 and what about taking US Dollars or Euros?.
Where does Club Kigali in Ruhango located?
Does anyone have a list of local attractions or excursions in Cayo Santa Maria?
Any recommendations for bars or gigs in Ruhango on for New Year's Eve?
How much is the Cayo Coco Airport VIP Lounge entrance fee?
Will we be able to use credit cards at all, or must we really bring sufficient cash for the whole trip?
Is there any shopping in Cayo Coco for clothes and gifts etc?
Will I see flamingos in Cayo coco?
Can anyone recommend a private tour guide in Ruhango?
What are the tour companies in Rwanda that offer tours to cover whole country?
Any recommendations for a driver to take 4 of us from Ruhango to Gikongoro?
Can I take a DSLR camera with me in my trip in Rwanda?
Does anyone know what the dress code is for ala carte restaurants in Cyangugu?
What are the best party resorts in Cyangugu area?
Where should we visit to see native culture in Rwanda?
What are the safest beaches in Rwanda?
What privileges will tourist get by using a tourist card in Rwanda?
What are the must see excursions in Guardalavaca?
From where can I hire a scooter in Guardalavaca?
Are there any places to do water sports in Guardalavaca?
Has anyone used yourowncuba.com to book a photography tour in Rwanda?
Is there wifi in the hotels in Ruhango?
was wondering if you could get to saturno cave from varadero by bus or if you had to go by taxi?
Can someone recommend a resort in Ruhango that is good close to the beach and close to town?
Does anyone have any contacts for a private taxi/ tour guide in Cayo Coco?
Are you required to wear ID bracelets at the resorts in Rwanda?
Is there any market to buy souvenirs in Playa Santa Lucia area?
What are the restaurants in Playa Santa Lucia that offer good lobsters in ala carte?
Can we exchange currency at Star Fish Hotel, cayo santa maria ?
From where can I book domestic flight tickets in Rwanda?
Are there safes in rooms of Club Amigo?
Can anyone suggest a nice place to stay in Guardalavaca or nearby?
Can anyone suggest a nice restaurant in Holguin?
Just wondering how much for a family of six if we hire a vintage car in Ruhango for two hours at least?
What are the places I can visit between Ruhango and Guardalavaca?
Who are the most reliable tour operators in Ruhango?
Can anyone suggest all inclusive places to stay in Cyangugu?
What 4 star hotels are the best bet at getting a 3rd bed for 3 adults sharing a room?
Could anyone recommend a hotel in Ruhango that has some life outside like shops and cafes ect within walking distance?
Could anyone recommend a hotel in Ruhango that has some life outside like shops and cafes within walking distance?
Are there supermarkets in Gikongoro, Rwanda to buy items for self catering?
Can anybody recommend a reliable travel company for Rwanda?
Where is the best place to scuba dive in Rwanda?
Is there anywhere in Rwanda where you can go hiking?
What mobile companies in Rwanda have best service and least surprises at billing time for tourists?
Can I use Mobal International phone in Rwanda?
Can you please recommend some nice adult only hotels in Rwanda?
Im wondering if anyone can suggest an all inclusive resort in Rwanda where there is absolutely no nudity?
What night is the dinner under the stars at Jewel Runaway Bay, Rwanda?
Does anyone know if Vibes smoking lounge at Sangster airport has reopened yet?
Can anyone suggest me a good and reliable tour operator in Rwanda?
Any suggestions for good restaurants in Montego Bay and fun nightlife/bars for an evening?
What is a good all inclusive resort in Rwanda for a family of 4 with an 8 month old and a 2.5 year old?
Does anybody know the exact location of the new AMR Breathless Resort which is to be built in Montego Bay?
How much are you suppose to tip the butlers in Sandals, Ocho Nyamatas?
Does anyone have an email to contact of the Beaches Negril Resort directly or a contact number there please ?
Which currency to use in Montego Bay?
Can anyone recommend someone for a driver for about 3 to 4 days of running around?
Which area of the Rwanda island has the best sand/beach?
Can anyone tell me how much to expect for a cab from Mobay to Negril ?
Is there a hospital near to negril?
Could anyone suggest any photographers, videographers, make-up and hair artists in Negril for a wedding?
Can anyone tell me if there is decent snorkeling right off the beach at the Luxury Bahia Principe Rwanda?
Is public smoking accepted in Rwanda?
Can anyone recommend a self catering guesthouse along the 7 mile beach in Negril?
Can anyone suggest a area to stay where we can experience Rwandan culture?
What malls would you recommend in and around Montego Bay?
What is the average price for a meal with a few drinks in Rwanda?
Is seven mile beach area good for snorkeling?
Looking for a 4,5 star resort in Montego Bay that has a nice beach?
Can anyone recommend a nice B&B in Runaway Bay?
What Negril All-Inclusive resort would you recommend to purchase a day or night pass at?
What is the avg.
Price for good quality T Shirts and Caps in Rwanda?
Wondering if there are cabanas available for rent at the jewel resort, Runaway Bay?
Does the holiday inn Rwanda serve frozen hummingbirds drinks?
Which beach in Butare is the prettiest and safest?
Can someone please suggest me family friendly all inclusive hotels in Sosua?
What are the chances of getting interconnecting rooms if going club preferred at the Dreams La Romana?
Bahia Principe Fantasia in Butare has heated pools?
From where can I find a good place to buy wine in Butare?
Are there any all inclusive hotel suites in Butare that offer 2 or 3 bedroom options?
Which places in Bavaro would offer a better snorkeling experience?
Does anyone have any suggestions for any famous yummy drinks that are non-alcoholic?
Does anyone know if seaweed still an issue in Punta cana?
From where can I hire a car in Santo Domingo?
Which parts of the Rwanda are must visits?
Which places in Butare are good for nightlife?
Which restaurants in Butare are suitable for vegetarian food?
How is the weather in Butare during November?
What is the best transport method to explore the country?
Which areas in Butare has BBQ parties in beaches at night?
Which places have kids friendly activities in Butare?
Which documents are needed to buy tourist card at Rwanda?
Does Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar has own buffet for each meal?
Which bus services are there to go from Santo Domingo to Nyanza?
Any resort recommendations in Rwanda with zero entry/gradual entry into the main pool?
Just wondering if the grand palladium resort punta Cana are strict on the male dress code?
we are looking for a place in dominican republic that has amazing beaches, decent Night Life & Dancing Clubs that involves dancing , good food, social and friendly people?
Which city in Rwanda is good for first time solo traveler?
Do they sell Fireball whiskey in the all inclusive resorts in Rwanda?
What is the best fishing excursion company in Bayahibe?
Can someone tell me what the cost is to rent a golf cart at Hard Rock resort, Bavaro?
Which restaurants in La Romana offer decent seafood?
Can someone provide name(s) of art shops in Las Terrenas?
Is there a sports bar at Hard Rock, Butare that has pool tables where teens can go?
What privileges we can get for VIP option at Butare airport?
Can anyone tell me if the Ocean Blue and Sand in Bavaro provide pool or beach towels?
Has anyone been asked to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination when coming from a yellow fever indicated country?
Would a motion-sickness prone person have a hard time due to the mountains during the ride from Santo Domingo Airport to Samana?
How much is the price of the boat from Samana to Sabana el Mar?
If I arrive at 3:30 pm into Santo Domingo is it possible to take a local bus to Las Terrenas?
Any recommendations on some small local spots in Butare to buy cigars ?
Can I fly my dog into or out of the Butare airport?
Do you guys have any suggestions on an all inclusive and kid friendly resort with water slides or activities in Butare?
Is it possible to walk between the two terminals in Butare airport without going out of security?
Are there lifeguards on punta cana and Bavaro beaches?
Does Bavaro public beach has any place to park?
Is it true that if you purchase Apples Insurance in Butare that there is no luggage fee?
Does anyone know if the Rwanda uses the same electrical plug in wiring as they do in US?
What's the best party boat or booze cruise to do while in punta Cana?
Does anyone know which resorts have the best snorkelling off their beach?
Been advised to take anti malaria tablets in dominican but are they really necessary?
How do I know whether I need to pay departure tax in Dominican airports?
Would like to know how far it is to Hard Rock casino from Breathless and the cost by cab?
Who would you recommend for Isla Saona trip?
Can anyone give me some suggestions on a resort in Butare that is lots of fun, has a great beach with crystal clear water and that caters to 18 to 20 year olds?
Could anyone give me their opinion on a resort in Butare with calm waters and beautiful white beach with a choice of buffets to eat?
Does anyone know where I can buy best coffee in Rwanda?
What is the normal rate in Rincon for surfing boards and boogie boards?
What are the adventurous activities can be done in Rwanda?
What are the must visit places in Rwanda?
Do they accept USD in local markets of Rwanda?
Which tour operators in Rwanda offer packages for solo travellers?
Which areas in Rwanda are famous for snorkeling?
Which areas in Rwanda are famous for scuba diving?
Which companies in Rwanda have sky diving activities?
Which area in Rwanda is good to spend Christmas holidays?
Are the excursions in Rwanda closed during Christmas season?
Which credit cards are widely accepted in Rwanda?
Which companies in Rwanda have good rates for car renting?
Which transport method is the best to explore Rwanda island?
Can anyone please suggest me some places to stay near beaches in Busogo area?
Which restaurants in Byumba is suitable to have romantic dinner?
How long does it take to go from Byumba to Culebra by ferry?
Does Byumba ferry car park charge for parking?
What is the best way to travel between islands in Rwanda?
Are there any domestic flight services in Rwanda?
Can anyone suggest me a villa on Isla De Vieques that has private pool?
Which restaurants and bars in Isla De Vieques you recommend?
Can anyone suggest me a cottage in Isla De Vieques for a family stay?
From where can I rent a 4x4 for reasonable price in Isla De Vieques?
Are there any all inclusive hotels in Rwanda?
Is Uber available in Busogo?
Any suggestions for the best area to stay in Busogo to enjoy the beaches but still be able to do the activities?
Which rainforest in Rwanda are must visits?
Are there parks in Isla De Vieques with soccer goals that locals play pickup games?
Can anyone recommend a good place to have a light lunch in Busogo?
Which places in Busogo offer best local authentic food?
How is the weather during October in Rwanda?
Are there any Nightclubs in Busogo?
Is there any type of nightlife in the Dorado city area?
Does anybody know if Tin Box, Isla De Vieques has cherry stone clams on their menu?
Is there a taxi stand at Isla De Vieques airport?
How long does it take to go from Vieques to Esperanza by a taxi?
What would be the proper amount to tip the driver for a day tour in Rwanda?
What can be covered within 6 hours layover in Busogo?
Any recommendations for moderately priced boutique hotel in Old Busogo?
Does anyone have experience with staying at the El Conquistador, Byumba ?
Looking for a suite in Busogo that would sleep 8 girls?
What are the best breakfast spots in Old Busogo?
Are there hotels with heated pools in Busogo?
Where can I find the cheapest flights from Busogo to Culebra and Vieques?
Looking for a pub crawl or something similar in Busogo?
Which places in Busogo have water sports facilities?
How much time enough to explore Rwanda main excursions?
Is it safe and reliable to travel by public transport in Rwanda?
Are there any bus services going from Busogo to El Yunque?
How much cost of taxis from Cruise port to get to airport in Busogo?
Do Puerto Rican taxi drivers accept credit cards?
Anyone has any idea about the price levels of luggage storage prices at Busogo airport?
Does anyone know of any cool speakeasies in Busogo?
Which city in Rwanda has a better nightlife and shopping?
Are there any areas we should avoid in Busogo?
What areas of Busogo have more of the adult entertainment places?
Any suggestions of long term (12 month) furnished rentals that are dog friendly on Byumba?
Is November or December good to see Bioluminescent Bay?
What are the catholic churches in Dorado?
Can anyone recommend me some places to eat on Condado Beach?
Where are some good inexpensive restaurants to eat out close to El Conquistador resort?
How is the internet connection in Rwanda please?
Any recommendations on places for visiting a coffee plantation in Cyangugu?
Are there any places to shopping for clothes sandal and souvenirs in Dorado?
Can I purchase my ferry tickets from fajardo to culebra in advance?
Is Island Adventures in Kigali still giving the pontoon bio bay tour?
Do they have hair dryers in the room in Condado Vanderbilt?
Is there a dress code for casinos in Busogo?
Do the trolley cars in Cyangugu run any more?
What are the local alcoholic drinks famous among Puerto Ricans?
Where is the best place in Busogo to purchase the cheapest Alcohol?
Does anybody know where we can safely store our luggages in Busogo till complete our ferry tour?
Could you please recommend an all-inclusive resort with activities to keep teenagers and younger (10 & 9) occupied?
Looking for a list of drinks to try at Secrets Maroma.
Can anyone please recommend reasonable hotels in Isla Mujeres?
Which areas in Rwanda are suitable for beach holiday?
Do we need a car or will walking and bicycles be enough to explore Bugarama?
Can men wear nice shorts and sandals to dinner at Azul Five in Kibuye?
Is downtown Mahahual north or south of the light house?
Which resort would you pick in Kibuye for good facilities?
Need recommendations for family photographer in Bugarama?
What are the coffee shops in Isla Mujeres?
Which 5 star adults only resorts in Riviera Maya have beach and pool chairs with comfortable cushions?
Which 5 star adults only resorts in Riviera Maya have juice bars available all day for fresh vegetable and fruit juices or smoothies?
Can I wear snorkel fins at Akumal bay?
Does anyone know if there's always an Ado bus going to Bugarama from the airport?
Does anyone know the max amount you can withdraw from the ATMs at Bugarama airport?
Do we have to pay exit tax when leaving from Rwanda?
Are there any hotels with suites in Akumal that can accommodate for 5 people?
Is there any place to play golf nearby Kibuye?
Any recommendations on places to stay in Escarcega?
Recommend me some good tour operators in Rwanda?
Which hotels in Kibuye have BBQ parties at night?
Recommendation on where to rent a car from in Kibuye?
What's the diving like in Puerto Penasco?
What is the best way to get from Nyamata on a Sunday afternoon to Rocky Point?
Is there a good shuttle company in Puerto Penasco anyone can recommend?
Are there lots of taxis available at Byumba Airport on a Sunday evening?
Does anyone know the general price of the bird island charters, parasailing in Puerto Penasco?
Is a taxi from Byumba to Cyangugu safe at that time of night?
How much is a typical taxi fare from Byumba to Cyangugu?
Is it possible to book a taxi in advance and have someone meet us at the airport?
Does anyone know if Sam's in Puerto Penasco sells beer and wine?
Which places in Nyagatare are good for snorkeling?
Is it safe for an European woman to walk around in center / beach Tampico alone during the day?
Do the Rwandan pharmacies sell genuine viagra, or cialis over the counter?
From where in Puerto Penasco we can buy car insurance for self driving car?
Is there a lot of pool parties, beach events, or live music around Puerto Penasco city?
Are there good clubs in Puerto Penasco that are fun and stay open late?
Any good places to listen to live music at Nuevo Progreso?
What are the must visit excursions in Sayulita?
Which hotels in Muhanga is suitable for solo traveller to meet new friends?
What are the must visit places in Rwanda city?
Is there any nearby hotel to stay for 10 hours layover in Rwanda city airport?
Can anyone recommend a good tour company to go from Rwanda city to Kibuye?
Looking for recommendations for kids friendly hotel in Nuevo Vallarta?
Are there any inexpensive massage stands along the beach of Bucerias?
Can someone give me info on the meal plan at Grand Mayan, Nuevo Vallarta?
Are there any bars on Ixtapa beach?
What are the bus service from Muhanga to Nyagatare?
what adventure activities can be done at Zihuatanejo?
Do cruise ships come to Zihua in June?
Does anyone know of any guides for bass fishing in Mazatlan?
Which areas in Rwanda have many excursions?
Which currency is accepted in local shops at Rwanda?
Does anyone know of a service that does grocery shopping on Great Exuma for you before you arrive?
What are the widely accepted credit cards on Rwanda?
I want to find a musician and band for my wedding at Rwanda?
Which islands in Rwanda are good for tourists?
Which car rental service is most reliable in Nassau?
What are the must do things at Nassau?
How is the nightlife at Nassau?
Can anyone recommend me inexpensive hotels in Nassau which have good surroundings?
Is there any hotel in Paradise Island that has suite for 5?
Does anyone know any info about Kokomo house in Eleuthera?
Do we have to take permission to use phantom for videography in Eleuthera ?
Do we need to make any plans in advance with a water taxi service to get to Stocking island on a Sunday from Great Exuma?
Anyone know of any places to surf fish on Paradise Island?
Is the Straw market the best place to find a memento / Christmas ornament of Nassau?
Is Cat Island safe from Dengue and Zika?
Which places are reliable to rent a car in Nyanza?
Which are the most reasonable places at Paradise Island to eat?
Is Flamingo air reliable in Rwanda?
Do you know whether there is Sightseeing flights are available in Great Exuma?
Is there any grocery store in South Bimini to buy items for selfcatering?
What kind food not allowed bring into Rwanda?
If anyone knows of a local shop that rents fishing and lobster equipment in Great Exuma?
Are there any places to rent a kayak in Great Exuma?
Do the rooms in Atlantis Beach Tower in Paradise Island have fridges?
Do Airlines to the Rwanda restrict what medications can go on the plane or into the country from the US?
Suggest me some quality 4 star resorts in Harbour Island?
How is the mobile 3G coverage in Rwanda?
Are there any fitness centers in Great Exuma that give temporary access to tourists?
Looking for a good all inclusive holiday resort that can accommodate large group?
Are the power outlets in Rwanda the same as the Rwanda or do I need to bring adapters?
What is the best time in the year to visit Great Exuma?
Can anyone tell me what the internet is like on Andros?
Can anyone recommend things to do at Freeport Rwanda?
Can we hire a private chef for reasonable price for our villa in Nassau?
Does anyone know if there are any vendors selling beach massages in Nassau?
Are golf fees included in the all inclusive price staying at Sandals, Great Exuma?
How will be the weather in early November in Rwanda?
How to book forbidden city online tickets?
Can you recommend any particularly fun things to do for children?
Can I know how to go to glass platform from beijing
What kind of street food is good in china?
Can I know a dim sum place or other restaurants that sell Lai Wong Bao (steamed egg custards buns
Is it okay for middle age women to wear shorts in the summer?
Beside Harbin, do you know any other place or city that is easily accessible and have snow in December?
any restrictions to staying at hotels when I am staying with my fiancee?
can I find a service like internet through mobile or router in to rent in Gisenyi airport?
Upon arrival at Gisenyi airport, is a US citizen required to show documentation of scheduled departure, e.g.
airline ticket, at a later date?
How is the Gisenyi weather in September?
Is water park open during summer in Gisenyi?
Recommendations to book desert safari in Gisenyi
Is there a tourist infoline that operates 24*7 in india?
How to book train tickets online in india?
Should the Nathu La pass be booked 30 days advance?
What is the rough fee of a private cab per day?
What is the ideal part of the Busogo to stay for a vacation?
What are the must see places around Busogo?
What time it takes to travel by a taxi to delhi cantt station from Indira Gandhi International airport?
where can I find out details/plans about upcoming renovations in Taj?
Is Taj closed on Fridays?
Where could I collect information about renovations of Taj Mahal?
What is the train I should take to Agra from Ruhengeri?
What is your recommendation on railway retiring rooms?
What is the check in time for railway retiring rooms?
Could you please suggest a place with snow in December in Ruhengeri?
I am planning trip to Andaman & Nicobar , Please suggest itinerary for 6 days
How much time from Amb Andaura to chintpurni will take by Cab?
How much time it will take from Chintpurni to Mcleodganj kangra valley by taxi?
what are good eating points in Mc leod?
What kind of transports are available from Dharamshala to Mcleodganj?
Can you suggest good itinerary covering Dalhousie/Mcleodganj ?
Where to find approved tour operators in Kibuye?
How to book Helicopter services for Kedarnath?
Is there a medical centre or hospital in Kochi where it has orthopaedics dept?
How to get registration to visit Kaas plateau?
Does registration necessary for Kaas plateau?
Is it safe to visit Mahabaleshwar in heavy rainfall?
I would like to know about the Exodus Central Rwanda trip experience?
I want to know about wedding blessings in Goa
Is there an ATM or currency exchange facility near Agonda?
What kind of weather in Rwanda at the end of August?
Is there an ATM or currency exchange facility in Kibuye?
Itinerary for 5 days trip to Andaman & Nicobar?
Recommend a four star hotel which has complimentary American Breakfast like bacon, ham and sausages for breakfast near the delhi airport?
Does IRCTC accept overseas travel cards?
Do I need any proof of vaccinations to enter Rwanda?
what kind of an itinerary would you recommend in Byumba and Bugarama?
Can you recommend a destination to reach from mumbai ?
Is it safe to go around in Ruhengeri by cab at night?
Can you recommend an itinerary for Golden Triangle and Varanasi?
Are there any hiking or trekking opportunities in Cyangugu or around jaipur?
What is the best month of the year to visit Rajasthan?
what is the dress code for both male and female, for visiting religious sites and temples?
What is the best and economical mode of transport for sightseeing in Cyangugu?
Where to do shopping in Cyangugu?
What are the best street foods in Rwanda?
Where to find best Keema Baati in Rwanda?
Is there something to be beware of in Cyangugu (scams/tourist hustle)?
Which of hotels in Cyangugu are actually palaces ?
Suggest famous and authentic vegetarians food restaurants at Cyangugu?
What is the best festival Sunburn or VH!
Supersonic in Rwanda?
Is the market the best place to buy nuts in Margao?
What is the luggage storage rate at Changi airport?
What are amazing islands near Rwanda that could be visited?
I need suggestions for good restaurants for dinner with a good view in Rwanda
I need suggestions for good restaurant or bar with live music in Rwanda
Is it prohibited to bring or have Swedish Snus(Smokeless tobacco product) in Rwanda?
Is it safe for a woman to travel alone in Rwanda?
Can you suggest good itinerary for a couple for 2 days in Rwanda?
How much taxi will charge me from Rwanda Airport to hotel in the morning?
Does MRT pass and Byumba card need to be purchased from singapore airport ?
What would be the public response to a gay marriage proposal at a public place in Rwanda?
Can you suggest some places that have good local specialty dishes in Rwanda?
Is it possible to do shopping at Mustafa center during an 11 hour layover time at Changi airport?
How to get to Kigali bridge from Marina?
Do i need visa to enter Rwanda during the transit time?
What are the attractions I should not miss in Sentosa?
Do I need a Letter of Invitation(V39A) for tourist visa for Rwanda?
Are there any deliverance shops/cafes in Rwanda?
Is it safe to stay in the terminal during a transit or delay of flight at Changi airport?
Can you suggest an itinerary in Rwanda for 3 to 4 days with a toddler?
Where to shop for men's rubber shoes (eg.
Adidas, Nike) and shirts that are on sale/ cheaper price in Rwanda?
Can you suggest places for a food itinerary in Rwanda?
what is the estimated travel time from Queen St bus terminal to JB Sentral by bus?
What are the cheap breakfast places near Marina Bay Sands?
When is the best time to visit Rwanda?
Are the following spots, walking distance from each other?Dinner at Nyanza,Helix Bridge,Gardens By the Bay, Marina Bay Sands promenade and Clark Quay
what is the best way to get from the singapore airport to my hotel?
How to get the Rwanda transport pass?
How long in advance one should book accommodation in Rwanda?
Can Rwanda Uber bring me through the border all the way to Rwanda?
Where should I go for shopping in Rwanda?
If I have a priority pass can I have food and/or drinks from any of the Rwanda airport lounges,before proceeding to hotel?
I need suggestions of hotels around 100 dollars for 3 days in Rwanda
Is legoland in Rwanda crowded on public holidays?
Will the malls be open on national day in Rwanda?
What happens on Rwanda's National Day holiday?
What are the must see sights in Rwanda?
Does Rwandaan need a visa to Gold Coast?
Can I purchase alcohol on arrival at the store or do I need to prepurchase online or buy before I leave to Rwanda?
Is there an option to rent a wheelchair inside the Bukit Batok Nature park in Rwanda?
Can you recommend a good salon for hair re-bonding in the Orchard Road area in Rwanda?
Can the Rwanda Zoo & Jurong bird park be done in 1 day?
Can you recommend hotels which have fans rather than air conditions in Rwanda?
Can Air Asia Airline be trusted on on time, baggage handling etc..?
Are there any nice Dinner cruises from Clarke Quay?
What is the best airline from Rwanda to Rwanda?
Does duty free allowance applicable to shuttle flights between SIN and KL?
Does the tram rides at the Night Safari can be reserved for a specific time or if the entrance time is set when booking online but you just have to queue for the tram ride?
Can the free Changi Dollar Voucher be used with booking of the transit hotel?
Where to buy Rwandaese Kit Kats in Rwanda?
What is the best beach area that could travel from Rwanda for a 3day weekend?
What are the best rooftop bars to visit for a drink and relax in Rwanda?
Can tourist vape in a designated smoking area in Rwanda airport?
Are E-cigarettes legal in singapore?
Do you book the luggage first and pass through Customs before going to the airport lounge in Rwanda?
Where do the airport lounges situated in Rwanda?
Inside or outside
How to check the visa validity?
Is it the date on stamp of DE card or written date on passport?
Any suggestions/dos/donts on traveling with infants in the public transport in Rwanda?
Is it possible to take along a baby pram in the public buses and most of the attractions in Rwanda?
Does the 1st class/ observation carriage worth the price in SL trains?
What's the best bank in Rwanda in terms of maximum withdrawal limit and least fees per withdrawal?
Are there full sleeper berths on both the trains from Nyagatare and Batticaloa to Colombo?
How to book the tickets for the Trinco train?
How is the weather in October in east coast of SL?
What is the approximate cost for a meal in SL?
What form of money should I use to buy meals in SL?
What is the approximate price per person for whale watching in Nyagatare?
How to book for Whale watching in Nyagatare?
How long does it take from Kibuye to Nyagatare by bus?
Where can I find a bus time table from Kibuye to trincomalee?
Should the 2nd class tickets be booked in advance for trains in SL?
How to book tickets in advance for trains in SL?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 2 weeks on budget in SL?
How to get good and reliable GPS connection across SL?
Does self driving recommended in SL?
What are the best beach areas to stay in SL?
What would be the normal price for a taxi from uppuveli to polonnaruwa?
I want to go shopping in Colombo, but do not want western sterile shops.
Where should I go?
How to contact Aitken, walkers, tangerine, Albans & red dot in SL?
What is the safety situation in Rwanda at the moment?
what is the cheapest way to do a safari trip in udawalawe national park?
can we do our own safari trip without booking through a tour guide agency in SL Udawalawe national park?
Where can we leave our luggages in Colombo?
Are the queues long for money exchange at the airport in SL?
Where to find good reliable car rental agencies in SL?
What are the must visit sights in Rwanda?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 8 days with a toddler in SL?
Is ETA valid for Rwandan nationals in SL?
what is timetable and how often we can catch buses from Dambulla to Kandy ?
Is there somewhere closer to the Yala park to stay?
Is it worth it to arrive super early for a safari in Yala Park?
Can you recommend a good and nice restaurant with a beach bar ?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 2 weeks in SL?
can you recommend a laundry service place in Colombo?
Can I apply for ETA visa on arrival at Airport in SL?
is there a special track for Expo Railor or does it go on the same track the government trains do in SL?
What are the beaches recommended for snorkeling in SL?
What will be the price for snorkeling in SL?
What is the time period Rapeseed flowers bloom in Kigali?
Can I get a tourist visa without presenting an insurance?
How early is it required to pre-book high speed G trains to Kayonza and Gisenyi?
Can you suggest an itinerary for a family visit to Butare in December?
Can you suggest an itinerary for a family visit to Rwanda in December?
Is Rwanda an early or a late city?
Can you suggest a good trek in Rwanda?
What happens on Rwanda's National Day holiday?
Do I have to pre book tickets for Muhanga Disney?
Is it safe in Rwanda to travel alone?
Which area is good in Rwanda to stay, so that we can have access to shopping and markets?
What is the best possible way to reach Marco Polo Gateway hotel on Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui from hongkong airport?
what is the travel card I should buy for the subway/taxis??
Where can I buy the travel card in Rwanda?
What is the weather in Rwanda in April?
What is the best season in Jiuzhaigou?
Is it very busy on Saturday and Sunday compared to weekdays in Jiuzhaigou?
Is it easy to use the hop on hop off bus in the park in Jiuzhaigou?
What would be the ferry fare to visit to Gulangyu island?
What could I cover in Rwanda during a 9 hour layover?
Can an Rwandan Passport holder enter Rwanda using visa on arrival?
What are the airlines that offer discounts for transit passengers to go to Cyamudongo Forest in Rwanda?
Will Cyamudongo Forest be crowded on Rwanda's national week?
Are mosquitos a problem in Gisenyi?
Can I change GBP (PS) for RMB at money exchanges in airport?
What is the limit of bringing money to Rwanda in USD?
And RMB?
what sort of internet website/searching blocking is done by the Rwandan Government?
Will my luggage be safe in Rwanda Airport?
If taking a public bus, does a 3 yrs old also have to pay same price as an adult?
will we have to pay an airport tax of MOP90 at macau airport?
What is the minimum bet at Butare casino?
is it easy to get a taxi from yangshuo to Guilin?
what would be the cost for a taxi from yangshuo to Guilin?
where to drink a beer in Kibungo?
where to find affordable traditional food in Rwanda?
Can I take canned sardine, canned tuna, bread, instant noodles, instant porridge, packed instant meat to Rwanda?
What to do with a 13 hour layover in Butare airport?
I need to buy a sim card for internet data.
Please recommend a data sim in Rwanda
Does a cruise passenger in port for 16 hours need a visa to go on a day tour in Muhanga?
What would be the cost for a adult for a tour in snow village in Rwanda?
Is it possible to view the Ice and Snow World in china illuminated with colourful lights around 25 Dec 2016 to 1 Jan 2017?
what happens during the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in Rwanda?
How is food and comfort in Rwanda Southern Airlines?
how much am i looking to pay for taxi from airport to harbour plaza north point hotel?
What is the best area for nightlife and bars in guangzhou?
What is the best area for shopping in guangzhou?
Where can I find Rwandan dresses in Kayonza?
Can you recommend a green juice place local to Panorama by Rhombus?
Will Rwanda be a great place for honeymoon?
is it acceptable to wear sleeveless tops in Rwanda?
Are the lockers at the cable car and city mall secure?
Where can I find storage rooms in china?
can you recommend local place to eat breakfast and dinner in Muhanga?
Is Chungking Mansions cheap?
Does pureVPN work in Rwanda?
Could you recommend me something that is worth a visit in Muhanga?
Which good restaurants provide authentic local food in Gisenyi?
What is the weather in Gisenyi in March?
Is there any silk factories that could visit in Rwanda?
Where will I find kpop or mandopop concerts in Gisenyi in December?
Can you recommend a traditional Rwanda style cafe?
Is there any place in Rwanda where I can play and spend some time with Pandas?
Is it okay to wear sneakers while traveling in Rwanda?
Can you pay by credit card for the cable car tickets in Rwanda?
Should I wear face masks for polluted cities?
Is there any iPhone app for offline street maps which cover Gisenyi out to Mutianyu?
Is it possible to go to mutianyu on our own and not using any private tours?
Is it possible to buy tickets for toboggan return once I'm in the wall?
Where do the ticket booths for the cable car for tower 14 and the toboggan located?
Where is it easier to climb the Great Wall?
is the electric cable available at the Great Wall at Mutianyu or The Great Wall at Badaling?
Is the heat uncomfortable in August at Great Walls?
Can you suggest a dining place where we can also get vegetarian food?
What's Rwanda's best neighborhood to wander and get lost in?
How is the weather in September in Rwanda?
Is there a lift at Yau Ma Tei station to the road level?
What can I do in Rwanda with my toddler?
When does the fireworks happen in Rwandan New Year?
Is it possible to get to the city central at the midnight from the airport in Rwanda?
Do I have to book HK Cup tickets in advance in Rwanda?
Can I get a taxi from Rubengera to Byumba?
What will be the cost for a taxi from Rubengera to Byumba?
Can I use Rwandan Currency throughout my trip in Rwanda?
What is the Journey time from Kakarbhitta to Rubengera?
what is the cost of a taxi from Bugarama to Byumba?
What are the bus times from Bugarama to Byumba?
Could you suggest an itinerary for 7 days in Rwanda?
Is it safe for a solo traveler to travel alone in Kamaladi?
What is the best place to watch Kukur Tihar?
Is there a place I could do paragliding in Rwanda?
Is the travel card a good option in Rwanda?
Can you recommend a place where I can buy wool for knitting in Rwanda?
Are there villages with landscapes for photos outside Rubengera ?
Is it possible to obtain Rwandan visa from Rwanda?
What will be the weather in September in Rwanda?
What is the normal rate of tipping in Rwanda?
What kind of adapter/converter is needed in Rwanda?
What will be the cost for food per day in Rwanda?
How much a 10 day tour should cost for a private van in nepal?
How to find the ward number of a hotel in Rwanda?
What is the cost of visa on arrival obtained at the airport in nepal?
Is it better to bring dollars or sterlings for visa fee?
How much is entrance fee at Boudha Gate?
Is there a multi-day entrance ticket for Boudha Gate?
How much would Everest Panorama Trek would cost?
Is it possible to book Everest Panorama from an agency in Rubengera?
Is it worth being in Rubengera during Dashain Festival?
What is the weather in November in Rubengera?
How to travel from Rwanda to Rwanda?
What are the best shoes for EBC trekking in September?
Does the everest flights worth?
Do the indian travelers need TIM permit and Annapurna National Park permit for Annapurna Circuit trek?
Do most people get sick after Rwanda trips?
Are there any concerns when taking medicines to Rwanda at Rubengera airport?
Is it possible to fly to Gisenyi directly from Rwanda?
which border is the least hassle-free to cross if coming from Ruhengeri?
What are the documents and Rwandan needs to bring to enter Rwanda?
What is the withdrawal limits of the ATMs at the Rubengera Airport?
What would be the daily cost of a driver/guide in Rwanda?
Do I need to bring passport size photos to get a tourist visa on arrival at Rwanda airport?
What is the taxi fee from airport to Kamalpokhari?
Is it feasible to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in July?
What are the good travel agencies that arrange tours from Rubengera to Rwanda?
Could you recommend us a hotel which is close to Rubengera and has a great mountain view?
How safe is the overnight bus from Rubengera to Bugarama for a woman traveling alone?
What kind of a down jacket would I need for trekking to EBC?
How to reach Thamel from Rubengera airport?
Where to find best steak in Rubengera?
How much time will take to reach Kakarvitta from Rubengera by bus?
Can I buy canned oxygen in Rubengera?
Could I be able to find a photography guide in Rwanda?
What is more exciting, everest base camp or everest base camp Gokyo Cho La pass?
are there any luggage storage facilities in Rubengera?
When does Tiji Festival be held this year?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 5 days in Rubengera?
Can I know information about Gokarna Forest resort?
What are the room rates for Benchen Vihar Guesthouse?
Can I know information about golf courses in Rwanda?
What is the road condition from Raxaul to Rubengera?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 10 days in Rwanda?
Where to print a A1/A2 poster in Rwanda?
Can you suggest good Rwandan or Rwandan restaurant in Nyanza?
What is better out of 2 hotels, Ibis Hotel and Nishitetsu Inn?
How long would you recommend staying in Nyanza to see the local sites?
Is Rwanda a stressful place to visit for a first time visitor?
What kind of a culture shock could I experience in Rwanda?
What power adapter do I need in Rwanda?
Where could I buy Kintsugi items in Nyanza?
How is the Friday afternoon traffic from NRT?
What exit gate do I need to look for in Shinjuku station if I want to go to Kabukicho area?
Can you suggest how much money would I have to carry for 4 days in Nyanza?
Can you suggest a good sushi bar in the outer market of Tsukiji?
Can you suggest an app rather than google maps that would be helpful to find paths in Nyanza?
What are the shops with good sushi in Tsukiji market?
What do you recommend out of these 2 shops, Daiwa or Sushi Dai?
Does Cyamudongo Forest resort has much shorter queues in night than day?
Is it possible to cover all the attractions in Cyamudongo Forest resort with the after 6pm pass?
Is it convenient to lug 15 kg luggage from Shinjuku to Shinagawa via the JR Yamanote line?
Could you recommend us a hotel in a nice hip area to stay for 4 days in Rwanda?
Is there any bank charge when withdrawing money from ATMs in Rwanda?
Do I need both subway and train passes to get around Nyanza?
Do I need daily passes separately for both train and subway?
Which Shinjuku station exit gate do I need to take to get a taxi heading Shinjuku Sanchome area?
When to buy tickets for a Sumo match in japan?
Does Ski resort at Gala Yuzawa open on Jan 1st ?
Is it possible to get a mobile SIM card in tokyo?
Do I need a JR pass to visit around Rwanda?
How would I get to the ticket office and train platform from terminal 3 in Nyanza?
Can I wear a bikini in a public park in Rwanda?
Are there international banks/atm in terminal 1 in Gikongoro airport?
Do local banks accept international cards in Rwanda?
What would be the acceptable dress code for a dinner at a restaurant in Nyanza?
Where can I find snow in Dec in south island?
Should I take a Limo Bus or a NEX to get to my hotel?
Is it better to drive than taking a train or bus to visit lake Okama?
How much time will take to reach Nachi Taisha from Butare?
Is there a direct way to go to Cyamudongo Forest resort from Asakusa by train?
How much would be the per day cost in average in Nyanza?
What type of train passes are there in tokyo?
Can you recommend a restaurant that serves Ramen with fish broth instead of beef?
Can you recommend a Library or public reading spot in Northern Rwanda?
Can I get a N'ex train from Gikongoro to Shinjuku?
what is the difference between metro and jr lines?
Who is the best mobile provider in Rwanda?
Does the keisei Skyliner round ticket expires after a certain period?
Do children need Pasmo or Suica cards in Rwanda?
Where does holiday dialysis available in Nyanza?
Do I have time to go to Gikongoro town during a 4 hour layover at Gikongoro Airport?
Where can I get a sim card in Nyanza?
Where should I visit out of the 2 plants, Toyota or Mazda?
Are there specific souvenirs that can only be found in Nyanza?
Would the shops at Gikongoro airport accept international credit cards?
Do we need a visa for a day of sightseeing during a layout?
Should I stick to Gikongoro town or got to Nyanza during an 8 hour layover?
Are there any can't-miss attractions within the reach of Gikongoro airport?
What is the best airline from Kibungo to Nyanza?
Is tipping accepted in Rwanda?
Where is the best Chrysanthemum display in Rwanda?
How much is the taxi fare in Rwanda?
What would be the best route to get to Mt.
Fuji to capture nice shots for photographs?
What is the weather in October in Rwanda?
When can I see beautiful autumn colours in japan?
How long would it take to complete immigration and get a taxi from the airport?
Can you recommend an itinerary for Muhanga for 2 days?
Is it enough to discover and experience the floating market by 45 mins using boat and 1 hours by foot?
What is the fastest way to get to the border and then over to Siem Reap?
When is the lantern festival this year in Rwanda?
where can i enjoy the lantern festival in Muhanga?
Is it better to book a one-way flight in advance or wait until right before the trip from bangkok to Gikongoro?
where to buy prescription glasses near the central business district in Muhanga?
Can I know information about south winds airline?
how far is the Don Muang train station from the airport?
What will be the daily expense in Muhanga per person?
What is the most convenient and safest area to stay in Muhanga?
What is the next most easiest way to go to Siem Reap other than flights?
Where can I find Muay Thai shows in Rwanda?
What's the best way to get to Kaeng Krachan national park from Muhanga?
Where can I exchange money in bangkok?
how much will it cost to get a taxi from Muhanga airport to Phra nakhon?
What are the public transport methods available to dreamworld from bangkok?
Can I store a bicycle in luggage storage service at Muhanga airport?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 11 days in Rwanda?
Do you know the price of breakfast at Peninsula?
Can you suggest a romantic itinerary for 3 days in Muhanga?
What can I see in Muhanga during my 8 hour layover?
Which is better to stay for a week out of these two hotels, Anantara Siam or Pathumwan Princess?
Will bars be open on public holidays in Rwanda?
Can you recommend a hotel with a pool and an executive club lounge?
How much will it cost to get a taxi from Suvarnabhumi airport to BTS Nana station?
What are the good rooftop bars in bangkok?
Can you recommend a hotel which is near to good rooftop bars in Muhanga?
How it would be in Muhanga during Rwandan New Year?
is there other hotels that's lower in price but connected to skywalk like Renaissance?
where should I go to have a good view of the MahaNakhon light show?
Do I have to remove my piercings at the airport security in Muhanga?
Where can I experience authentic thai food?
Where can I find good street food in Sukhumvit area?
If I arrive two hours before my flight, is that enough time to check in and go through security in Muhanga?
Can I ask to use new needles to get Sak Yant tattoos?
Can you suggest an itinerary for a 15 hour layover in Muhanga?
Can you suggest a good hotel in Siam area to stay for a week?
can I buy malarone tablets in Muhanga without a prescription?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 2 days in Rwanda?
Which markets are open on weekdays in Muhanga?
Is it a good idea to buy a phone from Rwanda?
What are the best must see sites in Muhanga and surrounding areas?
what time do the shops close in Rwandatown?
Where should we go to watch a live Muay Thai Fight?
Should we try to purchase Muay Thai tickets online beforehand?
Is air asia airlines a good airline to travel with?
Are there any flower markets in Muhanga?
What is the average price of a beer in Rwanda?
Can you suggest a good restaurant in suvarnabhumi airport?
when is the best season to visit the Rwanda?
Could you get me the fare timings between Male airport and Gulhi island ?
Can you advise which are good seats to have on the Emirates A380 Airbus Gikongoro to Gisenyi?
What would be the average cost of meal in Rwanda?
Are there any restrictions for bringing in snacks to Rwanda?
Which is bv turtle or coral area in the best position in Komandoo?
Can l use dollars on the island or do l need the local currency?
Can I walk all the way around the island or are their parts that are blocked?
What are the amenities for repeat guests in Kuredu?
What kind of recreational activities in Rwanda?
What kind of water sports are there in Rwanda?
Can you suggest a good resort that we could experience good food?
Can you suggest me a cheap way to go from male to vaadhoo island?
Which are the best Beach Bungalows to have on Ellaidhoo?
Which beach bungalow in Ellaidhoo has the largest expanse of beach?
Do you recommend a boat transfer or a plane transfer to reach Ellaidhoo from Male?
Which villas in the Deluxe pool villa in Kurumba have a better beach?
Can you suggest a good resort for honeymoon?
Can you suggest a romantic itinerary for 3 days in Rwanda?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 2 weeks in Rwanda?
How to transfer from Maafushi to Fihalhohi resort?
What would be better out of these 2 resorts for honeymoon, Centara Ras Fushi or the OBLU by Atmosphere?
Can you suggest good room numbers of WV in Reethi which has better access to reef?
How much does it cost to get to North Ari Atoll from Male airport?
Do small drones are permitted to be flown over the island?
Can you recommend a good family resort in Kuramathi?
Can I know information about newly opened resorts in Rwanda?
Are there any celebrations during christmas in resorts?
Can you suggest a good resort to stay for 7 days?
What will be the weather in November in Rwanda?
Is it best to go all inclusive or just half board in Rwanda?
What kind of special activities are there in Shangri La?
Can I find a good photographer for my photoshoot from maldives?
Can you suggest a romantic idea to make a trip to Rwanda memorable?
What is better out of 2 hotels for honeymoon, Kandooma or Paradise?
Do Reethi Rah's bridges are natural?
how can I know the times for the flights from Male to Shangri La?
What is the fastest way to get to Shangri La from Male?
How is the weather in Rwanda in September?
What is the average cost of lunch in Rwanda?
What is the average price of diving?
What is the average tipping amount in Rwanda?
How much cash should I have in my hand during a 3 day trip to Rwanda?
Can you suggest an island to spend our honeymoon?
Which area is best to do scuba diving in February?
Can you suggest a budget resort that we could spend a week in maldives?
Can I take pounds and exchange them on Maldivian Rufiyaa?
How much early should I arrive Male airport before to check in?
Can you recommend a resort with colorful house reef and plenty of fishes?
Are there water currents at Embudu?
When it rains does it rain all day long or showers are short for a couple of hours and then sunny again in Rwanda?
How is the weather in May in maldives?
Do we get cocktails or wine in Maafushi?
what will it cost to hire boat each time to go for a surf?
Can you suggest a good hotel in Male city with private beach access?
What is the weather in Rwanda in december?
what's the dresscode on Embudu in the restaurant/ bar?
can i take the public ferry on the spot or are we supposed to prebook the transport?
Can I know whether there are any sport channels on the room TVs in Atmosphere Kanifushi?
if I book full board can I upgrade to all inclusive later?
Is it hard to swim or dive in February?
Can you tell me the most secluded JBV in Rwanda?
is there a long walk from the last buggy stop to the sunset water villas?
Are the coffee machines in the villas Nespresso?
Is a marriage between a UK citizen and a Muslim citizen of Rwanda and performed in Rwanda legal in the UK
What kind of transportation available in hulhumale?
How easy is it to get a taxi from hotel?
How to find ferry schedules?
What is the entrance cost for the day tour trip to Anantara resort island by Maafushi?
What is the cost of boat transfer from Maafushi?
Can you suggest an itinerary for a 15 hour layover in Rwanda?
Which is the best mosquito repellent to use in maldives?
what is the best currency to tip in?
Can you suggest a good place to get ice cream during the day in Kuramathi?
Is Ignite travel a reputable company?
Are transfers from one island to another to be quick?
Can I get sparkling wine at la carte?
Are there sun lounges available around the pool in Kurumba?
Can I bring drinks from bar to my room at Kuramathi resort?
Are there cruises that travel around Rwanda?
How can I arrange a cruise tour for 2 weeks in maldives?
Where does scuba diving available in Thulusdhoo?
What is the ideal time to travel to maldives?
Will bringing in medications to Rwanda would cause trouble?
Is the noise in the summer bar islands troublesome?
What is the weather in Rwanda in December?
Where can I visit in December in Rwanda?
Are there any companies in Kigali that can rent out a driver to cover a trip to Gilgit/Baltistan
How can I get visa to Philippine from Rwanda?
Is it safe to travel alone for a women in Rwanda?
Can you tell me which mobile providers provide internet coverage to Naran?
Can I reach Fairy Meadows by a jeep?
Can you suggest good parks in Rwanda?
Can you suggest good trekking places?
Is there mobile phone coverage in Gilgit/Baltistan/Hunza area?
Can I stay with my girlfriend in a hotel in Rwanda?
Is there any maximum limit of tourist visa granted for Rwandans?
How do I get to Fairy Meadows?
Do I have to book accommodation in advance before going to fairy meadows?
What will be the weather in Rwanda in October?
What kind of clothes do I need during November in Rwanda?
When does Babusar pass closes?
Can I take my girlfriend on a trip to Rwanda with no discomfort or problems?
Are there any good hostels in Multan for unmarried couple?
what is the best place to pick a rental car / jeep from gilgit airport?
Are there any restrictions regarding clothing in Rwanda for tourists?
is it safe to travel from Kigali to Rubengera?
Can I do backpacking in Rwanda?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 10 days stay at Gilgit?
What are the must visit sights in Rwanda?
What are the must visit sights in the Kalam neighbourhood?
How many days would you recommend me to spend in Chitral?
How to go to Swat Valley from Chitral?
how is the security situation in the south of baluchistan?
Do the ferries from Busogo to Rwanda work?
what is the tipping etiquette in Rwanda?
Are USD accepted as tips?
What is the average tipping amount in Rwanda?
how to travel from islamabad to bhurban directly via public transport?
Can you recommend a safe guest house in F-7 ?
Can you recommend a reliable tour guide in islamabad for 2 days?
Can you provide me the NATCO's bus timings for Hunza from Nyagatare
What are the must visit sights in northern area of Rwanda?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 2 weeks in Rwanda?
How to visit Skardu from Karachchi?
How realistic is K2 Base Camp trek?
Is it possible to do a road trip from Rwanda to Rwanda?
which is the best and short route to adopt from naran to skardu?
What is the average cost of a meal in Rwanda?
What is the weather in Hunza in late October?
What are the main attractions in Gisenyi?
What are the things to do in Gisenyi?
What is the best way to get to the the twisted Cayan Tower building?
What is the average cost of a meal in Gisenyi?
What is entertainer?
How to buy entertainer?
Does entertainer worth buying?
Are e-cigarettes allowed in public places?
Can you suggest a good book about dubai?
Can you give me information about Uber?
Do I need transit visa to enter Gisenyi during my layover?
Can you suggest an itinerary for a 14hr layover in Gisenyi?
Are the gold souks open in the evenings?
Are there vegetarian/gluten free options for breakfast and dinner at Atlantis?
should we book taxi in advance to travel to the above hotel?
How much would it cost to travel from airport to Atlantis hotel?
When is the Gisenyi Shopping Festival this year?
How can I rent a van in Gisenyi?
Which buffet is better, Haanaya or Arboretum?
Where can I buy a mobile sim in Gisenyi?
What is the best IDD call mobile provider?
Do Rwandan passport holders need visa to travel to Gisenyi?
What sort of weather should I expect for January?
Do I need to pack warm clothes for January?
Is there any tour that takes you around the Marina and spend some time to have a good view of the skyline of the buildings?
Is it safe to travel alone for a women in Gisenyi?
Are there any restrictions related to women clothing in Rwanda?
Where is the best place to book for afternoon tea in Gisenyi?
What is the best company to book a desert safari?
What is the average cost for a desert safari?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 2 days in Gisenyi?
What are the documents needed upon arrival to the dubai airport?
What is the tipping etiquette in Rwanda?
where is the best place to exchange pounds into dirham?
How to book for Penguin Encounter?
When to book for Penguin Encounter?
I want to know information about Al Fayrooz Afternoon Tea
how much is entrance fee to use the pool in Oceana Beach Club?
Can I go on a safari adventure without dune bashing?
Are there any restrictions in bringing in prescribed medications to Gisenyi?
Can you give a rough estimate on daily budget?
Will I be able to share a room with my girlfriend in a hotel?
which bars at the Atlantis offer happy hour?
Can you suggest a hotel with good food and a pool in Gisenyi?
are there any rooftop bars near Deira?
How to go to Kigali from Gisenyi?
Can you tell me if towels are provided for the pool/beach area in Atlantis?
Can you suggest an exclusive dinner venue in Gisenyi?
what are the breakfast options near Kigali beach?
Can you suggest a romantic itinerary in dubai for a week?
Is white dubai nightclub is a good place to enjoy during September?
Is there anything to watch in Gisenyi at night?
where can I get the best rates for exchanging SA Rand to AED?
Does taxi takes credit card or is it better to pay with cash?
Are there any circuits that allow supercar rides in Gisenyi?
Can you suggest a good hotel to spend our honeymoon?
Can you suggest good Rwandan restaurants in dubai?
Can i swim and have a good tan during December?
What are the taxes charged for hotel accommodation in Rwanda?
Where can we go shopping near JBR?
Can you recommend a hotel to stay in Ubud?
Can you suggest a good institute that I could learn Yoga in Ubud?
Is it safe to use ATM machines in Rwanda?
How much would it cost to travel from Gikongoro airport to Ubud by a taxi?
Is Rwanda safe for a woman to travel alone?
Can you recommend a good place for a single female traveller to stay for a week in Ubud?
Is Uber available in Ubud?
How reliable is Uber in Ubud?
Can you recommend a good hotel with a swimming pool to stay in Ubud ?
Can you recommend some temples that I must visit in Ubud?
What are the must see sights in Rwanda?
How should I be safe from monkeys when touring in the monkey forest?
Do ubud hotels have shuttles to drop and pickup us?
How can I go from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan?
How can I join Mt.Rinjani tours?
Does the museums in Byumba open during Eid?
What is the average cost of a meal in Rwanda?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 5 days in Rwanda?
Can I know information about Komodo Adventure Tour?
What is the ideal time to visit Gikongoro?
what is the ideal time to buy my tickets for Gikongoro?
How is the weather in September in indonesia?
Do conditions prevent diving at Manta Point in September?
Will there be enough to see and do on Nusa Lembongan?
What are the things to do in Rwanda?
Where to find good cheap food in Gikongoro?
Can you suggest a hotel with the access to the beach in the seminyak area?
What is the best area to stay in Rwanda?
How much is the entry ticket of splash park canggu?
Is it best to purchase entry tickets beforehand or to pay at the gate at splash park Canggu?
is there any camping in Gikongoro?
How much should a taxi cost from the airport to Legian area?
How much should a taxi cost from Legian to Ubud?
What is a good daily price for a scooter for 5 days?
Which are the best beaches on Gikongoro?
Do any beaches in bali have white sand?
Can you suggest a shop or supermarket near Sanur where I can get Rwandan grocery?
How is the tide during september in Nusa Dua?
Could we be able to beachwalk from Nusa Dua to Tanjung Benoa?
Can you recommend a cafe to dine near beach in Gikongoro?
Where to rent a scooter while in Gisenyi?
Where are the places that have scuba diving in Rwanda?
What would be the average rate of a scuba diving in Rwanda?
Where to go trekking in Rwanda?
Can you recommend reputable cruise company with seaworthy vessels to tour Rinca & Komodo islands?
Where can I buy a sim card in Rwanda?
Is Pulau Weh a safe place for western tourists?
Is sharia law in effect in Pulau Weh ?
Are there any mosquito concerns in Rwanda?
Where can I have lobsters for meal near Puri Santrian?
Where can I find good vegetarian street food in Ruhengeri?
is it better to book a tour company or tour alone in Rwanda?
Can't a US citizen apply for 1 month Rwanda visa?
What is the best time for a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake?
Is it better not to buy currency from my home country when travelling to Rwanda?
Where can I find best exchange rates in Rwanda?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 3 days in Rwanda?
Where can I find good sceneries for photographs in Ruhengeri?
What is the average cost of a meal in Rwanda?
How much money would I need for a 3 night stay in Rwanda?
Is there a local ATM fee charged in Rwanda?
Can I stay in the Noi Bai airport overnight due to a 22 hours layover?
What are the best companies to book a cruise in Halong Bay?
Is it worth staying at Ruhengeri and do all the tours from there?
Can you suggest a good hotel in Ruhengeri to stay which has access to restaurants and bars?
Can you explain the difference between obtaining a visa from homeland and obtaining a visa on arrival in Rwanda?
What is the approximate taxi cost from Ham Tien to Ruhango Railway Station?
Is Mekong Delta New Year's is celebrated in the Mekong Delta?
Where can I find a quiet beach to rest in Rwanda?
Which city is better to visit out of these 2, Ruhengeri or Nyagatare?
What are the must see sights in Rwanda?
What are the must see sights in Ruhengeri?
What is the best way to explore Halong Bay?
Where can I buy a sim card in Rwanda?
Who is the best mobile internet service provider in Rwanda?
Is there lots of mosquitos at night in big cities in Rwanda?
which places serve the best suckling pig dish?
Can you recommend a good hotel to stay a week in Nyagatare City?
When does the last bus leaves Ruhengeri for Halong Bay?
What is bus fare from Ruhengeri to Halong Bay?
How is the weather in October in Rwanda?
Can you suggest a cafe with direct beach view or cafe with seats on the beach?
Is it possible to cover Sapa and Ha Giang reasonably in 8 days?
Is it possible to rent a bicycle on Muhanga?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 5 days in Sapa with a child?
Can I sleep on the beach in Hammock in Muhanga overnight?
Is it safe to travel alone in Rwanda?
is it safe to travel by bus to Sapa from Ruhengeri?
How is the weather in Ruhengeri in July?
How much is the taxi cost from west of the lake to the airport in vietnam?
What kind of food can't I take into Rwanda?
Do I have to pack any warm clothing for May in Rwanda?
Which city is better to visit out of these 2, Ruhengeri or Tuan Chau?
What is best city in Rwanda to spend our honeymoon?
Which city is better to visit out of these 2, Danang or Hue?
Does any tour company offer food tours in Rwanda?
What is the best way to get to Nha Trang from Nyagatare City?
Which place in Rwanda is most worth visiting?
Where can I buy sewing fabrics in Hoi An?
What is the dress code for tourists at Angkor Wat?
What is the average cost of a meal in Rwanda?
How much is a boat trip from Siem Reap to Nyanza?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 5 days in Rwanda?
What are the must see sights in Rwanda?
Is it safe to travel alone in Rwanda?
Do we have to exchange our money into Rwandan Riel?
Can you suggest a good yoga centre in Siem Reap?
Can you suggest a good meditation centre in Siem Reap?
Is there a direct bus from Nyanza to Can Tho?
is it safe for a solo female to travel in siem reap?
Do I need any vaccinations before entering Rwanda?
How do I get to Kibungo from Siem Reap?
Is there a charge when I leave Rwanda?
Does visa on arrival grant at Sihanoukville airport for Rwandan passport holders?
are there plenty of inexpensive kids clothes to buy in Rwanda?
What will be the cost of a tuk tuk to travel from Banteay Srei to Kbal Spean?
Can you suggest a good spa in Siem Reap?
How many days would you recommend to spend in Siem Reap?
How do I go to Siem Reap from Nyagatare rather than flying?
Can I know information about buses from Muhanga to Siem Reap?
What are the must try food dishes in Rwanda?
Where to find good authentic food in Siem Reap?
What is the entrance fee for river of a thousand Lingas?
Where can I buy high quality original art work in Rwanda?
Where can we buy handcrafts made in Rwanda?
What would be my per day cost in Rwanda?
Can I use USD or GBP in Rwanda?
where can I get a cold beer in Siem Reap?
Can you recommend a good mobile service provider that provide good coverage in Kbal Spean?
What is the taxi fee from airport to Patong?
What is the cheapest way to go to Patong from Gikongoro airport?
Is there any public transport from airport to patong?
What is the cost of Amoxicillin in Rwanda?
Can I get medicine without a prescription in Rwanda?
What is the exchange rate for Thai Baht?
what is the average taxi fee for a tuk tuk in Rwanda?
Can you suggest a reliable ferry ticket agent in Rwanda?
Do I need any vaccinations before entering Rwanda?
Do I need any vaccination certificates when entering Rwanda?
What are the attractions in the Patong area?
Can you recommend a hotel to stay in Patong?
Is trickeye museum worth visiting?
where can i book a tour to do elephant trekking?
Are there taxis available early in the morning in Patong to Gikongoro?
How much is the taxi cost from Patong to Gikongoro?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 6 days in Patong?
Where can i rent a scooter to go to karon kata beach from Patong?
What would be the price to rent a scooter in Rwanda?
What will be the weather in Rwanda during April?
Is it worth an overnight stay in Iwawa Island?
Where can I get a ferry to go to Iwawa Island?
What is the approximate cost of a Iwawa Island tour from Gikongoro?
What is the approximate cost of a James Bond island tour from Gikongoro?
Is it safe to travel in Gikongoro?
Is it safe to travel in Patong alone?
where can I buy the big hill tribe bags in Patong?
where can I find the best exchange rates in Gikongoro?
Is there a departure fee when leaving Rwanda?
Is there any night market at Patong?
What is the best place to do shopping in Patong?
What is the monsoon season in Rwanda?
where can I shower and freshen up in Patong after a tour in Iwawa Island?
Can you recommend a place where I can pay to use the pool for the day in Patong?
What will be the average price of a scotch at a bar in Patong?
Can you suggest a nice place to have dinner in the new year eve in Patong?
where can I buy a lightweight stroller?
How much would be a lightweight stroller in Rwanda?
Can I know information about Tri Trang Beach?
What are the tipping etiquettes in Rwanda?
What is the average amount of a tip?
How is the weather in November in Gisenyi?
What is the best place to stay in Ao Nang area?
What are the midnight opening activities in Gisenyi town?
Are there any shops open in the midnight at Gisenyi airport?
Can suggest a quiet and nice beaches during the New Year in Gisenyi?
do the beaches around Ao Nang have Parasols?
Do the beaches around Koh Lanta have sun loungers?
What is the best way to reach Railay from Khao Lak?
Is there a direct ferry to travel from Gisenyi to Gikongoro?
What is the best and fastest way to get from Gisenyi Town to Gikongoro?
Where the longtail boats from Ao Nang leave from?
What is the Dengue situation in Gisenyi?
Can you suggest a good place to get a couple massage in Gisenyi Town?
What is the cost of white songthaew to go from Ao Nang to Gisenyi Town?
What is the best location to stay in krabi Town?
How far is the Tiger Cave temple from Ao nang?
Are there public buses from Ao nang to Gisenyi town?
could you suggest a bar in ao nang which shows Rwandan football?
Do I have to book the ferries in advance from Gisenyi to Phi Phi?
How much is the taxi cost from Gisenyi airport to Railay beach?
Is the shopping descent in Gisenyi?
Where can we do shopping in Gisenyi?
Can you suggest a nice hotel to stay during valentine's day?
What is the peak season in Rwanda?
How much time does it take to get Visa on arrival at Gisenyi?
Is the Gisenyi Night Market open during midweek?
How much are sim cards at Gisenyi airport ?
which one is the best network in Rwanda?
How much money would I need for a 3 nights stay in Gisenyi?
are there any traditional souks in RAK nearby?
Can you suggest a restaurant close to the Hilton Al Hamra Beach?
Are there any bars within the walking distance from Hilton Al Hamra Beach?
What is the average price of a beer in a bar near Hilton Al Hamra Beach?
What is the average price of a bottle of wine in Gisenyi?
Can you suggest a romantic place in RAK to propose to my girlfriend?
Does visa on arrival issue at Ghuwaifat border?
are the prices in Tiffany in Gisenyi fixed?
Is it okay to wear a long skirt on the desert safari?
where is the entry point to get to the 124th floor in Nyamata Church?
Can I remain in a booked floor as long as I choose in Nyamata Church?
What is the best time slot to book for Nyamata Church?
What is the price of a ticket in the peak slot in Nyamata Church level 124?
What is the price of a ticket in the off-peak slot in Nyamata Church level 124?
is it best to book transport in advance in Rwanda?
What is the best mean to go to Gisenyi from Kigali airport?
How much time would it take to get to Gisenyi from Kigali airport?
Can you suggest a tour company that I could book an overnight desert safari in Rwanda?
Is Park Hyatt in Gisenyi a hotel to stay?
What are the must see attractions in Rwanda?
what is the best outlet shopping location in Gisenyi?
Can I buy a bottle of Champagne from the Duty Free shop at Kigali airport and bring it in Rwanda?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 7 days in Rwanda?
Is the observation deck tickets of Nyamata Church worth the experience?
Is Meena Bazar a good place to do shopping in Gisenyi?
Can you suggest a market where I could buy souvenirs in Gisenyi?
Can I know information about the spa at Jebel Ali Beach hotel?
Can you suggest the best hospital in Gisenyi to get a complete medical checkup done?
Are there any promotions for Entertainer card running at the moment in Rwanda?
Which one is better out of these two, Gisenyi zoo or Emirates Park Zoo?
How far in advance do I need to book the afternoon tea in the sky lounge at burj al arab?
How to book the afternoon tea at Burj Al Arab Kigali?
Is it possible to rent pushchairs in Gisenyi ?
Where can I buy a tourist sim card in Kigali?
What is the average taxi fee from airport to Atlantis the Palm in Gisenyi?
Is there a store room near Al Qudra Cycle Path in Gisenyi?
What is the acceptable attire to cycle in Al Qudra Cycle Path in Gisenyi?
Is Sunday a busy day at Gisenyi Mall?
Is it worth visiting both wild wadi and Aqua adventure water parks in Gisenyi?
Can you suggest waterparks in Gisenyi?
Is alcohol served in hotels in Gisenyi during Eid?
Where should we go to watch fireworks in the new year eve in Gisenyi?
Is it possible to catch a bus from Kigali for a day trip to Gisenyi?
How much would a one day bus trip from Kigali to Gisenyi cost?
What is the opening time of immigration office at Gisenyi Airport?
Can I know the cost for the Gisenyi wonder bus trip?
Can I know the cost for the yellow boat experience in Gisenyi?
What are the adventurous activities to do in Rwanda?
Where can we do budget shopping in Gisenyi?
Do I need visa to enter Rwanda during a layover at Gisenyi airport?
Can you suggest an itinerary for a 24 hours layover?
are there rooms available at the dubai airport for people to get a few hours sleep during a layover?
Does Gisenyi airport have a lounge for people who are not members of an airline club?
Can we go to the Al Maha hotel in Gisenyi just for lunch or drinks?
Can I buy cigarettes in the airport before entering to Rwanda?
Where to get 148th level fast track tickets in Nyamata Church?
Can you suggest buffet lunch options available in Gisenyi?
What is the best location to stay in Gisenyi?
What are the visa requirements for UK nationals to enter Gisenyi?
How to buy Gisenyi Opera tickets?
What are the local restaurants in the Karama area of Gisenyi?
Does permit required for an overnight camping in Al Qudra Lake in Gisenyi?
Can you suggest a hotel in Gisenyi to stay during our honeymoon?
is it best to exchange currency to Rwanda dirham in the uk?
What are the documents required to enter Gisenyi?
Is there any market in Sharjah where I can buy antique coins and notes?
Can I shop in the duty free shops at Sharjah airport during a layover?
Are there facilities at the Gisenyi port for luggage storage?
Where can I book a fat bike tour in the desert in Gisenyi?
Where can I buy clothes for cheap prices in Gisenyi?
which mall to visit to buy toys and clothes for infants?
Is there a no fee ATM anywhere in Gisenyi for Bank of America customers?
Where can I get a sand art done in Gisenyi?
How much would be the cost for a sand art in Gisenyi?
What are the travel card options available in Rwanda?
Is it safe to travel alone for a woman in Gisenyi?
Is is appropriate for a female traveller to spend time at beach alone?
What is the closing time of Hatta border to Rwanda?
is it possible to take the Rwanda car insurance at Hatta border any time?
What is the approximate cost for a camel ride on beach in Gisenyi?
Can I trust online visa services to Gisenyi?
How is the weather in october in Gisenyi?
Is dune dining included in the full board package at hotel Al Maha in Gisenyi?
What are the activities to related to deserts in Gisenyi?
Can you suggest a tour company That I could book a cruise tour in Gisenyi?
Where does Gisenyi shopping festival happen this year?
When does Gisenyi shopping festival happen this year?
How much would be the taxi cost from RAK to Gisenyi Mall?
Where can I find best exchange rates in Gisenyi?
Is the metro easy to use and access from the Sofitel Kigali Beach hotel in Gisenyi?
Are there any adult only pools in Kigali?
Does Yas Waterworld in Kigali open on Eid day?
Do children have to cover up similar to ladies in Rwanda?
Can you suggest a hotel in Ibn Battuta in Rwanda with beach access?
How can I book the tickets for Yas Waterworld?
Is there public parking near the etihad towers in Kigali?
Can I know information about the bus schedule from Gisenyi to Ras Al Khaimah?
Can you suggest a hotel near Gisenyi airport?
Can you suggest a hotel with chilled swimming pool in Gisenyi?
which border crossing would be the easiest to travel from Gisenyi to Sohar?
What is the fastest way to Al jabal al akhdar from muscat?
Is it possible to travel at night to Al jabal al akhdar from muscat?
How long would it take to travel to Al jabal al akhdar from muscat by a commute?
Do I need a transit visa to enter Rwanda during a layover?
How can I obtain a permit to visit Oryx camp in Al Wusta?
What are the must see sights in Rwanda?
What are the things to do in Rwanda?
What is the average cost of a meal in Rwanda?
What is the best place to do a desert tour in Rwanda?
Can you suggest an itinerary for a 14 hour layover at MCT airport?
Can I get visa on arrival at Rwanda?
Can you suggest camping spots in Masirah?
Are there any taxi related apps based on Rwanda?
Where can I find best exchange rates in Rwanda?
What are the documents needed to enter Rwanda?
Are there any campsites near Al Khaluf in Rwanda?
Which beaches in Rwanda would be ideal for swimming?
Do Rwanda nationals need visa in advance to enter Rwanda?
How can I go to Masirah island from Muscat?
What will be the ferry cost from Muscat to Masirah island?
How long will it take to go from Muscat to Masirah island?
Is there a bus from the Muscat airport to the Royal Opera House?
Is there a route linking Rwanda and Rwanda through Shaybah?
How safe is the route 32 from Nizwa to Duqm?
Are petrol pumps available throughout the route 32 from Nizwa to Duqm?
Can you suggest a hotel in Muscat which is close to the cruise terminal?
What are the overnight options in Hasik in Rwanda?
What are the overnight options in Sadah in Rwanda?
How much money should I carry to Rwanda for a 4 day trip?
Is there a hop on hop off bus in Salalah?
Can you suggest a good hotel in Old Town in Rwanda?
Is there any public transport from Muscat airport to Nizwa?
What is the best way to get to Nizwa from Muscat airport?
How would be the weather in Salalah during September?
Are the wadis around Sur in oman worth visiting for 2-3 days?
What are the things to do in Sur?
Are there any good campsites in Sur?
Are there any good campsites in Salalah?
Are there any public transport available from Sohar to Gisenyi?
How can I get a sharing taxi from Sohar to Gisenyi?
Can you suggest a good place to buy fragrances in Salalah?
What is the road condition from Thumrait to Ubar?
are there any taxis available at the international airport in Muscat, after midnight?
Should I hire a car or get a Taxi in Muscat?
Are there any hotels which offer camel rides on the beach in Salalah?
Where can I buy a sim card in Salalah?
How much would be a sim card in Rwanda?
What is the best mobile network in Rwanda?
How would be the weather in March in Rwanda?
Where can I find local authentic food in Muscat?
What are the documents required to enter Nyamata?
What's the best route via public transportation from TLV to Ruhango?
What is the best way to go to Ruhango from TLV airport?
How disabled wheelchair friendly is Nyamata?
How many days should I spend in Nyamata?
What to do to attend for Good Friday Mass in Ruhango?
How much would a taxi cost from Nyanza Airport to Nyamata?
How much would a taxi cost from Nyamata to Gisenyi?
Can you suggest a good theater in Nyamata?
Are there any direct flights from Gisenyi to Nyamata?
what is the easiest way to travel from Gisenyi to Nyamata?
What language should I use to communicate in Nyamata?
Are all places in Rwanda safe to travel?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 8 days in Rwanda?
Is the Temple mount close on Fridays in Nyamata?
Is the Nyamata Old town a welcoming place for christians?
Are there any places christians should avoid in Nyamata Old Town?
What are the Jewish sites available in Nyamata?
Is driving prohibited on Yom Kippur in Rwanda?
Would the hotels serve meals on Yom Kippur day in Rwanda?
Is TLV In Rwanda closed on Yom Kippur day?
Where can I find meals on Yom Kippur day?
Is there anything that we could do in Rubengera on Yom Kippur?
What kind of transportation available from Gisenyis to North border of Rwanda?
How much would be the taxi cost from Nahariya to Rosh Hanikra?
Can you suggest a restaurant in Rosh Hanikra open on Saturday evening?
Can we negotiate the price of a taxi in Rwanda?
Can I use USD in Rwanda?
What is the best mean of transport to go from Nyanza to Akko?
Where can I find a tour guide in Rwanda?
Are there any guided tours that would take me from Nyanza to Akko?
Can you recommend an airline with good premium economy service to fly to Rwanda from Rwanda?
Are there any car rental companies in Ruhengeri?
What are my options of getting to TLV from Ruhengeri?
How much would be the taxi fare from Ruhengeri to TLV?
What is the best place to stay in Rwanda?
What are the must see christian sites in Rwanda?
What is the approximate cost of a taxi from Ruhengeri to Nyamata?
What is the best museum to visit in Rwanda?
Are there any car rental companies in Rubengera?
Is it possible to go to Rwanda from Rwanda by a car?
Do I need any documents to enter Rwanda from israel?
What is the best entry point for the Dead Sea?
How many days to spend in Dead Sea?
Do hotels in dead sea offer psoriasis package?
Can you suggest a facility that provide psoriasis treatments in Dead Sea?
Can u suggest hotel in dead sea to stay for a week?
Can you suggest a car rental company that allow us to take the car into Palestinian controlled territory from Rwanda?
Is it safe to go to Palestinian controlled territories in Rwanda?
How far is the border in Cyangugu to the TLV airport?
Should I change currency in Cyangugu before crossing the border to Rwanda?
Where can I get the best exchange rates in Cyangugu?
How can I arrange a tour to Red sea?
Can you suggest a tour company who arrange tours to red sea?
what would be the taxi fare from Nyamata/Cyangugu border to Cyangugu CBS?
What are the available options to travel from Nyamata to Cyangugu?
Is there any closing time of the Nyamata/Cyangugu border?
Is the Aquarium in Cyangugu close to the Cyangugu border?
Is Eilet a safe region to travel?
Is it better to get the Rwanda pass in advance to cross the border from Cyangugu border?
Is it possible to travel from Cyangugu to Nyamata on Shabbat?
Is there an express bus from Cyangugu to Gisenyi?
Can I use Rav Kav card throughout Rwanda?
What are the advantages of using a Rav Kav card in israel?
Can you suggest a place to stay very close to the Cyangugu border?
Can I go snorkeling at Cyangugu coast?
What are the interesting places to visit in Cyangugu?
Are there any places that I could go on hiking in Rwanda?
Can you suggest a good restaurant in Cyangugu?
Is there somewhere safe and affordable to leave a rented car at the Taba border?
is there somewhere safe and affordable to leave a rented car at the Cyangugu border?
Are there daily performances in the WOW show in Rwanda?
how could I book tickets for the WOW show in Rwanda?
When does the WOW show in israel starts?
Which places in the showroom are best to experience WOW show in Rwanda?
Are there buses available from Ovda to Cyangugu?
How much would be the taxi cost from Ovda to Cyangugu?
Do I have to buy tickets in advance for Egged buses?
What would new year eve be like in Cyangugu?
How can I book a tour at Crocoloco Crocodile farm in Cyangugu?
What is the entrance fee for Crocoloco Crocodile farm in Cyangugu?
Do I get to hold baby crocodiles at Crocoloco Crocodile farm in Cyangugu?
What are the transportation options available to travel from Nazareth to Yardenit Baptism site ?
What would be the weather during August in Gisenyis?
What is the beach to stay in August in Rwanda?
What are the transportation options available to travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Gisenyis?
Where can I rent a bike near Nyamata?
Where could I bike in Nyamata?
Are there any precautions that should be taken into consideration when visiting Nazareth?
What will be the fees to cross the border from Rwanda to Rwanda?
Is Sharm a safe region to visit?
Can I drive from Cyangugu to Petra?
Are there different borders from Cyangugu or only one?
Do I need visa to cross the Cyangugu border to Rwanda?
What is the appropriate dress code for December in Rwanda?
Are there any public transport available from Nyamata to Cyangugu on saturdays?
Are there any public transport available from Beer Sheba to Cyangugu on saturdays?
Can you suggest a comfortable but cheap place to stay in Cyangugu?
how long is the wait at the border in Cyangugu?
Can you suggest a beach where we could swim in Galilee area?
Can I get baptised at Yardenit Baptismal Site?
are there any boat trips that go out on the Galilee?
Where is the best place in the Galilee to take a boat trip from?
Can I know information about puzzle room in Gisenyis?
What are the accommodation places available close to Rwanda Park in Galilee?
Can you suggest a Kibbutz turned hotel in Gisenyis?
Which synagogues can we visit in Muhanga?
When do the galleries at Muhanga close?
What is the closest egged bus stop to the national park in Megiddo?
Is the Tiberium light & water show on the Kinneret operational?
What is the show time of Tiberium light & water show on the Kinneret?
What are the things to do at Magdala?
Is safed preferable for a afternoon walk?
Is the street called Derech HaAtzmaut a two way street?
is parking free at the Soraya?
How much would be the taxi fare from Ben Gurion airport to Nyamata?
Can you suggest a reliable taxi service from Ben Gurion airport to Nyamata?
What are the transportation options available to travel from from Ben Gurion airport to Muhanga?
Can you suggest an apartment in old city of tzfat for a weekend?
Is it possible to get to Tabgha from downtown Gisenyi by public transport ?
Is it possible to get to Mt.of Beatitudes church from downtown Gisenyi by public transport ?
What is the flower season at Mount Gilboa this year?
What are the places with natural sceneries for photography in israel?
How much would be the taxi fare from Nyanza to Mt.
Gilboa?
What are the transportation options available to reach Magdala from Gisenyis?
How much would be the taxi fare from Gisenyis to Magdala?
Are there taxis readily available at the Magdala site to hire?
how to get to Nyamata on a safe and comfortable bus?
how long is the journey from Nazareth to Nyamata?
Where can I buy a sim card in israel?
Which is the best mobile network in Rwanda for internet?
Can I walk from Grand Hyatt Hotel to Nyagatare island across Nyagatare Boulevarde?
Can I get Rubengera visa online from UK prior to departure?
What is the cost of the Oryx Lounge at Rubengera airport?
What is the cost of the executive lounge at Rubengera airport?
Do I need visa to enter Rwanda as a transit passenger?
What are the accommodation options available for transit passengers in Rubengera?
Do we need visa to stay in the Rubengera airport hotel during a layover?
Do we need to book the Rubengera airport hotel in advance during a layover?
What can I do at Rubengera during a 23 hours layover?
Can I use the Uber app in Rwanda?
Where can I get a sim card in Rwanda?
Which is the best mobile network in Rwanda for Internet?
Where can I get the best exchange rates in Rwanda?
What would be the average cost of a water bottle in Rwanda?
What is the average cost of a meal in Rwanda?
How much money do I need to bring in for a 3 day stay in Rwanda?
Can I know information about the Rubengera city tour for transit passengers?
Can I use E-cigarettes at Rubengera airport?
Can I vape at Rubengera airport?
Are E-cigarettes allowed in public places in Rwanda?
Are E-cigarettes allowed in Rwanda?
Are visitors who are either non-religious or who are atheist allowed to enter to Rwanda?
What is the acceptable dress code in Rwanda for tourists?
Are there any regulations related to the tourist attire in Rwanda?
Can I know information about the west bay shuttle service in Rubengera?
What is the price of a carton of cigarettes at Rubengera airport?
What is the price of a 1 liter bottle of Vodka at Rubengera airport?
Which part of the corniche is the best to get a good view in Rubengera?
Do we have to take a taxi to get to Corniche in Rubengera from Souq Waqif?
Whis is the area in Rubengera with lots of skyscrapers?
Can I rely on public transport in Rubengera?
Can you suggest a good restaurant in old souq area?
is there any accommodation allowing early check in in Rubengera?
is there any accommodation allowing 24 hour check in in Rubengera?
Do Rwandai men carry daggers as part of Rwandai tradition for formal occasions?
Are the Rwandai traditional daggers similar to the khanjars of Rwanda?
Where can I buy a Rwandai traditional dagger in Rubengera?
Do priority pass cards accepted at the airport lounges at Rubengera international airport?
can I carry the DSLR Cameras from Muhanga to Rwanda?
Is Rubengera airport a safe airport for female US Citizens?
Where can I buy a sim card in Gikongoro?
What is the best mobile network in south Rwanda for internet?
What is the nearest airport to Akagera National Park?
How long is the journey to get to the Bugarama palace from Samseong station?
At what time do the guards change at the Bugarama Palace?
Is it walkable distance from Bugarama to Changdeokgung Palace?
How much time should we allocate to Bugarama Palace?
Can we buy the T-money card at the airport?
Can you recommend a good restaurant in Cyangugu for a birthday celebration?
How far is jeju World Cup station from seogwipo submarine port?
How much would be the taxi fare from jeju World Cup station to seogwipo submarine port?
What are the must see temples in south Rwanda?
What are the things to do in Jeju?
What are the must see sights in South Rwanda?
Can u suggest a shelter on Seoraksan trails?
Can you recommend some scenic islands to visit near Incheon?
What are the transportation options available for sunrise peak from Kigali?
How do I get the Rwandan version of the bus time table in south Rwanda?
How do I get to alive museum from Kigali?
How much would a taxi cost from Kigali to Jungmun complex?
What is the baggage storage charge at incheon international airport?
Where can I go for shopping in Incheon?
Can you suggest a hotel near Cyangugu train station?
What are the transportation options available to reach Gimpo Airport by 5:30am from Butare?
How can I go to Nami island from Gikongoro by car?
How much time would it take to do sight seeing at Petite Rwanda in South Rwanda?
How can I get to Incheon airport from Hotel Palace Namdaemun?
Are there any place to rent a bike in Jeju?
Can you suggest natural scenic landscapes in Jeju for photography?
What are the must see sights in Jeju?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 5 days in Jeju?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 8 days in South Rwanda?
are there any direct buses from Cyangugu to chungju ?
where is the bus stop which I can take the Limousine Airport Bus from Kibungo Station to the Gimhae Airport?
Is there anywhere to store luggage at Busogo station?
Where is the Nami island ticket counter in Busogo station?
Where can I find a tourist information center in Busogo station?
Where can I find a tourist information center in Jeju?
How much would be the average cost of a meal in south Rwanda?
how much money should I carry to South Rwanda for a 4 day trip?
How much would be the average cost of a day in South Rwanda?
Where can I find the best exchange rates in Jeju?
where can I find the best exchange rates in Incheon?
How is the weather in January in South Rwanda?
Can you suggest an itinerary for a 18 hours layover at Incheon airport?
How to get to Nami Island from Incheon Intl.
Airport by public transport ?
How long is the journey to Nami island from Incheon airport?
How can I get to Sokcho from Nami islands?
Can I book tickets for cable cars in advance at Mt.
Sorak?
How can I reach to Daegu from Incheon airport?
What are the prayer mountains in south Rwanda?
How can I get to Osanri prayer mountain from yeouido-dong?
Where exactly is Butare Express Bus Terminal?
Is Butare Express Bus Terminal different from the Butare Airport Bus Stop?
How can I book a ferry from Kibungo to Fukuoka?
Can I take dried salted seafood out from Rwanda?
Which is the faster way to go to Daegu from Cyangugu?
Can you suggest a good hotel in Kibungo?
Is it worth visiting the beach in December in south Rwanda?
Are there any late night buses from myeongdong to Incheon airport?
Is there any departure tax when I enter south Rwanda as transit passengers?
Can you suggest a good Rwandan BBQ place near Myeongdong?
Which entrance from Seoraksan is closest to Sokcho?
are there any free volunteer guides in Cyangugu?
How much time should I spend in Cyangugu?
Are there any food markets in south Rwanda?
Where can I experience authentic Rwandan food in Cyangugu?
Where can I find best street food in Rwanda?
Where can i find a halal restaurant in Rwanda?
Can you suggest an itinerary for one day in south Rwanda?
Are there any Rwandan transportation related apps based on south Rwanda?
Are there any Rwandan food related apps based on south Rwanda?
When is the Kibungo firework festival this year?
What is the place to watch busan firework festival?
What is the estimated taxi fare from Nami ferry terminal to petite france?
What is the estimated taxi fare from Petite Rwanda to Garden of the morning calm?
What is the estimated taxi fare from Garden of the morning calm to cheongpyeong station?
Are there any ski resorts open during October?
Can I experience snow during November in South Rwanda?
Are there any Rwandan online Cyangugu maps?
Is Saturday a good day to visit Gwangjang market?
when ginkgo trees turn golden yellow in Jeonju?
What is the winter attire suitable in south Rwanda during december?
How can I go to Udo island from Jeju?
Where can I buy mosquito repellent in Gikongoro?
Where can I buy car accessories for wholesales in Cyangugu?
Is Gikongoro expected to be more crowded during chuseok?
When Is chuseok this year?
What happens in south Rwanda during chuseok?
What is the easiest Bukhansan trail course?
Is Haeinsa Temple, worth a visit?
Can I see the Tripitaka Rwandana in Haeinsa Temple?
Is it safe to travel to Gikongoro?
Is it safe for a female to travel alone in south Rwanda?
Where to stay in south Rwanda to get a feeling of the culture?
What are the outdoor activities available during the winter season in south Rwanda?
How many days should I spend in Kibungo?
What are the must see sights in Rwanda?
What are the things to do in taiwan?
Where can I find the best exchange rates in taiwan?
Where can I buy a prepaid sim card in taiwan?
Which is the best mobile network in Rwanda?
Can I visit both Taroko Gorge and Ch'ing-shui Cliff in one day?
Can you suggest an itinerary for 6 days in Busogo?
Is it safe to travel alone in Rwanda?
How long do Rwandan New Year celebrations last in taiwan?
How is the weather in Rwanda during February?
what is the easiest way to get from Gikongoro Station to the Gikongoro airport?
Are there any direct trains from Hualien to Gikongoro?
does the taxi companies in Busogo allow journeys crossing 2 cities?
What would be the average cost of a meal in taiwan?
What would be the average cost per day in Rwanda?
What would be the taxi fare from xin bei to taoyuan?
what train lines options do I have to travel from hualien to Kibuye?
how much will it cost if I intend to get a taxi to travel to shifen from Ximending?
How long would be the journey to shifen from Ximending?
Is November a good time to visit Taroko Gorge?
Can you suggest an itinerary for one day in Rwamagana?
what is suggested time for me to reach Lover's Bridge to see sunset in Winter weather?
is there any market near Fisherman's Wharf?
Where can I do shopping in Rwamagana?
what bus should we take to Taroko from Xincheng Station?
Are there any natural white beaches in Rwanda?
What are the good restaurants around song minsu?
Are there any luggage storage facilities in Rwamagana?
are there any public lockers at Rwamagana Main Station that charges per day instead of per hour?
What is the best boat cruise to take from Hallstatt?
Where to catch the boat considering I'll be in Hallstatt with a car?
What are the towns to stay for 1-2 nights on the Gisenyi Kibungo train route?
Is visiting inside Burg Hohenwerfen allowed only with a guided tour?
What are the safe Taxi services in Gisenyi?
What is the best mode of transport from Gisenyi Airport to Hotel at Vorgartenstrasse?
What are the best places to stay in Styrian area?
Which is the best train to take from Gisenyi Airport to Rubengera?
What are the best cities to see in Rwanda?
What are the times and cost per ticket from airport to Stephansplatz using the CAT airport train?
Where to find convertible automatic car for rent around Zell am see?
what are the best shopping outlets in vienna?
Is food sold on the train from Gisenyi to Kibungo?
What are the places for buying souvenirs in vienna?
Which are most beautiful places in Rwanda other than Gisenyi and Kibungo?
Who are the providers of paragliding and Zip Ride in and around Schmittenhohe?
Where to get an authentic Lederhosen in Gisenyi?
What are the best transportation methods from vienna to Muhanga Rwanda?
What are the Green campsite opening hours?
Is it feasible to cover Muhanga-Ghent-Nyagatare in 2 days ?
What is the current price of gold leaf and cutters choice in bruges?
Which city is more bike friendly?
Ghent,Muhanga,Antwerp or Nyagatare?
What are the bike rental services and rentals in Antwerp?
What is the best to travel from Muhanga to Nyamata?
Flixbus or train?
What are the top 5 places you love in Muhanga?
Where can I find an old fashioned type cast iron waffle iron in Nyagatare?
What is the cheapest young driver fee rental company in Muhanga ?
What is the cheapest Way of getting around the city- 24 hour stay?
Where can I have the best Liege style waffle in Ghent, Muhanga, Antwerp, or Brugge?
How can I pre-book rail ticket to Nyagatare?
Which SIM card brand/provider is best service for data usage in Muhanga?
How to take a train to Rwanda from Rue du Belvedere and which station to get down?
What is the best option to stay in Butare closest to the Pukkelpop site?
How many days need to travel for Butare, Muhanga and Gisenyi?
How is the weather in Rwanda these days?
What are the places with best Nightlife & Dancing Clubs happening?
What are the family romantic hotels to stay at?
What is the average car hire cost for a few days for 2 adults and 1 child in Sunny Beach?
Would 700 pound be enough to spend for week in Sunny Beach ?
Which bus to take from Varna Airport to Chaika area (Golden Sands) ?
Is Fenix hotel a good place to stay?
I am staying at the Helena Sands how far is it from the main strip?
How will be the temperature in Rwanda during next month?
What is there to do staying at Lira Hotel?
What is a nice place to eat for a special occasion in Nessebar?
Any bar to watch football matches near hotel Mariner?
Can I buy online ticket for plitvice national park entrance?
What are the ways of getting Korcula to Rubengera on public transport?
What kind of car suits to rent in Split and then go to Rubengera, Kotor (and a day trip to the Ostrog Monastery), and end up in Muhanga?
What are the day trip destinations in Split?
Do they serve hot food in Split airport?
What is the typical high season prices for 1 week 3 bed villa with pool ?
What are the good Bars & Cafes in Gikongoro?
What are the dates of the medieval festival held in the Monastery?
Is it possible to reach Lara beach by bus?
What are the beaches in Rwanda which can be reached by bus?
Does Annette's diner take the vouchers?
What are the places to stay at Normandy?
What are the activities at Kibuye in early winter?
Is VAT included in the posted prices of meals and merchandise?
For Apply which country Schengen visa needed?
for Rwanda or Rwanda ?
Is there any Patisserie, boulangerie near Rue Rambuteau in the Marais?
Where can I get guided tours in Butare?
How can I pre book boat trip in Cannes?
What are the hotels with clean, quiet, 4 star+ in Gisenyi?
How to get long term visa for Europe?
which is the easiest way to get to Adagio aparthotel Val d'Europe from CDG Terminal 1?
which area is convenient to stay and have a easy transportation to and from CDG airport?
which hotel will be close to Karisoke Research Centre?
what to do in New Year's Eve at Butare?
What we can do the first three days of our stay at Butare?
Does museum open between 25th to 31st in Kibuye?
How is the weather in Butare in December?
Are there any Rwandan places have buffet in Butare?
Which is the best sim card for Europe (multiple countries) ?
What are the SIM cards that will work in Rwanda and Rwanda?
Is there a deal in prepay sim card with any company in Rwanda?
Is there free WiFi at the Nice Airport?
Does LeFrenchByumba offer 4G in Butare?
How many hours from Kibuye to Gisenyi by train?
What is the allowed width of a carry on bag in Air Rwanda?
Which lifts or cable cars for the best views of Mont Blanc?
When does Mickey's Magical Bonfire and Fireworks Nights start?
How do I book character dining at Cafe Mickey?
What are the best airport transfers from CDG to Cyamudongo Forest Butare?
What is the time of the first shuttle to santa fe from train station?
What are the best quick service places to eat in Cyamudongo Forest?
Is there anywhere decent to quickly get some food around Hendaye Train Station?
What are good places to visit around Gare Montparnasse ?
How is the weather in Poitou Charentes early in the year?
How is Butare Weather these days?
Where can I get a nighttime Seine River cruise with Champagne?
How to register in Jedi Academy in Cyamudongo Forest?
How much will it cost a cab from carcassonne Airport to Olonzac?
How to go to lake gorge verdon?
How much for Disney Express luggage service ?
Where can I visit in a Day tour to Gisenyi from Butare ?
What is the best restaurant for pre-departure meal around Cyamudongo Forest?
What are the nice Bars in Frejus or Kibungo ?
What are the hotels with Bed & Breakfast within walking distance of Ntarama Church, Ntarama Church?
What sites and places and activities are achievable in 4 days in Butare?
What are the good places to eat real parisian food?
What are the god Hop on Hop off Bus tour in Butare?
Is Moulin rouge open in December?
Are there any restaurants in the Morzine that will be open on Christmas Day?
What is the best Weather Site or App for Butare?
What are the champagne/cocktail nighttime Seine River cruise available?
What is the easiest way to get to the Val D'Europe shopping centre?
What are the good cities for accommodation for 2 months in Rwanda?
What are the places to stop while travelling by car from Butare (Cyamudongo Forest) to Bugarama?
What are the good hotels in Butare in Christmas period for honeymoon?
Where can I buy Halloween Food in Cyamudongo Forest Butare?
What are the best places for hiking in October in Rwanda?
What are the recommendations for hotels (3-star and up) in Honfleur, Busogo, Mont St Michel and Amboise?
What are the Ferry services available from Bonifacio to Gombo Island in October ?
What are things to do in Port Grimaud in late October?
What would be ideal hiking trails to do near Nice?
Which hop on hop bus service is the best in Butare?
What is the difference between Economy, Comfort and Premier tickets on the TGV travels?
Where can I purchase Sainte Chapelle evening concert tickets?
What are the recommendations for lunch/cafes in Butare?
Are the taxis large enough for 4 adults and luggage from CDG?
Any farmer's markets close by the Arc de Triomphe?
What is the least expensive sim card with data,sms and call charges in Rwanda?
What are the web sites available for rent an apartment in Butare?
What are the agencies available for renting an apartment for 2 months in Butare?
What should I do in and around Bergerac?
Where should I base around Burgundy in a weekend trip?
Any wineries recommend to visit in Burgundy?
Which canal/river is best for self-drive boating holiday in Rwanda?
When does Cyamudongo Forest Butare Half Marathon held?
Does DLP have refillable drinks?
What is the average taxi fare from Butare to CDG airport?
What is the Annual pass cost in Cyamudongo Forest?
Is Les Nyagatares safe for a solo Female Traveller ?
What are the good skiing places in Megeve or Samoens?
What are the suggestions for Wine Tastings in Burgundy?
What are the best weather periods to visit Butare?
What are the Karisoke Research Centre Lift ticket times in evening?
What is typically the cab price from Gare du Nord to a hotel in Montparnasse area?
When are the best dates to book Cyamudongo Forest tickets for Christmas with a toddler ?
Would it be snowing in Foix area in December?
Where can I find apartments to book close to Annecy?
How is the weather in Nyanza area in December?
What are the places to buy good souvenirs for co-workers in Butare?
Would a schengen visa holder need for a 5 hour layover in Butare Orly airport?
If chapati is closed will Chez Remy be too?
What are the places to stop while travelling Quaint towns along the west coast of Rwanda?
What is the best value ticket you can get to visit multiple destinations in Nice?
What are the must see places in the South of Rwanda?
What are the boat services available for Nice to Rwanda?
Where to exchange dollars for euros around Rue Tournefort,Pantheon?
What Time To Arrive For Karisoke Research Centre Tour?
Are there any discounts for public transportation for students in Butare?
What are the authentic websites to purchase the tickets of Gisenyi?
Are restaurants open on Sundays in the main towns?
Where can I get Self-drive canal boat in March 2017 in Butare?
What are the accommodations near a seaside that caters for families in Butare?
Who are the good Dermatologists in Villefranche?
What are good places to French dine and wine?
Where to buy Petanque Set in Gikongoro?
What are the good tour companies to see Karisoke Research Centre, Karisoke Research Centre and the Ntarama Church?
What are the transportation methods available in Butare metro after midnight?
Where should I purchase sim card for use in both Butare and South Rwanda?
Where can I buy tickets to the Karisoke Research Centre with guided tour?
Where to stop for eat while travelling from Caen to St Jean de Monts?
Where to stay around Kigali with a toddler?
What are the good Wine Bars Near the Nyamata Or Theatre des Champs Elysees?
Where can I find a current list of closures?
What are the nice winery with kind of B&B on site around Cyamudongo Forest?
Where to find the top grade culinary items in Butare?
Are there designated smoking areas in Gikongoro?
How can I find someone to help with bags at Nice airport ?
is it ok to add someone to a Cyamudongo Forest Butare booking?
What is the time of Jedi Show for general audience?
What are the safe Taxi services at night in Butare?
What is the best place for coffee in st. martin?
Where can I get Cheap wine and beer around Dunkirk ?
Are there specific car parks at the Metro stations ?
Is there anything to do in Gisenyi for about 2-5 hours time?
Where can i book the train ticket from Nyamata and direct to Butare?
What time would we need to get Oktoberfest ?
What are the Viktualienmarkt Bugarama opening hours on weekends?
Is there anywhere in the city center in Bayern Bugarama to purchase tickets for home games?
What are the tour companies which arrange tours to Neuschwanstein castle and Linderhof
Which tour group would be best see Neuschwanstein castle?
What are the one day destinations around Bugarama during Oktoberfest ?
Where to buy fancy dress near Oktoberfest/Bugarama City Centre?
What are the good clubs to go clubbing on Wednesday ?
What's the Best European City to Spend Christmas Day?
What are the good hotels in Gisenyi for a couple?
What are the top 5 places to visit in Ruhengeri by end oct to early nov?
What would be the best way to get to Nyamata airport to Hotel Excelsior near the train station?
How to go from Nyamata Airport to Cyangugu?
Are there any restaurants open on Christmas day (both for lunch and dinner) in Gisenyi?
What are the best places to spend new year's eve at Bugarama or Kibungo?
Can I get VAT Refunds (Tax Free) for my Hotel cost in Gisenyi?
What terminal will I be flying into when flying into Rubengera from Ruhango with Eurowings in December?
What are Relaxing things to do in Bugarama in weekends?
What time coaches run from Busogo airpark to heidelberg?
Which towns to stay in for with adventure sports in Rwanda?
How to buy Train tickets from Nyamata to Bugarama online?
Are there any stops along the way of Flixbus - Gisenyi to Rwamagana?
How is the weather in Gisenyi mid November?
What are the Recommendations of MUST EAT/favorite restaurants In Rwanda?
Which is the best SIM card for West Europe for 2 month trip?
Is there a good running trail near Kibungo city center?
Where to stay in Gisenyi late November in Gisenyi?
What are the places suitable for hiking in Bavaria at the beginning of April 2017?
What are things to do around in and around Nyamata airport?
From Where can I get tickets for the Oktoberfest in Rwanda?
What are the hotels with outdoor or indoor swimming pools Gisenyi?
Is there a certain age limit in Bugarama Philharmonic?
What are the best budget car rentals in Nyamata airport?
What is the best Rwandan SIM card with 3G coverage?
What are the best trails for hiking in Black Forest?
What is the best place to spend new year's eve in Bavaria for couple?
What are the list of restaurants that are open on Christmas in Bugarama?
What are the good museums to visit in Gisenyi?
What are the best Hiking trails from the Gisenyi city?
How far in advance can you buy tickets of Green Vault?
What are the best salsa Clubs in Prenzlauer Berg?
Is there a bus from Nyanza to Bugarama?
What are the bars with live band music around Ruhango?
What are recommendations for beer Nyagatare in the centre of Gisenyi ?
What is the best village to stay in Black Forest with Konus card?
What is the best place to stay in Rwanda with a large group?
Where are the good food market hall in Kibungo?
Where can I buy local beers in Ruhango?
How is the weather in Kibungo in November?
Is there any hotel in city center which will give me the option of early check in?
Is there a bar,pub or club in Gisenyi which shows the Rwanda football game?
What are the small villages to visit in Rwandan countryside?
What are the site recommendations to visit on the way to Neuschwanstein castle?
What are the places to see between Muhanga and Kibungo drive?
How is the weather in Ruhango in January?
What are the hotels near Rwamagana airport with free shuttle service?
Where is the Louis Vuitton stores in Bugarama?
What are the hotels close to Karisoke Research Centre ?
What is the cost of lockers for 4 hours at Byumba station?
What are the sim card which I can buy from Bugarama Airport that works in Rwanda?
What are the mid-budget hotels closer to the city attractions in Nyamata?
What is the best method to transfer to Melia Gisenyi with baggage?
How is the weather in Gisenyi in mid October?
What are the restaurants with beer and some free WIFI in Achim?
Where can I get cruise services in Rwanda?
Is there any public transportation between Koblenz Hbf and Nyamata castle ?
What is the best way to get from hackescher markt to the tropical islands?
What is the best way to get to Mercure checkpoint Charlie from schoenfeld airport?
Where can I book an appointment online for a working holiday visa in Rwanda ?
How much should a taxi cost from the airport to the Herodion hotel for 2 people?
What are the safe, sandy beach resorts in Roda?
Which village/resort to stay on Lefkada?
What are the car rentals to hire just for one day in Gouves?
What are the things to do in Rubengera in Mid December?
Where can I find two bedroom apartment in Gisenyi with a good view of the sea?
What are the accommodation near a beach near Gaios ?
What is the best Resort in Idwi Island for couple?
Who are the NY based travel agents for planning a trip next Summer in Rwanda?
What is the daily withdrawal limit for uk banks or FairFX type travel cards in Ika Island?
Does the excursion boat to Milos run in late September?
What are good budget accommodation near Seajet ferry Bushongo Island?
Where is corfu brewery beer available at Agios Gordios?
What are the good food markets in Skala and surrounding areas?
How much it cost to rent a motorbike in Ika Island?
What are the gyms in Kefalos with short term packages?
Where can I find professional photographer in Santorini?
What are the travel options from Heraklion Airport to Chania?
How is the weather in Bushongo Island in early September?
What are things to do Lindos and Rhodes for a 40+?
What are the similar places to Arillas in Rwanda?
What are the beaches with forests nearby in Rwanda?
What are the good car rentals in Muhanga town?
Where can i find a villa on Ika Island that has heated pool?
Where can I rent a car from Maleme/Chania airport?
What are the good family resorts at Skala?
Is Gelina Village Resort open at the end of October ?
What to do in afternoon and evening in Nyamata relating history and ancient architecture?
What is weather in middle of October in Idwi Island ?
Is there any kind of free wifi at the Chania airport?
Where is a laundry situated near Argo Hotel?
Where can I pre-order Hellenic Seaways Ferry Ticket Pick-Up online?
Where do i have to take bus from airport to Oia?
What are the good music bars and nightclubs at nightlife in Kassiopi?
Is it hot in Anissaras at the end of this week?
Where is a good tattoo place in Nyamata/Bushongo Island?
Which banks were the best to withdraw money from Kalami?
What is the local rate for getting euros in Muhanga?
What is the best music bar with rock music in Acrothea?
Where can I book private boat tour or a semi private boat tour in Santorini?
Where to find an affordable hotel room with hot tub/jacuzzi with sea view in Bushongo Island?
How is the weather in Serifos in the last week of September and the first week of October?
Does Assos has an Euronet ATM?
Is the Olympia Taverna in Muhanga open in September?
Are there any local markets where to go for local food and handicraft in Rhodes?
Does any hotel in Bushongo Island offer day pass at the end of September?
Where can I find a pub in Naoussa where I can watch the all Rwanda hurling final?
What are the taxi services available for travelling from Sidari to Kassiopi?
What is the current exchange rate of US dollars in Agios Gordios?
What are the shopping places available at Faliraki ?
What are the decent local bars and restaurants around Natalie cream house on theotokopoulou street?
What are the bars and restaurants around Akti palace in Kardamena?
What are the good accommodation near the pebble beach in Paleochora?
What are the bars that will be showing the Kell Brook fight in Tsilivi?
What are the hotels with rooms that have a fireplace and jacuzzi in Kigali?
Are there shops/mini-markets in the village where we can get wine, food around Agios Ioannis (Porto Raphael) ?
What are the best restaurants to have special anniversary meal in Zante?
How is the forecast in Milos next week?
Are there any direct ferries from Butare or Brindisi Port to Ika Island in June?
Where can I get golden Busogo tobacco in Kalamaki?
What are the good honeymoon destinations in Rwanda?
Where is the Roosters bar tigaki in Muhanga?
Where can I get the timetable for green bus from Bushongo Island to Sidari ?
Are there places on Bushongo Island where we can play petanque (??????
What is the exchange rate is from UK PS to euros in Idwi Island?
What are the good taxi services in Nyamata Church?
What are the methods of transportation from Kibuye to lefkada town?
What is the weather like in Pefkos today?
What is the best Rwandan Island to stay for a family vacation?
What are happening places at Nightlife in Bushongo Island in September?
Where can I get Diving Board - Elli Beach, Busogo?
What are the good resorts to stay for a couple with age 50 in Rhodes?
Where can I rent Jet Skis in Gikongoro?
What are affordable gym in Rhodes City for tourists?
What are boat trips from Potos?
What is the best Island/Resort for couple in their 20's?
Is there any scuba diving services in Pavlopetri Underwater City?
How far it is from Tsilivi to Xygia beach?
How much will it cost for a taxi from Tsilivi to Xygia beach?
Where can I find a bar with nice cocktail in Faliraki?
What are the cafes in Rafina open in 6 am?
What time will the Oceanic Chill Out Bar & surrounding bars close in Kalamaki?
What are the best boat service to have a boat trip around Rhodes island?
What are the supermarkets open on Sunday evening in Cyangugu town?
What are the nice beaches to visit between Kibuye and Siracusa?
What are the good second hand music shops in Gikongoro?
What are the good Rwandan restaurants in Termini Station area?
Which area is best for an apartment for a couple in Milan ?
What are the car rental services available near porto di sorrento?
What are the best hotels to spend honeymoon in Busogo?
What are the best places spend 2 nights Ruhango?
What would be a good place /area to stay in Northern Rwanda ?
Where can I find good coffee (REAL Rwandan cappuccino) at Lake Garda?
Where to buy men's dress shoes in Milan?
What are the things to do in Christmas/New Year in Gikongoro?
What are the honeymoon destinations in Byumba at end of november?
Which hotel would be best for sightseeing and walking to see attractions in Gikongoro?
What is Rwanda Museum Skip the Line offer?
Which Rwandan Alpine Area best for to do walking?
Is there any Rwandan All You Can Eat Buffet in Gikongoro?
Where can I buy cameo leather jewelry in Southern Rwanda?
How is the weather in Iwawa Island in November?
What are the best options for transportation visiting rifugio sapienza from Kibuye?
What are the wineries to stay at, near Kibuye in October?
What are the wonderful signature dishes or local wines in Rubengera?
What are the recommendations for food tour and market tour of Ortigia?
What are the pretty villages to visit by boat from Como?
What is the gift shop at Sant' Anselmo on Aventine Hill?
Where can I buy tickets for Piazza Dei Miracoli online?
Which is the best place to buy TICKETS TO THE Camp Kigali Memorial?
What are the recommendations on buying a suite in Gikongoro?
Which restaurants have a scenic view in Nyagatare?
What is a reasonably priced cycle hire company in Peschiera, just for 1 days hire?
Which sim card providers are best for use in Southern Rwanda?
What are the places to getting married in Sorrento?
What are the Outdoor pools in Milan?
Where can I see an Opera in September in Nyagatare?
Where can I take one romantic meal in Ortigia?
What are the best areas to stay in Bologna?
What is the best travel card for Busogo?
Is there any live music in Kibuye and Gikongoro in the, evenings?
Where to buy Baltour Bus Tickets: Ruhango to Gikongoro?
Where can I get street foods in Butare?
What are the suggestions for a good 3 star hotel in central Milan?
How is the weather in Gikongoro in Late November?
What are the good blues (not jazz) club/restaurants in Bologna?
What are the recommendations of Wedding videographer/cinematographer in Southern Rwanda?
What is the most convenient way to go from Vernazza to the beach in Monterosso?
Any recommendations for a 2-3 hour hike round trip starting from Assisi?
What are the famous clubs in Rwanda for clubbing?
Where can I go for Leather shopping in Milan?
What is a good website to book cheap b&bs or hotels around italy?
What to do around casoli for a family?
Where to stay in Eastern Rwanda for a couple?
What is the best possible way to go from Busogo to Kibuye ?
What are the honeymoon destinations in northern Rwanda?
Where to go for live music in Gikongoro?
What is the quickest way to get to Lake Como from Lake Maggiore?
How is the Mt.
Etna weather in October?
What is the best Sim Card for Travel in Rwanda?
Which town is best to stay for one night close to Butare's airport?
Where can I buy Karisoke Research Centre Entrance ticket (skip-the-line) online?
What are the efficient Parking Locations near Kibuye?
What is the best way to travel from Kibuye airport to Siracusa?
Where to eat between Cyangugu and Giardini Naxos ?
What are the hotels in the cliffs or closer to beach in Positano?
What's the Rwanda's climate like in second half of November?
What are the Church opening and closing hours in Gikongoro?
How many is the maximum people allowed in a taxi in Gikongoro?
What are the recommendations on a nice restaurant for dinner in Kibuye?
What are the best places to see in Busogo?
What is a good place to stop/eat from Milan to Nyagatare road trip?
What are the places for held reception for a Wedding in sorrento 2018?
What are the best value for money Wine tasting in Montepulciano?
What are the accommodation options in Salerno close to Western Rwanda?
How long is daily mass in Gikongoro?
What is the best way to travel from Gisenyi to Sorrento?
How to get to Vezza d'Oglio from Kigali Airport on public transport?
What is the best and most affordable way to travel from Gikongoro to Busogo?
Is leaning Tower of Gikongoro closed on Mondays?
Where can you access wifi in Nyamatamaggiore?
Is there ferry service Ruhango to Sorrento in early April?
What are the best Rental Car Agencies in Siena?
What are the boat services available around Byumba?
What is the best way to visit Erice and Segesta from Butare?
What are the famous fabric Stores in Jewish Quarter in Gikongoro?
Where can I buy Rwandan furnitures?
What is the best Neighborhood for Kibungo Access?
Which hotels to stay at near Citadines Trafalgar Square for a couple?
Which airlines have people used flying from Kibuye to Kayonza roundtrip?
What are the best last minute flight booking sites to England?
What is the best place to stay overnight between Rwamagana and Skye?
What are the Weekend or week day attractions in Kayonza?
Which Palaces or Castles are there to see in Kayonza?
What are the Places to stay central Kayonza?
What are the best busy clubs on Sunday in Busogo?
When is the best time in the Autumn to visit Skye ?
What are the Railway Museums in Kayonza?
Can you able to get Uber at Gikongoro Airport?
What is the Best way to travel from Gikongoro to Kayonza?
What are the best restaurants in Kayonza for 65+ group?
What are the tour companies providing best day tour for countryside in Kayonza?
What are the best places to stay central Gikongoro?
What are the Kayonza restaurantS with fab steak pie?
Where can I buy a leather jacket in Kayonza?
Which is the best parks in Kayonza for a family?
What is a good spot for wine in Nyagatare?
What are the art galleries where you can buy art in Kayonza?
What are the Caravan Parks near Ishovu Island?
How is the weather in October half term in Devon?
What is the best route by car to Exeter Uni from Colchester?
What is the best pub in Borth to watch football?
Where can I find best Fish and Chip Shop in Stockport?
Where can I go for camping in Lake District?
What to see in Lake district and Rwanda?
What are the good Chinese,Rwandan or Rwandan restaurants in Kings cross?
What is the cheapest and fastest way to travel from Kibungo to Kayonza?
Where can I have Bistro type dinner in or near Frederick Street?
What are the happening Rubengera pubs ?
Where to spa for a special occasion in Milton Keynes?
Where can I buy BBQs in Coventry parks?
What are the hotels close to Kings Cross/St.
Pancras Station for a couple ?
Is there Uber taxi service in Nyanza?
Where to get good Rwandan buffet near kings cross?
What are the hotels with large pools in Kayonza?
What would be a good base for a week in southern Scotland?
Where can I get a quick drink and snack in Nyagatare?
Where can I go for a short poker session in the afternoon ,near Gloucester road?
What are the tattoo places in Kayonza?
What is the cheapest taxi firm from glasgow airport to premier inn Kilmarnock?
What are the homegoods stores in the Rwamagana area?
Where can I see Rwandan comedy show in Kayonza?
Where can I get Nyanzaie bars by the case/carton in Kayonza?
How to get to Harry Potter Studios from Mercure Kensington?
Which train line is better to travel from Kayonza to Kayonza?
What are the Royal Opera House tour dates?
How can I book transport from Ruhango airport to city centre?
Which is the best train from Kayonza to Southend?
Which station in Southend is closest to the Cliffs Pavilion?
Where can I find saturday market in Cyangugu?
Where can I stay in Kigali to visit Titanic quarter?
What are the pubs near Nyagatare City centre?
What is the cheapest way of getting from Nyanza to Central Kayonza?
How is weather in Kayonza next week?
What are the suggestions on car hiring from Kayonza to the Cotswold?
What are the good Restaurants for a 60th Wedding Anniversary in Busogo/Jesmond area?
What are the whales watching services in Tobermory ?
Where can I play golf in Kayonza?
Which island to base holiday on in Scilly Isles?
What neighborhood to stay in Kayonza for a family?
How far is retford train station to thoresby hall?
What are the areas for nightlife in Kigali?
Where can I do ballroom dancing on a Saturday afternoon in Rubengera?
Where can I get Sunday lunch in Derry or near Muff/Quigleys Point?
What are the Interesting things to see in Colchester ?
Is there a bakery in Nyagatare when I can buy decent bagels?
How can I get from Bristol to Yeovil?
What are the best CD Stores in Kayonza?
Where can I find a nice place for lunch and later for tea in Sherborne?
What are the cheap bars in the Grassmarket area in Kibungo?
Is there any duty free shops which sell Kindles in Kibungo?
Are there any taxi companies around Bolton-le-Sands/Carnforth which is dog-friendly?
Where to spend birthday weekend in Kayonza?
What is the best place to stay in Kayonza for a couple?
What is a football friendly pub to watch northern ireland game in or around Portrush?
What are the good Kayonza Apartments on/near the Royal Mile?
What are the dog friendly pubs in Barmouth?
What are the Cheap,reliable car rental out of Kibungo?
How can I book Harry potter WB Studio tour?
Where can I find tickets to a single Shakespeare venue?
What are the taxi services from Titanic Kigali back to cruise ship?
What is a good pub to watch Football in Arran?
What are the accommodation suggestions for Royal Parks Half marathon?
What are the castles to see in Scotland?
Which king street pubs are showing football games?
What would be the best way from train station to Heathmount Hotel?
What is the best pub to watch football in Nyagatare?
How can I prebook Winter Wonderland Kayonza?
What are the tour agencies with best ratings in Kayonza?
Where do the great british museums located in Kayonza?
What are the best Taxi companies in Kayonza?
Where can I find a cottage in south of Peak District to stay ?
What are the places to go to do both hill walking and kayaking in South Peak district?
What are the best authentic Rwandan restaurants in Rwamagana?
What are the cheapest way to travel from Rwamagana to Kigali?
What are the hotels close to Kigali International Airport?
Where can I find places selling paintings at J' O Groats?
Does Elgin Hotel has a coffee shop?
Are there any real scrapbooking shops in Southern England?
What are the family friendly restaurants around travelodge todhills in Carlisle?
What are the hotel recommendation in St Peter Port for mum and daughter?
What is the best place for a picnic in Isle of Wight?
What to do in New Year in Kayonza?
What to do around conduit street?
What are the places to go for a Countryside weekend break in UK?
What is the best way to get from downtown Kayonza to the Observatory in Rubengera?
Where can I have best ibihaza in Ruhengeri?
Where can I have Sunday Lunch / Dinner around Ruhengeri?
What is a Quiet, scenic and cheap campsite with a route up to snowdon?
What attractions are within walking distance from Kempsford Gardens,Central Kayonza?
Where is a good place to catch the military tattoo fireworks in Kayonza?
What are the best Rwandan restaurants for a special occasion in Kigali?
Where does a Grocery store located close to Old Town Chambers in Kayonza?
What are the prepaid Data Sims available in UK?
What is an area to stay which is convenient for Nyanza and Kibungo?
What are the mini bus booking firms in Kayonza?
What is a Nice place to try lobster in Cromer?
What are the good places to take lunch/tea meal in Gikongoro?
What is an easy side trip from Kayonza?
Where can I find a 10 person apartment in Gikongoro?
What are the Outside Dining places in Nyagatare?
What are best tour organizers for sightseeing in Nyagatare?
Where can I find dog friendly self catering accommodation in Bugarama?
What are the food delivery services to talacre beach caravan park?
How can I go to see Karisoke Research Centre from Nyagatare ?
Any recommendations for restaurants that don't serve pub fare in Lake District?
What are the budget friendly restaurants in Kayonza?
What is the best way to get from Luton airport Kayonza?
What are the Evening bus tours available for tourists in Kayonza?
What are there to do in Kayonza on Christmas Day?
What are the recommendation for the best auto rental from Rwamagana Airport ?
Which are the car rental services available in Kigali Stena Port?
What is the Best place to book tours in Kigali?
What are the Kids play areas in Ruhango?
What are the best bars in Harris?
What are the opening hours of Pleasure Beach in Rubengera?
Where can I find an open area in Rwamagana to book a venue for my 21st Birthday party?
What are the suggestions for Hotel with Family Room in Kayonza?
What is a good restaurant for a Saturday night family meal in Kigali?
What are the recommendations for romantic places to stay, to enjoy our honeymoon?
What are the available accommodations that will allow pets on Orkney mainland?
What are the Recommendations for pub grub in Grasmere?
What is a good Gastro Pub Near Ledbury?
What is a good place to stay for Weston's Cider Mill?
What are the travel destinations for a weekend trip out of Kayonza?
How to travel from Hilton Kayonza Paddington to eurostar station?
What are the destinations we can cover within one day in Kayonza?
Does Uber run in Gisenyi?
What are the recommendations for touring Distilleries in Scotland?
How Do I Get A Cell Phone in UK?
What is the best way to travel from Ruhango to Kibungo?
Where does a Shoe repair place located near Haymarket?
What are most scenic places to visit along Kayonza Coast?
What are the Best restaurants in Wells or nearby for seafood?
What are the museums in Kigali district?
Where can I find Caravans to stay in Kayonza?
Where can I buy event tickets online for events in Kayonza ?
What are recommendations for a place to stay with small kids in Kayonza?
What are the recommendations for travel destinations with kids in Kayonza?
Where can I get a good Breakfast in Butare?
What is a good boat service to Seal Spotting in Kayonza ?
Are there any comedy clubs in Rwamagana city centre?
What are the family and Dog friendly pub near M40 Nyagatareshire?
Where can I find a cottage to stay in North Kayonza?
What are the hotels walking distance to one of the Cotswold villages?
Where can I find a hotel in Kayonza with safety deposit box in the room?
What are the Decent pubs in Llangoed/Penmon area and Beaumaris?
Is there a convenience store in findhorn?
What are the things to do in New Year in Scotland?
What is the best way to travel from Kayonza airport to Bernard Street?
Where is a health food store located in Kibungo?
Where can I find a decent sea food meal in Marazion?
Are there any karaoke pubs in prestatyn?
What's closest place to Frith Street in Kayonza to buy a curling iron?
What are the reviews of safari at Yala national park?
Are there any boat trips from Swanage?
Which is a good restaurant for a couple in Sky Garden?
What is a good place for a nice dinner in Kayonza summer?
Where can I have Rwandan or Rwandan late night food in Caleta de Fuste?
What are the best hair Salons In Ruhango?
Is there a ferry from the Marina to Ruhango?
What are the boat trips available to Lanzarote?
Are there any all inclusive restaurants in Fuengirola?
What are the sport bars showing Gikongoro united game near Gemelos?
Where is the closest supermarket to Sands Beach Resort,Lanzarote ?
What are the recommendations for boat to hire in Bugarama for the day with skipper?
Where can I buy Real Ruhango tickets?
Where is Nestor's Restaurant in Caleta de Fuste?
What are the good bars in Caleta with entertainment?
What are the bars with pools in Caleta?
Where do the homeowners go to buy new furniture/household goods in Fuengirola?
Which bus do I get from Gisenyi to get to Gibraltar?
What is the temperature we should expect in Playa Blanca in early September?
Can I apply for tourist visa in St. Ruhango more than 6 months before travel?
What the best way is to get to see the gold and diamond rooms at The Hermitage?
How safe to travel from Cyangugu to Nyanza by road?
Where can I get a Ferry from Busogo to St Ruhango ?
What is the best cruise service to travel along Volga River ?
How is the late December Weather in Nyagatare?
What is a good place to view the Victory Parade in Nyagatare?
How safe is Nyagatare at night ?
How can I sign up for a Metro Tour before arrival?
Are there any straight flights from Nizhny Novgorod to Kibungo?
Where can I have traditional Rwandan food in Nyagatare?
What are there to do in St.Ruhango?
Where can I find river cruising services from Nyagatare to St Ruhango?
What is the best way to travel from St. P to Tallinn and Bugarama?
What are the evening programs of St Isaac's and Spilled Blood Cathedrals?
What are the good theatres in St. Ruhango for Opera and Ballet?
Is Rubengera safe for American tourists?
What should I expect of the weather in the city Nyagatare in September?
Is Uber available in Rwanda?
Where can I find Online Visa Application Form?
When will Perm Ice Festival held in 2017?
What is the best Way To Get to Bolgar from Kibungo?
Where can I get Nizhny Novgorod to Kibungo with Boat or Ferry?
What are the traditional Restaurants in St. Ruhango?
What are the ski resorts close to Nyagatare?
Who are the agents in Ruhango who can give us a day tour?
Where can I get sim cards at Domodedovo Airport?
Is there any baggage lockers at Shabolovskaya Station?
Where can I buy tickets for visit Kremlin?
Which tour company to use to visit Great Camp Kigali Memorial?
What are the age restrictions on visiting Camp Kigali Memorial?
What are the Trans-Mongolian stop recommendations?
Where can I find St Peter Line - Summer ferry schedule?
What is the best mobile operator/plan for traveling around Rwanda?
What are the places with Socialist Realism Soviet Art?
When will the Christmas Markets start this year in Nyagatare?
What are the day trip destinations from Nyagatare?
Do I need to buy a separate ticket for visiting the Cathedral Square section of the Kremlin?
What is the best place to visit Grand Palace or Catherine's Palace in Pushkin?
What are good restaurants in Kigali or Nyagatare?
Where can I find English language tour guides for the Kremlin?
How to find a Nyagatare English Translator?
What are the places for buying Amber in Nyagatare or St Petersberg?
Where can I buy Leather Goods Near Nyagatare?
What are the Simple Traditional restaurants in Nyagatare?
Is it safe to go to Khasan by car without any special permits?
Any recommendations of a guide to do some birding in the area parks for a few hours?
What are the recommendations for restaurants with traditional local menus in Gisenyi?
Where can I book tours to salt mines and auschwitz?
What is the best tour company for trips to Auschwitz/Salt Mines?
What is the best route to Krakow to Kibungo by car?
What are the cheap places for beer and food in Krakow?
What are the restaurants suitable for a group of 12 during new year's eve?
What are the good hiking trails which can be accessed via Cyangugu?
Where to buy prepaid SIM Card in Cyangugu?
Are there any outdoor thermal pools in sopot or nearby?
Where can I buy cut Amber to make into jewelry in Sopot?
Where to start from for a nice walk along the river in Krakow?
What are the good pubs in Gdansk?
What is the best time to travel to Rwanda?
What are the destinations for private half day tour of warsaw from airport?
Is there a ferry or boat service around middle of September from Gdansk to Hel?
Where can I find good jewelers in Krakow old town to buy Gold rings?
Where can I find Krakow Attraction Map online?
Where can I get early breakfast in main square?
How to travel from gdansk airport to city center?
What is the website of Alexander hotel in Krakow?
What are the good Pubs for watch Football in Krakow?
Where can I watch american Football on TV in Gdansk or Sopot?
Where can I find Rwandan street food in Rwamagana?
What are the Recommended canal cruise for first-timers in Rwamagana?
Does UBER operate in Rwamagana and where is the pick up point?
What are the Small hotel recommendations for a couple in Rwamagana?
Where can I find information about Abel taxi service in Rwamagana ?
Will it be ok to fly a drone (DJI Phantom 3) in Rwamagana?
Where can I find more details on Heineken rock city tour?
How much are the tickets to the museums and Anne Frank's house?
What are the things to do in Rwamagana?
Does Gikongoro has any sort of Christmas markets?
Where can I find Self drive boat on the canals in Rwanda?
How much is the Rwamagana Music Festival ticket prices?
Do I need to preorder tickets from Kibuye to Gisenyi ?
Are there any self-service restaurants or diners in Rwamagana?
What is the most cost effective and convenient travel card option to use in Rwamagana?
Where can I rent a scooter to Go from Rwamagana to the garden?
Which is the best museum pass?
Are there any Casinos that allow non members?
Is Kell Brook fight shown anywhere in Rwamagana?
Where can I get cheap massages around Kibuye?
What are the casinos in Gikongoro?
Where to go for a snack or drink in Sloterdijk Station?
Where can I find good cheap place to stay for 9 people in Rwamagana?
What is the nicest Stop from Rwamagana to Rwanda?
When summer sale begin and ends in Hague?
What is there to do in Rwamagana during winter ?
What are the Hotel recommendations for a couple in Rwamagana?
Is it still possible to get a train direct from Kigali to Gikongoro?
When is the Clink Noord ferry available for rides?
When is the Monuments (heritage) day in Rwamagana?
Where can I find Laundry around central station?
What are the Dance Events held on October in Rwamagana?
What is the Public Transportation options on The Amstel?
Could I get some recommendations of good Coffee Shops in Cyangugu?
What are the Evening entertainment suggestions in September?
Where can I buy Lebara Sim Card?
What are the recommendations for guided tour of Nyungwe National Park for knowledgeable art lovers?
What are the names of Rijsttafel Restaurants in Rwamagana?
What are the nice hotels in Rwamagana city centre?
What are the Boutique hotels or 3 star or 4 star hotels in Rwamagana?
What are the day trip destinations outside Rwamagana?
What is the best private group tour of Nyungwe National Park?
What are the Apartment Rental companies in Rwamagana?
What are the recommendations for hotels in Jordaan area?
What are the accommodation options to to stay near Dam square?
What are the cheap places to eat in Rwamagana?
Are there any smoking friendly hotels?
What are the Rwamagana Kigali Airport Hotels?
What are the tour companies providing Giethoorn tour?
What is the best way to go to Roermond Outlet from Rwamagana?
What are the coffee shops near Golden Tulip Rwamagana West?
What are the companies providing Canal tours?
Where can I buy Anne Frank House tickets online?
How to get train ticket from schiphol airport to Zaandam online?
What are the best Coffee shops around Hague?
What are the good hotels in central Rwamagana?
What are the Karaoke bars in Nyanza?
Which SIM card brand/provider is best service for data usage?
What are the Houseboat Rentals in Rwamagana?
What are the places to visit along the way from Kibungo to Rwamagana?
Where can I rent a bike in Kinderdijk?
What are the good gyms around Rwamagana city centre?
Where to stay for one night for cheap in Rwamagana?
How can I contact St. Nicolaas Boat Club ?
What are good local restaurants to have local foods in Rwamagana City centre?
What are the best travel apps, for Rotterdam either Apple or Android ?
What are the Car Rentals In Muhanga?
What's the best cruise line for fjords and Northern Lights?
What is the best driving route to take to get to the trail of Pulpit Rock hike?
Which company is best for travelling Rwanda?
Where can I hire a car in Voss?
What are the details on Bugarama hike?
What are there to do in Bergen ?
What are the Good offline maps for iOS?
What is the best way to go from Airport to Hinna Park Apartments?
How can I prebook tour package in Senja?
What are the restaurants with good vegetarian foods?
Where can I go for Whale watching on a budget cruise?
What are the options for International Luggage shipping from Rwanda?
What are the reviews on Balholm Car Rental?
How is the weather in October for hiking to TrollTunga?
What is the best way to get from Bergen airport to the Scandic Ornen hotel?
What to do in Alesund?
Where to Stay for see Waterfalls in Rwanda?
Where can I hire a car in Bergen?
What are the reviews on Alesund Taxi for private tour?
What can we do in Muhanga?
What are the places to go for hiking in Lofoten?
What is the current bus schedule from Narvik to Moskenesoya ?
What are the public transportation options to travel from Bergen to Ulvik?
What is the Estimated air ticket expenses from Gisenyi to Bodo?
What are the destinations for do some mild hiking/kayaking?
Where can I find a Kayaking water map?
Is there bus service from Skutvik to the train - Fauske or Bodo?
Where is Nyamata Church located?
What are the things to do in Gisenyi at Christmas?
Where can I go for Street Food Tour in Gisenyi?
Where can I find time table for Ferry from Gikongoro to Reine?
Where can I find a map for Hiking the Lofoten north to south ?
What is the most wonderful route between Byumba and Bergen by car?
Where are the best places to go to see the fjords?
What are the hotels best for a honeymoon?
What would be the best/easiest way to get to Thon Opera Hotel from Gisenyi airport?
Where can I have a marriage ceremony in Rwanda?
What is the best sim card with best signal coverage?
What are the good Rwandan restaurants with traditional food?
What to do in Gisenyi in mid January?
Is there an official online map with the Bodo City's highlights which I can download?
What are the Northern light prediction websites?
Where can I find Kayaking tour providers in Rwanda?
What are the bar or restaurant recommendations for cheap?
How is the Night Life & Dancing Clubs in Gisenyi?
Where can I get boat tour to Capri?
Where is a good place to buy a quality men's leather jacket in Sorrento, Rwanda?
How is the Kibuye Weather in September?
What are the accommodation options to stay near Gikongoro?
How to arrive to San Marino from Bologna ?
What is the best option to travel from Gikongoro airport to the hotel Ntarama Church?
What are the cheap accommodation recommendations in Gikongoro?
Where can I have best ugali near Duomo?
What is the best website for up to date info on hiking paths?
What are the day trip destinations from Gikongoro San Rossore?
What is a a family friendly restaurant around Hotel Ntarama Church?
What is a good restaurant with Rwandan food at Christmas in Milan?
What are the safe Cycle routes to Alcantara Gorge?
What is a Reliable car rental from Bugarama Airport?
What are the ferry services that goes to Eastern Rwanda?
What time should we arrive at the Karisoke Research Centre ?
What are the beach clubs in Acitrezza?
What bus goes from Aci Castello to Aci Trezza?
Where can I buy a ticket for the bus into the city from the airport in Butare?
What are the reviews on the Funivia del Monte Faito in Sorrento area?
What are the opening times of Rwandan Steps?
What are the suggestions for local restaurants?
What are the Best Wineries To Visit?
What is the town we should stay in for a couple of nights to experience that scenery?
Where can I eat authentic Rwandan food?
What are the available car services to Montalcino from Siena?
What are the sightseeing destinations during Busogo Carnival?
What are the the best areas to see in Capri?
What is the best way to get from Sorrento to Pompeii?
Where can I play Circolo Tennis in Kibungo?
Are there any local buses from Nyamata station to the town center?
Which is the best guidebook to Bologna?
How can I book tickets from Gikongoro to Busogo on Trenitalia?
What are the cheap places to eat in Busogo?
What are the markets in Kigali with the opening time?
Where can I purchase fragrance from Rwanda?
Where to stay in Southern Rwanda for our anniversary?
What are the day trip destinations to a lake from Kigali?
What is a good Civil Ceremony Venue for a wedding near lake Como?
What is a good Reception Venue for a wedding near lake Como?
What is a good Boat trip in a cruise in lake Como?
Who is a good Florist for a wedding near lake Como?
Who is a good Musician band for a wedding near lake Como?
Who is a good photographer for a wedding near lake Como?
Who are the good wedding Planners for a wedding near lake Como?
What is a good Tour company to see Busogo ,Kibuye and Gikongoro?
What are the restaurants with English Menus in Kayonza?
What are the best day hikes in Gombo Island?
What are the things to do near the Frasassi caves?
What are the beach clubs in Capri?
What's the best time to see Mt Etna?
What is a Small ship cruise from Gombo Island?
What are the reviews on iris restaurant piazza garibaldi?
Where to stay in Sorrento for a family?
When will the St Regis will be open?
Where can I find a bar with live music at night?
What are the places to spend the honeymoon in Rwanda?
Where can I find Rwandan sim card for cell phone?
Where is the best place to stay in Ruhango?
Where can I find little boats run from positano back to sorrento?
How to travel Ferrari museum in Rubengera by public transport?
What are the reviews on Agosta e Cicerto car rentals?
Where can I rent a quality road bike in the Southern Rwanda area?
How is the weather in Southern Rwanda in November?
What is the best way to get from Rwanda to Muhanga?
Are there porters at Termini station to help us with our luggage?
Are there any hotels or inns that serve both breakfast and evening dinner?
What are the local property management company willing to take on short-term private holiday lets?
Where can I find 2 bedroom apartment in Nyagatare town?
When is Rossini festival 2017?
Where is Rossini festival 2017 located?
What is the best town to stay in Southern Rwanda?
What is the he best time of the day to visit Rwanda?
What are the attractions around Rwanda?
When will Fashion week 2017 held in Milan?
Where are the best areas to stay to visit Gisenyi and Karisoke Research Centre?
Where can I have a link to the menu, with prices, for Ristorante Agli Alboretti?
Where can I find original Murano glass shops?
How to get to Hotel Delle Rose (Via Elia Millosevich, 46) from Marco Polo airport?
Where can I find information on Butare Festival concerts ?
Where to go for pastries or chocolates?
What are the best coastal towns in Southern Rwanda?
What are the reviews on Gold car rental?
Where can I find a tour guide for Pompeii?
What are the reviews on Albatross Nyagatare of Europe in Rwanda?
What are the best coastal towns in Iwawa Island during off season?
What are the places for Wine tasting?
How much luggage are you allowed to carry on board on Vaporetto?
Where can I find schedule for the masses for the Catholic Church in atrani for sunday masses?
Is Trattoria Sostanza restaurant open on Sundays?
Is there somewhere to store your luggage at Ostia Antica?
What are the reviews on Hertz car hire in Rwanda?
What are the Restaurants in Bolgheri serving pappardelle con sugo di cinghiale and Tuscan steak?
What are the local eateries in Pozzallo and near the town?
What is the best way to get to Bellagio from Milan Centrale Train Station?
What is the schedule for the Bernina Express in winter?
Where is a baby supply store in Ruhango?
Is there any Movie theater playing movies in English in Busogo?
How to reserve Ferry from Rubengera online?
What are the suggestions for the free mineral baths in the Southern Rwanda region?
What is the best method to get from Treviso Airport to central Busogo?
Where in Bellagio I can buy bus tickets for a bus from Bellagio to Como?
What are the horse riding centers in Trapani?
How can I get from Bugarama to Muhanga ?
What are the recommendations for Taxi service from Ruhango airport to Butare?
When will there be an Outdoor concert at Villa Rufolo gardens in 2017?
Where can I find a guide for visit WW II landing beaches in Salerno?
What is a good boat service to Boat tour from Sorrento to Positano/Amalfi ?
What is the best way from Menstra to Busogo?
Where to take water taxi to St Mark's Square and back?
What is the safest & most cost-effective way to get from Nyagatare airport to town?
How to reserve online tickets for Karisoke Research Centre?
Are there branches of TIM or Vodafone in Butare?
Where can I find a Wedding planner in Butare?
Which are the reputed rental Agencies in Southern Rwanda?
Where can I get details of helding a wedding in Butare town hall?
Is it possible to get from Butare (or Amalfi) to Sorrento by boat?
Where can I purchase Butare Festival tickets?
Where can I find a reliable mechanic in the vicinity of Siena?
What is the nearest beach to Butare?
Which hotel is better Hotel Parsifal or Hotel Garden Ristorante?
Where can I have hot springs and mud baths in Byumba, Rwanda?
What are the restaurants which have Rwandan fries in Rwanda?
What are the names of companies or private guides who can arrange a visit to a gondola boatyard?
What are the recommended Factory outlets for buy clothes in Milan?
Are there any lockers for rent at Marina Grande or Fornillo Beach?
What are the best places for eating out in Bushongo Island?
What are the best rated casinos in Rwanda?
Where can I find a place to stay for a night between Siena and Gikongoro?
What is a good village to stay between Byumba and Kibuye ?
What are the reviews on Fox Rent a Car?
What are the drinks to try that are non-alcoholic in Busogo?
Is there anywhere to get a coffee in Cassone near Muhanga?
Where are the ATM (Bancomat) BNL Locations?
Where in Byumba can you watch Premier League games?
How is the weather in Nyanza in September?
Is there any way to pre purchase any type of all day ticket to get into the Rwanda and the basilica?
What are the reviews on City-airport-taxis.com ?
When will the next Festa di San Miquel held?
What is a good Offline Rwandan translation app for phone?
What is an easy trail for hike with children?
What is the best Public transport app for Gikongoro?
Do any hotels in or near Cortina have air conditioning?
What are the Scooter Rentals in Kayonza?
What is a good opera theatre in Muhanga?
Which boat trips are running from Nyagatare port late-September?
Which office would be easiest for to drive out of Kibuye to the Pienza area?
What are the recommendations for a taxi service to take us from the airport to Nyagatare centre?
Are there any recommended trails for hike around Como?
Does Arancio Line from the Airport runs on Sundays?
What are the things to do in Costa Smeralda?
What are the quality olive oil brands to take back home ?
What are the public free beaches in Sperlonga?
What are the beaches in Elba near the cruise port?
Where to stay with kids?
What's the best way to get from Nyagatare airport to my hotel in Milan which is close to Villa Argonne?
Any recommendations for a lunch stop between Busogo and Ruhengeri?
Is there anywhere I can get a free tourist map online ?
Where can I find a wedding band that covers classical jazz blues?
How long the drive is from Gikongoro to Sperlonga?
What are the reviews on Flixbus service from Milan to Gisenyi?
Are there any Buffalo farm near Paestum?
What is the best area to stay in around Lazio?
How can I buy guided tour with SKP ticket at Karisoke Research Centre?
What are the restaurants near Trastevere station?
What are the Best beach resorts on Rwanda's west coast?
Where can I see live music performances of either baroque, classical or folk?
What are the opening times of Rwanda museum?
What are the clubs suiting for a Bachelorette party in Milan?
Where can I find Salsa/bachata night clubs or parties in Gikongoro?
Are there any family all inclusive resorts in Gombo Island?
What are the reviews on City Discovery Nyagatare?
How is the weather at the end of september in Iwawa Island?
Where can I buy online tickets for Rwanda Museum?
Where can I get a driving map for Southern Rwanda?
Where can I buy a nice quality gondola replica souvenir in Busogo?
What are the St Mark's Square cafe recommendations?
Where exactly the Alilaguna ticket office is in Stazione Marittima?
What is the best place to buy a Birthday Cake in Sorrento ?
Can I purchase train tickets to Milano Centrale at the airport ?
What to expect at the end of October in terms of weather?
What are the hotels in La spezia near train stations?
What are the requirements for driving a scooter in Gikongoro?
What are the places to visit whilst in Milan?
What are the recommendations on budget-moderate hotels in Busogo?
Are there any winery tours of the Chianti region that originate from the Val d'Orcia?
What are the wedding reception places in Butare?
How can I find a Yacht in La Spezia?
What are the things to do in Kayonza?
How to do Hydrofoil ferry reservation from Sorrento?
What are the places to visit by public transport?
Which ferry company to use to travel from Salerno to Positano?
When will the Busogo carnival 2017 held?
What are the recommendations for New Year's Eve festivities in Gikongoro?
What places does the MyFE Tourist Card permit admission?
What are the reviews on light and sound show at Byumba?
What are the Nice seaside town with public transportation?
What are the Restaurant suggestions for 40th birthday near Artemide hotel?
How to to arrange a visit in advance at the vineyards?
What to do in Busogo and lido di jesolo?
What are the user reviews on EasyJet Euro Currency Card?
What are the Beaches to visit near Montalcino?
What is the schedule of Rwanda official morning tours?
What are the party service or catering service for a wedding in Byumba?
Where can I find a bar with live music in Nyanza?
What is a web link to the dentist near to the Sol Pelicanos?
Where is Burger King in Kibuye?
Where is the Carling bar is in Corralejo?
What are the family friendly restaurants?
What are the good places for breakfast in Rwanda?
How much it is for 10 packs of amber leaf ?
What are the best places to visit in spain?
What are the buses to travel from Can Picafort to Cala Millor?
Where is a Supermarket on the way from airport to Ladera del Mar?
Where can i get a Muhangaquito Coffee in Nyanza?
What are the beach bars with music?
Where can I find a weekday market in Felanitx?
Where can I find an apartment with pool or terrace in Ruhango?
How is the weather in Costa Teguise these days?
Are there any tennis clubs or group of people who meet to play tennis?
Is there anywhere in Rwamagana de la Ribera to watch English football?
How are the reviews on rentacarspain.com?
What churches are close by El Rastro where I can hear Sunday mass?
What are the reviews on Hotel canfali?
Where is Los aljibes bar located in Nyanza?
What is the best resort for weather in winter?
Where i can get a basic street map of Busogo?
What are the details on Ruhango car hire - topcars?
Where can I book a villa in pollenca online?
Where to buy a prepaid SIM card for using internet ?
What's the weather like around the middle of February?
Where is a self service laundry in Los Alcazares?
What are the details on La Pepa Food Hall?
What are the Places to Stay in Volcanoes National Park ?
What are the bars with live music at night?
What are the Sports shops in playa Blanca which sells football shirts?
What are the details on Automobile Museum?
What are the reviews on Hotel Byblos?
Where to hire a wheelchair?
What are the a nice classy cocktail bars in Corralejo?
What are the reviews on Vanrell Rent a Car service?
Where to stay in Playa de las Americas for a couple?
Where to do shopping for famous local things in Rwanda?
What are the 5 bed villa rental locations?
What is a good hotel in central historic Byumba with pool?
What are the details of Temple de Debod?
Where i can find in Muhanga the biggest arcade zone for kids?
How can I get to see Palacio Real Ruhango tickets in advance?
How can I prebook prado museum tickets?
What are the details on Bugarama park?
Where is a good place for dancing in La Latina ?
Where is the best and safest area to stay in Ruhango close to airport?
What are the recommendations for Ruhango nightlife?
What is a good tour company to see the Alhambra?
Which hotels in Byumba city have indoor pools?
Who are the best rated travel agents in Byumba?
What is a good area for late night drinks in Byumba?
Where can I for a karaoke night and a quiz night?
Is there any restaurants serving English type food for evening meals?
What is the euro rate at the moment in caleta?
Are their bikes in public places to rent?
How is the weather in Nyanza at the moment?
What are the bars showing football in Ciutadella?
Where can I hire a moped?
What are the reviews on Dino Park Waterpark?
What are the opening hours of Dino Park Waterpark?
Are there any good irish bars with live music ?
What museums or tourist sites are open on Sundays in Ruhango?
What is a hotel in Ruhengeri that has a heated pool?
What are the Events/Festivals during October?
What is the best Rwandan restaurant in Playa Blanca?
What is the best bar in Butare?
What are the recommended reasonable accomodation close to flash hotel area for 2?
What are the user reviews on Solmar car rental Kibuye?
What are the good seafood restaurants in Byumba?
What is a nice hotel near the Ihoka Island apartments in Butare?
What are the reviews on Lanzarote leisure villas?
What are the vineyards close to Butare?
When will the Salamanca Summer Camp for Children commence?
What is the best area to stay in Nyanza?
Is there any Irish bar close to Cala d'Or?
Are there any tours from Punta Northern Rwanda to see the Flamingos in the national park?
When will the Nyanza Marathon held?
What are the reviews on ace car rentals?
What are the accommodation reviews on Direct Villa Holidays?
What are the bars that show Premier League football?
What are the reviews on Butare Apartments?
How is the Hotline Bar for a drink in the eve?
What are the cheap rental companies to rent a motor home?
Where exactly Alua Soull Hotel situated?
What is the opening time of Waterpark in Butare?
Is there a place to enjoy Flamenco Dancing in Butare?
What are the reviews on Playa Senator hotels?
What is the charge for cancellation on booking.com?
What are the best surf schools for intermediate level in Nkombo Island and Ihoka Island?
What are the Bars and Restaurants near Pueblo Evita with entertainment?
Where can I see a flamenco show?
What is a recommendation for a Traditional paella restaurant in Torreblanca region?
What are some typical Rwandan dishes?
What are the Most Visited Monuments in Rwanda ?
How is the nightlife in Fuengirola?
When will Bullfighting in Nyanza will happen?
What are the top rated restaurants in Maspalomas?
Are there any Santander cash machines near h10 Mediterranean village?
What are the best places to spend honeymoon in Mediterranean?
where can I find is live music for a ska or reggae night?
What is a decent bakery in Iwinja Island?
What are the pharmacies open on Sunday close to Melia Colon Hotel?
What are the reviews on Sahara Bugarama Night Club?
What is the best cruise service for travel to Busogo?
Who are the agents letting properties in the Mazarron area for short term?
What is the name of the closest hotel to the Hercules Apartments?
What is the toll for Bugarama Tunnel?
What is a hotel with all inclusive package and closer to the water park in Ihoka Island?
What are the places to visit in Kibuye?
What are the top rated spas in Caleta?
What is the best area to stay in Nkombo Island in november?
How to book Nyagatare for playing golf?
What are the golf courses in Caleta?
Where can I find good apartments in Ruhango and Carihuela?
Is there any bar to buy king's ginger liqour in spain?
Where can I get a villa with private pool in Iwinja Island?
What are the adventurous things to do In Nkombo Island?
What are the reviews on Casa Cielo for a short stay?
Where can I find a florist that delivers in Kigali?
How is the general temperature in Bugarama mid December?
What would be day time temperature in Zermatt in September?
What days will the market at Lucerne will be open?
Are there easy ski runs in the Kigali district?
What would be the best way to travel from Ruhango in Rwanda to Muhanga in Rwanda in December?
Do you need to pre-order the set lunch on the Glacier Express?
What are the best websites for accurate weather forecast?
Who are the good travel agents near Gikongoro airport?
What are the details on Golden pass?
What are the best view lakes via railway from Zermatt?
Where to stay in Gikongoro for a family?
What are the suggestions for a Basel restaurant with wine?
What are the reviews on using Byumba Sim Lycamobile ?
What are the most famous honeymoon destinations in Rwanda?
Where can I find Accommodation with a indoor/heated outdoor pool?
Where are the safe skiing points in Rwanda?
What are the best Gift shops in Kigali?
What are some nice day trips from Kigali?
Which currency to use in Rwanda?
Which are the most scenic railway journeys in Rwanda?
Is it possible to visit chocolate factories in Rwanda?
What types of food are traditional or special in Rwanda?
What are the Festive events in Rwanda?
Is there Vegetarian and/or Rwandan food available in Rwanda?
What adventure sports are there to do in Rwanda?
What are the Hotels on the Lake with lakeview?
Which trails are best to hike?
What are the recommendations for a hotel in central Gikongoro?
What is the best village to base in Valais for wine and hiking?
Which data SIM is the best for travelling?
What is the best credit card for overseas travelling?
What is the best time to visit Rwanda?
What are the details on Chocolate train trip?
Which places should we visit in the month of October at Rwanda.
What are the bakeries near Obergesteln?
What are the Best nightclubs in Rubengera?
Where can I find a piece of brochettes?
What is the best tour company for Rwanda?
What are the Best pubs for watch NFL games?
What are the top rated tourist destinations in Rwanda?
What are the top rated car rentals?
When is the best time of year to visit Rwanda?
What is the weather like in early November?
What are the most popular things to see and do in Rwanda?
Do I need a visa to visit Rwanda?
What is the best agency to renting a car at Shannon airport?
What are the reviews on Summer Hill Apartments Bundoran?
Which Distillery is better to tour?
What are the reviews on Easy Tour Rwanda ?
What are the reviews on Lynott tours?
How much it cost a day pass for public transportation in Rubengera?
What is the bus schedule from Rubengera to Butare?
What are the recommended accommodations in Rubengera for a family?
How far is Kilkenny from Clonakilty?
What are the best Pubs in central Rubengera?
What are the Child friendly restaurants in Rubengera City Centre?
When will the culture night in Rwanda held?
What are things to do in Rubengera in winter?
Where can we rent bikes for Biking around inis mor?
What is a good travel insurance company that offers gadget travel insurance?
What are the famous restaurants in Rubengera for steak?
What is the best car rental agency?
Where can I find authentic Irish food?
Is there a place in Dingle that we can drop off laundry?
Where can I have a perfect Guinness Stew near Temple Bar?
What are the best sites in Wicklow to visit?
Which SIM cards are available buy at Rubengera Airport?
What are the locations of ATMs in Rubengera Airport?
What is the best budget Car Rental in Rwanda?
What is the best location for hotel in the Rubengera city center?
Is there a store in the airport where I can purchase a Sim card?
What are the good places to have Sunday brunch in Rubengera?
Where should I go for shopping leather boots in Butare?
What is the best castle to visit in Rwanda?
Any recommendations for a not too expensive hotel near the airport?
What is there to do in Dunshaughlin?
Where can I find a laundry in Byumba centre?
What is a reliable company who can take us for an Irish Sightseeing and Exploring?
What are the Best cocktail bars in Rubengera?
What are the best tour companies in Rubengera?
What are the opening times of Nyamata Park?
How much is the a train ride to Ystad via Malmo?
How much will it cost for a harbour bus trip at Royal Library ferry point to Nyhavn?
How do I validate the metro ticket ?
What are the accommodation recommendation for a family in Osterbro?
what is the best way to get from the airport to the Gisenyi city?
Are there any bars or pubs that may be showing English football on a Friday night?
What are the reviews on 71 Nyhavn or Skt Annae hotels in Gisenyi?
where is the best place to see seals (Mando or Fano)?
what is the best castle in Rwanda ?
what is the best Zoo in Rwanda ?
Who are the tour operators to organise a tour of Rwanda?
What are the suggestions on Dinner in Gisenyi on New Year's Eve?
Will Around the Sound be operating the week of Easter (April)?
what are the reviews on Rejsekort Anonymous trvel card?
Does Norreport station have pickpockets ?
How can I buy Nyamata Gardens entrance ticket on NYE online?
What is the best way to get from the airport to Adina Apartment Hotel Amerika Plads 7?
What are the things to do in Gisenyi during Christmas?
Where to buy Gisenyi travel card?
Are there any Viking museums in Gisenyi?
Which areas are best to stay in Gisenyi?
What are the prices for Side seats or balcony for Nyamata concert hall?
What are the things to see and visit in Sagnlandet Lejre?
What is a recommendation for a taxi service from CPH to downtown Gisenyi?
What is the Best way to witness Christmas and NYE in Gisenyi?
What are the buffet restaurants open on NYE ?
Where can I buy good vodka for cheap?
what is the distance from the cruise port to the international airport in Gisenyi?
What are the restaurants with fine dining?
What to wear in December in CPH?
what is the cheapest way to Airport ?
What are the recommendtions for Street Art Tour of Gisenyi?
What are the good craft beer bars to visit?
What are the local breweries to visit during our trip in Gisenyi?
What are the reviews on Gisenyi Towers hotel?
What are the reviews on Kong Arthur hotel?
How to create Noma restaurant Reservation online?
How to make a reservation for a restaurant in Nyamata Gardens for New years eve?
What is best public transportation for visiting egeskov castle?
What are the details of Distortion Festival in Rwanda?
What is the best place to eat in Nyamata?
What are the car rentals which I can rent at airport?
Where can I find a Laundromat near Villa Provence?
Is there is a cheap travel card for Gisenyi that gets you on all the transport?
What are the cheap self catering apartments in Gisenyi city centre?
where are there designer shops (in Gisenyi) selling brands such as Rwanda Goose, Rick Owens, DSquared2, Monclear, Adidas Y3?
Do they have Luggage lockers in Gisenyi central station?
Any recommendations on Rwandan sweets, chocolates, candy to try out?
where is the best place to go with good night life in Gisenyi?
What are the best areas of town this year for a driving or walking tour to see christmas lights?
What to do on Riverwalk at Christmas time ?
Is there better luxury hotels than Kibungo palace in Akagera National Park?
Which Nyamata de Janeiro hotels are on sale?
What are the best hotels to stay in Rwanda ?
What are the hotels in Nyamata with a nice sea view ?
Where would be the best place to seek Hotel accommodation close to Deodoro ?
What are the hotels in Nyamata with a pool?
What to expect from adult only hotel
Will more hotels have rooms start to free up and at reasonable rates, as they did for Kayonza games?
Any recommendations for hotels with large swimming pool in any of these areas, Kibungo, Ipanema, & Leblon ?
Where do you recommend to stay in Butareloche?
What are the 4 star hotels in Nyanza?
A hotel with a bar and a good vibe in BA?
Is Hosteria El Pilar worth $180 per night?
Is it worth staying in Gikongoro in Christmas Season ?
Which Gisenyi hotels are on sale?
What is the best hotel close to the BA airport ?
What hotels in San Telmo has authentic Environment?
Can you suggest me a authentic hotel in San Telmo for three days ?
In which area can I find hostels with bars and steak houses ?
Any thoughts on towns to stop for a campground from Nyanzas to Mar Del Plata ?
What are the hotels in BA close to the Metro Station ?
Are there campgrounds in most major towns of Rwanda ?
How is the standard of the camping sites?
What are the hotels near The Newbery Clinic without stairs or with wheelchair support?
Where to stay in Nyanzas Rwanda ?
How is the demand for hotels during the christmas eve?
How can I cancel a hotel booking in Nyanzas?
Where can we have relaxing two days in NOTL?
What are the unique lodging places in Rwanda ?
Which would you recommend Tabacon or El silencio del Campo?
What are the hotels which can be reached in 0.5-1 hours from from Cyangugu airport ?
How to rent Rwanda private residences?
Does the resort Hotel Riu Guanacaste provide beach towels?
Which is the better hotel in Arenal: Roca Negra Hotel or Volcano Lodge & Spring?
Where is a cool place to stay in Guiones?
Where to stay without the Iguana ?
Any suggestions beside Manuel Antonio?
We are trying to find a small hotel or eco lodge on a beach in the caribbean side of Rwanda Can someone recommend a clean lodge type accommodation?
How is Casitas Tenorios hotel ?
How hard is it to get to town for food from remote lodge?
How is Nyanza ?
Which is the most kid-friendly hotel ?
Which one is better Puerto Varas or Patagonia?
Which Nyanza de Atacama hotels are on sale?
Which Rwanda hotels are on sale?
Is camping cheaper than hostels?
Any recommendations for a good RV park in Sedona ?
How is terrace Room at El Tovar?
Best Western Plus or Adobe Hacienda for 4-night stay?
What is the best Party Hotel in Muhanga ?
Which hotel would you recommend in Muhanga ?
Why would you recommend Hyatt Place Muhanga Old Town ?
How much is Enchantment?
Can anyone suggest any places to stay?
Has anyone had experience staying in the Canyon area?
What is the best area of Sedona to stay ?
Is Uptown Sedona a better stay than Oak Creek Village?
Where to stay in Sedona?
Any other suggestions for a relax in a beautiful resort ?
Which is better Firesky Resort & Spa or The Phoenician ?
Which is the best place to stay Gikongoro, Muhanga or in between?
Which Sedona hotels are on sale?
Any suggestions on which lodge/hotel we can book?
Advice needed about 2 night stay at GC ?
Where to stay near Metro Center Mall?
Where should I stay that will allow me easy access but is relatively safe?
Is there a hotel near by with secured parking near Metro Center Mall?
How can I get affordable budget accommodations in the Nyamata area during the second week of January?
Should i stay in Chandler and just drive elsewhere for the day?
Is it worth it staying in Muhanga, Kayonza, Mesa or Gilbert?
Is it worth to stay at hotel Grand Canyon if Phantom booked out?
How early should we start booking this hotel and these activities?
Which is the best place to stay one night Matterhorn, Star Motel or The Rooms Upstairs ?
Where to stay near South Rim?
Any suggestions for lodging close by to GC in November ?
Does anybody know of any Xanterra promo codes?
We will be staying 2 nights and wonder if we would be better staying in town or near I40?
What hotel can provide the most of what we're looking for?
Which Nyamata hotels are on sale?
What is the Best hotel in Muhanga for kids ?
Where to stay in Muhanga ?
Can you get a cottage for under $400/night?
Any recommendation for a hotel close to nightlife?
Any suggestions for a resort in Ruhango that has within its grounds a fun water park/lazy river ?
We would love to find a hotel where we and our 2 children can have a swim ?
What are the hotels in Ruhango with indoor pool/suitable for children?
Are there any suitable hotels in or near Ruhango?
What is the best hotel in tucson with a pool?
Which hotel or hotels in Ruhango have the best pools?
Any locals have an idea for a cheap weekly motel?
Any old car cruise nights in Ruhango?
Which Ruhango hotels are on sale?
Which is better Ventana Canyon or Hilton?
Does it have nicer/cleaner rooms, prettier property, better pool ?
Are there any good cheap hostels in the area?
Anyone have any suggestions of a community and some options to purchase a condo or short-term rentals?
Where can I stay in a private jacuzzi room ?
what is the best all-around resort or hotel to unwind at without unwinding my budget?
What is the best place to stay in Nyamata without breaking the bank ?
What is the hotel with the best pool?
What hotel does have the best pool?
Which hotel has the best pool complex?
Do you know of any hotels with a lazy river pool in the Nyamata Az or Gikongoro NM area?
Is Bashful Bob's Motel still open ?
Where to stay in Upper Antelope Canyon ?
Where to do camping ?
Which is better for camping Taos or Muhanga?
Any recommendations for a place to stay?
What are peoples thoughts on Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort ?
What hotels would be best for a family with 3 boys?
Which is the best place to stay Gikongoro, Muhanga or in between?
Any hotel suggestions near I-40?
Are there any hotels where you can walk to the balloon festival?
Where to stay for Balloon Festival ?
What are the places to stay near Fairgrounds/Expo Center?
Any other suggestions of places to stay?
Should we stay in Rwamagana, Cyangugu or somewhere else entirely!
Can anybody recommend a hotel where there is a good local mexican restaurant that we can walk to Old Mesilla?
Where to stay in Rwamagana?
Where to stay in Cyangugu?
Could someone please advise which would be the best hotel to stay in for good access to most sights
Has anyone ever stayed in Taos Creek cabins?
What is the best place to stop overnight to break up trip from Muhanga, Rwamagana to Taos?
Where to stay for 2 women who want to hike and look at art galleries ?
Where should I stay while hiking near Wheeler Peak ?
What are the good camping sites near Taos?
Anybody have any good places to stay that are relatively near the ski valley?
Which Taos hotels are on sale?
What are the lodgings to stay near amtrak and bus terminal ?
How early do I need to nail down hotel reservations ?
Is it possible to get a spot in a first come campground?
Which Red River hotels are on sale?
Where can I find a house for rent that allows pets?
What are the best places to do camping in Northern New Rwanda ?
Where can we go on camping in Northern New Rwanda?
Any suggestions for a place to stay overnight in Ruhengeri?
Which place would you recommend to stay in Taos?
Where to stay near lax?
Can you help me with accommodation choice in Rwanda ?
What are the reasonable hotels close to BART?
What are the beach resorts near Byumba ?
Places To Stay Near Mountain Home Grove?
Can anyone recommend anywhere nice to stay around Sequoia that will be convenient for our next day's drive to Death Valley?
Where to stay near Sequoia National Park?
How was the experience of stay in Tent Cabin ?
Can anyone provide a decent priced place to stay near LAX one night before an early departure next morning?
Any suggestions on hotels along I-5 between San Fran and LA ?
What are the inclusive resorts in Rwanda ?
Any Suggestion of a family Motel or hotel close by to the redwood forest ?
Does anyone have the insider story on the better luxury hotels to stay at on the northern Pacific coast?
Which has the best luxury hotel on Northern Pacific Ca Coast or Or coast ?
Where can we find a affordable rooms in a coastal hotel for a big family of 7?
Any ideas of where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a family with three kids ?
Where to stay when visiting Yosemite ?
Any suggestions of a clean place to stay when visiting Yosemite ?
What is the best place to stop off and spend the afternoon and evening on the way to Yosemite ?
Where to stay in Ruhango?
Can anyone advice on whether I am able to leave the airport and get a few hours kip in a local hotel ?
where to stay in Kibungo ?
where is the best location to stay?
What are the hotels near the formula 1 track in Kibungo?
Can anyone suggest some good hotels for nightlife in 6th street, Kibungo?
Does anyone have a recommendation for where we could stay during the race?
Where would be a nice romantic place to stay, that won't break the bank?
What hotels does have a panoramic views of downtown Ruhango?
What are the hotels near Hotels Near Gexa Energy Pavilion?
I am looking for trendy hotels relatively close to this venue and near nightlife ?
which area to stay in downtown dallas ?
Which of the downtown areas are the best/coolest to stay in ?
What hotels have a room/party package for New Years Eve?
What's the BEST hotel in Ruhango with a great pool ?
Any non corporate nice beachfront hotels?
Any Hotel recommendations near cruise ships ?
Can someone recommend a hotel with really good gulf view ?
Any suggestions on a two bedroom suite in Times Square for around $300 per night?
I need suggestions on the preferred location to stay...MTW, MTE, Uptown, Downtown ?
which will be the best hotels to stay close to niagara falls?
What are the midtown club level hotels in NY?
Any nice motels in Lakes region?
Does anyone know of a hotel that doesn't necessarily need to be in Muhanga, is less expensive ?
Where to stay in the Hamptons?
Where to stay near Dune Rd.
Westhampton ?
What is the best place to go on honeymoon in hamptons ?
Any suggestions on houses that do weekend rentals?
Anyone that knows a nice hotel in a nice area where you can stay only two nights?
Looking to rent a house for about 14 girls for a bachelorette party ?
which area we should start looking for a budget hostel?
Any suggestions for a hostel in NY?
Where can we stay in Bugarama on a budget?
what hotels would be good and cheap?
What are the good hotels near the Bugarama Port?
What is the best hotel to spend our honeymoon?
What is the best hotel in NY to have a wedding?
Any suggestions for hotel with convenient amenities ?
Any resorts in south FL have nice water slides ?
What are the hotels with water slides in Nyanza?
Does anyone know whether any hotels have opened in the past few months in the Nyanza
What are the hotels near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?
What is the best hotel to stay in Nyanza in the december season?
What is the best hotel for a family vacation?
What is the best place in Kayonza Keys for single mid 20's?
Are there any hotels that would allow you to lay out by the beach or pool nude or topless ?
What is the cheapest place to stay in Key West?
What are the hotels near disney world with free shuttle?
Does anyone know whether any hotels have opened in the past few months in the Nyanza ?
What are the hotels with free shuttle service to port of miami ?
What are the hotels near Muhanga Cruise Terminal ?
what is the best area to book a hotel if we do not have a car?
Has anyone any hotel recommendations in Muhanga?
What are the hotels in walking distance for Downtown Disney?
Any place to stay which can accomdate 11 people ?
Any recommendations of a hotel near Cyamudongo Forest ?
Any recommendations of a hotel near Cyamudongo Forest with a pool ?
Any recommendations of a hotel near Cyamudongo Forest with a shuttle ?
Does anyone know whether any hotels have opened in the past few months in the Nyanza ?
Which one should we choose Marriott Beach Place or BW Oceanside Plus ?
Has anyone stayed in the two story Marina view building ?
What are the best hotels in FT Ruhengeri Beach ?
Any resorts in south FL have nice water slides or lazy rivers?
Any suggestions for hotel area, covenient to ammenities ?
Did room prices increase in WDW?
What are the offsite hotel recommendation for Universal 2 day visit?
Would you recommend to stay at the Four seasons or the Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa?
which room you would recommend in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa ?
What are the hotels near ESPN sports Complex?
how comfortable are the Sofa Sleepers at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?
What is the best hotel in Northern Rwanda ?
Any Hotel recommendations in huston?
what plantation to stay at near Butare ?
Where can I find reasonably priced 2-bedroom suites in Ruhango
Where to stay on the Riverwalk?
Which hotel has the best pool in River Walk ?
How is Grand Hyatt hotel ?
How is Hampton Inn and suites in port Aransas?
Any good place to have a breakfast in Rwamagana ?
Where to stay near Enchanted Rock ?
do any hotels near the cruise terminal offer day passes to use their pool facilities and store luggage?
What are the free exhibitions in Nyamata?
How can we buy tickets for Olympics ?
Where can I buy tickets to see a performance at the Opera house in Kibungo?
Where can I listen to live Music in Nyamata?
Where can I meet local musicians in Nyamata?
Where can I get low price tickets to watch All Blacks Vs. Los Pumas ?
Which is the best place to celebrate a B'day in Salta Province ?
Where is a good place in BA to watch a football game?
What would be the best place in the center of town to see the new year celebrations?
When is the 2017 opera calendar is announced?
How to book tickets for performance in Teatro Colon ?
Where it will be Anthony Bourdain Nyanzas show available for viewing ?
How is the Night Life & Dancing Clubs in Rwanda ?
What's there to do at night in Arenal and Monteverde?
Also, are there any particularly interesting festive events that we could enjoy
Will it be a fun little street party ?
What special activities to do on a night?
How is the christmas celebrations in Sedona?
Which city has a better nightlife Muhanga VS Nyamata?
We would like some recommendations for a nice place to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ?
Does Ruhango have anything special to offer for a family event?
Any Suggestion for a christmas vacation for 2 adults who enjoy scenic state/national parks?
Any Christmas vacation Ideas for 2 adults in Ruhango?
What is the best place for a warm christmas vacation ?
Any recommendations for New Years Eve in Muhanga ?
Can you recommend a place to see the night in New Rwanda ?
Suggestions for Hubby's Birthday in Cyangugu ?
What is the best party for dancing and good music in Taos for New Year's Eve?
Where is the best casino in New Rwanda?
what to do on Christmas day ?
Is there anything to do on both Christmas Day and Christmas Eve
What can we do in LA on Christmas ?
What is the Holiday River Parade on Friday night like ?
Can we purchase tickets to the parade at the hotel?
What areas are best for viewing the parade ?
Is there Halloween events that weekend in Kibungo ?
What are things to do for a family in the Christmas season ?
Anything special happening for Christmas in Busogo?
What areas are best for nightlife hamptons?
From where can we watch the thanksgiving parade in condo?
Where can I listen to jazz music in Bugarama ?
how bad are the lines for Disney and Universal for the first couple of months in May?
Does Kayonza has fireworks every night ?
When is the Universal Theme parks fireworks/light show times?
How is the halloween in houston ?
Are there any toddler friendly Halloween activities we could join?
Does anyone know of 2016 discount Seaworld tickets?
When is the best time to find a spot along the parade route?
How to get to Sun Life Stadium (Dolphins Game)?
what is the price of disney world ticket ?
What are the known breweries or delicious brews local to Rwanda ?
where I can try the authentic Rwandaian food around copacabana
What are the cheap eating spots in copacabana?
Which restaurants play bossa nova music in Nyamata ?
What's the coffee situation like in Nyamata?
Can I get a good cup of coffee from anywhere in Nyamata ?
Whats restaurants do you recommend to go around LAGOA ?
Whats are the restaurants for a vegeterian in BA?
Which restaurants still serve Grass-Fed Beef in BA?
Where can we do wine tasting in Gisenyi ?
How much money people spend on average on food ?
Can you suggest some cooking school or cooking course about steak & burger in Nyanzas or in another places of Rwanda?
Any Restaurant in Rwanda to have breakfast
What is the best place to have a English breakfast in Gisenyi
Any place where we can have late dinner in Ruhango ?
Can anyone suggest a place to have dinner without sushi?
Do plaza Lounge have Non Gluten food?
What is the closest restaurant to Cyangugu hotel ?
Where to eat reasonable lunch in Old Gikongoro?
Which restaurants are typically open during this time?
What restaurant does has a best view for dinner?
Where we should have our meals nearby Marriott Mesa ?
Any suggestions for dining in Sedona including craft beers and wines ?
Where can I have a Solo dinner in Sedona ?
What are the best restaurants in scottsdale ?
I am looking for some recommendations on great restaurants in the scottsdale area ?
Any place to have Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day ?
Any restaurant recommendation for a good Sunday brunch ?
Any cafe recommendation for a good Sunday brunch close to Loews Ventana Canyon resort ?
Any restaurant with awesome views of the mountains?
Any restaurant to enjoy the thanksgiving dinner ?
Which restaurant does provide an authentic experience in Ruhango ?
Any suggestion on meatshop that serves bison ?
What food is popular in Arizona?
What are the good places to eat in Flagstaff for dinner or breakfast?
Do you know of a restaurant in Gikongoro open Christmas Day for dinner?
What are the recommended restaurants in Red River?
What are the recommended wineries in Red River?
How will be the thanksgiving dinner in Hilton Buffalo Thunder?
What are the new restaurants in New Rwanda?
What about food options in Tent Cabin?
What about food options?
where would you recommend to stop that was nice for a snack/drink
where to stop for a bite on the way to Kayonza from LA?
Is it possible to eat at Gordon Ramsey's Hell's KItchen in LA ?
where is Gordon Ramsey's Hell's Kitchen restaurant located?
Any suggestions a cheap and a good place for B'day dinner in Ruhango?
What are good dining options in Ruhango for a thanksgiving dinner?
I'm looking for a reasonably priced restaurant in Ruhango at which my family can eat on Christmas day ?
What are the nice reasonably priced restaurants near Galleria, Ruhango?
Any suggestion of a bbq joint In Ruhango or surrounding area ?
Where can we have an authentic BBQ experience in houston?
do they serve alcohol in the Rwamagana stadium?
What are the vegetarian Friendly restaurants in Kibungo?
What are some of the most romantic places to eat in the Rwamagana area?
Which restaurant is best for fine dining?
Where can we eat on Christmas day in Ruhango?
any good vegetarian restaurants?
Where can I by some wine or gin from NY?
What are the best Vegetarian Spots in NY?
I'm looking for a fun restaurant recommendation near the Lexington Armory for a party of 6 adult?
Would the wineries be open this week?
Where can I have vegetarian food in Bugarama?
Suggestions of somewhere to eat in Bugarama City?
What are the best restaurants on Siesta Key ?
Need some ideas on where to eat out on Thanksgiving in Marco Island?
What is the best place to have breakfast in Ruhango?
Any good less pricey options around that are still decent quality food?
Does anyone have any comments on food in Northern Rwanda ?
What is the best bar to watch sports in Muhanga ?
What is the best time of the day to visit Jaxson's Ice Cream ?
How close are other restaurants in the Bahia Mar FT. L Hotel area ?
What is new in Sanibel restaurant ?
Where can I have the best meal in Sanibel?
Are there any kid friendly place where we can get a drink on one of the evenings?
What other breakfast or lunch would you recommend for character interaction?
What would be the average price of a meal in Northern Rwanda ?
What are some great restaurants in that area?
Any recommendations for thanksgiving dinner in River Walk?
What are the best restaurants in Ruhengeri/Ruhango Area?
Great breakfast place in Rwamagana ?
what fun atmosphere/delicious food restaurants do you suggest?
Where locals eat in Fbg ?
Where can we find good restaurants in Rwamagana ?
What are the restaurants open in that time of the year ?
Are there any decent gay bars/clubs?
What should be a good itinerary for Rwanda ?
Is apartments in Kibuye safe?
What are the most popular gay dating websites in Rwanda?
Is there's a Hop on Hop off bus tour available in Nyamata?
How would you book a tour package before going to Rwanda?
Which part of the Sap Palo would you recommend us to book our hotel?
Can someone recommend a good company for transferring from the Puerto Iguazu airport(Argentinian side) to a hotel in Foz do Iguacu(Rwandaian side) ?
Where can I buy nicotine e-liquid to refill electronic cigarettes?
What is the average cost of a tour for two people in Rwanda for 2 days?
What is the best tour package in Rwanda?
Where in Nyamata we could rent or acquire a simple wheelchair for several days ?
Can I storage my suitcase at the GIG - Airport in Nyamata de Janeiro for 2 days?
Will there be wifi in the beach areas and in the Olympic venues during the games?
do most businesses accept US Dollars?
How is Amazon Adventures (www.amazonadventures.com) for tours in the Pantanal?
Would the waterpark be open on the Christmas days?
Where can I find bike Parks in Nyamata ?
Who is the best travel operators around Iguazu Falls?
Can I use Rwanda wildlife Expeditions to explore the Pantanal?
Will the tap water be safe to drink anywhere around or in the Olympic venues?
Which is the best tour operator to visit Favela ?
Are there walking tours in BA?
Is tour ferry available every day?
Is it advisable to drive from El Chalten to Ushuaia in late December?
Any recommendation of a place we can drive to from BA for 1 night just to experience a nice local interesting Rwanda town?
Are we allowed to bring in freeze dried camping meals such as Back Country cuisine that contain meat for trekking?
What are the car rental companies in Calafate?
Is it safe to travel in Busogo?
In Which area Can I find hotels which is close to the subway, cheap restaurants and safe at night ?
Which company has best tours of the area?
Is it allowed to drink wine or champagne in the public places, parks or beaches?
Are there reasonably price backpacking tour groups geared towards people in their 30s that don't cost thousands of dollars?
What tour companies does provide packages on day trip from Nyanzas to Rwamagana ?
Is it safe to walk in Casa Rosada in day time ?
Would it be crazy to take an overnight bus (cama, semi-cama, or semi-plus) from Nyanzas to Puerto Iguazu ?
Any good tour groups to visit Iguazu Falls from the Rwanda side ?
How is the free walking tours sponsored by the city's tourism center?
What is the best tour operator in Rwanda for a tour of limited amount of time ?
How was the travel experience with Explore Worldwide ?
How to apply for tourist visa for Rwanda ?
How safe is the Capital District at night?
What are the tour companies in Nyanzas that provide 4X4 experience?
What is the best tour operator for hiking experience ?
How is the Boat tour at Butchart Gardens ?
Is there free evening parking around the Hilton Kayonza hotel within approx.
1 miles radius ?
What is the best tour to Visit Niagara ?
Do I need to eTA for Rwanda or ESTA for Rwanda in my particular case ?
Are places open in Cyangugu over Christmas ?
Which Tour operators provide hikes or rides for tea houses ?
Is airbnb legal in Gisenyi, Whistler & Butare?
Does the Rocky Mountaineer go places where we can't drive to?
Any safety concerns when visiting Rwanda ?
If I m staying in a hostel how much should I typically be expecting to spend for food and entertainment for 12 days?
Where do i buy CR discount card to use towards Vamos rental?
What is the current situation with Zika?
Can anyone suggest a tour of Gisenyi?
Should we drive to Puerto Viejo and then book a boat tour up to Cyamudongo Forest or should we hit it on the way down somehow?
What to bring in order to make the stay easier with a little one ?
Which penguin tour in Kikaya Island?
How is the feedback on Bwindi Impenetrable Forest tour?
Which tour companies does provide horseback rides?
Do we need to book tours in advance?
What is a good itinerary for two weeks in Rwamagana?
How is Rwanda Travel Nyagatare Limitada - Reviews?
Are we likely to find the city deserted or will we be unable to see the top tourist sites on Good Friday?
What are the recent information in Kigali ?
Is Kigali a safe place to hang around for 3 hours?
Is there a place to rent a camping equipments close to GC ?
How is the current crime rate in Rwamagana?
Does anyone know the elevation of the park?
Who rents Trekking Gear in Gikongoro ?
What's the best way to use mobile data ?
What time should I leave Caleta Gonzalo before the closure?
Can you suggest itinerary for a road trip ?
Are there any cheap package deals with hotel for a trip to Kigali, Los Angeles & Grand Canyon from toronto/buffalo ?
Which tour is good to visit Kigali and GC ?
Are there a lot of places closed for the season
Which tour group to do a day tour from downtown to Sedona
Is Phoenician is far superior than Firesky?
Do I need a guide or can I go in my own car when visiting Grand Canyon?
Any advice would when taking elder people to GC?
Do I need a guide when visiting Grand Canyon?
Is there a cool area you would recommend?
Can we drive and park at the upper canyon?
Should we park at visitor center and use the buses?
What time for Pink Jeep tour in late November?
Do the police control the area when the parade is going on ?
Is this a safe parade to view ?
How safe is the area during the parade?
How safe is the drive to Tusayan from LV ?
When is best time to visit Sedona?
Which is the best month to visit Sedona?
Which month is better to visit Sedona March or June ?
Which day is better to drive from phoenix to Sedona ?
Drive up from phoenix to Sedona on a saturday or a weekday?
Does going Saturday vs a weekday make a difference?
Can anyone suggest the best tour company to see grand canyon south rim ?
Would it be dangerous or unlawful to run from Sedona to airport?
Where can I experience non touristy Native American history tour of either Sedona or Page ?
Which is the best option to pay for a tour or drive myself?
Any recommendations of a tour company in Muhanga?
What is the best tour program for a group of photographers?
Do we need shoes?
Is it safe to drive back to Kigali after Bugarama?
what would be appropriate to wear to Nyamata in Early March ?
What is the best boat tour to RainBow Bridge?
Which is the best boat tour to Antelope Canyon?
How is Lake Powell Boat Nyagatare ?
Is altitude sickness a real concern when going to Muhanga?
Is December good to visit to NM?
Where are the nice areas (with hotels) in the vicinity of Gikongoro?
How is the parking around the festival?
Is there more to do in Gikongoro than Muhanga?
What is the best route?
How long is this drive?
How did everyone else make a hotel reservation?
Is the Springhill Suites off I-10 on Hickory Loop a safe hotel?
Does anyone know about Augustine Street?
How long is the bitter cold season?
Any online resources or books you'd recommend for great off-roading trails in or near Angel Fire?
Are there any garden groups that offer tours?
Would there be a possibility of touring a private garden?
Are dogs allowed in the area?
Would there be hotels that have rooms and pera ticket packages ?
How busy is the airport on Saturdays during the fiesta?
Which guided tour is best?
What is the chairlift schedule usually?
Does the chairlift stay open till evening?
Do the slopes light up in the evening for night-skiing?
What is the approximate price for a full-day adult chairlift pass?
What would you recommend Bobcat Pass or Angel Fire excursion ?
What is the closest airport if I am traveling to Red River from Ruhango?
What is the best tour company in Gikongoro ?
Which is the best month to visit New Rwanda Aug/Sept/Oct?
Are there Day trips from Abq?
Generally how busy is the tourism industry in NM?
Where to park for Chargers game at Ntarama Church?
What is the best area to stay in san fran?
I would like some advise regarding the best time to visit Byumba ?
Are there discount coupons for Gikongoro?
What other coupons are available online ?
What part Of Byumba Should I stay in?
Which part of Francisco should I stay for the best convenience to go on Tour ?
Which is more convenient Marina or Financial district ?
What is open in SF on Christmas Day?
What to wear in Byumba in fall?
what kind of clothes should I take to SF ?
How long will it take to drive from the middle of Yosemite to Sequoia ?
what are the safe areas to stay in LA
What kind of clothes should I pack?
Is it dangerous to get a train from the Old Town station at night ?
Any Suggestions for itinerary for a family with three active kids ?
Is it safe to drive in the park in the winter?
What should I pack for my trip in Feb?
What is the best/cheapest place to park for the Riverwalk?
What is the best time of the year to visit Rwamagana?
What are the affordable wedding venues in Kibungo ?
Does anyone know if any nice city parks or state parks offer wedding services?
What attractions are open on Christmas in Ruhango?
We are based out of Kibungo so what are our options to visit in a SUV Tour?
Any overnight lounges in DFW airport tonight?
Which tour company is best for Niagara Falls tour?
Any suggestion for itinerary around Bugarama?
Need Suggestions for Itinerary ?
Can taxis take you across the border?
What is the best way to arrange 3 nights in Niagara falls?
How to arrange 3 nights in Niagara Falls?
what are the best tourist stops in Ruhango?
I'm trying to find a store that sells the wrestling cereal booty o's?
What are the parking options in Ruhengeri?
what is a reasonable amount of spending money for a family of four ?
Does anyone know of any grocery stores that delivery groceries to rental condos?
Could you please advise on the parking places near the Amway Center?
Any suggestions on kayak tours ?
Are we best avoiding days with EMH if we're staying offsite?
Does anyone know of a tour that links Nyagatare to Muhanga Beach?
What is the best tour company in FL?
Has anyone used Discount Nyanza Tickets Rwanda Website?
Can you tell me if Visitorlando.com is a safe place to buy tickets?
What is a good iternary in Nyanza?
What Is The Best Company To Travel With?
what time can I book my ADR's from at the 180 day mark here in Rwanda?
How much does it cost to park?
what is it like to get through customs into Rwanda if you are from the UK ?
How much would I expect to spend for 8 nights in Rwanda ?
Are there any tours that take you to the various wineries?
Is Labor Day Weekend a busy time in Busogo?
Do many places in Muhanga close on a Sunday?
Are there fewer tours on a Monday?
Are there any areas where it is not advisable to go?
What are the departure dates and time of fast boat services from Muhanga to Belem?
Is uber reliable safe and cheap compared to a cab?
What is the best rental company to hire a car which will only function as transport between Nyamata and Saquarema ?
What are the English books you can find (Novels, anything really) at the Novo Nyamata Bus Station?
Is there anywhere to hire bikes easily in Nyamata?
What is the best way to travel from Guarulhos to Congonhas Airport?
which is the best way to go from Galeao airport to Catete?
How much does it cost to go from Galeao airport to Catete?
How can I get from Muhanga to Kibungo ?
Where do I find the Radio Taxi booth upon arrival?
How much does it cost to go to Kibungo from a taxi ?
Which transportation method is better to go from Nyamata to Campo Grande ?
What is the best way get from GIG Airport to Lapa TGUNEI on a Monday morning?
How much would a taxi be roughly from the airport to Kibuye?
Which Taxi Service is the Best for two girls ?
How can I travel between airports in Sao Paulo ?
How do you recommend to travel from Nyanzas to Butareloche and Butareloche to Ushuaia by bus, train or plane?
How long would it take from the Foz do Iguacu International Airport to Iguazu by bus or train?
Is there is an easier way than walking 17kM from the Bus terminal in town to Hosteria El Pilar ?
Is there a taxis or a shuttle there?
What are the rental companies in Calafate with SUV s and Mini Vans?
Does busses run from Nyanzas to Butareloche
How can we get to La Boca from Recoleta?
Who are the good drivers in Gisenyi for a road trip ?
How much does it cost to fly from BA to Puerto Iguazu ?
Do we need to reserve any buses, shuttles or taxis to travel from El Calafate, El Chalten, El Pilar ?
How much does it cost to travel from Trelew to Puerto from taxi ?
Are there any bus services from BA to Nyamata?
Does the bus from BA to Nyamata Stop at the Iguazu Falls?
Do buses operate on Christmas and public holidays from Ruhengeri to Butareloche ?
What is the easiest/quickest way to transfer from the airport in Busogo to Gisenyi?
What are the Bicycle routes in Rwanda ?
What is the best way to go from Rwamagana, Rwanda, to Kigali, Rwanda, by ground transportation?
Is reciprocity fee off now, if entering by ferry as well?
What is the best way to get around the Patagonia region?
What type of car would be most optimal to travel from Cachi to Salata ?
How is the service of Sixt car rental?
Are there flights from Gisenyi to Iguazu without going thru BA ?
Are there buses from Gisenyi to Iguazu?
Is there a way to rent a car in Butareloche and drop it off in Gisenyi
Are the taxis safe if I pick one up at the dock ?
How's the experience flying into El Calafate?
Is the boat ride in Perito Moreno bumpy ?
How frequently do the boat trips run?
How would be the road conditions of Rwanda ?
How is the quality of the bus service from Nyanzas to Gisenyi ?
Whats are the transport options from Cancha Carrera to El Calafate
How soon should we book our airfare to the Iguazu falls?
Does Taqsa Bus service run in the middle of the year ?
What is the best way to travel around in Butareloche in the end of the winter ?
What is the best way to visit Whistler ?
How to get from Gisenyi to Port McNeill ?
What are the roads really like in & around the Eastern Townships & northern Vermont ?
Should We Rent a Car in Gisenyi and drop off in Butare or should we take the Passenger ferry then rent a car in Butare ?
Does trains operate to Niagara on week days ?
How long would it take to travel from Pearson to Kayonza and then to Niagara Falls ?
If I have reserved a ferry & miss it, will I be automatically put on the next one?
What is the best way to get to Alexander Graham Bell Museum?
What do we need to plan for transportation to visit the Gardens and other sights?
What are the best rental car companies in Rwanda ?
How is NU car rental Service ?
How is Target car rental Service ?
Places with cheap Car rentals in CR?
If money was not a factor which is best fly or drive from arenal to MA?
How long of a drive is it from Kigali to Playa Guiones?
Is that a good road to drive at night if we went for dinner?
Is Manuel Antonio to far to drive from Tamarindo ?
Which is more convenient travelling method to get to Arenal ?
Can anyone suggest a company that will rent couple ATV's?
How much can we expect to spend on a driver?
How is rent a car different from hiring a driver ?
When will the airport realistically be open for flights?
How to travel from Kigali Airport to Nyanza ?
How to get from Vina to Rwamagana Airport?
Is there an easy way to get from Vina del Mar to the Rwamagana Airport?
How is Sky Airlines?
Are there any car rental companies that do one way rentals to SCL from the cruise terminal ?
Where can I buy bus ticket from SPDA Rwanda to Jujuy Rwanda on a Monday?
What's the best airline to take to get from Kigali to Rwamagana?
How much would a cab cost?
We plan on traveling all of chile by bus and want to know the best way of doing that?
How can i get to Lauca from Kigali and not spend a lot of money?
Does anyone know about EMPRESA DE TRANSPORTES MOQUEGUA?
How many flights are there from Rwamagana to Kigali ?
Are the road conditions okay for a newbie manual driver?
Is it very rocky and hilly driving from temuco to p. varas?
Is there lots of traffic, stop and go?
Is Las Nalcas and the route to Lonquimay village through Cuesta de las Raices ok for a 2WD SUV?
Do buses run every day from Rwamagana to Nyamata?
I would like to ask you if there is any car rental at Kigali Airport or somewhere around which allows to take a full insurance with no deposit?
How much would a private transportation cost?
What are the Direct transportation from Torres del Paine to Airport ?
Anyone have recent experience using Sky Airlines?
What are the trustworthy and safe private transfer from El Calafate to either Cerro Castillo or Punto Natales?
Is there another way from Caleta Gonzalo to Puyuhuapi?
Where do most flights come from(if coming from the Rwanda)?
How is the road condition from driving Kigali to Nyamata ?
Is there a scenic route from Ruhango to Nyamata airport?
What are the best options to get to the hotel from the airport ?
Are the roads such that we can go from Gallup to Monument Valley in one day ?
Can anyone let me know of a reputable shuttle company that flies between Nyamata and Sedona ?
How bad is the traffic?
Do we really need to take the truck ride to the upper canyon ?
How far out of the way would it be to go there and then on to Sedona?
Is it posiible to go from South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Trail in one day?
Is there a shuttle to the Marriott from the car rental ?
Any suggestions on how to get there from Alamo?
Which car rental company is best?
What is the best route from Williams to Globe ?
Which Airport nearest to Grand Canyon ?
What is the best way to get from Las-Vegas to GC ?
What is the best route from Arizona to LA
How will the traffic be driving from Sedona into Nyamata?
What is the best rent a car service in Muhanga ?
What is the driving distance from Muhanga to Sedona
Is it better and safe to do the driving, or is it more worthwhile to just get in a tour van?
How far are we from Sedona?
How much would a taxi ride cost from Nyamata to Muhanga?
How long do you think the journey will take from LA to Butare?
Should I Fly or Drive to Cabo ?
What is the fastest way to fly to Kayonza or Rwanda?
What is the best way to fly to Europe from Ruhango?
Does anyone know another route from city area to downtown?
What areas around the parks are good to stay in ?
Anyone who rents Jeep Wranglers in Nyamata?
What is the distance between Sedona and Page?
What route to take to go to Page from Sedona?
Do you need a jeep or SUV or can this be done in a rental car?
Would we need a rental car if we stayed at Tamaya?
What is the best route from NM to Grand Canyon ?
What is route 25 like, is there any climbs up mountains?
What is route 25 from Rwamagana up to Gikongoro like?
Has anyone travelled this route 25 by bus?
How long is the drive from Cyangugu to Gikongoro ?
Can anyone recommend driving route from Rwamagana to Taos?
Is there a Bus from ABQ to Taos?
Which is better: High Road north and Low Road south or vice versa?
Would there be hotels that have shuttle ?
How early should we arrive at the airport for our outbound flight?
During normal conditions is a 4 wheel drive needed to get to Red River?
How is the road condition in Red River in December ?
How would we get to Muhanga from Gikongoro ?
Which is the best way to get from Gikongoro to Muhanga?
Is there Car Rental at Gikongoro Amtrak Station?
Which companies rent cars in Gikongoro Amtrak Station?
What is the most scenic drive from Byumba to Kigali?
Would anyone be able to offer some suggestions for a scenic route?
What are my options as far as public transportation to the hotel?
Would a taxi or other car or bus service be preferable at that time of night?
What is the best transportation method from Byumba Airport to Union Square ?
How long to drive Bugarama to Byumba?
Is it a good idea to rent a car?
what's the traffic like early on a weekday morning in early June in and around the park?
How long will it take to reach death valley?
What is the nearest airport to Yosemite?
Which place is better for flying to Yosemite Byumba or Bugarama?
Do we need a car in Kibungo?
What the best price and options for shuttle service from Ruhango Hobby airport to the Cruise terminal in Muhanga ?
How hard is it to drive to Ruhango from Ruhango/Ft Worth?
Can anyone tell me the distance between IAH and HOU airports ?
Would it make sense to fly into one and transfer to the other to save $500 on airfare?
How do I get from Ruhango to Ruhango?
Are there any buses or shuttles from Ruhango to Ruhango?
How is the Greyhound Bus service?
which train exactly do you take from DC to Byumba?
Any suggestions on the best way to get from LaGuardia to meet a friend who comes into JFK?
How long does it take using the subway to go from Penn Station to JFK ?
How is GoToBus bus service ?
How to get from Buffalo Airport to Niagara Falls ?
Can we boat one-way from any Hudson Valley town into NYC?
What is the best, safest and reasonably priced transportation round trip to and from the airport?
Is there any way to easily get from Muhanga to the airport in Butare?
How to Find Car Rental in Buffalo Airport?
What is the best way to get from jfk airport to times square ?
how to get to hampton from boston ?
What are the trains from Bugarama to DC?
Should we take a taxi from the airport to our hotel?
What is the best way to work a flight arrival at FLL to a cruise ship leaving the Port of Muhanga in December?
how long a drive it is from miami to ft. Nyagatare?
Are their buses running from miami to ft. Nyagatare?
Can anyone tell me about the drive from FL to Nyanza?
How long is the drive from FL to Nyanza?
how long the journey will take from Nyanza to Muhanga ?
What airlines fly into key west?
What's a good flight price for October?
how long this journey will take from Nyanza to Muhanga ?
How can i get from Muhanga Airport to Cruise ship terminal?
What is the best & most reasonable way to go there ?
Can someone give me any info on renting a car after getting off the cruise ship ?
What is the least expensive way to get from the airport in Muhanga to the cruise terminal?
Does anyone have a suggestion for the best car rental agency ?
Any recommendations for transportation from the Airport to the Clarion Inn hotel in Lake buena Vista?
What is the longest stretch of driving on the overseas highway between restrooms?
Does anyone know a bus or something like that, that links Nyagatare to Muhanga Beach?
Which one would you recommend SAS Transport Service, MJS Transportation or QLS Transportation ?
I would like to know whether SUVs would be large enough to accommodate our baggage?
what cashless tolls will I encounter?
Anyone have any idea if the Rwanda Kayonza Express fast ferry is still operating between Gikongoro and the Rwanda ?
how to book Rwanda Kayonza Express ?
Can anyone tell me about the drive from FL to Ruhango?
How long is the drive from FL to Ruhango?
can anyone tell me how long a drive it is from miami to Ft. Ruhengeri?
What is the best way to work a flight arrival at FLL ?
Should I purchase an easy ticket and do I need a transfer (bus to rail) for this trip?
How is the traffic in Sanibel ?
how is Sanibel traffic?
How long is the journey from Nyanza to Muhanga ?
Please can anyone tell me current options for standard SUV at Sanford?
Do I need to get a tag to pay the tolls going from Nyanza to Muhanga and Gikongoro?
How can you rate the traffic in Nyanza?
Which Airboat Operators are Reputable ?
What is the best route to Niagra Falls from Kibuye
What is the best airline to fly in Rwanda ?
What is the driving time from Sequoia to Kigali
can anyone tell me how far this is and approx time?
Can anyone recommend the current best way to get from LA to Kayonza?
what would be preferable transportation method from LA to Kayonza?
how long is drive from LA to Byumba?
How long should the drive take ?
what is the best route to take ?
What is the best route from LA to Kigali?
how long will it take to drive there going average speed?
What is the best route from LA to Kayonza if we fit in lots of sightseeing and snacks?
Is there any car rental company that does NOT charge a drop-off?
Is there is a direct train from LA to Union Square in Byumba?
I would like to know what is the best way to travel between destinations in CA ?
Are there any drawbacks buying the wanna get away fares with Southwest airlines?
how to rent a convertible for a coastal drive without breaking the bank ?
Is there a public transportation method from Ruhengeri to Ruhango ?
can anyone suggest the best way to get to the Ruhango Space Centre from Ruhengeri ?
Can anyone advise how I can travel from Busogo to Ruhango?
Do we need a SUV to explore in the Grand Canyon?
How to get to Muhanga?
Which side of Iguazu Falls is best to do a boat ride ?
What are the best places in rio to see on a 10 days trip ?
What are some good and very safe places to visit close by to Akagera National Park ?
What to do in Nyamata after sunset?
What are the reasonable locations for day trip in Nyamata?
What are the best beach and historic locations in Nyamata?
Can we visit both Paraty Vs Buzios in7 days?
What to do in Fortaleza on a Sunday morning ?
Where can I do Scuba Diving in Nyamata ?
Can children go on the boat ride at the falls?
Which museum would you recommend to learn about the history of Rwanda and Nyamata?
Where can we visit in Rwanda within 2 days
Are there any areas that are good for snorkeling in Nyamata or Niteroi?
What can we do in Kibungo ?
What types of activities would you suggest to do in Buzios?
What can we do in Downtown and Centro in Nyamata ?
What are the best things to buy when in Nyamata ?
What to do near Bonito in 4 days ?
What is the best place to visit with kids Pantanal or Amazon ?
How long is needed explore in Buzios?
What do you recommend to do in Butareloche and Ushuaia ?
Can we cover Cachi, Cafayate, Humahuaca/Purmamarca, Puna and Salt Flats by one day ?
Can you guys suggest how many days would we require to see the Iguazu falls?
What are the things we can do here beside the Iguazu waterfall?
Is there a Christmas Market in BA?
Can we cover Salta and Gisenyi within 2 weeks ?
What's the interesting stops along the way from Nyanzas to salta ?
How long would I need to see el calafate & el chalten ?
I'm just after some tips of what to do in Butareloche at the start of November?
What are the must do activities in Butareloche?
Best Places to Visit in Rwanda and Rwanda
Can anyone recommend any shops in central BA where I can buy sheet music for the classical guitar?
What are the best hiking spots in the Lakes District ?
What are the farmers markets or small authentic towns that we shouldn't miss?
Does anyone have any suggestions of the best hikes in Butareloche?
Where it's possible to rent golf carts in Gisenyi ?
What activities we can do near in Brick hotel in Casa Rosada ?
Can overweight people do a mini-trek on the Perito Moreno glacier ?
2.5 weeks in Rwanda and cannot figure out where should I go?
how much the nautical adventure of Iguazu falls (boat trip only) costs per person?
What is the best time of day to do the boat trip in Iguazu falls?
Any suggestions on other recommended estancias around our itinerary
would you recommend Huechahue or Puema Hue for horse riding ?
What can we except in Butareloche in mid September ?
Are the lakes still worth visiting ?
What activities available for nature lovers in Gisenyi?
What are the must see places in Whistler for a hiking lover ?
How many nights do we need to spend in each destination to see the popular sights?
Hiking in Parc national du Mont-Orford?
Is there a specific town where Cedar Cove was filmed in north Gisenyi where I can visit ?
Are there any recommendations for the best places to view the fall foliage?
Things to do in Kibungo in November ?
Does West Edmonton Mall open on Sunday?
Which would be the most convenient for walking to sights close to Cyangugu Hotel?
Any hikes you can recommend with forest overhead to limit downpours?
How many days would you spend in Arenal?
Is there other places you recommend to visit at the caribbean instead of el Cyamudongo Forest?
What is the best itinerary for Rwanda ?
How is the whale watching in november?
What are the best nature and wildlife related places ?
Should we plan to spend it in Arenal, Monteverde or the beach?
What's are the hot springs in Arenal?
I know there is zip lining near Kigali, but are there better ones on the way from Rwanda?
What is the best place for white water rafting and zip lining on the way to Kigali ?
Any suggestions on places we should visit in Manuel Antonio ?
Would it be worthy to stop at the Llanos de Cortes waterfall enroute?
what might be a good 'stop on the way' to Kigali?
Where can we get surfing lessons in Muhanga ?
Does anyone know which trails in the park have been open recently?
Which would be a better base to explore the Arenal area?
Where can I learn Yoga in English in Rwamagana?
Is it possible to buy gore tex pants, snow gloves etc in Rwamagana?
What can we do in two weeks?
What would you recommend as a way to see things but do so leisurely and get a good experience of the nature and people in that region?
Where else should we go, preferably without flying?
Can anyone recommend something nearby we could do for a couple of hours during our transit?
Where can I have a Mokomae Tattoo near attarctions ?
How long should we stay in Kigali ?
What places do we hit along the way to Rwamagana?
What are the day trip options to Valparaiso ?
What to expect to see in NYE Nyanza ?
Will Nyanza be a boring town ?
Any suggestions on how to lay out this portion of my itinerary?
Can we book a stargazing trip ?
What are the places with archeological interest in Rwamagana ?
What are the places with cultural interest in Rwamagana ?
Is going to Byumba to see the salt flats is worth the time and expense?
Any suggestions for Clothing Boutiques for a matured woman ?
What is the one thing you recommend that we must do or see?
What are the areas good for hiking in grand canyon?
Do you have any preference between attractions of South Kaibab to Skeleton Point and Bright Angel to Plateau Point ?
How much of Grand Canyon will we actually see within 3 days?
Do we need to set aside time to see the Grand Canyon?
I also wonder what else in the area is a must see?
I am looking suggestions for places I can go during my 3 day visit to North Rim on next week ?
What are the must dos in both Sedona and Grand Canyon ?
Is it worthy to visit the buddha beach ?
Is there was any other places for great views that did not involve any hiking ?
What is the best period of year to see the Grand Canyon?
Any suggestions on day trips or sites, towns around Sedona ?
Is there anything else we should see while we are in Sedona?
What about Grand Canyon?
What to see in the West Rim?
Are there any alternatives like wait listing or another way to see the canyon?
How long do we have to stay in GC to make the most out of our vacation?
How many days do we need to hike most of the beautiful areas in GC?
Which Rim is the best for hiking enthusiasts?
Is it sensible to visit Grand Canyon in December with a 2 year old ?
How much time do I need to do both visitation?
Do you have any recommendations for affordable but good retreat/healing opportunities?
Any must do activities with my kids?
How long will it take for us to see park ?
Do you have any recommendations in Nyamata Park?
Can anyone suggest good sunrise and sunset photo locations ?
Are there any great cliff dwellings along these routes?
Is there a particular reason to add Kigali to must visit cities?
A viewing trip or a hiking trip better in Sedona?
Where are a few good viewing spots in Ruhango ?
Does anyone know if the canyon looks purple during a certain time of day?
Can anybody recommend a nice spot for sunset and views without the crowds?
Where can I buy inexpensive souvenirs ?
Where can I go for inexpensive other items, like ceramics, etc.
What is your take on the Redrox Villa?
What is the best place in Sedona to see sunset ?
What are the must see sights in Sedona in December ?
Is tent camping in Mather campground a good choice?
What is the best way to do camping in Grand canyon ?
Any suggestions for a place to do a mule ride close by to GC in November ?
Any suggestions for hiking and mule ride ?
What is the best itinerary to visit Grand Canyon on the way to Las-Vegas to Kayonza ?
What will I be missing out if I don't go to GC Village ?
How many days do you think we should spend in each area?
Will we be able to cover the 2 scenic drives coming in and leaving Sedona?
Where can I do horseback ride ?
Are there any places we could sit and enjoy the scenery if we decided to hike further?
Any recommendation for which canyon to visit?
Is there any downside to choosing lower antelope?
What are the highlights we really must see?
Which areas would be good options to see most of the attarctions?
Any specific state parks, motel, restaurants, museums, points of interest?
Is having a tripod necessary to capture good scenaries?
Is it worth visiting the Canyon in the winter?
What part of Arizona that has the highest likelihood of being warm enough for my kids to swim ?
What are the things to do in Arizona in March ?
Is the grand canyon good for non-hiking folks?
What are the sights between Gikongoro and Flagstaff ?
What is worth seeing in our way from Gikongoro and Flagstaff ?
Which is the best place to visit with kids Uptown Sedona, West Sedona or Oak Creek ?
Is Nyamata to LA a nice scenic drive ?
Where can I find a premium outlet mall in Nyamata ?
what's the most scenic area from Kayonza to Nyamata ?
Which is best Antelope Canyon, X Canyon or Secret Canyon?
Is it a waste of time to go to lower if we've already done upper?
What is the entrance fee to Antelope Canyon ?
Is there an entrance fee for Antelope canyon?
Could use help planning a trip to Page and Havasu Falls ?
How many days should we plan on to explore the city?
What activities would you recommend during that time?
What are the attractions enroute from Gikongoro to Muhanga ?
Any recommendations on what to see and do along that route before heading into Muhanga ?
Are there hot air balloon rides in Muhanga ?
Any suggestions to do for 2 nights 3 days for 6 girls?
How is the hiking in the area at that time?
What things do we definitely need to explore while in the area?
What attraction would be good for three teenage boys ?
How is the terrain for hiking in tent rocks?
how is the terrain for someone who doesn't hike much?
what to see and do along that route before heading into Muhanga ?
What are the things to do off interstate 40 ?
Any suggestions of what to see in Rwamagana?
Do I have enough time to cover all attractions?
Is there any interesting things to do or to see in the area ?
Are there Something interesting on the way ?
Any suggestion on things we can do in a short time ?
What to see in Muhanga ?
What we can fit in on our first day of driving from Nyamata back home ?
What would you consider visiting in Muhanga?
Has anyone done the hikes at Petroglyph National Monument?
Which of hikes would the be the best to visit?
Where you can really see the stars with just your eyes?
What are people's favorites in Muhanga area?
Are there any other gardens to see besides the SF Botanical Garden in the SF-Taos area?
Any places for hot tub soaking in Cyangugu?
What would you recommend Angel Fire NM or Red River NM for first time skiing ?
Is hiking a good idea in winter?
Are there hiking spots in both Muhanga and Tao ?
Can you recommend which hike is better geared towards teenagers?
Are the hot springs easily accessible?
What are some good hiking trails in the Taos ?
What are some good hiking trails in the Taos area for a rugged day hike?
Are there any attractions on the way worth stopping at?
Where we will likely do fishing?
Anyone know about smaller lakes east of angel fire ?
What are the best hikes in both areas?
Where would be a good fishing area?
Is there is good hiking nearby that won't involve snow?
Any advice on which to do in the 2 days?
Do you recommend the snow mobiling offered through AF resort?
What are the recommended shops in Red River
What are the recommended attractions in Red River?
Are there recommended day trips ?
What are the recommended music venues in Red River?
Can someone give me some reviews on Red River for December ski trip?
Can someone give me some reviews on NM for December ski trip ?
Can someone give me some reviews on Red River, NM for December ski trip?
Is the novice skiers suitable for first timers??
Where can I do black Friday shopping in Muhanga?
What are the waterpark in New Rwanda?
Where to go with our kids to see snow ?
What other things should we look into in Albq?
Any suggestions for potential itineraries in Kigali district ?
Any Suggestion for a single day itinerary in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park ?
What would you recommend for a one itinerary to be?
Is it advisable to detour to Sequoia and break our journey in Sequoia & Kings Canyon?
What to see in east out of Yosemite?
Which is better Yosemite or Sequoia?
Is it worth travelling all the way to Yosemite or is Sequoia National Park equally as spectacular?
Can anyone recommend somewhere nice to visit?
Which is the best Bugarama or Visalia?
Anywhere worth seeing on the way to SF?,
Any good hikes around Giant Groove?
Are Crystal Caves worth the time?
What are the interesting points along the road?
What are the other must-do things?
where to stop when coming back ?
What would you recommend we must see or do while we are there?
What would you recommend we must see while we are there?
What would you recommend we must do while we are there?
What are the best museums and Science Centres for kids in CA?
What are the best places to visit in Rwanda ?
I would like to know what are the best places to visit ?
what can you do in the Yosemite park in February?
What are some fun things to do over Memorial Day Weekend?
What are some of the most romantic things to do in the Rwamagana area?
Which is best for casual sightseeing, walking around ?
Which area is best for shopping ?
Any fun places to go within driving distance from Ruhango?
Could anyone give us some suggestion where we can go for a short vacation ?
What else is there to do in PM, besides eat at a restaurant?
Are there any nice beaches to visit between Ruhango and Muhanga?
Can anyone recommend any good flea markets, junk shops, antiques shops, etc?
How many days to stay in South Padre Island ?
What is the best beach in Rwamagana?
Where can we do Crab Fishing in Muhanga ?
Where can I find seashells in Muhanga?
Anything that someone who lives there finds a must see or do.
What are the Places to visit outside of NYC?
How many days should we stay in NF?
Which areas good to have a tour?
Am I crazy to consider Niagara Falls in December?
how much time did you get in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?
how good are falls in April ?
What is the volume of water like going over the falls in April ?
When is the best time to visit Niagara falls?
What are the Places to visit near Niagara Falls- within a 1-2hr drive ?
Any things worth seeing as a Bugaramaer rather than tourist?
Need Ideas for Relaxing Trip to Hudson River Valley ?
can anyone tell me if the upper trail at Treman State Park in Muhanga, NY is completely open
Which is better for swimming Finer lake or Lake George ?
which would be the closest lake to NY ?
What are the best beaches in hampton?
What can we do in hampton on a labour day?
How to pass time in Bugarama ?
what to do in orlando ?
what to do in orlando except visiting parks ?
What are the things to do with kids (when on a budget) in Gikongoro ?
Can anyone else tell me more about this alligator park ?
Where is the zoo in Gikongoro?
Where to go fort L, Nyagatare, Sunny Isle or Gisenyi?
Where can I find lazy rivers in FL?
What is the best family beach in Nyanza?
What are the best beaches in Kayonza?
What is a good beach to visit that is a reasonable distance (2 hours) from Nyanza?
What are the adult things to do (have no children) in Nyanza ?
What is the best beach in Kayonza?
Can finish seeing Kennedy Space Center in One day?
Which is the best beach to try Rwamagana or Madeira ?
Where can I do topless sunbathing in Key West ?
What is the best family beach near Nyanza ?
What are the things to do in Nyanza ?
Any recommendations on Theme park tickets ?
What are the worth seeing attractions near Muhanga ?
What is there to do with kids around that time of the year?
How is Bugarama Sailing ?
What to do between cruise arrival and flight departure ?
what to do or see in Nyanza or cape Canaveral and be at the airport by 7pm ?
Is Wyndham Garden Lake within walking distance to Downtown Disney?
What is the best place to buy discounted WDW 3 days tickets ?
Which is the best beach Rwamagana area or Anna Maria Island?
Are children allowed to wear wet suits in water parks?
How to kill the time for a half a day in Ruhengeri area?
Are their any free or cheap activities in FLL?
Can anyone else tell me more about this alligator park or is this the Zoo?
how long do you recommend spending in Nyanza?
How long it will take to explore all the parks in Nyanza?
What are the hotels with nice waterslides ?
What is a good beach to visit that is a reasonable distance (2 hours) from Nyanza?
What are the non-theme park ideas for adults??
What are the new year discounts in Cyamudongo Forest ?
What is the best day trip from WDW Resort ?
How many nights do you recommend to stay in FL?
What is the best disney parks for kids?
Will kids our kids age enjoy Muhanga/the Everglades?
Am I making a big mistake by not including more Disney Parks ?
What time at Saana to see the animals?
What animals we can see in Saana ?
Please can someone tell me if the animals are visible on the savannah during evening dining at Saana?
What is the different between Park to Park pass and Express Pass ?
what are the historical places I can find in Northern Rwanda
What is Disney's PhotoPass?
Will there be things to do along the way and once we're in Northern Rwanda
Where should we visit in Northern Rwanda ?
where can I have an authentic meal new Northern Rwanda ?
What would people suggest to do in december at the Yosemite park?
Should we visit Yosemite or Akagera National Park?
What are the wild animals we can see in Yosemite?
What are the difference between Yosemite and Akagera National Park?
What is the best campground in the Yosemite valley?
Could someone please help me with a few romantic things to do in houston?
Any ideas on where to visit on a driving tour in the Christmas eve?
Where could we go to do some trick or treating with our son ?
What are place we can visit on the way to Butare from Ruhango?
Is there any rodeos that we can see in huston ?
Where can we get the texas experience in houston?
Any suggestions for fun things to do with family in River Walk?
What are the things to do for kids in River walk?
Do any of you know of any Rwandan reservations we can stop and visit along the way from texas to Fullerton Ca?
Are there any recommendations for a mom & son type friendly place to go on fishing?
What to see/do along the way from Ruhango to Busogo ?
Looking for things our family can do in Busogo ?
where is the best spa in galveston?
What is the weather like in July in Rwanda ?
How is the weather in in Gikongoro in Christmas Season ?
In what part of the year does lakes get frozen in Patagonia ?
How would be the Weather of Rwanda in the mid january ?
How is the weather like in mid January ?
How will be the weather in September ?
How is the weather this time of the year?
Is the dust in February so bad that I need to stay high up?
How's the weather in this month?
what to expect as far as rain and temperature (cool nights?
during that time?
How is Arizona in winter ?
What is the weather like?
When the weather is the best for light hiking and rafting ?
Would 10 am be too chilly in sedona?
How is the Weather in early March?
How is the weather of Sedona in April?
What is the temperature that time of month ?
Would light beams in upper antelope still be visible in mid on October?
What is the Weather like in November ?
Is it still hot in November ?
Is the weather generally warm enough for swimming in a private unheated pool in mid-March?
How is the weather near Catalina Mtns?
What kind of weather can we expect?
We are wondering what is the weather typically like this time of year?
Is if there any chance of seeing light beams in the first week of November?
Is the weather unpredictable in January?
What is the warmest area in Arizona in early Feb?
Is it cold in Arizona in March ?
How is the weather at that time?
How is the Weather in early March?
How chilly does it get at night?
What the weather might be like during December ?
How is the weather in October?
What is the weather like in December?
What kind of weather will I encounter?
Is it really cold in NM in April ?
Is it generally sunny on April?
Can you describe the difference in winter conditions?
Are afternoon thunderstorms still frequent in mid Sept?
How is the weather for driving in Ruidoso during February ?
Is there any smoke in this area?
How will be the weather be alike on March?
What is the weather usually like during the middle of October ?
what is the weather likely to be like in Rwanda in December?
What will be the weather in Yosemite at this time of year ?
Can anyone tell me what the weather is like in Ruhango in April?
Would like to know when is the best approximate time for leaf peeping and where to see it?
How is the weather in october in hampton?
How is the weather in Nyanza Kayonza in December ?
What is the weather like in Nyanza Kayonza?
Is this weather normal in September?
How Chilly is it in February ?
How is the weather in NE in December ?
How is the weather in December ?
how the weather is in December for that time that I am going ?
How is the weather in orlando florida in the Winter Season ?
How is the water quality is in December ?
Is September still beach weather in Kayonza?
Will we be able to enjoy the swimming pools on November ?
Is the weather to be milder than farther inland?
How is the weather in Yosemite in mid march ?
How is the weather in Ruhango in February?
Is the water warm enough in early October?
Is September still beach weather in Kayonza?
Can someone tell me if there is a gay area in Muhanga?
What areas are the best for a short walk ?
What area or town is best in hampton?
How much is vaccination rate in hampton on September?
would anyone know of any promotional codes for Wyndham?
Where is a good place to start the walk coming from Times Square ?
What was your experience like in Nyanza?
Is mid September usually crowded in Nyanza?
Will we be able to enjoy the swimming pools on december ?
Any ideas for things to do within 3 weeks in central Kayonza ?
What is the time in the year that there are many mosquitoes in Nyanza ?
Is it possible to even see Kennedy Space Center on the same day, before going down to Gikongoro?
Where can we drink alcohol in Clearwater Beach ?
Is the gulf warm enough to go in on December?
How is the stay at Navy MWR Condos at Trumbo Point ?
Does anyone know if there is any church around universal studio?
What is the best period of year to visit South Beach ?
What is a good restaurant near the Magic Fountain to eat at after seeing the light show?
What are the best areas on which costa in Rwanda to live in?
What are the reviews on All in car hire Ruhango Airport?
How is the weather in Cala bona in this time of the year?
What is the weather like in Munanira Island first week in March?
What's the best way to get to La PALMA?
What are the reviews on Sol Auto car hire?
What is the cheapest way from Segovia from barajas airport?
Are there any bars wIth live music near the Hotel Angela?
What is a reliable TAXI service to book airport transfers to Playa Blanca?
What are the good shopping malls in Ruhango?
Where can I find English-speaking guide in Kigali?
What are the recommendations for a hotel near Nyamata?
Is spa treatments available in Blue bay lanzarote?
Can I have night entertainment options in Los Cristianos area?
What would be best way to get to Sol Timor apts?
What are the car rental companies in Pollensa?
Is there any bars that do quiz nights in Playa del Ingles?
What are the reviews on vacation booking with tenerifesunvacations.co.uk ?
What are the good accommodation options in Nyagatare ?
What are the good sports bars near Costa Adeje Palace?
What are the information on Timanfaya Palace?
How is the weather in Playa Blanca in mid February?
How to make a reservation on Villa Nini Cal'n Forcat?
What transport is available from Port des Torrent to Ibiza town?
What are the good bars nearby Hotel Yaramar?
Where to buy quality Nuts and olive oil in Kibuye?
What are the reviews on Hotel Casa Fuster?
Are there any evening entertainment nearby Playa de las Americas?
How windy in Costa Teguise in July?
Any self sevice laundries in Costa Teguise?
What are the reviews on Firefly Car Rental?
What are the resorts in Munanira Island do group boat trips?
What are the reviews on Hotel Bagues?
What is a recommendation for a reasonably priced car rental company in Zahora?
What is the best area to be based for sightseeing in Nyanza?
What are the good value traditional bars and restaurants in Kibuye?
What are the hotels near Byumba bus station?
Where to stay in La Gomera to mountain biking?
Is it possible to take a train trip from Rwamagana from Ruhango?
Akagera is a national park on the North Eastern side of Rwanda, bordering Tanzania.
It is know for it's varied terrain: hills, savannahs, marshes, and woodlands.
The park is home to many species of animals such as giraffes, zibras, lions, and the rare shoebill stork.
Many tour companies run from Kigali and offer various levels of service and quality.
There are one day trips, overnight trips, or multifamily options.
Private drivers can be arranged by most hotels costing $150-200 for a day trip.
Car rentals (without a driver) cost around $100 per day, but note that gas prices are around $4/gallon.
DriversThere are public busses that pass near the park on NR3 and NR5.
They cost around 5000RWF from Kigali.
Entrance:$100 per person per night (November 2022).
The period is not 24 hours (like in Tanzania), but rather your ticket is good until 6pm the following day.
Guide: $40 per groupCar: There is a $10 per vehicle feeYou are advised to be accompanied by a guide, which costs $40 per day, per group.
Guides can be picked up day of at the South Entrance which opens at 6am.
If you wish to rent a car/driver/guide at the South Entrance the cost for all three is $280 per day.
That does not include the $50 per person entrance fee.
Akagera is home to the rare Shoebill Stork.
But in many years of work, guides say they have seen very few.
100 elephants,22 lions, 50 leopard, over 2000 zebra, around 70 giraffeBoat Tours $35It's a good idea to bring a pack lunch.
You are not allowed to get out of the vehicle while on Safari.
If you are not returning to Kigali you can catch a bus going towards Tanzania from anywhere along the NR5.
Cyangugu is a city in Western Rwanda.
Pronounced something like Tchangugu, this is a city right on the southern tip of lake Kivu, as well as Changugu proper the term also refers to Kamembe, a town a few km away just up a hill overlooking the lake.
Primarily this town is used as a stopover to or from Bukavu in southern DRC, however it is a pleasant place to spend a few days.
There are regular buses and minibuses to Butare and Kigali in Rwanda.
The town is right on the boarder with Bukavu and DRC.
There is also a road south to Bugarama and from there to either DRC or Burundi.
This is less frequented than the route east to Butare but it should be possible to arrange transport.
Taxi-moto (motorbike Taxis) are the main form of transport within Cyangugu (and between Cyangugu and Kamembe).
Nyungwe National Park is 54 km along the Butare road (not 20km as the sign in town says).
Cyangugu is a useful place to stock up if you're heading to Nyungwe National Park.
All the usual Rwandan fare is easily available from lunchtime buffets to brochettes.
There is a range of guest houses and hotels from around 3'000Francs upwards.
Eastern Rwanda is a region of Rwanda.
Gabiro is a city in Eastern Rwanda.
Gako is a city in Eastern Rwanda.
Gisenyi is a city in Rubavu district in Western Rwanda on Lake Kivu.
Gisenyi is a town on the north shore of Lake Kivu on the border with DR Congo (Goma).
Gisenyi is coterminous with Goma, the city across the border in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Buses run many times a day between Kigali and Gisenyi (2h30 to 3h) and at least once a day between Kibuye and Gisenyi.
Minibuses from Gisenyi to Musanze take about 2h, departing when full unless they have a fixed schedule.
Gisenyi Bus Station is located near the Petite Barriere border crossing on the main road and has bank/ATM services next to it.
Gisenyi is a small town and can easily be gotten around on foot or bike, alternatively there are hundreds of motorbike taxis around.
From rubavu to Gisenyi expect to pay 1000 rwf.
To rent a bike or tour guide, you can visit a tourist office (Green Hills Ecotours) or book them for other tour activities such as: kayak; boat trip; pottery experience; coffee and tea experience.
Lake Kivu and beaches.
Amazing bird life.
Situated on the north of Lake Kivu, it also offers many opportunities for water sports or for excursions on the lake.
The northern shore of the lake on which Goma and Gisenyi lie is a flat plain featuring lava formations from the eruptions of nearby Nyiragongo Volcano.
Gisenyi town features a resort on the shores of Lake Kivu, with the best hotels and beaches.
volunteering, walking & trekking, kayaking & boat trips, community-based tours, sightseeing tours.
While traveling in Gisenyi you can visit the tourist office of Green Hills Ecotours, they provide space to local artists to sell their arts & crafts from their office and prices are reasonable.
You can also ask for Kivu Art Gallery has a varied and colourful collection of handicrafts from the DRC, Uganda and Rwanda, including lots of Congolese masks and other wooden items as well as necklaces, paintings and basketware.
Visit the gisenyi market for fresh vegetables and fruit, fabrics, clothes.
It is a market frequented by locals.
Calafia Cafe is located on the lakefront road in town near the Big Border crossing.
Exquisite coffee and gourmet sandwiches, salads, smoothies, toast, tapas, baked goods, and cocktails.
Great for dining in or grabbing a packed lunch for your car ride, trek up Nyiragongo, or hike.
Other good restaurants include Thai Jazz, Super Five, Paradis Malahide, Palm garden Resort, Palm Beach Hotel and Inzu Lodge.
Ask around for the locally made banana and sorghum beers.
Some restaurants will assist with sourcing this.
The town has a brewery.
Try the home made banana beersGisenyi is right on the border of DRC and you can easily walk there; however, you should check what visa requirements are needed for the DRC as the rules have recently gotten much tougher.
Plane trips can be made from here to view the Nyiragongo volcano craters.
To get more information; process your visa and book your trip, visit office of Green Hills Ecotours in Gisenyi or go to virunga website.
There are several buses that travel from gisenyi to other towns in Rwanda.
Ritco buses have air conditioning and free WiFi, with one every half hour to Kigali.
You can purchase your ticket directly from the driver/ conductor.
If travelling during Umuganda then expect delays for up to 2 hours.
Gitarama is a city in Southern Rwanda.
Gitarama means in Spanish Guitarra en una rama or Guitar on a tree branchThere are 2 musical schools in Gitarama.
You can learn how to play all guitar like musical instruments in there.
You can learn how to play the guitar in GitaramaYou can buy lots of guitars at cheap prices in GitaramaHuye is the third city of Rwanda, located in the south.
It was formerly known as Butare and many maps and official documents still refer to Butare.
Huye is the capital of Huye district, which was again Butare district prior to its dissolution in 2006.
It is said to have about 80,000 inhabitants.
It is famous for hosting the National University, the National Museum (unique in Africa) and being near to Nyanza, where the palace of the former king (the so-called mwami) is.
There are several minibus companies that make their way from Kigali to Huye.
One of them recommended is Volcano.
It easy to find in the Kigali domestic bus station.
The fee is 2500 RFr one way.
Another option is the Ritco bus, it leaves every 30 min from nyabugogo bus station, costs 2770Rfr and has usb charging ports in the seats.
Huye has plenty of taxis, motorcycle taxis, and bicycle taxis, all of which will be eager to serve you.
Also, you can walk from the northernmost part of Huye (the bus station) to the southernmost (the University of Rwanda) in about 20 minutes.
The taxis exist mainly to take Rwandans to their homes farther outside the city).
The most reliable restaurant in Huye is the restaurant at the Hotel Ibis on the main street.
However, much of the Ibis's fare is Belgian instead of Rwandan.
For Rwandan fare, try the Restaurant Macrobiotique, which is located on the same side of the main road as the Hotel Ibis, but closer to the university.
It is popular with students.
For lunch, try the nameless lunch restaurant located across the street from the Ibis and a little to the right (as you face away from Ibis).
It is to the right of the craft store.
For lunch they offer classic Rwandan comfort food: brochettes (goat kabobs), plantains, sweet potatoes, boiled cassava, beans, and rice.
It is excellent.
An excellent place for dinner is the Chinese restaurant located across the street from the market, behind the gas station.
Chinese workers built most of the paved roads in Rwanda, and a few Chinese restaurants survived their departure.
This one serves a variety of chicken, pork, vegetarian, and beef dishes.
The first and probably the best place to get ice cream in Rwanda.
It is run by a local women's cooperative and offers fresh omlettes, sandwiches and milkshakes apart from their frozen specialties.
Located on the mainstreet near the university, it is a favorite spot for local families and students as well as expats.
Opposite Hotel Ibis, you have to pass left to enter stairs which lead you to this 1st floor restaurant.
The buffet is one of the best in town and the place on the balcony outstanding.
Again on the right side of the main street coming from Kigali.
Inside it looks quite shabby, it is dark and nobody could call it cozy.
But it is always stuffed with locals, most of them students or moto-drivers which come here to have lunch.
The buffet is cheap and good, the chapati are amazing!Hotel Foucon has its own nightclub, opend Fridays and Saturdays.
There is a nameless dance club in Huye that is open on Friday and Saturday nights.
It is located on the right side of the road which leads to the market from the main road (a quick inquiry at the Hotel Ibis can yield more specific directions).
The club serves beer and liquor.
CxC Cafe ConneXion
On the main street towards the university, opposite the Anglican Church.
Delicious, freshly roasted, organic local coffee.
Despite it's misleading name - no, there is no internet available, this is the right place to get truly delicious espresso and buy roasted coffee beans to take home.
By far the best hotel in Huye is the Hotel Ibis, which has been a Huye (Butare) landmark since the 1940s.
Run by a Belgian family for several decades, the Ibis is the only hotel in Huye that has a reliable restaurant open every day of the week, as well as hot water and electricity virtually 24/7.
A large patio with outdoor seating is ideal for consumption of Mutzig or Primus (popular beers in Rwanda) or the occasional sorghum beer.
Of course, one popular strategy is to stay at another (cheaper) hotel and eat at the Ibis restaurant, which is open to everyone.
The concierge at the Hotel Ibis is usually an excellent source of information.
Wikipedia:ButareKibungo is a city in Eastern Rwanda.
Kibuye is a city in Western Rwanda.
Located on the shore of Lake Kivu, the surrounding area offers some stunning views of the lake.
Kibuye is also a major stop on the Congo-Nile Trail, which is a popular route for hiking or bicycling that extends from Gisenyi to Kamembe.
A couple of express bus companies, including Capital, run from Kigali to Kibuye and back every hour on the hour.
As of August 2017, the cost is 2500 RWF.
The trip will take you about two hours and forty-five minutes- leave at least three hours.
A second option is to take a local bus (matatu) which costs slightly less, but will feel more cramped.
Look for the 'Kibye' signs at Nyabugogo taxi park.
Onatracom runs a bus from Gisenyi to Kibuye most everyday.
The bus is extremely crowded and you often won't get a seat.
However, with a price of only 2000 RWF it is great deal.
The ride takes around 5 hours.
From Gisenyi, the bus leaves at around 730 AM.
Get there well ahead of time if you want to have a seat.
A second bus line, Zam Zamu, runs a camper-bus service between Gisenyi and Kibuye.
This bus leaves at around 11/12 o'clock and costs 3000RWF.
It is smaller and more comfortable than the Onatracom.
The trip takes roughly the same amount of time.
It is supposedly possible to catch a ride from Gisenyi to Kibuye on the boat (Primus boat).
This fleet of boats will run whenever there is a need to transport beverages from the Bralirwa bottling facility in La Brasserie (Gisenyi) to either Kibuye or Cyangugu.
Frequent busses travel to/from Kigali.
3 hours to Gisenyi.
You can get an Express bus with Kivu Belt bus company for 2500RWF.
From Gisenyi you can transfer to Ruhengeri, 1.
5 hrs, 1300RWF with Virunga or RitCo bus companies.
Walking or taking a moto (motorcycle or scooter) are your options.
Moto prices:From Kibuye town to most of the hotels listed should cost around 500RWF.
From Kibuye town to KHI Nyamishaba - college campus with good internet and computers - 400 RWF.
Visit the Genocide Memorial and Catholic Church at Home Saint Jean.
Take an hour boat ride around Lake Kivu for 15,000 RWF.
Go swimming at the very small beach at the Moriah Hotel or across the street from Golf Eden Rock Hotel.
The Kigali Health Institute (KHI) has its smaller campus located in a part of Kibuye called Nyamishaba.
The school offers the best internet access in town and the computers and internet are available for a nominal fee.
As of late June 2010, the price from Kibuye town to KHI/Nyamishaba is currently 400 RWF and will take approximately 5 minutes.
There is a local market everyday in Kibuye town.
You can find local produce, used clothing, and lots of things from China.
If you are looking for more exotic (expensive) things - bread, spices, snickers, potato chips, etc.
, - go to the shops at the two gas stations in town.
It is assumed that people who can pay for gas can also pay for expensive things.
All hotels have a restaurant with decent food.
Again, eating at the hotels will be more expensive than eating in Kibuye town at a local establishment.
Prices range from 2,000 to 10,000 RWFThe following prices are for most Rwandan bars around Kibuye town (as of late June 2010)-Goat brochettes will cost 300-400 RWF-Cooked potato will cost 100 RWF-Plate of fries will cost 400-500 RWFNormally there is a lunch buffet available at some restaurants in town.
Generally speaking, they cost around 800 RWF or around 1000 RWF if you chose to get a piece of meat with your meal.
All hotels listed under the hotel section (minus Saint Marie) offer drinks at a slightly elevated rate and with a slightly better selection or variety than you'll find in Kibuye town.
If you go into town you can find a number of local bars offering local prices for local beers - mainly Primus, Mutzig, Skoal and Turbo King.
A list of prices at local bars, shops and restaurants as of late June 2010:-Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, etc.
, costs 250 or 300 RWF-Small bottle of water: 300 RWF-Large bottle of water: 600 RWFBeers:-Mutzig: 800RWF-Primus: 600RWF-Skoal: 800RWF-Turbo King: 1000RWFSaint Marie offers rooms from 3500 RWF a night.
Jean A basic hotel/guest house.
Hot water, electricity in clean rooms with double beds.
They have (slow) WiFi and stunning views over the lake.
Rooms cost 11-20,000 RWF depending on bed size and quality.
The more expensive ones have a better lake view.
They do have dorm rooms, which are not advertised on the website, for 8000 RWF including breakfast.
Bethanie A beautiful setting on the water with mediocre, inflexible service and decent food but poor wine selection.
Swimming is possible directly from the hotel.
There is no beach, only slimy rocks.
Terraced rows of rooms with nice gardens and trees everywhere.
Single room, self-contained, as of May 2012 is 15000Rfr -- or $28US, which is a terrible exchange rate of around 535 (whereas the hotel's exchange rate is 570 so just change your dollars first then pay for the room).
Holiday Inn (not affiliated with the chain)5.
Moriah Hill Resort, +250 (0) 252 56 86 67, [x].
Probably the nicest (and most expensive) place to stay in Kibuye.
editAs of June 2010 you could get a room at most of these hotels - excluding the Moriah and Holiday Inn - starting at around 10 to 12,000 RWF.
All hotels have a view of Lake Kivu, with Bethanie, Moriah and Holiday Inn being directly on the water.
English/French language broadcasts are available from BBC World Service in Kibuye/Karongi on 93.
Kigali district is a region of Rwanda surrounding the capital of the same name.
Kigali is the capital of Rwanda.
The centre of political and commercial life, Kigali dominates Rwanda and few visit the country without passing through.
The city is developing fast and is very much a modern showpiece capital designed to impress visitors: from the humble tourist to foreign investors and visiting dignitaries.
With a population topping 1 million, the city spreads out over several hills and valleys, with many of the better restaurants and hotels at a distance from the traditional downtown area.
The Kigali City Masterplan outlines the future for this burgeoning metropolis - with plans for a new city to be built south of the current city centre.
As a clean, comfortable and ordered city, Kigali is very popular with long term expats, and the city is teeming with westerners, from young church or NGO volunteers having their first experience of Africa to career development workers enjoying a relaxed lifestyle where it is safe to bring up young children.
This in turn means the city supports numerous restaurants, coffee shops and supermarkets that cater to this demographic.
The country is also rapidly developing, with huge infrastructure and construction projects expanding rapidly, taking advantage of the country's stable peace period.
Residents are quite openly proud of the progress the country has made and are widely supportive of it.
New, well-maintained roads have been extended throughout the country and you'd be hard pressed to find a single piece of litter.
Schools, clean energy projects, water services, and cellular and broadband connectivity are all being rapidly developed nation-wide.
However, visitors are cautioned to be respectful on matters related to ethnic / tribal affiliation and the genocide in the 1990s.
While tribal / ethnic affiliation in other countries in the region is commonly discussed, it is not appropriate to ask or refer to individuals what their ethnicity or tribal affiliation is in Rwanda.
Rwanda has gone to great lengths to preserve and remember the tragedy of the genocide - with it frequently held in schools and memorials as a call to ensure such tragedy and atrocity can never happen again.
However, it remains a sensitive topic and should not be raised as light conversation with Rwandans.
Certainly take time to pay your respects at one of the many memorials in country, but do not expect this to be a topic for small talk with Rwandans.
Also when referred to in appropriate settings, the generally accepted terminology is 'genocide against the Tutsis', and not 'Rwandan genocide'.
Dinky Kigali International is a delightful airport - small and organised, it is rare to encounter any problems.
Be aware that plastic bags are illegal in Rwanda, so please pack using a different material.
Security and check in also often operate differently here.
When driving into the airport, you'll be stopped and asked to exit your vehicle with all of your bags.
You'll go through an airport scanner at this road block and your bags and car will be checked by a security team independently, likely with a K9 unit.
You'll then load your bags back in and continue on to the airport.
Check-in times are more tightly scheduled, so you won't be able to enter the airport until around 2-3 hours before your flight time.
Once you do, all airlines are served by AirRwanda staff for check-in.
You'll then go through passport control and then security again before arriving at the 6 available gates.
Plans are in progress to transition to the larger airport outside of Kigali as the primary airport - construction has begun to expand that airport and will eventually transition most international flights there.
[1] started flights to Kigali from Amsterdam on 31 October 2010.
Brussels Airlines [2] flies to Kigali from Brussels in Belgium.
Kenya Airways [3] also has frequent flights from Nairobi.
Ethiopian Airlines [4] has daily flights between Addis Ababa and Kigali.
Rwandair [5] the national carrier, has several flights a day to other African destinations, as well as Dubai, Brussels, London, Mumbai and Guangzhou.
It's a modern affair, with ticket sales and online check-in available.
South African Airways [6] will resume flights to Kigali from Johannesburg in 2012.
Air Uganda [7] flies six times a week to Kampala.
Turkish Airlines [8] started flights to Kigali from Istanbul in May 2012.
On flying out of Kigali airport keep in mind the need for a Yellow Fever Certificate at your destination (eg South Africa) - Airport officials will ask for this.
Also be careful of waiting in the cafe for your flight - some flights (eg Kenya Airways to Nairobi) are often overbooked and you won't hear any announcement when they decide to start boarding early, and you could miss your flight.
Also be prepared for at least 2-3 security checks before the departure.
Checks are pretty thorough.
Alternative Entebbe, Uganda
Some international fliers find it much cheaper to fly into Entebbe in Uganda and then take the bus to Kigali.
Depending an how long they stop you at the border, the bus trip takes about 9 hours.
Try to get a seat on a Jaguar bus, on which WiFi is currently being introduced.
The seats should be booked a day or two in advance in order to get seats #1 to #4.
Roads in Rwanda are famously well-paved and clean, thanks to huge investments in infrastructure over the past decade.
However, rules are strictly enforced.
Speed traffic cameras are commonplace on roads through Rwanda - from small streets to larger intercity roads.
Police presence is also extensive - and regular roadchecks are commonplace - often with police officers setting up in the middle of a street and having each driver pull to the side while their licence plates are run.
Corruption in these cases isn't a real concern so these stops shouldn't be equated with similar exercises in other countries where police may be looking for a bribe.
Just follow their directions and it should move along quickly (a bribe offer will likely instead get you in a world of trouble).
Buses arrive and depart to many parts of Rwanda regularly.
For buses around Kigali, there are several companies that have each won contracts for separate lines in the city.
These are identifiable by their bus line number (for example 300 series which includes bus lines 302, 304, 305, etc, and are usually white with a dark green stripe).
Buses can either be minibuses like matatus, or quite standard looking municipal city buses.
Most Rwandans will have a contactless card that can be loaded with funds and tap in on entry.
If you don't have one, you can pay the driver in cash - though won't get exact change (while there are technically smaller coins in circulation, most transactions in Rwanda round to 100 francs - so for example, while the fare on the 305 bus is 264 Rwf as of Nov 2021, if you give the driver 300, don't expect change).
You'll need to flag down the bus if you're waiting - don't expect it to stop at every stop.
Similarly if you're on the bus, you need to request the stop.
This is easier on minibuses / matatus, but on the larger city buses, even if there is a call button, this is usually done by banging the plastic handholds on the safety rail against the rail repeatedly.
Also don't be surprised to see people with big luggage, huge sacks of grains, or large bags of fruit and vegetables.
These will usually be stowed in the front by the driver.
There is an e-hailing app called Move which is run by VW.
The app doesn't function well but you can phone the driver up directly to arrange a pick up.
Payment is cash or card and at a fraction of the price of other taxis depending on the type of vehicle you choose.
For airport trips expect to pay an extra 3000rwf for airport parking.
Take a trip to a craft centre, like the Dancing Pots Craft Centre or the Cards for Africa workshop and sales room in Kigali.
Learn a bit of French, maybe even a bit of Swahili and Kinyarwanda, all three are extremely useful here.
English is also widely spoken, at least in Kigali.
A useful Kinyarwanda vocabulary cheat sheet is available hereKinyarwanda is most widely spoken, though English is increasingly important and a mandatory part of the curriculum as an official language - supplanting the traditional role of French.
French still has a clear presence though is largely only used by older, well-educated Rwandans.
Most Rwandans, especially younger Rwandans and those in client service jobs, will speak English quite well.
Swahili was more recently included alongside English and Kinyarwanda as a mandatory part of the school curriculum as part of the wider East African Community integration.
While most Rwandans will understand and speak enough of it, most of it regularly manifests as loan words and phrases in day to day use.
English will likely be the easiest and most widely understood lingua franca for most visitors - though it's still well-appreciated to learn at least a few of the basics in Kinyarwanda (hello - muraho, goodbye - murabeho, thank you - murakoze).
Your best bet would be with an aid organization or NGO.
If you are a resident of the US or EU, keep in mind that you can avoid paying for an expensive residency permit simply by declaring yourself a tourist upon arrival and then traveling outside of Rwanda once every 90 days for the length of your stay.
Your 90-day tourist visa (automatically granted upon entry) will be renewed each time you leave and reenter the country (and it's a convenient excuse to go on vacation!
The first thing to be aware of is that Kigali is expensive.
As a cash strapped landlocked country costs of imported goods are high and import duties and VAT considerable.
Foreigners often complain that wine, olive oil, breakfast cereals, kettle chips and other mundane foodstuffs cost a fortune, so beware.
Costs can be lowered considerably by buying Rwandan or East African Community goods - Kenya in particular produces a wide range of produce that often cost half the imported European equivalent.
Outside of supermarkets and restaurants most venders are used to a bit of haggling (even over fruit and veg) although as always keep things in perspective - but don't let storekeepers charge you double what you think you should be paying.
When changing money at a forex bureau or on the street, be aware that only US dollar bills dated Series 2009 or newer will be accepted.
What to buy
Rwandan coffee is generally very good (although stay away from the cheapest stuff, which will be the sweepings from the grinding factory floor).
Expect to pay around Rwf 4,000 per 500g.
Rwandan honey is great, especially the Nyungwe Highlands type.
Around Rwf 1,750 per 500g.
Rwandan tea (both black and green) is also pretty good.
Rwandan handicrafts and kitenge products can be found almost everywhere, but Tubahumurize Association is a unique spot that uses the profits from their sales to fuel their trauma counselling, vocational training, micro-credit loans, sewing school and cooperative programs.
The prices are affordable and you'll find everything from yoga bags and circle scarves to agaseke baskets and gorgeous quilts.
Local markets are stocked with Rwandan handicrafts, clothing, fabulous colourful fabric from West Africa and just about anything else.
The large market in Kimironko is a good place for fruit, veg, rice and other basic foodstuffs - and it can be good fun looking through the secondhand clothes section.
Kimironko is organised with food up front - with butchers and fishmongers lining much of the outer edge, and on the inside square, there's eggs and nuts, followed by fruits and vegetables, and then grains and flours.
After food, the outer edge shops change to luggage, phone accessory, and housewares shops.
The inside square changes to hardware (hammers, nails, picture frames, buckets) to shoes, then tourist / souvenir items, and then finally fabric stalls where you can have clothes, bags, or shoes custom made.
Kimironko is smaller than it looks and often involves squeezing tightly through spaces.
The shops are all 'booths' so you can pass from one to the other.
If you are visibly foreign, expect to be called after and followed for business, but if you give a firm no - you're more easily left alone than in some other markets.
As always, everything is a negotiation and they'll often high-ball you on prices with an expectation to negotiate down, especially if you're buying a lot.
You're expected to negotiate but don't be too ruthless if you can - if you can afford to pay some of the 'foreigner tax' on products, a lot of these resellers are making pennies on the margin - for most travellers, a couple hundred francs is negligible but makes a big difference to them.
For the woven baskets, as of 2021, you can probably expect to pay pretty fairly pay around 4,000 - 5,000 Rwf for large ones, 2,000 Rwf for the smaller ones.
Amahoro baskets (famous from Rwanda and a national symbol) usually come in 'nesting' sets of 5 - and will usually go for around 8,000 - 10,000 Rwf depending on quality.
Gorilla staffs will usually be around 17,000 - 22,000 Rwf.
Custom clothing often won't be the most careful stitch-work but if you offer a bit of a tip upfront, you'll usually get a better product.
A custom dress usually runs around 45,000 Rwf for a rather simple design.
Cash machines / ATMs- More and more bank ATMs are starting to accept Visa cards, including the Bank of Kigali and Ecobank.
Ecobank's headquarters are located in the center of town next to CNLS and near UTC / Nakumatt.
There is a Visa ATM at the airport too.
There are banks in Kigali with counter service for withdrawals (and Ecobank can do MasterCard withdrawals at a price).
Note that most shops are closed on Sundays.
By any standards Kigali is an excellent city in which to dine.
A combination of Belgian culinary influence, plenty of cows, plenty of freshwater fish, and plenty of fresh vegetables equates to some of the best eating in the region.
And it's all pretty affordable.
Note that Kigali restaurants and bars go in and out of fashion, not to mention close down, quite frequently.
Check for the latest once you are in town and be aware that some places mentioned in some print guidebooks no longer exist.
The oft-mentioned Turtle Cafe has been closed since 2003!
Finally note that as with the rest of the region restaurants take their time - with a usual 45 minutes to 1 hour wait between ordering and your food arriving, especially for dinner.
If you are after a quick eat at lunchtime there are several 'African buffets' dotted around where you pile your plate high and are out the door in 30 minutes.
As Kigali is quite a sprawling city eateries are organised by suburb.
The local corner cafes serve decent quality food at excellent prices.
Bottled water is recommended for foreign visitors.
Accommodation in Kigali is noticeably more expensive than neighboring capitals like Kampala and Nairobi.
Kigali has three international class hotels.
English/French language broadcasts are available from BBC World Service in Kigali on 93.
Kigali is relatively safe and friendly as far as African capitals go.
Keep your eyes open and your wallet out of the reach of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
Avoid walking after dark if possible, especially alone.
Take extra precaution in the area between New Cadilac Nightclub and Carwash bar.
Police officers are generally helpful if you're in a bind, but don't expect speedy results.
Fun outdoor activitiesFurther along the wayTo Uganda
As of Jan 2019 it was possible to get a VOA into Uganda for $50.
To get from Kigali to Uganda is very easy.
There are many buses to Ruhengeri for around 5000rwf, 3+hours.
From there take a Moto or matatu (500rwf) to Cyanika.
Cross at the Cyanika border, take another Moto (4000USH) or Matatu to Kisoro.
In Kisoro, change for other buses onto the country.
The Visa requirements for Tanzania are a little fuzzy (January 2019).
Online the embassy says that some nationalities can get visas at some ports of entry, but it is strongly advised to get a Visa in advance, especially if doing a land crossing.
At the Embassy/High Commission for Tanzania in Kigali, their exact words were Is possible, but things could go wrong and they could run out of visas.
So best to be safe and get one ahead of time.
$50 for most countries, $100 for US residents; good for 90 days.
The Tanzanian High Commission is open for visa applications M-F from 8am-12pm.
Pick up the following day between 2:30-3:30pm.
No appointment needed.
They only accept USD.
To get to Tanzania from Kigali, there are buses to the border town of Rusumo, or directly to Nyakanazi (which leave at 4am).
Koyonza is a city in Eastern Rwanda.
Northern Rwanda is most famous for being the home to Rwanda's mountain gorillas.
Most sites in the region are within a few hours drive of Kigali, and can be visited on day trips if time is limited.
Nyungwe National Park is in Western Rwanda.
Nyungwe rainforest is in southwestern Rwanda bordering Burundi along the south with Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
It is probably the best preserved rainforest in the mountains throughout Central Africa.
It is located in the watershed between the basin of the river Congo to the west and the basin of the river Nile to the east.
From the east side of the Nyungwe forest is one of the sources of the Nile.
The National Park was established in 2004 and covers an area of approximately 970 km2 of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs.
The nearest town is Cyangugu, 54 km to the west.
Mount Bigugu is located within the park boundaries.
Important to Rwanda and the world for its biodiversity, beauty, and natural resources, today Nyungwe is officially recognized as a protected area.
Nyungwe forest is hundreds of thousands of years old.
People's presence in Nyungwe dates back at least 50,000 years.
1903 Colonial Crown Land
Nyungwe is declared a forest reserve, first by the German colonial government then by the Belgians, with restrictions on clearing.
Protection is not consistently enforced.
Nyungwe is reduced by over 150 km2 due to fires, woodcutting, hunting of animals, and small-scale agriculture.
Nearby Gishwati and Virunga forests are cut in half at this time.
Elephants still number in the hundreds in Nyungwe.
The last buffalo is killed in Nyungwe by hunters.
Nyungwe is divided into areas that allow for sustainable use and harvesting of timber.
The Government of Rwanda develops a plan for a buffer zone that can still be seen today.
1984 Wildlife Revealed
Biodiversity surveys conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) with RDB document colobus in groups of up to 400 members--an unheard of phenomenon.
Trail system begins to be formed at Uwinka.
1994 War and Genocide
War and genocide devastate the country and destroy many of the research and tourist facilities in Uwinka.
Most senior staff are forced to flee, but many junior staff members at Nyungwe stay on to protect the park.
The park begins to rebuild, but security and stability are still uncertain.
The last elephant in Nyungwe is killed in the swamp by poachers.
The Rwandan Government makes Nyungwe an official National Park, giving it protected status, the highest level of protection in the country.
Revenue Sharing and Outreach projects
Benefits from TourismHandicrafts and beverages purchased by tourists create local income and the Rwanda Development Board gives a portion of park revenue to surrounding communities, who help protect the forest.
Community Tourism at Banda VillageWhen tourists come to Banda, they pay to watch dancers and purchase handicrafts.
Tourists buy food, water, and soda.
This began as a nature conservation club.
The objective was to transmit messages, and people used dancing.
In 2003, the community got a permit to be a cooperative with the general aim of ecotourism development of Nyungwe National Park using Banda culture and handicrafts.
The objective is to reduce poverty in the cooperative and in the general population while promoting nature conservation.
 (Nyanwi Fidele, VP Banda cooperative).
Teaching kids about the forest through nature clubs will protect the park for generations to come.
Nyungwe Communities Depend on the Forest
Rwandans depend on Nyungwe as a source of natural resources and water, and protection from erosion.
A Source of Income
People depend on Nyungwe to make a living--it provides jobs for guides and trackers, and opportunities for the local economy, like the selling of handicrafts.
Environmental ServicesNyungwe forest provides estimated hundreds of millions of US dollars (billions of RFW) worth of ecological services to surrounding communities, Rwanda and the entire planet every year--such as slowing global warming and watershed protection.
Natural Resources
Rope, bamboo, and other traditionally used forest plants are still important to people for weaving, medicines, building and more.
They must be harvested sustainably to protect the forest's integrity.
Local LoreThe bark of the umugote tree makes a good cough medicine.
Medicinal plants in Nyungwe National Park: Several plants found in Nyungwe have important medicinal value.
A list of these can be see by clicking here.
Some medicines have yet to be discovered!Animal life
Nyungwe forest has a wide diversity of animal species, making it a priority for conservation in Africa.
The forest is situated in a region where several large-scale biogeographical zones meet and the variety of terrestrial biomes provide a great span of microhabitats for many different species of plants and animals.
The park contains 13 different primate species (25% of Africa's total), 275 bird species, 1068 plant species, 85 mammal species, 32 amphibian and 38 reptile species.
Many of these animals are restricted-range species that are only found in the Albertine Rift montane forests ecoregion in Africa.
In fact, the number of endemic species found here is greater than in any other forest in the Albertine Rift Mountains that has been surveyed.
The forest, which reaches its maximum altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, is of particular interest for the presence of colonies of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes - Blumenbach, 1775) and Angola colobus (Colobus angolensis - Sclater 1860), the latter now extinct in Angola for the intense hunt for which they were subjected.
Primate species
Nyungwe is home to 13 species of primates.
Nyungwe Forest
Common Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes
The only ape in Nyungwe, 500 live in this park.
Your guide can help you spot them and their signs: calls, nests, or scat.
Adolf Friedrich's Angolan Colobus (Colobus angolensis ruwenzori
Nyungwe is the only forest in Africa where these monkeys form large supergroups of over 350 individuals.
L'Hoest's Monkey (Cercopithecus l'hoesti)/Sun-tailed Gabon/Preuss' Cameroon
These three monkeys were most likely one species that lived in a continuous larger forest before the last ice age.
Over time the forest split into fragments and each monkey adapted to its own forest.
Today they are separate species.
Blue Monkey ( Cercopithecus mitis doggetti
These tree-dwelling guenons can be found around Uwinka.
Silver Monkey (Cercopithecus doggetti
Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus kandti
Hamlyn's Monkey (Cercopithecus hamlyni
Red-tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius
Dent's Mona Monkey (Cercopithecus denti
Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus
Olive Baboon (Papio anubis
Grey-cheeked Mangabey (Lophocebus albigena)Birds of Nyungwe
Nyungwe is classified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA), which means that the park has true significance for the international conservation of bird populations... In their fact sheet, they say that Nyungwe is one of the most important forests for conservation of montane birds in the region.
A birder's paradise, Nyungwe is home to 278 species of birds--26 of those are found only in the few forests of the Albertine Rift.
Grauer's Rush Warbler is an Albertine Rift endemic that thrives in isolated mountain swamps, such as Kamiranzovou.
Turacos such as this Ruwenzori Turaco are rare elsewhere but abundant in Nyungwe.
You are likely to hear their loud repetitive call resonate in the forest.
Spectacular and rare sunbirds, such as the endemic Purple-breasted and Blue-headed can be seen feeding in flowering trees.
The Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, one of two hornbill species in the park, is known by its huge bill and honking call.
Epiphytes are mosses, ferns, orchids and other plants that live high in trees without needing soil.
These air plants are characteristic of moist mountain rainforests.
This fruit is from a Carapa grandiflora, a tree commonly found in Nyungwe.
Monkeys and squirrels eat the large round seeds, while chimps, monkeys and people eat the young fruits.
Entandrophragma excelsum, or African mahogany (locally called umuyove) is one of the largest trees in the forest!As altitude changes, so does vegetation.
Nyungwe's varied vegetation provides a diversity of habitats for its many species.
Nyungwe has over 1000 different kinds of plants, many of which you will only find in the Albertine Rift.
The western part of Nyungwe was refugium for rare forest species and still has richer, taller forest with more biodiversity today.
The eastern part of Nyungwe forest was grasslands and shrub during the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago.
Only in NyungweNyungwe's great variety of plants and animals, some found nowhere else, makes it one of the most important protected places in all of Africa.
This impatiens is named in honor of President Kagame for his efforts in environmental protection.
It is endemic to the Albertine Rift and found in Cyamudongo and parts of Congo.
Impatiens kagamei)This impatiens is endemic to Nyungwe, found only on Mt.
Bigugu--it grows nowhere else in the world!
Impatiens nyungwensis)This begonia is found only in western Nyungwe.
Abundant Plant Species
Don't let all the green fool you, Nyungwe forest is comprised of over 1,000 different kinds of plants, many of which you'll only see in the Albertine Rift.
Medicinal plants
Nyungwe National Park is home to many medicinal plants.
The following list includes some of the plants that can be found in the Park.
Descriptions of some of these plants can be found in the Handbook of African Medicinal Plants by Maurice M.
Another book that might be of interest is Medicinal Plants of East Africa by John O.
Scientific name / English name / Kinyarwanda name / Traditional UsesErythrina abyssinica/ Lucky bean tree/Flame tree /Umuko
Gonorrhea, Burns, Joint pain, Fresh cuts/wounds, Backache, Syphilis.
According to the World Agroforestry Centre, it is also used in Kenya to treat diseases such as anthrax, and the bark is boiled with goat meat for treating gonorrhoea.
The bark of the green stem may also be pounded and then tied into a fine piece of cloth and the liquid from it squeezed into the eyes to cure inflammation of the lids.
Zanthoxylum gilletii/ East African satinwood/ Umuturirwa
Cold and fever, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Ulcers, ToothacheVernonia amygdalina/ Bitter leaf/ Umubirizi
Malaria, Fever, Worms, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, AsthmaCrassocephalum vitellium/ Isununu/
Sterility in men, High blood pressurePrunus African/ Bitter almond/ Umwumba
Fever, Stomachache, Benign prostate cancer, Diabetes, CoughFicus natalensis/ Bark-cloth fig/ Imvuvumu
Stimulation of pregnancy, Cold, Cough, Wounds, Bed wettingSyzygium guinense/ Waterberry/ Umugote
Amoebas, PoisonCarapa grandflora/ Bitter Oil/ Umushwati
AmoebasMyrica californica/ California Bayberry/ Umusengesi
Poison, Stomach acheOrchidsIf you visit at the right time and you look closely, you can see lots of these in the park.
How many kinds can you find in Nyungwe?
Nyungwe has over 140 species of orchids!The main entrance is at Uwinka on the main Cyangugu - Huye road.
It's about 55km from Cyangugu and 90km from Huye.
The road is mostly in good condition.
There are regular buses along the route and hitching is also an option.
Buses are often full when they reach here so if you're getting a bus out it may be best to try to book your ticket in advance.
If travelling from Cyangugu ignore the sign in town that says it's 20km and further ignore the sign 15km from Cyangugu directing you right up a dirt track.
These refer to a small offshoot of the park, not the park proper.
From Kigali to the Uwinka the bus costs around 5000 RWF and takes over 5 hours.
There is also a park office in Kitabi.
There are no park fees as such but you must be accompanied by a guide on all of the walking trails.
The costs vary depending on the length of the trail and what your immigration status in Rwanda is (Tourist, National, Resident or EAC Resident).
If you are a tourist expect to pay around $40 - $60 per trail.
Camping fees are pretty high ($50 if you don't do any other activities, (I think) $35 if you do) but the camp site is well situated in the jungle, there are European toilets and a cold shower.
Other than the main road through the forest there are no (public) roads or vehicle tracks in the park, everything is on foot (see do).
A whole host of different primate species, a few other mammals including leopard and duiker (which you're unlikely to see) and a phenomenal array of birds and plants.
For the best experience, most tourists tend to combine chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe with a gorilla tour in the nearby Volcanoes National Park.
There are a number of trails ranging from the very easy to the reasonably challenging.
their strenuous guide is based on the assumption that you are not a regular walker.
Any hiker would not find their very strenuous trails particularly challenging.
Canopy Walk - In October 2010, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) launched canopy walk tourism in Nyungwe National Park as part of a strategy to diversify tourism attractions.
Canopy tourism is also aimed at encouraging tourists to spend a longer time in Rwanda.
The Canopy Walk is the only attraction of its kind in East Africa.
This is the first ever hanging platform that allows tourists to view different animal species in Nyungwe Forest.
The dizzying platform is above a steep and deep valley stretching across the massive forest.
John Gara, CEO of the RDB, said the platform is 50 meters above ground level and 90 meters long.
It allows tourists to view butterflies, birds and blue monkeys that dwell in the upper levels of the forest.
The forest has 13 rare primate species, the world's largest ever recorded arboreal troop of black/white colobus monkeys, and nearly 300 species of birds and 154 types of orchids.
There are also a couple of multi day trails such as the Nile-Congo divide trail (which is the only way of reaching the longest source of the Nile).
These must be booked at least seven days in advance (they will not negotiate this).
Chimpanzee tracking is available and there are two groups habituated to human contact.
In principle, Colobus monkey tracking is also available but they may have moved too far away from the trail head to be tracked.
Should they move back this may be possible again in the future.
There is a small kiosk selling basics, but if you are camping bring whatever food you will need.
Water, Soft drinks and Primus (beer) is available.
There are guest houses on either side of the park on the main road.
In Kitabi (on the Huye side) the guest house is situated in the school of wildlife management.
Coming from Huye take the left turn marked 'tea factory' about 200m before the park entrance.
There is then a right turn about 500m further on, this is the guest house.
The reception is is l'Hoests monkey house.
At the upper end is the Nyungwe Forest Lodge, which is a luxurious eco-lodge surrounded by tea fields and at the edge of Nyungwe Forest.
There is camping at the Uwinka head quarters, it's a bit pricey (see fees and permits) but you do get a guy who lights your fire for you.
This may sound a bit unnecessary but after a cold night (apparently it can get down to 0C here due to the altitude), waking up to a roaring fire is heaven!The NR10 highway passed through the park.
It's easy to catch a bus to/from any locations along it.
That means the park, and lodges near it, are well connected to Huye or Kigali.
If you are heading the other direction, it's just as easy to get to Kibuye, where you can connect to Gisenyi or Ruhengeri.
Just make sure to start early if you are going far because the buses are slow.
Ruhengeri is a city in northern Rwanda's Musanze district.
It is the port of call for tourists heading up the hills to Kinigi and Parc National des Volcans.
There several bus companies who serve Kigali-Musanze direction every half hour for 1,750 rwf (September 2017).
The journey takes 2 hours.
Buy your ticket at the main bus station in Nyabugogo - each bus company has their own little office, look for the signs that say Kigali-Musanze.
 Don't buy your ticket in advance - go to the bus station and expect to leave in roughly 30 minutes (or less).
There will always be spaces, and you can wait for the next departure if you want a better seat.
Recommended bus companies: Virunga Express [1]; Kigali Bus Service
Musanze is a small town, you can walk from one end to the other along the main road in 30-40 minutes.
The best way to get around is foot or moto-taxi.
Prices are negotiable with the moto drivers, but a typical ride across town is 300-400 rwf (July 2012.
)Volcanoes National Park offers several attractions.
Tickets must be booked in advance through tour companies or the Rwanda Tourism Board (ORTPN).
The majority of revenue from tourism goes towards maintaining the park and conserving the wildlife.
The remainder goes to the government and (around 10%) to local projects in the area to help local people benefit from the large revenue stream generated by the park.
Visit Lakes Burera and Ruhondo.
Visit the lava caves and tunnels.
There are a number of guest houses.
You find some of them along the main road.
You find places for <10.
000Southern Rwanda is a region of Rwanda.
Virunga National Park is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, but was labelled a site in danger in 1994 due to political conflict and poaching.
Virunga National Park is a 7800 square kilometer World Heritage Site that lies on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it borders Uganda as well as Rwanda.
It is the oldest national park in Africa and the second oldest in the world (after Yellowstone).
It is named after the Virunga Mountain (volcanoes) range that lie in the south of the park.
the park however is much larger and stretches all the way north to envelop Lake Edward as well as the Rwenzori Mountains.
The history of the park is deeply affected by the country of which it is part.
For much of its long history, Virunga National Park has struggled to survive through many of Congo's troubled times.
Thanks to the dedication of certain politicians, conservationists, park rangers and wardens, the park not only has survived, but is currently experiencing a dramatic renewal.
The park was founded in 1925 by King Albert I of Belgium and originally known as Albert National Park, the first national park on the continent of Africa.
It was founded primarily to protect the gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains controlled by the Belgian Congo, but later expanded north to include the Rwindi Plains, Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains in the far north.
In the first 35 years, the boundary of the park took shape, poaching was kept to a minimum and sustainable tourism thrived due to the work of a large body of hand-picked Congolese rangers and dedicated wardens.
Land remuneration and the use of park resources such as fishing and hunting by the local population became an on-going problem and attempts were made to solve these issues.
When the Belgians granted Congo independence in 1960 the new state deteriorated rapidly, and so did the park.
It was only in 1969 when President Mobutu began to take a personal interest in conservation, that the park was revived.
In the process it was renamed Virunga National Park, and the first Congolese Wildlife Authority was established (now called ICCN).
Virunga fared well for the better part of the 1970s.
Foreign investment helped to improve the park's infrastructure and training facilities, and the park became a popular destination for tourists, receiving on average 6500 visitors a year.
In 1979 UNESCO designated the park as a World Heritage Site.
In the mid 1980s the Mobutu regime began to lose its hold on power and the country began a long slide into chaos.
The park suffered terribly.
Poaching depleted Virunga's large mammal populations, infrastructure was destroyed, and many rangers were killed.
The Congolese Wildlife Authority slowly lost control of Virunga and UNESCO changed the World Heritage Site status to endangered.
Over the twenty-five years that followed, the park staff endured an almost uninterrupted series of trials that included a refugee crisis from the Rwandan Genocide that contributed to the severe destruction of park forests, and armed militia penetration throughout the park.
The Kivu War, the most recent of Congo's conflicts, centered exactly on the park, with rebel forces occupying the park headquarters and evicting the park's staff.
By the end of 2008 it seemed as if Virunga was finished.
The political situation in the DRC has changed exponentially since then.
The park is back in the hands of the ICCN and enjoying the greatest resurgence of tourism and development in its history.
International donors are investing in the development of the park's infrastructure at unprecedented levels.
Virunga's management is efficient and transparent, and morale among the rangers is at an all time high.
Tourism has increased from zero in 2008, to approximately 2000 in 2010 with numbers growing steadily.
New tourist activities are being developed in the park, including the habituation of chimpanzees in the Tongo forest and a high-end lodge conveniently located near the center of the three main tourist attractions in the southern sector, north of Goma.
Africa's first national park survived decades of chaos against all the odds, not because of circumstance but because of the dedication of the rangers and staff who believe in the value of saving Virunga National Park and its wildlife.
The nightly glow from the lava lake within the Nyiragongo volcano can be seen from miles away
Virunga National Park is unrivalled in its diversity of landscapes and ecosystems.
The parks bounderies envelop low land tropical forest in the north; high alpine forest in the Rwenzori Mountains; riverine forest around the Semliki and Rutshuru rivers; swamplands around lake Edward, savannah north and south of the lake; montane forest on the hills of the Virunga volcanoes and old (and new) lava flow landscapes.
The park boasts an astounding biodiversity due to the large variety of habitats it offers.
In the southern sector the Mountain Gorillas attract most attention but the montane forests are also home to other primates such as Chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, Blue monkeys and black and white colobus.
Forest Elephants and Buffalo are also found in this area as is the very shy Golden Cat.
The central area of the park consists mostly of savannah with species such as Lion, Leopard, Kob, Hyena, Topi, warthog etc.
The lake, once containing the largest population of Hippo's (over 20.
000), is now slowly regenerating after many troubled years and Hippo's and Crocodiles are once again a common sight.
In the North of the park in the deep Congolese forest the most elusive of African creatures is found: the Okapi.
The southern sector (Gorillas and Volcano) of Virunga National Park is easily accessible in a number of different ways the most common are:Virunga National Park Park Permits:Other campsites at Jomba (another gorilla site) and Tongo are expected at the time of writing but not yet active/safeCongo Travel and Tours supplies bilingual guides and personnel directly to tourists as well as to operators that can bring you on budget tours and camping kits into the park, in tandem with the Virunga Authority and ICCN who chiefly benefits from the tourism.
They can also arrange the luxury lodges like Mikeno and Bukima on tour with Virunga Park.
Virunga National Park is located in a region that is often troubled by unrest.
In the last three years, the southern sector of Virunga National Park (gorillas and volcano) has been considered safe for visitors with over a 100 tourists visiting these sites every month.
The Rwenzori mountains are also open for tourists and can be reached from Beni in the North of the park.
The management of Virunga National Park is emphasize the importance that all visitors be aware of current security issues at the time of their visit.
Before organizing a trip to Virunga National Park it is wise to inform yourself on the security situation, check [5] for the latest independent news feeds on this region, as well as detailed information on the parks activities outside tourism.
Virunga National Park strongly advises against the use of own transport, escorted transport can be arranged through the National Park or via CTT or other tour operators, more information about this can be found on Virunga National Parks tourism website [6] please use park transport or the transport supplied by trusted tour operators.
All visitors using our transportation are automatically escorted by our rangers.
Escorts for people using their own vehicules can be arranged.
Virunga National ParkWestern Rwanda is a region of Rwanda, centered around Lake Kivu.
reviews
I had an excellent experience with Rwanda EcoTours!
I went on a 3-week long trip with friends and colleagues in May-June 2022 and it was absolutely the experience of a lifetime.
Our guide, Yasin, was the kindest, most thoughtful, and most knowledgeable guide I have had in my 7 years of experience working and traveling in Africa.
His passion and joy for his job really made the experience outstanding.
Our trip included a visit to the gorillas in Volcanoes NP, of course, but we also were able to see many other beautiful sites around the country.
Akagera was a highlight for a classic safari experience, with excellent wetlands that made for great birding.
The camping sites in the park were well equipped, and we enjoyed making meals over the campfire together!
Gishwati Forest of Hope is a small forest site, but I would argue a not-miss place to visit: the accommodations were beautiful and tranquil.
We really felt like we were experiencing a private excursion.
I would have loved to stay longer and learn more about the ongoing reforestation projects in the area!
The food was excellent.
My personal favorite site was Nyungwe National Park.
We had an excellent experience seeing chimps and black and white colobus monkeys, plus going on birding excursions in the park.
If you'd like to go birding, ask to have Clavert as your guide, you won't regret it!
He is exceptional, so incredibly kind, and loves sharing his knowledge.
Finally, Rwanda EcoTours organized several meetings and activities for us in Kigali, which absolutely made the time we spent in the city richer and allowed us to eat food, find markets, and visit places that we might not have otherwise been able to.
Overall, I cannot recommend Rwanda EcoTours enough!!
Their ability to organize the trip based on our individual interests and needs was exceptional, and they took wonderful care of us the entire time we were on our trip.
Murakoze cyane and hope to see you again <3
We had an amazing trip to Rwanda organized by Moses.
We've been having a long email conversation prior the trip where Moses took into account all our wishes, was very patient and organized everything the way was comfortable for us.
Steven was our guide for two weeks and he is just perfect!
He organized everything in a moment we wanted to add/ change in our itinerary, we made some fun during that time, he took care of all the permissions/ check ins etc.
it was our big pleasure and luck to have him as a guide.
Just imagine- for two weeks you explore the country, do all possible activities and you don't have to do anything yourself or worry about something.
This is called a vacation!
Rwanda is amazingly beautiful and interesting.
Very recommend this tour agency, our guide Steven and visit Rwanda.
Thank you so much for everything!
My husband and me decided to visit Rwanda on August 2020 (it was very difficult time of Covid19).
From the moment We received the reply to our first email to Eco Tours We felt 100% comfortable, as we could tell this company has been organizing tours for a very long time.
Replies to emails were fast and comprehensive, and changes to itineraries were handled with ease.
It was so difficult to organize our tour because many hotels were closed because of Covid situation and did not accept guests.
We changed our plans several times and finally found the optimal solution for us.
Moses organized a premium (luxury) tour with visit of Kigali, Volcano National Park, Akagera Park and domestic flight.
From the first day in Rwanda, when we have met our driver who was supposed to accompany us every day, we felt comfortable with him.
Our main guide and driver, Stiven, is an amazing person, incredibly friendly and very funny.
Every day we enjoyed our trip with him, with many a discussion about Rwanda culture and traditions.
He was never even a minute late.
Always fresh and cheerful in the morning and beautifully dressed.
And with a smile on his face.
We were sorry to say good bye to Stiven when the time came to drop us off at the airport.
I hope that someday we'll have another opportunity to visit Rwanda again - we'd love to do some hiking in the Virunga and Nungwe mountains, and sure, visit the Big Gorillas and other monkeys.
So, I want to say; you cannot go wrong with Eco Tours - this is a highly professional but friendly company who go the extra mile to make sure you have an amazing experience in this beautiful and green country Rwanda.
Last year, my sister booked travel in Rwanda and Uganda with Eco Tours Rwanda and worked with Moses Konde.
She liked him so much that she contacted him when she and I were planning a safari in Tanzania.
Now I see why she wanted to work this him and his company again.
What a great experience!
Moses was so thorough and helpful.
He kept in contact with us through every step of the process.
He worked diligently with us and his partner in Tanzania to implement any changes in the itinerary that we wanted to make.
He provided a detailed and accurate itinerary and invoice.
He was also very helpful with visa and COVID requirements for Tanzania.
The safari itself was a fantastic trip of a lifetime.
No surprises.
The hotel and airport transfers all went smoothly.
We stayed in one very nice traditional hotel in Arusha for the first couple of days and then in very comfortable camps in the Tanzanian national parks for the rest of the time .
It was essentially two and a half weeks of glamping at Tortilis and Foxes camps).
The staff was so friendly and welcoming everywhere we stayed.
Just to illustrate how dedicated Moses is, he came on the trip with us just to gain first hand knowledge of the tour so he could provide his personal experience to future clients.
In short, I have only positive things to say about EcoTours Rwanda and Moses.
I can recommend them without any reservation.
If I ever plan to return to East Africa, I will certainly be contacting them again.
Thanks again, Moses, for all your help and a fantastic experience!
I had a great 12 day tour of Rwanda.
I visited Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe, Lake Kivu, and Akagera.
The wildlife experiences were exceptional and well worth the permit fees.
I saw gorillas, chimpanzees, different species of monkeys, elephants, giraffes, zebras, a variety of antelope species, hippos, and leopards.
Innocent was a conscientious driver with lots of local knowledge.
He attempted to teach me a few phrases in Kinyarwanda to help when greeting locals, especially children who were very excited to wave at our car.
Rwanda is a safe country for travelers.
A SIM card for the trip cost about $10 at MTN.
Make sure that you check all of the Covid-19 requirements as the country currently is mandating all travelers register online before entering.
Be prepared for repeated testing while traveling throughout the country, especially if you plan to do any gorilla or chimpanzee trekking (which I recommend).
The tour was well organized, and Moses was accommodating with changes to my travel schedule.
My only suggestion would be more upfront information on tipping customs as it was sometimes unclear who should be tipped and how much, especially at the parks.
All in all, it was a wonderful trip that I would recommend for anyone interested in East African wildlife.
I spent three weeks holidays in Rwanda and Uganda and was very late when I decided to hire a tour guide with a car.
Moses was very responsive from the very beginning and made helpful suggestions to my planned itinerary.
He convinced me that a Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof would be more enjoyable than a RAV4 and offered it to me for the same price (which I considered fair).
Transferring some of the money upfront to Uganda was easily possible without any major doubts or worries.
Moses and Emma, my guide and driver, then picked me up at the hotel in Kigali.
Moses even travelled all the way from Kampala to Kigali just to meet in person and to discuss the itinerary!
On our tour through Rwanda and Uganda, Emma demonstrated the same level of commitment, explained me about the countries, showed me many beautiful sites and kept me company.
He was very reliable, punctual and always strived to fulfil my wishes.
During the game drives in the Queen Elizabeth and the Murchison Falls National Parks, Emma found many animals and shared his extensive knowledge about their behaviour and their role in the ecosystem.
In summary, it was a fantastic three-week tour and I would not hesitate hiring Moses and Emma for another tour in the future!
Rwanda and Uganda are wonderful countries and EcoTours Rwanda makes you fully enjoy this adventure.
We booked gorilla Trekking with Ecotours and had an awesome and unique experience.
Our guides were very friendly and always listening to our needs.
The organization ahead of the trip was very smooth too.
Can only recommend
I was initially nervous about booking this company, as I'm a solo female traveler and other companies had more reviews.
However, I couldn't be more happy to have chosen them!
Moses was great before I arrived, providing information, receipts, and answering all of my questions.
When I arrived, my tour guide Emma took total care of me.
I did a 3-day gorilla trek in Uganda.
He picked me up in Kigali and stayed with me the entire time until he dropped me back off.
The trek itself was amazing, and the lodge we stayed at the night before, Bakiga Lodge, was perfect!
I only wish I had more time to spend there!
I'm so thankful that Emma made sure I was safe, comfortable, and also had a once in a lifetime experience!
Would recommend them for anyone looking for a personalized, special experience.
Simply put, our honeymoon through parts of Rwanda and Uganda was an unforgettable and amazing experience, facilitated superbly by EcoTours Rwanda.
For reference, we completed a 4d/3n trip which included 1 day for gorillas (Bwindi), 1 day for golden monkeys and 1 day at Lake Bunyonyi.
However, this review is for EcoTours, not explicitly for the individual activities, but, make no mistake: all 3 activities were special and life-changing in their own way and we would recommend all of them to anyone.
We completed the gorilla trekking in Uganda simply due to permit costs.
EcoTours, run by the very friendly and very competent Moses, was terrific.
This was my first time to Africa (second for wife), so we had a few nerves while preparing, including wiring large sums of money to an African bank account.
However, Moses was there every step of way.
He was very helpful, polite and responsive and informed me immediately upon the funds arriving.
Moses did every right to put us at ease and arrange an amazing trip.
The accommodations he arranged for us were amazing (Rushunga Gorilla Lodge, Kisoro Travellers Hotel and especially Arcadia Cottages).
Food was terrific throughout (my wife is veggie; no issues anywhere).
Our guide, Emma, was also everything we needed in a guide.
Equal parts professional, good driver and casual/friendly.
We were always on time; always felt safe; and every minute was an exhilarating life experience in these two beautiful countries.
We can't recommend visiting Rwanda/Uganda enough, and wholeheartedly recommend EcoTours to arrange your details.
Moses was great from the start when I was trying to arrange a group booking to see the Gorilla trek back in March.
Communication was done through email and he made sure we had all the information that we needed.
Transferring the money was scary but Moses kept in contact and told me when they had received it.
Once in Rwanda, Moses kept in contact through mobile and visited the hotel the night before to explain what would happen on the trek day.
The Gorillas were amazing and by organising it through EcoTours Rwanda it took all the stress out of it - Moses arranged guides, food and a trip to the slightly surreal cultural village - an excellent experience - thank you so much!
I visited Rwanda in March and booked a 3-day trip with EcoTours Rwanda (1-day gorilla tracking and 2 day volcano hike in DRC).
Moses was very responsive and always replied very quickly on every question I had.
Part of the fee needs to be transferred up-front via bank transfer (payment for permits, visa...) and although it took a while before the money arrived (and a bank transfer is quite expensive), this transfer in the end took place without any real issues.
Concerning the tours themselves, I was happy with the arrangements and they way things were done 'in the field'.
Both gorilla tracking as well as Nyiragongo hike were two adventures I'll never forget.
A satisfied customer!
I spent 4 days in Uganda and Rwanda, and thanks to Moses and Emma, it was just spectacularly memorable, well-planned and just a complete joy.
Moses was SO responsive so quickly on email for all my (often repetitive!
questions.
Emma is a blast and very knowledgeable about everything - gorillas, monkeys, people...and Arsenal Football Club!
These are really good people, and you can't go wrong with them.
I couldn't have been happier!
I admit I did a poor job of planning my trip.
I was already in Kigali for work and a friend put me in touch with Moses because I said on a whim that i wanted to go see the Gorillas.
Moses, with infinite patience and professionalism, guided me through the process.
He made they quote, permit-buying, and all the rest of the details very easy.
Despite my best efforts to complicate things, Moses took great care of me and my friends.
Once the trip began it was all I had hoped for and more.
It is easily the most incredible experience one could ask for in Rwanda or Uganda.
I highly recommend Eco Tours for this or any of the other trips you may seek to do.
Incredible!
Myself and 8 other teachers who had spent a month in Uganda and Rwanda working with local teachers planned this trip as a celebration to the end of our placements.
Moses and his team came highly recommended from previous teacher cohorts, and he did not disappoint.
He was so patient with us when we were trying to organise bookings and payments via WhatsApp and Western Union, and was always happy to answer our questions!
The weekend of was fantastic from the start.
We were collected from Kigali, driven across the border into Uganda, provided with all of our meals from lunchtime on Friday to lunch after our trek.
Moses was a complete gentleman and professional at all times.
Our accommodation at Bukiga Lodge was stunning with breathtaking views.
The trek itself was fairly hard going (but manageable even for those of us with lower fitness levels - get a porter!
but so worth it.
We spent about an hour and a half trekking before we caught up with the gorillas, and spent an hour watching them play, rest, eat and socialise.
I am still blown away that I was less than 5m from a silverback!
I would recommend not just the trek but EcoTours Rwanda 100% to anyone considering visiting East Africa.
I'll certainly be trying to come back in future!
My husband and I spent a week touring Rwanda with EcoTours at the end of July-early August.
Moses was responsive and easy to work with, allowing us flexibility in what activities we chose.
I was hesitant about the wire transfer and carrying so much cash to pay the remaining half of the fees, but all went well.
Moses and our driver/guide Baker met us at the Step Town hotel (super nice little place) in Kigali the night before we began our adventure, and we had a briefing.
Baker was always prompt, friendly, a safe driver, helpful, flexible and knowledgeable.
One thing that surprised us is that we got a different guide at each park we went to - I had thought Baker would be our guide throughout.
It also surprised us that we were the only 2 people on our tour, so it was quite personalized.
As for the park guides, I would have asked for someone with more knowledge about birds, since I'm a birder, but other than Nyungwe, our guides were quite good.
Nyungwe is one of the most spectacular places I've been - it is exactly what I imagine a primeval rainforest jungle of Africa would look like.
I wish we'd had more time there and better guides.
I would have skipped the canopy walk and gone on one of the hiking trails to look for more of the incredibly diverse wildlife there and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Of course, seeing the Mountain gorillas in their native habitat was one of the ultimate highlights of the trip.
We were lucky enough to have Francois, the most senior of all the guides, and was he ever wonderful!
It was fantastic!
The next day seeing the Golden monkeys was also a wonderful treat - the troupe was all around us!
Another highlight there was touring Iby'iwacu Cultural Village, run by ex-poachers - we got another personal tour and were treated like King and Queen (and got to play them too!
), with singing and dancing.
Akagera National Park is also a fantastic place to go.
The lakes and wetlands there are just gorgeous and teeming with wildlife, and the Akagera Game Lodge is a lovely place to stay, even with the crazy Baboons galloping all over the place after dark!
We saw all sorts of the big, charismatic wildlife like elephants, hippos, giraffes, crocs, and many antelope species - and so many cool birds!
And Kigali City is a thriving, thrumming place, great to explore.
A trip to Rwanda is not done without going to the genocide museum.
The world must never forget such horrors, nor repeat them, and Rwanda has achieved a remarkable rise from the ashes in 24 years.
I would recommend EcoTours Rwanda because of Moses' personal touch, responsiveness, flexibility and reasonable pricing.
I can't say enough how stunning this country is, and how friendly and welcoming its people are - it is Africa's gem.
We spent 4 weeks in East Africa, with 5 days in Rwanda in April 2018.
We usually don't book guided tours when we travel, but were unsure of travelling alone in Rwanda, so decided to book our visit to Rwanda through EcoTours.
Moses from EcoTours gave us the best deal for our 5 day trip compared to all other companies.
He was also very easy to contact and was super responsive, which made booking a breeze.
We were lucky in that we were travelling in the low (long rainy) season, so the fact that we were booking only 2 weeks out from our trip was no drama.
I was really grateful to have read other reviews on this page about the wire transfer of the deposit for the tour.
I did feel anxious about sending $USD to a random bank account, but was assured by the other reviewers on this page, and, it was totally fine in the end.
Moses kept me in the loop with the transfer and when he had received the deposit and also sent me a receipt.
We paid the rest of our tour in $USD cash on arrival to our tour guide.
Our tour consisted of collection from Kigali airport, drive to Nyungwe Forest (stay Gisakura guest house) - Chimpanzee trek and canopy walk, stay at Gisakura again - Nyungwe to Muhabura Hotel - Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla trek, stay again at Muhabura - Back to Kigali (genocide museum) and drop off at the airport.
Planning was super flexible and Moses was happy to accommodate whatever we wanted to do and also advised us as we planned our short 5 day trip.
Rwanda is absolutely one of the most stunning places on earth, I have ever had the privilege of visiting.
Rolling hills, beautiful clean streets, amazingly friendly people and the best chili oil!
There are so many activities and beautiful treks to do, I really wish we had more time in the country.
Even though we were travelling in the rainy season, we were very lucky with the weather and all of our treks were done in the nick of time just before it poured each day!
The Chimpanzee trek was ok.
Though we thoroughly enjoyed the trek itself, we only saw 3 chimps who were way up in tops of trees, so visibility wasn't great.
The canopy walk was spectacular.
We went on an afternoon trek and watched the mist roll into the mountain.
The gorilla trek was the highlight of our entire 4 week trip in East Africa.
Again, because it was low season, there was only one other couple on the trek with us.
Because of this, we were taken to see the closest gorilla family only about an hour walk away (you can trek for up to 4 hours before finding a family in peak season depending on your fitness).
Though the permit was very very expensive, it was worth the experience!
We had an unbelievable time and would absolutely recommend this as a must do!
The only thing that we would have appreciated knowing at the time of booking is that you can drive from Rwanda to Uganda and do the gorilla trek there for much, much cheaper.
We didn't know this was an option until we were in Rwanda and this option could have saved us $1000USD.
While I know that the increase in Rwandan gorilla permits has negatively impacted tourism to the area, and I am glad that we could contribute to the economy given its downward turn due to the increased costs, I would have liked to have had the Uganda option presented upfront.
We stayed in the budget accommodation options.
These were very budget, but we had no problems with them.
Aside from the Gorilla trek being phenomenal, the other thing that made our tour of Rwanda amazing, was our spectacular tour guide Emma.
Emma was so genuine, friendly, chatty, knowledgeable about the country and funny!
He was the best person we met out of our whole 4 week trip.
He is a genuinely lovely person and you can tell he loves showing people his country.
We learned a lot about Rwanda and Uganda from him and really appreciated how open he was with us.
Emma, you are the best!
Hopefully we will see you in Uganda some day!
I cannot say enough great things about Eco Tours (Moses and Emma).
I emailed a few different tour companies when my husband and I started to plan for our trip.
Eco Tours stood out because their responses to my initial and very detailed questions were not only prompt, but also very thorough and addressed each question.
Moses was incredibly accommodating.
We wanted to customize the regular 5 or 10 day packages they have on offer, and Moses came up with many different options, pricing, and recommendations based on our needs/requests.
In the end, he was able to come up with the perfect itinerary for us that included 5 days in Rwanda (a Kigali city tour, Gorilla Trekking, Mount Bisoke hike, Golden Monkey tour, etc.
), and we added on another few days in Uganda that included a Kampala city tour and Chimpanzee Sanctuary tour in Entebbe.
We changed our plans a couple of times (changed arrival date, a friend joined our trip, etc.
), and Moses accommodated everything.
Our guide/driver was Emma and he was very friendly, very knowledgeable, and just a nice guy to be around.
He took very good care of us and made sure we felt safe and comfortable.
He looked after every detail to make sure we enjoyed every bit of our trip and made it memorable.
We had a remarkable experience with Eco Tours from beginning to end.
Both Moses and Emma followed up with us even after we got back to the U.S. to make sure we made it home safely.
They are incredible!
Two weeks before we were to leave for Madagascar, we cancelled because the Pneumonic Plague broke out there.
So we had two weeks to find an alternate place.
Uganda/Rwanda were always on our list.
Through TripAdvisor, I found Moses and EcoTours as well as several other highly rated outfits.
Given the short timeframe, I was concerned about putting something together.
After quick research, I decided where I wanted to go and asked a handful of companies.
Most replied right away but Moses stood out because he tailored a trip precisely to my requests and was incredibly responses to questions, ideas, changes to our needs.
It was truly and incredible planning experience to get it done - and then the trip with Emma as our guide was terrific.
Every part of the journey was memorable - and Emma made it feel like family.
Flexibility, attention to detail, ideas, suggestion, etc.
were all top notch.
I highly recommend Moses and EcoTours - and Emma as the driver/guide.
For years and years I have dreamed about being with gorillas in their natural habitat!
My husband and I are forever grateful to EcoTours for making my dream come true, and in the most perfect way!
Prior to our departure we worked via email with Moses, who answered every little question and made all the arrangements for us.
We arrived in Uganda completely prepared and ready to go.
Moses and our driver, Emma, met us at the airport and took the best care of us.
We were briefed daily on what to expect, what to wear, what to bring with us-no worries for the entire 12 day itinerary.
Our amazing adventure included more than the two fantastic gorilla visits.
We trekked with chimps and golden monkeys, we went on game drives and river boat cruises, we saw so many animals and over 70 new species of birds!
It was all so perfect that when the time came for Emma to drop us at the airport in Kigali we felt like we were leaving home and family.
We recommend EcoTours (Nature Adventures African Safaris) completely!
We hope to be return customers, hopefully soon!
My friend and I booked our tour with EcoTours Rwanda before leaving the United States.
The booking process involved wiring funds and I must say at first I was someone concerned with the process as I had never wired funds out of the country.
EcoTours kept us informed of the funds transmission; provided receipts for the funds, and kept us in the loop about everything involving the trek.
When we arrived in Africa, everything went smoothly and my friend and I felt that we were in very good hands with our driver, Moses.
The gorilla trek was nothing short of amazing!
It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
It was such a powerful experience to see the gorillas in their natural habitat and to observe them up close.
After gorilla trekking, we went to visit with the Batwa Tribe and that was equally amazing.
EcoTours provided my friend and me a an experience that will be with us for a lifetime!
Thank you EcoTours.
You're the best!
What can I say but excellent attention, organisation and organisation to detail by Moses.
We had two groups doing treks and both were looked after so well.
The guides were so knowledgeable and considerate to the group abilities.
A hard trek up the Volcanoes mountain but worth it to see amazing gorilla families in their natural habitat.
The experience is one that will be remembered forever in our hearts.
The meal at the lodge was totally amazing too and extremely welcomed after the trek.
A fantastic selection of courses to suit all tastes- delicious.
We were picked up from our hotel and returned safely.
A long but amazing day.
Cannot recommend this enough.
Moses was fantastic at communicating prior to the Trek and ensured everything was in order, a meet up the night before our early start and then great attention on the day.
Thank you for such an amazing experience.
Worth every penny!
I've been to Africa several times and my experience with Ecotours Rwanda has been so fantastic - that I've traveled with them twice!
Each trip was absolutely perfect!
They have tours in more countries than Rwanda.
They have shown me Uganda and Tanzania with unsurpassed hospitality and expertise.
Moses Konde pays close attention to your travel needs that you can rest easy knowing that everything will be taken care of and you will have a perfect trip!
Review of Rwanda Trip - June 2022 Comprehensive Item-by-Item of Itinerary This is a very long review but I suspect if you are reading it, you are serious about this trip.
Trust me, I have done all of the research for you, so buckle up for the best trip we've ever done.
Before I start with the review of ALL parts of trip, here are a couple of important tips: 1.
Bring tons and tons of small (new) bills USD.
20's, 10's, 5's, 1's.
You will use tons for tips everywhere you go.
I never even saw or used RWF (Rwandan francs) the entire trip...just US Dollars!
Bring Gatorade powder for strenuous hikes.
It helps.
I am 58 and in good health but bad knees!
Ok here goes.......... Pre-Trip (Moses) - I have had email contact with Moses beginning in January 2020.
His quick and thorough replies to questions was far superior to any other contact (company) that I reached out to.
Moses was, and has been very professional and has communicated perfectly since the beginning.
We had wired via Western Union a large deposit in 2020 which I was very nervous about, however, Moses gave us a receipt and everything went smoothly.
It was a safe transfer.
If I had not read about this on TripAdvisor I would have been extremely skeptical since this is not done in the US.
Our June 2020 family trip was cancelled due to Covid.
We had 2 years to use the gorilla permits and Moses secured everything for our 2022 trip.
He honored our original deposit and had a fair increase for 2022.
Some of our original hotels were unavailable and booked solid due to the Ellen DeGeneres Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Kinigi (and Kigali) but Moses really worked hard to secure our original itinerary as best as he could.
I have been in email contact with Moses since 2020 and I trust him 100%, as he is very honest and has done every single thing that he has promised.
We all are extremely satisfied with his attention to detail, honesty, promptness, knowledge, communication and professionalism.
He really prepared a trip of a lifetime for us!
He accommodated our every need/want!!
We loved our cool Land Cruiser vehicle for the week.
It was perfect and roomy.
I feel like he is now a friend who I will reach out to again when we visit East Africa again, and will recommend his services to everyone.
I only wish that I had met him....next time for sure!!
YOU MOSES FOR EVERYTHING!
ARE EXCELLENT AT YOUR JOB AND A GREAT PERSON!
IT WAS EASY TO WORK WITH YOU!
ARE SO ACCOMMODATING!!!!
IT WAS MY PLEASURE TO GET TO KNOW YOU!
Steven (Driver/Guide) - Steven went Above and Beyond in every detail of our trip.
As a driver and guide, he was knowledgeable, friendly, professional, polite, prompt (never even a minute late), likable and flexible.
He communicated everything perfectly to us every step of the way so we had no questions lingering.
He is an extremely safe driver, we never felt uncomfortable...even with all of those twisty-turny roads!
Not a single negative word to say about his service....only the very BEST!
Great communicator etc etc etc!
Steven did so many EXTRA things that are so numerous to mention but I will list some: - Upon arrival, I needed to go to a grocery store for personal supplies (and also wine).
He took us to Simba supermarket in Kigali, no problem.
On our drive from Kigali to Nyungwe, we requested to stop at Murambi Genocide Memorial, which was not on the itinerary.
No problem.
Steven always called ahead everywhere we went to assure everything went smoothly.
While in Nyungwe he suggested going on a Gisakura Tea Plantation and FactoryTour instead of the Tea evening walk which was on our itinerary.
It was OUTSTANDING and a highlight of our trip.
So happy that he recommended it.
He called our tour guide, Obed, ahead of time and made all of the arrangements.
While on our 1 hour Colobus tour, he called our guide in the field to see if we had seen any colobus.
It was not ideal viewing so Steven told the guide to stay until we got to see Colobus and get good photos!
That was such a lovely thing to do and extremely kind.
On a drive in Nyungwe we had seen many monkeys on the side and he stopped the car and gave us all the time we wanted to photograph them.
Additionally, he always asked if we wanted to stop for pictures.
There was a mix-up in communication regarding Covid PCR testing to view primates, so while at Hill Top View Lodge, he, and the receptionist (Allen), both coordinated covid testing by having a Doctor come to the lodge.
The morning that we were supposed to drive from Nyungwe to Kinigi, we requested to leave at 6:30am so that we would have time to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus which closed at 4:00.
This extra early start time was not expected by Steven.
This activity was extremely important to me.
Steven obliged with no problem.
We made it to The Ellen Campus in plenty of time to tour without being rushed.
By the way, we had known that the ribbon cutting ceremony was occurring in 2 days by Ellen herself, so we knew that we had to get there because the campus was going to be closed to the public.
If we hadn't gone the day we did, we would not have seen the campus!
Before our drive to Kinigi, Steven had called the 5 Volcanoes Hotel several times to arrange a birthday cake and surprise birthday celebration for our 26 year old daughter.
Her birthday was on our 'driving day'.
Steven arranged for a beautiful carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and writing that said 'happy birthday k....' (the hotel accidentally wrote last name instead of her first name, which was cute).
Arranging this was the most thoughtful and kind gesture by Steven that will be remembered by our family forever.
And appreciated by our family forever!
I asked Steven to stay and celebrate with us, and he did, even though he was very tired himself after a LONG day of driving twisty-turny roads.
This was probably the kindest gesture that anyone has ever offered on any trip we have been on.
Also, he was so cute about it....whispering the details to me ahead of time and giggling with excitement of the surprise to come.
How adorable is that?
<3 By the way, we shared our daughter's birthday cake with movie star, Winston Duke (Black Panther etc) who was sitting next to us at 5 Volcanoes Hotel!!
How cool is that?
We were scheduled to go to a cultural village.
We have done this before in other countries (Zimbabwe and Morocco) and said we would never do one again.
It is uncomfortable and exploitative.
I also think it is tacky and touristy (this was the only thing I did not care for on the trip).
I told Steven that we would go but would not participate in watching the dancing etc.
He called ahead and requested this and everything was fine.
We avoided an uncomfortable situation.
I appreciated that!
He was very understanding about it also.
-Steven offered to drive us to the airport in Kigali for our departure.
He did not have to do this, but he did.
He also offered to take us for Covid testing in Kigali, but we later learned that the Heaven Hotel offered this for their guests.....but the point is, Steven offered to take us, on his time.
We can never thank Steven enough.
We are so appreciative!
I am sure you get great reviews like this all of the time for him but I want to convey that he was outstanding!
Like I said, he went ABOVE AND BEYOND.
This is not a complete list of extra things that he did for us, as there were many little things that are too numerous to mention.
I only wish I had his email or that he was on facebook, because he is the kind of person I would like to stay in touch with.
Now, I would like to go through each item on itinerary and give praises to certain people who did wonderful jobs and places that we especially thought were OUTSTANDING: HOTELS: Heaven Boutique Hotel - (I give it 5 stars) Excellent Service.
Excellent breakfast.
Excellent everything.
Alvin, at Retreat desk, was outstanding (very outstanding and very helpful).
Queen at the hotel desk was super helpful.
There was another girl at hotel desk who was super helpful when we first arrived but I have forgotten her name, unfortunately.
I am sorry.
This was the best hotel that we stayed at in Rwanda.
So glad that Moses was able to book us here and we paid the extra money to stay here (for an extra room because they did not have a triple available anymore due to Ellen DeGeneres crew and journalists in town for the Ellen Campus ribbon cutting).
It was worth it.
We loved it!!!
We will be back to this place!
The service and services offered are exceptional.
We got massages and our daughter got a mani/pedi!
Nyungwe Hill Top View Lodge - (I give this 5 stars even though it is a 3 star) This was tied as the BEST and an excellent lodge to stay at.
The two receptionists, Allen and Hortense, could not have been more helpful and sweet!
We just loved them!!
The best service we have ever had at any lodging ever in our lives (and we've traveled a lot).
They both went 'above and beyond', to make our stay as perfect as possible.
When we arrived late on our first night, Allen asked for our PCR Covid test.
We did not know that was required for primate viewing.
The airport only offered Antigen test, and we were unaware that primate viewing required PCR testing ) Allen and Steven spoke about this and came up with a plan.
Allen called a local Doctor to come out late at night (at 9PM) to test us.
This is exceptional service which we had never experienced in our lifetimes.
Because of Allen's phone call, we were able to see the chimps the next morning as planned.
Hortense was also outstanding and incredibly helpful and kind.
Their attention to detail was remarkable.
They work long hours (78/wk) and are always happy, upbeat and smiling!
Both Allen and Hortense felt like family....in fact we are now facebook friends and hope to stay in contact with them.
Very professional, caring, helpful and sweet.
I cannot say enough great things about our stay there.
We will be back.
If there was one thing that was slightly off was the fact that we had to wait so long for our meals to be made when all we wanted to do was go to our rooms.
But saying that sounds so selfish because everything was made to order, so its 100% fresh.
Everything was delicious, so I am reluctant to even mention it.
That said, it was wonderful to have buffet dinners.
That was PERFECT!
Other great touches were boot cleaning, fires made in room every night, and hot water bottles in our beds.
The views were outstanding as well.
Great great place!
I can't say enough about this place!!!!!
Moses, I hope that you can personally call Allen and Hortense to personally thank them for their outstanding service!
Staying here was a highlight of our trip!
Truly a highlight!
We loved loved loved this place.
The best personal attention we have ever received from a hotel/lodge in our lives!
We've never ever been treated better....EVER!!
Gorilla Solutions Lodge - (I give this 4.5 stars because of the outstanding service, even though it is a 3 star).
We loved this place because of Gilbert and Innocent.
These men were so hospitable, so kind, so sweet, so accommodating.
We just loved them!!
We were the only guests at the entire hotel, and apparently they do not get many guests ever.
Let me say, the hotel needs to be updated, but the 2 men that I have mentioned made up for this.
My 26 year old daughter actually cried at how kind these men were.
If that does not say everything in a nutshell.
Crying because of how sweet Gilbert and Innocent were (we felt so badly that we were their only guests and that they were sooooo sweet and kind to us).
She said that she will stay here next time just to give them the business.
They made our hearts full and I wish them nothing but the best because they are the best.
We have never met nicer people in our lives as we did at Gorilla Solutions and also the Nyungwe Hill Top View Lodge!
We had friends stop by Gorilla Solutions just before our dinner arrived.
They were in town for the big Ellen Degeneres Campus ribbon cutting ceremony.
Gilbert and Innocent were so gracious to them and delayed our meal for hours for us so that we could talk to our friends (our friends had already eaten).
This must have been so inconvenient for them but they never said anything and just smiled and accepted our guests kindly.
The dinner hours were over and our friends were still there and Gilbert and Innocent were as gracious as could be.
They should have been done work but happily stayed on.
By the way, the food here was excellent.
So fresh!!!!
Fires were made for us by our meal table.
It was so interesting to see that they actually RAN back and forth from the kitchen to our meal table......which endeared them more to us even more, if that is possible.
Moses, I hope that you can call Gilbert and Innocent and convey our appreciation of their kindness and graciousness.
We are so glad that we stayed here.
etc: E-Bis restaurant - (we gave it 5 stars) excellent!
The best beef my husband has had in his life.
Great place to stop on the drive from Kigali to Nyungwe.
I ordered rice and beans (because I miss it) which was not on the menu and it was my best meal of the trip!
Murambi Genocide Memorial - (I gave it 5 stars) I would have preferred to skip the Kigali Genocide Memorial and much preferred to go here instead.
Murambi was truly 1000% more informative than the Kigali.
Our guide, Peter, was so knowledgeable.
He had witnessed the genocide as a young boy, so this was especially emotional for me.
Once again, most people do not visit this memorial, and I would urge you to try to incorporate this place into your itinerary if tourists are going to Nyungwe....it's on the way!
The campus is huge, and it is beautiful.
When my daughter signed the book, it looked like there have not been visitors for quite some time, and that is a real shame.
Please research and read about this place, I don't want to go into detail, but know that it is a more important place to visit.
Very emotional but important.
Moses, perhaps you can add this to the itinerary for future guests, or give them an option.
Nyungwe Forest National Park - (I gave this 5 stars) one of the most beautiful areas/parks that I have ever seen.
We loved loved loved it here.
Southern Rwanda is definitely a gem.
I don't know why more people don't head here, its STUNNING and WILD!!
The wildlife (chimps, colobus etc) landscapes and picturesque panoramas were amazing!
Chimpanzee Trek - Guides, trackers and porters were excellent.
Deborah was our outstanding guide.
My porter was Leon, he was great.
But the VIP of the day was a porter named Irene.
She carried my husbands heavy camera bag without complaint and with a big smile all day.
My daughter did not get a porter but Irene happily helped my daughter the entire trek...AND carried her camera bag!
Irene was the best porter we had the entire trip.
Leon too, for me!
We could not have done it without them.
Irene Irene Irene!!!!!!!!
She's the BEST!
The trek was hard for me (the hardest of our trip) but Leon stayed with me and helped me after we broke from the group because I was slow.
One of the trackers stayed with me too.
Deborah was an excellent guide who urged me on after I wanted to turn back.
Know that this is a hard trek (the hardest of our trip) and our porters held our hands......it was hard!
Gisakura Tea Plantation and Factory Tour and tea tasking - (I gave this 5 stars) EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT!!
Steven recommended this as an add-on option and it was a highlight of our trip.
We are so happy that we did this informative tour.
Obed was our tour guide (Steven called him ahead of time +250 788 908 386) and was an EXCELLENT guide!
I cannot say enough great things about this tour.
Mary was a tea picker that made the plantation tour so fun.
She is so happy and beautiful and photogenic.
The best and most beautiful picture that I took on the entire week vacation was of HER!!
I wish there was a way to tell her that.
Perhaps you can call Obed so that he can tell her +250 788 908 386.
Obed was the most excellent tour guide that we had on the entire trip!
After walking the tea fields, we went to the tea factory which was incredibly FASCINATING!
We had the most informative tour of our trip.
We had no idea it would be so great.
We did this instead of the evening tea plantation walk that was on the itinerary, and are so glad we did.
Moses, perhaps you can add this to the itinerary.
Colobus Monkey Tour- Sadly I cannot remember the names of our guides.
But they were wonderful.
As said, we were not finding colobus, but they stayed on longer (as Steven had urged them) and finally found a great and photographic troupe of colobus.
The trackers used machetes to cut through the brush to get great photo's.
How awesome is that?
Canopy Walk - Although it was a difficult hike for me (all steps), and scary on bridge, it was great!
I had been on a canopy walk in Ghana, and this was 100 times better.
This was a worthwhile excursion.
We actually wanted to do some nature hikes but after the strenuous chimp hike the day before and the canopy walk, we could not do anymore hikes.
Lol We felt like we had really seen a great deal of the forest and were 100% satisfied with no need to do a Nature Hike.
Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund - After giving a donation, we toured the building.
The 360 degree DiCaprio theater was so worthwhile.
School children will get so much out of this, as will adults.
The interactive VR (virtual reality) exhibit was also very very very cool.
So much information and interactive exhibits.
For anyone who has Dian Fossey as an idol, this is an important stop.
So glad we got to go here.
Gorilla Trek - (I give it 5 stars) Wow!
This did not disappoint.
Our guides were Patience and Jolie, and they were outstanding....very knowledgeable and communicated everything we wanted to know.
I could listen to Patience talk all day long!
We were to see the Agashya gorilla group which was supposed to be an 'easy hike' but with animals you never know.
They were on the move and it took much much longer (6 hours total).
By the way, Steven had to wait longer as well and did not seem to mind at all.
Also, I met and talked with Ellen DeGeneres on the trail.
Her group passed our group.
That was very cool!
Our gorilla group, Agashya, of 23 was just relaxing and sleeping, and we saw 15 members of the 23 group......3 silverbacks, 4 babies, 3 juveniles and 5 females..
It was a highlight of my life.
We were so close.
I was very impressed with Volcanoes Park, their procedures and all the safety precautions they take to keep gorillas safe.
The best day of my life!
The only bummer was that we never got our certificate at the end of the day.
I don't know why.
Cultural Village - (I give it 1 star) Very touristy and tacky.
I would not recommend this activity.
This was the only thing that was a negative on our trip, I would take it out of the itinerary.
It is humiliating for the participants to be on 'show'.
I feel it is insensitive to watch people in this way.
Golden Monkeys - Super fun monkeys to watch.
We all enjoyed this.
It is a perfect way to start the day and then head to for the drive back to Kigali.
Thank you for reading my very comprehensive and long review.
Thank you for everything Moses and Steven.
I do hope that you can give credit to the fine and wonderful people who I mentioned specifically in my review.
It is important for people to get positive feedback.
We live in a world where the only feedback people get is the negative feedback.
I would like to highlight these people mentioned because they were OUTSTANDING!!
As our 26 year old daughter says.....Going on a 2nd trip to see something like the Colosseum in Rome is pointless because it never changes.
But going on a wildlife/nature trip a 2nd time is worthwhile because nature and wildlife is always changing....it's always new!!!
We will be back.....
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the trip of a lifetime!
The best!
My friend and I booked a trip to Congo (Niyragongo volcano and gorillas in Virunga park, in the East of the country, next to Goma) in October 2019 via Eco Tours Rwanda and were very satisfied with the communication and service provided.
As we could not fly in Goma directly, and more importantly did not find a way get a D.R.C visa from Hong Kong where we are from, we decided to fly to Rwanda and book the trip with a local agency, and found Ecotours Rwanda online.
From the beginning communication with Moses from EcoTours was very good and clear, he answered fast and precisely.
The whole process was smooth and easy.
They came to pick us up at our hotel in Kigali, transferred us to the border where application for our visa had been made, and from there the team from the Virunga part took care of us.
On the way back, they were waiting for us to take us back to our hotel next to the airport.
The service was punctual, the driver was a nice guy, the car was of in good condition, so the service offered by EcoTours was great in my opinion.
It would certainly had been cheaper to book directly with the park and find our way to get to Goma and apply to visa directly but we did not know how to do that and Congo isn't a really smooth place so I am glad we paid for this extra service via EcoTours Rwanda Only bemol: Unlike what the name suggest, Ecotours Rwanda is not a Rwandan company but is part of another agency based in Uganda, so their management and team were from Uganda and bank transfer had to be made there.
Most people would not care about it, but some might given Uganda's policies and human right record.
In our case when we realised it it was too late to change for another agency, so we worked with them and once again the service was really good.
Would definitely recommend them for trips in Rwada/Uganda/East Congo Jerome Lizambard
We went to Rwanda in August 2019.
We too late to get permits to visit the gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda so we decided to go to the Virunga Mountains in the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Moses Konde who can organize anything in Rwanda, DRC, Botswana, Zambia and Uganda was amazing.
We organized the Cingo part of trip with him from USA and all was smooth and the financial transaction was easy.
We loved the lodge at Virunga, Kibumba Tented Camp, where we glamped and ate food that rivals excellent restaurants in USA, met and spent time with the amazing staff and rangers then spent an hour with an amazing gorilla family, Cosmos.
We loved our guide and driver, Osbert, from Ecotours so much that we actually felt like he was part of our vacation!
We ate together, did some hikes, and had many laughs.... he is not only an amazing driver and we always felt confident and taken care of but also has a vast body of knowledge!
After DRC we decided to continue on with Osbert and went to the Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda with him to see the chimps.
We invited him to come along on our hike and had an excellent time hiking, climbing and sliding up and down mountains (not too hard bc so much fun!
watching the chimps doing what chimps do.
So we highly recommend calling Moses and working with him to make you vacation amazing!
+256751915622 or email info@ecotoursrwanda.com Dont forget tips for everyone, their lives are lived to make tourists happy and the salaries are ridiculous....
Nature Adventure Africa Safaris did a wonderful job organizing and planning my September trip in Uganda and Rwanda.
Thank you Moses for helping me plan the trip.
Every day my guide Emma was on time and I highly recommend him for anyone doing a safari in Rwanda and Uganda.
Emma is nice and listens to what you want while touring around.
Both countries were completely safe to travel around.
I did find out they do tours to some of the other African countries and I would not hesitate to use them again.
Pull up a chair, this may take a while.
Our oldest son put together an amazing 16 day itinerary to Uganda and Rwanda through Moses and Eco Tours.
He showed it to us a year in advance and we thought why not see if the whole family could go.
So even though deposits and licences had already been obtained for one, and our other son and his wife couldn't travel on the exact same schedule, Moses worked out a seventeen day itinerary for 3 of us and a 9 day itinerary for 2 where we all met 8 days into the trip at one of several spectacular lodges we stayed in.
Flexibility, willingness to change schedules, and a nice way of working with people was readily apparent.
Then we met our guide, Emma.
Always on time, always where he said he'd be, interesting, intelligent, great sense of humor, my wife wanted to adopt him.
When we didn't see lions or leopards at one of the parks, he talked to Moses and shared the cost of hiring a tracker, and boy oh boy, did we ever see what we wanted to see!!
As I said, they are flexible and willing to adjust on the fly.
The trip had it all.
Seeing Chimps, and Rhinos in the wild were at the start, then staying on the banks of the Nile, hiking up a thunderous 150 ft waterfall where the Nile constricted to 23 feet across, seeing hippos, cape buffalo, elephants and huge Nile crocs all within spitting distance was an amazing site.
When the 5 of us met up it was the start of 5 days of tracking gorillas.
I cannot express the thrill the first time we saw a family of 15 interacting with themselves and also us.
From his concern that we bring and drink enough water, to being sure we had enough food in our back packs, Emmas attentiveness was well appreciated, and we could not have been taken care of any better.
Without any hesitation, Go Gorilla with Eco.
Perhaps the best trip we have ever done.
Moses organisational skills and attention to detail were fantastic.
Osbert (who drove us throughout the journey) was so knowledgable and we wanted for nothing.
If you are tho king of using Moses - just do it !
The team at Nature Adventure African Safaris Limited did an amazing job curating and caring for us during our trip to Uganda and Rwanda.
Where we were able to see the super 7.
We felt safe through out our journey, and enjoyed our time with our guides, Michael and Emma.
We take once in a lifetime trips every year and this trip to Rwanda/Uganda was one of the top 3 best trips of my lifetime.
Moses and Emma pulled together a perfect experience with well chosen hotels, balanced activities, and a perfect guide.
I strongly recommend Eco Tours and we plan to visit again within the next 2 years.
A negative COVID test is required to enter the park.
Large park where you can drive your own car and hire a guide.
The big 5 are present but chances of seeing them all are slim.
We saw elephants, zebra, impala, hippo, crocodile....
Still highly recommended.
Akagera National Park is very pretty and undergoing restoration of the animal population.
We did two half day tours and one full day tour.
Although we did see many animals on one half day tour and the full day tour, our other half day tour was void of any wildlife.
We had a briefing by park rangers and they detailed the return of lions, leopards, and rhinos and some numbers of their populations within the park.
Akagera has a lot of hills and thick vegetation providing lots of cover for the animals.
We did not see any lions, leopards, or rhinos on any of our tours.
We have been on a number a safaris in numerous African countries and the drivers and guides have always coordinated with other tour guides.
In Akagera our driver and guide did not coordinate with anyone else and we missed out on seeing the big draw animals.
Two people in our group of 6 had never been on safari and were left somewhat disappointed.
Akagera will be a great stop once the lions, leopards and rhinos re more easily seen.
I think the park is too small.
They should bring it back to the original size or even better, connect it to other parks.
An easy day trip from Kigali (although overnight stay will offer more wildlife options).
Well maintained park with numerous sightings of big five and much more.
Strongly suggest using guide(s).
Mine was excellent - Amani Twagiryezu - Happy Trail Tours (www.
happytrailrwanda.com).
He was totally professional and knows his country thoroughly.
we were hosted by Sibo, from LEGENDARY TOURS RWANDA for this great day trip to Akagera NP.
Our host was so knowledgeable of all the many creatures were encountered.
The park has so many features including lakes, woodlands, green hills so the creatures are in a very unique ecosystem.
I have been on multiple safaris in South Africa, but this was my first outside of there.
It was an incredibly beautiful park.
Even if there were no animals, the park would definitely have been worth a visit, the animals just made it that much better We had a driver pick us up early in Kigali and drive us to Akagera for an overnight stay and back the next night.
I would NOT recommend driving in Rwanda on your own, better to hire a guide.
The number of people along the roads is intimidating.
We found our guide, Jeanneret Imanishimwe online and he was amazing!
He rented a large SUV (definitely get a big one), and spent from early morning until late the next night for the Akagera trip.
We were there in rainy season, and there were some patches of mud that I am glad I did not have to drive through.
I'm happy to refer him if you need a guide for anywhere in Rwanda We also hired a guide (Phoebe) in the park that drove with us, She was very good, and knew the right roads.
In our one day (left the lodge at 6:30 am and exited the park at 4:30pm) we saw 4 of the Big 5 (didn't see a leopard).
Our best sighting was spending about 45 minutes with 2 white rhinos very near the car.
There wasn't as much diversity of animals compared to South Africa, but the volume and the views made up for that.
We ended the day in a large valley with literally thousands of animals all together: Cape Buffalo, Topi, Impala, Zebras, lions, giraffes, elephants and more.... endless views of animals-- which is how I imagine the Serengeti to be.
We also went on the boat tour in the park which was fantastic!
We saw so many hippos and crocs as well as incredible birds.
We were lucky to see elephants and cape buffalo on the banks of the lake.
We stayed at Ruzizi Lodge which was great (I will leave a separate review there).
If you are in Rwanda, I think two days for an Akagera visit is well worth it.
Akagera was my first time safari experience and I wasn't disappointed.
Over 3/4 days we saw lions, zebra, hippo, rhinos, leopards, elephant, giraffe and much more - all of the big 5 were ticked off.
The park is small, and I'd thoroughly recommend taking a guide rather than self-drive as you need to know where to go and how to spot the animals, but it was very quiet.
I was expecting lots of cars and a busy atmosphere, but it felt like we had the park to ourselves.
The guides were excellent, full of knowledge - we had Anastas for most of our game drives, ask for him, he is great!
We were worried about the weather going in October, but it was fine and I'm sure a bit quieter than high season, I'd thoroughly recommend this time of the year.
I visited last Saturday, and I had an amazing time here.
My friend and I got a private taxi from Kigali, and we were at the park in less than 3 hours.
A covid rapid test is required to gain entry to the park.
At the park they only accept card payments for all purchases (we didn't know this before we arrived).
The staff there were friendly and helpful.
We had an amazing tour guide, Jean (I hope I remembered the name correctly) and driver, they answered all our questions.
We saw baboons, impalas, waterbuck antelopes, bufallos, crocodiles (though in the lake), giraffes, zebras, and an elephant.
We didn't see a lion though.
The tour was about 4 hours, but we didn't get to the end of the park.
It's best to go early.
We started our tour a few minutes past 12 noon.
The tour car was rented at the park.
Very good park but difficult to spot animals especially the wild cats.
However the landscape is wonderful with nice lake
It's a nice enough park but we have done safaris in southern African countries with much better opportunities to see wildlife.
We just didn't see many animals.
Today we experienced Akagera NP with Cesar.
Besides he knows a lot of the park, he is a very friendy, nice guy.
Good to be with!
And on top of that, he fixt our car while something came loose .
We sincerely recomment him!!!
Best experience ever in Rwanda.
Cesar is a very nice and professionnal guide who knows the park very well.
We saw all big 5 in a perfect blue sky day.
Last week I had a great safari with my family in Akagera.
Cyprian is a great guide.
The organisation was perfect.
He helped us with finding accommodation for the night.
Cyprian is very punctual and can give you a lot of information about the animals in the park.
If you want to go on a trip in Rwanda, I definitely would recommend him!
Akagera was amazing.
Each minute is filled with wonderful wildlife, beautiful scenery, and staggering birds.
Every single view is more breathtaking than the last.
Watching the sunset as the animals gathered in the plains in the north of the park was the greatest moment of our whole trip (if you have the time, make sure you spend the night at the Karenge Bush Camp).
Thank you to every staff member!
Everyone was incredible friendly, warm, and welcoming.
Beyond just being able to be among the animals and wilderness, Akagera's (and all of African Parks members) commitment to preservation of the environment is a cause that any traveler can feel great about supporting.
Worth the money.
Love the fact that the animals are free to roam around the savanna and are not caged.
We saw most of the animals which was like looking at National Geographic.
It was a long day lots of driving but was worth it.
Can't wait to take my kids and grandkids.
The only disappointing thing was we did not see the lions.
I suspect it was the time when they were resting ,it was a very warm day.
Zebras, Hippopotamus, Rhinoceros, Buffalos, Baboons, Giraffes, Elephants, Topis, Rock Climbers, Impalas, Water bucks, Monkeys, Warthogs and numerous burd species were observed in nature and it was a wonder to behold.
We saw three of the big 5 (Buffalo, Rhino & Elephant), as it wasn't a day for the Lions and Leopard.
Definitely a tour that will be recommended for families though with a caveat to ask the tour guide to make it shorter if kids are involved.
The Zebras will definitely have the kids screaming in joy
We loved our visit at the Akagera National Park !
It was our first safari and we were amazed to discover all these wild animals left free in the park.
But the experience would have never been the same without our awesome guide Hermann!!
He is passionated about his job, has a very good knowledge of the animals and the park, and most of all we had so much fun with him!
So if you dont know who should guide you... dont hesitate and ask for him, you will have an awesome safari experience :) Audrey & Jeroen
We opted to take a trip to Akagera on our own and am I glad we did.
One of the tours leaving from Kigali would have been either too fast or uneccesarily marked up.
We rented a Rav 4 and drove there, the drive was lovely with great roads and scenery on the way.
When we got there I discovered that you have to pay to get into the park, even if you are just going to stay at your hotel.
If you want to stay inside the park( and there are plenty of options) as a foreigner you pay $100 the first day and $50 every day after that.
If you want to save that fee, stay off the main road close by.
We got up early next morning and went to the visitors center to pick up our amazing guide Justus.
He drove the car for us so we could focus on spotting the animals, he is super knowledble about the animals and the park, super sweet and nice and takes great pictures.
I really think he is the reason we had such a great game drive and saw so many animals including lions.. twice.
I have been on safari before in Kenya and'Tanzania and I really enjoyed this experiencee because of the calm.
I don't know if it is because there are less tourists right now or not but it was so nice to be the only car on the road.
We saw zebras, baboons, dozens of hippos, different antelopes, the backside of every warthog in the park I think, they bolt as soon as they see you looking, giraffe, an eagle, guineafowl and several lions.
It's definitely worth two nightsof your vacation to visit.
My husband and I recently toured Akagera National park, in Rwanda, thanks to Fine Safaris Afrika.
It was truly a trip of a life time!
Our tour guide, Mr. Bachu was exceptional in service and knowledge.
Learning about the different animals, birds, and reptiles, how they communicate, their unique roles in the savannah, was an eye opener, and helped us appreciate nature, far more than we ever have.
It also showed us how little we as humans, know about the creatures, with whom we share this earth, and how each of us have a unique role.
Creation is amazing!
Thanks again Mr. Patrick Kwizera and Team (www.finesafrisafrika@gmail.com).
We will be back.
May Masozera USA
A really nice scenery and there are a couple of wild animals.
On your own probably hard to find, so hire a guide.
He/she knows where to find the animals and they know a lot about the park.
You will have a great time.
We saw some hippo's, elephants, antilopes, zebra's, giraffe and crocodile.
That said, you should only go if you are from Rwanda.
The prices for Rwandese are $16.
A fair price in my opinion.
So every Rwandese who can, should go!
The prices for foreigners is $100!
That is just a insane amount of money compair to other parks in Africa and the prices payed by Rwandese .
We came at 5 o'clock and had to pay for the whole day.
We had to get in due our lodge is in the park.
The same problem we had with the day we left.
We left at 9 o'clock and had to pay for the whole day.
With the 2 of us, this means we payed over $400.
The people at the reception didn't want to do anything about it and weren't that friendly and understandible.
So as a foreigner I would recommend if you realy want to go, to do just 1 day.
With in mind that the value for money isn't worth it.
I'll preface this by saying that we went to Akagera 25 times (mostly for weekends) over the course of two years, during rainy season and dry season, and before Covid and after Covid.
I will also say that we have been fortunate to have visited several other game parks in several other countries (including the Mara, the Kruger, Etosha, and Chobe).
Akagera, by far, offers the best for: - Birding (in a given weekend, we would routinely spot 100+ different species, and we spotted more than 200 species in all our visits); - Hippos (with all of Akagera's lakes, it's easy to spot hippos galore in the water, but we also saw hippos out of the water numerous times); and - Solitude (we once watched a pair of lions for an hour, and only one vehicle came and went that whole time; we had a campground entirely to ourselves many times; leaving Mutumba Hills early in the morning often rewarded us with up to three hours of game driving in the north where we didn't see anyone else; etc.
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Does Akagera boast the big cat populations of the Kruger or the Mara?
But if you get lucky and see a lion, you just might get the sighting completely to yourself, unlike in the Kruger or the Mara.
Are you guaranteed to see the big 5 (an archaic measurement, in my opinion, for game park success)?
But you absolutely will see buffalo.
We saw buffalo 100 percent of the time, so please disregard what chandrassekhar said a few reviews down).
We also saw elephants 60 percent of the time.
Akagera offers beautiful landscapes, solitude unmatched by most other game parks, hundreds of bird species, and heaps of other animals (despite what Madeline R seems to think, even though she saw two leopards, lots of buffalo, five lions, two pythons, tons of hippo and more).
I think sometimes that people who complain about the park either have weird ideas of a successful game drive (like Madeline, who saw all of those animals yet said there's not a lot of wildlife), or don't know how to optimize their time in the park.
So, I have some suggestions :) 1) DO game drive early in the day.
We saw animals at all times of day, but mornings yielded our best sightings (like a rhino mama and baby at 6am, and a family of roan antelope around 7am).
2) DON'T do the Cannonball Run tour from Kigali (aka the trip starting from and returning to Kigali in the same day).
Trying to spot wildlife in a hot, sunny climate between 10am and 3pm is not a great strategy for success.
3) DO stay a night or two.
Accommodation options range from camping to a luxury lodge, so there should be something for everyone.
4) DON'T expect to see lions (and please don't ask everyone where they are).
We were asked numerous times, Where are the lions?
and Have you seen any lions?
First off, we saw leopards more frequently than we saw lions.
Akagera has a relatively small lion population, so if you want lions, go to a zoo (or maybe the Mara).
Secondly, there are so many awesome animals to see, and if you're only looking for lions, you'll ignore countless other fascinating species.
5) DO be patient.
Our best leopard sighting--where we watched a male for 20 minutes, all to ourselves--came when we were sitting by the dam birdwatching, with the engine off.
6) DON'T speed around.
In addition to possibly endangering the very wildlife you're hoping to see, racing through the park is a great way to miss a lot (like the tree hyrax that looks like a knot in the tree).
7) DO take a good camera and/or good pair of binoculars.
8) DON'T ignore the birds.
Akagera has spectacular birding, and it's how we saw our most kills (e.g., a lilac breasted roller killing a tiny turtle, a martial eagle eating a dwarf mongoose, a hamerkop choking down a frog, a marabou stork catching a fish, etc.
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
9) DO talk to the guides at reception and ask what sightings they've had, where they recommend driving, if there are any road closures (during rainy season), etc.
They are knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly.
Also, do share your sightings with them; they will delight at your enjoyment of the park).
10) DO have a great time!
Akagera is a unique and special place, with so much to offer.
It is definitely, absolutely worth a visit!
We enjoyed our trip to akagera park.
Tips: take a guide; do a sunset boat trip (saw hippo's, elephant bathing, crocodiles and loads of birds) and a night game drive.
Spotted two leopards.
One having a close encounter with lots of buffalos.
The park scenery is wonderful, but there isn't a lot of wildlife.
This may be a result of us being spoilt by previous trips to Etosha and Masai Mara.
We spotted 5 lions, two pythons, a black mamba, tons of hippo's, some zebra's and giraffe.
Blue monkey, velvet monkey, crocodile, buffalo's lots of different antelopes.
And some lovely birds.
Spent the entire day of June 6 at Akagera National Park.
My four friends and i brought our own vehicle (an SUV - strongly recommend 4WD and a vehicle that is not low to the ground).
We arrived before the park opened at 6am and drove the length of the park (from the South entrance to the North exit) until we left at 330pm.
First, i highly recommend asking for Justus as your guide.
He is wonderful - friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the park and its wildlife (having grown up in the area).
He made the safari soooo much better than it would have been had we not had his insights and navigation help.
The park is beautiful, and you will see plenty of animals.
The only two of the Big 5 that we did not see were lions and elephants, but what we did see was well worth our time.
Dozens of zebras, hundreds of impalas, more than a dozen hippos, nearly a dozen giraffe, as well as several pumbas and baboons, most all of these up close (as in can reach your hand out the window and touch them).
Also, my friends were all residents of Rwanda - one had been to ANP before, and all of them loved the experience.
Tips: 1.
Ask for Justus, he's amazing.
Bring water and food, you'll want to enjoy all of the park and it takes several hours to do so.
If you have a legit camera (not just your phone camera), bring it.
The scenery is top-notch and you'll be able to capture everything in all its beauty
This national park is so spectacular!
My first safari experience and unforgettable.... Our guide MONICA was outstanding and she expertly took us to see giraffes, zebras, elephants, hippos etc... unfortunately we didn't see lions but we really didn't care-the day was so perfect!
We definitely recommend getting a guide to see the park and TAKE A 4 X 4 or your car is going to break down-the roads are not paved.
We also loved the boat tour-do it early morning and enjoy the serenity on the water and the bird life.
We also did the night drive but didn't enjoy that as much-the best part of it was the night sky!
Visited Akagera for the 3rd time and entered for the first time via the Mutumba Northern Gate.
Coming from Nyagatare this saved us quite some kilometers to drive to the main entrance in the Soutern part of the park.
At the same time you can do more different loops before reaching the southern part with the nice Akagera Game Lodge.
Road to Mutumba Northern Gate is excellent and all paved.
Game viewing remains nice due to the superb nature of this park.
Saw in half a day buffalo, zebra, impala, topi, baboons, wartog, bushbuck, fish eagle, crocodile, hippo, guinea fowl and a large herd of giraf.
After a good night sleep in the excellent Akagera Lodge spotted in an early morning drive a leopard and elephant on the way out to the park gate.
Roads to/from the park have improved a lot illustrating how much Rwanda Government is doing to attract tourism.
Visited Akagera several times with our guest.
The park is really nice for wildlife safari as.
Our game drives were amazing with explore its best, viewing Lions,elephants,buffaloes and Rhino.
It was such nice experience and the park's staff are very helpful.
Highly recommended
This place is indeed good to visit while with great guides.
Had chances of viewing elephants, zebras, giraffes, Lions and more wild animals.
With some reviews, did not expect much to see in the park, however my day was full of many surprises with many animals and great experience.
Thanks to the African Parks for effective management and contribution to the growth of this great area
Having already visited Kruger (South Africa) and Etosha (Namibia), we did not feel the need to visit Akagera.
But because of covid situation and the compulsory 72h testing before entering any national parks, we had to take last minute decision every day.
So in the end, we decided to visit the park with little expectations.
The park is still super recent and it will take time to grow, so it's useless to compare it to other long-established ones.
In the end, our 24h there were really amazing, we loved it.
We crossed from South to North and we basically so all animals within few kilometers of the northern gate.
We have also seen them along the way but the last part was the best.
Plenty of buffaloes (200 easily, in the South and in the North), 20 giraffes during the journey, 3 elephants at the exit gate and a leopard along the road.
Plus all the other smaller ones you easily spot (impalas etc...).
We left from the reception at 7h30 and decided to drive non stop North till mid-way.
It took just 2hrs to reach it.
After, we slowed down and enjoyed all the rest of the way.
Road is in perfect shape for most of the time even though it had been down pouring the night before.
Hard work is being done and there is no way this park won't become even better in the next decade.
Akagera National Park is situated on the eastern side of Rwanda bordering Tanzania.
It takes around two and half hours to three hours drive from Kigali by reserved vehicle.
Normally any SUV with one passenger will take around $350-400, however if there are a group of 5/6 people then it is normally charged $190-200 per person, from Kigali.
This price includes the park entry fees and packed meal with drinking water.
Normally the vehicle picks up the tourist from his/her hotel or place of stay around 5/5.30 am and reaches the park by around 8/8.30am.
A trip around the park takes around 4-6 hours, depending on the agreement with the tour operator/guide/driver.
And return back to Kigali by evening.
But frankly speaking the hype created around Akagera Natioanl Park by the Rwandan tourist operators and the Rwanda Development Board is not at all worth to explore.
This artificially developed park is not worth even one tenth of the money required to visit it.
I have not seen any one of the big five animals which is being advertised so much, during my nearly 5 hours trip in the park.
And I understand from my driver that he had not seen any of the big five during his last five visits.
One of the guides whom I met during my Rwanda trip said that he had never seen any big five, in his ten visits to the park.
But the RDB and tour operators promote it so much that they made to believe that it would be a life time experience.
To me it was a life time disappointment.
I had been to Masai Mara and many other African national parks but Akagera was a complete disheartening experience.
However one can see Zebra, Baboon, Giraffe, Impala, Tsessebe etc.
in abundance.
My honest suggestion will be don't waste your money just to try your luck.
There will always be a big difference between Natural park and artificially developed one.
It can be tempting to take your own car and drive the game drive roads around the park.
However, I can tell you that it is FAR better to sign up for guides and drivers to take you on these adventures instead.
the guides of the game drives and boat tours are experts at finding the animals you want to see.
We stayed for one week, took one DIY drive and decided to just take the guided drives after that.
We saw SO many different kinds of animals, most of which we never would have spotted if it weren't for the guide.
The guide and the drier put so much effort into ensuring we had an amazing time, and we never took the same route twice.
Because the drives are private, you can tell the guide and driver what you want to see, and they will work to make it happen.
This was a trip of a lifetime and our favorite part of our trip was the time we spent in Akagera.
The hospitality was spectacular, even though the business was struggling due to the coronavirus outbreak that was just starting to arrive in Rwanda.
If someone is considering a photography/ animal sighting safari in Africa, I can't think of a better place than Akagera.
I would highly recommend this park for singles, couples, and families.
Due to staying in Kigali and not having time to schedule in an overnight stay we opted for the half day game drive.
After a 2.5 hour drive we arrived at the visitor centre.
We were then given a 20 minute briefing by our guide Emanuel who was excellent prior to the game drive.
Our short time there limited us to the southern part of the park but were delighted that on a short 5 hour game drive we saw a lone elephant, giraffes, zebras, impalas, antelopes, baboons, monkeys, warthogs, and water buffalo and numerous birds.
Our party of 5 thoroughly enjoyed the game drive and I would recommend the park for anyone visiting Rwanda.
Akagera National Park is a beautiful savannah ecosystem which seems infinite in size.
The animals here aren't shy and will hangout around the vehicles allowing extended observations including plenty of picture opportunities!
My guide was well-informed and answered most, if not all, of my large groups' hundreds of questions on the day safari.
The night drive safari was an experience I wasn't prepared for; the guide could spot animals that I would have never found!
Hyenas, porcupines, bush babies, etc.... amazing!
My only advice: bring plenty of Dramamine because the uneven roads aren't easy on the stomach!
Nothing beats nature and we enjoyed it although we didn't get to see a couple of the big 5, lions in particular but the kids loved it and we had a good tour guide
We loved our stay at Akagera Game Lodge in the park.
We had the most wonderful evening game drive led by Jean Paul Karinganire.
His team worked tirelessly and so very effectively to give us all the best experience.
A visit never to be forgotten.
Thank you for what you do and how much you obviously love doing it.
We did our visit in Akagera with Usalama Tours and it was worth the money.
We got an experienced guide to show us around and talk about the animals and we had an very skilled driver throughout the rough terrain.
The park staff seem about disorganized and there are so many of them either passing you by or just looking at you.
The rates are a bit confusing.
The park guides need a bit more training.
The animals are still hard to find.
We had to drive from the south up north and only encountered a few elephants.
Up north, towards the plains you have a bigger chance to see more animals; giraffes, buffalo etc but still no lions.
Everything could be improved.
We had a full day's drive in the park with Anaclet as our guide.
He was incredibly knowledgeable about the park and all the wildlife we saw, and was a great source of stories and jokes.
The park itself was beautiful, and we were quite impressed with the dedication of all staff that we met.
We would love to come back to explore more of the park, especially for the night drive.
Thanks for a wonderful experience.
Our guide,Caesar was amazing.
He was with us for 6 hours.
The roads are rutted, so you need to enter the park driving an all terrain vehicle.
The sceneries are amazing...animals cross right in front of you.
The price is very reasonable.
There is a couple of type of lodges on the property, they are run by an independent company and also are very reasonable, especially on the off season.
I just finished the safari tour in akagera national park.
I visited it 2 times, yesterday and today, and I never saw any single elephant or even giraffe.
What I only saw, Zebras, buffalo, impalas with some of waterbuck.
and each animal of these I mentioned, I swear I could count them on a single hand.
I spent many hours to find big animals, but I NEVER saw them.
They also burned the grass everywhere in the national park without telling me that, so they scared the animals.
This is why I rarely saw animals here.
It looked like an abandoned area, or better to say bombed area after a war, black soil and fallen trees with no leaves .
I went to Tanzania and Kenya, and no way even to put them in a comparison with this Park.
I call it a park, like in any city you see.
my experience is very very bad, I will never ever come again, I don't recommend it for everyone, unless you come in a different time or don't come to waste your time, go to Maasai Mara and serengeti National Parks that's more than enough.
in Rwanda, go to see Gorillas, this is what they can show.
Night animal trek was highlight of our stay.
Three nights in newly renovated lodge rooms.
Very nice facilities.
Pool under construction.
Hot water issues for some of us.
Beautiful views of the park as lodge is set atop a ridge.
Staff were very nice.
Lodge was very empty.
Very few rooms occupied, so extremely quiet.
Nice!
My tour company, Shadows of Africa, took me here as part of the itinerary.
I did request to see this park as I heard so much about it.
In comparison to other parks I visited in Tanzania, this place also showcase many different types of animals.
True, it doesn't have as much animals as the other parks, but I think the park is boosting up more animals for the future.
It was a pleasant time to do a game drive as I've seen many animals.
My favorite ones are the elephants.
So nice to see a family of elephants.
The hippos are everywhere.
The park never runs out of hippos.
Birds as well are a nice thing to see.
I suggest that people bring their binoculars to view the animals if it was far away.
I wasn't disappointed at all.
I enjoyed the game drive.
Also make sure you have insect repellent as the tse-tse flies can get inside the jeep.
Our PR lady was nice enough to show us and to direct my tour guide/driver where to go.
landscape is amazing, we stayed at mutumba and muyumba campsite which was amazing and we were almost alone.
bring enough food and water.
we saw a lot of animals but no lions.
in the very north we had the park for our own, nobody else there.
be aware of controlled bushfires.
Ever since I was young I have wanted to do a legit African Safari, and that exactly what I found during my Game Drive in Akagera.
I felt like a little kid seeing all the differen animals throughout the park.
We mostly saw Zebra, Antelope and Impala, but some fo the cooler but limited experiences we had were running into about a pack of 20 Giraffes, a massive group of Hippos along Hippo Beach, some Crocodiles here and there perching near different banks.
We saw a group of Elephants as well but at a distance, and also Baboons running around everywhere!
Like I said, this trip brought the inner child out of me and was happy to finally experience it.
They also say on very rare occasions Lions are also spotted through the park!
Regardless, you need to try out a Game Drive if its something that you have not done yet in your life.
From Kigali it's 2 and a half hours drive to the southern gate entrance, with the first 90 minutes on good tarmac road but the last hour on massage road.
A good tip is to load up with fuel before entering, as there is only 1 fuel station in the whole park (next to HQ) that is well overpriced and only gives you a maximum of 20 usd whether empty or not.
Park entrance fees for 2 people, 2 nights plus rental vehicle was at 212 usd.
Reception also give you a handy park road map for 1 usd that can get you places where gps can't.
We stayed in Akagera Game Lodge which is just a few minutes drive from reception.
We spent most of the time driving in the southern and central areas of the park on our 1st day, but was told most of the bigger animals were in the northern section of the park.
Whilst in south we see many zebra, buffalo, giraffe, topi, waterbuck, mongoose, warthogs, olive baboon, vervet monkey.
A great highlight was the Lake Ihema boat tour that was 45 usd pp and lasted around 2 and a half hours.
On the tour we see lots of hippos (only their heads!
but was too risky to get close due to the size of our boat.
Also a few crocs and some birdlife.
Once the tour finished, a great sight was seeing a couple of grey crowned cranes on top of our car in the car park.
On our 2nd day we start to head for the northern gate that takes around 6 hours but take into consideration a few sighting stops on route.
We heard that lions were predominantly in the areas of Mutumba, Mihindi, Mohana and Kilala.
We drove these areas but had no luck in witnessing any cats.
We are well aware that luck and timing play a significant role in big 5 sightings.
You win some, you lose some.
Though Mihindi did have elephants and hippos but more towards the other side of the lake, where even a big lens is too far from the action.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the north gate, as it's also 3 hours drive back to Kigali.
Also another tip being the drive from Mutumba Hills to Kitabili is a terrible road and needs your complete attention.
There's also tsetse flies galore here, so having a/c in your vehicle is a must.
The park on a whole is beautiful and scenic with hills, flats, grass, bush, many different vegetation colours.
Hardly any tourists were here during our visit which felt like having the park to ourselves.
Definitely worth the visit as some great experiences can also be without cats...
I have fair experience of game parks in Zimbabwe and also Liwonde in Malawi.
I wasn't sure what to expect from Akagera.
I have seen the big five and just hoped for the best.
I was not disappointed.
If you are desperate to see lion and herds of elephant for example you might be out of luck but that can be the case anywhere.
We had a game drive before breakfast and saw everything we could reasonably expect to see (the plains game plus buffalo).
Then we saw nothing bar baboons and zebra for 2 or 3 hours.
It's the way things go and not, to my mind, the fault of the park.
We then headed for a boat trip on the lake and had an outstanding experience of hippo, elephant and the biggest crocodiles I have ever seen.
We could easily have missed the elephant.
That's the joy and frustration of game viewing!
It is a scenic park with views over the lake and a variety of terrain and I enjoyed that also.
Clearly the more time you have, the further you can go and the more you are likely to see.
If we had gone further north (where our guide would have liked to take us) we would probably have seen more elephant.
I thought the roads were pretty good and even an ordinary car could have coped.
We were in a minibus and hired a guide and I would recommend that.
I would also say that the boat guide, Theogen, was outstanding.
The fact that European authorities are donating black rhino to the park indicates to me that this is a well looked after park and as time goes by the rhino and lion populations will increase and consequently be more visible.
Currently it may not be the safari capital of the world but if you are in Rwanda I would say it is well worth the visit.
It also has an informative display at the entrance (and a reasonable small cafe if you wish).
Akagera National Park is located at approx 3 hours drive from Kigali (capital city of Rwanda).
If you are looking for a safari on a budget, read further....
Rent a car for self drive from Kigali.
Drive to Akagera National Park.
At the entrance (south entrance), pay the entrance fees and the fees for the car.
You can hire local community freelance guides on a half day/full day basis.
If you are into camping, there are 3-4 campsites in the park with electric fencing and toilet facilities.
You have to pay for the campsite at the visitor center.
cheapest accommodation in the park).
You can get a tent from the visitor center or get your own tent.
Firewood for camping is provided by the park.
Head out with you car and guide for a self drive safari.
Fees as of July 2019 Entrance fees for foreign visitor : $50 per day Vehicle Fees (rwandan registered): approx $12 Guide fees (half day) $25 Guide fees (full day) $40 Camping fees (per night) : $25 Staying at Akagera Game Lodge (B&B): $140 per night
So, perhaps you are considering going to Akagera National Park and leaving it up to the Park to assign one of their superbly trained guides.They preparation that they undergo to spend the entire time in your car with you and whoever is driving will become a marvellous experience!
Wow, do those guides know A LOT!!
I have been several times now for this very personal and super up-close to the animals type of safari.
This most recent trip we were assigned Anaclet Nsengiyumva , the man who TRAINS them guides themselves.
There was literally NOT one answer he couldn't provide.
He knew all of the animals of course but, for me personally, the biggest delight was his immense knowledge of birding (and science, in general!.
Anaclet brought so many fascinating anecdotes to his explanations and teachings.
He was an absolute delight and I was more sorry to part with him than all of the spectacular birds and magnificent creatures !
TRULY.... do yourself a favour, REQUEST HIM!!!!
Three days and two nights stay in the marvelous national park.
We drove in through the southern gate.
Our fantastic guide and driver Emile from lion safaris Rwanda took us to an experience better and more fun than I ever could have dreamt about.
We saw over 35 animals.
And he could explain everything about them and also about the nature.
One morning we went up before sun rice and went lion searching.
However with no such luck.
But the lights and ambience just to be on the savanna.
Such an experience.
Loved every minute of it.
We left akagera through the both gate.
Furthermore we stayed two nights in Karenge Bush camp.
One could not dream of a better service food view and location - 100% recommendation!
I want to go back!
me and my clients enjoyed the drive through Akagera national park from the south to the exit in the north,though we were a little disappointed in the viewing of the animals because they didn't see much as expected but they were understanding because this is a small park that is still in recovery after the 1994 genocide besides these are wild animals.
This was a business trip that was converted into a wildlife tour and we really enjoyed a lot from this place, The Gorilla were so fascinating and this really overcame our expectations looking forward to tour this place again.
the park has been downsized to give land to farmers to settle down.
the wild life needs more animals especially the big 5. seen the elephants and giraffes and zebra
Akagera is a 'must' for all friends visiting us here in Rwanda.
The park is stunningly beautiful and discovering the animals is great fun.
Whenever we book, we try to have our favorite travel agent @HillsintheMistTours do the trip with us.
Kassim has a perfect eye for the animals and an endless energy in finding them.
He is eager to assure that is customers will leave the park with the experience of having seen wildlife.
Also his safari car is highly recommended as it will allow for perfect viewing of wildlife, whilst giving comfort and space at the same time.
I had read this was a small park and the wildlife population was recovering so I didn't expect to see as many animals as we did.
We did one game drive and a boat safari and both did not disappoint.
Our short time there limited us to the southern part of the park so we weren't able to fully explore the area but were delighted that on a short 3 hour drive we saw an elephant, giraffes, zebras, impalas, hippos, a crocodile, antelope, baboons, monkeys, several birds, warthogs, and water buffalo (and a few others I'm sure I am forgetting).
The boat safari was also a pleasant and relaxing surprise.
Riding on the lake in the morning was very enjoyable and afforded us some up close views of hippos, crocs, and water buffalo along with some great bird viewing.
This was my first safari so I don't have much else to compare it to but I came away satisfied wishing we had more time to go up to the northern section of the park in hopes of seeing the lions and rhinos that frequent that area.
Akagera National Park is a beautiful place to enjoy peace in nature while viewing game animals and beautiful birds.
There are probably not as many animals as some other game reserves but it's still a very beautiful place to visit.
We arranged our own driver and vehicle from Kigali out to Akagera.
It's about a 2-hour drive to get there, and about 2.5 hours back because of driving from south to north within the park.
Just one way in and a different way out.
We had lined up Penina as a guide, and she was delightful.
Friendly, informative without talking our ears off.
The welcome center is comfortable with a small coffee bar and small gift shop, and good toilets.
Use them when you can!
We also had a short briefing in front of the park map before we took off.
We saw lots of monkees, baboons, giraffe, zebra, impala, cape buffalo, water buck, hippos and warthogs - but the lions and leopards were elusive.
Granted, it was a beautiful day and we were there mid-day, so as expected, the cats were napping and not moving around.
The park itself is really beautiful.
Plan on 6-7 hours within the park, and you need to bring in your own food if you want lunch.
There's a nice place to stop at hippo beach (with a squatty potty).
You can get out of the car and stretch your legs a bit.
Would be great if they would have baboon-proof rubbish bins there.
We thoroughly enjoyed our drive through the park.
The flora and fauna is beautiful.
You just can't be too update about seeing specific animals.
Appreciate what you see and enjoy that.
They are missing an opportunity by not having brochures and another gift shop at the north (exit) gate.
If you didn't pick up something upon entry, you're out of luck.
We've been there for 2 days, camping on a wonderful spot with great view over the park.
Our guides, venuste and John, were great companions who were devoted in showing us everything.
At the end we managed to see to elephants playing.
Apart from that, plenty to zebras and buffalos, hippos and baboons.
Highly recomended!
I've been to more commercial safaris in South Africa and really enjoyed my experience in Akagera.
I booked a day trip from Kigali last minute, but really wish I had stayed overnight and camped at the park.
The animals were decimated during the genocide and still recovering, but the only ones I was unable to see on a day trip were the lion and leopard.
I saw elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, Iimpala, water buck, buffalos, wart hogs, baboons, and more.
My guide, Daniel, was fantastic.
He was very knowledgeable and personal.
Akagera is a very wonderful National Park with wonderful landscape and amazing views enroute the park.
The park needs to come up with total aqurate cost of what is required to explore the park, not breaking costs of what was not planned for, like asking visitors to pay for the tour guide, the park carts, then pay the entrance fee.
Why not give a total cost as charges for exploring the park.
If you really want to explore this park, i will advice you get there early, mostly when you are leaving from Kigali because is about 3 hours drive from Kigali.
I will recommend the park for anyone visiting Rwanda.
Akagera National Park is a great place to see lots of beautiful sights.
Although the roads weren't as good, the sights amaze.
Akagera is a national park full of stupendous sights including birds, elephants, giraffes, zebras and warthogs.
There are only a few places to get out of the car, so usually you just stay in the car and look for animals.
In rainy season, the grass is green and the bushes are green, but in dry season, the grass is more wilted and the bushes are less thick and green.
The roads, you see, were very bumpy.
I got carsick when I went.
But it was worth it.
I got to see the biggest land animal in the world: an African elephant.
And I got to see the tallest animal in the world: a giraffe.
The lodge (or hotel) amazed me so much.
It was almost as good as the elephant.
They had such good food that I wanted more and more until I felt like I would fall asleep.
The room that we slept in had everything we needed: a table and two desks with drawers in them to put our stuff in--and a mosquito net to protect us from the always-biting mosquitos.
If you want to taste some of the greatest food in Rwanda, and see some very stupendous sights, I highly recommend Akagera.
The landscape of Akagera National Park is amazing; wide views over all these lakes.
We have been there in December, so everything was green.
We drove around with our driver / guide the whole day and only met perhaps ten other cars.
Really great!
We saw a lot of animals (even lions) and definitely enjoyed the day!
The entrance procedure is quite well organized and the entrance fee (something around 80 US$ for two persons, car, driver, guide) seems to be reasonable.
Being in Rwanda I definitely recommend to visit Akagera.
We had some friends visiting from Canada accompany us to a return tour of Akagera National Park - in the rainy season.
Rwanda is to be congratulated for their dedication to conservation.
Our colleagues took the night safari and saw a leopard.
The boat tour is highly recommended for birders.
Our first day we toured the southern half of the park, and on the second day we drove to the northern half.
We didn't see rhino, leopard or lion - but did see elephant, giraffe, water buffalo, topi, impala, mongoose, baboons, vervet monkeys, etc.
It is a beautiful park featuring not only nature, but well-educated wardens!
On a recent trip to Akagera in December, 2018, I was fortunate to be in the company of two very experienced guides.
I was with a group of 14 traveling in comfortable Land Cruisers with pop tops.
My guide is a cheerful and informative gentleman named Nizeyimana Jean Damascene.
The driver of the other vehicle in our party was Valense, a guy with an infectious smile and wonderful manner.
During the 2 hour journey from Kigali into Eastern Province, Damascene kept us informed on how the day would unfold, patiently answering all of our questions.
During the six hour drive through the park, he proved to be an enthusiastic and excellent wildlife spotter, as we encountered baboons, impalas, velvet monkeys, waterbuck, several types of birds, and best of all--a stand of elephants.
Damascene also is a rich source of information on the history of the park.
There wasn't a single question he couldn't answer.
I believe Akagera is a must when you visit Rwanda.
Going with Damascene is extra special.
You will never forget it!
Damascene's contact information is as follows: Email: damasn85@gmail.com or damasn85@yahoo.com.
+250788522344 and +250722522344
Over the past decade those who know the beautiful Akagera National Park in the Western Rwanda can surely admire the amazing increase in wildlife numbers to becoming home to the world's big five by 2018.
This growth has seen a tremendous increase in varieties of bird species in this beautiful flat landscape.
No much doubt this increase is a clear result of proper and sustainable conservation measures deployed by the Rwandan Authorities.
Well done
We opted for the 2 day trip to Akagera with Nature Trails East Africa with a guide and pop-top 4WD Land Cruiser.
Our guide Peter was very good at getting us onto the less travelled tracks and we got to see loads of animals up close.
We missed the big cats but were very close to hippos, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebra, impala, topi, waterbuck and baboons.
The afternoon boat trip was a wonderful opportunity for bird-watching on Lake Ihema and our guide Theogene was a great spotter - we would just have liked a longer trip.
Akagera Game Lodge is a little tired but comfortable and with great views.
The food is very good too.
Akagera National Park has numerous different habitats in a relatively small area - savannah, lakes, hills and forest.
It is a beautiful park to visit and we had excellent animal viewing.
This park in now quiet with good game and excellent birdwatching.
I predict that in a few years time this will be high on the safari 'go-to' list.
It is so different from the safari experience in the large game reserves of South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya.
Very few vehicles and no guides linked by radios charging after every sighting.
One day we only saw two other vehicles in the whole day.
If you haven't done a safari before and want to see the Big 5 guaranteed then this may not be the place to come (in 4 days we did not see lion, leopard or rhino), but if you are looking for a less commercialised safari experience I would highly recommend Akagera.
It seems to be really improving after the devastation following the 1994 genocide, fencing in 2014 has given a rapid increases in animal numbers and all of the Big 5 are now established.
It has a wild and natural feel - but you may need to visit soon to experience this, as the trajectory of increase in visitor numbers seems very steep.
The scenery is beautiful.
An escarpment runs North-South on the Western side for 120km.
On the Eastern side a series of lakes border Tanzania.
The wildlife and birds are therefore diverse, as the altitude and flora vary.
We were there in November, which is at the beginning fo the 'short rains', but these seemed to be confined to short very heavy showers in the afternoon, with nice temperatures and many fewer people than high season (June to August).
There are tsetse flies, but in November numbers were low and confined to the long grassy areas (we were told that there were more during the dry season).
People who worked in the park was at its best in November to February and could not understand why all the tourists came in the dry season of June - August.
The park is busier at weekends, as it is a short trip from Kigali, so if you can time your visit to mid-week that is better.
The south part of the park has more people than the north part (the south holds the only entrance gate and the lodges, although one of the big safari companies has just started building a lodge in the north).
Drive from north to south is about 3 hours in dry weather without stopping.
The flat area in the south near the main gate is good game viewing, but has more people at the weekend.
The standard of guiding is not up to the more developed safari areas - if you self-drive rather than take a tour operator from Kigali, there are 'community guides' available - we spent two days with Justice who had great spotting eyes and was knowledgeable about the birds.
I think that every visitor should employ a community guide, as this is a great way of making a connection between the park, and realising the value of conservation, to the local community.
However guiding training in a work in progress and you will need to find and bring in your own guide if you want a more in-depth professional approach (we found that having done some safari before the community guide was absolutely fine as we already knew the natural history and animal facts).
The lodges do not do the 'accommodation plus game drives' packages that seem to be the norm in more developed safari destinations - we found this liberating rather than any problem.
We were there mainly for birding and had asked Claudien Nsabagasani to join us as our guide.
The who place is fantastic for birding, red faced barbet, swamp warbler, red chested sunbird - the list was more than 80 in 2 days.
We had an amazing time in the park, saw lots of animals including 3 out of big 5.
We used a guide (without him we would have missed lots of animals) - the guides are well trained and experienced so they have a great eye to spot animals.
We also did a sunset boat trip (strangely at the reception we were told the boat trip was fully booked, however our friend had booked a spot for us and on arrival to the boat, it was just five of us).
We stayed for one night in Akagera Game Lodge which was brilliant.
Definitely worth a visit
It was sad to see that the devastation from twenty years ago has still not seen a full recovery, as the once massive numbers of elephants and lions are only slowly growing back from nothing.
That being said, the park rangers and guides do a great job protecting the animals and educating the public.
The hills and flat lands don't provide the deep cover of protection like you see in the Nyungwe Forest in the southern region.
This makes seeing all sorts of wildlife, buffalos, giraffe, elephants and much more...easy to locate...but it is easy to see how they would be decimated if not protected.
Beautiful park with wonderful wildlife.
We were quite late, we spent only 2.5 hours.
Despite of that we saw quite some animals.
The park stunning!
With two big lakes, with hills, blue sky and the afternoon light.
It was magic.
We ha a good guide so he made the best of our time.
Thank you!
Do not compare the number of wild life with Kenya or Tanzania as yet.
But enjoy the beautiful nature and great variety of bird life in this park.
Roads well maintained and still good variety of game.
Saw on one day: zebra, impala, topi, buffalo, giraf, warthog, velvet monkeys, baboons, hippos, bush bucks and even the leopard!
Not to talk about birds like African fish eagle, brown snake eagle, pied kingfisher, lilac breasted roller, saddle-billed stork, grey-crowned crane, marabou stork, Guinea fowls or the shoe bill stork.
The kind people at Heaven Tours in Kigali convinced us during our stay at The Retreat to take a day and night at Akagera and we are so glad that we did.
We stayed at Ruzizi lodge which is remarkable and wonderful and had a park guide - Alfonse - who was amazing.
We saw so much game as we drove up to the North Gate - lions, elephants, hippos, - a veritable garden of eden!
A group of seven young adults visited Akagera National Park for a weekend in July and we all agreed that it was the highlight of our trip!
We arrived from Kigali on the Saturday and stayed until Sunday afternoon and managed to pack in two full day Safaris, a boat trip and an evening Safari.
We stayed in the Muyumbu campsite which was very pleasant as they put the tents up for us before we arrived.
There was also plenty of space and equipment to cook on the barbecue.
Definitely better to bring your own food and drink as the cafe at the reception and is inaccessible from the camp site.
It was amazing to see all the different types of wildlife and we were so lucky to see 3 of the big 5 over the two days.
The landscapes are beautiful and there are over 500 different species of birds so it really is an incredible reserve.
Our guide Justus was so knowledgeable and attentive so I would definitely recommend booking with him if you can.
I also suggest paying the little bit extra to be driven in the special safari cars which will help to make your trip that more enjoyable.
You are going to be spending around 8 hours a day in the car so it is always better to be driven by a guide rather than doing it yourself.
It was my first time on a Safari.
After that, visiting zoos for me is lame.
The best part of this trip was when we saw a herd of elephants!!!
Went to the place for 1 day from Kigali, you can go throughout the park in 4-6 hours.
It is very great and highly recommended, quite a lot of various animals and birds that you can see quite near!
The trip thru this National Park was a full day with many animal sightings.
We hired a guide available at the entrance and she rode with us thru the park and answered questions about the park and the animals.
It's definately Worth it to get a guide-great experience!
I was able to spend a day and a half in Akagera.
The best part of the trip was the sunset boat tour.
Our guide Theogen with Akagera Park was amazing!
He was so professional and knowledgeable about the animals, especially the birds.
His passion when talking about the birds, animals and the land is unparalleled and moved me to tears.
You could tell the love and respect he has for the park and it's animals.
He was even able to take us to see a bull elephant playing in the water.
The lodging and hospitality was wonderful.
Everyone was polite, professional and fun!
Our safari tour guide, Emanuel, with Bizidanny guides was knowledgeable about the animals and the area and he was so much fun to be around!
I would highly recommend Akagera for anyone who wants to go on safari and see and experience the animals and the land of Rwanda.
The time we spent in the park was amazing, really nice to explore the different landscapes, the stunning views and the different animals.
Unluckily we didn't see elephants nor lions, but it was still an adventure.
You should know in advance that the streets are mostly in very bad conditions.
The guidance including the numbers on the signs and on the card are totally confusing and most of the time wrong - I recommend the Park to go over it again and refresh it.
The camping side in the north is just perfect with the best views.
Loved it!!
AMAZING!
I have been here with other six friends of mine all between 19 and 23 years old.
We spent here two days, we arrived on Saturday morning and left on Sunday afternoon.
I must say that we have been lucky because we had an amazing guide: Justus.
We managed to book our visit only two days before going.
In fact, the first day we had to use our car even if it was not completely suitable for the safari.
However, as soon as we arrived there Justus helped us booking another car for Sunday that made our safari way more enjoyable.
The most incredible thing of this park is the hug variety of landscapes and of animals.
We have been very lucky even because of the animals that we saw (in fact, we even managed to see the elephant that no other visitor saw that weekend).
We even managed to do the night safari, which has been quite intense after a long day of driving, but definitely worth it.
This is the National Park of a thousand hills!
We slept in Muyumbu campsite.
I must say that it was the only campsite available but we have been happy with it because of the location and because of the proximity to the main reception.
We hired two tents but there were many visitors that brought their own.
Since the lodge is self-catered i would strongly recommend future visitors to be self-equipped to feed themselves.
The reception is the only place where it is possible to buy sandwiches.
If you are real adventurers a really enjoyable thing to do is to cook food on the grill provided by each campsite.
I think that this National Park is perfect for people who love birds.
In fact, it has more than 500 species of birds.
The boat trip allows the visitors to visit an island that is mainly inhabited by birds and crocodiles.
Practicalities: - Every visitor should bring a car and a driver in case the Park does not have any available car to provide - I would suggest to book the campsite in advance in order to have a larger choice - Food, food, food.
Apart from the reception, there is no place that sells any kind of food or beverage.
You will spend 8 (if not more) hours per day in the car, there is no problem, but be prepared.
We had such an amazing visit to the park it is beyond words.
This is not a very commercial safari per se, which is truly wonderful.
Make sure you hire a guide.
Our guide Justus was so knowledgeable and professional.
He made the difference.
He was able to spot animals from afar and he and our driver went out of their way to find animals!
We did not see elephants (we kept missing the elephants) or lions, but saw topis, waterbucks, African fish eagles, lilac breasted rollers, impalas, cape buffalos, antelopes, hippos, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, baboons, warthogs, storks, cranes and others.
The Rwandan government has done an really amazing job in animal conservation.
Two thumbs way up.
This was my first safari and I was not disappointed.
We saw lots of wildlife, only the lions and elephants did not make an appearance.
It took about 5 hours and next time I would definitely go for the 2 day option - well worth a visit.
It was my first safari & I was so much excited about it.
I have heard about the Akagera National Park & I must say that it was a great day spend in the wildlife.
Lovely birds (never seen before) along with the Elephant herd (40+ in a group) were the best of the day.
Recommend to arrive & stay in the game lodge a day before, go for the evening boat ride to experience the birds & Ihima lake peace, start safari the next day.
First time to Akagera Nat Park and loved it.
Highly recommend for all visitors to Rwanda for a slightly cheaper safari experience wth many animal sightings.
Arrive earlymorning to see animals on the move but huge variety seen.
Hippo's, elephants, giraffes, lions, baboons, warthog, impala (many types), monkeys, zebras and more.
Took about 2 1/2hrs to get there from Kigali and need 5-6hrs (min) to see all.
Next time I will do it over 2 days to catch morning and evening time when most animals visible and at leisurely pace.
Animals are closer than I expected.Cafe at park entrance and spots to picnic at designated spots in park.
There are numerous companies who offer driver and 4WD (don't think of car).
Park guide travels in vehicle with you to explain background information.
So good!
I would wait for wet season to end as drive would be difficult.
We visited the park during very intensive rain season which made the roads hardly passable at some points, but the wildlife was still there and was amazing.
We were not lucky enough to see the rhinos as we did not make it early enough in the morning, but we saw plenty of zebras, giraffes, wart hogs, impalas, buffalos, birds, waterbucks, some solitary elephants and one big heard, some hippos from very close, etc.
We also did a night game drive which was not a big succes, we only see one giraffe, two zebras, one hippo with its baby out of water and one reedbuck in the bush.
We stayed at Akagera Game Lodge and we enjoyed our time there very much.
Most of the wildlife was up in the north, but also south was nice in the late afternoon.
We had a fantastic time in Akagera - it was one of the highlights of our holiday in Rwanda.
Our guide Justice, who came along with our driver, was knowledgeable, polite and eagle-eyed.
We saw lions (including two at very close quarters), elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, baboons, monkeys and many more.
The boat trip on Lake Ihema was a particular highlight - such incredible scenery and wildlife.
My wife and I first heard about Akagera through the African Parks Network; we love what APN does throughout Africa so we decided to go and support their work by visiting the park.
Unfortunately, with all the promotion around this being a big 5 Park it left our expectations a bit unmet and here is why: This park is quite narrow east to west so the tracks are more or less designed as a one way route that begins in the southern gate and exits through the northern gate (you must enter/exit this way).
This means if you miss the rhinos when you first enter the park you have virtually no way to loop back to look for them in the evening.
Secondly, it takes a solid 4-6 hours to drive through the park, which you must do to get to the area with the lions, giraffes, etc and sadly much of this drive is terribly boring with long stretches of no animal life.
Thirdly, they are very strict about the gate closing at 7 and if you, like us, aren't familiar with the park you will likely arrive late.
The guard was very unfriendly and gave us a hard time about letting us out.
Lastly, the rangers said you shouldn't expect to see any lions unless you do a night game drive, which requires you to stay the night in the park.
All that being said, if you haven't been on a safari before it's a good introduction and it supports the conservation work going on there.
If you are more experienced or looking for a great experience, maybe give APN another year or so to further develop the Park.
Akagera recently became host to the big 5 but spotting most of them is tough.
Don't go with any expectations to see lions, leopard or rhino but elephants are 50/50 and buffalo are practically guaranteed.
You'll almost certainly see hippo, zebra, giraffe, impala and many, many species of birds.
Aside from the animals, Akagera is stunning with plenty of beautiful views of the lakes, mountains and plains all situated within the park.
1st time to Rwanda and we started at the Akagera park for a 2 day safari.
1st day we saw so many animals.
Baboons, antelope, giraffes and eagles to name a few.
We did not see any elephants that first day.
We saw lots of evidence of them, but no luck.
Day 2 we were lucky and saw elephants, what an experience.
Loved every minute.
Be patient and take a couple of days.
The ruzizi tented lodge was a great place to stay
Safari was wonderful experience.
We spent the day in the park and were exposed to many of the animals native to Rwanda.
History of park and how it has changed was very interesting.
We did not see the big 5- no Lion or Leopard.
The lions have recently been reintroduced to park several years ago and we were told that they are very shy and evasive.
Other animals are right off the road and you feel like you are part of their environment.
A must if you are visiting Rwanda and want to experience a safari without having to travel far and spend days tracking animals.
If you are looking for a grand stage safari with lots of animals walking around, this park is not for you.
However if you're into beautiful landscape with mountains in the backdrop and beautiful lake inside the park, this place is for you.
Animals are there but you have to drive and look for them or if you are lucky, you will see them hanging out on the dirt path).
When we were there we saw baboons, zebras, deer, impalas, warthogs, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a lot of birds... Don't drive around the park in the middle of the day, that's when the animals are hiding from the heat.
Start either early in the morning or the afternoon.
We knew from before that Akagera National Park isn't the best safari if you wanna see the big five but since neither me or my sister had been to safari before we were really happy with our experience.
We saw many giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, different antelopes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and elephants.
We had a guide, Hermann, with us who was great!
We're so happy we had him with us, he knew exactly where to go in the park and had so much information about the animals.
Overall a great experience!
Akagera is a truly beautiful park.
We saw everything from leopards to bush babies to elephants.
Would definitely recommend going on a night safari to see nocturnal animals that can't be seen normally without the expert eye of a guide.
She saw things that we would have never been able to spot!
I would also recommend that if you're looking to see hippos and alligators to go on the boat tour.
Make sure you wear a sweater because it can get cold but it's completely worth it for the beautiful birds and all the hippos you will spot!
The guides my group met were all incredibly knowledgeable and kind people.
They can answer any question you throw at them about the animals, the park, and the landscape.
A day safari is definitely a long haul but we saw all different types of animals and got to see so much of the park and it was so beautiful.
The landscape changes so much throughout the safari so you feel like you've seen so many different things.
You can't look away for two minutes the whole time because you feel like you'll miss out on another amazing view or animal.
Also, I don't think anyone can go to Akagera and not see Baboons.
They are everywhere, and there are so many.
The babies are especially cute riding on the back of their mothers.
Myself and my mother had two game drives at this National Park, once a short night game driver and the other the day long game drive.
The park is relatively big and scenic and you can come across several animals (in our case we did not see lions and leopards as well as cheetahs and jackals, but we have heard some other travelers spot them!
).The view over the park from the Akagera Game Lodge is superb!.
You may either go for a night game driver organized by the Akagera National Park welcome centre for a sum of USD 40 per person or go for a day game drive with your vehicle.
You may also hire a guide for USD 40 to track animals in the park.
We spotted Grant's zebra, Masai giraffe, African bush elephant, Impalas, Topi Antelopes
This was my first African Safari or safari in general and I think Akagaera was a great park.
Myself and 8 others from my university were in Rwanda for a class with our professor, studying ecotourism and conservation.
We were in the park for three days and it was quite a spectacular experience.
From the time we came into the park we saw amazing landscapes and amazing wildlife!
Our experience at the Game Lodge was more than I was expecting.
Overall, the service was good and the accomadations were very pleasant.
Since we were visiting Akagera and the other national parks for our university, we had the opportunity to meet with Jes, who oversees the entire operation of the park.
Learning about how Akagera operates in terms of law enforcement and community development through African Parks (a PPP) was really informative in terms of understanding the transformations the park has undergone in terms of law enforcement and reintroducing species that had been eliminated because of poaching.
We went on a night safari in a 4x4 vehicle which was also amazing.
We left right before sunset and saw lots of baboons, birds, impala, and were lucky enough once it was dark to see a leopard hunting an entire group of impalas.
Our guide, Emmanuel was very knowledgeable and provided with all kinds of informative information.
My classmates and I were always on the edge waiting for more animals to appear.
The bats above us were exciting and there was a spectacular view of the night sky, we could see all the stars, which we don't have the opportunity to see where we come from in the US.
The day safari was spectacular as well!
Although we drove for 8 hours, the landscape was constantly changing into something new and exciting and we were always at the edge of our seats when we saw new birds and other animals!
I recommend bringing some snacks for the car ride and a good camera!
The beauty of the changing landscapes made the entire day a spectacular adventure.
We saw hippos, impala, dik dik, waterbuck, other antelope species, zebra, water buffalo, warthogs, dozens of different bird species, lots of baboons, elephants (which were amazing!
), and a bunch of other animals.
The only thing I was sad we did not see was giraffes, but it's alright because we saw elephants and that totally made up for not seeing any giraffes.
Our guide, Bosco, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Although the lions had been spotted the day before in some of the locations we visited, we did not see any of them (which is okay because they were only reintroduced a few years ago).
We also did not see any of the Rhinos, but that was also okay because we were thrilled to see all the other animals!
The next day we went for a boat ride to see crocodiles and hippos and again had Emmanuel as our guide.
Not only were we the only ones on the lake, which was very pleasant, but we were in awe by the landscape and views of the birds and other animals we spotted.
Overall, Akagera is a great park that supports conservation of wildlife and supports developing and educating the surrounding communities.
This is the only place in Rwanda where you can see beautiful African Savanna.
In addition to the beauty of the park, I am very thankful for meeting the lovely staff at the park and supporting the continued conservation of wildlife!
Akagera National Park is one of my Favorite Place to visit and I will Recommend it to everyone who wish to enjoy and Explore it's Beauty.
it was a great experience doing a game drive in akagera national park where i saw almost all the big five animals
We stayed at the lodge and did the The boat ride on Lake Ihema in the evening after checking in.A wonderful and safe experience.
Lots of Hippos, crocs and many birds.
The next day we did the south of the park and on the last day the north and exited from the north gate.
We did not see lion and rhinos but the rest were in plenty specially the elephants.
The fauna and flora and the plains are amazing.
A place not to be missed when in Rwanda
We spent 2 nights in the park at the Akagera Lodge.
We went for an afternoon drive for a few hours, then a 9 hour drive the next day, and a morning boat drive the third day.
This isn't the same type of safari as going to South Africa or Botswana, but solid in its own right.
The landscape is spectacular and it was so interesting to see the animals in this type of setting.
The rolling hills in the mud make for a fun drive, but also spectacular views.
We didn't see all of the big five, but the drives weren't about that.
There was certainly no shortage of amazing animals, but the landscape was awesome.
The boat drive was an excellent opportunity to see birds, crocs, and hippos.
We also got to see a herd of elephants walk along the shore line, it was something out of a movie.
The country really has a hidden gem in this park.
The guides are also incredibly knowledgeable and so willing to answer questions.
Spending 9 hours with someone, you really talk about anything and everything!
What a great experience.
You can not compare Akagera National Park to other game parks in Africa.
If you want to see lots of animals then head to South Africa, Kenya or Tanzania.
Akagera is nice for those that live in Kigali as it is an easy drive there.
But you spend a lot of time driving and not seeing that much.
I have been 3 times.
Saw 1 elephant the first time and 2 the 2nd time.
Saw 1 lion the 2nd trip.
Have never seen rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas.
Camping is rustic but the best of the cheapest accommodation there.
The middle of the road accommodation is Akagera Game Lodge but it has terrible food.
Most expensive are the tented lodges, I am yet to try those.
We will be back for sure (we bought the annual pass, so why not!
in search of seeing one of the rhinos!
See more travel reviews on facebook at 'Living in Rwanda - Ask Annette'.
Only 2hours and 13min(105.1KM) form Kigali to Akagera National Park home of the largest game collection in Rwanda the park is home of Hippo, Elephant, Baboon, Zebra,Giraffe the park is filled with Swamp, Rivers, and lakes which allows the largest diversity of wildlife.
I visited Akagera twice over a span of a month while I was studying abroad in Kigali in the spring of 2017.
I had previously done safaris in Tanzania and South Africa, so do not go in expecting the volume of animals that you would see on the open plains of the Serengeti or Masai Mara.
That being said, it is the most beautiful safari-focused national park I have been to in Africa with the rolling hills and many lakes that it has.
Remind yourself that this is not a zoo and try not to get frustrated at the park or your guide if you do not see something that you had hoped to.
One day I saw four elephants (one mock charging our car), giraffes, hippos, buffalo, and at least six types of antelope, and another day the roads became so muddy we had to cut our safari short and return to Kigali.
Akagera Game Lodge is worth the quality that you get (especially for the views).
Stayed there both times, but if you have the money I have heard that Rusizi is worth the splurge.
We were lucky to see a mother rhino and its baby just two weeks after the rhinos were reintroduced into the park (supposedly were the first ones to see the baby) but the mother would not leave the road and we had to turn around and couldn't go to the North (where the majority of the wildlife is) because of it!
Rhinos are extremely agressive and protective of their young and one scientist has already been killed in the park this year by one of them.
Also did a night drive which was disappointing in terms of wildlife but still a fun experience.
Saw two different types of owls, a spotted hyena, two hippos out of water, and some other species.
Definitely recommend getting a guide and a 4 x 4 as it will make your experience much more enjoyable.
Amazing how much the park has rebounded since its area was reduced by more than 50% after the Genocide.
We traveled here with 3 families (10 kids).
Had a wonderful time.
Highly suggest an evening boat trip.
Innocent is a very good guide/captain.
A bit difficult to see wife life this time of year with the tall grass after the rainy season.
We spent 3 days in Akagera National Park.
The moment we drove through the gates we began to see wildlife, including giraffes near the reception centre.
We hired a free lance guide, George, who accompanied us on a 7.5 hour safari, which was well worth it as we toured a large portion of the park.
The terrain changes throughout the park, ranging from plains, wetlands and mountainous areas, all beautiful.
We observed zebras, giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, hippos, numerous antelope species, numerous bird species, the list goes on, and the crowning glory, a leopard!
We also went on the boat safari, with boat captain Theogen.
This 1.5 hour tour is well worth it, as Theogen taught us what the bird species were and we were fortunate to view 15 elephants, a crocodile and numerous hippopotamus.
We also went on the night safari, almost immediately viewing elephants and another leopard.
Though the night safari was good, I would choose the full day and boat safari first if you have limited time.
Be sure to bring a boxed lunch for the full day safari and plenty of water.
I think for a first timer at such safaris this is quite a good place to try.
The variety of wild life and change of scenery and landscape is breathtaking.
It's a long trip if you go south to north, takes up to 6 hours, with only two far apart stops with bathroom facilities which could be an issue as it's generally viewed dangerous to get out of the car.
So go easy on the liquids.
Get a good 4x4 as it's going to be a bumpy ride which is part of this magnificent experience but you still need a car that can handle proper off-reading and has a decent AC, you want to keep your windows closed if you're not viewing anything Because of the flies and insects.
We had no problems with these, but others reported not-so-nice experiences with horseflies.
Zebras and all sorts of antelope and baboons are in abundance and you'll bump into more of them than you'd probably hoped for.
Sometimes you see animals that are a bit far off the route, and you can't get close, that's a bit of a bummer, happened to us with Giraffes.
Lots of hippos too, we got lucky with one out of the water taking a stroll.
No luck seeing a rhino or a lion, but there's only few of them so you got to be really lucky to catch one of those.
We were lucky to bump into elephants.
There will be times when you would drive for an hour and see nothing.
That's normal but people expect to have uninterrupted viewing of different animals and that's not the case.
It's a big part (small in comparison to others, but you're still driving for 170km or so) Get an early start so that you're not short on time, the exit closes at 6pm.
I came here on a day-trip through a tour company (Individual Tours - Aloys).
It was pretty underwhelming.
I saw some wildlife: zebras, impalas, warthogs.
Other fauna mostly at a distance (tip: bring binoculars).
It just was not very impressive nor justified the price of the tour ($300).
And forget about the Big Five - saw buffaloes only.
No elephants, no rhinos.
We spent about four hours in the park; maybe that's the fault of the tour guide.
Anyway, I would not recommend.
The golden monkeys in Volcanoes was a much better experience.
Rwanda isn't famous for its safaris, and I had been to parks in Kenya and South Africa already, so I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised!
There is a diverse variety of animals inside the park, and it's actually nice that it's not as well-known, because then the park isn't as busy.
We saw all sorts of animals, including a herd of elephants.
The landscape is different than other countries, as there's a lot more trees and woods, but you still see hippos, antelopes, impalas, elephants, zebras, crocodiles, etc.
There are only 19 lions, so you don't see those, but maybe you will in a few years!
This park is a convenient day trip from Kigali and there is a tarmac road all the way.
After the 1994 genocide (when the park was neglected and which was a refuge for folks fleeing the violence) the park has been regenerated.
Although shrunk to half it original size, there is plenty of game - elephants, giraffes, hippos, warthogs, deer, baboons, along with lions and rhinos.
They have the big 5, but not on the scale one would see in Tanzania or Botswana.
The park is well managed and policed.
We went in Oct 2017 mid week and there were only 3 safari vehicles around.
Overall an incredible experience.
Highly recommend a visit.
I went to this safari and was amazing , in part , because we have a great local guide .
You get dirty , yes , but is an experience for life .
Quite place , the animals are in peace and well treated .
Take your best photograph machine , and not your phone to take pictures .
You will need at least a 200mm lent .
Go for it !
Akagera National Park is Rwanda's largest protected wetland and only protected savannah reserve.
It is teeming with a diverse range of wildlife and an even more varied landscape.
Don't miss the sunset boat ride...so many birds to see, and hippos!
Beware of the Tsetse flies - don't wear blue!
I went on a two day safari to the Akagera national park with Golden Rwanda tours and safaris.
Frank the owner was my guide and it was my first safari experience.
It couldn't have been any better !
I did a boat trip on the Ihema lake and with te car we did a trip to the whole of the park.
Frank and another guide of the park gave a lot of information about the animals I saw and the legends where also very nice to hear.
I saw a lot of animals except the lions but I went with an open mind and was just blown away by the beauty of the landscape, the views and any animal I saw and I did see lots of animals !
The stay at the Akagera lodge hotel was excellent too.
But most hartwarming was learning to know Frank, a generous person with a great hart for nature and people.
And also a good price for what you get!
You can discuss your wishes, your budget,.. and I'm sure he will offer you a good price for a custome made arrangement.
Before our group left Rwanda we used our down time to head to the Akagera National Park, that was is just a couple of hours from Kigali, the last 30 minutes or so on the dirt road.
We did a day safari drive which got off to a slow start when the driver (we used two 4x4s provided by the park) forgot to gas up the jeep!
The drive itself was fantastic though, with so much to see as the place, despite being reduced in size, is huge!
We saw the elephants among lots of the other animals, but missed the lions and rhinos.
Some of our group also took a boat tour on the lake and saw the crocs that we hadn't seen from the jeep.
All in all, it was a great experience, altho it was a very long drive, around 9 hours in all, and the last couple of hours it was as if the driver was looking for something specific but hadn't communicated that to us.
It would have been nice to have more information about the park, the animals, where they go and why etc, but the park itself was fantastic and I'd definitely recommend it.
Akagera park is a reasonable drive from Kigali.
We stayed at Ruzizi tented lodge, which is in the south section of the park.
Apparently the larger herds of animals are in the northern section, which probably takes about 6 hours.
We did not have that much time, as we had to catch our plane home.
You must have four wheel drive.
We got onto one trail that obviously had many elephants on it, and had knocked down a lot of trees onto the path.
We had to do some creative driving to find our way around, then locate the path again.
We saw the Blue Turaco bird, lilac breasted roller with a nest in a hollow tree, Rothschild Giraffe, water buck, bush bucks, roan, impala, vervet monkeys, brown parrots, African green pigeons, and fish eagles.
There were quite a bunch of tsetse flies.The birds made up for it though!
Akagera National Park is unique not only in it's topography but also in what it represents to the Community of Animals and Villagers that surround it.
All the money spent goes back to support the Animals as well as the Villagers.
I visited 2 weeks ago and had a driver arranged for me through a travel company called Inspired Journeys, who helped me create my African trip that included a Safari in Akagera National Park.
JP, my driver, brought me from Kigali to Akagera.
Inpired Journeys also hired a guide for me as well, Venuste Ndungutse, who is one of the many Akagera Community Freelance Guides.
The Park created this program to get the surrounding Villages more involved with the sustainability and success of the Park as well as to promote Cultural activities of the communities.
Venuste and JP were so amazing in not only their enthusiasm for the Park and the animals but Venuste's knowledge of all things Conservation and Ecological.
I so enjoyed my 1 and 1/2 days seeing and photographing so many different animals, from a variety of Antelopes, Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, African Cape Buffalo, Baboons, Velvet Monkeys, Elephants to the very shy Black Rhino... but I most enjoyed learning about the history of the Park, the animals and all the details of the environment the animals live in.
Venuste knew all the plants and trees as well as amazing details of all the animals.
And he explained how the Park maintains such a healthy environment for them.
I was lucky enough to have an encounter with Akagera's most famous resident, Mutware, a 50-60 year old elephant who has an infamously grumpy side to him but is quite endearing at the same time.
To my amazement we saw the elusive Black Rhino twice!
They had just been reintroduced in May so a sighting is pretty wonderful...and the 2nd time, we were lucky enough to take pictures.
This park has low mountains that give you wonderful access to vistas that are not seen in other Safari Parks.
It has swamps and Savannahs too.
But i think what made the experience so wonderful were my Guide, Venuste and Driver, JP...Their knowledge and excitement were infectious...This is a must see Park when in Rwanda.
And know that the money you spend on both Park and Guide are going to make both the Park and Villages more sustainable and prosperous.
I hope to return to Rwanda and Akagera is a must visit again for me.
Because I live in Kigali, this is our go-to Big5 game park to relax and enjoy nature.
it is absolutely the greenest, lushest park I have ever seen, especially when you go in the rainy season (less game viewing, but spectacular scenery and lower pricing).
The park has savanna's and lots of lakes, but also bush and hills.
There is so much food for all the animals, it must be heaven for them.
Loads of crocs and hippos, antilopes (topi, impala, duikers, eland), monkeys and also elephant, buffaloes and lions.
The elusive black rhinos and leopards are more difficult to spot because they hide so well but yes, they are there as well!
In the south there is the lovely Ruzizi tented lodge, and during the dry season, head north to Karenge Bushcamp, a temporary camp for a more rustic immersive experience.
Both offer terrific food in and will offer a picnic lunch while you are in the park.
And if you leave early from the camp, you can watch hyena and lion at dawn before anyone else gets there.
Not that there will be many people anywhere, because it is still an undetected gem!
You will need your own 4WD though, because the park is an adventurous self-drive.
If you want, you can hire a local guide to come with you (in your car).
I never thought that I'd make it to Africa, but I always wanted to go.
Akagera is a national park (unlike private parks) so all the proceeds go back to the park and it's rangers, upkeep etc.
I was only there for 1 day, therefore only able to make 1 trip out.
Nonetheless, it was an AMAZING experience!
Seeing animals in their native habitats and in their native lands was moving.
Because I only made one trip out, the animals that I saw were limited (the lions live to the north), but impressive nonetheless: elephant, impalas, water buffalo, hippos, tons of monkeys, birds, topee (spelling?
), zebras.
I would love a chance to go back!
We hired a driver with a safari land rover (the top lifted up) from our hotel in Kigali.
We then had a local guide from the park with us for our 4-5 hour excursion.
Yes, you might drive longer to see the animals but the views are great and my guide was top-notch and very knowledgeable.
Saw all but lions.
Do not miss out on the community activities: beer making and honey tasting, fabulous!
This is a fairly small game reserve in comparison to the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Mara in Kenya so expect to see smaller numbers of animals.
There is dense vegetation, making it difficult to see many of the animals up close.
We did see several types of antelopes, a leopard, zebras, hippos, hyenas and buffalo.
We also saw giraffes and elephants, but from a distance.
You can only enter from the south, but the north end has more animals.
Great day!
We hired a car and driver for the day from Kigali.
You'll need an extra seat in the car for the guide from Akagera.
Left Kigali by 4:30 am because we wanted to be early in the park .
Justice was the name of our guide at the park and he was awesome!
Very knowledgeable and fun!
Ask for him!
He even took pics with our phone through binoculars so it worked like a close up lens!
We saw baboons, giraffes, zebras, hippos, elephants, Cape buffalo, all kinds of antelope and birds plus so much more- no big 5, it was the big 20!
From south to north, we spent eight hours driving and looking.
Bring water and snacks (chapati from Simba lasted nicely) and there are a few bathroom stops in the park (bring your own tissue).
Left park at 3, dinner on way home, so definitely doable in a day!!
Akagera National Park was a TREAT after a long week.
I really enjoyed our tour guide and the entrance process seemed easy enough, Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the park and was excited to share information about the region and animals in the park.
We stayed for two nights at Ruzizi Tented lodge and restricted our visit to the middle and Southern areas of the park during our stay.
He had hired a 4x4 vehicle for our holiday and used this to self-drive around the park.
It should be said that the dense nature of the woodland in this area of the park means that wildlife viewing is at a premium and you don't get the prolific number of animals that you might see say in Etosha Park in Namibia but when you do see animals it makes it very special.
During our self-drives we saw Zebra, Buffalo, Elephant, Hippo, Crocodile, various antelopes, Warthog and many varied birdlife.
Unfortunately we missed Lion, Rhino and Giraffe.
We also purchased an early morning 90 minute guided boat trip of the lake and saw hippo, crocodile and numerous birds at very close quarters.
This was excellent.
Our other guided trip was a night drive in the southern part of the park and the highlights were Spotted Hyena, Owls, Rabbits, Impala and Baboons.
The guide was excellent in explaining animal behaviour during our 2.5 hour drive.
There are a number of things that need to be borne in mind.
Although the dirt roads around the park entrance/reception are graded, the condition of the roads deteriorate quite quickly the further north you go and even some of the minor routes in the south end of the park are very rough to drive on.
Although the maximum speed in the park is 40km/hour in reality you spend a lot of time in low gear doing 10/20km/hour.
A journey to the north of the park would take a minimum of 5/6 hours, this is where the larger herds of animals are located.
We would definitely recommend a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent high clearance vehicle (which we had).
Some of the pot holes around the park are horrendous and serious damage could occur with conventional car frames/tyres.
The tsetse flies around the denser undergrowth parts in the park are horrible and pretty vicious.
We kept windows closed and aircon on for the most part.
We enjoyed in stay in the park which was enhanced by our stay at Ruzizi Tented lodge and it was an excellent way to finish off our stay in this memorable country.
This park has an idyllic setting and has loads on offer.
The park has recently introduced lion and black rhino, thus hosts the big 5.
This is not the only reason to visit the park as it boasts a large variety of abundant game.
Lake Ihema has one of the largest concentration of hippo in Africa.
Large herds of buffalo roam the park.
There are 14 lakes in the park as well as swamps and grasslands.
This park is fast gaining a must see reputation under the careful guidance of African Parks.
This park is more than a daytrip and an overnight stay is certainly a must if you want to enjoy all activities on offer.
My group of four visited Akagera National Park as part of a 13 day safari with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Our guide, Sam Elliott, took us on a late afternoon game drive in the southern section of the park and an early morning game drive in the northern section of the park.
Sam has a keen knowledge of all of the wildlife, flora, and fauna in the area.
Our vehicle was perfect for animal viewing.
It was a modified Nissan SUV, plenty large and comfortable for the entire safari.
The top popped up for easy wildlife viewing.
Also, there was a refrigerator in the vehicle which Sam kept filled with water, soda, and juices.
In the southern part of the park, we saw lots of baboons, zebras, warthogs, topi, impala, waterbuck, and more.
We also saw one rhino!
The topography is rolling hills with some forest.
In the northern part of the park, we saw the same animals listed above (with the exception of the rhino) as well as giraffes, buffalo, elephants, antelopes, and more.
The topography is savannah grasslands.
Both the southern and northern parks of the park are a birder's paradise.
We also took an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
We saw many hippos and some crocodiles.
Again, this was a birder's paradise as there was a plethora of water fowl.
My favorite birds were the crested crane and yellow-bodies weaver.
Akagera National Park did not disappoint us; we enjoyed it tremendously due to the beautiful scenery, plentiful and varied wildlife, and fantastic guide.
Our favorite place in Rwanda to camp and enjoy the wilderness.
now with the big 5 and plenty of other animals and different landscape.
very well managed park.
The visit to Akegera park was good, but the guide was not at all well prepared, not equipped with proper necessary materials.
Our vehicle was wedged in the mud and we waited there for almost 3 hours, no one came to rescue us from the national park.
The guide was unable to call his management as the Radio he had was out of order and his mobile phone was not functioning.
My colleague called the park but none of the staff was available to receive the call, store in charge have the call at last but never send us the vehicle.
We received help from one of the visitors.
Inadequate management, not trained staff.
I had a very good visit last August to Akagera National Park.
The guides were very good and knowledgeable.
I learned a lot.
I saw first hand elephants in the wild with their defenses (in the zoo, they no longer have them).
We were almost attacked by an alpha elephant, because the car behind us got too close and not quiet enough, and we escaped just in time.
They had recently reintroduced lions, and are hoping to introduce other species from other parts of Africa.
The park also has a few lakes, which enhance the scenery.
This was an all-day experience.
This was my first time seeing such a big elephant.
It made for a fun, memorable experience.
It was my first safari, and I am glad I did it there.
My only problem, was that the entrance fee is only for Rwandans, and then for foreigners; in other countries in Africa (South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon,....) they do have an entrance fee for locals, then for other Africans, and for non-Africans to encourage tourism among Africans, UA, etc.
We visited for a day from Kigali, leaving our hotel at 5am and returning at 4pm.
The cost of a driver for the two of us was $200, plus you have to pay park entrance of $40/person and $40 for a guide.
So total cost of $160/person.
We booked this through our hotel.
We were lucky to see a herd of about 15 elephants right by the side of the road.
We also saw loads of giraffe, zebra, plus crocodiles, hippos, warthog and many others.
No big cats or rhinos but most other animals are there.
Be warned the roads aren't great and there are some longish stretches where there are never any animals, but the patches around definitely make up for it.
Worth the early start.
...and it was ok.
Though a higher 4x4 is preferable.
Ours were low which the car company said was no problem with in Akagera.
Roads there, even the 'main roads' are bumpy and there are high bits on a lot of parts.
After rainfall you sure need better tyres than normal ones.
Shame on me i guess.. Me and my partner decided to camp 2 nights there and spend our time in the park ourselves.
We really enjoyed it but the camping sites are not worth paying for.
$25 per person and night for pitching a tent is basically what you get.
Toilets on sites were disgusting (see picture if you dare.
A warning to sensitive people!
Said there were firepits for fires if there was need for it.
Found pits though the pieces of wood were too big to start a fire with conventional methods.
Bring an axe if you want to chop it yourself or ask the rangers maybe.
Not too much of a hassle though but the toilets were the biggest disappointment as you are basically forced to go back to reception or do you business outside in the park.
Toilets were seats with holes in the ground, as seen on pic, but i think they were so full they had reached the brim so to speak.
Tsetse flies everywhere!
Made the whole experience a bit off as well as the campsites.
All in all it was a nice experience seeing the animals!
Lots of hippos and zebras, baboons and more.
And the rangers were incredibly helpful, not only when we got stuck in the mud one morning after a night of crazy rainfall, but also when meeting up with other groups.
Tipping you off where they've seen animals and where they're heading off to.
So they made up for everything really.
And do not miss out on the boat ride!
Went with the guide Theogen and he was awesome!
Very knowledgeable about the animals.
We were lucky enough to be the only two on that particular ride.
Me and my partner likes birds and he knew a lot(!
about them which was more fun for us.
Oh, make sure to buy a little something from the kids outside the south entrance of Akagera National Park.
2000 franc for handmade models of houses, cars and cool stuff.
Made from whatever they can find i guess.
Bought a well nice car with wheels made from cut out flip flops.
Awesome stuff!
They are a bit pushy when you stop but who can blame them.
They are not too forceful though so i recommend people to stop and have a look.
Nice souvenirs!
It is located in East of Rwanda.
It is very attractive by its flora and fauna different with others from other regions of Rwanda.
Recently they introduced lions and they planned to introduce also rhinos as currently they are not.
So After It will have five big animals.
It has security but be carefully with the wild animals like black mamba, lions, hippos, buffalo.
I recommend you not to approach them.
It is good to visit it in drying season (Mid December to Mid February and Mid May to September).
But If you like raining season no problem you can visit because temperature is favorable but you need to have rain jacket.
It beautiful.
It has also many beautiful lakes but not swim in as they are crocodiles in .
I recommend you to visit it.
It is good to go there in the morning.
This was my first safari and Akagera is still rebuilding to compete with the parks in Kenya and Tanzania.
With that being said the staff and guides were great and we spent a wonderful day exploring the park.
We got up close and personal with herd of elephants, saw never-ending amounts of Zebras, a Hippo family, one crocodile, many amazing birds, and many Impalas.
We missed the Zebra's because they were in the north end of the park at the time and we did not have time to visit them.
been to this park in august 2016 and really loved the park for the diversity and incredible number of wild life and bird viewing.
its almost 3 hours drive frome kigali and definately a worthwhile one.
boat trips along the shore was really amazing and delightful to watch some acquatic sightnings.i found its very easy to spot the wild life here probaby because of lack of preadorts which indeed gives very relaxed and close experince of wildlifes.
A beautiful place.
Great guide provided by the park HQ and we self-drove with him as a passenger from South to North gate in a day.
Our kids (7 and 9) loved it.
Great sightings of elephants, hippos, zebras, giraffes, crocs, all kinds of deer, birds and the like.
Didn't spot any lions but were busy all day spotting and passed thru various types of scenery.
Guide stopped us for lunch on an open plain with great views of the giraffes.
Awesome.
We have been in akagera for 4days and we liked both lodge and park itself service was very nice and we appreciated everything we received.
One of the most special (and oldest) national parks I have ever visited.
A jewel located in Rwanda, with a huge chance to experience the wildlife from very close by.
The trip from Kigali down to Akagera is also very worthwhile as it leads through the beautiful landscape of Rwanda.
Best to visit in the rainy season, when animals are out and visible.
We spent a night and we have a wonderful time.
We got to see elephants, jirafs, zebras, hipos, cocodriles, bambus, bufalos.
The boat trip was worth it too.
We went with Uber Luxes Safaris, totally recommende
What a day spent at Akagera National Park!
We rented a safari car for a day and it was wonderful.
We saw all sorts of animals from giraffes, zebras, my favorite animal by far, Hippos, and many others.
Exploring all the wildlife was amazing.
This is a trip worth taking once in your life for sure.
The interation you get by being close to this wildlife is hard to describe in words.
We were a group of 4, visited around June 2015 and had a blast.
if you wanna see elephants, make sure you go very early ( 5-6am), which is the only type of animal we missed.
Cannot wait to go back especially now that they have lions.
I much enjoyed the lions and big troops/groups of elephant.....landscapes of this park makes it unique + lakes
You need at least a full day here because the wildlife has to be sought out, and you have to be patient.
The community guide was excellent (you can ask for one of these rather than one actually employed by the park), and he certainly knew his wildlife - he was passionate and enthusiastic.
Three years ago it was difficult to spot wildlife because they were not used to humans, but this is improving now, and you have much better photo opportunities.
The park management are forward-thinking - their maps and guides are worth buying - they have introduced lions - they are introducing rhinos right now - and giving you the option of asking for a community guide is a really good idea.
I have the greatest admiration for what they are doing.
Amazing experience!
Giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocs, eagle, buffalos, impalas, monkeys, baboons, and much more.
Plus amazing vistas!
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and bug spray and you'll have an incredible time.
I absolutely love this park.
It's beautiful, has stunning views and we saw tons of amazing animals!
I'd recommend getting a guide if you're not familiar with the park.
Camping is also a really cool option if you're into that.
Very close to the capital of Rwanda, Kigali.
If it's your first time on a safari and in Africa, this may be a decent choice, otherwise it may be considered just a nice place for a picnic, as long as you don't plan on seeing many animals
Akagera won't give you the extensive animal variety of the neighbouring countries or South African parks, but the number of animals is increasing rapidly.
Limits on the predator numbers despite the successful introduction of a lion pack supports this and we saw large numbers of elephant, zebra, antelope, hippo, birds, some giraffe and a serval
Not a large park by Kenya or S.A. standards but interesting none the less.
Lots of animals and except for rhino, has most of the things that people have on their priority list.
There are relatively few lions since they were only recently re-introduced and I am told that rhinos will be reintroduced soon.
I didn't see elephants although we saw plenty of signs of them and we visited as a day trip from Kigali so we were only in he park about 6 hours and I am sure we would have seen them if we had been there a little longer.
Since we were not there at night, the likelihood of seeing hyenas and leopards were not very good and we didn't spot them.
Lots of beautiful lakes and beautiful habitat for the animals.
It was well worth the 3 hr trek to get there.
BTW, the scenery along the way was beautiful and you get a good feel for the daily lives of the people living in the villages along the way.
A great park with abundant wildlife and birdlife.
The hotel staff were very friendly, the food was good and the rooms clean and well maintained.
We visited Akagera in the dry season and stayed in the south of the NP at the game lodge on top of the hill, offering a great view.
South of the NP was pretty empty so we drove up north and found an amazing number of animals near the lakes.
Wonderfull view, highly recommended!
This was my first safari experience in Rwanda.
I have experienced many, many safaris in the country of Kenya.
It is not a fair comparison to make between the two countries, but sufficient it to say that I did thoroughly enjoy my experience in Akagera.
I would revisit this national park again.
Also, the lodge located in the national park offered incredible accommodations for the price.
It's like a zoo Not like a safari in Kenya or Tanzania or South Africa .
There, we are told that there is a lions and did not see anything This is a second time I visit the park and the last time.
I have visited Akagera several times and each time I see something new; diferent animals, lots of birds, gone on a boat trip, a night ride, stayed in camps and lodges.
Really worth visiting
I am glad that I was had the opportunity to visit Akagera.
The accommodations are good and we did see many animals on our morning safari.
Although we had heared that Akagera doesn't have the biggest nor widest wild life selection, we were quite lucky and saw several elephants, and all the other typical wild life.
You can drive for quite some time without seeing any animal and a big part of the park is forest/higher vegetation which doesn't make it feel like the typical safari.
However, you get wonderful views on landscape and wildlife
My first safari.
Compared to what I read about Kenya and other more established parks this park is not as dramatic.
Didn't care.
Saw plenty in the 2 days in the park.
Our driver was fabulous and the accompanying park ranger pointed out a ton of things we would have just driven by..
If you have 2'days, spend one on ground and the other go out on the boat tour to see the birds along the shoreline..
We travelled for 3 weeks in Uganda and Rwanda.
I think I loved Akagera the best because, besides seeing all of the animals I wanted to see, it offers all types of terrain: grasslands, hills, forests.
It was so beautiful!
One day game drive in Akagera.
We spent 2 hours driving up to the North of the park where most animals are during the dry season (August).
We saw lots of birds, primates and different species of antelope on the way.
Once in the North we spotted elephant, giraffe, zebra, hippos and buffalo.
Although animals are not in herds (like the MM) it was still worth a visit.
The animals are growing in numbers and the park relies on visitors to support with conservation.
The guides are very knowledgable and are able to spot the animals for you.
Even just one day at Akagera National Park will leave you speechless - the diversity of wildlife and landscapes is truly astounding.
The boat tour is a must - as is a stay at the Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Safari at its best!
This is a park oriented on a North-South axis, where you enter from the South and exit through the North.
Most of the game were in the North.
It was the dry season and we saw quite a bit including two of Big Four that are found here -- buffalo and elephant.
The lion and cheetah eluded us.
We also took a boat tour and saw crocodiles and numerous hippos, not to mention a wide variety of birds.
All species of antelopes plus giraffes, zebras, warthogs, baboons, monkeys and other animals were all around.
During our two day stay, we saw just one other vehicle with tourists.
We felt the park had been specially reserved for our personal visit!
No rush, no crowds - the place was ours.
Very informative welcome center with a good gift shop and splendid views.
We stayed at an eco-lodge on a lake.
All facilities except for Wi-Fi but there were many insects, despite staying in netted rooms.
Beautiful setting.
My first safari and I enjoyed it thoroughly and becoming an animal spotter in the process!
Very interesting to visit Akagera National Park, you seen Buffalo, elephants, Impala, giraffes Enjoying the fresh air and joking around the well planted trees full of Animals
Absolutely cool place, where you can drive around in your own car and watch animals in the wild.
We didn't get to go all the way up north (too long a drive with a small child), where we probably would have seen more animals, but we still got to see Water Buffalo, Giraffe, Different kinds of monkeys, antilopes and birds.
The only thing lacking is accommodation (not tents) in the northern part of the park, so you don't have to drive a whole day (from south to north to south) to see the whole park.
Definitely recommendable.
Akagera is an awesome park.
We hired a driver in Kigali and spent 2 days and 1 night in the park.
We were there in the dry season so most of the big animals were on the north end of the park.
Early morning is a must .
We were the first out our second day ,so saw elephants, giraffs, water bucks, impalas, cap buffalo herds, zebra and many others.
Go during the week when there is less traffic.
The animals move away from the roads when there are lots of cars and you can't drive off the dirt roads.
We hired a guide for $30 us and he knew every bird and animal and had eyes like a hawk.
Great investment.
You can self drive if you have high clearance vehicle.
South gate is entry north gate is exit only.
We went in the dry season and somehow hadn't read that the wildlife would be up north in the wetlands yet another 3 1/2 hours drive away on bumpy sandy tracks.
We were hugely disappointed.
We had driven so much we didn't have the energy to go the extra distance and had also booked and paid for our accommodation in the south.
We went on a fabulous sunset boat trip and saw loads of birds, crocodiles and hippos.
A photographers paradise!
We took a half day self drive tour with a guide, but saw very little apart from baboons and antelopes.
There were so many horse flies we had to shut our windows to avoid being bitten to death.
Our aircon broke so we boiled and gave up.
I would recommend going in the rainy season.
I just finished my second visit to Akagera and the while I loved it the first time, the improvements have been incredible!
More animals everywhere, better facilities.
Lions reintroduced in 2015 and rumors that Rhinos are coming soon.
Recommend that you go with Eagle-ride.com.
Jean Marie and Morgan will take great care of you.
Akagera Park is not crowded like in the parks in Kenya or Tanzania, it is different and much better to enjoy wild animals.
I stayed for three days at the Akagera Park and saw the lions, elephants, monkeys etc.
Every animal I wanted to see It was amazing
I've visited this park four times and each time is a little different.
It's a VERY long ride through the park (6 hours) plus your travel back and forth to Kigali.
Your best bet is to stay at Akagera Game Lodge or Rizizi Tented Lodge and leave early in the morning.
The earlier the better because as soon as it starts warming up the animals (especially the cool ones) go in hiding.
Spring is a better time to visit, but there are always many animals.
Don't expect to see a lion or other large cat and elephants are rare (once in four visits).
So as long as you go with tempered expectations and the realization that it's a very long day You'll love it!
Visited on a tour with a group of friends.
Whilst the roads are dusty and rustic and it takes a while to get around, it's worth it for its animals - large planes of zebra, Impala giraffe, elephant.
Last year they introduced Lions which whilst are difficult to spot provide added interest
The trip took the entire day.
I hired a guide based out of Kigali where I was staying and we drove up early to arrive at the park by 8am.
There a safari guide from the park joined us in our vehicle.
He was knowledgeable of the best places to look for large game.
Though it was too hot to find any lions we were able to see elephants, hippos, zebras, warthogs, monkeys and many others.
The park had plenty of animals to view and was not too crowded by tourists.
there were plenty of times throughout the day where we were the only vehicle around.
While I only spotted camping sites as far as accommodations, the guide informed me that they are in the process of constructing a 3 star hotel on the reserve.
I would highly recommend this trip.
Very interesting to visit you seen Buffalo, Enjoying the fresh air and joking around the well planted trees full of Animals
Went on a self drive tour with a guide from very early hoping to see many animals, however we were disappointed as there were not many especially the big five.
However there were signs of Elephants and sightings of Giraffe, Buffaloes, Gorilla and Gazelles.
The Akagera National park is wonderful for Savannah type safaris.
Most of the animals are up North so plan your trip accordingly.
The entrance fees are 35USD for international and 25USD for locals.
Renting a car there is more expensive than finding your own car though.
The staff is very kind and speaks fluently english.
Great experience, great animals, really worth the trip!
Note: if you plan to spend the night near the park, AVOID Coco Park Motel in Rwinkwazu.
These thieves locked us inside their motel after they decided to add extra charges just because we were tourists.
Really bad management, terrible food and disrespectful owner.
I'm telling you this so that you can avoid the nightmare we had with them.
Very nice safari with Bizidanny Tours.
Many interesting animals, although didn't see any lions.
Nice and competent driver/guide.
But anyone who is looking for company of other tourists will look in vain.
We (2) felt a bit.
lonely in this rwandan national park.
Ruzizi lodge in South Akagera was gorgeos.
Tented lodge in North Akakera was simpler, very hot and a bit thrown out in nowhere.
If you look for silence and peace and closeness to nature this is the place!
We arrived at the park, and signed up for the safari, then we went on to Akagera Game Lodge for the night.
Park entrance fee for tourist is $35 US, guide $30 US, we had our own vehicle, and still had to pay a $7 vehicle fee??
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ?
We requested a guide that could drive, met him on the spot, and agreed to meet at 7am.
We arrive, and look for the guide, and he's not there.
So, they place us with another guide, and we ask him if he can drive.
He says, 'more or less'.
So, he gets behind the wheel, and basically runs the car into the woods, we had to scream at him to let off of the gas, or we were going to completely go into the bush.
So, a bit of a rough start...
The park was super cool in my opinion, especially after being in the city of Kigali for 5 wks.
We saw an elephant almost immediately, zebras, hippos, warthogs, giraffes, etc.
Not as many animals as I thought, but I had nothing to compare it to, this was my first safari.
They shouldn't really advertise that they have lions, it is very rare to see them, (per the guide himself).
They were doing a lot of burns, so large stretches were black due to that, which kept the animals mostly away.
Our guide was friendly, and if we asked him questions, he would answer, but it was not super informational.
He expected a tip at the end (in addition to the $30US that we paid upfront), and he didn't bring lunch, so we shared our limited food with him.
Overall, it was cool.
Might not get the guide the next time.
Don't count on seeing the lions, a bit pricey in my opinion, but it was cool nonetheless.
Visiting Akagera national park has been one of the amazing things I did in 2016.
We were very luck to see Mutware, the eldest elephant in the park, at the beginning of our journey; with the help of an experienced guide (his name is George, I would highly recommend him for his knowledge and ability to track different animals and knowing where they are in the park) I was able to see a lion (actually 2 ) at a close range; less than 100m.
A lot of animals (hippopotamus, giraffes, crocodiles, zebras, waterbucks, etc.
are located near Lac Rwanyakazinga (3.5 hours of drive from the main entrance gate).
Most of roads are accessible by vehicles but only in dry season, am not sure if during wet season they are accessible.
From my experience, it is very crucial to visit the park with an experienced guide who knows very well which road/place to go.
Our group of 30 guests greatly enjoyed our visit to the park on June 29.
The guide on our bus, Diderero, went out of his way to deliver a wonderful and engaging experience...and the animals joined in on the fun.
We were welcomed on arrival by Mitware - the park's most famous elephant, and also enjoyed lions, zebras, schools of hippos, antelope of all varieties, girafffe, a lizard, and water buffalo.
What a beautiful day to enjoy God's creation.
We did one and half day safari staying at lakeside lodge.
The park is long and thin and most of the animals are at the faraway end in July.
But we saw a lot of animals including Lion and Buffalo.
Not a lot toilets constructed but bush toilet is accepted.
In saying that, a toilet block is being built and should be finished in July 2016.
Rhino are due to be introduced which will make this park even better.
It is more affordable in terms of money and time compare to other wildlife destinations in Rwanda.
You may see Giraffe, Zebra, Hippo, Crocodiles, Deer and Elephants.
Now i hear that there are Lions too !
We were here two days and had a wonderful time.
Discovering baboons, giraffes, zebras, antilopes, hippos and so for the first time in real life and a natural setting was a new experience to us.
We were very impressed about the natural approch of the park.
The stay in the lodge was a bit dissapointing.
The overall athmosphere in the hotel is to 'cold' in comprisation of the warmth of Africa.
Long day and bumpy road to and through the park but well worth it in our safari vehicle that was set up by the Lemigo Hotel.
Try to get there early, they open at 6 am, so that you can see the animals as they wake and move looking for food and water.
It's amazing that you will see them all over the park.
The guide will give you good information about the park.
Pack a lunch and maybe you can get out of your vehicle at Hippo Beach, if it is safe.
Elephant, Hippo, Lion, Leopard and Giraffe are the 5 major animals and we saw all but the leopard.
Really awesome to see these animals in their natural environment.
Will make you appreciate some of the elaborate displays some of the bigger zoos have for them.
The biggest park in Rwanda and the most visited as well.
Just 3 hours drive from Kigali, you can visit in the morning and be back in Kigali before sunset.
But if you want to stay then you should stay at the Rusizi tented lodge.
Very exciting park and a model in conservation.
In 2015 seven lions were reintroduced from SA after the last ones were wiped out by livestock owners in the mid '90s.
The female lions have since given birth to 7 cubs making the total lion count to 14.
Plans are underway to reintroduce the rhino as well later this year or early next.
When the rhino is successfully reintroduced, then this park will boast of having all of the so called Africa's Big Five.
As a matter of fact the ambitious management of the park want to reintriduce all the game species that were originally here but got wiped out for one reason or another.
For the time being a variety of animals in this park to be seen include: elephant, giraffe, lion, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, leopard, zebra, hyena, many bird species, a variety of the antelope species and so on.
There are many tour companies that operate in Kigali that offer bespoke tours to this beautiful park.
Beside the game, the park boasts some of the most magnificent and scenic landscapes you can see anywhere.
We visited early this year with a group of friends and we really enjoyed our time.
This is a great experience because when we were in Akagera National Park, it was a good Experience and we saw many of Animals like Giraffe and others.
We left Kigali on a Saturday morning, lunched at Akagera Lodge, went for a p.m. game drive; and the next day took a 6-hour game drive along the Lake Shore Drive, exiting by the North Gate.
The park is beautiful.
It runs N-S, with a long set of ridges to the east which slope steeply down to flatter ground and a series of large tranquil lakes and papyrus swamps.
The availability of water helps attract animals (elephants, waterbucks, etc.
as well as hosting lots of hippos, crocodiles, and many species of bird.
The animal population was devastated during period before and right after the genocide (1994), but the park is now professionally managed, and the animal population is recovering strongly.
We saw a lot of herbivores - impala, topi, waterbuck, zebra, giraffe, giant eland, Cape buffalo, oribi, hippos, elephant.
There are some lions and leopards, but they are not seen often.
The park plans to introduce black rhino (which used to live there) in the near future.
Our ranger guide (George) was very knowledgeable about birds, and piqued our interest in them.
The hippos were especially abundant and active.
And we saw a couple of fine crocodiles.
The park is a very nice blend of spectacular scenery and enough animals to keep us excited!
The only downside: there are tsetse flies in some thickets.
The park has set up scores of fly traps, which apparently have been very effective at reducing the number of flies, but nonetheless I was bitten: my forearm swelled up and was itchy for a few days, but nothing worse.
Akagera doesn't compare to the parks in Kenya or Tanzania, but it's a great opportunity for seeing a range of animals in Rwanda.
You can make it a long day trip or spend the night in the park to break it up.
It takes 5-6 hours to drive the length of the park, and then 3 hours or so to get back to Kigali.
There aren't any facilities so bring everything you need to eat and drink, and be sure to have a good spare tire.
I used ECO TOURS - Evaniste, what a great group to work with.
They know the ins and outs of the park and provide you with an experience like no other.
The park is pristine and the Rwandans work very very hard to keep it that way.
I saw thousands of animals from Giraffes to Buffalo to Zebra - WOW and I am going back to see the Lions.
Don't travel to Africa with out seeing this piece of perfection.
Take a day or two to make a camping in the Akagera National park, Camping at the north entrance, overlooking the lakes and with great view to Tanzanian Mountains.
with luck you see Lions, Leopards!
worth to visit
Wasn't great experience, there quite a lot of travelling by car through set roads and if you're travelling in a car without air conditioning then it will be filled with biting fly's with having the windows down
I went here a few weeks after arriving in Rwanda and I made the mistake of not using the bathroom before getting in the car, I cannot insist of this enough!
There's no toilet on the entire drive).
Once was enough for me though.
Self guided or join a group, either way be prepared for the adventure of a life time.
Make sure that you stay overnight and make it a real safari.
The night time noises alone are worth the trip.
We loved the dinner around the campfire and breakfast on the water.
The animals are plentiful.
You will not be disappointed
This park offers elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, impala, baboons, water buffalo and more.
Sam from Terra Incognita EcoTours proved to be an informed guide through the park, pointing out animals, plants, trees, and birds.
He gave us a tour through the incredible lansdacape and vistas of the Top of the World.
We saw very few other people, adding to the pristine nature of our trip!
It is apro.
2 hours away from Kigali.
Main road is good but later is changing rhe african red solid .
As i know , there are main gates .
But at the gate , there is no food court either at the gate or in the park .
Dont forget to take your snacks with you .
One park guardian will be with you during your trip.
He shows which way you must go and gives spme informations about animals .
And if you are lucky , i was , you can see the huge afrivan elephants .
Nearly from one gate to other takes 5-6 hours .
Enjoy your safari
Great park.
Maybe you don't see as many animals as in other parks but the landscape are magnificent.
Overnight in the camp site under the stars the best experience to recharge your batteries.
We end up this time with a journey of about 30 Girafes... amazing...
We saw plenty of animals on our visit, the welcome centre is worth a visit.
Interesting talk by one of the rangers, who was really helpful during our tour.
We've stayed at the tents rizizi for 3 nights, and it was unbeleivable very nice!
Didn't except it very nice as it was!
All the stuff was helpful and speak good english; the food was just w@oouuw ridiculous yuummy!
Drove around and we've seen alot of Game!
But desapointed didn't see any elephant or giraffe; hopefully next time!
I will definitively going there again!
It is a must 
A few hour drive from Kigali.
Best to take a 4x4 as the roads in the park are rough.
On the morning we visited saw giraffe, zebra, hippos.
crocs, and other small animals.
Review by my nine year old: I have been to Akagera many times [I live in Rwanda] but I am going to write about my most recent visit.
The last time i went to Akagera was for my brother's 7th birthday in February with 2 other families with kids.
We stayed in Karenge Bush Camp, which is like a luxury campsite with beds in the tents and a outside shower and bathroom with views of Lake Ihema.
We went on many game drives and saw many animals like zebras, vervet monkeys, giraffes, hippos, buffalos, warthogs, antelopes and other animals but no snakes, elephants or lions.
We didn't see any elephants all weekend, but luckily, just as we where driving out of the park we saw a large family of elephants drinking and playing in the water, including adults and young elephants!
I would recommend Akagera as a really nice place to visit for almost anyone (not people who are scared of animals).
I was lucky enough to join another group who were renting a car/driver for the day (this made it very low cost compared to a tour).
Saw many different animals while driving through.
Baboons, an elephant, giraffes, zebras, hippos, water buffalo, a leopard, spider monkeys, etc.
It's a great little day trip!
I have been on many safaris over the last 20 years, and seen some incredible sights.
Akagera is Rwanda's one National Park with Savanna type animals.
I heard it had been halved in size in the last 20 years.
The park has been under new management from South Africa to improve the infrastructure, staff training and lodges.
I looked forward to a day out of the city, but was planning on not being impressed.
However, reflecting on our 8-9 hours in the park in one day, I have to admit it was a remarkable experience.
The park has numerous ecosystems including high hills, numerous lakes, forests and open flood plains that were dry this time of the year.
The picnic/camping areas were very well organized and surrounded by an electric fence.
My first thoughts were what an amazing boy scout camping experience this could be.
The animals we saw included many of the species I have seen other African Parks, but in reality, I saw more diversity in antelope species than I have in any other single park in such a short time.
The most numerous animals were Impala, Zebra, Waterbuck and Giraffe, but the number of Eland and Topi were impressive.
I had never seen so many in one day.
We also saw Hippos, Bushbuck, a Roan Antelope, Duiker and my first Oribi.
The only elephant we saw was an old bull who was eating Acacia trees, and kind of hiding from us, despite being about 75 to 100 feet away.
A highlight was a leopard sighting in plain view in the last hour in the park.
He was standing on top of a rock watching us, and we were all watching him, but did not get very good photos.
I would certainly go again!
Akagera National park is the tour you should not miss when planning to visit a country of thousand hills.
It has a very nice view, the savannah vegetation, all the mammal animals are available in the park at a very big number of them including the lions,elephants,zebras,giraffes, hippos and so on.
Akagera also has crocodiles,birds.
The guides at Akagera National park are professionals they really make your holiday a different one.
Plus the accommodations are available inside the park for a night Rest.
This is the place to visit!!
Drove from south to north through Akagera National Park.
Spent roughly 6 hours meandering through incredible beauty while encountering hundreds of beautiful animals (girafes, zebras, water bucks, hippos, elephants, crocodiles, etc).
Had an incredible guide by the name of Justice whose knowledge and personality were great additions to the experience.
I've been to this park twice and both times had great guides and saw a lot of animals.
The second I stayed at Akagera Lodge (not to be confused with Rusizi Tented Lodge) inside the park.
This is much cheaper than the tented lodge and gives you the chance to be picked up by your guide in the morning for your game drive.
There are no toilets once you leave the welcome center, so not recommended for people who can't squat or use a bush!
Always bringing friends visiting Rwanda first time in this park to see the wonders inside touring for almost six hours wherein we saw lots of animals..family of baboons, monkeys, impalas,buffalos, hippos, giraffes, wild bush pig and just recently this month an herd of elephants ( more than twenty of them) and lions.. We are lucky to see all of those that time..So when in Rwanda try to visit the park and its habitat a bit scary at first but a nice adventure and experience.
Visited as part of a week long trip to Rwanda.
Did a day trip from Kigali, arranged with Frank Benoit of Golben Tours: frankbenoitk@goldenrwanda.com I would recommend Frank if you are visiting Rwanda, he was professional and on time, which was a requirement for an early start to Akagera!
My interest was more in the bird life and Sarah Hall at Akagera arranged a guide with superior knowledge of the many bids of this park when I had contacted her in advance: sarahh@african-parks.org As well as the many and varied species of bird, the mammals are great also, a heavy leant to the antelope but the chance of Lion/Elephant etc.
Another plus point was the feeling of having the place all to yourself, it felt like my own private park.
We saw 2 other vehicles in 8 hours.
I would highly recommend this park and the entire experience.
I shall be returning and will certainly spend more than one day.
I would suggest taking a guide, their knowledge will really enhance your experience and they're extremely reasonable as us the whole park.
You may think of Rwanda as less than what it truly is.
Many people will choose Kenya over Rwanda for the pure tourism.
Akagera is one of the main reasons I would recommend Rwanda, it is a very high quality resort compared to many of the other places in Africa.
It was an amazing experience to go on the safari, and you will not regret it.
One warning i would say is to watch out for baboons because they can get really close to you at the resort.
Otherwise it was overall an amazing experience.
The national park is quite small but very interesting.
If you have some time to spare in Rwanda it is worth a visit.
Now they have 7 lions there and the antelopes are plentiful.
It is not like Kenya or Uganda or Tanzania but we had a lot of pleasure with the game watching.
We saw a leopard and a Hippo out of the water as highlights.
Elephants from far away and plenty of antelopes.
This was my first safari.
We saw elephants with in the first minute of driving trough the gate.
The whole experience was super special, getting to see the animals in their natural habitat is something rare and this experience reminded me of how precious these animals are to us.
Our guide was fantastic, full of knowledge and very friendly.
I absolutely loved this place!
My college class went to this park and wow, what an amazing site!
If you want to see an abundance of wild animals, this is the place to go.
We saw elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, zebras, water buffalo, water buck, gazelles, impalas, and so much more.
Jasmyn S.
Akagera was an incredible place to visit.
After visiting all of the National parks in Rwanda, including the recently created Gishwati National park, this was the best place to go for a fun trip with minimal hiking or strenuous activity.
Taking a car around the Savanna was a amazing experience and seeing the elephants, hippos and zebras along with dozens of other species was unforgettable.
If you are going to visit Akagera I would advise you to try to see some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of how the park is managed.
I'd recommend going to Akagera to support the growing ecotourism industry if you live in or around Rwanda and even if you are as far away as the U.S. or Europe.
Zebras, antelopes, elephants, hippos, monkeys galore.
Not the vast numbers of the Serengeti, but many animals all over, as you ride your own car or the park's guided tour vehicles (US$350/day for a party of six, half-days also available).
We stayed at Ruzizi Tented Camp, lakeside and loads of fun.
Sounds of the bush all night around you, very good food included, and totally safe.
I was amazed at the wide variety of animals that were seen in the park.
I saw many of the animals that are traditionally associated with an African safari.
However, I also saw animals that I did not expect to see, like monkeys.
When we were out on the safari our vehicle was the only one that was seen all day.
I was also able to take some of the best shots of elephants I have ever taken in my life.
While in the park I was also able to take a boat tour of Lake Tanganyika.
While on the boat I had the opportunity to see elephants and hippos.
Seeing the lake ecosystems in the park was a very unique experience.
I would recommend that anyone visiting Rwanda visit Akagera National Park.
I spent two nights in Akagera National Park at the Game Lodge.
We started off our three day excursion with a night safari.
We went in a group of 7 people in a safari truck.
It was about 5:30pm when we started our trip.
We first saw a couple of bushback and after those initial animals, it was very quiet.
It was very serene.
Once it got dark, I couldn't see more than a few feet in front of me, but there was a looming storm in the distance.
So every once in a while a crack of lightning would light up our way.
The only other source of light we had was the light the tracker had to try and find animals.
It sounds kind of scary, but I felt very safe the entire time.
We eventually saw a serval stalking a rabbit and even two elephants towards the end!
The next day we went on a long day safari.
We saw a ton of animals!
There were herds of zebra on the road that we were driving on!
We saw tons of giraffe and even a small herd of elephants!
Our tracker knew a lot about the animals and where we could go to see specific ones.
The next day we went on a boat tour.
We saw some hippos.
The guide was careful not to get to close to them and once they were starting to feel a little threatened, we backed off.
We even saw a crocodile jump up and eat a bird!
That's the circle of life for you.
Overall, it was an amazing experience.
Akagera is not commercialized and very natural.
It didn't feel like the animals were placed anywhere and they responded as wild animals would.
This is the real safari that anyone wanting to go to Africa should go on!
I was absolutely amazed at the density of animals on the safari.
I probably went about five minutes maximum without seeing any zebra, buffalo, or giraffe.
After talking with the warden, he checked to see where the lions and elephants were, and to our luck the elephants were nearby.
The ranger that went with us was kind and extremely knowledgable.
The next morning I went on a boat tour of Lake Tanganyika and saw a herd of hippos.
The guide/boat driver kept us a safe distance from them.
We also rode around a small island covered in forest and densely populated with birds, and a few crocodiles.
The weather was great and it was a relaxing and interesting way to start the day.
I had heard that this park was not the best place to see animals but that is wrong.
Saw all of the big animals except the newly introduced lions.
Only regret is that we could not spend the night.
Two days would have been better.
A young guide (Maddie sp?
who is part of a group trained to be free lance guides was knowledgeable and had great eyes finding mammals and birds.
These young people are paid by tips only which go to the cooperative of twenty and shared.
This was not explained clearly to us.
Well worth a generous tip!
Be sure to get a park guide book (about 4$).
It is well done and beautiful.
A great souvenir.
Ok where to start we went all the way from kigali it took 3 hrs to reach there with nice view all around with the banana trees and maize fields also the rice fields we saw on our way the inyange factory for water juice and milk and then we reached the park paid our tkts and went on first tour were u can just breathe and smell oxygen like never before we saw animals lots of antelopes, birds, butterflies and baboons we were also lucky to see a huge gang of elephants the.
We went to the game lodge to have lunch i expected it to be not nice but they surprised me friendly stuff and actually nice good and then we went for our second tour more or less the same and we reserved our boat tour which is a must we saw crocodiles hepos And eagles the view was amazing and air was unbelievable we went back to our lodge baboons was all around and was nice just make sure to close well ur windows and balconies
This park was small but has just about everything, and the best part is we didn't even see any other tourists while we were there.
On our safari we were the only bus on the trail, and the animals were everywhere, and they were so close to the bus!
It was so amazing, an beautiful.
The park seems new and very well kept.
The staff was so friendly and really cared about making sure you had an amazing experience and saw all of the animals possible.
In addition to a day safari I would recommend a night safari as well.
You may not see a ton of animals on the night safari but when you do see them it is stunning.
We saw african elephants in the middle of the night and it was much more exciting than seeing an elephant in the day.
Also the boat tour on the lake was something you cannot miss.
I loved this park, I would definitely recommend.
The park is on the smaller side and very beautiful with quite few tourists.
The freelance guides are very good at what they do and I should highly recommend the boat ride on Lake Ihema since it's very nice, especially if you want to spot birds.
I traveled to all 4 National Parks in Rwanda (which I would recommend).
Akagera is different from the other three because it is Savannah terrain.
There is so much to explore in Akagera.
We went on a safari, boating, and a night drive and each came with the viewing of amazing animals.
A few included zebras, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, mongoose, and the list could go on and on.
There was not a lack of animals to be seen.
I would highly recommend going.
In this beautiful place we had the chance to have the best guide (a great guy in-loved in Nature, unfortunately couldn't remember his name).
We didn't had the chance to meet the giraffes and the elephants, anyway it was an amazing experience to observe the Rwandan savanna.
I was impressed to see and hear about the hippos life, to see and hear a lot of birds species, to meet baboons etc.
Strongly recommend to take a guide!
Went to Rwanda over Christmas and visited the Akagera National Park for two days loved it and saw many animals including elephants, giraffes, zebras and may more all up close.
Guides very knowledgeable and speek English.
We hired a car with a driver some of the time booked through a great guy called Frank Benoit in Rwanda.
goldenrwanda.com.
Could not fault his helpfulness and will be planning to go back..Jon
Akagera National Park is one of the most beautiful places I've every seen.
Animals were visible in abundance and the guides were very knowledgeable and friendly.
We went to Akagera with our own vehicle, a 4x4 would be strongly recommended as the roads can be muddy, especially in the north.
This is one of the few parks where they do not insist on a guide and we spent 6 hours - it was not enough time!
We saw many hippos, elephants, zebras, antelope and a giraffe, they have recently released 7 lions and plan to have further releases.
There are several lakes in the park and it is possible to go fishing for an additional fee, we didnt catch anything but this may be due to me being a bit shy fishing about 60m from a hippo!!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) !.
The park appears very well run, we saw several groups of rangers and the whole area is fenced.
It is possible to exit through the northern gate but you can only enter at the southern gate.
Make sure you allow at least six hours and there is a lot to see.
Chased by an elephant (safely), watched one of the newly reintroduced lionesses eat her warthog, giraffes necking, the plains filled with animals....terrific!
The park has a range of terrains and routes, none of which were busy, all of which we saw animals.
They are doing a fantastic job on reintroduction of lion, soon to be rhino, and we were incredibly lucky to also see leopard and elephant.
Visiting in December meant that the park was green, but short grass in the main, so we could still see the maximum number of animals.
Fabulous accommodation in Ruzizi lodge, simple but beautifully secluded and peaceful.
I would recommend it to everyone
I can't say enough good about this park!
If I had to recommend any park that I've visited in east Africa this would be it.
We say more game here in 6 hours than we experienced in several days of viewing in Uganda/Tanzania...and the scenery is BEAUTIFUL!
Don't miss if you have a day to spare in Rwanda!
Elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, kopi, mongoose, birds, hippos, etc.
Incredible!
Bizidanny Tours was absolutely great.
They handled all the details and responded to our many questions very quickly.
Our guide was Magezi and he showed us the park and answered all our questions.
We saw hippos, crocs, wart hogs, monkeys, baboons, giraffes and even an elephant.
We stayed overnight at the tent lodge which was wonderful.
I give this tour company five stars.
The park is very nice, a lot of animals, especially antilopes, zebras, girafes and hippo.
We were there in a rainy day, so we did't see the crocodiles (they like the sun).
There are many elephants and about 8 lions, but we did not have the chance to see them.
We saw a beautiful leopard instead.
It would be recommended to visit the national park in the dry season, because even if you drive a 4x4 car, there are parts of the road difficult to use.
We've got stucked in the mud for half an hour and it was quite difficult to get out, but it was a nice adventure to walk on the slippery road, to search branches and rocks, to push the car... the entrance in the park in only through the south gate, the exit can be chosen: south or north gate.
If you get lost or you don't get out of the park until 6PM (except when you have accomodation in the park and you stay over night, which you have to declare at the reception at your arrival), a rescue team will search you.
The entry fee is 35US$/pax for foreigners (7$/pax for local people, 25$ for foreign residents) and there are many options for activities and accomodation.
You can see more info on the official website.
Akagera park boasts some stunning views!
There are quite a few species to be found.
Recently a few lions were imported but I did not spot them.
Watch out for the elephants, apparently they are quite grumpy in this park :)
This is a fun and amazing place to visit.
We had an excellent tour guide who spotted an elephant from across the lake as well as numerous giraffes, impalas, antelopes, zebras, baboons, monkeys, hippopotamus, and many more.
The park is large and takes several hours to tour.
We also stayed at the Akagera Lodge which provided excellent service and food.
The rooms were clean and comfortable.
We were able to see baboons when we came out in the morning.
There is a large pool, patio, firepit, and playground.
We did night safari and a day safari and loved every minute of both.
We saw so many animals and that was before the lions took up residence so there is even more reason to go now.
I think you need a guide, especially the first time you go.
You can do it in a day trip from Kigali but I suspect you'd need to get up about 4am.
We enjoyed two nights camping at Akagera (one night each at both ridge campsites, not the one by the lake) and driving and seeing game all over the park.
The game is mostly in the north and it takes hours of driving to get around and see them, but we enjoyed ourselves and will go back.
I've visited here after it brought lions in from SA but was not able to see them.
The view of the park was gorgeous.
Million hills and cohabiting antelopes!
Thisis an amzing small park compare to other countries, but you will have the impression to be in a beatiful well cared garden.
The tour is one way, I mean you enter from the South and you exit the north gate.
Most of animals are at north indeed.
And now also lions.
I will come again
The park is not as well stocked as some areas of Africa, but the mountain and lakeside drives afford different species viewing opportunities.
We did'nt see cats, although some lions had been released in the days prior to our visit, and only one very angry elephant.
The guides are knowledgeable when you check in at the visitor centre, and you can easily self drive with a 4x4.
Some alternative overnight options, mostly camping (now with electric fences) or Akagera Game Lodge
This National Park has a lot to offer.
We stayed at Rizuzi Tented Camp and it was excellent.
Try to do a full-day safari in order to see as many animals as you can.
Akagera is not as spectacular as the large parks in Kenya and Tanzania.
You see more individual animals or smaller groups, may be up to ten hippos or gazelles in a little herd.
Against all advices to start early in the morning, we found more animals in the late afternoon, when they go to the lakes to drink.
Also try to head to the north of the park as fast as possible.
The south is bush land, difficult to see the animals there.
Be prepared for a bumpy six hour drive in a 4x4 till the north gate.
A lot of Rwandans are ready to go with you in their own car, which may cost around 200 US for the trip.
You have to add entrance fees to the park plus the guide (check rates in the internet at RDB).
Around 35 US per person in September 2015.
Bottles of drinking water are available in the cafe in the visitors centre at the south entrance, where you have to get in and get your guide (1,000 RWF per liter).
The map of the park is 2,500 RWF at the gift shop.
We saw no elephants in the dry season.
They seem to be more frequent along the roads in the wet season.
Roads may be more difficult to pass though.
Akagera National Park has great views and a lake.
when i visited there were very few animals but i understand that since then they have started restocking and restoring the park to ensure the visitors have a great experience.
A small park with beautiful lakes and view points .Quiet which makes for good viewing.
A good assortment of wildlife including an elephant with a sad history.Was given a good introduction to the park by 1 of the Guides and then spent 1 1/2 days travelling around it.
Absolutely amazing experience!
We saw tons of gazelle and other antelopes, warthogs, zebras, a few hippos, water buffalo, bald eagles and other exotic birds, and survived a close encounter with an elephant who we had seen earlier in the brush but on our way back he was strolling down the (one-lane) dirt road.
Needless to say we backed up slowly until he/she finally left the road to head for the lake.
Sadly we did not see any giraffe, although most people do, and the newly introduced lions are still hiding out.
It's a long drive from south to north, and there are no conveniences (aka restrooms), so be forwarned.
You can do as the animals do when you find a clear spot but you run the risk of Tse Tse flies and mosquitos.
This game park is one of Rwanda's hidden gems.
Most travelers skip Akagera in favor of the same of the more high profile parks in Kenya and Tanzania, which I think is a mistake.
This is a wonderful, unspoiled spot with most of all of the animals you want to see without the crowds.
When we were there, we did a 6 hour game drive and only saw one other vehicle!
My driver and I arrived at around 8:00 am at Akagera Park.
It took a little more than two hours to arrive there from Kigali.
We have been told by a park guide that we might not see many animals close to the entrance, because they prefer to be close to the lakes.
Fortunately, they decided otherwise.
I could see different kind of animals from the beginning, including hippos and buffalos.
My driver explained me that we were too late for the lions.
This is a trip that I can imagine doing again, maybe spending the night there, so that I can see the lions next time.
Driving along the park takes some hours, so go to the bathroom and buy something to eat before it starts.
Lions have recently been introduce (the deers and zebras were not consulted!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
The park is small compared to the Serengeti but offers chance for good birding.
It is not very easy to access all locations of the park.
The dirt road in is being rebuilt so will be good.
Roads within the Park really require high clearance vehicle , although there were small sedans driving around!
Having visited many game reserves, we were interested in the array of very different vegetation types, a mixture of lakes, and the changes in animals in the different areas.
Also the giraffe, baboons, waterbuck and Topi are different to Southern Africa!
Especially the birds, apparently more species of birds in Rwanda than any other African country!
Cost of US$ 35 pp per day entry fee, vehicle US$ 25 and guide $40 per day is at the high end but you can see the money is being used properly.
They do have eftpos!
Will be back to see the lions and the leopards we missed!
Great experience.
We have seen a lot of animals like elephants, zebra's, giraffes, hippo's, crocodiles, special birds.
Only the road is a bit bumpy.
I had never been on Safari and did a 1 and 1/2 day tour.
I stayed at the lodge overnight.
The park is huge and there are plenty of animals too see.
Very few big cats in the park and I didn't see any.
As we drove in the park from the south gate we were in the bush area.
I got a little discouraged because it was hard to find animals.
Luckily, as you drive north it opens up and the animals are plentiful.
My impression was that the animals see lots of cars and other than the warthogs and crocodiles, most animals were unphased by cars.
On the second day I went on a one hour boat ride and it was okay, but not great.
I think if you get to the park by 8:00, you have plenty of time to see everything and there is no need to spend overnight.
Seen elephants giraffe but we did not see the newly released lions.
I guess they are getting settled in before they make an appearance
Akagera is an easy trip from Kigali and while it doesn't display the abundant wildlife of big parks in Kenya, Tanzania and other east and southern African countries, this is a park that deserves a visit if you are in Rwanda.
The smallish herds of elephant, giraffe and other animals are reproducing well with the care and protection of the park guardians.
The establishment of a pride of lions in the summer of 2015 signals Rwanda's efforts to increase its appeal as a tourism destination.
The new Ruzizi tent lodge, entirely solar powered and a lovely luxurious-rustic option for overnight stays, is another reason to visit the park.
While I only saw two of the big five during my 24-hour stay, an unexpected sighting of an elephant shrew on the night safari was a treat.
Don't skip this night trip led by the national park guides--you will see a host of nocturnal animals that are too shy to find during the day.
Guides are *excellent*.
Didier, one of the local community guides, is a former elementary school teacher whose love of birds made our 8 hour meander through the park absolutely phenomenal.
This is a good news for Rwandans and our tourists that now we have lions in Akagera National Park.
It means we have big four and we are expecting to complete the number of big five when the Rhinos will come.
As Rwandan I hope to see the number of those who like the wildlife being increased including Rwandans.
Those are three of the seven lions we received from South Africa, they are 5 females and 2 males.
Wish prosperity and fertility to our lions in Akagera National Park
We spent two days here.
We had a boat trip which was OK, but the best bit was seeing the animals on our game drives.
Twice there were elephants in the road, which necessitated waiting it out until they moved.
We saw a lot of Hippos out of the water and many birds.
It is a good place for seeing animals.
The Park has different enviroments, the lake, savannah and scrub, which host lots of different species.
Lions had been released recently, but we did not see them.
As ever evenings and early morning are best for wildlife viewing.
This Park was breath taking.
I cant compare with other safaris as it was my first one but the landscapes are amazing and I have been Lucky to see loads and loads of animals: giraffes, elephants, zebras, baboons, waterbucks, impala, hippos, and so much more!
You can do a two Days tours.
One by car and one by boat.
I would recommend to do only one by car as you can see everything.
We utilized Rwanda Eco-Tours to take us to a safari in Akagera National Park.
Seeing the African animals in their natural habitat was so exciting - elephants, baboons, giraffes, hippos, water buffalo, zebras, warthogs, antelope, and numerous exotic birds.
They brought lions from South Africa the day we visited but hadn't released them yet.
Our guide to the park was Anaclet, a veterinarian, and he was super.
Our guide from Rwanda Eco-tours, Yusin, also accompanied us and between the two of them, no question went unanswered.
Both of them are passionate about Rwanda and the animals.
We especially enjoyed getting a close up view of the elephants.
Go to Akagera - you won't regret it.
Did a one-day Safari from Kigali.
Set off at 5am and got back about 6pm.
Hired a great guide at the visitor centre who picked a great route: we saw all the usual suspects in quick succession including the rare Roan Antelope.
The lions imported from South Africa are still in quarantine, but you should see elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, baboons and loads of different antelopes.
The lake adds an extra dimension with sea eagles and kingfishers in profusion.
Well worth a visit.
We spent the whole day on the safari.
We saw many animal types: impala, crocodiles, hippos, elephants (one almost chraged our truck!
), baboons, spider monkeys, giraffe, zebra, wart hogs, other hooved species, assorted birds, and a brief view of a leopard.
Great experience.
We spent about 5 hours driving through the park and we saw so many animals.
I could not believe the amount of wildlife there.
To name a few we saw, hippos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelope, warthogs, and so much more.
We never saw any cats but the animals we did see were plenty.
The drive can get bumpy, and I recommend an Air Conditioned vehicle as some places are thick with flies, and they bite!
You are on a safari, so you can't expect cushy roads of course.
Ultimately it was a fantastic experience, and so affordable (about $30 US per person, and $30 for a guide for our group of four people).
I highly recommend this park if you are visiting Rwanda and have a free day, if you don't have a free day, make one.
Great national park, a little known gem.
Lots of animals, giraffes, zebras, buffalo.
Disappointingly I never saw any elephants or cats, but there was plenty of other animals.
There was also a nice lake where the locals were fishing.
Well worth a visit.
We were able to see just about every kind of large animal and many types of birds resident in the park, except the leopard, in just a day trip from Kigali.
It was a gorgeous park with hills and plains and lakes.
The giraffes, zebras, buffalos, elephant, hippos, crocodiles, impalas, warthogs, topis, bush bucks, water bucks, several other antelopes, eagles, ibis, kingfisher, etc... were all very impressive.
We got quite close as well.
This park is relatively easy to get to from Kigali to the Northeast and contains some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Compared to some of the more expensive national parks in East Africa this is a pretty good deal.
However, you are not guaranteed to see some of the bigger ticket wildlife East Africa is known for (elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, etc.
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
I did see some giraffes, hypos, and monkeys there and enjoyed the brief safari we did.
I visited with a group of friends and made the big mistake of going at the beginning of the rainy season and not renting a larger four wheel drive vehicle.
Do not skimp on transportation as we spent a large amount of time getting stuck and eventually actually needing the national park service to bail us out of one particularly bad spot as the sun was setting.
Akagera has a great spot for camping and just hanging out.
It's supposed to have good bird watching too but we didn't stay long enough for that.
As a resident of Kigali, I did this 3 day Safari with my wife.
Akagera National Park was a beautiful place with lots of wildlife, and thanks to it's not being Serengeti, you could get close to the animals and have the park to yourself.
And the hotel, Akagera Logde, was situated on a fantastic spot, overlooking on of the lakes in the park.
We had a wonderful time, much thanks to our excellent tour operator Aron Mugisha of Safari 2 Gorilla Tours Ltd, who I really can recommend.
Safari 2 Gorilla Tours is a small but also a personal company that really went the extra mile in order to make the safari a great experience.
Beautiful views.
Drive from south end to north end takes about five hours, about 8 round trip if you're staying at the game lodge.
Brought our own vehicle and driver.
Saw all the animals except for cheetahs and elephants.
Great safari for first timers.
If you've done the Mara, Serengeti, etc, this might be a disappointment, there's less variety of animals and they aren't in large herds.
But overall, great place.
Be warned that heavily bushed sections of the drive have swarms of tse tse flies, so you'll be busy killing them rather than watching the scenery!
It was too hot to handle closing up the vehicle.
So bring plenty of repellent and something to swat the flies.
Boat drive at sunset was totally worth it.
I was lucky enough to stay in a cabin inside the park for a couple of nights.
It's an amazing experience to say the least!
Baboons were climbing all over the cabin, sometimes with small babies on their backs.
The sunsets over the lake were fantastic!
I saw a few giraffes, a hippo, lots of herds of wildebeest, and zebras the day I went on safari.
Look out for the zebras!
Watching them run at full speed down the mountainside was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.
Watch out for bloodsucking flies however... sooo painful....
The Akagera National Park is easily to be visited within one day, but don't look surprised if you have to wake up early because the drive from Kigali town centre to the park is about 2,5 to 3 hours long.
I did it in two days.
The first day we did half of a game viewing and at 4.30pm we were able to do a sunset boat trip on the lake (35 euro).
If you take the 3pm boat trip, it's a bit cheaper.
The day after, we did a whole day of game viewing, saw giraffes, a leopard, buffaloes, crane birds, the African fish eagle, crocodiles, hippos, impala's, zebra's, ... you name it.
Only, but small, letdown was the fact that our guide wasn't a very motivated one.
We didn't get a lot of explanations or extra facts/faits divers, even when we asked about things he didn't seem to know a lot about it.
Was a shame, but didn't really affect the trip.
It's a wonderful experience, definitely when you want to escape the busy and hectic atmosphere of the Kigali town centre and surroundings.
Akagera National Park area has Beautiful scenery and a game drive in the northern sector exposes you to wide variety of African animals such as Giraffes, Lion, Elephants, Buffalo and so many Antelopes.
Ruzizi Tented camp is excellent!
Keep it up.
I've never done anything like this, I highly recommend it.
We did the boat tour as well as the drive through the park.
We paid extra for the tour guide which I highly recommend.
We saw so many animals, and our guide was able to point out elephants across the lake we would have never seen otherwise, amazing!
I also recommend leaving AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
If you are the first tour group through the park you will see the most wildlife, absolutely be out the door by 6am it's worth it!
Would do this again!
It is very beautiful.
Nice service of the guides, especially Inocent.
Many animals, everything clean.
I only recommend to have a bigger menu at the cafeteria.
Akagera is beautiful and easily accessible from Kigali, 2+ hours.
I chose Good Friend Services for our transportation to the park, around the park and back home.
I would recommend them, reasonable and reliable.
We stayed 2 nights at the eco tent lodge.
A bit more expensive but worth every penny.
The food was better than amazing, the cook has a gift!!
The park, wildlife and birdlife were all wonderful.
Definitely take the boat trip on Lake Ihema.
The only part that was not so great was that we missed getting to the northern section.
We spent too much time driving up over the top ridge where the road is bad and you have to go slow, no animals up there either.
Plus, the tsetse flies are horrendous up there.
Next time I will go up the lake road and into the Northern part.
As a certified safari guide, I have been through many African national parks.
Akagera is a beautiful park that comprises rolling hills, blue lakes, dense woodland and open grasslands.
It contains three of the big five - elephant, cape buffalo and leopard among many other well-known African species such as giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile and impala.
It is also a birdwatchers paradise, boasting a wide array of avian species.
It is a relatively small park and the chances of seeing some of the more popular species are fairly slim, however.
Your chances of seeing elephants are 50/50 and as with many safaris, you will be extremely lucky and should feel very privileged to spot a leopard.
Species that are almost guaranteed include giraffe, cape buffalo, zebra and topi.
Personal highlights were bushbuck, oribi and a blue-cheeked bee-eater.
Those looking for a Serengeti/Maasai Mara style safari should not opt for Akagera instead.
Akagera is ideal for those who have already experienced these types of safaris and are looking for something a bit different.
Rwanda is a beautiful country that offers many amazing encounters with wildlife.
If you are on a tight budget then I would prioritize gorilla and chimpanzee trekking ($750 (yes seven hundred and fifty dollars) and $90 respectively) before visiting Akagera.
A 2 hrs drive from Kigali will take you to Akagera National park.Guides are excellent and patient while looking for the Game.A 2, days safari isn't bad.I would recommend a boat ride on the Ihema lake as soon as you arrive on day 1, and a full day Game drive focusing on the Northern section over looking Tanzania as it has the highest concentration of wildlife.
Akagera does not have that many animals (no lions), but I love the fact that you are able to drive arround the park by your self!
A 4WD is a must, so is aircondition.
There are plenty of Tsetse flies in Akagera who are attracted by the engine sound of the car, and driving with the mindows open will result in a lot of unpleasant flies in the car.
Bring water and food for the hole stay, there are no shops or restaurants (besides the two hotels) with in the park.
The hotels are at the south end of the park.
Most animals are in the north.
A good option is to enter by the southern gate and exiting through the northern gate the next day.
ok, not the vast herds of Kenya, but some of all the animals here is a less visited setting, just 2-3 hours from Kigali.
We stayed at the lakeshore tented facility, lovely and a real feel on being in the bush.
Super comfortable; this is not roughing it.
Guides and professional and we loved every day.
Two days here and you'll see all the species.
Caveat: I've been on safari in the Serengeti and I have fairly low tolerance for sitting in a car.
But I'd have a hard time recommending this park to anyone.
We didn't see many animals and the landscape is pretty monotonous.
There are much prettier and more dramatic places to visit in Rwanda.
We visited Akagera Park as part of a pretty large group (25 people).
We paid and had a fantastic guide who rode along with us and had amazing knowledge of the history and the animals, as well as lots us personal stories & experiences to share.
It is definitely worth the money to do this (and, if you have a small enough group, to rent the safari vehicle.
We didnt but it looked really cool!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
We saw beautiful animals up close, such as an elephant, giraffes, zebras, alligators, monkeys & more!
it was phenomenal!
Would recommend to anyone, and would love to go back!
Might be worth bringing along some binoculars if you are interested in the birds - one of our group did and we had a lot of fun passing them around to see the detail in them!
Akagera is huge and breathtaking and varied.
It is home to a plethora of flora and fauna.
I particularly like that you are able to drive yourselves without a guide; although, this may not be the safest option.
Or the easiest.
The maps are very vague and do NOT include all the potential turn-offs that you encounter.
It is an adventure this way, though.
I haven't camped there yet, but friends have and have been happy with it and the tents that you can rent.
This park is way underrated in the guidebooks.
It was breathtaking!
Great vistas and up-close wildlife viewing without any crowds.
Seeing giraffes, zebras, and baboons were my highlights.
I also saw hippos, warthogs, vervet monkeys, and lots of birds.
I went in November so during the rainy season so there were almost no bugs and I nearly had the park to myself!
It was great!
I felt like it was great way to get the African safari experience only a day-trip distance from Kigali.
It is one of our favorite places to take visitors to Rwanda--especially those who have never been to other game parks in Africa.
We love staying at Ruzizi Tented Lodge while there.
The biggest challenge is the horse flies that enter the vehicles and will bite.
However, the park is working to reduce this problem and each time we visit it seems a bit better.
We recommend paying the extra for a guide and if you have a group of 4 or more, rent the Safari Vehicle.
Loved our trip to Akagera... we had a great guide and even though it was the rainy season we still saw many many animals.. the only ones we did not see were the elephants but that's okay.. it was a great day and very reasonable to see animals up close and personal
We spent 2 nights here at Ruzizi tented lodge and the animals were obligingly willing to be seen.
We saw 3 different elephant groups, one set twice.
People kept saying it was amazing to see the elephants and it is possible to come many times without seeing any elephants.
So it just depends on where they are in the vast park.
There are no guarantees but we were lucky.
The boat tours were very interesting the guide was delightful.
We took two of them.
I highly recommend it.
That is where we saw lots of hippos and even an elephant in the water!
Wear light colored clothing.
Do not rent a dark car with a dark interior that has broken airconditioning as the flies acted like it was a magnet for them.
We did one 1/2 day on our own and got a local guide the next 1/2 day.
It was nice with the guide because the roads are scantily marked and this is no problem for the guides who of course are totally familiar with the lay of the land.
It was a bit stressful going without one because of the forementioned road situation.
The guides keep in communication about where the animals have been spotted so it adds to the likelihood of target animals ( for us giraffes) being seen.
We had the trip of a lifetime.
We even saw the future generation of elephant and zebra.
There were klipspringers, waterbuffalo,baboons,&birds galore!
We are visiting from Kigali on a long weekend.
We have taken a day long tour, night drive and two boat trips.
We hired a driver and 4x4 in Kigali.
Number to come later in a comment).
On the first sunset boat ride we saw hippos, two crocs (they are very fast) and many different species of birds.
On day safari we were very lucky.
A small group of elephants were blocking out road which made for an very exciting stand off ( the elephant won).
We then saw a leopard LSO in the middle of the road.
The guide had only seen one five times... so this is rare in the day time.
We then saw herds of topi, antelope, impala, water and reed bucks, my favorite...
Many zebra.
Right up north we came across a mud wallowing hippo who treated us to an amble through zebra.
Finally we also found giraffes.
This was pretty much a full house!
Very very lucky.
There are many baboon and monkeys.
Next day we had a daytime boat ride and encountered many bathing hippo and a baby crocodile.
Amazing selection of birds.
That night on the night safari we saw a hyena, but also learnt that animals do not just turn up for tourists to see.
It is however a very different experience and interesting to see the different behavior the animals present at at night.
Tips: go with guide, ours were all excellent.
Ask about the community ...
The stories are interesting....
If you have expensive camera gear learn how to shoot at night so as not to annoy your fellow passengers with your ineptitude while we wait for you to figure it out!
Take a torch out at night and try to sort out aperture under those conditions!
If you have back pain.. Take pain pills before heading out -the roads are bumpy... You really are on safari .
This is a beautiful park with rolling hills, fields of flowers, interesting trees, open plains, and game wandering all over.
There are hardly and people there so often it seems that it is just you and the animals.
They seem unconcerned about humans so you can get fairly close for pictures.
There was nothing like looking at the hills in the distance and noticing that one of the trees along the top profile was really the neck of a giraffe.
I don't know if I would make a special trip to Rwanda to visit this park, but absolutely if you are in Rwanda to see the gorillas I would highly recommend taking two days to stay here and tour the park.
The ride to the park from Kigali or Ruhengeri is interesting too.
Rwanda is a beautiful country.
This park has suffered from the war in the nineteens and the pressures from the population afterwards.The park is now recovering but it will take time to get back to level it was 30 years ago.
The reintroduction of lions and Rhino should help.
The elephants and girafes are doing fine.
If travelling to Rwanda, it is an interesting activity to do.
A stay at the Ruzizi Tented lodge is a must!
Our tour of the park was initially uneventful; we had a pleasant lunch at the cafe after a long journey to the park and had progressed viewing zebra, water buffalo, topi, mongoose and many species of bird.
Our guide (I would definitely recommend hiring a guide) told us he'd seen elephants in the morning and we were returning slightly disappointed when another guide warned us of a bull elephant in musht around the next corner.
We backed around the corner and thankfully were able to make a quick getaway after viewing him at close quarters when he started to charge.
What speed!
A very good way to see all the animals in their real environment, both giraffs, hippos, zebras, elephants, crocodiles and a lot of birds but so far no lions.
And you can also be hunted by baboons at the game lodge
I really enjoyed my stay in Akagera.
The landscape is stunning and you can see a lot of different animals in a short amount of time.
The staff at the visitor's centre are friendly and helpful, and the prices are reasonable, cheaper than the parks in Tanzania or Uganda.
We stayed at the Northern campsite, which was very beautiful and quiet - we were the only ones there.
Be aware that amenities at the campsite are simple - when we were there, there was no water, so make sure to bring food, water and other stuff which you need.
Rolling green hills, animals, birds, lakes.
Hire a driver or take your own car through the dirt tracks that cross the park.
Don't miss the boat trip in the evening.
There's a lot of driving, so you have to be patient.
Really beautiful.
I have been several times in Akagera National Park, and always it is possible to discover the new kind of animals in the you have not meet.
According to seasons the park has various looks and it is better to overnight in the park when you need to meet more animals even Crocodiles and Hippos.
This is a wonderful natural mage of the centuries ago.
On my previous trip with Peter Gilchrist a Birder witha Checklist of more than 5600 Bird Species, we spotted almost 10 New species in two days.
It's one of the best birding areas of the world with the highest number of species per unit area.
You Should not miss visiting Akagera National Park.
I will highly recommend it to Birders.
We stayed at Ruzizi tented accommodation for two nights ( absolutely fantastic) and on the final day drove from South to North.
What an experience, stunning country, initially hilled and quite forested and later open plains.
We encountered so much wild life: many, many varied antelope, Hippos, crocs, wart hogs, Giraffe, only one Elephant, baboons and Vervet monkeys, scores of Zebra and the most amazing birdlife, this must surely be a birdwatchers paradise.
Its not cheap, but I am assured that all money goes to the upkeep of the Park.
Plans are afoot to re-introduce lions and Rhinoceros.
Having a good guide certainly helps.
Bizidanny Tours organized a wonderful trip to Rwanda for us, and Akagera National Park was part of the tour.
We had an excellent driver/guide Magesi who was a great game spotter, and a sturdy jeep with an open roof.
On our safairs in the park we were fortunate to see many of the antelope species (impala, waterbuck, eland, oribi, bushbuck) as well as elephants, wart hogs, vervet monkeys, giraffe, baboons, zebras, cape buffalo, rhinos, a great variety of interesting birds and even a monitor lizard.
Our accommodation was Ruzizi Tented Lodge which was a luxury for us.
From our tent we saw Weaver Birds, monkeys, and a crocodile.
Perfect!
I have to say first that we are not Safari aficionados.
Woburn and Windsor don't count apparently.
So this is a review without any comparison.
However........
The most stunning drive from south to north in a day.
Enough animals to keep an Attenborough happy and the most glorious views from the top of the mountain across Lake Ihema to Tanzania.
We took a guide in our own 4x4 (if you intend to self drive I would say a 4x4 is probably essential, especially in the wet) which was helpful but probably not required as the map and signs are reasonably accurate.
He did prove useful in knowing where some of the animals were hiding though and very knowledgeable about the park history.
No big cats yet though.
Apparently they're still on the cards but a little delayed........... We stayed at the Rusizi tented lodge overnight and if your budget stretches to it then I would say you'd be mad not to.
It's wonderful.
Allow yourself lots of down time there though as its so lovely that you'll want to laze about in your tent.
The sunset boat trip was good for hippo spotting and blowing the cobwebs of the drive from Kigali away.
If you're going to attempt it in a day from Kigali though be warned, it will be a very long days driving.
Unfortunatey this park is still somewhat suffering from the genocide.
While it is was reduced by 2/3 of its size prior to before the genocide it is still a very large game park.
Many people do not realize that you can go on a full blown safari while in Rwanda.
The birding is fantastic.
We saw lots of animals.
The government is trying to restore this park to its former greatness and it would be great to help it out.
Right now they are working on getting lions back into the park.
One of the best parts of the day was the boat trip.
This is not to be missed.
We got close up to a huge pod of hippos and multiple other pods as well.
We also got to see some crocs and a lot of birds.
This was definitely worth the trip from Kigali.
I would recommend staying at tthe tented lodge, but this could likely be done on a day trip.
This was my first Safari experience.
Though we had some technical difficulties (unrelated to the park), it definitely did not take away from the loveliness of this place.
The park was the perfect size for a first time safari, not too large or small.
I went during the dry season so most of the game drive consisted of staying around the lake, which is huge.
I was absolutely amazed by the views and the wildlife; I was in awe at the number of zebras, giraffes, and hippos in the park.
If in Rwanda, it is a definite visit- especially now since they decided to repopulate the park with lions in August this year.
I would definitely make sure to double and triple check your tour operator; do not settle and definitely plan in advance!
Make sure to take snacks and pack yourself a lunch or ask your tour operator if they include a meal.
Another option is to do the trip yourself, rent a car and then pay for a tour guide.
I would make sure to contact the park or this lady named Sarah who was particularly helpful: sarahh@african-parks.org.
Although they are still missing some of the big safari animals, it was still an impressive park with plenty of opportunity to see Africa's unique wildlife at fairly close range.
Rwanda's first safari park.
It is still under development when we visited.
The entrance, visitor centre and accommodation is in the South which is a little disappointing as our guide informed us that most of the animals were a 8hr round drive in the North!
However we did see giraffe, zebra, monkeys, baboon, eagles etc.
Our guide was great at spotting them.
There is a leopard but we didn't spot it but I have known 2 groups recently that have so keep your eyes peeled.
They are introducing lions soon when they have finished the fence!
The tented lodges were quite luxurious and very private - ideal for couples but not for children.
We could hear hippos grunting at night and I woke up to a baboon staring at me through the fly cover.
They do run boat trips but this seems disorganised.
Some of our group wanted to go on an early one but were not able to get transport to the dock, 10 minutes away, which was disappointing.
Other guests said the manager had rung ahead to say they were coming and they were 5 minutes late and the boat had left!
NB leanne D, a previous reviewer, mentioned that there are gorillas - there are no gorillas here so don't be disappointed!
Expansive and uncrowded, an excellent place to experience the savannah ecosystem and see a broad range of wildlife.
Guides are inexpensive, provide local employment, and well-informed.
Using a guide will enrich the experience in really important ways, including using their contact network to find wildlife in real time, so economize somewhere else and hire a guide.
Having been to several large zoos, the Natural Bridge Safari, and the Wild Kingdom Safari, I have enjoyed see African animals in what would be assumed their natural habitat.
However, nothing compares to roaming through Akagera National Park in their domain.
The countryside was beautiful and we saw all of the animals although I wanted to see the elephants closer.
We spent the entire day in the park and moved from the south where the lodge is located to the north exit where the plains opened up to giraffe, water buffalo, gazelle, warthogs, and others animals.
It was an amazing drive.
Educated, experienced guides through tough terrain you trek on a daily basis to locate the gorillas to make sure they are located quickly.
An eco-friendly visit with respect for the environment and the natural habitat
I love this place.
It's so wonderful to see the animals up close.
We had a guide this time, which truly makes the experience better.
I would recommend it.
It also helped to have a professional around when a very angry elephant decided to chase after our car.
This is a beautiful, small national park.
The southern part is mostly thick scrub and lake Ihema - do a boat trip on the lake (30 USD per person during the day for an hour with a guide) to see fish eagles, hippo and Nile crocodiles.
Allow 7-9 hours of driving on dirt roads in a 4x4 to do a loop from the southern entrance to the north and back.
Travel along the Lake Shore Road for the best chance to see large mammals (elephant, giraffe, Zebra, water buck, Impala, Oribi, buffalo all in good numbers within 1-40 metres of this road during my drive).
Travel along the Murumba hills for beautiful views.
Lions due to be introduced in 2014; black rhino in 2015.
I had a very well-informed 'community guide' called Didier - recommended.
You are supposed to take a guide with you on your drive - although this is not strictly enforced (especially if you say you are staying in one of the lodges).
All guides, boat trips etc.
must be booked at the park reception, as well as your entrance fee (30 USD per person per night/day) where there is also a small cafe, shop, display of animals and information and toilets!
If you are in Kigali, make the trip here - it's not a major safari destination yet, but small and beautiful.
We were lucky to see Giraffe and hippos.
No African elephant or leopard seen.
Lots of Impalas (deer like animals), zebras, wild pigs and birds.
You can see crocodiles in the lake from so near.
Place was good and not too far from Kigali.
But, do not expect big animals at day time.
View was lovely.
Overall it was a good experience to visit an African national park.
I liked it somehow.
Bring your own food from home as there is not much options.
Bring your own safari/SUV and driver.
Book a guide, its necessary.
This Park is so beautiful!
It is like an African Savannah on steroids!
The hills add great dramatic effect and make the animals look even more incredible set against the beautiful backdrop.
This place is a must visit!
Bird watchers paradise.
Soon the Big 5 will be there with the re-introduction of lion and black rhino.
Very beautiful park.
..managed by the well respected African Parks, a non-profit organisation that takes on direct responsibilities for the rehab and long term management of national parks, Akagera is a nugget.
And try the Ruzizi Tented Camp!
This safari was one of the most amazing adventures ever.
A must see!
The animals within there natural environment is something everyone should experience.
Unfortunately the fires used to control the undergrowth had got out of hand this year so a large area was burnt and new growth only just beginning.
We only had time for half a day visit and many if the animals had moved further away from this area to find food and water so we didn't see giraffe and zebra.
We did see rare Roan Antelope, baboons, buffaloes, hippos I.
And out of the water, deer, Fish eagle.
The booking in centre has been greatly improved since our last visit about 5 years ago with a cafe, flushed toilets, shop.
However still laboriously slow booking in, paying and acquiring a guide.
The first thing you need to know about Akagera, if you are planning on going on a safari here, is that it is not like a safari park in Kenya, but it is a great park nonetheless.
The park has plenty of zebras, vervet monkeys, baboons, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles, not to mention buffalo, gazelles, and antelopes.
If you are into bird watching, it is a birder's paradise.
The park will be receiving a pride of lions from Kenya, and some rhinos from South Africa in August of 2014, which should make for a more interesting atmosphere.
There are a few hotels in the park - the Akagera Lodge and a tent hotel.
I have stayed at the lodge a few times and I enjoyed it very much.
I have not stayed at the tent hotel so I can't recommend it.
If you stay at the Akagera Lodge you're not allowed to leave the compound, not even to go to the lake shore down below.
The lodge grounds are rather unkempt but you can walk through the area where the staff live, as it's bounded by an electric fence.
Staff will prevent you from leaving the compound with dire warnings about the danger of buffalo.
Quite why I can't say.
So ... Bring a vehicle for drives in the park itself.
Lake boat trips : minimum 4(?
People, $30 each
I visited Akagera in February this year and it was amazing.
I like so much the landscape.
I was amazing to see Zebra, buffalo and many antelopes.
But also the big elephant.
I had fun with friends.
What I like the most it is how the map that Park guide gave to us was accurate.
We used it and we traveled from south to the north of the Park without any problem.
For people who like Nature please visit this Park
I loved the comforts of a big safari jeep provided by Intore Expeditions owned by Shelly Anne Rosen and driven by her husband Paul Karemera.
The whole day was filled with taking many photographs of the animals and birds and a delicious picnic lunch was provided.
A must see in Rwanda.
I have been twice now and loved both trips.
Sadly did not see any elephants but loved the giraffes, zebras, hippos and beautiful birds.
The guides on both trips were very well informed and friendly.
You also get a terrific view of Tanzania.
Somebody who think:where are the best place to visit amazing nature with quote and easiest access?
....Akagera National Park on the border with TZ.
Best time to go, August-December
Everything to like here.
The usual Rwandan efficient organisation , with conservation the main priority.
Facilities were just right and the guides very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful.
Felt safe at all times.
And the wildlife- saw every bird on the evening lake boat trip, and hippos, elephant, wart hogs , giraffe, various boks etc.
The giraffe were a real treat and the wart hogs very entertaining.
Lodge Hotel was comfortable and the food great.
First time safari for me---and I definitely wasn't disappointed at Akagera.
Well, except for the fact that there were no big cats, but they said they're working on bringing those back soon.
It actually was kind of comforting to know that I could enjoy the vast landscape and NOT get mauled by a random big cat, but that just may be the rookie in me talking.
I also was interested to hear about some of the history of the park & its relationship to the people currently living in the area.
For what it's worth, one of our traveling buddies had been on two previous safaris (one in Kenya, the other the Serengeti I think).
And she made clear that this one to Akegera was BY FAR her favorite... for the gorgeous landscape & the sheer amount of animals that you get to see.
We were even just yards away from giraffe, hippos (they stayed in the water), zebra, & 3 huge elephants.
AWESOME!
Just pack a lunch & be prepared for an all-day trip---it takes 6 hours just to drive from the entrance to the exit.
And also, there's virtually NO ONE ELSE THERE in the park with you, so take caution: if your safari jeep breaks down, you basically have to sit & wait until closing time for help to come.
That's when management will realize that you haven't made it out yet, and they'll come to your aid... and depending on what time it is & where you are stranded in the park, it may take some hours for them to find you.
So depending on how you feel about safaris, that information is either terrifying or awesome to you.
Great game drive with a wide number of animal species.
All ages can visit with a great lodge to stay at.
We've been to the big parks in Tanzania and Kenya, so it was pretty amazing that you could see many of the same animals and even landscapes in just 1220 square kilometres: Cape buffaloes, giraffes, gazelles, elephants, hippos, baboons, zebras, etc.
With the addition of rhinos and lions in the next 6 months, it will be a coup for Akagera to be able to provide what the Serengeti, Tsavo East/West, or Masai Mara does just 2 hours outside of Kigali.
I recommend the boat ride on Lake Ihema, but it should be longer (2-3 hours).
of the tsetse flies!
They were really bad in certain parts of the park and nearly ate us up alive despite being covered.
Be sure to wear double layers, use special spray for your clothing, and to cover your face and hands.
I had a nasty allergic reaction to their bites: big, itchy, red welts that take a week to disappear!
AT RUZIZI TENTED CAMP, the nicer, more luxurious option compared to the sad-looking Akagera Game Lodge that badly needs a face lift.
A nice wildlife Reservoit in the east of Rwanda, located straight to the Tanzania Border.
There are plenty animals to see except the Big 5.
But when your lucky you can see some of them like the Elephant, Hippos, and Giraffes.
We had a great day there after some busy Business Days in Kigali.
Great to chill and come done in this quiet nice place.
Absolutly to recommend even its a 3 hour ride away from Kigali City with partly bad road's.....
If you are in Rwanda then do visit Akagera National Park.
Lots of wild animals in the park( except Lions).
Only Ruzizi Tent Lodge is the decent accommodation.
Start your trip early in the morning ( the park open at 6 am).
...i was so excited about the species richeness of the park.
its wildlife was great with its enthusiatic wild manuavoures nver to forget!
Akager is a very nice park and we saw lots of wildlife.
The northern part is the most open, and where you see most of the bigger animals.
However, it's a long drive from the lodges in the Southern part.
You can't enter the park at the northern end, but you can exot there for a quicker drive back in the evening.
we were here 2 days , it was amazing , saw elephants giraffes and others also took a 2 hour boat ride saw many birds and monitor lizards stayed at the Akagera lodge rooms were great and the views were awesome , baboons at the front entrance doors were funny , would go back to visit.
Our driver Jean-Paul from Mega Safari was very good, well worth the $ .
the variety of wildlife here is incredible, i do not anticipate seeing half as much as I did.
the guides available are knowledgeable and well worth getting.
It is worth paying out for the night safari which offers a very different insight to the park.
I know that if I visited Kenya and Tanzania to see mammoth-sized park, I can not recommend Akagera National Park.
But, this one has its uniqueness for travelers who wants to be calm and alone.
Not crowded Akagera will give you time to see animals in a pleasant way.
It seems that, 'this big park is mine!'
Even though the park has no big cats (2 leopards but not really possible to see) it was a great moment.
The park has unique and beautiful views thanks to several hills, lakes and birds.
We started early (6:30 am) to make sure we get to the animals before it's too hot.
We saw several impalas, zebras, buffaloes, baboons, monkeys, hippos, 1 giraffe but unfortunately no elephants.
We were back at the entrance by 10:30.
Be just careful of the tan flies in some areas as they sting quite strongly.
Great road trip and camping site.
Nice lake view but it was hard to spot animals apart from baboons.
What a wonderful safari we seen so many animals.
The roads were rough traveling in a land rover, jeep.
Had lunch in the park and was able to see a storm brew over the river.
A wonderful experience.
The guide told us the park is 6hrs from North-South a very large park.
He also said they will have lions in the next year.
They are trying to figure out to let them roam in an area of their own.
We didn't see any large animals, we saw lots of buck and beautiful exquisite birds.
Apparently the big animals hang out further north in the park.
The bonus was that it felt like our very own private game reserve as we didn't see another soul.
We stayed in the park for 2 nights!
It was wonderful!
We saw many animals-giraffe, zebra, hippos, buffalo, gazelles, monikers, and so many more!
The roads are ROUGH but well worth it!
No elephants-the only disappointing park of the visit.
Simply beautiful there!
There are only a few elephants here so we were very lucky to see 2 together.
Loads of Giraffe, zebra, monikers, water buffalo, hippopotamus, gazelles, wart hog, and other animals and birds.
A great opportunity to see African animals in their natural habitat in a half or whole day trip - I suppose it was a Safari!.
I would go back again for 3rd time if opportunity arises.
Our group of 10 traveled in two jeeps.
We hired one guide, who was outstanding, and even led us on some off road searching for the elephant (we found one!
), the crocodiles and the hippos (We saw them, too!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Despite one flat tire and blown shocks, we had a great trip through the park.
The north gate is still closed because the bridge is out, so you enter from the south gate, travel about three hours north, and then three hours back.
It's a lot of driving, but well worth it.
Not the thousands of animals you see elsewhere in Africa, but far fewer tourists and other vehicles as well.
Kilala plains is the most beautiful part of this park.
It is near North Gate.
Unfortunately this gate is closed for a bridge renovation.
South has very few animals so you wont enjoy much because you would see the same animals at different place.
Going to north and returning on the same path would be tedious as roads are not good.
Animals are very less.
Due to Summer?
Guides are very friendly.
Over priced.
my point of view) Tips: During this trip you might face a lot of flies which targets your vehicle.
So don't open you window.
Much bigger than house flies.
Its sting would cause a swelling.
Be careful.
Especially drivers.
Overall, a good new experience.
Really enjoyed.
We drove our own car and camped, but did hire a night and day guide for animal tracking.
Really enjoyed William and Denise on our trips although we had quite the experience with a broken window which allowed hundreds of horse flies into the car.
They are relentless so make sure you have an air conditioned car with working windows!
We saw virtually every animal, except the leopard.
A great day and I would encourage both the night and day safari.
When we were there, the North gate was not open.
We got to Akagera right after it opened.
Damison, our guide was wonderful.
He knew exactly how to navigate the park!
We saw every type of animal that we had heard we MIGHT see, except an elephant (which Damison apologized profusely about).
Our friends went 2 days later and got to see one!
Because the north gate is closed, it took all day.
Allow 9 hours.
Our jeep was the best!
It wasn't totally open.
The top popped up and we could stand and see out.
I wouldn't go on a bus, and I don't think I would like the totally open jeeps.
There were lots of horse flies during the mid morning.
I visit Akagera frequently and always enjoy it but arrived last time to find the north gate was closed because a bridge had broken down.
I thought there would be a lot of urgency to get this gate open again as the north end has substantially more wildlife than the south end but I was told it might be several months.
This seems unacceptably long to have a main visitor attraction in Rwanda closed at its best point.
we went in the south end but had a 3.5 hour journey back up to the north before seeing much.
Still worth going to but check if north gate is open.
Our visit to the Akagera National Park surpassed all expectations.
We had been told by previous visitors that we shouldn't expect to see much.
So with low expectations we set off with our privately rented Great Wall truck.
And we say plenty - elephant, hippos, crocodiles, zebras +++ The highlight was getting out of the truck with our guide to basically hang out with some giraffes.
They were incredibly calm and actually seemed to find us quite interesting.
Amazing experience!
We chose to bring one of the park's guides with us - it's 30 USD for the day and absolutely worth the money.
He knew spots that we would've never found on our own.
The park is huge and the rough roads are not easy to keep track of without some local help.
We also did the visit as a day trip from Kigali, but it is definitely worth spending the night there and perhaps catch a night safari as well.
There are definitely a lot of time when you see nothing but scrub - but the moments when the animals are all around you are well worth being tossed around the car all day!
it s a chaotic road to join the animals but it s worth it.
It was so amazing to be next to elephant, giraffe , hypo,impala,crocodile, buffalo, zebra and many others.
I recommend you to take video than photo as the light is not really good unless you are a professional or have very good zoom lenses.
It s really cheap compared to the gorilla s, you have to pay a fee for your personal jeep,your dirver, your guide and the permit to enter the park.
It will cost you a little more than a 100$.
the main cost is the rent of a jeep, better to be a large group to reduce cost.
My first safari (apart from the sterile , pretend Disney ones) and it was excellent.
The guide was incredibly informative and was amazingly observant, spotting crocodiles and warthogs from a great distance.
The driver got us as close to the animals as possible, and we had a picnic lunch sitting by giraffes.
Absolutely memorable experience.
We saw a wide range of animals and even got chased by an angry bull elephant whilst waiting near the fishermen's cottages for a boat ride.
A different guide on the boat ride was also excellent and gave a very interesting talk about all the birds on the island.
I highly recommend the boat ride.
Lions are being introduced in November which will be interesting (especially for the complacent and brave zebra!
and we probably won't be able to have any more picnics with the giraffes!
It is a safari in its most natural setting and of course there is no guarantee that all animals will be around to view, but we were very happy.
If the north entrance is open (at the time of writing it is closed due to a bridge collapse) then you are advised to enter the park through this entrance rather than the south entrance.
If you go through the south it is a long drive (3hours) to see the majority of animals which all seem to gather towards the north.
Take plenty of water and food.
Do use toilets at reception and , afterwards 'bush toilet'!
And do invite your ranger/guide and driver to eat with you.
They tend not to take much to drink or any food and very politely sit away from the group at lunch stops.
And arrive early - 7.30 ish.
Visited Akagera June 2013.
Arrived on a Monday evening, stayed in the lodge on the top of the hill.
Slightly aging, but still well maintained, and has a pool with beautiful view of the lake below.
Arranged for a guide for the next day, to meet at the park visitor center at 0700.
Ate dinner in the lodge restaurant, decent enough by Rwandan standards.
Ordered box lunches for the next morning from the restaurant, sandwiches, fruit, water.
Took a quickie drive down to the lake to see the fairly new tent lodge (Rizuzu I think).
It looked interesting, and I would consider staying there if I went back, for variety.
Tuesday morning we got up early and had breakfast in the lodge restaurant, opens at 0530AM.
Picked up our box lunches, checked out, and met our guide at the visitor center.
I guess if you really knew the park layout well and were a naturalist or wildlife expert, you might drive around on your own without a guide.
We however were glad to have the guide, enjoyed her company and knowledge, and felt like we were contributing to the economy and financial health of the park.
Guide also has a radio.
We drove north, doubled back, and returned to the south entrance, and all day trip.
Saw many birds, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, hippos, impala, bushbuck, topi, buffalo, hippo, and elephants.
Apparently on a weekend, there may be as many as twenty vehicles at one time in the popular viewing areas, which is why we went on a Tuesday.
We saw at most five other vehicles all day long.
You drive your own vehicle for daytime viewing.
Park offers a night trip and boat trip in their vehicles.
Should be a 4x4 SUV type vehicle, one you would expect to see in a safari.
Functional air conditioning would be desirable / luxury.
Our Toyota landcruiser type vehicle had broken AC.
It was not that hot with the windows down, but in one area there were terrible biting horse flies, hence the desire for AC, to be able to close the windows and keep out some of the dust.
Rough roads with potholes.
Wear: long pants, long sleeve shirt, hat, close toed shoes or boots, long sox.
Bug repellant/DEET.
Drinking water.
Binoculars.
Camera with good telephoto lens.
Bird/animal guidebook.
Remember, this is not the zoo.
You could theoretically get killed by several of these animals: elephant, crocodile, hippo, buffalo.
The zebra never sees the crocodile that is about to eat it at water's edge.
Don't be stupid.
The safari isn't as spectacular as those in other parts of the continent, but the people and the service are great.
You'll get to see giraffes, zebras, all kinds of deer, and wild buffalo.
If you're lucky, you can see wild boar, hippos, and crocodiles.
The Akagera lodge has good food and a spacious and nice bar with plenty of outdoor and poolside seating.
I have been to this park many times, not always to do games drives but rather sometimes as an escape from city life and for a taste of nature.
I have done day drives, camped with friends on a ridge and also stayed at the lodge.
I have always enjoyed it but the peak experience was sitting around the camp fire with a group of friends and a glass of red wine in hand with starlit black velvet above, and interesting sounds around.
In the morning the view of the Lakes towards Tanzania was fabulous.
Simply awesome!
The last time I went, it was for a day game drive with a friend who had returned to Rwanda for a conference.
The north side of the park is the place to go for good game viewing.
The sun shone all day and a gentle breeze helped keep us cool.
We saw elephants, several kinds of antelope including the shy bush buck, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, baboons, a couple of different kinds of monkeys, hippo, & crocodile.
We also saw many birds, including the elusive Shoebill Stork.
The lake proved a perfect spot for a picnic lunch, with the hippos peering at us from the water.
All-in-all, a perfect day!
Toilet facilities are available at the gates.
A four wheel drive is necessary.
Carry a picnic lunch and plenty to drink unless you are going to eat at the Lodge.
If you are not staying overnight, you need a full day leaving very early in the morning
I had a great day in Akegara National Park today.
I have not been to any other parks in Africa but I was surprised at how many animals I was, including elephabt, giraffe, zebra, impala, cape buffalo, hippo, crocodile and others.
Apparently lions and rhino are being reintroduced in the near future.
My guide, Emmanuelle, was excellent.
He clearly loves animals and is very knowledgable about both mammals and birds.
He also speaks fluent English.
I was surprised that we were able to drive the whole way from the south gate to the north gate in around six hours without rushing.
I went in early May, the end of the wet season, but the roads were in fair condition and we only missed out on a couple of waterlogged sections in the plains in the north.
Definately worth going to the North of the park as you will see large herds of animals there in open savannah, wheras the south is dense bush so there are fewer animals.
Having said that I saw plenty of animals including an elephant, zebras, baboon and warthog in the south.
The park is very well run and organised.
I would say having a guide is pretty much essential.
The cost of the guide was $30 for the whole day.
the park entry fee is $30 and you pay an extra 4000 RWF for using your own vehicle.
We set off at 5.30am and arrived back in kigali at 6.30.
A long but managable day.
Horse flies are vety common in the bush areas so i would recommend trousers and long sleeves (though they can bite through clothes).
I organised the drip through Jambo tours near the belgian school in Kigali for $250 including driver and fuel.
The driver Jean Claude had OK English.
In summary, Akegara might not have as many game animals as the classic African reserves, you'll still see quite a lot, and the setting unique and spectacular.
Well worth the 2 hour trip from Kigali.
Exciting to see animals in their natural environment.
Dirt roads that sometimes wash over, so you need a 4-wheel drive car, or hire a park ranger to take you around.
We had a private driver and guide who knew where the animals congregate at certain times of the day.
Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to see the most activity.
Congrats to Rwanda for providing a preserve for these dwindling wildlife populations.
If your expectations are set correctly, you will really enjoy this park.
There are no big cats but plenty of other animals to see - giraffes, hippos, crocs, zebra, warthog, water buffalo, baboons, monkeys, etc.
We enjoyed it as a day trip from Kigali and got some great photos.
Our guide, James, who had been working there for 12 years, seemed as excited by the animals as we were, so that really made it fun.
He knew loads of facts and could identify the bird species on sight.
I live in rwanda about a year and I had to visit Akagera.
My wife has been there 4 times.
Actually, there are a lot of animals and birds there, but no mammals at all.
If You compare Akagera with nationals parks of Tanzania, Kenya or even Uganda, of course in that case Akagera is a waste of time.
But if You are not from Africa and this is your first visit to national park You will be just amazed.
I was.
If you wanna get in touch with nature then, this is the place to be.
Extremely serene and a chance to see Africa Wildlife.
Also the air is cool and fresh, away from the city pollution
As mentioned by others, Akagera has no big game (although our guide said there are some cheetahs now but hard to find in the daytime), but there are plenty of giraffes, zebras, impalas, water buffalo, wart hogs, antelope, and rhinos.
There are also elephants and some Versed monkeys, but we didn't see many.
The Akagera Lodge needs serious updating, although the food was fine and the resident troop of baboons entertaining.
We were the only people staying there in Jan. (weekday) although our daughter-in-law said it gets busy in the high season.
We drove down to see the new Ruzizi Tented Lodge, which looks wonderful.
More expensive than the lodge but not that much more and lovely setting and tented huts (much nicer than that word with very nice bathrooms en suite).
Also mentioned--be prepared for rough roads and tetse flies.
They bite and the sting lasts for about 10-15 minutes, but you won't get sick from them.
Keep the car windows rolled up in those areas.
We left Kigali about mid-day so had one late afternoon drive around the area not too far from the lodge and drove up to the campsite at the top, which has a very good view of the park: water buffalo, giraffes, antelopes.
We spent the next day driving the park from the south to the north and got back to Kigali about 7:30 p.m. after stop at a market for beans and mangoes.
While Akagera doesn't compare with better known game parks, it is still quite full of wildlife and very nice.
Akagera is a pretty park and is entertaining, but hopefully they can get black rhino and lions in the park soon.... With Queen Elizabeth so close and affordable, it is hard for Akagera to compete!
For a quick weekend trip, it is worth the drive!
The lodge needs to be improved!!
We enjoyed a weekend in Akagera with family, with the bonus of staying two nights at the new Ruzizi Tented Camp.
Loved the idea of eco friendly lodging, and it was done exceedingly well, with marvelous views of the lake, intriguing sounds of the night, and good food.
Staff was very helpful as well.
We decided to ask for a particular guide for viewing the park to join us in our vehicle on the recommendation of a Rwandan friend who lives in Kigali.
The guide's name is Cecile Muvunyi (if I got the spelling right!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
We asked for her at the park check-in, and luckily she was available.
We would phone ahead to request her next time.
She knew her animals and birds, not just identifying them but telling us stories about their life and habits.
We had no trouble understanding her English.
We particularly enjoyed sitting in the midst of 30 or so giraffes; we parked for awhile and the giraffes came right up around us.
Lots of other animals.
My husband said that he'd identified 58 or so different species of birds, about 10 new to him.
The roads in the park need work; we did see a road grater out smoothing down the road to Ruzizi.
It took us 10 hours to drive the 102 kilometers we went within the park, with plenty of stops included, and around 2 hours to return to the south entrance by driving 100 kilometers outside the park.
We've been to many of the big game parks in So.
Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Uganda; Akagera has a much smaller variety of animals.
But it is a pleasant park with a beautiful setting.
Bring water, sunscreen repellant, and food.
Toilet facilities were available at the two entrances.
If you want to see some wild life in Rwanda and do not have much money and time, Akagera is the park to visit in one day, leaving early from Kigali, we were lucky to see elephants, hippo, giraffe, plenty of impala and buffalo.. no lions unfortunately but there will be some in the near future.
Of course, you cannot compare Akagera with the large parks in Tanzania, Kenya or RSA.
But in this small park, you're quite often alone with the animals.
Orientation is easy.
It's very likely to see any big game in the park in a single day.
It's an only 2.5 hours drive from Kigali.
And camping in the dark, with only the stars above and the campfire beneath you, makes you feel like being alone in the world (except for neighboring campers and herds of water buffalos, but isn't that part of the fun, too?)
We rented a vehicle and took off for Akagera safari.
We stopped and retained the services of a guide who rode with us.
I was able to get great photos of many wild animals.
Purchased a boxed lunch at the hotel which was very good as well.
Watch out as the baboons will take your box if you don't watch it.
As far as African game parks go, Akagera is not impressive.
With that sad, the park management was recently taken over by the pros from So Africa.
Expect lions in the near future!
Save your money and instead go for what Rwanda is really know for- gorillas!
Akagera National Park is Rwanda's safari park.
I have been in the park many times (at least 13) and have always had a wonderful time and have seen many animals.
It is good to know that this park is not the home of rhino's, lions or wildebeest.
However there are many cape buffalo, hippo, giraffe, antelope, eland, zebra, birds,baboons and more.
There are elephants but often shy and not always seen.
That said I have experienced them close up and in small groups of about 6-8 and lone males.
Take to option to take a ranger with you as he may know of or hear from other rangers where the animals are that day.
I will also respond to the comment of the tsetse flies.
Yes they are in the park but it is not a 3-4 hour drive through the area from the North to the South.
The park suggests wearing light colors as they are attracted to dark colors.
The park is not to be skipped because of these little buggers.
I suggest taking your own picnic lunch and enjoy the time outdoors and in nature watching what animals do.
The park is a wonderful day trip or overnight.
There are now two places to stay, the Akagera lodge and the new Rusizi Tented Camp.
Go and enjoy.
I've heard mixed reviews about Akagera, but I personally had a great experience while visiting.
I lived in Kigali for three months and visited Akagera for one full day while there.
If you have time, it might be nice to stay the weekend.
But, I did not want to spend money on the lodge and did not have friends to stay and camp with (although I've heard that's a great time).
We visited the Northern side of the park, which is typically where more of the animals are.
I saw giraffes, zebras, wild buffalo, elephants, baboons, antelope, hippos, and tons of wild birds.
Akagera is the closest thing Rwanda has to seeing these types of wild animals, but I think many people become disappointed because they expect it to be like a safari.
If you go with the expectation of Akagera being a national park that has wild animals, the experience is much better.
I really enjoyed my experience.
This is a small game park but is easily accessible from Kigali.
Some of the expected animals are there but sightings of the major predators are rare.
If you are looking for Tsetse flies you don't have to look any further.
If you have been to other national parks in Africa there is a good chance you will get disappointed.
The forest is quite dense so the chance of seeing wildlife is not very big.
You will see some buffalo, impala's, warthogs and if you are lucky an elephant but you will not see it very well and the animals are very shy.
There are leopards (we spoke to a farmer that works in the park!
and have seen one) but the chance of seeing them is very low.
There are no lions but there are some plans to reintroduce them in the park in a couple of years.
There are also no other cat's like Cheetahs.
You can do a boat ride but both boats broke down a couple of weeks before we arrived so we don't know how that is.
They didn't seem very eager to repair it.
Driving in the park you will definitely see a lot (hundreds) of tsetse flies.
They can give a nasty bite.
If you drive for about 3-4 hours in the tsetse area you can reach a part that is more open where you can see some other game like zebra's, topi's, giraffes, etc.
This part is the nicest part of the park.
Rwanda is special, because of the wide range of environments that you can find from mountains to rain forest to savannah.
Akagera is one of these special places.
It might not have the number of species or the Big 5, but it has stunning views with a variety of animals.
It can also be done as a day trip from Kigali.
It can also be easily done self-drive.
The north seems to be the most interesting part of the park with more animals, but the only accomodation is tents with outhouses.
The south has a lodge, a tented-camp and camping options.
A trip from the north to the south takes at least 4 hours to complete.
Not many parks exist where you can see a giraffe on a mountain with the blue sky as a background.
We spent a great couple of days in Agakera National Park.
Although the southern area has a wonderful variety of birds and burtterflies, for larger wildlife time spent in the north is more rewarding - and has fewer of the annoying flies.
Our highlights were the hippos and giraffes (6 in view at once).
Despite some reviews on this site, the Akagera Game Lodge (name varies in some reviews) was fine.
OK it needs a makeover in parts (e.g.
bathrooms) but the beds were comfortable, the food edible, and the staff extremely friendly.
A tip - make sure your fuel guage shows 'full' before you enter the park: it's a long way to the nearest petrol station!
Count your luck if you want to see some carnivores , yet there is no dearth for other animals .
A picturesque place with Akagera lodging providing you an excellent food and lodging facility .
Its advisable to carry your own gear for camping and stay out in the night and spend a day or two rather than a lone visit, keep a good camera with you and you can have some pictures that can give run to national geographic guys :)
Nice national park, where you can drive your own car.
Very few other tourists.
We saw giraffes, zebras, lots of different antelopes, hippos, elephants, buffalos.. No big cats though.
Beautiful scenery in the north.
Akagera is obviously one of the highlights in Rwanda, but the lodge is a sorry excuse for lodging... run down, uninspired and overpriced, you endure it rather than enjoy it.
This is not quite the Serengeti, but it is still wonderful.
Last time we were there (late summer 2012), we must have seen at least 20 elephants up close.
Giraffes, hippos, hyenas, leopards, zebras .
. . but no lions.
Rwanda has such terrific diversity, it is great to be able to see a bit of what one traditionally associates with East Africa in this friendly, welcoming, crime and corruption-free country.
Definitely recommend a pop-up roof Land Cruiser rental, if you can swing it.
Makes the game-viewing experience much more enjoyable.
We drove ourselves through the Akagera National Park and all I can say is WOW.
We saw wildlife of nearly every species you would expect.
We chose a guide at the park office for a very modest fee and she accompanied us through the park.
Wonderful drive and one we will never forget.
Seeing these animals in the wild was an experience worth the 2 hour bus trip from Kigali.
Hippos wallowing, giraffes gracefully walking by and buffalo and antelope casually going on with their business was pretty amazing.
All in as natural surroundings as could be imagined.
A great place to visit
I have been to Akagera four times and it has been amazing each time.
The hotel beds are hard, but the views are great.
They recently changed their pricing so the rooms are more affordable, but they really try to get you with the meals.
There are no other choices than to eat in the dining room.
They are charging about $20.00 US for dinner and lunch is not much cheaper.
If you can, go on the boat safari to bird island.
There are thousands of birds and there are crocs and hippos too.
Looks like Noe Arch when rainy day !
Total liberty for all.
Simply magic to watch Buffaloes and Zebra ..watching you quietly.
Camping on the top of the hills is a gift.
Very sweet landscape.
Each safari location is different.
If you go here expecting as many animals as Kenya or Tanzania you'll be disappointed.
However, what you will get is a personally tailored experience.
Plus you will be able to get closer to the game than in any other park.
Also it's much cheaper than other parks.
Something to think about if you're in the region.
Regardless of size, beauty can be found anywhere and Akagera National Park certainly deserves recognition.
This was my first African safari and I saw numerous animals.
It was unbelievable.
For photos and details about my trip, you can visit my blog: http://journeysforthesoul.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/safaris-for-the-soul-akagera-national-park/ I went with a tour company since I did not have my own car.
It was Virunga Expedition Tours and they charged $150 per person.
I was very pleased with the service and would use them again.
For the day trip, I left at 4:30am from Kigali and returned at 7:30pm.
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to contribute to the national parks.
With the recent mass slaughter of elephants in neighboring countries, I felt it that much more important to contribute to the upkeep of this park.
Tip: I traveled in the dry season and was informed to start in the north and work our way down.
I saw many animals this way (giraffes, zebras, elephants, hippos, etc).
I only did a one-day trip, but was a bit sorry I didn't stay the evening to do a night safari as well.
Three hours drive from the capital, on the Tanzanian border, lies this park with as much wildife as the Masai Mara - but a fraction of the visitors.
Hire a guide and be led around the park.
Entrance about $30 pp, guide another $30.
We drove our own vehicle thru the park.
It could have been marked better..but the animals were well worth the trouble.
The giraffe were just wonderful.
Saw Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Hipo, Croc.
, monkeys, and so many different birds.
This was an easy drive from Kigali, Rwanda.
a great day trip..but you will want to spend atleast one night at the lodge in the park and drive around a second day.
The biggest problem was a complete lack of information about where to go, where to see the most animals.
We went to the south entrance because it was closer, only to learn when we got there that because it was the dry season, most of the animals were in the northern part of the park.
So we had to drive two hours to the north without seeing much of anything.
It would have helped if the website had noted this.
The fee structure is also opaque--$30 per person for foreigners, plus a vehicle fee, and a guide in $30 extra, not free as some other reviewers said.
Our guide wasn't really worth the $30 plus tip.
I have seen more animals, closer up in the South African game parks.
The other thing to know is that the roads are all dirt and very bumpy--you really have to be driving an SUV.
Also there are no restaurants, so bring your own food and water.
And the only toilets are at the north and south entrances.
So when you see those, use them.
For the ladies, there aren't any good bushes in between.
We ended our stay in Rwanda with a two night stay in the Akagera National Park.
Our excellent guide entered the park from the north end, as we had left Kigali very early in the morning and had time to drive through the entire park that day, ending at the Akagera Lodge.
It was the perfect plan, as few people had been to the north end yet that day.
We saw many animals, giraffe families, buffalo, hippos, etc, but no elephants.
I've been on safari elsewhere, but I feel that seeing big animals move across open savannah is a breathtaking experience that should be sought at every opportunity.
And Akagera is peaceful and lovely.
We travelled round the north end of the park and saw so many animals and birds.
We had intended on spending a few hours but it was so great that we spent the whole day
As close to a safari as you can get in Rwanda, Akagera is a stunning national park.
It's easy to get around, with or without a guide.
After having travelled on muddy roads, the scenery does not change a lot.
The animals, eventhough not a novelty to see from such a short distance, reappear throughout the safari.
Zebras, giraffes, water buffalo, antelope, impala, hippos - this was fantastic.
We even saw a group of elephants.
One of our guides had been there five times and this was the first time she'd seen them.
We felt pretty darn lucky!
Mum and I had a great drive from Kigali to Akagera with Sam our driver for the day.
We had booked him through mum's friends at The Woodlands Hotel in Kigali.
My first experience of a 'safari', so I can't compare to other countries, but, for me it was thoroughly enjoyable... we saw buffalo, impala, zebra, wart (water?
hogs, hippo, crocs, baboon, velvet monkeys and plenty of Giraffe.
At one point we were surrounded by about 20 Giraffe and watching them, watching us was a great experience.
I would take repellant with you and don't wear blue, as the tetsi flies were out in force and give nasty bites.
Have an early start, as its an all day adventure.
The variety of animals are limited, however it is very near to Kigali and also reasonably priced.
The hotel is in bad shape but still usable and cheap for Rwandan standards.
The drives can be done alone by getting a Map from the counter.
If you get a guide from the counter they will usually try to finish it off fast and we felt being ushered through the whole thing quickly so that they can go to the next client.
The maps are detailed, some areas are still being numbered to the new numbers on the Map so i would recommend a GPS enabled phone also along with the map so that you can easily navigate through the park.
It is not really big so there is nothing much to worry about any ways.
The night safari is not recommended, you will not see many animals.
The best route would be to go through the lakes early morning and then do a second round through the swamps in the evening.
The early morning ride will mostly give you an encounter with some elephants and the evening ride with the other inhabitants.
We were lucky we went in their safari car,we were sitting at the top of the car and seeing all kinds of animals like giraffes,zebras,warthogs,lions,leopards,antelopes,hyenas,elephants and they are rogue elephants,hippos,and crocodiles and birds.We were camping there for a month and we paid US$10000.
I am telling you dont take the risk because the hippo had come out of the water and we were lucky that we got out of there.The guide was kind and knowledgeable, he was telling so much about the park,he was telling us about the importation of the animals.
I have visited the park.
it has many animals but no big preditors, lions etc.
It has 2 geraffes and only one elephant, that you may nor see.
It has lots of Zebras, dears, buffalos.
it has hippos nad crocodiles that you may not see.
If you want to see elephants and lions, you should consider visiting the queen Elizabeth park in Uganda.
it is very expensive and poor the service is not good, the menu is poor
We've been to Akagera several times.
It's a great place to take visitors for a day.
We always use a local tour company because their vehicles are up to the task as a result the experience is improved.
The large tour company vehicles have roofs that can be lifted allowing you stand and get a better view.
Also everybody in the party can concentrate on the animals.
We always enter and leave by the north gate as it is in the north of the park that most of the animals can be found.
There are very few predators (a small number of hyenas and crocodiles) here so there is an abundance of antilope etc.
The families of giraffe that walk across the savannah are majestic to watch.
There are elephant but they are very elusive.
A few tips - take a packed lunch as the only place to buy food is in the lodge which is at the southern end of the park.
Watch out for the horse flies.
A good pair of binoculars and a good camera lense will help you enjoy and remember your experience to the fullest extent.
A day like this in Kenya or Tanzania will cost big $$$.
At Akagera, $30 pp gets a 6 hour drive with a knowledgeable Rwandan park guide.
The park is recovering from refugee movment and Tanzanian poachers.
The only animals we did not see were lions and elephants.
Predators are missing so there are plenty of antelope and cape buffalo.
There are a few elephants but they were shy on our visit.
You can get out of the car at several lake shores to see the hippos and Nile crocodiles although there are warnings on where to stand to be safe.
Portions of the ride required that the windows be up, especially around baboons and areas where there are some (many many) biting flies.
But once onto the open savannah, the windows can be left down.
We travelled in our personal SUV from the south entrance and exited at the north.
It appeared that many tour operations enter at the north, make a loop and exit from the same gate.
If you do the S to N route, you are expected to drive your guide back to Nyonza (it's on the way to Kigali) and pay for his mototaxi ride back to headquarters (5000 Rf, about $8) Obviously a tip is also appropriate.
To conclude, an easy access game safari, reasonably priced.
We saw elephants, impalas, hippos, zebras, buffaloes, many birds, and BABOONS EVERYWHERE.
The baboons are not scared of the cars or humans.
We were lucky to see the elephants, and it was awesome.
Are guide was great, even though she had a heavy accent.
The view of the lake from the mountains is very nice.
We stayed in the park for two days.
The last part of the road to the park and the road inside the park are dirt, and need to be improved.
Akegara is the closest thing Rwanda has to a game drive park, and it works well (day trip from Kigali), but some animals are imported (as they no longer can be found there naturally, like giraffes), but a friendly, well-organised and approachable park.
Recommended!
This is not your standard African National Park, there are only few animals like zebras giraffes etc.
I frequent here because its near Kigali and the lodge even though in a bad shape is cheap.
I have visited Akagera National Park twice, and enjoyed both visits.
Although it is rare to see the elephants, lions or leopards, there is enough other wildlife to keep you entertained.
It is an inexpensive alternative to Gorilla trekking while in Rwanda.
The northern savannah portion of the park was just like a scene from the Lion King, including a visit from Pumba!
The Akagera Game Lodge sits on a beautiful hill overlooking Lake Ihema, and serves a fabulous breakfast.
Lodge is in the process of getting some updates, which it needs.
Overall, enjoyed my visits and would visit again.
This was our first safari.
We got a driver to drive us from Kigali, through the reserve and back.
This cost $200.
You have to pay for a Ranger who will ride with you.
She was very knowledgeable.
If you a travelling in a group make sure you enough room for the Ranger.
There is really no place to stay at or near the Park.
It is a 2 hour drive from Kigali.
There are no lions or elephants in the park.
Otherwise we saw a wide range of game.
Even if you are only going to the Game Lodge!
Reception guards quite intimidating.
Ok, so it's not like other African game reserves, but so what?
This place is wonderful!
We crossed it from South to North and did not meet any other vehicle.
We left really early - 7 o clock - from the South gate and when we arrived at the Hyppo beach a whole family was grazing.
It was awesome!
When we left all the hyppos had gone back into the lake.
So my advise is get there early!
We saw lots of animals: impalas, topis, other hyppos crossing our path, giraffes, zebras, buffalos...
It takes now about 7 hours to cross the park, but it's totally worth it.
My advise: get an air-conditioned car because of the horse flies.
I first reached out to Nelson at Gorilla Trek Africa way back in 2019.
Now that Uganda is open to tourists again, we FINALLY got to make this trip happen.
And it definitely lived up to 3 years of hype!
Gorilla Trek Africa is one of the most professional travel companies I've worked with.
Nelson worked with my requests at every turn, and he always responded quickly to any questions.
Our guide, David, was simply wonderful.
He has been doing this a long time, and he is a masterful driver.
We had a packed week, and he got us to each location safely and quickly.
He was always on time, helped us with buying souvenirs, and was a delight to spend every day with.
He (and many others in Uganda) was so welcoming and warm - I can't imagine a better guide and friend to show us around the country.
The highlight of the trip was the gorilla trekking, but this part of the world has so much to offer!
We spend over a week exploring the country and can't wait to come back to this region for more.
And when we do, Gorilla Trek Africa will be the first company we reach out to.
Thank you so much for a journey of a life-time!
It was really something special.
Nelson, who organized the trip was able to customize the perfect itinerary packed with everything we could manage during our stay and within our budget.
We were assigned Elvis as our guide, for our trip and he was perfect!
He was professional, energetic, an excellent driver, had extensive knowledge on a wide variety of subjects and was able to hold conversations on any subject I asked about.
He made us feel safe throughout the entire trip.
That was remarkable considering we drove through half of Uganda in just 2 days.
Also, he was able to accomodate any of our wishes we had without compromising our itinerary.
It was more than we could've imagined.
That's on top of achieving our objective, which was photographing the Chimpanzees and the Gorillas.
We had really exciting encounters.
The lodges we received were amazing and the personnel so hospitable.
Uganda and Rwanda were perhaps the most beautiful countries I've ever seen.
That's out of 26 countries so far.
Thank you Gorilla Trek Africa.
I hope to travel with you in the future again!
This was such a fantastic experience, from being picked up at the airport to the great hotels and our driver were all exceptional.
The gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking were absolutely the highlight of the trip!
The safari was fantastic and we got to see a ton of animals.
We don't normally take tours for our trips, but this one was exceptional, and didn't have that feel.
5/5 stars, highly recommended!!!
Absolutely wonderful!
My father and I have been working with Nelson on building this holiday for over six months, and it was worth every second.
We spent 9 wonderful days with Fred (amazing guide) showing us the beauty of The Pearl of Africa.
Fred is very knowledgeable on everything from the history of Rwanda/Uganda to animals to floral and fauna.
Our 9 day adventure included 2 gorilla habituation, Batwa cultural experience, two day safari and a city tour of Kigali, all which went smoothly thanks to our wonderful guide, Fred!
Nelson's replies to our many questions were fast and very informative, he went above and beyond to prepare us for our journey.
This has been a wonderful trip and I would highly recommend this company to anyone.
Fantastic experience - this is a go-to organization to do your tour with.
You can customize your trip, they are easy to work with and we had a great driver - Asaph.
January was a great time of year.
For those experienced with hiking/trekking - you should still get a porter.
Their help is not just carrying your backpack - they help guide you through the mud/conditions to make the Gorilla and Chimpanzee experience the best.
We have been to Kili and Everest and the porters were amazing.
The luxury options at Volcanoes NP and Akagera were top flight and we recommend them highly.
We have just been on an 8 day tour of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
It was a tailor made trip for my wife and I, which we worked out with Nelson in the office a few months before leaving the UK.
The whole trip was brilliant.
Everything ran smoothly and accordingly to plan.
We couldn't have asked for anything more.
Amongst many other things, we saw gorillas, chimpanzees and tree climbing lions in Uganda, and gorillas in DRC.
We stayed in some lovely accommodation.
Our guide Elvis was fantastic.
If you wish to visit Uganda, Rwanda and/or DRC, we cannot recommend Gorilla Trek Africa highly enough.
Get in touch with Nelson in the office and he'll work with you to arrange your dream trip!
Nelson was easy to work with.
Our driver, Asaph was prompt, friendly and informative.
Would go again in a minute.
My husband and I had a great time traveling with Gorilla Trek Africa in September.
Nelson helped us set the itinerary for the week we were there.
He was very responsive and helpful in the planning stages.
Elvis was our guide and he was very knowledgeable and friendly and even helped us order the local Ugandan mashed bananas dish specially made at one of our hotels when we asked about local food and customs.
Gorilla trekking from Mahogany Springs was an amazing once in a lifetime experience to cap off the week.
Overall, we would not hesitate to recommend this company, our guide, or visiting Uganda.
Gorilla Trek Africa and our excellent guide Asaph, exceeded our expectations for our Safari.
Lodging was excellent and Asaph's experience and interest in our Safari experiences added greatly to the excellent itinerary.
He took special care to listen to our desires and flexibly adjust, and his knowledge added greatly to our Gorilla Trek Africa Safari experience.
We highly recommend a Safari with just your own personal group and guide.
We had great staff from start to finish including Gayvis, Pascal and Daniel.
They took ownership of our experience and made sure we had a visit the will live forever in our memories.
Our porter, Gideon guided us safely through tricky terrain.
This is a well oiled machine that ensures a magnificent experience.
amazing, truly once in a lifetime experience.
very professional and knowledgable tour guide and an incredible trek with the gorillas spending an hour with a family of them within feet of us.
The park rangers were very professional, polite and helpful while ensuring the safety of the guests and Gorillas.
We did the 2 days tour and went to see the Golden 'monkeys in Rwanda on day 2, which was well worth it, hiking in the foothills of the volcanoes and getting within feet of the monkeys and visiting a local community.
The tour company took care of all lodging and transfers and meals were included.
Everything went very smoothly.
The only thing I would suggest is that the tour operators are a bit more clear on the exact itinerary.
We weren't aware that we would be going to a national park in Rwanda on day 2 and therefore needed to get covid tests done at our own expense.
to be fair, the process of getting the test was very easy and the tour guide coordinated everything without issue, so it didn't cause any scheduling problems, only the unexpected cost of USD $50 each.
Highly recommended tour group!
In September I did my long waited for Uganda trip.
8 days.
Gorilla Trek Africa was my choice after reading the great reviews.
I am a solo 70's woman traveler and had read another review from a traveler similar to myself who did the trip.
I picked my highlights - the gorilla trek and the tree climbing lions in Ishasha.
Nelson who works out the details added the chimpanzee tracking and game drives in L Mburo NP and Queen Elizabeth NP and a lot more.
I saw so much in the 8 days but never felt rushed.
My dates and itineraries changed 3 to 4 times over 3 years from my first booking due to various issues.
I couldn't believe Nelson was patient to deal with all my changes.
So much appreciated.
This was a dream trip for me and finally it happened.
Seeing the gorilla family of 2 babies, 2 females, 2 silverbacks and a juvenile male was amazing.
My driver/guide Asaph was knowledgeable and made my trip relaxed and fun.
Lodges were fantastic, food delicious at every lodge.
Some lodges: Mihingo, Mahogany Springs, Katara, Crater Safari Lodge.
Uganda is beautiful, green, lush.
Just seeing the country side was an added bonus.
Perfect trip.
No problems.
Thanks so much Nelson and Asaph.
We recently returned from a 10 day trip in Rwanda and Uganda in October with Gorilla Trek Africa and everything was fantastic!
Nelson worked with us to create the perfect trip to meet our needs and was incredibly patient and responsive to all of our questions and changes.
While we were only in East Africa a relatively short time, the itinerary allowed us to experience the perfect mix of nature and culture, but never feel rushed.
We couldn't have been luckier to be assigned Luchi as our driver and guide.
He was incredible!
He was very knowledgeable and informative, patient with our many questions, and a pleasure to spend time with.
If we expressed an interest in seeing something, he made it happen.
He has an incredible network and was clearly highly respected everywhere we went.
He did everything he could to tailor the trip to what he learned we liked, including securing us more difficult treks to the gorillas!
He also went out of his way to ensure that our 20th Wedding Anniversary was incredibly memorable including a surprise bottle of wine, special cake, song and celebration from Luchi and the Mihingo Lodge team.
We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our trip and came away with many unforgettable memories.
We highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa to anyone wishing to travel in Rwanda and Uganda and for any gorilla trekking experience.
We encountered several other travelers during our trip who were not getting near the experience we were (their guide was lost, or wasn't able to identify key items; they were missing opportunities to see things; or they were actually being mislead).
Sometimes they knew it and sometimes they didn't, and we always considered ourselves lucky to be with Luchi and Gorilla Trek Africa. 
My family and I used Gorilla Trek Africa to book a 5 day trip to Rwanda.
It was a customized trip for us with specific hotels and itineraries in Kigali, Akagera National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.
So many aspects of their operation were outstanding.
Nelson was amazing as the person I had contact with to organize our trip; he was incredibly responsive, and I even joked at one point that he must sleep with his computer because he always responded to my emails quickly, even in the middle of the night.
We postponed the trip twice because of Covid, and Nelson cordially changed our trip dates both times.
We traded dozens of emails planning the trip that would best suit our interests.
Ivan was our guide and driver.
He was fabulous.
He is very personable, funny and knowledgeable about animals, birds, Rwandan history and Rwandan culture.
We spent days driving around the country with him, and he always had a smile on his face.
The one problem we encountered with the Company is that we were supposed to stay 2 nights at Ruzizi Tented Camp in Akagera National Park.
We had Gorilla Trek Africa book this hotel 4 months in advance for us.
It was not until we showed up there that the lodge said that Gorilla Trek Africa had never confirmed our reservation and that they could only accommodate us for one night.
We were really annoyed.
Gorilla Trek Africa booked us at the last second some place else for the second night.
I would definitely use Gorilla Trek Africa again to book a trip to Uganda or Rwanda, but unfortunately next time I will have to make sure all of my hotels, gorilla and golden monkey permits and other items are indeed booked.
We used Gorilla Trek twice for our gorillas and Golden monkeys trekking in Rwanda, once was in July 2021 and the latest one was in June 2022.
Both times we booked through Nelson who was extremely responsive and always ready to answer any questions, in short we had amazing time and great experience.
Our guide both times was Sam Elliott who was very experienced, always helpful and very accommodating.
We will not hesitate to recommend Gorilla Trek to anyone who is interested in visiting gorillas.
We also used Gorilla Trek to book our safari to Magashi camp in Akagera National Park.
If you are looking for an amazing gorilla trek experience look no further than Gorilla Trek Africa.
They were so organized and flexible, kind and fun.
We managed to get so close to gorillas which will be an experience I will never forget.
The lodge we stayed in was perfect, delicious food, kind people AND they even cleaned our very muddy boots after the trek.
Our guide Sam Elliott was the best, so friendly and accomodating to our group wanting to stop by a store, ATM, the Diane Fossey Museum.
It was a trip of a lifetime and I am so thankful to Nelson and the team at Gorilla Trek Africa for organizing it for us and treating us so well.
Thank you!
I had an amazing time with gorilla trek africa.
Nelson was very efficient organising the trip...always quick to respond and full of great ideas!
My guide asaph was so knowledgeable about the animals, his country, and his people.
I learned so much from him.
Everything went smoothly from pick up at Entebbe to drop off in Kigali...I got to see gorillas twice (once in Uganda once in Rwanda), chimpanzees, lions, elephants, hippos and many more!
we sampled local fruit along the way.
if you want to chose a gorilla experience my comparison was uganda was a bit steeper to get to them, but less muddy than rwanda....BUT Uganda is half the money and once you are with the gorillas, there is really no difference.
I had the most amazing time.
thank you Nelson and Asaph
We originally booked for 2020 but with COVID had to postpone.
Dealing with Nelson was fantasist, he was extremely patient and accommodating and quick to respond to my many emails and questions.
We did a tour to Uganda from Rwanda for the gorilla trek which was amazing!
We took around 2.5 hours to hike to the gorillas which wasn't too challenging.
Along the way from rwanda we stopped for a night in Lake Bunyonyi which was a great addition to add on!
The lake is beautiful and the hotel we stayed at was amazing over looking the lake and had a nice canoe ride the following morning.
Our guide Gavis was friendly and knowledgeable and the ride from Rwanda to uganda was good.
Would recommend gorilla trek!
My wife and I booked with Gorilla Trek with Nelson.
We did see gorillas and chimpanzees which were the main attractions.
We had a great driver named Arafat.
He was outstanding in every way.
He is very professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and he really looked out for us at all times during our tour.
Unfortunately on the last day of the trip we were scheduled to drive about 10 hours from Bwindi to Kampala to end the tour.
During the drive the vehicle we were in broke down and had to be repaired.
We stood on the side of the road and waited for a couple of car mechanics to come and repair the vehicle.
We were there for 3 1/2 hours while waiting for and then watching mechanics work on the vehicle.
They repaired the problem enough to get to their workshop in a somewhat nearby town.
They worked on the vehicle another 1/2 hour there.
We continued the trip but not long after that the vehicle broke down again with a totally different issue.
This time it left us standing around watching mechanics come and go, work on the vehicle, had the wrong part, leave, come back, etc.
After 2 hours we were sent another vehicle to finish the trip to Kampala.
The driver for that vehicle was named Elvis and he was very good.
Since we lost 6 hours total due to the two breakdowns we were running late and missed dinner though we did stop at a small convenience store for some packaged snacks.
Finally arrived at our destination and checked in at midnight.
We are both seasoned travelers and adapt well to unexpected changes in plans.
However I did ask Nelson if he would like give some compensation due to the inconveniences during that day.
We asked for what we thought was very reasonable.
We had no transportation so we asked Nelson if he would provide a ride to and from dinner for us the day after we arrived in Kampala.
We paid for our own dinner.
We also asked for a ride to the airport the following day.
He agreed to both.
We were given the ride to and from dinner as agreed.
However, the next day we waited for our most important ride which was to the airport to leave the country.
Our driver did not show up at the pickup time.
I tried to contact him but he was unreachable.
I also tried to contact Nelson who I also could not reach.
After texting and calling for the driver and Nelson for one hour we booked our own transportation to the airport.
I heard from Nelson a couple of hours later just before out flight was to leave.
He said our driver was in a car accident before he was able to pick us up and was injured and unable to contact us.
Nelson said that he had his phone turned off when we tried to contact him.
To wrap this up I asked Nelson if he would like to make good on the missed ride to the airport and cover the roughly $40 we spent on our taxi.
He said that he would not do that.
He told me I was being inhuman and ridiculous.
This ended on a very sour note with this unpleasant exchange with Nelson.
I expected better customer service from him and Gorilla Trek Africa.
We had an amazing experience with GTA.
We started planning our trip in 2019 and had to postpone several times due to COVID.
Nelson was the architect of our trip, offering amazing suggestions, tailoring the trip exactly to our needs, and making sure that the lodges.
He responded promptly and made sure we felt supported even when our plans changed.
each of the lodges he recommended were escellent.
We ended up doing gorilla trekking in Uganda and golden monkey trekking in Rwanda.
We finally got to go on the trip this August and it exceeded our expectations in every way.
Krish was a fantastic guide.
He navigated the muddy, treacherous and bumpy terrain with ease even when there were torrential downpours, was super prompt, and incredibly friendly.
We learned so much from him about Uganda and Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking was one of the most amazing, unforgettable trips of our lives and we are so grateful to GTA for helping us have this experience!
Just back from an incredible trip to Uganda with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Nelson was super helpful with the booking process which was seamless.
We were collected by our driver and guide Arafat for a five day tour.
Arafat was an excellent guide, very helpful, kind and full of knowledge.
I would highly recommend requesting Arafat, his knowledge on the wildlife was impeccable.
We saw many animals on our tour, tree climbing lions, hippos, elephants and many more.
The gorilla trek was incredible, beyond words.
Arafat worked hard to get us a gorilla family that had many members including babies.
I wouldn't hesitate to book again with Gorilla Trek Africa.
This is the second time I have used Gorilla Trek Africa and they did not disappoint.
I wanted to return to see the mountain gorillas and bring a group of 20 close friends.
Nelson was amazing and set everything up for me and is always very responsive to emails.
Nelson set up our stay at the Five Volcanoes hotels - which was amazing.
I can't say enough good things..... highly recommend.
Gorilla trekking had been a dream prior to COVID.
We finally made the trip happen in 2022 and so grateful we chose Gorilla Trek Africa.
First off, Nelson was very responsive and easy to communicate with when looking for different options for experience.
He made it very easy to understand and before le we knew it, we made our deposit!
Once we arrived in Kigali, our tour guide NORMAN came to say hi the day before our tour actually started.
Since this was my first time in Africa, meeting him the night before made me feel so much more comfortable about what to expect.
We asked him tons of questions and he graciously answered all of them.
Norman has a kind heart, he is enthusiastic and he is what made our tour memorable!
He is fun, knowledgeable, and professional.
If you choose Gorilla Trek Africa (which you should), you should definitely request to have Norman as your guide.
You won't regret it :)
I can't say enough about this once in a lifetime experience.
Firstly Nelson was so patient and helpful.
Very responsive and always ready to answer my questions.
On the actual day, my guide was Gavis.
Punctual and do professional.
Made sure I got into a good group for the actual trek.
Even brought some cookies which helped when I needed a burst of sugar during the grueling hike.
Highly recommend.
My husband and I had the best time in Rwanda for part of our honeymoon- we can't recommend Gorilla Trek Africa enough!
Nelson was very responsive to book, confirm, and setup permits for the park, and Peter was the BEST tour operator who helped us along the way.
We trekked for an hour or so until we reached the gorillas.
Truly a trek of a lifetime, a magical experience!!
Excellent guide, great hotels, spectacular food and lovely people.
The gorilla Trek was amazing.
We were very close and got some great photos.
We also did the golden Monkeys trek.
They were adorable.
We went on to Akagera Game park in the south.
That was an excellent experience.
Special shout-out to the excellent guide that Gorilla Trek Africa provided.
His knowledge and kindness were extraordinary.
His presence was an important part of our enjoyment of this tour.
We could not have had a better experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Working with Nelson was a breeze.
Even though our trip was postponed twice due to the Pandemic, Nelson was very accommodating and patient with us.
William, our guide, was amazing.
He was kind, had a great sense of humor and extremely knowledgeable about Rwanda and Uganda.
The gorilla trekking was amazing and they came very close to us.
Two treks were perfect.
One in Rwanda and one in Uganda.
On the 4 game drives we did, we saw lions, leopards, hippos, huge elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, cobs, bush bucks, lions sleeping in trees, many different species of birds and other small game.
We really enjoyed the boat Safari on the Kazinga Chanel.
We saw so many animals drinking water, cooling off and sunning themselves.
William knew exactly where to go and could expertly spot the animals.
He knew when to wait and when to move on.
He made everyday so much fun.
He was an excellent driver and dodged many craters in the roads, bicycles, cows, goats and people walking alongside the road.
He knew fabulous local places to stop for souvenirs and local products.
You must ask for William Luchi.
It seemed like we were family by the end of the trip.
The lodges were nice with delicious food.
We had different selections of vegan, local and cosmopolitan food choices.
The staff would light the fireplaces in your room and bring you hot water bottles for the bed.
Your boots and gaiters were also cleaned but the lodges.
The entire trip was amazing and a once in a lifetime opportunity.
You cannot go wrong booking with Gorilla Trek Africa and William Luchi!
Nelson was excellent through email at discussing options and organising the tour.
We were collected from Kigali and drove to Bwindi, Uganda by Arafat who was a wonderful, friendly, helpful guide.
We had 1 day at Queen Elizabeth park and 1 day on a gorilla trek in Bwindi.
All went as planned and was a wonderful trip.
When I contacted the hotel independently, they gave a quote for the exact same trip and was a few thousand dollars more expensive, so not only is the company excellent to deal with, they offer great value for money.
Our Rwanda experience was made possible by Gorilla Trek Africa!
Nelson, manager, was always so helpful and punctual about responding to our questions and requests.
This is even while being 7 time zones away!
We simply inquired about a trip, layed out what we would like to do, and Nelson took care of it from there(we did book flights separately)!
Once we arrived in Rwanda, we were meet at our hotel, Five to Five, by our guide, Elvis.
He reviewed our trip with us and made some suggestions about local things to see in Kigali.
The next day we toured the city with Elvis.
He was a wealth of knowledge on all things Rwanda.
We asked many questions, and Elvis had the answer to everything!
We then spent the night at DaVinci Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
The staff there were exceptional.
They made us feel at home and welcomed from the moment we stepped out of the car.
The next day, we took our trek with the gorillas.
The experience can barely be put into words.
The rangers, guide, and porters were all top notch (make sure to get a porter!
$10 is money well spent and I can almost guarantee that you will feel like it was a bargain by the end!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Elvis then recommended a village walk where we were able to see the culture of the Rwandans' in the Northern part of the country.
The next few days were spent in Akagera National Park.
We took a boat tour on Lake Ihema, to see birds, and also 3 game drives(two smaller- 3 hours, and one larger- 10 hours).
All the experiences in Akagera were made even better by Elvis.
He has an encyclopedic knowledge of wildlife.
We saw over 60 animals and birds and he knew every single one and also had information about them that was up to date and relevant.
When we ended our trip, Elvis made sure that we got to the airport with plenty enough time to check in and be at our gate!
If you are looking to experience Africa, look no further than Gorilla Trek Africa.
Their guides make all the difference (opposed to just drivers, which many other companies give you) !
We would not have had nearly the trip that we did if we did not have Elvis and everything that he brought to the table!
Life-changning experience!
Amazing 4 day tour through the Volcanoes National Park with pickup and dropoff in Kigali.
Norman was absolutely excellent, and went above and beyond to make sure everything was going well for me.
Don't hesistate to book your trip through Gorilla Trek Africa, they won't disappoint, especially if you've got Norman as your guide!
Excellent 5 days in Uganda, both the Monkey and Gorilla Trekking was well organized and worth every minute Nelson at Gorilla Trek was outstanding and designed the perfect adventure around our 5 day timeframe.
Accommodations were great, we started in Entebbe, the Two Friends Hotel was super, the staff so friendly and the Fish Dinner 2nd to none.
The stay for two night's at the Turraco Tree Top was special, with a deck off the room that looks out to the jungle.
Overall a trip not to be missed.
My husband and I and another couple (old friends) have just returned from 10 days in Rwanda.
We combined a stay at Magashi Safari camp with a visit to the gorillas.
We made our reservations direct with Gorilla Trek and received excellent service from their manager Nelson.
The trip was fantastic, all the arrangements were meticulous and the whole trip ran like clockwork.
Nelson, who is based in Kampala, was incredibly responsive, nothing too much trouble.
We were accompanied by our guide Sam Elliott who was just fabulous.
Sam was a mine of all kinds of information, great company and he couldn't do enough for us.
All in all a really fabulous trip made even better by the efforts of Nelson and Sam.
All the accommodation was top notch: Serena Hotel Kigali, Magashi Camp, Virunga Lodge.
Oh and the gorillas were just amazing!
The guide, rangers and porters were so good.
Please use a porter, the money you give them ($10 or more if you need a lot of help) really helps the community and encourages conservation.
Highly recommended, Gorilla Trek Africa provided 5 Star service.
We'll definitely travel with them again.
It is really something to do in your life, the gorillas accept you in their living room, continuing to do their life while you look at them.
Incredible!
Otherwise the trip was perfectly organized by Gorilla Trek Africa Ltd.
I have been taken by a driver at my hotel in Kigali and he organized everything until I went back to my hotel the following day.
Great job.
Thanks to the full team
Fantastic experience.. internet problems stopped us paying for or permit in advance but it was easily sorted on arrival at Virunga national park.
As an older couple our ranger advised we join the  easy walk group and provided hiking poles and we also opted for the help of a porter which was useful when navigating muddy paths on our (only ) 1hr walk uphill through wet agricultural paddocks to the gorillas.
Gum boots or hiking boots recommended!
We were very lucky as our ranger guides found the gorilla family so quickly and they were on the edge of the forest in thinly wooded open ground so we had a really great unforgettable close encounter for an hour or so before we followed them as they returned to dense forest.
Take some spare RWF to pay/tip the porter 5- 10k and the rangers .. money well spent.
Thanks to our guide that day, Kali, for a truly memorable gorilla trek.
Nelson and his staff at Gorilla Trek Africa were professional and delivered on all counts!
His choice of lodging was fabulous.
A guest house in Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria gave me a chance to book a 1/2 day bike ride around a part of the Lake, great lodges in Bwindi NP & Volcanoes NP at reasonable prices with fabulous food (fresh fish caught the night before in local lakes).
My drivers and guides were gracious, professional, and spoke English.
Very helpful when spending hours on the road together.
They also stopped on the side of the road when I wanted to stop and take a photo.
Nelson also suggested ending in Lake Kivu.
It wasn't on my original list but his recommendation was perfect.
I did a 1/2 boat tour the day before boarding my return flight to US.
On the boat I saw people in long boats taking produce to market from Congo to Uganda.
That's the kind of insight and ideas I appreciate and want from my tour consultant as a traveler.
And the money shot!
My goal was to see and photograph mountain back gorillas in Bwindi & Volcanoes NP.
Nelson put my trip together.
In Bwindi, I photographed a mountain gorilla mother, her content face enjoying the sunlight, while breast feeding her baby.
I submitted the picture to Travel and Leisure.
It was picked picture of the week in shown online!
Myself and my husband have just returned from our incredible 10 day trip to Rwanda with Gorilla Trek Africa and we are still smiling from ear to ear!
We had booked it two years ago but because of covid had to reschedule it numerous times.
Nelson was punctual, helpful and very understanding , always keeping us updated and answering all our questions along the way while being as flexible as he could with ever changing plans.
Communication was very good throughout.
When we finally could go, we had since got married so decided to upgrade the accommodation and make it our honeymoon- and it certainly did not disappoint!
Upon arrival we met Gavis, our amazing guide, who was to become a driver, wildlife expert, local interpreter king of football, fun and a new friend- we could not be happier that we had him with us for the trip.
He ensured our safety, comfort and enjoyment, always going the extra mile to make sure we got to see and do everything we wanted as well as looking out for me when I was unwell.
Rwanda is a truly remarkable country, boundless green lush landscape and varied wildlife that rivals the more frequented tourist destinations nearby.
I don't like the phrase 'the people are' because you can't define a whole country in that way but the individuals we met along the way were friendly and full of knowledge-.
The country generally feels safe and welcoming.
Obviously there are ways of touring a country much cheaper, but if you're looking for a bespoke hold you by the hand tour of Rwanda, we would highly recommend Gorilla trek Africa and certainly Gavis.
Accommodation highlights: Comoron Lodge on Lake Kivu is stunning Ruzizi Tented Lodge- setting, food and staff made this a real highlight- listening to Hippos eat outside the lodge at night is incredible.
Activity highlights: Nothing beats seeing Gorillas - such a privileged experience.
Nothing like it ever.
Tracking chimps - the crescendo of noise can't be replicated Genocide Museum- Very powerful and well done Akagera park- beautiful and certainly less busy than some national parks friends have told me about.
We were incredibly lucky to see everything we did.
It truly is an amazing experience to be so close to the gorillas.
Sturdy hiking boots and one hiking pole were helpful.
Also we got rented gators from the lodge.
We did the the gorilla trek and the next day the golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park as part of our 10 day guided tour with Overseas Adventure Travel on its Rwanda: Mountain Gorillas in the Land of a Thousand Hills.
took care of all the rocky road driving, game lodge reservations and logistics including the necessary COVID testing.
I often do my own travel planning and driving, but I believe a guided tour is much better for Rwanda.
In addition to the gorillas and golden monkeys, there is another beautiful national park in the east, Akagera, where we saw the Big Five.
Rwanda has a tragic, but ultimately uplifting history and a guided tour like OAT helps you to meet people who lived through the genocide and understand how this nation has survived and thrived.
Just cane back from a 3 days gorillas and golden monkeys trek with them.
Everything was perfect and beyond my expectations.
My guide Peter was on time, professional, helpful and attentive and everything went smoothly even in this time of pandemic.
As for the gorilla trek itself, it was exceptional.
Gorillas don't follow a schedule and my group had to change gorilla family on the spot because the initial group was on the move to fast for us to catch up, but the guides were quick to make the decision and we made our way to another group and we were able to enjoy our hour with those beautiful great apes.
So would I do it again?
For sure!
With this tour provider?
For sure also!
Thanks to Nelson and his team.
Gorilla Trek Africa delivered a seamless and totally personalized experience for my Rwanda trip from initial planning through the end of my trip.
Nelson was very helpful and responsive over email as I figured out what itinerary made the most sense for me.
My personal guide and driver, Joana, was absolutely lovely and very knowledgeable.
I can't stand tour group travel and this was definitely not that -- it was bespoke, individualized travel on my terms, with all the annoying details taken care of but all the freedom left intact.
I did a four day tour including a gorilla trek, hike to Dian Fossey's (and Digit's) gravesite, and a golden monkey hike.
Though all the hikes in Volcanoes National Park are led by park rangers, it's pretty much essential to go with a guide service such as Gorilla Trek Africa, which provides your daily transportation, organizes all the permits, and is basically the liaison between you and the Park.
Here's how my itinerary went: Day 1: Picked up in the morning from my hotel in Kigali by my personal guide for the duration of the trip, Joana, in a comfortable four-wheel drive vehicle.
Joana took me for a Kigali city tour based entirely on what I wanted to do.
We then headed off on a gorgeous drive up to the mountains.
Joana's excellent driving ensured I didn't get motion sickness--which I'm prone to--and she was happy to stop at any point for me to take pictures.
We stopped for lunch (included) at Migano Cafe, a delightful restaurant near the Karisoke Research Center museum in the small town of Misanze.
Then I took my time in the museum, which I thought was a treasure.
From there Joana delivered me to my lodging, where I had the rest of my meals during the trip.
Day 2: Joana picked me up and drove me over to the park headquarters where all the trekkers (whether for gorillas, monkeys, or other hikes) gather every morning to meet up with the park rangers.
Joana processed me through the entrance with my permits and paperwork (all arranged by Gorilla Trek Africa) and then she and the other guides consulted with the rangers to divide up the trekking groups while the other trekkers and I enjoyed amazing coffee and socialized in the gazebos.
Some lodges provide hikers with ankle gaiters for the mud but mine did not, so Joana hooked me up with someone who rents them by the day for a small fee.
$5 a day, which includes bringing them to you, putting them on your feet, and then getting them back from you dirty at the end of the day and bringing you a fresh dry pair the next morning).
Soon I was paired with three other trekkers of like ability and we were off to see the gorilla family we were assigned.
That was an amazing experience, but it's the same regardless of which guide service you go with so I'll leave it at that.
The way the process works is that once you get assigned to a group at the park HQs, you all get back in the cars with your guides and drive over to a designated starting point, which differs based on which gorilla family you're going to see.
The ranger who leads your group will hop in one of the cars with you and lead the caravan to wherever the starting point is.
At that point you'll meet up with porters who can be hired to carry your pack and help you in the slippery spots (note: pretty much everyone hires a porter, whether they need one or not.
It's $10 plus tip).
Then your guide stays with your car (and anything you choose to leave behind in it) for the duration of your trek.
Once the trek is done, you don't go back to the park HQs but instead go straight to your lodge, or wherever else you have your guide take you.
After the trek, at my request we stopped at a crafts center with multiple stalls where I enjoyed picking up some souvenirs.
Zero pressure from Joana--this was definitely not one of those situations where the tour guide gets a cut.
Then Joana drove me back to the lodge where I had a late lunch and relaxed until dinner.
Day 3: Basically the same as day 2, but I did the Dian Fossey gravesite hike, which I would strongly recommend if you're in decent hiking shape and are at all interested in seeing where Dian Fossey lived and studied.
As you may recall if you watched Gorillas in the Mist, Dian Fossey was buried next to Digit, a silverback she was very close to who was killed by poachers.
Digit is still right there next to her and some 20 or so other gorillas are buried in the graveyard as well--each with names and years of birth and death.
Getting a sense for the terrain in which Dian Fossey worked is really cool--she was one tough lady!
After the hike Joana took me to a cultural center that depicts pre-colonial life in Rwanda and employs rehabilitated former poachers.
It wasn't the highlight of my trip but was worth a stop.
Back to the lodge after that, where Joana arranged for a physician to come to me to administer the COVID-19 PCR test I needed for my return travel.
Day 4: Same process --early wake-up to meet the rangers and other trekkers over at the Park HQs, get gaiters from the rental guy, drink amazing coffee, get assigned to a group.
I did the golden monkeys hike, which was a very short hike followed by about an hour of marveling at the monkeys.
Joana drove me to the starting point and stayed with the car, same as the other days.
Afterward I went back to the lodge and got cleaned up and ate lunch before checking out and heading back to Kigali.
On the ~2.5hr drive back there were more scenic photo ops.
Joana delivered me to my hotel in Kigali and made sure I had all my COVID-19 test documentation before we parted ways.
She was great.
I had an entirely positive experience with Gorilla Trek Africa and would highly recommend them.
Thanks Joana and Nelson!
What an amazing adventure African Gorilla Trek provided!
I traveled with my friend, both of us being two middle-age women, for a 14-day trip around Uganda.
The main focus for our trip to Uganda was experience the mountain gorillas, but it ended up being so much more.
To say that it was a trip of a lifetime is an understatement.
There are many companies to choose from when traveling to Uganda, but now having experienced the trip and being able to witnessed many tour companies along the way the reasons I would highly recommend Africa Gorilla Trek is their communication, organization and passion.
The communication was amazing.
William is the United States representative while Nelson is the coordinator in Uganda.
Both encouraged us to contact them with any and all questions and concerns, which we did.
Before the trip we wrote (and called) numerous, numerous times with many questions and every single time our emails and calls were returned quickly with thorough answers to all our questions.
Nelson is wonderful, but it was nice to have William as the United Representative to be able to call and talk with.
After traveling to Uganda, I am more aware of the level of organization needed for this type of trip.
Not only were there the lodge accommodations but also permits needed for every game park, as well as the gorilla and chimpanzee permits and many small details I would not have even thought of.
Africa Gorilla Trek took of every detail seamlessly.
Even when our airline changed our return tickets to a later day at the last minute, (do NOT use Turkish Airlines!
), Nelson quickly was able to get us accommodations and a park permit for an extra day.
In my opinion, the main reason that our trip was such a success and the reason I am highly recommending UGT is because of Elvis, our guide.
He was professional, fun and easy to be with and had an amazing ability to find wildlife.
You will find many companies will provide a driver that will drive you from place to place, while Elvis was a genuine tour guide with an amazing amount of knowledge.
We learned about Ugandan history, politics, social issues, the communities as well as the extensive knowledge he has and shares about all the animals, birds and fauna that you encounter on your trip.
I also want to make a point that Elvis is an amazingly skilled driver.
Our trip involved many long drives that included congested (crazy) urban streets as well as treacherous mountain roads.
Not once was I nervous or worried, he handled each environment skillfully.
I look through my pictures of the trip almost every day.
We were able to have an amazing gorilla trek, seeing the Silver Back as well as several baby and juvenile gorillas.
We saw 7 leopards, including one eating his kill in a tree.
We saw elephant playing, giraffes running, hippos sparring, monkeys stealing bananas, Chimpanzees, Rhinos.
When I think of the trip, I feel happy.
My recommendations: Besides my main suggestion to definitely book with Uganda Gorilla Trek, I would also suggest booking the gorilla trek for two days.
It is expensive, but I do not regret the extra expense as each day was magical.
You are traveling all the way to Uganda to experience the gorillas, spend the extra money to have two days.
The other thing I would recommend is to book the mid-range accommodations.
We booked the deluxe accommodations as we considered this trip to be our big splurge and once in a lifetime experience, but truthfully, we often arrived at the lodges after dark and left before it got light.
We were so tired that we did not appreciate the luxurious (and they were luxurious) accommodations.
We often were so tired we just wanted a working shower and a clean bed to fall into.
To do it again, I would save the money and use it to book a weekend at a Scottsdale resort for a luxury experience.
My husband and i had an absolutely epic time exploring Rwanda (5-day itinerary) our guide Eric.
Right from the getgo, Gorilla Trek Africa was extremely professional.
Nelson was prompt, efficient and polite in his responses.
What really impressed me was how patient and flexible he was in putting together an itinerary that worked for us.
They took care of all the small details, and despite doing this during a pandemic, we always felt safe.
Eric was just great -- he knew when to let go and chill but also when to step it up and put gentle pressure to make sure we were keeping to times and deadlines.
He was extremely knowledgeable on so many topics ranging from wildlife, birds (he really is an expert here!
and history.
We learned a lot from Eric, and truly enjoyed his company.
Oh and of course - the apes/monkeys.
We saw chimps in nyungwe up close and gorillas and golden monkeys in volcanoes.
truly WOW.
i am still in disbelief at how close we were to the gorillas and what we observed (mother and child hugging, mother transporting baby on back, mating ritual, little babies playing, silverback being the dominant force that he is.. etc).
if you are going to rwanda, i cannot recommend Gorilla Trek Africa and Eric more.
We enjoyed the full itinerary set for our trip and our guide, Krish.
We especially enjoyed Murchinson Falls, Kibale National Park for Chimp tracking, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the difficult Gorilla Tracking.
When Krish found out we loved pineapple he actually bought us a couple of them and had the hotel staff at Pakuba Lodge prepare the pineapple for us where we ate it poolside.
We enjoyed all the lodges that we stayed in during our trip.
The entire trip was a great was a great experience!
In March 2001, my wife and I researched tour companies to hire for a trip to Uganda.
There were a ton of companies and we spent substantial time researching them.
We noticed that Gorilla Trek Africa was rated number one on Tripadvisor and continued to come up in Google searches for best tour companies.
We contacted Gorilla Trek Africa's U.S. representative, spoke to him, and decided to hire Gorilla Trek Africa as our tour company.
Nelson became our contact and he was super helpful and responsive.
With Nelson's help, a travel agent was unnecessary.
Nelson assisted us with designing a personal, custom tour that best fit our needs.
We had many questions in the beginning and he promptly responded to all of them.
We booked our trip for July 13 through July 26.
In June, due to an increase in COVID cases, Uganda's president locked down the country and enacted various restrictions, including a curfew.
We were concerned at first, but after conducting additional research, talking to Nelson, and learning that there were exemptions for tourists, we decided not to postpone our travels.
And, it was the right decision.
We had an absolute blast!
We couldn't have been happier with our choice to travel to Uganda and our decision to hire Gorilla Trek Africa.
After two days of exploring Entebbe on our own, Asaph, our tour guide, picked us up at our hotel in a Land Cruiser and our tour began.
Asaph was amazing!
He was knowledgeable and attentive.
He was kind and patient with us but had a self-assured presence that made us feel safe and secure.
Too, he took excellent care of us.
My wife and I have traveled extensively and could have navigated Uganda on our own, but it would have been so much more stressful and less enjoyable without Gorilla Trek Africa backing us and Asaph guiding us.
During our tour, we went on game drives, boat tours, community tours, a chimpanzee trek, and a gorilla trek.
The accommodations rocked and the staff was friendly.
It was extraordinary!
My wife and I were so happy with Gorilla Trek Africa as our tour company and Asaph as our guide that we are each writing a separate positive review.
I highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa as a tour company and Asaph as a tour guide.
Scott
We could not have been more pleased with our experience with GTA.
From start to finish, we were perfectly taken care every step of the way.
Our driver Goodwin was an incredible guide from Kigali over to the National Park, making thoughtful stops along the way (like the Uganda Genocide Museum).
He was such a pleasure to spend time with as we made our way to the National Park.
We decided to stay at Five Volcanoes Hotel, which was incredible as well.
The property was beautiful, the meals delicious, and just a stone's throw from the park.
Once on the trek, our guide Fidel and his expert team of trackers made it possible for us to see a massive family of gorillas in their natural habitat (taking care to protect them in every way).
This was such a special experience that we would recommend to anyone.
We went on our honeymoon, and loved every second if it.
PS - Especially recommend gaiters, thick pants, a jacket, and thick gloves for this trek -- the thorns in the jungle are no joke!)
If you're looking for a great Rwandan trekking and safari experience, and you need a tour company to organize it for you, look no further!
Gorilla Trek Africa gave us a wonderful Rwandan experience.
It was extremely easy to book, and our contact person, Nelson, built our tour around what we wanted to see.
We went from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla and Golden Monkey trekking, to Lake Kivu and Nyungwe National Park for chimp tracking and the canopy walk, back to Kigali for a night, then on to Akagera National Park for safari, and back to Kigali.
All of the accommodations they arranged were perfect and we were treated like special guests everywhere stayed.
Our guide/driver, Gavis, was amazing!
Extremely friendly and personable, he made our trip very special.
It felt as if we were being taken around the country by a good friend.
When we visited in July 2021, Rwanda required COVID PCR testing every few days to be cleared to enter the national parks.
Gorilla Trek Africa arranged for all of our tests, and Gavis went out of his way to ensure we had our results in time for the next park.
Gorilla Trek Africa made our trip feel effortless, and we never felt like we were on a big package tour, which was important to us since we're usually independent travelers.
Highly, highly recommended!
It was very fantastic and wonderful experience, we were very happy looking at the gorillas in their habitat Gorilla Trek Africa is good.
The hotels offered by the tour were very good and mostly their Food was very good.
And for sure thank so much our guide William, is so polite, caring and loving man my family appreciated
Being in the presence of the mountain gorillas was an incomparable privilege, achieved through the superb planning by Nelson of Gorilla Trek Africa.
Our guide Sam for the three days we were in Rwanda was informative, gentle, well spoken, unpretentious and a truly outstanding person.
Sam taught us how much Rwanda has to offer and we shall have to return to experience this magnificent country fully.
It was a unique experience, the environment is spectacular, the trekking can be somehow hard depending on the location of the family that you visit but it was definitely worth it for me.
Being able to see these families so close in their natural habitat fascinated me.
Highly recommended
We just returned from a 5 day tour of Uganda including the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
It was absolutely amazing!
We rescheduled our trip from July 2020 to Dec 2020 because of COVID.
Throughout this preplanning process, I corresponded with Nelson (who is based out of Uganda).
He was very responsive and patient with my questions and slew of emails.
Nelson paired us with Asaph (our driver and guide) and we could not have been happier.
There is a lot of driving involved in the tour, and Asaph really enhanced these moments by spotting a TON of animals and sharing his knowledge of the country and areas.
We genuinely consider him our friend now!
He also helped us obtain the COVID tests which are a requirement to leave the country.
As for the trip itself, it was everything we could have hoped for.
We tracked Chimpanzees, took a boat cruise, conducted a game drive, tracked the Silverback Gorillas, and explored one of the neighboring communities.
The hotels were each unique and spectacular in their own way, and took care of all of our meals.
Throughout the entire trip, we felt safe and well provided for.
Uganda has taken extraordinary steps in their COVID measures - and we were constantly sanitizing and getting temp checks at all major attractions and park entrances.
Nearly everything in Uganda is cash-only, so don't anticipate being able to use a credit card.
There is limited access to ATMs once you leave the major city centers, so get your money situation squared away early.
Many of the activities were very personalized so you should be ready to appreciate the guides and staff with a tip.
For example, each Gorilla Trek involves 7-8 staff members and you will be happy to be able to tip each for their role in this adventure.
It goes without saying to remember your driver in your tip planning as well.
I would absolutely recommend Gorilla Trek Africa to anyone (and to ask for Asaph if he is available!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
They took care of everything end-to-end on this trip and really helped us have a spectacular and memorable experience.
From the first contact Nelson who is based in Uganda provided helpful advice and clear information about costs as we put together a week of primate trekking in Rwanda.
Our driver guide Godwin took great care of the family and managed to get us back onto schedule after we had cleared Covid requirements so we did not miss anything.
Gorilla Trek Africa proved to be a reliable choice at a difficult time.
Rwanda is not the cheap option but it is a safe country taking sensible Covid precautions and the National Parks are running very professionally guarding the health of the apes.
We came to Rwanda to see the gorillas but aren't typically fond of tours/tour groups and like exploring on our own.
Plus, let's be honest, there's a serious sticker shock factor for any Rwandan gorilla tour.
Gorilla Trek Rwanda was the most responsive and most willing to give us what we needed without bells and whistles we didn't.
As an aside, we were very leery about whether to travel during COVID and felt quite guilty leaving the States for a vacation.
However, Rwanda impressed us so much with all of the precautions that are being taken universally, and Gorilla Trek Rwanda echos all of those precautions with their drivers, guides, etc.
We felt perfectly safe.
From the moment we were picked up at our hotel, we were assured to be in good hands.
Our guide walked through the Kigali market with us, a feat that I would not have liked to undertake on our own being so obviously foreigners.
Also included in our package was a stop at the Genocide Museum, which was a must do while in Kigali.
That was a very well put together self-led tour.
We were given as much time as we wanted.
My favorite part was the drive to our hotel.
Getting out of the city and seeing the Rwandan countryside and villages along the way was fantastic.
We opted to stay at the mid-range accommodation, the DaVinci Lodge.
Staff was over the top friendly.
Food good, more that sufficient.
Room was basic but just fine for one night.
The hot water bottles they put in bed made the sleep in an otherwise quite cold room just fine.
You get what you pay for.
We were fine not paying for top of the line accommodations and were satisfied.
Of course gorilla trekking was incredible.
We were left in such expert and capable hands at Volcanoes National Park for that experience.
Would absolutely recommend Gorilla Trek Africa!
It was an amazing experience, just looking at the gorillas in their habitat was incredible and magical.
The hotels offered by the tour were good but the 5 volcanoes was great specially because of their service and food; and there are not enough words to thank our guide Sam Elliot, always kind, willing to help and smiley.
Highly recommend
Took a three day tour to Volcanoes National park to see the Gorillas and the Golden Monkeys.
We hiked 45min to find the group and it was unbelievable being in and around their group.
My guide Joan was super nice and provided a great local view into Rwandan culture.
She had answers to all my questions and was super accommodating for road-side stops to get local food and take pictures.
At the end of the tour, my flight was early in the am so instead of waiting at the airport for hours, she dropped me at a nice coffee shop and then came back and took me to the airport.
That was much appreciated especially because you cannot get into the airport until check-in opens.
I stayed at the 5 Volcanoes hotel and it was quite nice.
The room was huge with a patio, a large bathroom and a comfy bed.
Compliments to the chef as all the meals were wonderful.
The only negative part of the experience was that the passenger window of the Land Cruiser did not go up and down easily and sometimes not at all.
It was a bit of a hassle when leaving the car or when it rained.
Overall it was a great tour and an amazing experience that I hope to have again one day.
Had a spectacular experience with this company.
Did a 9 day tour with nyoungwe, volcanoes national park, lake Kivu, Akagera and more.
We didn't have to worry about anything and we were in great hands.
Sam Elliot was the perfect guide, very knowledgable, kind, and accommodating.
We are already looking forward to coming back someday and would highly recommend this company.
Serenity Adventure Safari designed our holiday & we enjoyed Gorilla Trek Africa as they organize the Tour Guides.
Our trip with them was enjoyable & informative, the love of their country surpasses all understandings.
Learnt about livelihood as people live with nature & I loved that gorilla pouchers get arrested as previous hunters were retrained to be trekkers.
This is a post-Covid review for a pre-Covid 7 day Rwanda-Uganda gorilla and chimp tour from Jan 30 - Feb 5th, 2020.
I was traveling by myself.
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) .
I did very little planning for this spontaneous trip and Nelson did great with the lack of notice that I gave him in setting up my trip.
Although it was scheduled to rain for the entire week, I rolled the dice and it worked out well.
Elvis Mandela was my guide and he turned into a friend by the end of the 7 days.
He is a very good driver and he was very knowledgeable about Rwanda/Uganda.
I felt very safe with him the entire trip and I really enjoyed getting to know him!.
Sorry for the late review!
Our journey started with prompt and well-explained emails with Nelson.
I felt comfortable booking this from the start due to his professionalism.
On the morning of the trek, our driver, Julius, arrived early at our hotel.
He was not only friendly and professional, but treated us like a family-friend.
When he heard that we did not pack gaiters (leg coverings, definitely bring these!
), he ran into his own home to loan us each a pair.
He went truly above and beyond the whole day.
When we arrived at the meeting camp, we were placed into a group and oriented with our guide.
Our guide was also great; he knew SO much about the gorillas, which he seemed to regard as his friends.
He knew all of their individual names and characteristics.
He had been working with them for many many years, and we felt very happy that we were going into the jungle with him!
After only about an hour of hiking up the beautiful mountain, we were ushered off of the path and onto the brush.
Our guide used his machete to hack a walking path up over the brush for us (so cool!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
And then, we saw them.
A family of gorillas!
It was thrilling.
But we could not see the silverback, so the trackers went deeper into the brush to find him for us.
Once located, we followed to catch a glimpse.
He was majestic.
There were perhaps 20 gorillas that we saw in total.
It was completely amazing, and I can't recommend it more.
Of note- We had no trouble hiking or climbing or ducking through the brush, but you want to be in at least moderate shape for this.
You do go off the path and really hike through brash brush, but the guides and trackers are very helpful in guiding you.
This trip was truly a once in a lifetime experience that blew us away, in every way!
We are so very grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it and don't believe it would have been the same had it not been for our fabulous guide Eric (Manzi) with Gorilla Trek Africa!
Rwanda is an incredible country in so many ways, from the absolutely stunning natural beauty of it's geography and wildlife, to the heart breaking history of genocide and the truly remarkable rebuilding and reconciliation that has taken place since.
The present day Rwanda possesses a unique sense of unity, vibrant arts and cultural scene and culinary offerings that are just as diverse as they are delicious!
We were in country for about 9 days total, which included the 5 day gorilla/chimp/golden monkey trek.
This included Nyungwe and Volcano National Park.
Coming from North America, this is probably about as short a trip as you would want, allowing for some time for travel and potential delays as well as a day on either end to relax.
The trekking itself was easy to moderately difficult, but is highly dependent on both weather and your communication with the park guides to tailor the experience to your fitness level.
In our case, Eric made sure to arrange an appropriate experience for us.
Practical advice - pack properly with rain gear (jacket and pants), hiking boots, long socks, long sleeves, gloves etc.
as the terrain can be difficult (especially when wet) and the flora sharp and itchy at times (when you step off paths for animal approaches) .
Hiking poles are usually provided, although we also brought our own.
Pack and prepare properly and you will have a great time!
So with all that.... can we just say ~ GORILLAS!
Imagine the most serial and beautiful moment, multiply that and then you are near what it was like to stand near these mystical apes.
That said, every day we had an experience like no other and recommend visiting this insanely unique country (whether it be on your own, as a couple, as a group of friends or as a family ~ particularly with older kids/teens).
Three quick things to note: 1.
If you have been contemplating a trip like this, just do it, you will not regret it!
Your trip doesn't have to be high season - ours was at the beginning of March, and we were fortunate to have incredible weather - sunny with brief periods of rain and much fewer tourists than usual.
Gorilla Trek Africa provides a fantastic overall experience; excellent coordination in booking, superb tour guides, transportation, and accommodation.
In particular we could not recommend Eric more highly.
He is an excellent ambassador for Rwanda.
He is not only passionate about wildlife and nature but was also able to speak on virtually all aspects of Rwandan culture, society and history.
He took every opportunity to make our trip special, and truly made the trip the incredible experience that it was!
We just spent 14 days amazing days with Gorilla Trek Africa seeing Uganda and Rwanda from Murchison Falls to Volcano's National Park.
Our itinerary included: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest National Park (chimp trekking), Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park (gorillas), Volcanoes National Park (golden monkeys).
One important note, we chose to do two gorilla treks (with a rest day in between) I would highly recommend.
They are truly magnificent animals, and the one hour goes by really fast.
We did the planning via email.
Nelson (from Gorilla Trek Africa) always responded promptly and was attentive to the details.
He provided us with a packing list that we found to be right on target.
The trip was very well planned, and the pace of the trip, while hectic, ensured that we got it all in without being overwhelmed.
Also, his advice was always right on target!
Our guide (Sam) and his protege (Edwin) were absolutely THE BEST!!!
They picked us up (four women in their 50s/60s) when we arrived in country and dropped us off at the airport at the end of the trip.
Sam knew the country and made sure that we had everything that we needed to get the most out of the trip.
It's a small thing, but without our asking, he went above and beyond making sure we never ran out of Coke Zero (not readily available in Uganda) in the cooler and internet access as long as his phone could pick up a signal.
It's the little things that can really make a trip or turn it into a miserable experience.
And, of course, it is how guides handle the unexpected that really distinguishes them.
When we had some problems with the vehicle, Sam made sure the trip was not disrupted and arranged for another vehicle to take us to our next stop.
Sam (and the jeep) met us at breakfast the next morning.
When it looked like it might rain on the day of our chimp trek, Sam got us to the ranger station early, and we were able to immediately head out to the jungle and before it started raining.
This was important because when it rains the chimps head up into the trees, and you do not see them.
I highly recommend this group if you want to see Uganda/Rwanda!
Nelson and I started planning the trip 18 months in advance during the Ebola outbreak in the Congo and the kidnapping of the American woman in western Uganda.
However, our group always felt like we are in good hands with Gorilla Trek Africa and never had any concerns regarding our personal safety.
Thank you Gorilla Trek Africa for delivering the Trip of a Lifetime!
First of all, Rwanda itself is an amazing country--extremely beautiful, mountainous terrain and a vibrant, colorful culture full of friendly people.
It is extremely clean and the main roads are very good.
You should consider coming to Rwanda for more than the gorillas.
It is an amazing place!
They have many great hikes and a variety of amazing national parks.
We were blown away by the total experience.
Second, the gorilla trek was amazing.
You are literally right there with the gorillas--within feet of them--with no jeep in between, unlike animal safaris on the plains.
It is intense.
You'll feel exhilarated and vulnerable.
Our guide was totally expert, and the trackers were amazing.
It was incredible to hear them actually talking to the gorillas and incredible to spend an hour with a family group.
There is nothing else like this experience!
If I were doing it again, I would do the gorillas one day and choose another hike the second day to experience this beautiful country even more.
Some pointers to make your gorilla hike the best possible: 1.
This is at altitude in rough terrain.
The path is not necessarily well groomed, footing can be very tricky, and the guides can't tell you exactly where you'll be going--the gorillas dictate that.
We did an easy-medium hike, and while we found it physically easy--we are from 6,000 feet in altitude and physically active--the footing and terrain were challenging.
The guides will go at the pace of the slowest person in the group and they will take care of you.
They are wonderful.
That being said, two people in our group had a really hard time with the altitude.
The guides helped them, and they made it to the gorillas, but it was not easy for them.
We were crawling through bamboo caves on hands and knees at a couple of points, and our guides even had to hack a new trail through the bush for us with their machetes (it was very Indiana-Jones like!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
If you are not physically active, or you're from sea level, choose the easy route.
The altitude WILL affect you.
You're here to see gorillas, not make yourself ill.
Choose wisely.
Wear appropriate clothing.
Closed-toe, well treaded, sturdy hiking shoes are a must.
Waterproof is even better.
Choose light weight, FULL LENGTH pants and light weight shirts with long sleeves.
A baseball hat or small brimmed safari hat will do the best through the close bush.
It is humid and potentially muggy and rainy, but the underbrush is thick, sometimes stinging and thorny, and close in.
Dress accordingly.
Take a light-weight rain coat, water, and a protein bar or two.
Use the walking stick they offer you (it's free).
helpful on rain-slick bamboo and wet trails.
There's no need to take your own walking stick, and the one you own most likely won't work well in the combined heavy underbrush and soft ground.
Take leather gardening-type gloves.
The guides had some gloves to share, but not enough for all.
We trekked through waist-high stinging nettles, and were scrambling over fallen, dry and broken bamboo on hands and knees.
Was very glad to have the gloves.
I was also glad for the adventure!
It was very cool to be trekking though the bamboo forest, so don't let this put you off.
Wear the gaiters.
Most hotels have those for free use for guests; you might want to double-check with your accommodations before you come.
We used our cross-country ski gaiters and they worked great.
Do not think that tucking your pants into your socks will be adequate.
Hire a porter.
They are wonderful.
I am a very active, experienced mountain girl, but was happy to have a porter help me down the very slick, wet bamboo and through the mud.
Don't be proud.
Help support the locals and make your trek that much more enjoyable!
Enjoy this incredibly unique experience!
We stood in the midst of a primal jungle which dazzled our senses.
Our eyes gorged on the lush vegetation, towering tree ferns and curious gorillas.
Our nostrils marvelled at the unique smells and jungle fragrances.
Our ears danced to the tune of songbird.
Out hearts were filled with anticipation and joy and our minds forged memories that will last a lifetime.
And this was just one of our 5 equally thrilling days.
One evening we would be sitting down after a busy day of safari sipping on a beer on our balcony overlooking the great rift valley elephant spotting, the next we would be following Justice our renegade night walk guide searching for elusive nocturnal primates.
One day we would be walking through a community village with the gentle kindness of birdwatching enthusiast & all round decent guy Peter, the next we would be following a wise old chimpanzee walking through primeval forest.
My magical Ugandan trip has been etched into my soul and will echo in eternity and its all thanks to Gorilla trek.
Nelson was an administrative maestro and was prompt and polite.
Elvis our guide was a revelation - patient, informative, punctual and personable with a sharp wit, can't say no attitude and an encyclopaedic knowledge in Ugandan history, politics and geography.
Would thoroughly recommend.
We booked the LUXURY 5-day gorilla trek which included the chimps and game drives.
Nelson our contact was pleasant and timely.
Our guide Obed was also good.
The reason for the rating relates to the accommodations.
We paid for luxury and received comfort at best with the last accommodation.
The first location was nice but it went downhill from there.
When I raised it as an issue, I was told that Luxury in Uganda is not really Luxury.
Nelson said there are two higher classifications above Luxury (e.g., super and elite).
Based on all my research (and I did a lot), there was only three classifications for packages offered by all the trekking companies - Luxury being the top end.
It is very unfortunate when you walk away from such an experience with ill feelings such as being taken advantage of.
I booked a 2 day Uganda gorilla tour with Gorilla Trek Africa from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Everything was organised via email with Nelson who was extremely helpful.
My guide, Julius, picked me up from my hotel in Kigali the day before the trek to drive me to Bwindi.
Julius was a fantastic guide!
He was friendly, professional and knowledgeable and made sure that the whole experience was relaxed and extremely enjoyable.
Gorilla Trek Africa/Julius organised all of my meals for the 2 days and my accommodation for the night before the trek.
I trekked in the Rushaga section of Bwindi and the whole day was fantastic from start to finish, especially the hour I spent with the Mishaya gorilla family of 13.
A long drive back to Kigali after a tough trek but Julius helped to make it as enjoyable as possible with lots of water, fresh pineapple and telling me all about the communities and the topography that we drove through.
I would highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa, thank you so much for a fantastic experience!
My wife and I had four nonstop days through beautiful Rwanda.
Our excellent guide, Gavis, met us at our hotel in Kigali.
We then took a city tour of the capital, including a stop at the Genocide Memorial.
Gavis drove us out to Akagera National Park where we experienced unforgettable day and night game drives.
Capping off the trip was a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
Throughout the four days, Gavis was a gracious host, putting up with our silly questions and groan worthy jokes.
We'll gladly recommend Gorilla Trek and Gavis for our family and friends or anyone else interested in spending adventurous time in Rwanda.
Thank you!
There are really no words that can describe the experience of being among a family of gorillas.
There were 20 in our first group and 34 in our group the next day.
With only 8 tourists and 4 guides/rangers, you can be right next to the family.
I could post hundreds of photos, but suffice it to say, I loved every minute of watching the toddlers play, the moms nurse, and the silverbacks be ridiculously nonchalant about our presence.
Worth every $$$ spent!!
Absolutely amazing adventure.
We first spent time in Kigali and them went to Uganda to trek.
Our guide's name was Jovia - she owns gorillahikeafrica and is a native of the area.
Our trip was so much fun.
We learned alot about the countries - which are beautiful.
The trek was amazing and the gorillas were only about 15 feet away - frolicking and eating.
They are incredible animals.
I would highly recommend this adventure and Jovia.
She was a great guide - fun, knowledgeable, punctual and very flexible.
Just had an amazing 15 day Safari in Uganda.
Big 'thank you' to Nelson for organising a fabulous itinerary - chimps, gorillas, golden monkeys, tree climbing lions - we saw them all plus more.
And a round of applause to our amazing guide Ivan - he was so knowledgeable about Uganda, it's wonderful wildlife and the birds.
He was so accommodating as we added extra activities.
We went for the deluxe accommodation package and we weren't disappointed- every place had something different.
Be aware that some of the rooms weren't close to reception or were accessed by a slope, so that if you need an easy access room, make sure that you say.
The food was delicious so we didn't go hungry at all.
The vegetarian options were also good.
For anyone wanting to visit Uganda, I would highly recommend this company and I am happy for you to contact me.
Based on the reviews here at Trip Advisor and the prompt and helpful responses from Nelson, my husband and I decided to use Gorilla Trek Africa for our Ugandan adventure.
I will admit that we were holding our breath when we arrived at Entebbe airport but our fears were put to rest when Elvis stepped forward with his great smile to greet us and welcome us to Uganda.
We had a wonderful trip, the gorilla treks were beyond our expectations - such magnificent animals, there is just no way to describe the experience of being that close to them in the wild, still get chills thinking about it!
The rest of the trip (chimp tracking, rhino tracking, game drives, wonderful people, super lodges) was all excellent.
Elvis was a great guide and driver (on absolutely abysmal roads), he was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and birds and super at spotting game.
We have traveled extensively and have no qualms about recommending Gorilla Trek Africa for your gorilla trek adventure - they were great!
My husband and I, both in our 60s have just returned from Rwanda after the most amazing experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Our trip was first arranged by Nelson who was always quick to reply to emails and answered all our questions.
All the arrangements and the itinerary he prepared for us were perfect.
We were met at Kigali airport by the amazing Mildred, our guide/driver who looked after us during the next 3 days.
Mildred was helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about the gorillas and expertly liaised with trek organisers and lodge staff especially arranging for my dietary needs to be addressed.
Thank you Mildred for making our experience so amazing.
We would thoroughly recommend using Gorilla Trek Africa to anyone contemplating visiting Rwanda to see these majestic animals in their own environment.
We just got home this week from our 10 day trip to Uganda & Rwanda.
It was wonderful.
Over the top!
Our guide, Ivan was terrific and really knew his birds.
I was amazed that he could drive and spot so many birds along the way.
I had never used Gorilla Trek Africa and despite their great rating on Trip Advisor I was skeptical all the way until I saw our driver waiting for us at the Kigali Airport.
In the end the trip was all we had hoped for and the some.I would use them again in a heartbeat and recommend them to anyone & everyone.
Every lodge they put us at was unique and special in it's own way.
The service at every lodge we stayed was impressive!
Seeing the gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys on our treks was an incredible experience.
Thank you Nelson for all your hard work in the planning of this trip!
Mike Morris
Was the best experience I've ever had.
Definitely worth the price.
It was the best thing I did on my whole trip.
I started adding gorilla treks to my itinerary two years ago and because of the reviews on Trip Advisor, I selected Gorilla Trek Africa.
I have not been disappointed and will continue to work with them.
My main contact with the operator, Nelson, is very responsive and timely in putting together the itinerary and helping select lodging, etc.
The drivers/guides have been very knowledgeable, flexible, and personable.
Our treks have been successful and everyone is very excited about the overall experience.
I'll be back and travel with GTA again.
Thumbs Up!
It's expensive, very expensive even but what an amazing experience.
To have gorillas come right up to you in their natural habitat is amazing.
They are completely at ease with humans and really couldn't care if you are there or not.
Once in a lifetime experience.
My family and I visited Rwanda and Uganda for some gorilla trekking last December.
Chris Ngabirano was our tour guide from the moment we landed until we departed.
We spent 3 days with him traveling through Rwanda and Uganda.
He was our tour guide and became friend.
Very nice person, extremely kind, gentle and smart.
Everything about this trip was perfect and it exceeded our expectations in so many ways.
Can't say enough about the gorilla encounter.
Our kids loved the experience, and Chris was always aware of every tiny detail to make our stay as enjoyable as possible.
Thumbs up for this experience.
Thanks, Chris, for everything.
We miss you!
The Naranjos
Trekked Volcanoes NP in Rwanda and Bwindi NP in Uganda.
Saw lots of gorillas and the golden monkeys in Rwanda.
Fantastic.
Accommodations were good, food was OK, but the highlight was our guide, Jims.
He knew the lay of the land, smoothed the Rwanda to Uganda border crossing, hauled lots of bags and was a magician at hauling us safely through African traffic.
Highly recommend GTA!
Me and my husband did an 8 day trip to see gorillas in BwindiNational Park and Volcanoes National Park.
A friend had used GTA and I did a comparison of prices and itinerary with other your operators.
Nelson responded with a lot of clarity & information & worked out a wonderful itinerary for us.
Elvis was our guide and driver.
He was a wonderful driver, knowledgeable & helpful.
We visited Akagera NP for 2 days followed by a scenic drive to Uganda.My husband is a wildlife photographer & Elvis knew they perfect spots to stop & help us identify birds & photography.
Gorilla trekking at Bwindi was such an amazing experience.
We stayed at Gorilla Safari lodge in Rwanda near Volcanoes NP & the hospitality was incredible.
Gorilla trekking at VNP is another life altering experience.
So was the golden monkeys tour the next day.
We want to thank Nelson and team especially Elvis for making this such a perfect trip.
Thank you guys
We did a 6 day tour with Gavis and can't recommend Gorilla Trek Africa and our guide Gavis enough!
From start to finish it was just like we were chilling on a great tour with our friends rather than with a tour guide.
Booking with Nelson was easy and he was so kind and friendly with accommodating all of our itinerary requests.
Gavis was an awesome and knowledgeable guide, excellent driver, and great DJ.
He even made pitstops for us to go and check out things we'd heard about from other travelers, knows all the best routes, safari secrets, and every other guide out there.
Can't wait to come back and visit again!
We took a leap of faith booking our trip with Gorilla Trek Africa: we only read about them on TripAdvisor and had no external source to verify with.
Yet, our decision paid off, and our trip turned out to be a great success.
Nelson, at their back office worked with us to tailor a trip to our interest - namely, wildlife (especially gorillas and chimps), sceneries, and much less local culture, shopping and community walks.
Our guide, Ivan, picked us up at the airport, on time, and made us feel welcome immediately.
Other than being super knowledgeable about anything Uganda (local life, agricultural, wildlife and more), he was also an incredible driver.
The roads in Uganda are challenging, and the car he had to navigate these roads with, was a real piece of you-know-what.
Yet, he did a marvelous job.
In the end of the day, we tracked gorillas in Bwindi, and chimps in Kibale forest; we saw an amazing variety of monkeys; we came up close and personal with hippos, elephants and crocs at the Kazinga channel; and did more traditional safari game drives at Queen Elizabeth National Park.
What more can one ask?
Maybe two things: 1.
You should insist that the car would be in decent shape (ours kept choking).
I wish they accepted Amex.
It would have saved me some hurtburns taking my chances and booking ny trip (given Amex's insurance-like feature).
Bottom line - Go!
What are you waiting for??
I went on a 5-day trip in Rwanda with Gorilla Trek Africa.
My guide was Norman.
He was super professional, always on time, knowledgeable, calm, positive, friendly and organised.
I learned a lot and had a fabulous time seeing chimps, gorillas and golden monkeys.
I would definitely recommend this company!
My brother and I did the three day Uganda gorilla and golden monkey treks.
Both of these were amazing trips, where we saw true Ugandan jungle and rain.
The star of the show was our guide, Elias!
He went above and beyond, he accommodated our dietary requirements and even helped us find a good car to hire and helped to plan the rest of our trip.
Would highly recommend, again, thank you so much Elias!!!
Absolutely brilliant!
This trip was a once in a lifetime experience.
Our tour guide Krish Walusansa was amazing.
He went out of his way to make it the best trip ever.
Would thoroughly recommend both him and this tour company!
It is still hard to believe in my eyes.
This was the most sureal 1 hour I've ever experieced.
For anyone that can aford it (I know its expensive), I just say: Go for it!
I found out I was going to Kigali for work and immediately knew I had to figure out a way to see gorillas on short notice and little free time.
From the first moment of contact, I knew Gorilla Trek Africa was the way to go.
Nelson was very responsive to all of my questions and sent a very helpful packing list.
Although I intended to do the one-day trek (with super early departure from Kigali), he sold me on the two day trek and it was WELL worth it.
Allen is a WONDERFUL driver.
She picked me up at the hotel, explained so many things along the way, was very open to stopping along the drive for pictures.
I loved stopping for fresh produce at a roadside market.
Luckily the rain stopped so we were able to go to the Gorilla Guardians Village for a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.
Banana beer is a must-try!
Allen dropped me off at the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel for an exceptional night of relaxation ...
I was the only one on the property that night!
The staff were extremely kind and attentive, my room was vast and comfortable, and the food was delicious.
Dinner by the fireplace is something I won't forget.
I felt like I was at home.
The next morning, Allen picked me up.
The Five Volcanoes staff loaned me gaiters for the hike, and we went to the orientation area.
From there, the hike was the experience of a lifetime.
I won't go into detail, but let's just say a baby gorilla was involved and leave it at that.
:) After the hike, Allen picked me up, we retrieved my things from the hotel, and we headed back to Kigali.
When she dropped me off, I felt like I was saying goodbye to a friend.
I highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa and definitely recommend Allen as your driver!
I have been communicating with Nelson via email for 3 years about potentially planning a Gorilla Trek experience in Rwanda or Uganda.
I eventually decided to see the Mountain Gorillas at Bwindi Inpenetrable National Forest in Kanungu District, Uganda.
The experience was nothing short of amazing.
The rolling mountain hills and valleys of Kanungu are absolutely breathtaking.
I got a chance to observe three beautiful Mountain Gorillas, including a Silverback in their natural habitat.
The 20-30 minute forest hike was challenging, primarily because I don't like heights.
However, my very kind, strong porter was there to assist my every step.
I could not have safely completed this journey without a porter ($15 USD).
Nelson and his team, are professional and very hospitable.
I felt very safe on my solo journey.
I just want to thank Gorilla Trek Africa and their team for taking care of me for three days.
I appreciate it!
I want to encourage anyone who is financially able to experience the Mountain Gorillas - there are only about 1,000 remaining on earth.
I with trepidation organized my solo travel from Sydney to see the Mountain Gorilla's in the triangle of national parks bordered by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, from what I had read on both travel websites and also warnings from the Australian government websites, I avoided the DRC and Uganda, in retrospect I could have gone through Uganda, But I was very happy with my decision to use Gorilla Trek Africa and my contact there Nelson did everything he promised and it was one of the best travel experiences I have ever had my guide Geoffrey was waiting at Kigali Airport drove very safely to my accommodation in the mountains and organised everything, I would thoroughly recommend this trip and company to anyone, Best Regards Graeme Sydney Australia
I did a 2-day Gorilla Trecking Tour with Gorilla Trek Africa in Rwanda.
It was an excellent stay and very well organized (transfers, hotel nearby the national park, food, Gorilla permit).
Allen was an excellent driver, kept me informed and took care of everything.
Everything was included: pick-up at hotel, stops at local market (Allen got me some local food to eat, shopping at local market), accompanied me for dinner in the hotel, organized everything perfectly.
And the gorillas were awesome!
If you are in a less good physical shape, you can get help by one of the local guides (we had a 70year old lady who made it through the rain forest to the gorillas) I booked via info@rwandagorillassafari.com .
Quick response time.
You will get a packing list with things required for your tour.
And ask for Allen being your driver :-).
Thank you so much for this unforgettable trip!
Fr Gorilla Tracking there are so many companies to choose from.
Gorilla Trek Africa came recommended by friends from Germany and we weren't disappointed, Nelson set up the perfect tour for us and I rarely had to wait for an email reply from him.
There are many tours that can be customized.
The driver/guide we had for the 5 days was not only knowledgeable but became a friend.
His name is Asaph and I can't see using any one else.
From the minute I exited the airport I was greeted by my driver, welcomed at my hotel and taken on a life altering trip that I will never forget.
I'm extremely impressed with GTA!
I also wanted to mention that Mildred is one of the best, if not the best guide I have ever had and I've traveled the world.
She is communicative, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, a great driver and guide and I would highly recommend that you request her as your guide and driver.
She made a trip that was already incredible, perfect!
Thank you GTA and Mildred!
Truly an amazing trip and Gorilla Trek Africa did an awesome job.
Charles, who was my guide and driver during my journey, is simply the best guide.
He is knowledgeable, a great conversationalist, and he truly ensures the guest's enjoyment of the adventure is without a single worry.
I felt absolutely safe during my trip, both in the wild and while traveling.
I spent one night at the Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge in Uganda and one night at the Gorilla Solution Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
Both lodges were great and the staff at each lodge were excellent.
I would highly recommend that anyone who loves nature experience this chance of a lifetime to stand just a few feet away from the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and the Golden Monkeys in Rwanda.
My husband and I went on a 3 day tour in Rwanda to see the gorillas as part of our honeymoon.
When looking for a tour company, we were nervous to book but with Gorilla Trek Africa we needn't have been.
Our guide, Norman, was friendly, professional and informative.
Seeing the gorillas was an incredible experience and I highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa for the tour.
Thank you to Norman and the team for looking after us and facilitating a once in a life time experience!
This was a trip of a lifetime.
I went on a 5 day Gorilla and Safari Trek at the end of September.
I could not fault one thing at all, our driver guide Azariah looked after us so well and his knowledge was amazing, driving through Uganda was breathtaking.
Its definately a place I want to revisit.
We were never left hungry, the fresh produce and meals exceeded our expectations.
The Gorilla trek itself - WOW !
To finally see these beatiful creatures in their natural habitat is something that I will never forget.
Thank you Gorilla Trek Africa !
We just completed a 10 days travel through Rwanda and Uganda and it was one of the best experiences we ever had.
Not only for the beautiful places we visited and all the trekking but because of the extraordinary service provided by Gorilla Trek Africa, specially by Gavis, our guide.
Nelson was also fantastic, since the beggining responded to all my concerns immediately.
Gavis is really resourceful, respectful, a fantastic driver, and a great trip companion.
The car was in perfect conditions and even if it was rainy season Gavis managed to go through all the tough roads, where other cars got stucked.
If you come to Rwanda and Uganda I recommend you to travel with this company and you should request Gavis as your guide.
I am looking forward to return to Rwanda and Uganda with Gorilla Trek Africa!
My wife and I had an absolutely amazing five day tour with our guide Douglas!
We began from Kigali where we stayed at the Kigali Serena (excellent hotel!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
We spent our first day touring around Kigali with Douglas, and then headed to Volcanos NP to see the golden monkeys.
The golden monkey trekking (short hike) was great as we spent an hour with a large group of monkeys up close.
This experience really exceeded my expectations as the monkeys were very cute, playful, and coming right next to us.
We next headed up to Uganda to see the gorillas in Bwindi NP.
The night before we were set to see the gorillas it poured rain and our car was stuck just short of the lodge on the dirt road.
Luckily though, the next day for our gorilla trek the skies cleared and we had a beautiful day for a hike.
We were assigned in a smaller group (4 guests) to see some gorillas that were a little farther out.
Keep in mind the assignment is something that happens day-of at the start area based on the guides determining physical fitness of the guests.
Given we were a younger couple we got assigned to one of the groups that was further out but we had no idea just how long of a trek it would turn out to be.
We first heard and got a small glimpse of the gorillas a couple hours in but they were on the move, running from another wild family of gorillas.
We spent the next couple hours bush-whacking through the jungle with our trackers, tripping, getting snagged, and even tumbling our way along to keep up with the gorillas.
It was not for the faint of heart but was all worth it when we caught them and got up close with silver-backs, babies and the rest of the family.
All in all we were out for nearly 8 hours, and while difficult, we thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and overall experience.
We were assured this was not typical for these treks as we did see many other older couples/groups who were out and having much easier treks.
The next day we headed to Queen Elizabeth park for a short, 1-night safari before we had to fly out of Entebbe.
We saw the tree-climbing lions which were impressive and then did a short boat cruise on Lake Edward to see birds, crocs, hippos, etc.
Having come from Botswana right before this (where we were spoiled with how close all the animals are), we didn't feel this safari part was anything special animal-wise but the tree-climbing lions made the detour worth it.
Overall, we loved our itinerary as we got to see a lot of different things in five days.
There was a fair amount of driving between locations but we were ok with this trade-off to expand what we could see throughout both Rwanda & Uganda.
Throughout the entire trip Douglas was extremely helpful - going out of his way to make sure we were happy and got to see the best things (like tree climbing lions).
It was clear he has a ton of experience, and had deep local knowledge and knew all the ins and outs to ensure a smooth tour.
Douglas also knew when to give us space and free time so we could explore on our own.
I'd give Douglas five stars and recommend him to anyone going on this trip.
We'll be back someday to see the gorillas again in the future with Gorilla Trek Africa and Douglas!
-Peter and Katie
From the moment we were picked up by Eric in Kigali to the moment we were dropped back, the three days we had with Gorilla Trek Africa were the most memorable of our lives so far.
Eric was a terrific guide who took great care of us the whole time.
We had a great tour of the city, he gave us plenty of time to look around, pointed out the best photo opportunities, was very informative, friendly and helpful (but beware the banana wine!!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Do not leave the genocide memorial in Kigali off your itinerary - it is a must do!
We stayed at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge in Volcanoes National Park.
The staff, food, accommodation were all fantastic - they even clean your walking boots after trekking!
The gorilla trek was a once in a lifetime experience and you will not regret a single penny.
To see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat is unforgettable and almost unbelievable.
We trekked for almost 3 hours to find our family (the Ntambara Group) with lots of information from the guide along the way.
Definitely get a porter who can carry your bag but more importantly help you through the dense undergrowth and brush off the fire ants!
We are both reasonably fit and found the trek comfortable, you just have to concentrate where you're stepping.
We would recommend sticking with one lens for your camera, take some video on your phone but make sure you stop and watch and take it all in - the hour will fly by!
The cultural village and the golden monkey trek are both great additions to the whole experience and you should visit the Diane Fossey museum in Musanze.
We cannot recommend Gorilla Trek Africa enough - Eric was a brilliant guide, the vehicle was super comfortable with water always on hand and limitless advice and information.
Everything went to time but nothing was rushed.
We would go back in a heartbeat.
Setting up our trip was a little challenging.
There were several mistakes made with our itinerary and required many emails.
The nice thing was that Nelson from Gorilla Trek Africa responded promptly.
The frustrating thing was that small mistakes had to be clarified several times to get it right.
I was a bit worried about my trek...
from the MOMENT we were picked up at the hotel by Peter, all worries vanished.
Peter was excellent.
Great English, knowledgeable, friendly, professional.
He stayed with us and ensured we always knew what to expect next.
He was flexible for things we wanted to do last minute.
We felt safe with him everywhere we went.
I would recommend this company and ask for Peter as your guide!!!
It was a fantastic wonderful experience.
So many good things to say, it's hard to know where to start.
From the initial emails with Nelson, who was very fast with replies and helpful info, to the outstanding and wonderful tour guiding by Enos, to the incredible wildlife experiences, lovely accommodation, and beautiful encounters with Rwandans and Ugandans, this was an outstanding experience.
This company does a top-notch, professional job, but also there is a level of warmth, understanding, flexibility and kindness that is quite special.
Almost immediately I felt that I was traveling with a trusted friend, because Enos went above and beyond to make sure I felt at home.
And we had quite a ew good laughs.
As a solo female traveler, this is great, but I'm also sure that a couple or family would appreciate this generous hospitality.
I can't thank him enough.
I chose the mid-level accommodations, and all were great.
The staff at each place were just wonderful, the food was delicious, often the views were spectacular.
It's pretty astounding the level of hospitality that is given.
The gorilla trek was quite an experience, and it was maybe an hour trek each way, but extremely steep up and down, and very slippery, as it had rained very hard the night before.
Be prepared; maybe you will be on a trek not as steep or slippery, but it's very possible.
Being with the gorilla family was amazing.
No words can express it.
There were some people in my group who I have to say I think made it a little hard on the great and hard working park rangers because they were pretty aggressive with their desire for many, many up close photos, so I also would advise, please be respectful of the animals, the staff, and the other people in the group.
I got amazing photos just using my smartphone, because for some of us, the dream is to simply be with the gorillas in their environment.
More than likely, you will get great photos without pro equipment, but it is the time when things were quiet, and it was just me and one other tourist just sitting quietly with a mama and 2-year old that is the jewel in the crown of the trek.
I highly recommend hiring a porter for each person.
It's not about whether you're fit or not; they know the environment and are really helpful, and you're putting that money back into the community.
It's yet another way to support community engagement in conservation.
I also spent a lakefront quiet day at Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge and went on a lovely canoe trip where we saw a great variety of beautiful birds.
If you can work in a quiet day, especially if you're planning on 2 gorilla treks and can have a more mellow day, this is a really nice option.
There was a kind of balcony area in front of my room with an incredible lake view; I could have sat there all day.
Last day was golden monkey trekking.
This was an easy trek through pretty farmland and then into a gorgeous bamboo forest.
It was quiet at first, and then there were many golden monkeys, and they were very close.
It was magical.
Our ranger guide Odille was a superstar, and the other rangers and trackers were so kind and helpful.
Do it if you can.
You may feel you don't need a porter for this, but again, why not?
I think they charge $10, and maybe you give them a nice tip and you're supporting the community and conservation.
The wildlife and scenery are wonderful.
But perhaps the biggest take away is the warmth and heart of people.
Really a beautiful experience.
Just finished my 6 days tour and it was AMAZING.
My guide is Peter and he took care of me during the whole trip as I was a solo traveler.
Very trustworthy company!
Fei Chang Bang De Ti Yan ,Zhe Jia Gong Si De Dao You Hen Jing Ye ,Zheng Ge Lu Cheng Ye Fei Chang An Quan
Even after exchanging a swarm of e-mails with tour organiser Nelson over every detail of our 5-day Uganda/Rwanda trip, I was still skeptical of whether someone would actually show up to pick us up after arriving in Kigali.
Not only were we picked up by a fully-equipped comfortable SUV, our guide Asaph turned out to be cherry on top of a life-changing incredible experience.
I can't find the words to express how strongly I recommend Gorilla Trek Africa!
Nelson was patient and communicative throughout the booking/confirmation process and once in Rwanda/Uganda, Asaph went above and beyond at every opportunity.
We were always the first to be organized into a tour group, the best prepared because of the gators and packed lunches he provided/organized for us, and without question- the best taken care of.
He did an exceptional job as a guide, answering historical and sensitive questions about Uganda and Rwanda while checking in on us routinely and taking care of us (including my dietary restrictions at every meal).
This was the most expensive trip I have ever booked in my life and I was very skeptical and with high expectations.
I don't have a single thing I could offer as feedback on what needs to be improved because Gorilla Trek took care of every detail.
I hope to use their services again someday but until then, all I can say is if you're going to be in Rwanda/Uganda you will be really glad to have booked through them.
The email communication with Nelson was excellent, payment with Pesapal easy and secure (4 % surcharge) and our driver Charles was superb .He picked us up at our Kigali hotel and drove us to our lodge (Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge).
We stopped enroute at the Karaoke Research Center (Dian Fossey) and had lunch too.
He was a very good driver and informative guide.
We told Charles we were not interested in hiking for hours to find our gorilla family (we met people who hiked for 9 hours!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Our jungle hike was probably only 30 minutes each way but it was steep and very slippery.It is worth paying the USD15.00 for a porter to carry your knapsack and help push you.
The one hour encounter with the gorillas was incredible.
Worth every penny.
Charles let us visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial before dropping us off at the airport.
Thank you Charles!!
Amazing communication from Nelson every step of the way.
Our guide Sam was warm and very passionate about his role and the wider community.
Highly recommend them.
I can't say enough nice things about this company.
Starting with email correspondence with Nelson - he was always very professional and prompt with his responses.
He made sure to make the 5 days full of activities we would most enjoy and gave honest opinions when we asked questions.
He helped us to arrange airport pick up from Entebbe to Kampala (for $50USD).
Then came Elvis, who we loved and appreciated so much through our journey.
He is an encyclopedia of knowledge, and seems to have an answer to every question from the history of Uganda to what a tree on the side of the road is.
He obviously has much pride in his work and wanted our experience to be the best.
Thanks to him, we saw tree climbing lions, leopards, lions (including cubs!
), etc.
He was always looking around for interesting animals/things to show and teach us about.
During our many hours of car riding together, he was also very respectful and didn't feel that he had to be talking or sharing facts with us all the time.
He drove very safely and cautiously.
It was a relatively cool and rainy trip, and we didn't have any issues with being overly cold or hot in the car.
We started from Kampala and drove to Queen Elizabeth which took about 8 hours (including a 1 hour hot lunch + few other quick stops).
We stayed at Enganzi Lodge, the rooms were spacious and clean, we had hot showers and comfortable beds.
There was a pool that was clean and nice.
The views were incredible (especially at sunset).
They had (limited) beer and wine options and the meals were quite good.
We ended up going on 2 game drives in the Kasenyi area (one extra in the evening because lions had been spotted and Elvis wanted to try our luck - and we were lucky!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
We drove quite a bit but really enjoyed seeing everything, and being low season enjoyed the relative lack of other cars.
Elvis also took us to see a salt lake, beautiful views of crater lakes.
We also went on a boat cruise in the channel and saw many elephants, birds, hippos, etc.
The guide was also knowledgeable and friendly.
Then we drove another 5-6 to see the gorillas.
We chose a medium difficulty walk to see the gorillas, which took about 1 hour or so.
We saw an incredible family of gorillas including 2 babies!
It was an amazing time.
Through the company we also did a walking tour in the village where we were staying and I thought it was pretty good.
We ended our trip in Lake Kivu.
We would recommend this company to any of our family and friends.
The service was great and developed a great appreciation for Uganda!
This is a must do for anyone interested in seeing animals in the wild.
I saw about 15 gorillas out of 34 in the group including 4 silverbacks and a 4 month old baby, as well as other babies.
You are so close to wild gorillas but they ignore you.
An amazing experience.
Nelson was great to deal with in organising and my guide Sam was just brilliant to be with.
He really went above and beyond.
He knew so much and really took the time to educate me on culture, history etc.
He put up with me asking non-stop questions and was really fun and friendly along the way.
He also pulled strings for me at the Gorilla Trekking as I had forgotten my gators and he managed to get me some.
He also drove me all the way to Gisenyi after my Mt Bisoke hike (and picked me up with a hot coffee which was soooo needed) and dropped me at my next hotel which was so kind!
Gorillas: The hike can really depend on the day - there were people on my trek that had done it the day before and literally walked 20 mins to a clearing where there were 34 gorillas just hanging out.
On my day we hiked up pretty rough terrain (sometimes very steep) for about an hour through thick mud and rainforest.
I would prepare for that!
Here are my tips: - be healthy - they won't let you go if you're sick because you could make the gorillas sick so make sure you're a picture of health (lots of arma force!
wear gardening gloves and long sleeves - something light but protective because there are stinging nettles everywhere - definitely wear good hiking boots and gators - you get filthy!
Don't worry though your hotel willl clean your boots up and they'll be like new again - hire a porter for each person.
They basically help you up the mountain through the mud, cut down trees etc haha!
They're $10-20 + $10 tip.
They also give you a stick - you will need it!
also take tips for the trackers and guides (suggested $10-20 for each of you ) - your hotel should pack you a pack lunch in case your hike is long - don't have flash on your camera and listen to the guides about how to interact.
I had a gorilla approach me straight away which was scary but amazing.
Mt Bisoke - This was honestly the hardest trek I've ever done.
There didn't really seem to be a clear path, we just scrambled up the mountain in the mud and then slid back down.
Most of my group didn't make it.
Get a porter and they will basically help you.
Anyone who didn't have a porter didn't make it.
Waterproof everything - it rained A LOT and was very muddy.
My porter was amazing and helped me clean all my stuff at the end of the day.
Gloves and a stick will also help you, but mostly fitness, resilience and/or stubborness will get you to the top!
Totally worth every moment though!
It was incredible...enjoy!
The treks, we were warned can be very strenuous, so we were prepared for the worse, but our two separate treks were less than 2 hours one-way to see two separate families.
The guides are very knowledgeable, the porters a great relief on some of those slopes.
The gorillas are at peace and go on with their normal lives.
The children played in the bamboo, mothers ate and napped, the silverbacks pretty much ignored our little group.
Eight visitors maximum for one hour maximum and that hour goes fast.
Expensive, but something you will never forget.
The staff at Gorilla Trek Africa are outstanding!
We were first contacted by Nelson who planned our itinerary.
Peter N was our guide for the 7 days.
If you are able to request for a specific guide I would highly recommend Peter.
From the first day he made sure that my husband and I were happy, felt safe and had everything that we needed.
We visited Nyungwe National Park where we had a Chimpanzee trek (not for the faint at heart) the chimps constantly move which means that you need to climb up and down very step hills (next time we will hire a porter).
Lake Kivu is beautiful.
Volcanoes National Park where we had a Gorilla Trek (Peter was helpful and made sure that we were placed in group that fitted our hiking ability).
We are both middle aged.
Peter also set up a tour of a local village, if you have time this was a great experience.
The Golden Monkey trek was not too difficult and seeing the monkeys in the wild was amazing.
I recommend that you carry lots of small US bills for tipping.
There were so many local people (guide and trackers) that you will want to tip as they are truly what makes your experience amazing.
Tipping can be in US dollars which helped us :) I would highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa, their employees go above and beyond to make your experience outstanding.
Thank you GTA.
We visited last summer with our 3 young adult children.
We did a medium level trek which included about 2-1/2 hours of moderate hiking up to the gorilla family then spent about 1/2 hour with the gorillas.
You can literally reach out and touch them although we were told not to attempt to make contact to protect the gorillas.
The hike down was about 1-1/2 hours.
We had a total group of 8 and one middle-aged woman who had asthma was unable to continue hiking once we entered into the more steep park reserve area (about half way of total trek).
Thankfully, we had each hired a porter (more to support the locals who earn a living doing this) so they constructed a stretcher out of bamboo and vines and 4 of them took turns carrying her up the mountain to the gorilla site and then fully back down (for some negotiated extra fee).
This was the most memorable part of our vacation which also included a visit to Kigali, Tanzania safari and short stay in Zanzibar.
Definitely worth doing!
Wonderful experience !
We made emails contact with Gorilla Trek Africa just 2 weeks before our visit to Rwanda.
Nelson helped us arrange our 7 days programs perfectly.
And our guide Gavis, made our stay in Rwanda nice, easy, and rich of experiences.
We have visited Akagera NP, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes NP of course.
Face to face with Gorilla is possible for everyone, as my husband with hip problem could do it by hiring a stretcher, and a lady 81 years old is also in our group.
Rwanda is a very clean, peaceful and hard working country.
Thank you Gavis and all Gorilla Trek Africa team.
I am a female solo traveler, and I booked the experience about a week before going on the actual trip.
On the website, they give you a WhatApp Number to contact before you email them to confirm the trip.
I thought that was very helpful to answer all the questions quickly and thoroughly.
They have two websites, which confused me at first, but a quick email clarified that quickly.
Once I booked the experience, Nelson assigned to me my driver, Bob John.
The night before, he actually came by where I lived to make sure that he had the right house.
I appreciated that greatly and it shows how professional Gorilla Trek Africa is.
He even recommended that I meet him a little earlier based on where I was staying.
He wanted to make sure that I arrived at the Volcano National Park on time.
During the early morning ride, he made conversation with me and that calmed my nerves because we were the only ones in the car.
Once we were there at the national park, he took care of all the paperwork and other logistics such as making sure my permit was in place, working with the rangers to place me in group, driving me to the starting point and explaining everything to me.
I chose this tour group because of other reviews, and I'm glad to have had such a great experience.
My family of four (two adult daughters) just returned from a glorious 11 day Ugandan safari which included several National Park safaris and gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Nelson and his USA contact Bill, did all the planning for us and our guide, Bernard was absolutely amazing!
We visited Lake Mburo NP, Bwindi NP, Queen Elizabeth NP and Murchison NP as well as the rhino sanctuary in Nakasongora.
It's not easy to describe the awe and grandeur of viewing large animals up close or the breathtaking views from your Landcruiser of the rolling savannah.
It's hard to play favorites but I will tell anyone making the effort to get to Uganda to be sure to include the Gorilla trekking-the experience was just beyond description.
I must also mention that the lodges were all amazing!
You can't go wrong with this great company and if you get Bernard as your guide you will be doubly blessed-enjoy!!!!
As part of a larger African adventure, we had Gorilla Trekking on our bucket and decided to go through Gorilla Trek Africa.
Nelson handled all of our enquiries and facilitated our custom itinerary.
Upon arrival, we were met by Julius our guide for the trip.
He was outstanding, nothing ever an issue and was attentive to our every requirement.
We opted to do 2 treks and although expensive (USD1500pp each trek) I would highly recommend doing 2 treks if your budget allows, we visited 2 different families on 2 different mountains (Isimbi group on Mt Karisimbi & Sabinyo Group on Mt Sabinyo) each group was so different as was the treks (not very strenuous nor any issues with mosquitos/other insects) the time with the gorillas was surreal and words or photos cannot ever do the experience justice, they are absolutely amazing creatures to be in the presence of.
We stayed at the Gorilla Mountain view lodge which was just a short drive away, the rooms are rustic but cosy with an open fireplace lit every night, the staff are friendly & attentive with the cost being reasonable.Just go careful as the staff will go our of their way to look more helpful than they are actually being just to get a tip.
For example after the trek they take tour boots and clean them whilst you have a complimentary foot massage and what they do is keep hold of your boots so later on when you ask for them thwy get bring them to your room and you feel obliged to tip, try not too as they do this so you give them it.
They take either USD, card upon checkout or Rwandan Francs.
Again I can't stress enough how great Julius @ Gorilla Trek Africa was and the experience overall, definitely the highlight of our trip.
Great three-day trip with GTA's Krish who was a good source of information about Rwanda and it's neighbours.
Our flight arrived just before midnight from Cape Town and smiling Krish was there to greet us.
Next day's trip to the Genocide Museum was very moving and worthwhile.
We had a stunning drive up to the Volcanoes National Park area where we stayed for two nights - one day with gorillas and next with golden monkeys.
Krish was a great and thoughtful guide GTA is a value for money operator in a crowded market.
We originally found Gorilla Trek Africa by reading great reviews on TripAdvisor.
From the start of our trip planning to the end of our tour, we felt like we were in extremely capable, caring hands with our awesome Guide, Elvis Mandela, and our equally awesome trip planner, Nelson.
Their company is run like a family, not an impersonal business.
They were attentive, responsive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond our expectations to make sure we had an outstanding and safe visit to Rwanda & Uganda.
The trip experience itself (Gorilla Treks and Safaris) was absolutely unforgettable!!
We had a wonderful experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Our driver/guide Charles was very knowledgeable and gave us a good insight into Rwandan daily life, The gorilla trekking itself exceeded our expectations.
To be so close to these remarkable animals was just awesome.
We are taking with us very special memories.
Thank you Charles, Nelson and team of Gorilla Trek
The team at Gorilla Trek Africa was wonderful.
They planned an excursion that fit our budget and timing, and they helped us book an extra night in a hotel when we had forgotten.
Our guide, Erik, was outstanding - he clearly explained everything from the logistics of what we should expect each day down to cultural nuances, including the best ways to thank the staff and tipping etiquette.
He was friendly, prompt and very knowledgeable.
We would definitely recommend this team to friends, and we would gladly enlist their help when we return to Rwanda!
Gorilla trek Africa exceeded all of our expectations.
The trackers found where the gorillas were early in the morning before we started our hike.
Our guides knew the individual gorillas, their names, and their personalities, and their language.
The trackers managed to open up enough room through the dense foliage for us to be able to have a one hour up close and personal experience with the silverback, the young males and females, and their several offspring.
They met every deliverable and more
We had been wanting to go to Rwanda to see the gorillas for a few years.
We chose Rwanda over Uganda due to the conservation efforts of the country.
A trip like this costs a lot of money so we had to really plan it out.
We have traveled all over the world and have been to Africa many times including Tanzania, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya and Botswana.
In March 2019, from online research my husband, Chirag Amin, contacted the company, Gorilla Trek Africa, working with their senior consultant Nelson.
Chirag asked them to create a luxury package as we were travelling without our children after many years.
There were some things my husband wanted to do such as go to Congo while we were there.
He threw out some ideas but wasn't really guided one way or another to say whether some of those things are plausible.
Eventually we had an itinerary.
So comes July and we are ready to go, we confirmed multiple times that this was a luxury package as we were paying luxury package price.
We packed everything on the list that was provided by the agency.
We flew from Tampa to DC to Brussels to Kigali.
Before we had even landed and started our trip we got an email from Nelson saying We previously told you that the balance can only be paid in in cash in > > new USD bills or by card/ bank not later than a week to the start of > the > tour.
It is very disappointing to hear that you want to pay by card at > > this late hour.
We weren't sure why he was disappointed, I guess they want cash but we wanted to pay by card.
It wasn't even the cash/card issue it was the tone the email took as soon as he learned we were paying by card and we hadn't even landed yet.
I told my husband this does not sound good, so we managed to half the balance in cash and the other half by card not to make HIS disappointment worse.
Night 2, we got to our first hotel which wasn't bad but were told by multiple people it is a 3 star even for Rwanda.
We figured we will address it later, let's see how things go.
The food was to be included in the package so we went for lunch.
The menu was extensive and looked pretty good.
I asked for a salad, they didn't have lettuce.
Fine, I asked for a sandwich, they didn't have cheese.
Fine, how about some pizza?
Again no cheese.
That narrowed the choices to soup and meat and rice.
This wasn't an issue as it was one of our first meals.
However, by meal 3 we had eaten the same thing 3 times.
The shower was slimy but the bed was comfortable.
Our second day we went to go see chimpanzees before we were to leave for Goma/Congo.
On our tour we met many people and told them about our plans and where we were staying in Goma.
One of the gentle man was from Germany living in Kigali, a journalist that has traveled all over that area.
Him and his companion as well as our driver advised us the hotel in Goma is maybe a 2 star.
Our friend on the tour said you won't be able to stay there, its barely $40 a night.
Chirag contacted Nelson and expressed his concern, Nelson said he can change the hotel as there are other options but it will cost us 300$ USD to change it.
First, a hotel that was 40$ a night was booked for a luxury package while another option was available and then we were charged $300 to change it!
Nelson's email even said the hotel in Goma is just OK. We also expressed out concerns about the hotel we were currently staying at.
In response, Nelson said our expectations and African reality were no matched.
He further went on to say Once you lower your expectations, you will have a great trip experience just like what others always get I see you are just being so picky and complicated and this will compromise your trip experience.
We asked for a luxury package, paid for a luxury package to not only receive sub par accommodations but unprofessional, rude and unacceptable customer service.
We were asked to LOWER our expectations.
This made Chirag upset as believe me we paid a lot of money for this trip.
He told Nelson that this was upsetting in return Nelson said We are all human!
Just the way you get pissed off, i as well can get pissed off!
Let us not make an issue out of this We need to cooperate if we are to have a good trip, otherwise threats won't make any good for any of us You either enjoy your trip or ruin it, the ball is entirely in your hands So my over all review, if you want to pay luxury prices, then receive sub par accommodations and even worse treatment, book with this agency.
We encountered many tourists that were staying at nice hotels so it has nothing to do with the African reality.
This agency hopes that you are a naive traveler and won't know any better so they can charge for a luxury package but then treat you like crap once they get your money.
Why book a hotel that $40 a night 2 stars and they say oh there is a better option, it will cost you $300 to change it.
Why was booked to begin with?
Chirag never gave Nelson a ceiling for the price of the package so he charged A LOT but delivered nothing and then HE was disappointed when we didn't' bring cash.
The email excerpts are just the tip of the iceberg.
He never apologized and even stopped contacting us to fix anything.
And if you say anything they will get pissed off and cut off contact.
This is highly unprofessional, so forget about the money, book with this agency if you want to be treated badly.
My family and I along with another family had a fantastic 9 day experience with Gorilla Trek.
I had lived in Rwanda, as had the dad in the other family, from September of 1994 shortly following the genocide and this was our first trip back.
We went to Akagera, spent a couple days in Cyangugu visiting Nyungwe National Forest and the chimps and then Volcanoes to visit the gorillas and golden monkeys.
It was a brilliant trip largely thanks to our guide Ivan.
Ivan was prepared, knowledgeable and flexible.
Having spent almost a year in Rwanda I wanted to slightly adjust plans a couple times and Ivan worked with us.
I can't recommend Gorilla Trek and Ivan enough.
Rwanda is a beautiful country and Gorilla Trek and Ivan helped us make the most of it.
What a phenomenal experience.
Gorilla Trek Africa and our guide Elvis went above and beyond what we expected for our honeymoon and maiden voyage to Africa.
When initially researching our trip we looked into more than a dozen companies but opted for Gorilla Trek after talking with Bill and Nelson and also reading other TripAdvisor reviews.
Although they may not advertise as much as other companies or even have as glitzy of a website Gorilla Trek proved to be an amazing choice (and at a much lower cost than other companies).
From the second our guide Elvis picked us up to the last-minute, out of the way trip to a market, he was the consummate professional and catered to all our needs (including our millions of questions).
He knew just about everything there is to know about the culture, flora, fauna and people of East Africa.
And he seemed to know just about everyone at each point along our journey from Kigali to Kampala.
We felt so at ease the entire trip and really only needed to worry about getting up in time for breakfast - everything else was perfectly organized.
Also we loved that the company invests in its guides - both before hiring them and then with continuing education.
Because the tours and guides really can't control the gorilla experience as that is fully controlled by the park and rangers, my advise would be to go with a trustworthy and knowledgeable company that's locally based like Gorilla Trek Africa.
And make sure to ask for Elvis!
We cannot say enough good things about gorilla trek Africa and our guide Elvis.
We went to Rwanda and Uganda for our honeymoon - our 1st time to Africa.
Bill and Nelson at gorilla trek helped us design our itinerary to create the perfect honeymoon.
From the moment we were picked up by our guide Elvis - everything was taken care of - Elvis was incredibly professional but fun!
He was so knowledge about the history, culture and politics of the region.
He was able to identify and share information about every birds and animal species we saw - it added so much to the trip.
He made us feel safe and at ease immediately.
After 10 days wth Elvis we were genuinely sad to say goodbye.
We are thrilled with our experience and have already started talking about our next trip using gorilla trek Africa - to Kenya and Tanzania!
There are over 100 your companies to chose from but gorilla trek Africa was reliable, trustworthy, professional and knowledgeable.
Elvis spoke so highly of the company - and what a good person his boss is - it speaks volumes about a company when the employees are happy.
It's a lot of money to pay upfront to a company you are unfamiliar with - but there's a reason they have so many great reviews - they are a great company filled with great people.
My husband and I just returned from spending a month in East Africa.
We used Gorilla Trek Africa this past June (2019) for a nine-day excursion through Rwanda and Uganda.
Our tour began in Kigali and ended at Entebbe Airport, Uganda.
As part of our excursion, we scheduled treks to view the mountain gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda as well as viewing the golden monkeys, chimpanzees, tree lions and many other types of wildlife.
The mountain gorilla treks were unbelievable in both countries and something we will never forget!
Our excursion took us through Volcanoes, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibali National Parks.
We traveled in a safari vehicle with the same driver/guide (William) for the entire trip.
Everything from the accommodations, the scheduled excursions, and the travel times met our expectations.
Our driver and guide, William, more than met our expectations.
He was personable, always pleasant to speak with and a wealth of information about the local customs, topography, and wildlife.
He did his best to not only provide us with sound advice about visiting various sites but also explained local traditions and answered all of our many questions.
He was more than just a guide and driver, he was a valuable traveling companion that we so enjoyed spending time with.
Prior to our trip, all of our many questions were promptly answered by Nelson of Gorilla Trek Africa as well as by Bill, the U.S. rep. We feel that we made a good choice when we booked this company for our first trip to Rwanda & Uganda.
We would definitely use this company again & we would request William as our driver/guide.
We had an incredible 4 day trip to Uganda with Gorilla Trek Africa that continuously went above and beyond my expectations.
Our wonderful guide Julius picked up my husband and I in Kigali, Rwanda to begin our trip to Bwindi for gorilla trekking.
Julius answered all our (constant) questions and provided a lot of thoughtful insight to both life in Uganda and Rwanda.
He pointed out great places for photos along the drive until we arrived at Bakiga Lodge, one of my favorite places I have ever stayed because of the non-profit's mission, the warm and friendly staff and the beautiful view of the forest.
Our gorilla trek was a magical experience, facilitated by Julius setting us up with an excellent guide, we had an hour with perfect viewing that was unforgettable.
In the afternoon we went on a community walk which I highly recommend as well.
The next day we were off to Queen Elizabeth National Park where we had great luck viewing elephants wading in the Kazinga channel, hippos, crocodiles and buffalo.
We stayed at Enganzi lodge which has a breathtaking view of Queen Elizabeth National Park and an infinity pool to enjoy it in.
The next day Julius again paired us with an excellent guide for chimp trekking to end our trip and had us back to Kigali in time to get a restful night's sleep before our next flight.
We really can't thank Julius enough for making our trip so perfect!
He's the best!
Thank you to Julius and Gorilla Trek Africa for an experience we will never forget.
My family of 4 had a three day tour with Gorilla Trek Africa.
We were picked up from our hotel in Kigali, Rwanda and drove to Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge in Uganda, just south of Bwindi.
Next day we went gorilla trekking in the morning in Bwindi and then drove to Da Vinci Lodge near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda where we did the golden monkey trek the following morning and then made it back in time to Kigali for our evening flight.
Our guide John Bob, was fantastic as he was a very knowledgable about African history as a whole and was also very knowledgable about wildlife and geography, specifically about the formation of the rift valley.
Upon our request, he even took us to visit the Kigali genocide museum on our first day before we took the road for Uganda and he fluently explained to us the history of what took place and what it means for the world going forward.
Bob also surprised us by making a short video of our trip which he showed and sent to us on the second day.
He took some videos of our trip and our actions and created a little video in which we were the characters in our own film and the gesture is something we will remember from the trip as his gift to us.
One of our family members had been having a foot problem, so Bob was also able to arrange a very short hike for us in Bwindi which was very doable and we got to spend a great hour following around the gorillas.
Seeing the golden monkeys was actually my personal highlight of the trip and I would recommend doing that as well.
In booking the trip, Nelson was well organized and flexible in his ability to create an itinerary that matched exactly what we needed.
Initially I was looking to do a longer trip in Uganda and he had a very nice itinerary planned out for me, but then when plans changed he was able to shorten it before we confirmed the booking.
Gorilla Trek Africa also offered very reasonable prices compared to other companies, especially foreign / non-local companies and I felt more comfortable traveling with a local company that specializes in the region anyways.
Bill, the USA representative was also very helpful during the booking process as he was available for phone calls to give an idea of what the trip would look like and talk a little bit about his experiences when visiting Uganda and Rwanda.
Overall, I highly recommend this company for any travels to Rwanda and Uganda.
Great experience and I hope to go there again some day and see more of the country.
We spent 5 days in Rwanda.
Our first day we toured Kigali, and visited the Genocide memorial.
Over the next 3 days we went gorilla trekking, hiked to the Dian Fossey gravesite, and saw the golden monkeys.
We stayed at the Five Volcanoes hotel, were the service was first class all the way.
Geoffrie was a wonderful guide, and went out of his way to make the trip special.
I would highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa!
A group of friends did a 5 day trip through Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi and had a fantastic time.
The trip logistics and lodging were great.
Our guide, William, was always prompt, helpful and knowledgeable.
A small warning - depending on which gorilla group you get sent to, you may have to do some strenuous hiking, so make sure you have some decent level of fitness.
And the roads in the mountains of Uganda are not for the faint of heart.
We had no issues other than getting stopped behind a stuck banana truck after a hard rain on one of the mountain roads.
We were shortly on our way after the truck got dug out of the mud.
The one week my husband and I spent in Rwanda and Uganda was a highlight of our month long Africa trip.
We hiked to an incredible gorilla family in Uganda -- complete with a one month old baby gorilla -- and got to explore Rwanda's Volcanoes Natl Park and Lake Kivu.
The success of our trip is in large part due to our amazing Gorilla Trek Africa guide and driver, Chris Ngabirano.
Chris is a kind and thoughtful man who spent six years habituating gorilla families (living with them, eating with them, all with the aim of studying them and making them comfortable around humans).
He is still active in the conservationist community, participating in the gorilla census as well as other animal and flora counts.
In addition to this work, he is the elected representative for his community (which borders Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where we gorilla trekked) and regularly speaks before parliament.
Wherever we went, people seemed to know Chris (not to mention some of the gorillas in the park who still remember him from the habituation process).
We enjoyed countless interesting and frank conversations with him during our private drives in the Gorilla Trek Africa 4x4, in the process learning so much about Rwandan and Ugandan culture.
Chris's own family history touches on both the highlights and lowlights of Rwanda's recent history and hearing his stories was incredibly powerful.
We thought we were coming to Rwanda and Uganda to simply see the gorillas but we left having a true cultural experience.
Thanks to Gorilla Trek Africa for organizing a wonderful week for us, traveling through Uganda and Rwanda.
Krish was an excellent tour guide - helpful, courteous, very organized and always looking out for us.
Everything went to schedule and we had the best time!
Gorillas, lions, elephants, what a wonderful place!
Thanks also to Nelson for helping with the itinerary.
We had a most excellent time with Wiliam as our driver throughout Uganda and Rwanda.
We saw chimpanzees and gorillas on two excursions!!!
If you've ever wanted to see gorillas in the wild, do it!
The accommodations were amazing, William was kind and answered all of our questions.
Booking was easy!
It was an amazing 2-day trip at the Volcanoes National Park.
My guide Joana was an excellent driver, knowledgeable and so accommodating.
Thanks a lot Joana!
Together with Nelson, Fidel and Theo you made this trip unforgettable for me.
Stay well and keep on doing this wonderful job you do.
> I wanted to take this opportunity to share our wonderful experience in > Rwanda and Uganda with Asaph as our guide.
From the moment he picked > us up in Rwanda I was impressed with his knowledge of every area we > traveled through, his desired to provide us with a memorable > experience and his ability to spot wildlife while still keeping an eye > out for ruts in the road.
Asaph was always considerate of our need > and made some special arrangements for us when needed.
> > Both Shelby and I felt quite safe and well cared for at all times.
We > both felt like we have the best possible guide.
> > Please share this with Asaph.
> > _ROBERTA
I can't say enough wonderful things about David and Charles (our guides with Gorilla Trek Africa ) and our overall experience with the company.
Not only were they super experienced and knowledgeable about that area and timing process to cross the border and get around between Volcanoes National park in Rwanda to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda and the Impenetrable Forest National Park in between, but they were just fun and like friends that were a part of our group!
In fact, I am sure we will remain friends and visit again in the future!
Every day they showed up ON TIME and with an amazing attitude and they assisted us with everything from hiring porters and tour guides, to communicating with locals, visiting orphanages, donating our shoes and clothes we brought, exchanging money, going shopping...literally whatever we wished to do they made happen!
I also have to mention that David is like the mayor of Rwanda ad Uganda !
He literally knew everyone wherever we went and was well respected.
We felt so safe the entire time despite what the American media has to say, and I would highly recommend this trip to anyone as the trip of a lifetime and completely worth doing!
We had an amazing time with my husband during our 10 days safari organised by Gorilla Trek Africa.
The booking process was really made easy by Nelson.
He answered my multiple questions really promptly, usually within 24 hours, and was really easy to deal with.
The safari itself was really well organised.
The itinerary alternated well with walk/treks to see different primates (the golden monkeys, the amazing gorillas and the chimpanzees), game drives in the main national parks of Uganda and driving.
The accomodations were of really high standards - even if we booked for budget accommodations the place where we stayed were never budget.
It was very nice places, well located, with private cottages most of the time and superb views.
The food was good with fresh local products.
Our guide was really knowledgeable, a bit quiet at times, but doing his really best to show us as much wildlife as possible (we got to see lions 4 times during our trip, including tree climbing lions which was really amazing).
He drove very safely as well and we never felt unsafe even on the very bad dusty roads.
Overall, we chose Gorilla Trek Africa because of the great reviews on TripAdvisor and we definitely recommend to go with them.
I researched plenty of tour companies to book my trip to Rwanda with before settling on Gorilla Trek Africa due to the good reviews online and positive feedback and so glad I booked with them!
My experience with Gorilla Trek Africa was outstanding, from the initial enquiry and booking via email where Nelson the manager was super responsive to all my questions, to the actual trip itself.
My driver/guide Julius was very professional and was so keen to make sure I got the most out of my experience.
The accommodation at Gorilla Solution lodge was also great and the Gorilla Trek itself of course the highlight!
Rwanda is so well organised and clean and the people so lovely, as a solo female traveller I couldn't have felt more comfortable.
I can highly recommend using them and hope to make use of their services again!
Nelson made planning the trip easy.
He was always responsive to my questions, always with a day - usually much less.
Krish was my driver/guide.
He advocated for me at hotels and treks.
He was a great and safe driver.
He is funny.
And we laughed a lot about cultural differences.
If you are a solo female traveler-these two are great.
Wonderful experience from start to finish!
We did a 7 night 8 day trip starting in Kigali Rwanda and then onto Uganda for Gorilla trekking and other amazing sights!
Communication with Nelson was seamless.
He was always prompt in answering any questions and helped us plan our vacation to our specifications.
He even helped us after the completion of our trip when we were billed incorrectly for incidentals at one of the lodges!
Thanks to our guide Bob who was friendly, knowledgeable and an extremely good driver ( especially on unpaved uneven narrow African dirt roads)!
Bob went out of his way to welcome us to his home country and shared some of the local foods - such as Rolex ( veggie omelette wrapped in fried bread -very yummy) and sweet passion fruit on our way back to the airport.
All our accommodations were outstanding - luxury in the middle of the Ugandan wilderness!
We also enjoyed the food which was always prepared fresh and in no way were we ever worried or subjected to any travellers diarrhea!
Everywhere we stayed we were welcome with the friendliest staff ( always with a warm towel to clean our hands and a cold fruit cocktail to quench our thirst) Although we had all the various vaccines and Malaria prophylaxis- there were hardly any bugs and I don't even remember seeing 1 mosquito even in the thick lush rain forests!
There were more insects as you neared the gorilla habitat but I still didn't see mosquitos!
There was 3 in our party - my husband ,myself and our 24 year old daughter.
I paid for 3 people ( thinking we would be sharing a room with 2 double beds ) but somehow Gorilla Trek Africa was able to secure 2 rooms/ villas at each of our nightly stays which was a huge bonus !
Seeing the gorillas was the highlight of our trip -we arranged for 2 different treks.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was breathtakingly beautiful and the hikes although quite challenging in places were worth the views and finally the gorilla sightings!
I do recommend hiring porters for your hike -for $15US -they help keep you from slipping on steep sometimes slipper slopes , carry your backpacks with lunches etc.
Plus you will be helping the local community!
Queen Elizabeth Park was also a treat especially seeing tree climbing lions!
I never knew those existed before except in Tarzan movies!
Our river cruise was fun and we got to see loads of elephants, buffalos and hippos!
It was also interesting seeing some of the local cultures and entertainment - my daughter was enthralled by the local dancers -some quite extraordinary!
My husband thought they should try out for World of Dance!
I was feeling a little under the weather one afternoon and could not make the cultural walk that my husband and daughter did but they raved about their experience with the Pygmys!
Apparently they put on quite a show just for the 2 of them -telling their story through song and dance and actions and made fire from rubbing a stick on a stone!
They also visited a local school which was quite moving.
I would not hesitate to recommend Gorilla Trek Africa to anyone wanting to book an adventure of a lifetime !
Thanks again for giving us such amazing memories!
Doing the gorilla trek in Rwanda was on my bucket list for years and I finally made it happen thanks to Gorilla Trek Africa.
From start to finish, this was a seamless and outstanding experience.
It all began with exceptional communication with Nelson.
I had many questions and he always responded with a thorough answer in a timely manner.
The 2-day gorilla trek began with my driver, Norman, picking me up in Kigali.
I liked Norman right away.
He was very polite and professional.
I actually felt like I'd known him for years.
The first day consisted of us touring Kigali and having a delicious lunch before heading towards Volcanoes National Park.
I chose a budget accommodation and I can't tell you how pleased I was.
I loved everything about the lodge(Gorilla Solution Lodge) and the staff provided me with excellent customer service.
The next morning I did the trek!!
It was an experience I will never forget and I really appreciate the service everyone at Gorilla Trek Africa provided.
To Nelson, Norman, and the rest of the staff...THANK YOU!!
Don't hesitate to book your tour with them.
This was certainly the trip of a lifetime.
From the minute our expert driver/guide, Gavis, picked us up at our hotel in Kigali the adventure began.
We spent 7 days traveling through rural Rwanda & Uganda visiting and staying in local villages.
Lots of interaction with local people which was a great cultural experience.
The golden monkey tracking was a lovely walk through the bamboo forest.
We were able to get close and take many photos of those most unusual monkeys.
The gorilla tracking in The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda was a phenomenal life's experience.
The trek was challenging but when we reached the family of mountain gorillas we were within a few feet of them.
Watching the playful young ones and observing the huge silverback within 8 ft. of us is an experience beyond words.
Anyone who has the opportunity to do this in their lifetime should do it.
It was then off to The Kibale National Forest in Uganda to track chimpanzees.
Another incredible experience with an expert guide.
Again, we were very close and took great photos.
The beautiful, clean lodges, the helpful and friendly staff and meals were superb.
Booking and planning this trip through Nelson, our trip coordinator in Kampala, Uganda through numerous emails worked out perfect.
Every aspect of the trip went smooth and without any problems.
Special recognition to our driver/guide, Gavis, should be noted.
He kept us safe, well informed, educated us, made all park entrance arrangements, made local village visit attangements and was an absolute joy to spend the week with.
Don't just think about booking this trip, JUST DO IT!
Donna (76) and Georgie (72) just returned from Rwanda/ Uganda Africa on tour with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Nelson put together an 11-day adventure suitable for our age and abilities.
The itinerary and lodges he chose were ideal for us and far exceeded our expectations.
We had a wonderful guide, Elvis, who was so kind and accommodating and who learned our interest and did all in his power to show us amazing things we wanted to see.
Elvis has a nickname Encyclopedia Elvis and he lived up to it.
He knew all about the history, flora, fauna and birds.
Elvis had a wonderful rapport with the other guides and lodge staff and we felt so welcome in each and every place.
He is an wonderful guide and driver.
Elvis went out of his way to make us happy.
Uganda is a gorgeous peaceful country with so much to see.
We had 4 treks that we were very able to do, the highlight, of course, being the gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
We were able to do the trek with the help of porters and rangers.
The rangers put us on the easiest trek, due to our ages, and at Elvis's request.
Everyone was so helpful.
Uganda is undiscovered by Americans which won't last long.
We met a few Americans, but many Europeans and Australians.
The lodges we stayed in were very comfortable and the food was excellent.
Service and cleanliness is unsurpassed at each lodge.
Donna and I would highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa.
Don't let age or disability stop you from this wonderful adventure.
You can do it!
I booked a 7 day safari with Gorilla Trek Africa and they did a great job.
My personal guide Azariah Kameraho really made the trip extra special.
He was incredibly friendly, very knowledgeable about the wildlife areas and was very attentive.
He really added a lot to the trip.
The Safaris were excellent, in Kibale Park we tracked Chimpanzees, in Queen Elizabeth Park we did a game drive and saw lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck antelope, and lots of birds.
For the finale we tracked mountain gorillas in Bwindi over two days.
Incredible experience over all and great service.
Thank you Azariah and Gorilla Trek Africa!
We just returned from 5 day gorilla, chimpanzee, golden monkey trek in Uganda and Rwanda.
First, emailing with Nelson was outstanding: he made suggestions with pricing options, reassured me that three women traveling alone with their guide was safe, always responded in a timely manner, and generally was extremely helpful.
We chose the budget option (we had one upgrade!
and were very happy with the choices.
Second, our guide/driver was Arafat.
The top three reasons Arafat was a great guide: 1.
Arafat was completely professional as a driver & tour guide with excellent English.
When we discovered we were missing a passport at the Uganda border, he arranged for a driver to get it with us..no worries.
Our drive was comfortable (water, bathroom breaks, stretch your legs).
Professionalism may be the best reason to travel with Arafat, but he's also very kind.
We had a few extra soccer balls that my daughters had brought and gave one to a little four year old local girl and her siblings.
We would've left it at that, but Arafat slowly followed them home in the land cruiser, as he said he didn't want anyone to take it away from her.
He also said the children like to hi five tourists, which we did, and we were all smiling... 3.
Arafat was fun to have at breakfast and/or dinner when he was available, as he told us stories about other trips he taken, some very funny &/or inspiring stories, insight into his family in Uganda and could explain what to expect for the next day.
Great trip
This really is a fantastic tour and allows you to see and experience so much it really is sensory overload!
Nelson was great with helping me to put my itinerary together and answering any questions I had.
My driver Asaph is a true gentleman - he always made sure I was ok, had enough water, was fun, knowledgeable and understood when I just needed quiet time to take in all the incredible scenery and village life on the long drives.
Asaph was great company, I really enjoyed talking with him about Ugandan/Rwandan history, culture, traditions politics and talking about our families and daily lives.
He is also an excellent driver and I always felt very safe.
Nothing was too much trouble for Asaph and he always had great tips and suggestions.
Seeing the chimps in Kibale and the gorillas in Bwindi will stay with me forever.
I still get emotional when I speak about it to people now I'm back home.
It truly it's an amazing experience and I hope to do it again some day.
I spent the majority of my time in Uganda and it really is a stunning country.
The national parks and lakes are a little slice of paradise and absolutely teeming with wildlife - it totally blew my mind!
I enjoyed all the different accommodation that was booked for me and the hospitality and welcome I received was always second to none.
Thanks Asaph & Nelson and the rest of the Gorilla Trek Africa team :)
Our wonderful guide, Fred, picked us up at the Kigali airport and proceeded to Uganda.
Fred told us that Uganda is the Pearl of Africa and he was right.
We had a long drive to the Crater Lodge and then went the next day to the Chimp trek.
Great experience as we dashed along next to a large male chimp.
The next day we drove to Queen Elizabeth park and saw lions up in a tree.
Great time.
Fred then drove us to Bwindi Imenetrable Forest for our awesome gorilla trek.
Hiking in the forest as the leader used a machete to cut the path was daunting but exhilarating.
We spent time with the silverback and his troupe.
We were caught in a downpour and slipped and slid our way back to civilization.
Our last night was spent back in Rwanda at the Volcano National park where we saw the cute little golden monkeys.
On our way back to the airport we stopped at the Genocide memorial.
The trip was perfectly planned by GTA and we felt super lucky to have Fred as our guide.
We also felt safe and comfortable with him.
Great guy.
We had a wonderful 5 day safari in Rwanda with Enos as our guide.
He was consistently kind, considerate and a soft spoken philosopher.
We loved Rwanda and Enos added to the wonder of our trip.
We cannot recommend Rwanda, your company or Enos highly enough.
Thank you!
I don't think I can put into words just how incredible this trip was.
Elias was my guide and from start to end my trip was perfect.
I went on this trip as a solo female and never once felt unsafe or uncomfortable.
Elias was beyond amazing.
He was so knowledgeable and kind and I learned so much from him.
It was amazing to learn his story and learn so much about the places I was visiting.
Every lodge I stayed at was beautiful, peaceful, and serene.
I think it's important to realize that what westerners are accustomed to in terms of star ratings is not the same in Sub-Saharan Africa.
That said, what the lodge's lacked in amenities they made up for in service and overall ambiance.
I went on this trip during low season and was pretty much the only guest at all of the lodges I stayed at.
The service was the most hospitable i have ever encountered.
Everyone was so nice and I wanted for nothing.
At every lodge I was given the room of my choice and i was also pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food.
One thing to remember is to bring US Dollars in small bills.
I made the mistake of having $100's and $50's and getting change was definitely an issue.
Also, make sure that the money you bring is printed after 2006; otherwise it may not be accepted.
All of the activities I did were amazing, but the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees were definitely my favorite.
Both of these animals are so human-like; it was an honor to be in their presence.
Additionally, all of the guides/rangers were so kind and also very knowledgeable.
I also recommend getting a porter.
It's only $15 and really does go a long way in supporting these people and their communities.
They are also super helpful when the terrain is muddy and slippery!
Thank you, Gorilla Trek Africa, for the trip of a lifetime.
Elias- you were the most amazing guide and I am continually inspired by your generosity and spirit.
I will 100% do this trip again one day and I hope I'm lucky enough to have you as my guide again!
My friend and I booked through gorilla trek for an overnight trip and it couldn't have been better.
Joana was our guide and she was such a knowledgeable and sweet person.
Excellent driving skills.
It was fascinating to tour the market (I've been to Kigali several times but had never been to the market) the hotel accommodations were great.
Awesome food and gorgeous setting (we did the high end hotel option) seeing the gorillas was one of my top 3 life experiences.
The guides were excellent.
Can't say enough about how well organized everything was and what a great experience it was to have Joana!
Want to go back!
Nelson at Gorilla Trek Africa was very responsive and made it easy to plan this first phase of our honeymoon.
The cost was high but that's a function of the gorilla permits in Rwanda and GTA was significantly less than other tour companies I reached out to.
Sam Elliot was our guide/driver for 3 days.
Very nice and informative.
Arranged for some great gorilla treks for us.
He also arranged for us to stay in our room until late since we were going directly to the airport from trekking.
Highly recommend for easy planning in Rwanda.
I had the privilege of spending the weekend on a trip with Charles from Kigali, Rwanda to Bwindi, Uganda.
Charles was an incredible tour guide who was very professional, kind, and made me feel right at home.
Charles always made sure I was well fed, hydrated, and got the most out of my two day exploration by offering stops along the way.
The trek itself was incredible, an absolute must do for anyone traveling in that area.
We saw the gorillas after about 1.5 hours!
I would love to relive the weekend over and over again!
Before the trek, I had spend one night at L Mulehe safari lodge and it was wonderful.
The food was great, workers were very kind, and the views were spectacular.
I would highly recommend this experience to anyone!
Thank you thank you to Charles and the rest of the workers that made this all possible :)
My sister and I went on a 4 day Rwanda-Uganda Double Gorilla Trekking tour and had the most amazing experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Our drivers name was Enos (Salongo) and he looked after us as if we were his own family, made us feel so comfortable going above and beyond making our trip the best - he had a wealth of knowledge and was happy to share it with us delivering the information in such an intriguing manner!
As mentioned above we had 2 treks with the Gorillas in Uganda and it was worth every penny!
Each day was a completely different experience following different gorilla family's and the latter day involving a full blown trek through the impenetrable Forest following the amazing creatures!!
The golden monkey tour in Rwanda was good too but nothing compared to the Gorilla Treks..could definitely skip if you had limited time!
One tip to be aware of is to bring lots of $US for tipping as there is no where to get money out once in the Forest.
Thanks again Enos and Gorilla Trek Africa we will never forget this experience!!!!
We booked an 11 day trip directly with Gorilla Trek Africa based on a recommendation from a friend in the UK and booked flights separately (tip here if you need/want business class flights at a great price to this area it is hard to beat Ethiopian Airlines!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
All the administration and suggestions for the trip were made with Nelson via email, all questions were answered quickly and efficiently.
Booking direct is significantly cheaper than via say Trailfinders (who we have used on many holidays) but payment is a little clunky and payment of the deposit via credit card online is not easy and the currency conversion expensive.
It is much easier to secure the holiday with the minimum deposit and then take USD in cash (which is what we did).
Our guide/driver was William throughout, he was superb and is highly recommended for both his knowledge and personality (he is also a dedicated 'birder' for those who really want to know more about the 1,000 plus species in Uganda).
Gorilla Trek offer 3 tiers and we went what was described as 'luxury' it has to be accepted that we probably had the best on offer but if you have experienced luxury in say Botswana then only the Miningo Lodge at Lake Mburo meets that standard (fantastic location small and very special) some others were (effectively hotels with ok food and just about ok accommodation) e.g.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park the Mweya Safari Lodge is dated, the bedroom adequate but with a very poor bathroom.
However and this really needs stressing the views over the Nile with game on the far bank more than compensates as does the opportunity for driving straight out into the park to see lion and many other animals or a boat trip to see an unbelievable variety of birds and animals up and close - just brilliant and a highlight of the trip, so suck up the indifferent accommodation, this is not to be missed!
The viewings of the gorillas at Bwindi and chimps at Kimbali are what most go on this trip to see and it does not disappoint.
Six feet from a 250k silver back or two feet from an alpha male chimp are memories to be savoured (these are not the recommended distances but if the animals come towards you then you do get much closer than the 7m stated) all the trackers/guides are expert and at no stage do you feel under any threat but even though habituated these are very powerful wild animals and they go where and when they want and yes they might push you out of the way (as happened to one person) but this is in no way threatening.
The climb to see the gorillas is tough if you have any doubts about your ability to ascend + 500m of climb in very hot conditions through forest do take advantage of a porter to help you.
We are of a certain age and have a lot of experience of high altitude trekking but were quite surprised how tough this was.
The Chinese are in charge of redeveloping every major road in Uganda all at the same time - whilst this continues it is a major issue for road travel.
Our circuit was just over 1,000 miles c. 60% on dirt roads/tracks and 40% on roads being developed or already tarmaced.
Having spoken to other travellers everyone is surprised by just how much and how long the road travel is and how tough it is over poor surfaces (even in a Toyota Land Cruiser) on travel days 5-10 hours!
A final point on the circuit (we went Lake Mburo and up the West side of the country finishing at Murchinson Falls (we would leave out the boat trip its too long at 3 hours and there is much more to see then later in the trip, but do go by road to the top of the falls a much better view) then drove all the way back down to Entebbe airport.
We would strongly recommend going anti-clockwise, stop over night at Kampala as we did (close your eyes to the City and suck it up the lodge is good) and then travel North, that way you do not have as far to travel on the last leg and you stay at the best lodge on the last night.
Overall a terrific trip and Gorilla Trek Africa are highly recommended but do take a keen interest in the itinerary and check out reviews for each location activity, we did not do enough of that.
It can be a little hard core for the older traveller but worth every bump in the road!
Had a great two day trek from Kigali, Rwanda to Bwindi National Forest, Uganda for gorilla tracking.
Ivan was an awesome driver and, as a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and comfortable the entire time.
Gorilla tracking at Bwindi was awesome!!
Incredible experience.
Highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa - thank you to Nelson for such excellent coordination/planning!
I could not have been happier with my Gorilla Trek Africa experience.
Nelson did a wonderful job customizing our trip.
We packed a lot of distance and experiences in our 10 day trip ( 3 travel days & seven touring).
He was prompt and informative throughout our pretrip correspondence Alex was our guide for the entire trip.
He has a gift for customer service.
He was knowledgeable, resourceful and diligent to our requests.
We had long days and he streamlined them for efficiency as much as possible.
We commented we liked the local pepper, it had a nice tang to it.
En route to one of our overnights he made a short detour so we could pick some up.
Even better, he mailed our postcards home for us.
We waited until the last full day to try and mail them.
It was a national holiday so Alex took, bought the stamps and posted them.
Thanks again Alex.
These are just two examples of Alex's above and beyond approach to his guiding.
As for the trip we trekked for gorillas in Volcanos NP, Rwanda and the Impenetrable Forest NP, Uganda.
Both were life changing hours.
Not only because of the up close amazing gorilla viewing but you also get an idea of how hard people are working for conservation.
The permit is more expensive in Rwanda but the hike is easier.
I'd recommend hiring a porter for both trips.
Trekking for chimpanzees is a little different.
Chimpanzees cover large distances on a given day.
There are no forward trackers that go out and locate the group.
Guides and their charges (us) leave the check point and head out in different directions.
Once the chimpanzees trail is picked up the guest groups converge.
It's a bit of a sprint through the jungle.
We visited Queen Elizabeth NP where we did a game drive in one sector of the park and another on the kazinga channel.
A boat game drive in the evening was rich with sightings and a nice way see the park and animals from a different perspective In the Kibale Forest NP we did another game drive, a interpretative walk through the wetlands and a visit to several village shop keepers.
We visited with the basket weavers, banana beer brewer and the medicine man Our trip was an incredible experience meticulously orchestrated by Gorilla Trek Africa
This was a great tour where we were picked up from the Kilagli airport and driven to Uganda for our gorilla trek.
The drive was very powerful and our host guide answered many of my questions about both countries.
The gorilla trek was more of a challenge than I expected given my lung issues and the elevation, but being vocal about my condition was enough to Initate Asaph to make sure I was on an easier trek.
It still was quite the challenge.
Though we came on this trip for the gorilla trekking, it was our host, the service, the people, and getting glimpses into the smaller towns that made our trip.
I recommend this company for your gorilla trek but highly recommend you asking to Asaph as your tour host.
He is the BEST!!!
Honestly there aren't words to describe how happy I was with my gorilla tour in Uganda with Gorilla Track Africa.
Nelson and I emailed back and forth for a month or two planning my perfect trip to suit my needs, budget and dreams.
I've never experienced such dedicated, prompt and kind attention to detail and responses and alterations in itinerary plans.
Upon meeting my FABULOUS driver and guide Godwin in Kigali, Rwanda I could not have been happier about my choice of tour company.
Godwin was professional, extremely kind, knowledgeable and took his time to make SO many picture stops and explained all questions I had.
He drove extremely well in sometimes very difficult and challenging road conditions ( beginning of rainy season) and I felt very safe and secure at all times ( especially being a solo female traveler).
My gorilla experience was out of this world amazing and I keep on reliving the moments daily.
Just wanted to mention that after my tour ended I had a big problem in Kigali as I booked myself into a bad hotel in a strange neighborhood and got lost .
Godwin came to help me and the company arranged a fantastic hotel for me for a final evening before flying out.
Thank you a million and Godwin is seriously the most wonderful guide ever!
I would suggest requesting him.
From start to finish my boyfriend and I had a great experience with this company!
Nelson responded promptly to my inquiry and put together an itinerary on short notice.
Our fabulous guide, Gavis, was friendly, professional, and a great driver.
We very much enjoyed his conversation and company on the drive to and from Bwindi and during dinner at the Gorilla Safari Lodge (which we also highly recommend).
Gavis ensured that everything went smoothly.
Seeing the gorillas was an incredible experience and the service provided by Gavis ensured that it was a highlight of our time in Africa.
We used Gorilla Trek Africa on a trip to Rwanda and Uganda in March.
Nelson and Bill (U.S. rep.) were extremely helpful and custom tailored a trip for the three at a great price.
We were lucky enough to have a wonderful tour guide, Bernard.
We can't say enough about his attention to detail, willingness to listen to our needs, his safety consciousness, and professionalism.
We had a great time conversing with him and learning about the people, culture, history, geography and animals.
The safari vehicle was new and comfortable, and Bernard was an expert driving in traffic, rough roads as well as muddy narrow mountain roads.
We based out of Kigali, Rwanda and traveled to Akagera National Park the first day.
We took a boat trip on the lake and saw many animals.
We stayed at Akagera Game Lodge (see our review).
The next day was an all day safari to see more animals.
Night at Akagera, then an all day drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
We stayed at Bakiga Lodge (see review).
We trekked to see the gorillas the next day.
Took us an hour to find our gorilla family - absolutely amazing!
That afternoon we visited the local town with tour guide Ruth (orphanage, pygmies, and local doctor), then another night at Bakiga.
We enjoyed seeing the town, but wished that the orphanage and Pygmy presentations had been different- we felt we were intruding on their space.
Our last day we drove back to Kigali.
We highly recommend this tour company for any tour you want to take.
We were very impressed with the 3-day gorilla trek that Gorilla Trek Africa arranged for us.
We were picked up from our guide, Gavis, in Kigali, Rwanda and he drove us to Uganda for our trek.
Gavis was very welcoming and an excellent driver.
He also stayed in our lodge and brought us back to Kigali at the end of our trek.
The Gorilla Safari Lodge was a great place to stay.
The staff, food, and accommodations were excellent - especially the massage I received from Rosemary.
The trek itself was awesome.
We had the choice to take the easy, medium, or hard trek.
We chose the easy route, which was a 2-hour walk to the gorillas.
I also hired a porter ($15, plus tip) which was a great decision.
He helped me in the steeper, slippery spots and carried my backpack.
I would highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa.
Nelson was always very prompt in responding to my many questions as we planned our trek.
Gorilla trek Africa organized a 2 say trip to Uganda to track the gorillas in Bwindi park for me and my partner.
Our guide was Charles and from the time he picked us up in Kigali we had a great experience.
Charles was really nice and very professional, he explained everything and answered all of our questions.
Our gorilla trek was beautiful and we had an amazing time.
I highly recommend this company, they were very organized and took great care of us.
My wife and I just returned from a weeklong (8 day) trip to Rwanda and Uganda where we spent the majority of our visit with Gorilla Trek Africa on safari and tracking primates (Chimpanzees, Gorillas, and Golden Monkeys).
First, some general comments about Gorilla Trek Africa.
We're experienced travelers and have grown accustomed to travel hiccups.
That is why it's so refreshing when you don't encounter any.
Traveling with Gorilla Trek Africa felt effortless.
Nelson, our initial point of contact with the company, was responsive from the beginning and patient with our numerous questions and itinerary changes.
He customized the safari and tracking experience to support our limited travel window so that we could see everything we wanted in just 8 days.
Side note: people ask if it's worth the time and effort for such a relatively short trip.
While we spent long days in the car driving between locations, the team at Gorilla Trek Africa made sure we saw everything we could (understanding the wildlife is going to do its own thing).
So you too can do everything you want to do in 8 or 9 days.
If you have a few extra days the experience will just be all the better.
For our trip, we started with a day and half on our own in Kigali, arranging a pickup with Gorilla Trek Africa to get from the airport to our hotel.
Godwin picked us up and gave us a great introduction to the city as we made the 25-minute journey in.
Our official itinerary with Gorilla Trek Africa involved crossing the border into Uganda so we could drive to Kibale National Park where we tracked chimpanzees.
From there, we ventured to Queen Elizabeth National Park for several days of game drives in the northern and southern sectors, culminating with a stay in Ishasha where we hoped to see the famous fig-tree climbing lions.
We didn't, but that was not for a lack of trying.
And our guide, Kenneth, more than made up for it by making sure we enjoyed beautiful game drives where we saw an Elephant, Hyena, and other wildlife.
And we saw other lions in the northern sector, so not all was lost.
Afterward, we drove to Bwindi for the main event: tracking gorillas.
This is more special than any words you'll ever read (perhaps with the exception of Dian Fossey's Gorillas of the Mist), but suffice it to say everyone should venture to do this in their lifetime.
From there, we returned to Rwanda where we stayed overnight at Volcanoes National Park before enjoying a morning with the Golden Monkeys.
Now some comments about our guide: Kenneth Muhindi.
If you're booking a trip with Gorilla Trek Africa, ask for Kenneth and hope that he's available.
As a former ranger, Kenneth was extremely knowledgeable about the national parks in Uganda (he worked as a ranger in Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park).
He's also trained most of the rangers and knows almost everyone, which is helpful for getting hints about where the best wildlife sightings are happening.
Kenneth also provided his own guidebooks of Rwanda and Uganda, which included history sections to help supplement our knowledge of the countries.
He also had several books on Africa's animals, which we read during our drives and ahead of the primate tracking.
We enjoyed great conversations and felt safe with his driving on the roads.
This last point is particularly important because driving in Africa is probably the most dangerous thing you can do, and Kenneth handled the car well and never made us feel uncomfortable.
In fact, on our way from Bwindi back to Rwanda, we drove on some very muddy roads (it had just rained) near some steep embankments.
Had it not been for Kenneth's handling of the all-wheel drive vehicle we might have been stuck!
We're extremely grateful for the experience that Gorilla Trek Africa provided and Kenneth, in particular, delivered.
When we come back to this part of Africa, we'll certainly be making our arrangements through Gorilla Trek Africa.
As a solo female traveler, I spent a ton of time researching a safe and reputable company through which to book a solo East African adventure.
I messaged a lot with Bill and Nelson initially and decided Gorilla Trek Africa was a very good option.
They were very responsive during the planning stages right up to the last day when I had questions about my arrival.
Gavis was my guide and he picked me up in a very nice Toyota safari SUV which he drove expertly through dense fog, innumerable potholes, mud, you name it.
My lodges were great (I picked the deluxe option) at each stop and I was incredibly fortunate to see every bit of wildlife I came to Africa to see, despite traveling on the cusp of rainy season.
Gavis went the extra mile to ensure I was comfortable during the drive and at each stop and helped me to communicate my dietary restrictions at each lodge.
When he found out from other guides about animals I was hoping to see, he got me right front and center to be sure I could have a great view and get excellent pictures.
I'd recommend this company to anybody looking to travel East Africa!
After reading the positive reviews about Gorilla Trek Africa, I booked a 7 day, solo tour starting in Kigali, Rwanda and ending in Entebbe, Uganda.
Nelson was wonderful to work with in organizing the perfect trip.
Elvis was my guide for the 7 days and he made the experience even better than I expected!
He is a real life encyclopedia (or shall I say google) I learned so much about the countries history, the flora and fauna and so much more!
He went above and beyond and each day was better than the previous.
Luck was on our side day as the gorillas were amazing, we saw the tree climbing lions in Ishasha - Queen E NP, and the Chimps were loud and magnificent.
I really can't express what an amazing experience I had.
This is a must do trip and Gorilla Trek, and Elvis, should be your company and guide!
He told me that Winston Churchill named Uganda The Pearl of Africa but we re-named it The Pearl of the World!
thank you Nelson and Elvis.
many blessings!
I was travelling solo to Rwanda and booked a 3 day Gorilla trip into Uganda.
Any queries I had before my trip were answered straight away (thank you Nelson), which gave me the confidence to book with them at their competitive rate.
My driver Charles was wonderful, thoughtful, professional and a great companion over the 3 days (massive thanks Charles).The lodges I stayed in and people who run them are beautiful (pass on my thanks).
I am still buzzing from this unique and incredible experience.
My advice?
Don't think it - just book it!
You won't regret it.
We did a five day gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey tour across Uganda and Rwanda with Azariah and had a truly wonderful time from start to finish.
The whole trip was expertly organised and we didn't have to worry about a thing from the moment Azariah picked us up from our hotel in Entebbe until we were dropped off at our hotel in Kigali.
Our first stop was Kibale for chimpanzee trekking and since we were lucky enough to find them within about five minutes we got to spend nearly two hours with them, watching them go about their business of eating, climbing, playing and communicating with each other.
An experience I'll hold dear for the rest of my life.
The next stop was Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we had a game drive and saw loads of Kob, a variety of birds and other wildlife and some lions and elephants the following morning.
Then it was off to Bwindi National Park for gorilla trekking.
Again we were pretty lucky to find them within an hour so got to spend a good for with them.
It was a good sized group with a gorgeous Silverback and a newborn that arrived that very morning - being witness to their attentiveness within the family and how they interact was another unforgettable and awe-inspiring memory that will be with me forever.
We then crossed the border to Rwanda which could have been a really stressful experience has it not been for Azariah being with us.
The final stretch of the tour was seeing the wonderfully unique and beautiful golden monkeys at Volcanoes National Park and then onwards to Kigali where the tour ended.
We're so glad we chose Gorilla Trek Africa who made this adventure completely stress-free, enjoyable and memorable.
And that has a lot to do with our friendly, knowledgeable and all round awesome guide, Azariah.
Highly recommend.
What a formidable trip with a marvelous Davis.
Go there you enjoy everything is perfect and the lodge choose by them is what i whant.
My boyfriend and I had an incredible week in Rwanda/Uganda with Gorilla Trek Africa.
We did a 5 day trip and visited numerous parks.
The chimp and gorilla tracking experiences were out of this world.
Arafat, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and a great person to lead us for the week.
Highly recommend him!
On top of that, it was easy to book this trip and we had the best time.
First of all, I would like to thanks to Azariah very much.
He was my guide/driver on my 7 days Rwanda/Uganda safari and makes my experience very exceptional.
I was travelling alone so he was also my companion and I feel really safe during whole my trip.
There was one dissapointment in regards to change of my itinerary.
I made booking of my safari in January - 1 month in advance.
Nobody mention to me that all gorilla permits are usually sold already and GTA just trying to buy from other tour operators who bought all of them and did not find customers.
In my case they were not able to find any free slot for gorilla trek in Bwindi as per my itinerary so they had to change to Mgahinga park.
I was quite dissapointed as nobody told me this possibility in advance and I really wanted to see gorillas in Bwindi.
But I could not do anything so just take it as it was.
I knew that there is just one gorilla family.
At the end I seen 5 members of the Nyakagezi family(2 silverbacks,mother and baby a 1 juvenile).
What was good is that I went from other side of the park and reach the family once other group of trekkers already left them so was just myself and rangers.
I enjoyed time with them really much and my original disappointment was gone.
Safari overall was great and I have to say it was one of the best experience in my life.
I loved chimp trekking in Kibale too, for me it was comparable experience with gorillas.
Then Kazinga channel was great too.
So if you planning your safari don't miss these for sure.
Myself and two friends booked a seven day tour with Gorilla Trek that included activities in both Rwanda and Uganda.
First of all, the communication with Nelson was excellent.
Despite my numerous questions he always replied promptly and professionally.
Next, the price for this tour was a great value.
We opted for the luxury level accommodations and loved every place we stayed.
Finally, our guide William, was so helpful and extremely competent.
We felt that everything was always under control.
I also appreciated the little extras he arranged like trying local food from street stands in Uganda.
But most of all he was so patient with our hundreds of questions.
While I had been to Rwanda previously this was my first time in Uganda so I was very curious about so many things.
Our trip included Golden Monkeys, Gorillas, Chimps, a boat ride and two game drives.
While we were exhausted by the end, we felt fortunate to have seen so much in one week.
Definitely book your trip with Gorilla Trek!
Two friends and I traveled to Rwanda and Uganda with our guides through Gorilla Trek.
Nelson did and outstanding job designing an experience that covered five national parks in northern Rwanda and southern Uganda.
We saw a wide variety of wildlife, (including the gorillas), ventured through three different rain forest environments and stayed in very nice lodges.
The food was great, and our guide William, took us thru villages where we could experience Ugandan village life in an authentic way.
He and his guide-in-training, Ellen, took great care of us.
This was truly and experience of a lifetime and could not recommend Gorilla Trek more highly!
Very easy company to work with.
Nelson is on top of returning emails and makes it clear what the itinerary will be.
My guide Aseph was very knowledgeable, friendly and committed to giving you a good experience.
All the lodges and food were very good.
I was able to see the mountain gorillas and chimps as well as lions, hippos, elephants and much more.
Highly recommend.
No words can explain the feelings..One of the best activity i ever did... Gorilla trekking is really great..seeing the endaged mountain gorillas at their home..what a great experience...
Saw the gorillas and the golden monkeys within a very short 2 days trip.
Julius, the driver and concierge, is a huge factor for my enjoyment.
During the long drive we were able to chit chat about the gorillas, the golden monkeys, Rwanda, Uganda, local food, customs and various other topics.
Albert from the Gorilla Solutions Hotel was the most gracious host.
I was the only guest that day.
He showered all his attention on me to make sure I was well fed and perfectly comfortable.
Really enjoyed the mataka and vegetable dish he prepared.
I found Gorilla Trek Africa online and proceeded to correspond with them for 8 day journey of several safaris including 2 gorilla treks.
Our drive/guide Arafat, was really exceptional.
Very experienced and never tired of the constant questions that we peppered him with.
All the lodges that we were booked in, matched and exceeded our expectations.
The southwest corner of Uganda is really amazingly beautiful.
Very mountainous with great views at every turn.
The roads can be a bit rough but the beauty makes up for it.
Thank you for a wonderful trip.
We recently took a trip through Africa starting with gorilla tracking in Rwanda.
From our first contact with Gorilla Trek Africa it was nothing but spectacular!
What made it the most amazing was our guide Peter.
He was so attentive and informative, we felt we were best friends in only 2 days!
We had extra time before our flight to Kenya so he took us to a fantastic dinner and tour of Kigali.
He explained the history of Rwanda and showed us beautiful sights.
He really went above and beyond, not just a tour guide.
We miss him!
Just like all the other reviews, seeing gorillas up close and in nature is a once in a lifetime experience.
I'm so grateful I was able to experience this adventure.
There were other companies to choose from but I am so grateful I chose Gorilla Trek Africa otherwise I would not of met Peter.
I had wanted to see gorillas for quite a while.
I usually go with organized tours, I am a single woman.
I did not want to see just gorillas, but wanted to see other wildlife and experience Uganda and Rwanda.
None of the tours I found were my ideal itinerary.
I wanted 2 days of gorillas, and wanted to start with that experience, most tours do gorilla trek at the end of itinerary.
I contacted a few local companies, and Nelson at GTA was very helpful and quick to respond.
I have traveled quite a bit and felt comfortable booking with a local company.
I paid deposit of 40%, and the balance was due either 1 week prior to trip or could pay cash the day of the tour!
Most larger travel companies want full payment 60-90 days prior to trip, and full refund is not possible.
So then travel insurance is recommended.
Also, once I paid the balance, Nelson let me know that the cost of my itinerary was actually less, and so he refunded me almost 700 USD !!
What tour company does that?
My guide Elvis, was fantastic also.
He took good care of me, he always was on time for our next adventure, and I never felt uncomfortable.
He heard me ask for yogurt at one of the lodges (they didn't have it) and next day he bought some for me at a small market.
I tried roasted plantains from vendors at side of the road, I even had lunch at a small cafe where it was only locals.
He is very friendly, and always seemed to know everyone.
Went Gorilla tracking at Bwindi, from 2 different locations.
The trips were both 5 hours or so and difficult.
It is called Impenetrable for a reason!
I spoke with others and Virunga was much easier.
Then Queen Elizabeth, very dry.
Did see lions 2 days (though not in trees) Kazinga channel boat is highly recommended.
Then on to Kibale NP to see chimps and other primates.
Chimps were another great experience, and so much easier terrain.
Got to experience crossing the Uganda/Rwanda border, very interesting......
Overall great trip, exhausting but also exhilarating!
No hesitation on giving 5 stars to the 2-day tour: - Most importantly, I saw what I wanted to see (and more than that!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
The trip tracking the mountain gorillas was once-in-a-lifetime - baby gorillas, blackbacks and silverbacks were just in front of us!
Other than gorillas, I could also see some local village culture and beautiful landscape in Rwanda and Uganda.
The city tour also gave a good introduction of the history of Rwanda and the city life of Kigali.
My guide was Eric.
He was so knowledgeable and attentive.
He introduced everything in detail so that I know much more about the countries.
He also ensured a safe journey.
The hotel accommodation was excellent.
Friendly staff, comfortable room, good food.
Yes, seeing gorillas may be a bit costly, but satisfaction guaranteed.
Thumbs up!
My travel group consisted of 3 middle aged women.
We packed as much as we could in the 6 days we had in Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trekking in both countries and also seeing golden monkies and chimps.
Our ever patient, always a gentleman guide was Alex Greck.
I can't say enough about how informative he was .
Our adventure started in Uganda trekking in Volcanos National Park.
We met and were put in groups usually 8/group but we were lucky and had only 4 in our group.
Our trek to find the HIRWA group was not as vigorous as we had expected.
The dominant Silverback in our group was a 32 year old named Munyinya.
He was a gentle grandpa with all the babies rolling and tumbling all over him.
The group had 2 year old twins which is uncommon.
There were two 5 year olds also whose mom's had left to join another group that Munyinya was in charge of.
This practice is common and helps keep genetic diversity.
There were also younger babies about 7 months old that we didn't see.
We were able to quietly watch and photograph them like children on a playground.
One of the 2 year old twins actually touched my knee and my heart before I moved away.
One of the young gorillas grabbed my leg as it ran by.
It was an amazing experience.
We went on to trek in Uganda, Bwindi National Park a very different experience.
The trek in Bwindi was much harder.
The terrain is more rugged and hiking is much more difficult,made possible by the wooden poles they supply and the Porter you can rent for the day.
I recommend a Porter to be with you in this very uncertain terrain.
It took several hours to reach our gorilla group.
They were moving through thick folage and much harder to view and photograph.
Gorilla permits are much more expensive in Rawanda but worth it if you have to choose only 1 country.
Our experience with Gorilla trek Africa and our guide Alex exceeded my expectations.
We had a new Toyota Land cruiser with a pop up top for easy photography.
Alex is a native Ugandan speaking perfect English and many native dialects.
If we travel again with Gorillas reactivate, Alex will be our guide.
We took a five day tour through Uganda and Rwanda with gorilla trek Africa.
The tour lived up to all our expectations - I won't go into too much detail about the tour itself as there are plenty of other reviews doing that here, except to say it's one of the best experiences I've had in some time.
What I would like to focus on briefly though is our guide, Azariah.
He always had our interests at heart, and was dedicated to making sure we enjoyed the experience as much as we possibly could.
He was thoroughly professional and courteous throughout, always happy with a smile, and negotiating some of the trickier and bumpier roads like a pro.
The gorillas and chimps are of course the main attraction, but with a guide like Azariah you can enjoy the entire experience to the max.
What a trip!
We were originally thinking of seeing the Gorillas in more than one place and internet searches came up with DRC, Rwanda and Uganda.
The permits for DRC and Uganda are USD 500 whereas Rwanda was USD 1,500 so we discounted the latter.
We couldn't find any company that did a tour to both DRC and Uganda but did see Gorilla Trak Africa's (GTA) name come up with a Uganda tour which started briefly in Rwanda.
We then toyed with the idea of booking our own transfers to DRC (Virunga) and then connecting in Uganda with a tour company but we couldn't find anyone.
Our first contact with GTA was approximately 12 months in advance as we wanted to go over Christmas.
Nelson replied by email detailing their 15 day tour.
This looked good with the exception of the penultimate night having to stay in Kampala when the following day's activity was in Jinja (2.5 hours drive away) which could be improved by staying in Jinja the night prior instead which was the same drive time on that day as going to Kampala.
Nelson made the change to the itinerary and we paid our deposit using pesapal.
Note: We were thinking for a while of trying to book the itinerary ourselves (to choose different accommodation options) and arranging private transfers between them but that proved to be more difficult than I thought so we decided to go with the GTA Luxury Accommodation 15 day tour.
In retrospect, it would have been a bit of a disaster if we had booked each part individually as we underestimated the driving required between each location and would have been too tired to see half as much as what we did.
In addition, we would have then had to organise all of the morning and afternoon activities and would have probably been overcharged if independently booking them or not available.
On arrival at Rwanda airport we were met by the fabulous William K with a big smile and a nice shiny clean 4wd.
William is quietly spoken and a real gentleman.
He's a bit of a bird expert as well.
I think he mentioned he was the President of some Ugandan bird society.
That allowed me to say, well obviously we would definitely see a Shoebill in a joking fashion... and William looked concerned and said they are very rare and hard to find.
But he knew what we wanted to see... Gorillas and a Shoebill and he would do his utmost to help us.
We told William we were interested in seeing as much wildlife as possible in preference to cultural tours and William adjusted our tours to match.
Every day works like clockwork.
William suggests a time to start each day and we made sure that we would be ready to go.
William was very knowledgeable and had eyes like a hawk to spot all of the wildlife.
We would find ourselves nodding off in the 4wd whilst he was driving as we were completely confident in William's driving.
He was very safe and would never overtake unless he could clearly see all traffic coming towards him.
If we had the need for an urgent comfort break then William would find somewhere (petrol stations, cafes, banks... he always found somewhere).
It wasn't clear to us when booking with GTA what meals were included but all meals (B,L,D) were included.
Drinks are extra but cheap.
We took 3 boxes of health food bars each and this was a good idea for when we got hungry between meals.
All that exercise made us hungry!
If we think back to everything we have seen and the seamless way that our tour went we have to pinch ourselves.
The amount of wildlife and experiences were incredible.
William was excellent too and as for finding Gorillas and Shoebill, well... read on Day 1: Pickup at Rwanda airport, lunch, Genocide museum and transfer to Five Volcanoes Hotel.
There are a large number of the magnificent golden weaver birds making nests in the hotel grounds.
We also went for a walk with the hotel guide to the local villages (the kids are great and want you to take their photo and then show it to them on your camera screen).
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking.
The fabulous (cheeks like a squirrel) fast moving golden monkeys hide behind the bamboo shoots and are hard to photograph but so cute.
That golden bristling brow on their head.
Then drive over border to Uganda and onto Lake Bunyonyi Birdnest Resort.
William was scouring intently for a Shoebill but no luck and to be fair, the hotel said they hadn't seen one for years.
Day 3: Serene boat trip to Batwa Pygmy village.
There were some grey crowned cranes (Uganda's National Bird and in the middle of their flag) in the trees.
On arrival, the kids rush to meet you.
The Batwa Pygmies are very poor, having been displaced from the Bwindi National Park by the Govt.
We brought 3 Chelsea football club flags as a gift and wish we had brought more.
If we had known in advance we would have brought books for the kids.
They asked if we had some.
Great dancing and singing with my improvised words used... Manchester... very good... Chelsea is... Bett-Ahh.
We also donated USD 50.
Back to the hotel for lunch and photographing lots of birds in the gardens.
Day 4: Drive to Mahogany Springs hotel, Bwindi National Forest.
A black and white Colobus Monkey and Blue Monkey beside the road.
Filled in the forms on the chair at reception and the hotel cat promptly sat on our lap and started purring.
Nice welcome.
Photographing lots of birds in the gardens in the afternoon.
Day 5: Gorilla trek day and very excited.
Early morning Introduction at HQ with dancing from the local women's group.
30 minute drive to start for Habinyanja group of 17 including Silverback, Blackbacks and babies.
We paid USD 25 for a porter to support the local community.
15 min walk through the tea plantation and the Gorillas were waiting for us.
Amazing experience.
Just amazing.
You get 1 hour with the Gorillas.
Afternoon walk to the Waterfalls (extra cost) with no wildlife until we almost got back to the HQ just before sunset and there were a group of L'Hoest monkeys and a shy red Duiker deer.
Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Vervet monkies, Fish Eagles and other birds, Warthogs kneeling whilst eating grass, Kob deer.
Lunch at a local hotel with a troop of baboons in the grounds.
After lunch, we saw in the distance one of the famous Ishahsa tree climbing lions lounging in a tree.
Elephants, warthogs, buffalos.
Later, a group of lions lounging in a tree at Queen Elizabeth National Park too.
A short delay whilst 30 mins from Mweya Safari lodge as elephants crossing the road.
Awesome.
We would recommend paying extra to GTA to upgrade to the luxury tent room at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 7: Sunrise game drive.
Antelopes sparring.
Buffalos, grey crowned cranes.
Hippos lounging in the mud.
Elephants.
Lunch and then amazing cruise on Kazinga channel.
Hippos everywhere, water buffalo (one with 2 birds on its horns), hundreds of birds including the fantastic prancing marabou storks with their pink hanging sacks digesting toxic food.
Day 8: Morning game drive and got very close to a leopard lounging in a cactus.
Drove slightly out of the way to the Equator Monument and then on to Mihingo Lodge.
Zebra at the entrance.
After lunch, we went to the Lodge's hide to get close to zebras, warthogs and mongoose.
Before dinner the hotel feeds banana to a big-eyed bushbaby which likes to visit.
Day 9: Morning game drive with antelopes (Topi on a mound), warthog, zebras, Rothschild's giraffe.
Boat cruise on the lake but no Shoebill sighting... sigh, but we did see Hippos, Fish eagles and crocodiles Day 10: Saw big horned cow on leaving park on the drive to Crater Safari Lodge.
Nature walk in the Bigodi wetland with variety of hornbills, red colobus, mangabey, blue headed Agama lizard Day 11: Chimpanzee trekking.
At the trek HQ there was a fantastic group of red long tailed monkeys eating the berries in the trees.
Such a cute blue bandit face with a white cotton nose.
Awesome, you have to see them!
A short hike to the Chimps and one hour with them.
Some great behaviour and you can get very close.
Day 12: Long drive to Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchsion Falls Park.
We visited the falls on the way.
Just missed the car ferry by 5 minutes but William knew the people running it and got them to take us across.
Otherwise, we would have had to wait 2 hours.
Day 13: Sunrise game drive.
A spotted hyena ran across the road in front of the 4wd.
Abyssinian Ground hornbills, warthog, antelopes, patas monkeys, buffalo, but still no Shoebill no matter how hard we tried to find one.
Until, until... why is William laughing and smiling... what's that on the mound over there?
A SHOEBILL, oh my, oh my, magnificent!!
Also two lions in a tree, giraffe more patas monkies but who cares.
We saw a SHOEBILL!
Amazing, prehistoric looking bird.
Afternoon boat trip to see the Murchsion falls with hippos, birds, crocodiles, elephants along the way.
Day 14: Long drive to Jinja Nile Resort stopping at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.
Saw five Rhinos including a baby Rhino suckling on the mother's teat.
Slurp, slurp, slurp.
Got stopped on the road by a dodgy looking soldier wanting a bribe and William carefully dealt with the matter.
Phew, thanks William.
Loved the monkeys in the Resort's grounds.
Day 15: William met us at reception wearing the Chelsea shirt we had given him for Christmas.
That made us smile.
White water rafting day.
The main big fella guy who runs the operation is the guide to get.
They have plenty of extra safety members who come with you and we were thrown out of the raft and into the water with a less experienced guide.
It felt a little scary being under the water in darkness for what felt like 10 seconds after the wind had been knocked out of us but when we surfaced the other guides were around us to help.
We never received the photos the rafting company took but had taken a waterproof camera ourselves.
Then a 3 hour drive to Entebbe airport where we sadly said goodbye to William.
We got to really like William over our 2 week trip.
From the morning greeting (the 3 movement Ugandan handshake) to him laughing politely at my bad jokes, along with his rugged determination to find a Shoebill.
It was a sad, sad day to say goodbye.
We gave him a healthy tip, saluted him and thanked him very, very much.
What a trip!
**One important point to note is if you are paying in USD cash in Uganda, older issued US notes will sometimes not be accepted.
The dates that were acceptable changed from place to place but to be on the safe side it is best to take US dollars issued 2013 or later.
From the beginning of my contact with agent, Nelson, of Gorilla Trek Africa ltd, Kampala, Uganda, I was very satisfied with Nelson's quick reply by email in providing the facts and advise to me.
Even though there is time differenve, I receied the response the same day or maybe latest the next day.
Our guide, Alex, was a kind gentleman who had taken care of our needs carefully.
Alex seemed to know everyone around the block everywhere we went.
It made our travel somewhat easier especially at the park check points.
The lodge accommadations were good and the staff were nice.
All of the lodges we stayed were clean.
Some lodges provided laundry for free but the tip was appreciated by the staff.
Every time we had a trekking activity, the following lodge staff would clean our boots and gaters.
All the time with trekking actiivity, the headquarters would provide a wooden cane for us.
I did not use my hiking pole once.
Alex was a good driver.
There were many times the car was trapped in the mud tracks and Alex was able to get us out of the situation without us getting off the Land Cruiser.
Thank goodness it was Land Cruiser.
Alex took care of his car very well.
We seemed to dirty the car every time we came back from the trekking but the next day, we had a clean vehicle to ride in.
It was very thoughtful of Alex.
The best lodge amongst the ones we were in was the Crater Safari Lodge.
It is a besutiful lodge located on the hill side above a lake.
The ever changing tropical weather with thunderstorm made the scenery even more stunning.
It was like living in a paradise.
We were lucky to be able to stay there for two nights.
Some of the lodges offered the buffet dinner which I was not fond of it.
Mweya Safari Lodge charged water bottles when we had lunch which was a surprise.
We thought that was a mistake but apparently it was not.
We had two gorilla trekking , one was in Volcano National Park, Rwanda and the other was in Bwindi impenetrable National Park.
We chose two gorilla trekking activities because we wanted to experience both country's gorilla viewing.
In Volcano National Park, Rwanda was slightly easier to hike and the group of gorilla, Hirwa was very tranquil, playful, and relaxed group.
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was little harder to hike and the hike was longer than the one in Rwanda.
A good physical condition was a must.
The gorilla group, Bweza, in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was somewhat scattered around the area.
Maybe because it had three silverbacks in the group.
We also had Chimpanzee trek which required a good physical fitness since chimpanzees walked very fast and we had to follow their pace.
Hydration was very important.
Bring at least two bottles of water on the trekking trail and drank water before sweating.
The Edward Lake cruise safari is a must.
We saw so many types of animals along the lake.
It was two hour cruise and there was guide on the cruise providing the information for difference types of animals.
Almost every night we had enough sleep except one night we arrived lodge very late since we had to be transferred from Rwanda to Uganda.
The shortest night of sleep was the first night.
We arrived Five to Five Hotel in Kigale, Rwanda around 8:45 PM.
After we finished the dinner and refreshed ourselves, it was almost 11:00 PM We had to be ready the next morning by 4:30 AM for the first gorilla trekking adventure in Volcano National Park.
Alex was very good in rearrange our itinerary so that we could have a better and longer sleeping time in the morning.
Alex was very thoughtful for his clients.
The bottomline was that we had an extraordinary adventure in Rwanda and Uganda and many thanks to Nelson and Alex made our journey possible and enjoyable.
If I would come back for the gorilla trek I might just prefer on country since the travel time was quite long from Rwanda to Ugand on the dirt road.
We had gotten a lots of African Massage.
Hahaha, that was so worlth it.
Trekked 3 days, led by guide Krish, who was phenomenal.
Amazingly attentive to our needs and wishes -- not just the during the driving (what skill and care!
), trekking and lodging experiences, but also our accommodating our request to meet with some locals in the community to arrange a partnership for bringing in used clothes... What a goood heart this organization has!
Loved this experience, the whole thing.
I couldn't imagine feeling more cared for, or more comfortable as a first time visitor to Africa -- let alone Rwanda and Uganda -- or more blown away by the gorillas themselves!
Amazing time.
Can't say enough good things about it.
I booked this trip somewhat at the last minute and Nelson was amazing and professional in putting the whole trip together per my request and needs and managing last minute changes.
Everything was exactly as they arranged.
Actually it was better.
Our driver, Krish, went above and beyond the call of duty and he was always available for anything we needed.
He spoke great English and his knowledge of the area made us feel secure and well taken care us.
A wonderful human being.
I will certainly use gorilla trek Africa again and even request Krish to be our driver/guide in future I highly recommend them!
I spent 5 days and 4 nights with Josef and Gorilla Trek Africa as a solo adventure.
Response Time - Extremely prompt.
Nelson was great working with me to create my perfect and short itinerary.
Car - Toyota 4x4.
Driver - Josef - I can't recommend him highly enough.
Spending 5 days in the car with most people could be challenging, but Josef was engaging, knowledgeable, and helpful.
He was great on safari picking out animals while driving 40kph as well as walking around the Batwa village.
He was punctual and professional and made my trip unforgettable.
Hotels - I obviously checked them out before booking and they all got great reviews, but I can now vouch for them as well.
They were beautiful with amazing service.
I did the three-day option (gorillas and golden monkeys on days 2 and 3, respectively).
My guide, Godwin, was fantastic.
He told me about the history of the country as we drove up to Volcanoes National Park and made sure that my experience each day was fantastic.
I highly recommend booking a trip via GTA and working with Godwin if he's available!
My brother and I did a 9 day safari with Gorilla Trek Africa in Uganda and Rwanda.
Our driver and guide, Krish, was awesome.
He was knowledgeable, friendly, reliable and always on time.
He picked us up from Entebbe, and for the next 8 days we drove through Murchison, cruised the Nile, trekked with chimps and rhinos, spent two nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and of course hiked with the gorillas (from Uganda).
Our last stop was Kigali.
I can't recommend Gorilla Trek Africa enough.
They were professional and responsive in planning and executing the trip.
Both my brother and I have been on many safaris before - and we know that getting a good driver/guide is critical to the experience.
To that end, we asked Gorilla Trek to match us with their best driver.
His name was Krish - and it's hard to overstate how brilliant and dependable he was.
Thank you Gorilla Trek, and thank you especially Krish, for making this such a truly unforgettable experience.
Had an absolutely fantastic time with this company.
From pick up in Entebbe to drop off in Kigali, everything went seamlessly.
We appreciated the chance to create our own itinerary.
Dealing with Nelson over email was easy, and our guide/driver Krish was excellent.
Highly recommend this company if you'd like to visit uganda in comfort and safety!
Have been to Rwanda a number of times but could not go for Gorilla Trek.
In February 2012 (to be precise on February 22) during lunch meeting one of the friends suggested me to go for Gorilla Trek since next day was not very busy and work can be attended to in the evening.
On the spur of the moment, it was decided that I am going to Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking.
Rwanda is one of the most efficient and visitors friendly country.
Colleague of the friend phoned the relevant office for 'Gorilla Permit' and we went in 30 minutes and the permit was ready, paid for it and all set for next day drive to the Park.
The gentleman who was taking me to the park got delayed and we reached the Park a bit late.
All groups had left and I was accompanied by a guard and another staff and the journey to meet the gorilla family commenced after 1100 hours.
Slippery, uneven surface, itching bushes, cure also available side by side for skin itch from touching a bush..... arduous trek....
lo and behold....it is worth it, worth every step to the Gorillas.
After over 2 hours walk reached a family of Gorillas, guide had given instructions on Do's and Don'ts.
But, once we were there, the same guard once noticed that baby gorilla was coming too close and was comfortable near me, said relax and enjoy, Mother Gorilla came to me, touched me and went to other side of the tree where the baby gorilla was eating leaves...
The head of the family was busy munching tree bark at not a very far distant.
The photo attached to this review was taken with Mother Gorilla sitting within a few feet of me.
Love every moment of the trip and will go again with family pretty soon.
There is a window of opportunity in August 2019 and I am going to be there.
Rwanda, here I come!
Photos and words do not do justice to the experience gained by spending time just a few feet from these magnificent and endangered Mountain Gorillas.
Yes its expensive, but when you see where the money going, its the best money you can spend.
You gain a lifetime highlight, you help preserve these magnificent animals and you support the unbelievable growth and development of the wonderful country that is Rwanda.
So impressed with this trip.
Nelson is incredibly knowledgeable, knows very well the rangers that actually set up the visit.
When you get to the volcano base, there are 8 groups.
Nelson and our amazing, funny, nice driver Godwin ensured we saw the best gorilla family.
We saw 30+ gorillas, multiple silver backs, multiple babies, the least shy gorillas.
We had a great car.
We chose to stay in rwanda and left at 4:30 am and we're back by 2pm.
Home run.
Very professional.
Great company!!
10 stars.
We had the pleasure of having Joanna as our Kilgali city guide and driver out to Volcanoes National Park.
She was very professional, polite, and friendly.
Nelson helped my husband during the booking process and kindly answered all of our questions.
We were provided with water bottles everyday and Joanna did a great job navigating the roads.
Joanna didn't come with us on the actual trek but made sure it all went smoothly before and after.
The gorilla trek itself was INCREDIBLE and unlike anything else we've ever done.
The parks guides (we had Felician and Cally) and trackers are so knowledgeable about the gorilla families and behavior.
They did a great job ensuring we got many great photo ops and ensuring the safety of both the tourists and the gorilla families.
Don't forget to put your camera down and just watch these amazing beings.
It's easy to get spend the time trying to get the perfect picture, but if you put your camera down and watch them vs seeing them through your camera lense you're sure to be swept away by the glaring simularities between us and our very distant cousins!
RECOMMENDED!
I traveled to Kenya & Rwanda for work this past November and decided to take a few extra days to book a 1-day Gorilla Trek (2-day total) from Kigali.
Despite feeling anxious about sending the full payment in advance through wire transfer, the reviews on Tripadvisor made me feel more confident.
I decided to do it and am so happy with my decision.
Nelson was incredibly responsive during this time and made my dates work with his team.
Geoffrey was my guide and picked me up from my Airbnb in Kigali and drove me up to Bwindi National Park.
Geoffery was knowledgable about both Rwanda and Uganda and ensured I was taken care of.
I mentioned how I'd love to visit the Batwa people of Southern Uganda while in the area, but was sure I didn't have the time.
Geoffrey managed to work his magic and got in contact with the Ruhija community, who offered me a Ruhija community walking tour upon arrival.
While it was not the full experience of meeting Batwa people in their habitat, it was a very transformational experience doing the walking community tour and seeing how some of the Batwa lived.
The Gorilla Trek itself the next day was something I will truly never forget.
Our group (6 trekkers + 2 porters) managed to find a group of 12 mountain Gorillas (2 of which were Silverbacks) and trekked with them for an hour before returning to the main camp.
After countless hours of research I can say that my boyfriend and I were very happy with Gorilla Trek Africa!
We had some issues starting off our trip that got resolved very quickly and the owner even put in that extra effort to call and make sure we were enjoying our trip.
Our driver was Krish Rashid and he really looked out for us and had our backs throughout the entire journey!
any problems or concerns we had he was the first person to make sure we were happy, no questions asked.
We are very happy we had him and he made the experience worth it.
I would definitely recommend hiring him as your guide!
Just things to note before booking: Be careful when booking your vehicle (from here or any company)!
there is a BIG difference between pop up top and open roof.
So when they say popup top/ open roof ask for photos of the exact vehicle you'll be taking.
The open roof is just a sun roof that is not good game viewing and not the safari experience.
Although the tour company was great the tour itself (which is a common route a lot of tours take) was very rough.
We did a 4 night-5 day tour and it was very exhausting!
I would recommend taking a flight from Entebbe to Kisoro and then having your guide pick you up.
We spent 3 full days driving; The first day being picked up at 5 am and arriving at 6 pm to our hotel, the third day driving 12 hours to our next hotel and the 5th day 11 hours back.
The activities (game drives, boat cruise, etc.
aren't close together either they can take 2-3 hours to get to and then that's 2-3 hours getting back.
Coming from the Serengeti, and having done multiple game drives, I personally thought the game drives here weren't worth doing, we drove for two hours in the park and didn't even see one animal (The main attraction in Uganda is obviously the Gorillas) The drive from QP to Bwindi is beautiful BUT it is so bumpy and took us 12 hours to get to my head was smacking the side of the jeep the entire time, it wasn't enjoyable.
Also note that when going into Bwindi there isn't much to do outside the Gorilla trekking.
We had talked to a lot of people who flew in and planned on staying a couple days after the gorillas and they found themselves getting planes back early so id say a 2 night in this area: first day arrive, next day gorilla trek and third day head else where.
overall the Gorilla Trekking was amazing and you'll never regret this experience!!
Right from the get go everything was above expectations.
Nelson was great leading up to our arrival.
He returned our messages same day.
When we arrived in Rwanda Gavis took over.
He arrived at our hotel when we arranged for.
His Land Cruiser was spotless and extremely comfortable for the 4 hour journey to the Gorilla Safari Lodge in Uganda.
Along the way Gavis provided us with great conversation and he's extremely knowledgeable of both Rwanda and Uganda.
What made the journey smooth is that he knew people along the whole journey, from the people at the border crossing, the lodge, to the police and park rangers at the national park.
The lodge we chose, Gorilla Safari Lodge, had great people, food, service and location.
I highly recommend staying there.
The lodge is located on the edge of the forest and one day the gorillas came out to the perimeter where they could be seen.
The trek into to the forest to see the gorillas is all handled by park guides and trackers.
It's extremely well organized and safe.
They go above and beyond for you to feel safe and to make sure you see the gorillas.
Luckily we only had to hike 20 mins to see them as the gorillas rested the night before near the perimeter.
We were fully expecting to have to hike a few hours in order to see them.
We got to see the gorillas feeding in the trees and on the ground, so there was lots of movement by the group of 10.
I highly recommend going with Nelson, Gavis and the group at Gorilla Trek Africa to experience one of the rarest things on the planet to do.
We used Gorilla Trek Africa for a 3 day 2 night excursion.
Krish was our driver guide.
He was excellent, very knowledgeable.
Together with his management, Nelson, they went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and our requests were accommodated.
We had excellent sightings of the gorillas in Bwindi impenetratable park in Uganda.
We were lucky to have the gorillas move into a clearing where we were, such that we were only 2m from them.
2 baby gorillas frolicked and wrestled with each other within a meter from us, while the Alpha silverback walked right past us well within touching distance.
The mother and and babies then rallied around the Alpha in the clearing, creating a picture postcard perfect scene.
Really moving and awe inspiring.
Highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa who made sure all logistics and arrangements were done smoothly.
Thanks to them, we had an extremely enjoyable trip!
We chose Gorilla Trek Africa after reading the other reviews and we couldn't have been happier we did.
We knew very little other than we had five days and we wanted to include a Gorilla Trek in Uganda and Nelson took it from there and developed an itinerary that surpassed our expectations.
We were met at the hotel in the morning by our amazing driver, Asaph, and from the first minute we met him he exuded so much confidence and knowledge that we immediately felt safe and in great hands.
He anticipated our needs, was flexible and adaptable to all our photo stop requests, seemed to know and be well liked by everyone wherever we happened to stop, and handled the driving and arrangements with total confidence which let us enjoy the trip to the fullest.
Whatever we needed, he handled and if he thought something could be improved, he fixed it.
I can not say enough about Asaph and Gorilla Trek.
Our trip started in Kigali, then we headed north to Kibale to do Chimpanzee Treking, then on to Queen Elizabeth Park for an amazing river cruise and then we finished with Gorilla Treking in Bwindi.
A great itinerary if you have five days.
Crater Safari Lodge and Mweya Lodge were excellent.
From the first enquiry at the early stages of planning.
Nelson at Gorilla Trek was so very helpful and quick with responses and going back and forth planning our amazing trip.
We were concerned about 2 ladies arriving in the middle of the night and he reassured us that we were in good hands and we were.
Asaph was our amazing driver who took care of us and never left our sides through the entire trip.
The schedule and experience was one that I would repeat and will be doing so with this same company as they made the trip so awesome.
Gorilla Trek was so easy to work with and very helpful from my initial inquiry throughout the tour.
Godwin, my host, picked me up from the hotel at the appointed time.
He even came the night before to orient me (but my flight was delayed and I missed him).
He pointed out landmarks and areas of note on our drive and provided me with plenty of water.
The trek itself was incredible and unforgettable.
Truly no words will do it justice.
Upon the completion of the trek (I just did one day), Godwin drove me to a place to eat lunch and back to my hotel.
It was seamless and I felt in such good hands with him.
This was a very positive experience.
I stayed in Kigali (Rwanda) and went overnight to Bwindi Jungle Lodge and from there, to see the gorillas, which was amazing.
Arafat was a safe driver and a good guide; knowledgeable, respectful and helpful.
Nelson was very helpful in planning this trip.
Kind regards, Brian
My wife Nicole and I couldn't have been happier with the trip we booked with Gorilla Trek Africa - everything was absolutely amazing!
We loved our 3 days in Rwanda and wish we had decided to spend even more time there as it is a beautiful country with so much to offer.
Gavis picked us up at the airport and was a great tour guide.
He welcomed us, explained the day since we arrived at 7am, and we were on our way.
We had the pleasure of visiting both the Genocide Museum in the Parliament Building as well as the Genocide Memorial to learn more about the history of Rwanda...both are must stops to learn more about Rwanda.
After the visit's Gavis took us to a local restaurant called Afrika Bites, which served amazing local cuisine and was a welcome break from all the mzungu food we had been eating the week prior.
Pro tip: be careful, the hot sauce is really hot!
Gavis then took us to the Kimironko Market to check things out.
He informed us this was a self-guided tour and told us what sections of the market were selling which items.
We were a bit intimidated at first by the size of the market and the crowds, but it was a great experience.
The vendors were eager to see us and make a sale, but not pushy in any way.
We bought a bunch of gifts for our family and had a lot of fun...we probably could have done a better job negotiating though!
There are several markets you can visit in Kigali, this is the only one we had time to visit so it's hard to draw a comparison but we highly recommend this one if you only have time to visit one.
After the day in Kigali we made our way to our hotel near Volcanoes National Forest, which was about a 3-hour drive.
Gavis was a great driver through the winding hills, he asked questions about us, told us about Rwanda as we passed by anything interesting, was happy to answer any questions we had, and luckily had great taste in music :) Our two-night stay in Volcanoes National Park was at Bisate Lodge.
We knew that it was going to be a great experience when we reviewed everything on-line, but even still, it shattered our expectations.
Everything about Bisate was amazing - the staff, the food, and the grounds and room where unbelievable.
It was worth every penny and we'll be staying there again the next time we visit Rwanda.
That night, Bisate arranged a private table for us for dinner to celebrate our 5-year anniversary, something they did not have to do but it was very special.
The second day Gavis drove us from Bisate to the meeting area where all Gorilla Trekking begins.
We watched a portion of a video on Rwanda that we later found out was Rwanda: The Royal Tour, where journalist Peter Greenberg is toured around Rwanda by President Paul Kigame who seems like an amazing person and president.
It's a really good special on Rwanda and we recommend anyone thinking about visiting Rwanda to watch this special.
Once things were ready, we met our guide Patrick and headed to the area of the mountain where we'd start our hike.
Patrick is one of the best guides and luckily for us a Warriors fan!
We only had to hike for about 45 minutes up the mountain as the group of mountain gorillas we were tracking were not far away and happened to be in a clearing where it was very easy to see and move about them.
Patrick was great for the hour we were there - he told us about the group, their habitat, how they interact which each other, and we learned how to say Good Morning and No Problem to them!
It was an amazing experience - one of the best of our lives - and something we will never forget.
Thanks Patrick!
Upon arriving back at the hotel, our boots, gators, and clothes were very muddy from the hike (pro tip: ditch the hiking boots and pack a pair of rubber boots).
The staff took our boots and gators to clean them up and also did our laundry all free of charge.
In the afternoon, we had a chance to plant trees on the grounds of Bisate (to help with their reforestation efforts) and also do a tour of the community nearby to the hotel with Aline.
Aline is very active in the community and Bisate allows her to take every Friday off to go to the local school to help teach.
We got to visit a few families and their local co-op where we bought some gifts.
Unfortunately we didn't have the opportunity to volunteer with Aline, but will definitely arrange this the next time we visit.
We highly recommend this tour as it was an incredibly eye-opening, humbling experience and a great way to see the positive impact that ecotourism (and Bisate in particular) can have on the community.
The next day we woke up early (against our better judgment) to do the Dian Fossey hike before our 8pm flight home.
The hike was about 5.5 hours total round-trip (this was fairly fast according to our amazing guide, Francois) and was muddy and pretty tough in some spots.
Definitely worth it to get to her grave, pay our respects, and see were she spent so much time in the mountains trying to protect and learn about the gorillas.
After the hike, Gavis worked his magic and found us a quick place to stop to freshen up, get our boots cleaned and change clothes before the 3-hour drive to the airport.
In closing, there is so much more of Rwanda that we want to see.
We're definitely coming back and will be using Gorilla Trek Africa and staying at Bisate again.
Thanks Gavis-san, Nelson, Bill at Gorilla Trekking and the entire staff at Bisate for everything!
It was an amazing experience that we will never forget!
What an experience!
What fun!
Great organization!
Wonderful guides!
Top notch hotel.
Nothing but praise for a fabulous experience in Rwanda with Gorilla Trek Africa.
From the very beginning, every step of the adventure was well organized such that my entire focus was on enjoying the experience.
Gorilla Trek Africa put us in Five Volcanoes Hotel who attend to your every need.
Meals, wait staff, rooms, everything top notch.
Attendants even assist in making sure your gators are on correctly before you leave and clean your boots upon your return...now that's service!
The tour itself begins in the staging area with coffee, hot chocolate and donuts, and a comprehensive video presentation.
Then a brief presentation from experienced and knowledgeable guides.
Then off to the mountain.
Once there, a team of scouts, guides and porters guide you every step of the way up the mountain.
An advance team of scouts assure success of finding the gorillas before you depart.
Helpful porters accompany you carrying your packs and refreshments.
Upon finding the gorillas, guides make sure you have a great view of the animals while insuring your safety with eyes on you constantly.
Your time goes by quickly as you enjoy a once in a lifetime encounter with the docile giants of the Forest.
A wonderful experience!
I highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa for a 5 Star experience
Two of us did a three day tour from Kigali into Uganda with the last day spent at Volcanoes National Park seeing the golden monkeys.
We actually felt the experience of seeing the monkeys matched that of the gorillas!
I was overwhelmed with choices of tour companies when planning the trip and concerned about being scammed or making a poor choice.
We didn't.
Gorilla Trek Africa provided an excellent experience.
We especially appreciated Nelson's extremely quick, clear and detailed communication as well as the outstanding driving of our guide Geoffrey.
My recent trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was extraordinary.
I saw not only amazing wildlife (yes two gorilla families) but got to meet one on one with local tribes.
For me the cultural experience was equally enthralling as seeing the gorillas.
I learned so much about the beautiful countries of Rwanda and Uganda thanks to our excellent guide Bob.
Accommodations were lovely.
Staff so gracious and welcoming.
I would definitely do another trip with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Tried to post a few pics but loaded upside down!
Gorilla Trek Africa is a wonderful company; Nelson answered numerous questions during the planning stage of this adventure.
Thank you Nelson for being so patient.
And our driver BOB was terrific.
He picked us up at our hotel in Kigali promptly at 8:30.
We were able to make a stop at the Genocide Museum (highly recommended) and then we continued our journey to Uganda and the Bwindi National Park.
Bob is very knowledgeable about Rwandan history and about Ugandan culture.
He was very flexible and was able to adjust our schedule to accommodate our needs.
We stayed at the Gorilla Safari Hotel, which was just a few minutes from the entrance of the park.
The accommodations were lovely, the people working there were very helpful and friendly.
Our trekking experience was fantastic.
Hiring a porter for just $15 is money well spent given that the terrain can be EXTREMELY steep, and trekking through the jungle can be tricky.
Seeing the gorillas so close was an amazing experience!!
Highly recommend this company!
We were a party of 4 arriving in Entebbe to embark on a trip of a lifetime, to see the gorillas.
Everything was handled perfectly by Gorilla Trek Africa, Nelson along with our driver Arafat.
Our hotel was aware that the following morning our driver would be picking us up at 7:30 and we would be off to begin our adventure.
We stopped at the equator, lunch at a lovely restaurant, and toilet breaks as needed.
The country is beautiful and Arafat answered all of our questions.
Our accommodations we lovely near Bwindi National Forest.
We eat had our own cabins, very large and beautifully appointed.
I would highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa and I also would like to say the people of Uganda were so polite, so kind and almost shy a bit.
We had one vegan on our trip and the lodge was very kind to accommodate him.
The trek to see the gorillas was very well organized with a party of 8 going out to see a specific family that has been habituated, meaning acclimated to humans.
We spent nearly 2 hours with the gorillas, were very close and had the opportunity to sit with them.
A thrill of a life time.
An amazing time!!!
I spent three days with Kris going from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and back.
He was absolutely brilliant, looked after me well and full of useful knowledge.
The lodge they organised was beautiful.
Seeing the gorillas was a special experience.
Definitely recommend this company for your trek.
Not that it's a bad thing but I'd got used to seeing locals and enjoying great conversation and coffee so it was a bit of a shock to be herded in groups up the mountain.
That being said it's extremely well organised and safe.
Make sure you tip the guides and trackers.
Personally I didn't need a porter and unless you're unfit you'll be just fine, but also don't take things you don't need because you'll be carrying it up the hills and mountains!
I can't begin to describe how wonderful our 3 day gorilla trek experience with Gorilla Trek Africa was.
After planning this trip for almost two years I was worried that maybe after all the planning and anticipation it would be almost anti-climatic, but it did not disappoint.
Prior to even leaving the States we had extensive communication with Nelson who answered too many questions to even count with amazing patience, and timely, responsive emails.
We must have driven him crazy, lol,but he was always friendly, professional, and seemed genuinely happy to hear from us.
Our guide Gavis was delightful.
He arrived exactly on time to pick us up at our hotel and then for the next three days showed and taught us so much, entertained us and made us fall in love with Rwanda and Uganda and HIM!!
He took us to authentic local restaurants, the Genocide and other museums and answered our millions of questions.
He even quizzed us on what we had learned.
Everywhere we went along our stops people seemed to know and be happy to see him, and welcomed us warmly.
He knows his clientele very well and what the best options for them are in terms of trekking and activities.
Obviously seeing the Silverbacks was a highlight and the purpose of the trip but there was so much more.
Visiting a Batwa Village and the Pygmies that have been relocated outside Bwindi was another highlight not to be missed!
We're hoping that we convinced Gavis to come to the U.S. to visit us so we can try to reciprocate!!
We made contact many months ago with Nelson who ably put together an amazing adventure for us to experience some of the key sights in Rwanda, being eager to accommodate our various requests.
Our wonderful guide Peter could not have done more for us, often going above and beyond to provide an excellent service.
Prompt, well mannered and courteous, he gently answered all of our many questions and had extensive knowledge to share of life in Rwanda.
We were blown away by the country, by the precious gorillas and the various activities organized for us.
Can only highly recommend Gorilla Trek to all and sundry, but particularly Peter, the guide of the year!
We recently returned from a trip with Gorilla Trek Africa to do gorilla trekking in Uganda and also to see the golden monkeys in Rwanda and I highly recommend using this company.
During the planning stages I dealt with Nelson via email who was great about answering all of my questions and the company was quite flexible in terms of modifications I wanted to make to the initial itinerary - specifically staying at Ichumbi Lodge near Bwindi (it wasn't one of the choices they had originally offered me).
Nelson was able to make the change and it turned out to be a good move as Ichumbi was 5 minutes from the Bwindi Park gate where we had our permits for trekking (which means you can sleep in a little bit and get back in time to do a cultural walk in the local village before dinner).
I had done a lot of research before our trip and could see that some hotels are quite far from the parks so my biggest piece of advice to anyone booking a gorilla trek is to first figure out what sector (there are 4 sectors if I remember correctly) you want to get your permits in and then look for the closet lodging possible.
Almost everyone we met there didn't think to do this and had long drives on poor roads to and from trekking.
One girl that we met who had booked with a different company and was staying at our hotel had permits for a sector that took 2-3 hours to drive to, then they were unlucky that the gorillas took a very long time to find and then had the long drive back.
So, decide where you want to trek and where permits are available then decide on your accommodation.
Gorilla Trek Africa and Nelson can help you with all of that.
Once we were there, our driver/guide was Douglas, who was a terrific guide.
We enjoyed his good nature and sense of humor, and he was an excellent and safe driver.
He also made the process of crossing the border easy (something I think would have been very confusing if were to have tried it on our own).
We were incredibly pleased with Gorilla Trek Africa and all that they did to help us plan and book such an amazing trip.
Amazing company Nelson the manager answered all of our questions online.
Our driver Julius was wonderful polite informative very helpful.
You could not as for a better guide.
We wee provided a tour of Kigali and he took us to the Genocide Museum and then off to to the Bwindi Lodge.
Wonderful experience
The Gorilla Trek we made in Uganda was one of the most remarkable vacations I've ever had.
Every step of the way, from our orginal planning phase to the culmination of spending time with the Silverbacks, was professionally and helpfully handled.
All of our questions were answered in a timely fashion, so that well before our trip we were able to plan what to pack and what to expect.
Our driver, Gavis, was part of what made the trip so wonderful.
He was friendly, fun, knowledgable, and helpful.
His primary focus was to make sure we had the best possible experience, and he totally succeeded!
He took us to some local restaurants that were off the beaten path and were delicious, prepared in the manner of typical Ugandan cooking.
I highly recommend this trip and especially Gavis as a driver.
It will be the most memorable trip you'll ever take!
We traveled from Rwanda to Uganda with Gorilla Trek Africa and highly recommend them!
Julius was our guide and he was very attentive, answered all our questions and made us feel at home!
He went above and beyond to make sure we had a successful gorilla trek!
The accommodations were wonderful, and we enjoyed the two day excursion very much!
It is very difficult to describe the experience of our 3 day gorilla trek with our guide from Gorilla Trek Africa, Gavis.
Obviously our trek up the mountain to find our gorilla family and spend an hour watching them interact with us and each other was an absolutely amazing experience.
But our talented guide made our journey there and back also extremely memorable.
We enjoyed local food, learned a lot about the countries of Rwanda and Uganda, and had a chance to interact with the people of the Batwa village.
Photos tell part of the story, but it is all the other little things that make an experience memorable.
Our lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, and their staff were also fantastic.
I don't think I could be more happy or satisfied with our trip.
Nelson, from the office of Gorilla Trek Africa, Ltd. answered all of our (many) questions and gave us the confidence that we would have a fantastic experience.
He was right!
I highly recommend this trip!
I had an amazing time I will never forget going on this adventure.
I would highly recommend to everyone!
We did a 4 person 15 day tour with GTA.
I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Right from the start Nelson was quick to respond to questions and happy to offer advice and listen to our requirements.
William our guide was amazing with his knowledge and patience (and humour) and helped make this trip to be one of the most memorable in a lifetime of travelling.
I don't believe that there could be a better company to travel with.
We started in Uganda and finished at Volcanoes NP after visiting the Gorillas.
The accommodation that Nelson suggested and advice on the itinerary were spot on.
Thanks GTA we will be back.
We just returned from a third trip to Africa and must say that our experience with Norman as our guide in Kigali and in Volcanoes National Park was certainly a highlight for us.
There are numerous companies which compete for business but, I must say that our experience with Gorilla Trek was outstanding in all respects.
This was a trip that was in the making for over 22 months and Nelson made certain that all details were looked after in an expeditious and professional manner.
Accommodation, attractions, and activities were all carefully selected and we were very satisfied in all aspects.
The staff at 5 to 5 Hotel in Kigali and at Da Vinci Lodge in Volcanoes National Park were friendly and most accomodating.
We opted for mid-range accommodation and were never disappointed.
The Genocide Memorial has been well planned and offers a balanced perspective with respect to not only what happened in Rwanda but chronicles other atrocities which have happened throughout history.
The Centre for the Arts as well as the central market were also interesting to see.
Norman took us to Heaven, situated with a wonderful view of Kigali, to watch the sunset as we had a drink and dinner.
This is also a gem in terms of value and service.
Our Gorilla and Golden Monkey Treks were awesome, to say the least.
The Park Rangers and the Trackers were most knowledgeable and informative.
We spent time with 2 different family groups of Mountain Gorillas and each experience was unique.
One may question the value of increasing the park permits to $1500 per person per day but, this money goes toward assisting the neighbouring villagers and toward land acquisition increasing park territory for the animals in addition to park maintenance and the provision of adequate ranger services.
I can't say enough about how Nelson finalized our itinerary and provided us with Norman our guide, who was very knowledgeable and affable.
We learned so much and, as a result, had a very rich experience.
In fact, we'd like to have a return experience, perhaps in Uganda but one thing is for sure, that Gorilla Trek will be our operator/provider.
I've just returned from a month long trip to Africa which included 2 days of gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Nelson at Gorilla Trek was awesome as I had many changes to my itinerary planning and couldn't decide what to do.
I wanted to do a day in each country (Rwanda & Uganda) but finances dictated I just do the 2 days in Uganda.
Bwindi was amazing and so beautiful and I was able to spend at least an hour with 2 different families each day (after long and hard hikes).
I was traveling alone and I just have to say it was the first time I'd done a trip like this alone and it was made so much easier (and a LOT of fun) with my driver, Krish.
He literally became my 'best friend' during those 3 days as we spent a LOT of time in the car driving around both countries.
He was so informative and educational about the people and things to expect.
I was pretty nervous about the border crossing into Uganda and didn't realize I had to get out of the car and walk alone for a little ways and then stand in a long line with the locals (who spoke no English).
It was a piece of cake btw but my whole trip was MADE because of Krish.
I has so much fun just driving through villages and learning about the people and ways of life, and the gorillas were pretty cool too.
Gorilla Trek planned a GREAT itinerary and provided the PERFECT driver/guide.
Honestly, looking back at my entire 3+ weeks in Africa my only regret is not tipping Krish more.
I even left a few things in his car and he found them later and returned them to my hotel.
Above and beyond!
Thank you Nelson, Gorilla Trek, and mostly Krish!!!
General: We can gladly confirm the outstanding rating of Gorilla Trek Africa.
Fred was most professional, very forthcoming and a pleasant company (We recommend having a coke or a a mango juice ready for him - he loves it and makes even better company with it haha) The trek: We had a 10 day trek starting in Kigali including a visit to the genocide memorial, the golden monkeys in the Volcanoe NP (ADORABLE!
gorilla Trek in Bwindi NP (we were very lucky, hiked 20min only), game safaris in Queen Elizabeth NP and Murchison Falls NP and a Visit to the Rhino Sanctuary on the Way to Kampala.
We also visited an orphanage school Little Angels within Bwindi NP.
Very touching experience.
We were glad to have had contact with locals and not being isolated tourist.
We chose an average accommodation (instead of budged of luxury) and were pleasantly satisfied.
But be aware: these 10 days were quite intensive.
We were glad to have some rest after finishing.
We had booked our own car after the guided trek, and were guided around Kampala by Fred to have all necessary stuff ready (Ugandan SIM Card, Food best forex etc.
Way to go!
I am so pleased that I chose Gorilla Trek Africa for our trip to Rwanda & Uganda.
My travel buddy and myself (2 women) had a wonderful trip, thanks to Nelson & Bill (in the US), and of course our guide/driver Kenneth surpassed our expectations.
Kenneth has so much knowledge, with his prior experience as a ranger, his contacts that helped us thru out the trip, and his masterful driving in the challenging terrain of Uganda, we couldn't have asked for more.
We had so much fun.
I too, like other reviewers was hesitant booking this trip online from the USA.
I put faith in the many 5 star reviews before our trip, and I was not disappointed.
The trip was a very physical trip, different from our prior trip to Kenya & Tanzania.
The Golden Monkey trek, the Gorilla trek, the Chimpanzee trek and the Rhino trek were all fabulous and we saw the animals so close up.
Don't let anyone tell you that the Gorilla trek is easy, it was the most challenging hiking I ever did, but it was worth it.
The only thing we would have liked to have, prior to going to Africa, was a better guide for tipping all the various people that made our trip so nice.
I wish I would have brought more money for tips.
There was very little knowledge online for all of the different people you tip during your trip.
Maybe Nelson can add a section of suggested tips for all of the kind people that help you.
Again, I would highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa, and doing your Gorilla trek in Uganda.
Uganda has so much to offer, the people, the beauty, and of course the animals and birds!
We booked a two night, three day tour with Gorilla Trek.
I was a little nervous about the booking at first due to the online payment and being so unfamiliar with Rwanda and Uganda, but there was absolutely no need to be.
Out driver, Gavis, was an absolute SUPER star.
He collected us from our Kigali accom, and from the very first moments made us feel welcomed and incredibly well looked after.
Plus, he was a wonderful source of information about everything we could ask about and more.
Somehow he seems to know every person who works in and around the local tourism industry, which also helped us to feel safe and secure.
Thank you for a truly memorable experience Gavis and Gorilla Trek team.
We we're most impressed and very grateful!
We just returned from a terrific tour, which included a sightseeing day in Kigali, a two-day gorillas trek in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable N.P., and a golden monkey trek in Rwanda's Volcanoes N.P.
The whole experience was wonderful both because of the animal and cultural experiences and because of our incomparable guide, Enos.
He is a patient and charming man with an inexhaustible knowledge of history (not just African) and local culture.
We will remember our rich conversations as long as we do the time with the gorillas.
Also, Nelson was excellent in helping us plan the trip and responding to emails as the trip approached.
This was an absolutely amazing experience.
I decided to trek the gorillas in Uganda instead of Rwanda based on the cost difference for the permits between Uganda and Rwanda and it was worth it.
Geoffery was my personal driver and he was absolutely the best.
He picked me up in Kigali from the airport and we traveled to Uganda to my hotel.
Along the way, Geoffery suggested places to stop for great pictures as well as museums.
He made sure that I didn't have any issues crossing the boarders in Uganda or Rwanda.
The company Gorilla Trek Africa communicated well and made sure all of my questions were answered.
Seeing the gorillas in their natural environment is breath taking and having someone to help you with all of the logistics makes everything a bit easier for you to enjoy
I was a single female traveling alone and I felt completely looked after and pampered for the whole trip.
Norman, my guide, was delightful company and a very careful driver.
The gorillas were totally amazing, as expected.
I would recommend this tour company.
We planned a 6 night gorilla trekking adventure in both Rwanda and Uganda through Gorilla Trek Africa.
We started to plan the trip a year out in August 2017 for our Aug 2018 trip.
We emailed tand Nelson replied.
From then on he was our email communication.
He was informative, organised and made us feel secure.
We chose the accomodations ourselves and he booked them for us.
He arranged our private driver for the duration.
He arranged for us to drive between Rwanda and Uganda and then down to Entebbe for the airport hotel.
Without his help, advice throughout and communication we may not have done this trip.
He was excellent.
Our private driver for the entire duration was Sam.
He was superb.
He was flexible, kind, safe, informative, always on time, super organised and a great driver.
The 4 wheel drive was always clean.
He provided water throughout and thought of all our needs even stopping at great coffee shops as he knew we love coffee, taking us to places we requested like the Ugandan equator for photos and the top of the world after our request.
We loved him.
He got us across the border between Rwanda and Uganda and drove the 12 hours from the mountains to Entebbe easily.
He was so fantastic.
Gorilla trek Africa made our trip possible.
Highly highly recommend.
Had a wonderful time with guide Elias.
Trip was well organized, nice hotels, hit all the best parks within reasonable distance of starting point.
Elias made sure I got in the best position to see everything, for example getting in the early Bwindi gorilla group, getting on the best boat and start time in Queen Elizabeth park, working with other guides to find animals on drive safari, as well as always getting me in the best picture position!
Elias has wonderful bird knowledge and is great at finding animals on safari.
When we initially got in contact with Gorilla Trek Africa, Nelson was helpful in suggesting itineraries to suit our time contraints and budget.
Understanding that Volcanoes National Park's permit fee may be out of reach for certain travellers (i.e.
us), Nelson helpfully suggested we instead take the option to trek in Bwindi in Uganda.
Several months later we hit the ground in Kigali with guide Gavis who was both professional, well-informed and full of good stories + definitely someone you can trust when driving the winding mountain paths to Bwindi.
His expertise and rapour with the various personnel at the lodge we stayed at (Bwindi Jungle Lodge @ Lake Mulehe) and the park rangers speaks for itself.
And the Gorilla Trek itself is an unforgettable and touching experience.
It was humbling to be guided into the park by the UWA Rangers (thanks to Peace, Bright and George) and porters (Stevie) who made the hardcore trek seem easy.
Nothing however can really describe the thrill of being amidst a troupe of Mountain Gorillas - so I'd recommend you get in touch with Gorilla Trek Africa to see for yourself!
Another positive is that visiting either Bwindi or Volcanoes helps ensure the conservation of this magnificent species we were so close to losing while also allowing local communities to gain the benefits of the tourism industry - and seeing first hand how rangers, tourism and local communities work together in Bwindi is a good example of how ecotourism should work.
Massive shout out to Gavis for safely getting us to and fro while educating and entertainning us!
We went to Rwanda with another couple to do the Gorilla Trekking.
We had an incredible experience.
Our guides were Patrick and Jerome and they could not have been better.
We had a beautiful day and saw the Golden Monkeys on a farm shortly before we reached the mountain, which was a huge bonus.
They send trackers up into the mountain in the early morning so you are pretty much guaranteed to see the gorilla family to which you are assigned (eight people to a group visit one family which consists of a Silverback male with multiple females and babies).
There are porters for hire who will help you and carry your stuff.
We just used the walking sticks provided but several people made use of the porters.
We were fortunate that we found our family in about an hour and could get real up close and personal with them.
Our guides were very familiar with the gorillas and instructed us on exactly where to stand and how to act with them.
It was a phenomenal experience being among them, observing their behavior, watching them play with their babies and just looking into their eyes.
As I said, we had beautiful weather but I would suggest bringing rain gear, we borrowed gators from the lodge which protect your shins from mud and ants, and bottles of water.
Also, thick leather type gloves will protect your hands from the thorns and brambles.
We met guests later that day in our hotel that were gone for seven hours so it can be quite strenuous.
Also, the elevation is about 8500 feet so be aware of that if you are effected by the altitude.
Sometimes when you are booking on the internet, there are the concerns of what you might actually receive.
Seeing the gorillas was high on my list and I was concerned my expectations might be too high.
Gorilla Trek Africa managed to surpass all of my expectations!!
Everything went so smoothly, without any problems.
As others have mentioned, Nelson was efficient and timely with all of my emails, with excellent suggestions.
He appears to have endless patience, as our travel plans evolved :) , Our driver Krish, was excellent!
A very good driver and always checking to make sure we were both ok.
Very knowledgeable of both Rwanda and Uganda, answering our endless questions.
He kept us informed of the daily schedule, was always timely, and became a very enjoyable new friend.
We do hope to return.
We highly recommend both Gorilla Trek Africa and Krish!
By the way, I don't usually write such long reviews!
I booked a 3 day trip with gorilla trek Africa, corresponding over email and always getting quick responses from Nelson (to my endless questions).
My tour started with being picked up at kigali airport, then a 2 hour drive to gorilla solutions lodge near musanze ( as nothing was planned for the first day my driver offered to take me to the genocide memorial), the next morning i went on a golden monkey trek which was brilliant, I didn't expect to get so close.
Then after lunch we drove to Uganda (I had my East Africa visa) stayed overnight near Bwindi.
The next morning the gorilla trek itself was fantastic, guides were great, and luckily within an hour we had got up close to 6 or so gorillas.
After lunch we drove back to kigali.
It all went really smoothly, permits and accommodation and meals all organised, no problems at all.
My driver Julius was great, always making sure I was okay and taking care of everything, and also great company.
The trip couldn't have gone any better!
I was worried it would all feel rushed but it was actually really relaxed ( and most importantly I got to see gorillas).
I would recommend Julius and the company anytime.
We recently completed a incredible holiday with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Right from my first enquiry to the company, Nelson responded immediately with answers to all our questions, the itinerary he put together was perfect and covered all the things we had wanted to do.
The accommodation we had was nothing short of impressive, the charming staff and views from each place we stayed will remain memorable.
Our guide Harryson, gave us the experience of a life time with his vast knowledge of Uganda wildlife, the culture and history of Uganda was unbelievable.
Due to Harryson's we finished our holiday in love with Uganda and its people Thank you Gorilla Trek Africa Nelson and Harryson
We organised a 7 day trip with Nelson (who always responded promptly) from Kampala to Kigali and got to see so much amazing stuff.
Lions, elephants, hippos and heaps of chimps, gorillas and golden monkeys.
It was truly all we could dream of.
We opted for the most expensive accommodation and we were very happy with that.
Our driver Chris took care of everything for us so we didn't have to think, just sit back and enjoy.
I'll cherish these memories forever.
An incredible once in a lifetime experience.
Trackers spend every day with each Gorilla family and let the guides know where they are.
According to your fitness level and their location visitors are allocated to a group.
Easy - the gorillas are close and low down on the mountain.
Hard - the gorillas are further up the mountain and further in.
We were placed with an easy group but were unlucky and the Gorilla family moved so we had to climb up the mountain and ended up having a 4hr trek.
Our friends who were allocated a hard group ended up with a 20min trek on flat ground!
You can nominate your fitness level but the reality is that Gorilla families move and you follow.
If you are really incapacitated you can be stretchered in - one of our fellow trekkers did this and had a wonderful experience.The guides, porters and trackers are wonderful and very passionate about protecting these incredible creatures.
Make sure you hire a porter and take gloves and gaiters - both can be hired at the park.
You may not need them but trust me if you do, you will regret not having them.
Also take money to tip your helpers - they deserve it.
Worth the cost and you get help if you need it but like much of Africa you need to keep an open mind and embrace the experience.
I have been remiss in reviewing my trip with Gorilla Trek from last year.
But it was one of the best wildlife trips I have ever taken.
The organization and customer service from both Nelson and Bill was fantastic.
And then our small group arrived in Kigali to be met by Eric, truly a guide extraordinaire!
Not only did Eric guide us to Volcanoes Park, but he also took us to Dian Fossey's museum and a local diner to enjoy the local cuisine.
We had incredible interaction with a gorilla family including the silverback brushing by us.... the golden monkeys were also a treat, and it was wonderful to see the local people guarding their potato crops and merely chasing the monkeys out.
Eric was an outstanding birder and we were able to get some nice views of the African Grey-Crowned Crane.
We were also treated to some local dancing and got to help out with culling beans from their pods in one of the villages.
The visit to the Genocide Museum helped us feel for this country.
Our three days was full and most incredible, thanks to Gorilla Trek and I highly recommend them.
I went gorilla trekking after a two week safari with A and K and they made all the arrangements for the gorilla trek as well.
It was spectacular and worth the time, money, and effort without a doubt, although it is expensive.
I cannot say enough good things about everyone involved with our experience, including the gorillas, LOL.
We stayed at the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge and they were great and helped outfit us for the trek.
Our guide on the first day was Bosco and the second day, Francious.
They were terrific and had great helpers who keep track of the gorillas and help you get to them along with porters.
We went to see the same family both days.
The first day was an easy trek, the second day a little more vertical.
You are to stay some distance from the gorillas but sometimes they forget the rules.
You always get to see them up close though and the guides and helpers all vocalize to the gorillas and there seems to be genuine communication in both directions.
Francious, worked with Dian Fossey for many years until her death, so he was really an expert but really a fun guy.
It is an exciting breath taking experience to be next to a 450 pound gorilla and his family of around 20 other gorillas.
The gorillas hardly react to your presence they are so busy eating and playing, but for you it is very thrilling, enlightening, and a surreal experience to be next to an animal who shares 96% of your DNA.
The whole team makes your trek to be as comfortable and easy as possible including deciding which family of gorillas you should trek to see based on your physical ability, age, etc.
You sit, stand, observe, and take pictures for an hour with the gorillas and then reluctantly you must say goodbye and trek back to your base with a feeling of amazement and thrill of your experience.
The people involved in making this happen on our trip did a great job and I encourage anyone interested to go to Rwanda and have this thrilling, wonderful experience.
I cannot wait to go back!
It was a fantastic experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Nelson was very helpful with the booking and answered all questions over a period of over 5 months of trip preparation.
My guide was Gavis who is a great guy and has incredible knowledge about Uganda and Rwanda.
He is also a great resource on birds apart from the animals.
I spotted a large variety of birds and wildlife due to the great knowledge of Gavis.
I enjoyed my Uganda/Rwanda Safari with Gorilla Trek Africa and strongly recommend them to future travellers to East Africa.
Thank you Nelson and Gavis.
Here is my photo withGavis.
Do not book through this company and if you do ask for a breakdown or permit etc.
Foreign permits are $600 and local ones are only $80.
It came to my attention that the company is overcharging for the permits.
I got charged $325 more than I should have.
Have requested a refund today but have been rudely refused.
Disappointed because I was actually impressed with the service and professionalism that came across when booking and the tour experience itself.
Dishonest business, do not book with these guys.
Gorilla trek africa was an absolutely incredible experience.
They are so professional quick in their response and created the best tour matching us with the perfect guides for a perfect experience.
You have to request Douglas he was the reason are trip was so perfect.
He is such a good and wonderful person.
On top of being just a joy to be around he did everything to advocate for us and to ensure we had a perfect time.
His attention to detail was incredible the best customer service/personalized experienced in our 16 days in Africa.
I would 100% recommend Gorilla Trek Africa and Douglas they will take perfect care of you!
Thank you Douglas and Gorilla Trek Africa miss u already
I signed up for the 2-day Bwindi Gorilla trek and it was fabulous!
First off, Nelson was super efficient in responding to all my questions on email/whatsapp and that made the planning process real easy.
My driver (Dennis) picked me up from my hotel in Kigali on Saturday at 9am and kept me informed about the local culture and history, throughout our 3-hour drive to the Ugandan border.
I had applied for a multiple entry East African visa online, and this came in very handy to cross into Uganda and return the next day.
Dennis felt that my running shoes wouldn't be good enough if it rained on the trek and helped me buy a pair of boots ($10) at a local shop on the Uganda side.
Turned out it didn't rain after all!
We checked into the Bwindi Jungle Lodge after lunch at about 2 PM, and after a somewhat disappointing overnight stay (there was no hot water and food was pretty average) we left the next morning after a very early breakfast at 5.30 AM for the park headquarters.
There are no roads to drive on, so be prepared for a very very bumpy ride.
Fortunately, the massive 4x4 made it without a problem.
There's a steep climb from the parking area to the meeting point of the park headquarters.
Watch out for breathlessness and mild headaches as you're at an altitude of 2000m+ I decided to hire a porter for the trek (US$15), who turned out to be of great help at several points and I'd definitely recommend one, your fitness levels notwithstanding.
Our trek began at about 8 AM and we spotted the Gorillas at about 9.30 AM thanks to group of trackers who go ahead in advance...The one hour with the magnificent Gorillas went by too quickly, but every moment was just fantastic.
A thousand pictures later, we began our way back and reached the park headquarters at about 1 PM and I was back in my hotel in Kigali on Sunday by 3.30 PM (local time).
There's a 1 hour time difference with Uganda.
Keep small notes ($, RWF, UGX) with you for WIFI in restaurants and tips, which will be much appreciated.
Also bear in mind that most 4x4 vehicles are not air-conditioned...so remember to ask for one if you think you'll need it.
Organized system.
Friendly, knowledgeable, caring staff.
Incredible once in a lifetime experience that one should never pass up.
Book well in advance and train for the hike.
We are a fit family but this hike nearly did us in.
The steep conditions and altitude are difficult.
Gaitors and gloves are a must.
They assign your hike based on your physical capabilities.
The gorilla experience brought tears of joy.
We were within arms reach of them.
Our five-day trip to Queen Elizabeth Park and Bwindi Inpenetrable forest with our tour guide Elvis Mandela was simply breathtaking.
Nelson helped us put the tour together on very short notice (we were on a three-month driving trip across Africa, but our vehicle broke down) and handled affairs excellently even after hours.
The trip itself was dazzling.
Apart from the sheer intensity of tracking chimpanzees at Kalinzu and gorillas in Bwindi (near Ruhija), witnessing behavioirial quirks of hippos up close (on the Kazinga channel between lakes Edward and George), Nile crocodiles, buffalo herds, and on and on, it was the human encounters that were truly remarkable.
Ugandans have a generosity of spirit from which the west could learn a lot!
Our tour guide, Elvis, was a fountain of knowledge, covering everything from fauna, geography and flora to politics and history!
He was also flexible about the itinerary on our request, always professional and yet full of humor, a great driver, and aware of the total context at all times.
Exceptional!
We learned a lot and will miss him!
Thank you
We planned our Rwanda/Uganda Gorilla trip using Gorilla Trek because of their extraordinary reviews.
All went well in the planning with Nelson.
He made certain that all arrangements were made and the itinerary fell into place.
In hidesight, we were a bit over-ambitious in our planning but this was our fault not his.
We wanted to do everything and in the 8 days we had alotted.
Turns out, a minor but painful hip problem really slowed me down and presented challenges for each of our planned activities.
Our driver was Krish and he did a wonderful job of keeping our journey on track, making sure we went on easier treks because of my hip, and ensuring that we had a great experience!
He is kind, careful and soft-spoken.We always felt comfortable and safe with him and knew that he would do everything possible for us to have the wildlife experiences we had come so far to have.
The Rwanda gorilla trek was, for a person with vast wildlife experiences, the pinnacle experience!
It was magical.
The Uganda trek was great but just didn't rise to the Rwanda experience.
I do want to comment on how friendly and caring we found everyone in Uganda and Rwanda.
It was an exceptional cultural experience as well as a wildlife experience.
People in the US could learn a lot about graciousness and hospitality form the folks of these 2 countries.
Thanks Nelson and Krish for allowing us to experience such amazaing things.
Last month, my sister and I spent 7-days traveling with our Gorilla Trek Africa guide, Eric Manzi.
This adventure occurred after a 3-week safari in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana.
For me, this was the 3rd trip to Africa in 4 years.
I am very fortunate to have spent 4 months enjoying the gorgeous scenery, wonderful people, and stunning wildlife that Africa has to offer.
Having experienced several companies and many guides, I can say without hesitation that GTA is up there with the best, in terms of planning, value, and execution!
From my first contact, communication with Nelson went very smoothly, and we were able to decide quickly on an itinerary that met our needs.
The experiences he arranged included gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda; chimpanzee, Colobus Monkey and Golden Monkey tracking in Rawnda; and visits to cultural sites and museums.
All were very enjoyable and educational.
Of course, seeing gorillas in the wild is an experience that cannot be described, but surpasses so many others!
Eric, our driver and guide, was everything a visitor could hope for--kind, competent, well-spoken, informative, accommodating, and extremely professional.
We could not have been better cared for!
I would recommend him most highly to anyone wanting to gain a true appreciation for, and understanding of, Rwanda, in a relatively short visit.
Because of him, and his obvious love for and pride in his country, I am already thinking of a return visit!
And hopefully, I can again have Eric escort me.
Rwanda is a truly beautiful country, with delightful people, and it has made remarkable strides in a short time, despite a tragic past.
I would encourage anyone who is curious, adventurous, and interested in learning about a very different culture, to experience the magic of Rwanda, her people and wildlife.
Arranging our 3 day trip in Uganda from Rwanda was straightforward with Nelson's help.
Our driver, Krish, arrived bang on time and throughout he was courteous, friendly and helpful.
We could not have been in better hands.
The trip, the accommodation and of course, the gorillas, were amazing.
Just do it!
We did a 5 day trip starting in Entebbe and ending in Kigali, including a Chimpanzee trek, Queen Elizabeth safari, Gorilla trek, and ending with Golden Monkeys.
While every trek was fun, it was incredible to spend time so close with the gorillas.
The lodges we stayed in were all comfortable and with good or excellent service and food.
Gavis was our driver and guide, and from the moment he picked us up in Entebbe, we knew it was going to be a good trip.
He has the basics down fine (driving, logistics, English), but also goes above and beyond with lots of knowledge about the local culture, history, and animals, and a personality that is easy going, patient, funny and kind.
He's well connected and popular with all the staff at hotels, parks, etc., which makes things extra smooth.
We've had trips with guides that weren't so great before, so we appreciate this all the more, and hope you are lucky enough to have him as your guide too (or request him!
Gorilla Trek Africa was an easy company to work with, responded to our (many) emails promptly to answer questions and customize our itinerary.
We had some doubts about using a wire transfer for our deposit and payment, but it worked out just fine.
From what I learned about the company, it seems they take customer feedback very seriously to make sure each guide delivers with consistency, although I can only speak for our guide.
We had a one day trip that exceeded every expectation.
The hike was about 2 hours and you could tell it was a higher elevation.
The guides were super about taking breaks and telling stories about the gorillas and Rwanda.
I read the other reviews and am not sure I can pick better words to describe it.
It is a lifetime bucket list experience.
It is super intense but not scary.
It is a piece of the world most will never see.
a massive animal with so many human tendencies that is quiet and gentle.
The guides did an outstanding job with our party.
I also want to say that my week I spent in Rwanda that I felt safe and secure in the areas I visited.
I had a plan and stuck to it but felt safe in the small towns as I did in Kigali.
the Rwandan people.
We did approximately 12 days in Rwanda filled with gorilla/chimp/golden monkey treks, hikes to waterfalls, visits to various museums and a cultural village, and the genocide museum in Kigali.
All of our trip was arranged through Gorilla Trek Africa and we were accompanied by our guide Eric Manzi each day.
Words can not express how amazing this trip was or how well we were taken care of by Eric.
The animal treks are an incredible, unforgettable experience, especially those with the gorillas.
And the Genocide Museum in Kigali is a must see.
It's moving and emotional and very well done.
Everything was organized and carried out as planned in our itinerary, and Eric went above and beyond our expectations in every way.
He was knowledgeable, friendly, professional and fun!
He gave us insights into the culture and people of Rwanda, helped us organize an impromptu visit to a local school, and was willing to accommodate our last minute requests as well.
When my traveling companion injured herself on a hike, he went out of his way to arrange prompt medical care that included translating our needs to the staff, picking up prescriptions, arranging helicopter transportation to the hospital and care along the way, as well as rebooking hotel accommodations for us and personally making sure we got to the airport the following day vs us taking a cab.
He handled everything we needed, particularly the hiking injury, in a calm, easy manner and I can't stress enough how thankful we were to have such an incredible guide with us!
If you get a chance, request him...you won't regret it!!
Things to know for the hikes/treks: Some are easy, some are more difficult, it just depends on what you're seeing that day.
Porters are available to help you with backpacks etc and to assist you in navigating the tougher areas.
Be prepared to be outdoors for several hours (have sunscreen, water, mosquito repellant etc).
Take a raincoat (showers can crop up unexpectedly, but are quick) and an old pair of gardening gloves is a plus (some of the forest areas have stinging nettles and they can be thick; the gardening gloves make it easier to get through them).
Take pictures and video but also take time to just enjoy the surroundings and watch the animals without feeling the need to document everything.
It'll be an adventure you'll never forget, I promise!
We did the 4 days Gorilla and Golden monkey tracking and we had a fantastic time.
Most of the success of the trip was thanks to Krish that took exceptional care of us.
He picked us up in Kigali and showed us around the city before heading to Uganda and get where we were staying in Bwindi Jungle lodge.
The lodge is placed in front of a gorgeous lake and the rooms are really nice.
Food is very good as well.
Obviously the best of all was the Gorillas adventure and we loved every minute of the hour that we spent with them.
It was an amazing trip and it was very well organized by Gorilla Trek Africa, as everything came up as expected and we didn't have any bad surprises at all.
Again, Krish was a fantastic guide that made our life easier and helped us in all what we wanted to do or know.
This absolutely amazing experience with a few of my coworkers was made 100% better by going through Gorilla Trek Africa!
Our schedule was tight and we only had a 2-day window in Kigali and we really wanted to be able to see the Gorillas.
I reached out to several companies that had positive reviews to schedule a short notice (less than a week) one-day trip for three of us.
Anna from GTA was immediately responsive, answered all of our questions, and got us situated right away, even working with us until midnight (while other companies finally contacted me a week after we had already left Rwanda).
While the cost was pretty steep, this was mostly due to the permits in Rwanda being $1500 per person, so the overall charges were relatively reasonable, and this was such an amazing experience it was well worth the money.
Our driver/guide Gavis was also top tier, giving us a smooth, safe and informative ride all the way from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and back (5 hrs round trip), and supplying us with all the water for the trek!
We could not have asked for a better team to make our experience memorable.
Overall I would highly recommend GTA, and wish that we could have done a longer trip with this company.
We chose GTA based on previous reviews and were not disappointed From the start working with Nelson they were fiendly and easy to communicate with.
We were picked up in Kampala and our driver/ guide Asaph was outstanding.
He was a great guide on the trips and helpful at all times.
The treking was unbelievable a d each day was a different and unique experience.
The 2 lodges were nice but the Mahinda Lodge was gorgeous with a view of Mboro park.
This was a special experience.
Thanks to Gorilla Trek Africa for a super trip.
Mfrothsc
We just returned from an 11 day tour of Uganda that Nelson custom designed for us.
We went Gorillla trekking twice, chimp trekking once, and went on three game drives, three boat cruises, a nature walk, and visited the rhinos in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
All of it was awesome!
Our guide, Bernard, could not have been better.
He was attentive, responsive to our requests and questions, and went out of his way to ensure we saw everything, despite one of us getting ill one day.
If you go, I suggest you request Bernard as your guide (although in reading others' reviews, they all sound good).
Finally, all of the guides on each excursion were also excellent.
We highly recommend this experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.
We went with Gorilla Trek Africa because of the great reviews and were so very happy with our trip with them.
Our guide and driver, Bernard, was knowledgeable and adjusted to our interests.
He took great care of us.
I got Ill at one point and he made sure I got the care I needed and adjusted a couple activities so I did not miss out on anything.
Their expertise in planning and executing on the itinerary delivered an experience of a lifetime!
I can't say enough about what a good company this is and how outstanding their staff are.
I was in Kigali for a business trip so had limited time to see the gorillas.
I was picked up at my hotel at 4am and driven to the volcano national park for the gorilla trek.
My driver Norman (?
was excellent and super helpful all day.
Got to the park and started my trek with a group of 7 others.
We trekked a little over an hour and then came to the gorillas, the experience was amazing to see the family up close and personal in the forest.
Spent an hour and then trekked out, was done by noon.
Drove back to Kigali and stopped for lunch along the way, back at my hotel around 3 pm.
The entire day was wonderful, the guides and porters were great.
Very professional company and responsive.
Expensive but worth it for the once in a lifetime experience.
This went beyond my expectations of what I thought I was going to experience.
To be able to view gorillas at close proximity and sense what they were doing and feeling...truly a magical experience.
One must be fit though, the hike is strenuous.
When a friend and I were planning a trip to see mountain gorillas, I really didn't know where to start planning.
I saw good reviews for GorillaTrekAfrica on Trip Advisor, contacted Nelson, and never looked back.
Nelson got back to me promptly every time I emailed, answered all of my many questions (sometimes twice), and helped us decide to travel to Uganda to see the gorillas at a $600 permit price, rather than Rwanda for a $1500 permit price.
I am so glad I got to visit Uganda - it is a beautiful country with so much more I want to see there.
Our driver/guide, Asaph, picked us up from our hotel in Kigali, and asked if there was anything we needed help with before we left for Uganda.
When we said there were a few things we needed to do, he helped us get a local phone, buy an inexpensive suitcase, and pack up on the peanut butter and crackers for a later part of our trip.
With those tasks accomplished, we were more able to enjoy our quick Uganda trip.
The drive through Rwanda and Uganda to the hotel was a great part of the trip.
The countryside is a continuous series of post card photos and Asaph was there to answer any questions we had.
We stopped at a local restaurant near the border for lunch and the food was good.
We stayed at Bwindi Jungle Lodge and would recommend it highly as well.
The rooms are very nice with a nice hot shower and overlook Lake Muhele where we watched fisherman out in their canoes, often singing.
Dinner the first night was a buffet and was very tasty.
The second night we ordered off the menu and that was good as well.
One very nice touch was that the staff met us at the door in the afternoon when we returned from trekking, took our dirty boots, and left them cleaned for us in the morning.
We were a little more than an hour from the park so started out before dawn on trekking day, which meant we got to see sunrise and mist in the mountains on the way to Bwindi.
This was an unexpected highlight.
The trek itself was a once in a lifetime experience and couldn't have gone better, partly because we took the advice of others and hired porters.
I exercise regularly at home and think of myself as pretty fit, but this hike is at high altitude, steep, and slippery.
More than once, I was glad I had my porter Nicholas there to carry my backpack and lend me a hand (or a push.
Our hike in was right around 2 hours and I think we had a generous hour with the gorillas.
I was surprised by how close we were to them and how unconcerned they were with us.
It was also clear that the guides and trackers know them well.
I felt like both we and the gorillas were well-respected.
Great trip, great company.
I'd do it all over again if I could!
Gorilla Trek Africa is an excellent provider of full service safari that covers transportation, lodging and activities.
They provide well qualified guides who accompany you and who may double up as your driver for the entire trip.
We had plans for a 12 day safari and got quotes from Gorilla Trek Africa as well as other providers.
The rates provided by Gorilla Trek Africa were very competitive and lower than many other providers.
We later found that other companies that quoted higher had their guests staying in the same lodges as we were, had the same meal options and were provided similar transportation as ours.
For us, we were provided a Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 with an open top.
The vehicle was in good condition.
A Land Cruiser has better ground elevation than some of the other cars and while on the safari, we found our car could go closer to animals than other 4x4 vehicles.
Our guide was Kenneth Muhindi and I'm so happy we did the Safari with him.
Kenneth worked as a ranger for over a decade in various national parks including Murchison National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Forest and Bwindi National Forest.
He has intimate knowledge of the parks, animals, animal movements and how to spot animals that are hiding in plain sight.
He is a leading birder in Uganda and is actively involved in birding projects.
He also has great local connections which allows him to enquire about sightings and take his guests to the areas where sightings have occurred.
Our safari itinerary was as follows: Starting from Kampala - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Forest, Bwindi National Forest, Lake Mburo National Park - Ending at Kampala.
I would highly recommend Ugada as a travel option.
Also Gorilla Trek Africa comes highly recommended.
Best of all, if you are able to get Kenneth as your guide, you are guaranteed a great trip.
After finding out the permits for the Rwandan Gorilla's had doubled in price to $1500 for the permit alone I was apprehensive about going at all.
I contacted Nelson from Gorilla Trek and he gave me many different options to choose from and gave me time to think about them.
I ended up going on a two day tour to see the Ugandan Gorillas (was $900 cheaper overall than the Rwandan).
After confusion of dates on my part my driver Gavis pushed back my departure time from Kigali so I could still make the tour and it all worked out perfectly.
The drive from Kigali wasn't as long as I thought it would be (took about 4 hours including stopping at the border for immigration) and Gavis was very friendly and made me feel very at ease as a 20 year old traveling alone for the first time.
I stayed at Bakiga lodge which Nelson set up and it was gorgeous and I wish I could have stayed longer, the staff, service, food and lodge was amazing!
We arrived pretty early to the briefing in the morning but that was because Gavis was bargaining with the rangers to get me on a trek that wouldn't take hours and hours as we had to drive back to Kigali that afternoon.
It worked out perfectly, took around 2 hours to find the Gorillas (only an hour of that was hiking), I strongly recommend you hire a porter for $15-$20, I thought I wouldn't need one as I'm 20 in fairly good shape but I was talked into it and was so thankful as some of the slopes are near vertical and the porter will help pull and push you so you don't fall all the way down!
I cannot recommend this trip enough and Gorilla Trek sorted all the hassle out for me as I wasn't sure what I was doing and they are very responsive, professional and attentive!
One thing to note if you are going to the Uganda Gorillas - is to pack warm clothes, I had no idea how cold it would be after staying in Rwanda for 2 weeks and not needing a sweater once.
Back in the states, I have to review photos to make sure we actually went Gorilla trekking.
It was an amazing adventure and one we will never forget.
The guides, trackers, and porters were efficient, polite and so very helpful.
Just remember you are at 7000 feet and altitude can be a problem.
The trek itself runs from difficult, more difficult to most difficult.
I would do it again in a minute.
We highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa.
Nelson did a great job of putting together an amazing trip for us, for a very reasonable price.
He was so patient with our many inquiries and many changes to our itinerary.
When we arrived at the airport in Kigali after our long journey, our driver Douglas was waiting for us at the airport.
He was an excellent driver and kind and knowledgeable guide for us throughout our 5 day tour.
He was expert at getting us to our hotels and treks on time, navigating the border crossings, currency exchange places, and windy roads and traffic jams.
We learned a great deal about Uganda and Rwanda from him!
We went straight from the airport to the excellent Gorilla Solution Lodge in Volcanoes NP, and trekked to see the golden monkeys the next day.
We were glad we did not miss out on that wonderful experience!
Douglas then drove us across the border to Bwindi in Uganda for our 2 days of gorilla trekking.
We highly recommend two days of gorilla trekking, if possible.
The two days were very different--we saw two different gorilla families, and both experiences were unbelievable.
We also highly recommend hiring a porter.
We would not have made it on the second day without them, and for $15, you support the local community and help local residents have a stake in conserving the gorillas.
The porters are kind and helpful, and we learned much about the local community from them--so please hire them!
We can't thank Nelson and Douglas at Gorilla Trek Africa for arranging the trip of a lifetime for us!
I knew I could only handle another five minutes or so.
I was running on a dirt road on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Jungle, and my legs and lungs were telling me to stop.
Fortunately, Asaph from Gorilla Trek was following me in the SUV that I hired for my 9 day trip in Rwanda and Uganda, so I jumped on board and we continued to our destination.
If you think having a driver/guide cater to your every whim is unusual, including following you on a long run while you travel from one destination to another, you'd be right.
But that's what Gorilla Trek and Asaph will do for you.
He told me to let him know what I wanted to do and he would make it happen, and he was not kidding.
Asaph is friendly, thoughtful, and safety-conscious.
He also has a knack for finding wildlife inside the parks, and I have some incredible pictures to prove it.
In fact, I was lugging a lot of camera equipment and Asaph made sure I was in the right places at the right times for getting fantastic photos.
The lodging in the medium tier felt luxurious to me, and the itinerary allowed me to see so much without feeling like I was traveling all the time.
Nelson was always available to answer my questions during the planning stages.
Thus, I can recommend Gorilla Trek Africa without reservation.
I had the freedom to enjoy the wildlife and my surroundings without having to worry about any of the details.
Enjoy your trip!
My friend and I traveled to Rwanda and wanted to see the mountain gorillas.
We used Gorilla Trek Africa and saw gorillas in Uganda.
The experience was wonderful.
Our driver, Asaph, was kind, knowledgeable, and so helpful.
He picked us up at our hotel in Kigali, and before we left Rwanda we asked him to help us change money.
He took us to change money, helped me buy a suitcase (because I'd bought too many baskets to get home in my suitcase), and helped my friend purchase a local phone.
It would have taken us hours to navigate all of this by ourselves.
The trek was incredible.
We saw 8 gorillas in a family of 10, and we were so close to them that my friends thought that I'd use a telephoto lens for my pictures.
One piece of advice: hire a porter.
I did, and am so happy that I did.
I am in reasonably good shape, and even so, it was so helpful to have someone to help me navigate the hike.
Asaph was a wonderful driver and tour guide.
After the gorilla trek (which was incredible),he drove us to a small village south of Kigali for our next stop.
By the end of our time with Asaph, it felt as if we were old friends.
Bobbie Fissgus to Gorilla Trek Africa June 29 at 11:51 AM * I can't say enough wonderful things about this company, the tour organizer and my guide-driver on my journey.
I am a 70yr.
old single woman and after all my questions, of which I had plenty, I had no doubt that this was the company I would book with.
Nelson, the tour organizer was so patient and understanding of all my concerns and needs.
All were answered and satisfied.
I then had no fear of my safety and well being on my adventure.
Nelson has much concern that he gives you the best experience.
The lodgings I stayed at were Gorilla Safari Lodge and Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort.
The staff, food and accommodations were first class.
My Guide-Driver for the trip was Elvis.
I don't know how to express my extreme gratitude to this man for all the knowledge he gave me, the safety in his driving, the making sure I got to see the villages, how the people live and try to survive, all the history of the different territories and gorilla groups and he even shared(After I asked) alittle about himself and his family.
I could go on but I think you get the idea how wonderful this company is.
I will include my email address if you have any questions that I be able to answer.
bfissgus@yahoo.com
I contacted Gorilla Trek Africa on the recommendation of a friend.
The rates in Rwanda are significantly higher than Uganda so we opted to travel to Ruhaji - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from Kigali.
Eric was the expert guide for our family which includes three 20'ish daughters.
The drive was fascinating and allowed Eric to share his knowledge.
He was fantastic, and very enthusiastic about our trip.
The Gorilla Trek surpassed our expectations.
We got very close to the very peaceful gorilla family.
and there is more to do in Kigali than the guide books suggest.
If you are crossing the borders check out the costs of the various visas versus the East African visa.
I've just done Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, kayaking on Lake Kivu in Gisenyi in Rwanda and I was exploring Kigali, all in just under a week.
Very satisfied, trip of a lifetime.
If you ever wants to do that trip I highly recommend you request Gavis to be your tour guide.
Gavis is very friendly, helpful and full of enthusiasm.. he goes a way beyond going an extra mile.
Nelson was helpful and very patient as we had to reschedule my trip due to incident in Virunga Park, thanks for that.
I'll be back to explore more of Rwanda as the country is beautiful and people are so friendly.
I had the pleasure of a 10 day solo safari with Gorilla Trek , with William as my expert guide.
What a brilliant experience!
I learned so much, not just about animals but about birds, life in Rwanda and Uganda, agriculture, orphanages, education ... and red clay roads in the rain .
William encouraged all my enthusiasm, told me stories and shared his expertise with humour and genuine respect for his country!
It was like travelling with a friend , rather than a hired guide!
I highly recommend this safari company .
The office was quick to answer my inquiries, and completely helpful in preparation for this safari.
This was the most wonderful best experience ever!!
Surpass my expectation.
I contacted Gorilla trek Africa for my trip to Rwanda through their website and Nelson tailor it to accommodate all my request and answer every email I send (and there were a lot of them) to arrange everything perfectly.
I went chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe National park.
Then headed to Volcanoes National Park fortrekking to Diane Fossey campsite/grave (I enjoyed this hike very much, it is such a serene peaceful area of the forest and so different from the other areas, worth the effort to get there), then went to see the gorillas and last hike to see the golden monkeys.
Hinal day headed back to Kigali for city tour.
I wish I had more days, 6 days were not enough.
This was a solo trip and my local guide Eric made sure everything was perfect.
He even accommodated little changes/additions along the way for other activities I wanted to do based on my interest.
Plus I got a little sick on my way to Nyungwe National park.
lots of winding roads) and he was very polite and made sure I was ok and felt better.
Rwanda is breathtaking, I felt in love with its countryside, its people, the mountains, the gorillas, everything.
It is a beautiful country and Eric made sure I experience it to the fullest.
I'm already planning my next trip with them to Uganda and Kenya and back to Rwanda in the next years, that is how much I enjoyed this trip.
Recommended 100%.
Gorilla Trek Africa planned a perfect 6 night trip for us.
Nelson was there every step of the way, he answered every email and all of our questions promptly.
Ivan was our expert driver and guide.
We had a great time with Ivan.
He had an eagle eye for wildlife, primates and birds.
The roads were rough, muddy, and in a few places washed out and he navigated perfectly.
He made every day an adventure, fun and memorable.
The lodges and tent camps we stayed in were perfectly appointed and the staff lovely.
Our favourite camp was the Ishasha Wilderness Camp it was a bit of a drive but we saw lots of wildlife and the tree climbing lions on the way.
It would have been nice to spend two nights at Ishasha just because it is a bit of a drive and a terrific place!
We also loved Mweya Lodge, we stayed there two nights and the views over the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edouard were beautiful.
The driving times each day were long.
The roads are rough but I wouldn't trade those hours in the car for anything.
We drove though villages and communities, the border between Rwanda and Uganda , the countryside, and we saw people going about their lives.
The young kids waved at us, we saw young men transporting large loads on their bicycles, we saw women carrying huge bouquets of bananas or tea leaves on their heads and all of this added to our appreciation of this beautiful country.
We did our gorilla trek in Uganda as the permits are less expensive.
Our fees to Gorilla Trek Africa included everything, all permits and park entrance fees etc.
so we never had to think about those details as everything was taken care of.
I can't describe how special the experience of trekking and spending an hour with the gorillas is - all I can say is- put this trip at the top of your bucket list.
It is that amazing.
Also, the gorillas need us to be their ambassadors.
We also did the chimpanzee trek which was a four hour hike with a guide and I can recommend it too.
It was fun and great to be out of the car and get some exercise.
Since the driving distances (times) are long I recommend planning hikes and treks in order to break up the driving day.
The Kazinga Channel boat trip was a bird lovers paradise and another great 1/2 day excursion that we really enjoyed.
Seeing the fisherman and fishing village was interesting and made for beautiful photos.
I noticed in many of the reviews that this trip is always referred to as the Trip of a Lifetime and it really is.
We are lucky and plan to be back in Uganda in 2020 and will use Gorilla Trek Africa to plan our trip and we look forward to seeing Ivan again.
We arranged a 2 night 3 day tour with Gorilla Trek Africa via email and everything turned out great.
We were picked up as promised at our hotel in Kigali and Julius, our guide, was very attentive and knowledgeable.
The experience with the trek itself was wonderful, we enjoyed the difficult hike through the jungle and were lucky to see the lovely gorilla's VERY close up - we spent an hour with them.
Also enjoyed the community hike outside of the National Park, and the Gorrilla Safari Lodge that we stayed at as part of the tour.
Great experience!
There is little that could have been done to make our 11-day trip in Uganda any better, other than to make it longer so we could have enjoyed more time with our guide Chris Ngabirano in thisbeautiful country The very best feature of our travels was our guide-driver, Chris Ngabirano.
Of all the guides we've ever had in our travels, he is far superior.
He was incredible and made us feel like more than guests...more like treasured friends.
He shared his expertise so well, and it was obvious that he enriched our experiences by setting us up with the very best local guides available --his contacts made a huge difference in securing special attention and assistance for us every step of the way.
His knowledge of everywhere we went and everything we saw was so enlightening.
Be sure to engage Chris as your guide-driver because he will make certain you have the best adventure of your life -- that is what he did for us.
Our trip involved myriad successful pursuits for wildlife in a mountain gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (truly grueling and super strenuous, although with a tremendous payoff), golden monkey habituation experience in Mgahinga, tree climbing lion seach in Ishasha, collared lion tracking and Kazinga Channel cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee trek in Kibale National Park, walk in Bigodi Wetlands, and quest for the Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Swamp, and we topped it all off with whitewater rafting on the headwaters of the Nile near Jinja.
We traveled in June, which offered us perfect weather at the beginning of the dry season.
My mother and I have wanted for years to see gorillas in the wild, and finally had the time and funds to do so.
After spending months researching companies and guides, I decided upon Gorilla Trek Africa, and I am so glad I did.
This was the best organised tour I have ever been on, bar none.
I have traveled to over 40 countries and spent nearly a year and a half in Africa total, with 10 countries in Africa alone, and GTA exceeded all other experiences.
They took care of multiple permits to trek to animals (golden monkeys, gorillas, and chimps), provided a sturdy 4x4 vehicle to get everywhere, booked all the meals and accommodation for the whole trip, were incredibly clear and responsive via email before the trip and booking it, and, most importantly, gave us a guide who brought everything together.
Every place we stayed was prepared for us, every National Park we visited had the top trackers waiting to give us one-of-a kind experiences with animals.
Even taking the budget option we were in gorgeous and immaculately clean places every night.
But best of all was David, our driver and guide from GTA.
David is polite, extremely knowledgeable, easy to talk to, flexible, patient, and helpful.
He always made sure we were settled and had everything we needed each day before he left.
He catered the trip to our interests and needs and kept us on time for activities, making sure we were set up with the best trackers and experiences we could have.
It was obvious how passionate David is for his job, the countries, and the company.
These trips are not cheap, due largely to the permit costs for tracking the various animals, but it was the best money my mother and I could have spent for a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip between those two beautiful countries.
My husband and I booked a two-day tour with Gorilla Trek Africa during our recent stay in Rwanda.
Our tour included a hike up Bisoke, one of the volancoes in Volcanoes National Park, and a trek to see the mountain gorillas.
Our driver, Bob, was very knowledgable and helpful.
He picked us up in Kigali and drove us to the park, and then to the trailheads.
Guides hired by the government lead both of the hikes.
We opted for a mid-range deluxe hotel, where we ended up being the only guests.
It was a nice place though a bit eerie with the staff only catering to us.
My one complaint, and why I am giving Gorilla Trek Africa, is that I didn't feel they fully prepared us for what we needed.
They sent us a packing list but it wasn't clear that we needed to provide our own lunch and food for the treks, something that was an issue on our first day.
That said, I would not hesitate to book another tour with Gorilla Trek Africa, but I would be sure to double check exactly what I need and what they are providing before I go.
Excellent place to visit for a week break.
u can see the world famous but fast diminishing tribe of gorillas.
Uganda is an incredibly diverse and beautiful country and William, who is made in Uganda welcomed us with an open heart and open arms.
His love of his country showed at every turn.
Gorilla trek Africa, William and the people of Uganda are incredibly hospitable.
We did the 10 day safari through Entebbe to Mburo>Bwindi>>Queen Elizabeth>Kanyanchu> and finally Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Some highlights include the hippos, gorillas, chimps, elephants, lions, and giraffes just to name a few.
It was truly thrilling to see.
Our guide, William was EXTREMELY knowledgeable and well spoken and went out of his way to tell us special things here and there.
We learned about birds, Ugandan Street food, the culture of the people, religion, etc.
This particular tour was a whirlwind.
We are from the US and we only get 2-3 weeks of vacation time.
It was perfect for us and our time needs.
We got A LOT in.
If you have more time, you could spend 2-3 days in each place instead of 1-2.
That and the insects would be my ONLY complaints.
Which wasn't anyone's fault.
I loved every inch of it.
Even driving through the country on the bumpy red clay roads with the wind in my hair and African sun on my skin.
The smells, sights and sounds of Africa will be with me forever.
Thank you Gorilla trek Africa and William for a truly unforgettable experience that will be in our memories and hearts forever!!
This was too good to be true I thought, a company that answers your e-mails promptly and giving you a custom made itinerary just as you wish.
Well this was exactly what Nelson from Gorilla Trek Africa did..... and then they gave us Gavis Moliika, our guide, driver, photographer and friend forever.
Gavis made this trip!
He is the best fun loving, caring, trustworthy guide you can get.
We have no words to explain how much we loved doing this trip with him.
Make sure if you book your gorilla safari with Gorilla Trek Africa to ask for Gavis.
You will get much more than you could expect from any guide.
Many thanks Nziza Safaris, we enjoyed touring Kigali with you.
The welcome, knowledge and professionalism of your tour guides made for a great experience.
Your vehicle was very comfortable, and we all enjoyed the day interacting with your guides and taking in Kigali and surrounds.
In most Hollywood movies about Africa, particularly the ones in which the explorers embark looking for a humongous ape, you see the adventurers preparing for months.
This is not the case when I first contacted GT.
Nelson wrote back immediately.
Answered impeccably all the questions and in a couple of days I was crossing the Uganda border.
After a while, I was swallowed by the jungle of the Bwindi Impenetrable forest.
My guide, Asaph, was very fluent in English and his knowledge of the animals (particularly his ability to see them from a great distance) made the trip quite enjoyable.
I chose the budget option.
It is important to say that the hotel was in the hillside of the mountain and the cold made it feel like you were camping in luxury.
If you don't like low temperatures, choose the other slightly higher priced options.
Like others already suggested, asking for a porter, even if you think that kryptonite is your only obstacle in the world, is worth it because the money will help the little town you will see close by the hotel.
It is important to add that by choosing the best of all tour companies you not only get an unexpected amount of professional security and the promise to see the gorillas (yes, they won't quit until you are in front of these ethereal and gentle beings) also offers the opportunity to help protect them for future generations, because a big part of what you pay goes to the park, the veterinarians and the rangers that keep Bwindi a safe haven for the biggest and most gentle apes on earth.
Our experience with Gorilla Trek Africa was wonderful.
Prompt and easy communication, secure online payment arrangements, and incredible on-site experiences.
Our guide Gavis picked us up at our hotel, showed us some highlights of Kigali, and then took us off to the main adventure - Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park.
Gavis was great company and informative.
He helped us negotiate the border crossing, and seemed incredibly comfortable working with people in both Rwanda and Uganda - it was nice to see him be greeted with enthusiasm everywhere we went.
The Bwindi Jungle Lodge was a great accommodation choice with its beautiful view, caring staff and charming facilities.
The African massage on the roads in Uganda was all part of the experience, and one more thing that Gavis undertook with care, skill and good humor.
The beauty of Uganda was something that will stick with us for a long time, and the trekking experience was everything we hoped for and more.
Gavis worked with the park rangers to ensure we saw different families on each of our two days of trekking and we feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time observing the gorillas eating, playing and interacting.
The little gorilla who ran over to hug our legs gave us another unforgettable moment.
Gorilla Trek Africa was a great choice for us!
Gorilla Trek Africa has given my family and I the most incredible experience in Rwanda.
Eric was our guide and he was with us the entire 4 days we were here.
He waited for us at the airport even though our flight was delayed coming into Kigali and escorted us to our hotel in a wonderful classic safari Land Cruiser you picture when you're in Africa.
He picked us up the next morning and recommended we visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and we absolutely did not regret it.
After the museum, he was generous to answer all of our questions about Rwandan history.
He was knowledgeable about all things Rwanda and we learned so much on our drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park.
Everything was organized for us when we got there.
We scheduled a 2 day gorilla trek and they had arranged the passes well ahead of time so it was flawless upon our arrival.
The 5 Volcanoes Boutique Hotel was wonderful to stay at.
They are fully prepared for trekking excursions and have a great relationship with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Both trekking days were unbelievable and distinctly unique.
We were able to see 2 different families of gorillas.
It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
I would recommend this outfitter to anyone in the world.
They work with you 100% of the time and truly want you to experience the wonder and beauty that is Rwanda and the Mountain Gorillas.
Nelson worked with me to plan a gorilla trek.
We ended up with Uganda due to costs and had an adventure of a lifetime.
Our guide, Asaph, also made the trip enjoyable.
The Bwindi Jungle Lodge where Nelson booked us was amazing from the service, to the rooms, the view, the food -prepared for us with many options.
I asked Nelson many many questions and he answered them all and we got what we expected and more.
The gorilla trek is out of this world with a porter a must.
They carry your bag and help you over branches, rocks, and logs.
They make sure you don't fall.
Seeing the gorillas in their home is something I can't even explain.
I hope to come back to East Africa soon and Nelson will be my first call to help me plan seeing everything I missed.
Thank you to Nelson and Bob who made this a trip of a lifetime.
I chose Gorilla Trek Africa after reading the reviews on tripadvisor and I am glad I trusted my instinct.
Nelson was brilliant in his patience in answering all my questions before starting and during booking - it was very easy.
My guide for four days, Bob, was intelligent and funny and I enjoyed his company and learnt a great deal from him.
I was sorry to say goodbye.
I booked the four day gorilla trek - two days gorilla trekking in Uganda and one day with the golden monkeys in Rwanda.
The drive from Kigali to Bwindi was around five hours and it is a stunning drive.
The hotel in Bwindi was two minutes from the gorilla trekking and that was simply incredible - the first day blazing sunshine, the second rain like I have never seen so I got to see the gorillas in very different conditions.
This is not a cheap holiday but worth it in every sense.
My one word of caution - the Community Walk in Uganda costs ten dollars but it is was effectively organised begging - three dances by different groups and then they put a bucket in front of you.
Maybe naivety on my part but I was not warned in advance and did not take my wallet and felt very uncomfortable.
The people were amazing and so welcoming and I do not blame them - the community walk guide (completely separate from Gorilla Trek Africa) was the problem.
He told me to just tell them he would bring the money from my hotel -- a $10 walk cost $70.
I would rather have just given money to help the school be built rather than this.
Overall this was one of the best trips of my life and if you are thinking of doing it then take the plunge, you will not regret.
I did the 3 day gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Nelson, who booked my tour was very helpful and was quick to respond to my emails whenever I had a question.
My guide was Chris, he was very nice and friendly and made sure I was comfortable and having a good time.
Seeing the gorillas up close in their natural habitat was really amazing.
I did a lot of research before booking this tour and I'm glad I chose Gorilla Trek Africa.
Most incredible thing we have ever done!
We ask to visit the closest family.
We were not in shape.
Everyone made sure we had good camera shots, didn't hurry us in any way.
The four day trip to Uganda and Rwanda exeeded our expectations, perfect from the beginning to the end.
Not only the car and equipment, especially the very knowledgable and friendly tour guide, but also the excellent choice of locations and perfect organisation leave not other choice than awarding the highest possible score.
Highly recommended.
Had an outstanding trip watching gorillas in Bwindi NP and relaxing at the shores of Lake Bunyonyi.
Our guide Eric did a fantastic job and had a profound knowledge of birds and other animals.
Best recommendations from us.
We can not say enough about what a fabulous experience we had.
We participated in a Rwanda-Uganda primate safari, and each day was better than the last.
Our driver was Sam and we trekked for golden monkeys, gorillas, and chimps.
We also saw the cultural sights of Kigali and Kampala.
The resorts were excellent as well.
Emails were responded to in a timely fashion, and we would definitely recommend to friends and family.
Thanks Gorilla Trek!
I'd originally written to Gorilla Trek Africa to enquire about tracking in Rwanda.
As permit prices have increased in Rwanda, Nelson emailed me back offering a 2-day trek in Uganda instead, which would save us 900USD per person.
Initially hesitant, we decided to go for it.
I didn't really have any questions before the trip but Nelson was always quick to respond when we did send an email.
On the day of the trip our guide, Geoffrey Atwebembeire, arrived at our guesthouse in Kigali at 9am sharp.
He was friendly and welcoming, helped us with our bags and welcomed us to the super clean 4x4 that we'd spend much of the next 48 hours in.
Geoffrey had stocked the car well with bottled water and we made a brief stop at the Gorilla Trek Africa office in Kigali to pay our balance.
We had a beautiful drive through the luscious Rwandan countryside.
We crossed the border into Uganda smoothly with East Africa tourist visas, all the while being informed about places of interest from Geoffrey.
We stopped for lunch in Uganda at a traditional African buffet restaurant, which was delicious, before arriving at Gorilla Mist Camp in the late afternoon.
Our room was clean and cosy and when we went to bed after a delicious dinner with a great view, we found hot water bottles in our beds, which was a nice touch.
The following day Geoffrey drove us to the briefing centre before we started the trek (armed with delicious packed lunches from Gorilla Mist Camp).
We hiked for a couple of hours before that magical moment with the gorillas occurred and we spent an hour of special time together.
It was amazing.
I won't say any more.
Geoffrey then drove us back to our next destination (Gisenyi), which was extremely helpful as it prevented us having to go back to Kigali and then get a transfer.
If you're thinking of booking a trip with Gorilla Trek Africa then go for it!
Cannot recommend this organisation enough.
Geoffrey was professional, friendly, knowledgeable and a safe driver!
Thank you for a memorable 48 hours!
We will recommend to anyone else we know visiting East Africa.
After planning this trip for 3 years and specifically the trek to Volcanoes NP, the pressure was on!
Our guide Gavis ensured we had a memorable experience including arranging for us to trek Pablo's group which was my dream.
All our accommodations were wonderful and diverse and Gavis' knowledge of the wildlife and local areas was impressive.
Thank you GTA for helping to make my dream a reality.
I normally wait to book a tour until I arrive in country in order to meet guides face to face before committing.
I have learned the hard way that it is not uncommon for operators to offer one thing and not follow through with what was initially agreed upon, only to be stuck with it because I'd already paid and it's the morning of the tour with no time to waste.
For this trip I booked online and thankfully this was not the case with GorillaTrek Africa.TripAdvisor reviews for GTA helped me narrow down my choices, and GTA's attentiveness to my inquiries clinched my decision.
Nelson was the primary organizer and from the beginning he was prompt with his responses and very helpful and patient with my questions.
We were able to tailor the trip to the exact places we wanted to see (Shoebills in Mabamba, Chimps in Kibale, QENP, Gorillas in Bwindi), at a competitive price.
Our guide Robert met us promptly at our hotel in Entebbe (Secrets Hotel- simple, clean, very nice staff) and showed us everything we had hoped to see.
Robert was very attentive to our comfort and flexible when we wanted to view something a little longer.
He was well connected with the locals in each area and obviously knows Uganda very well.
I especially appreciated his careful driving, we felt safe and at ease the entire trip.
I would not say that Robert is a highly skilled interpretive guide, as his knowledge and conveyance of information of natural and cultural history could be better, but he makes up for it with a calm, friendly demeanor and with the pride he takes in his work.
He truly seemed to care that we were enjoying his country.
I could sense that there was a measure of pride for him to show us the best of Uganda, as it is a beautiful, friendly country often overshadowed by Kenya and Tanzania.
The shoebill, chimps and especially the gorillas are awe inspiring and undoubtedly worth the time and money to see.
Queen Elizabeth NP is not quite on par with some of the other parks of East Africa, but a good stop over between Kibale and Bwindi if you have time.
Thank you Nelson, Robert, and William for helping to make our trip so enjoyable.
We wouldn't hesitate to book with Gorilla Trek Africa again.
Tip: Be sure to check your passport after each border crossing to ensure that they don't stamp finished on your East African Visa.
This can be problematic if you're proceeding to other countries.
Although tipping may not be customary in many countries, many of the local guides and rangers work very hard for little pay to protect the natural treasures we tourists admire so much.
They are passionate about conservation, and it is often more than just a job.
Please consider a gratuity to recognize their efforts and let them know we appreciate what they do.
I was a little hesitant to wire money ahead of time but decided to do it after reading the reviews here.
The communication with Nelson was great.
We arrived at the Kigali airport still hoping that someone would be there to meet us and low and behold we were met by Aseph.
He asked us if we needed anything and then we were off to the first of two hotels; one in Uganda and the other in Rwanda.
The drive was awesome.
The lodge in Uganda was great and only a few minutes from the park.
Aseph took us to the park the next day where we hiked a short distance and had one of the most beautiful experiences of our lives.
We interacted with the gorillas for an hour.
A few came up to us and either walked a few inches from us or actually touched us.
The tour was well organized and easy.
Both Nelson and Aseph went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable.
When we arrived back in Kigali, we found all the roads to the airport had been closed for the arrival of several African leaders for some sort of summit.
Aseph worked some magic and got us to the airport on time-driving down roads that were closed to all other traffic.
Don't know how he did it but we made it on time and continued our African adventure.
Great experience and highly recommended.
The day starts at 5am, you're driven from your overnight lodge and taken to the volcanoes National Park for registration and a briefing about the Gorillas and the trek.
You're put into different groups depending on your ability and level of fitness.
The group I was in was level one the easiest of the 3 levels, therefore the trek wasn't as bad as I had anticipated.
I opted for a Porter who stayed with me until we reached the trekker's on the outskirts of the forest.
The extra $10 for a Porter was worth every penny, he was supportive and encouraging, holding my left hand to stabilise and prevent me from falling on the slippery bits.
He carried my bags and waited until I came out from the forest after seeing the gorillas to take me back down.
I also had a trekking stick that was in my right hand which are free to use and helped me balance and gave a bit more support.
The altitude can make it difficult going up but the Guides stop to allow you to catch your breath.
There are two Guides one at the front and one at the back they tell you about the wildlife, plants and the surrounding areas.
The Trekkers and the Guides than take you into the forest to the Gorillas clearing.
Before leaving your overnight lodge you can hire a pair of garters for $5 to prevent mud from getting on the bottom of your trouser legs.
You may want to consider purchasing a pair of garters before going to Rwanda.
You will also need a pair of gloves, good walking boots and a long sleeve top.
Lower pressure at the higher altitudes causes the temperature to be colder also when in the forest your arms can get scratched on the branches.
When we reached the clearing where the gorillas were, we are given an hour to be with them.
The silverback was far bigger than I imagined, there was a mother with her tiny baby that looked almost human.
The young 3 year old went off on his own a few times to eat than would come back wanting attention from the silverback but the silverback was being groomed by two large males and didn't seem that interested in what the youngster was doing.
I felt over whelmed just looking at them, I wanted the world to stop and see these incredible beings.
At times we were so close within arm's reach, I stopped taking photographs and just watched, I didn't want to miss a movement or a look.
I was crouched down soaking everything up, experiencing being with these magical creatures in their own surroundings and really seeing them, but not through the lens of a camera.
A massive thank you to the Porters, Trekkers, Guides' and all those who work for the Dian Fossey Foundation.
Who protect, love and make it possible for us to see these magnificent beauties.
When I returned to England I adopted a Gorilla called Kundurwanda and also an adoption of the historic silverback Digit.
I will continue to adopt as a way of donating.
While in Rwanda I purchased a beautifully made trekking stick and was given a Gorilla trekking certificate.
Ever since watching the film 'Gorillas in the Mist with Sigoumey Weaver' I wanted to see the Gorillas in their natural surroundings and I wasn't disappointed, it was the best thing I have ever done.
I hope to go back one day and see those beautiful humbling gentle giants again.
I booked a five days tour with my 14 year old son who normally is not too keen on walking long tours or trekking .. above all not with his mom.. but I must say.. this was hilarious.
Bernard was our tour guide and he did not only gave us an amazing overview over the two countries we visited with him (Uganda and Rwanda) but he also made this trip unforgettable by taking care of my son.. he bought him fruits on the road to test (sugar cane and oranges and bananas and sweet corn..) all we needed was taken care of.. such as vegetarian food.. the shortest walk with the closest group.. Bernard even found us some lions in the trees in QENP and a leopard also in the trees..it could not have been better... thank you so much Bernard, thank you so much Nelson for everything!!
Fantastic time.
We had the pleasure of having Geoffrey take us as our guide.
He was very patient in picking us up from Kigali, Rwanda and driving us to Bwindi in Uganda (7 hours).
He also did a great job of making sure we were comfortable and crossed the border okay (Pro tip: Before you come, just get an East African tourist visa for $100 so you don't have to buy a Rwandan one every time you enter).
Price: We paid $1450 for 2 people for a 2 day gorilla trek (meaning one day of transport, next day trek and leave back to Rwanda) and we stayed at the Gorilla Safari Lodge which was a Luxury stay.
For Rwanda, one person basically bought all the permits and jacked up the price to $900 per person because he's planning to build a stay close by.
Quality: Fantastic time.
Geoffrey made sure we were in the short line so we could see Gorillas and get back to Kigali in time.
We were lucky and saw two gorilla families meeting and the males showing dominance.
Then we saw a little baby gorilla and it got so close it tried to pull a woman's sweater and fell off.
Quantity: 3 silverbacks and 3 babies, but one baby up close.
Atmosphere: Beautiful country and landscape.
Staff: Geoffrey and the tour guides were very professional and great.
First off I would like to say how happy I am to see how well these gorillas are protected.
This is a great example of wildlife conservation and animals being able to life freely in their natural environments.
We went on four gorilla treks here and one golden monkey tour.
Each tour is guided by one to two guides that give you a briefing of the Gorilla family you are going to be seeing that day.
These guides seemed very knowledgable and passionate about their jobs.
Seeing these magnificent creatures took my breath away.
You really feel connected to nature in these moments.
The trek themselves can be challenging, but some our easier then others.
They try and match people up in groups based on physical capabilities.
Being there and spending time with the Gorillas was really life changing.
I really think this is something worth seeing!
I had the absolute time of my life on my 5-day trip from Entebbe to Kigali, trekking with chimps and gorillas, seeing lions in QENP, and much more!
I've written a very thorough review with lots of photos on my blog (She Roams Wild) that goes into details, but let me just say I'm so grateful to Nelson for helping me organize this trip, and to Asaph for being such an incredible guide.
Gorilla Trek Africa is nothing but professional, and I can't recommend them highly enough.
I'm so, so happy I chose this company, and would love to take another trip with them in the future!
I signed up with Gorilla Trek Africa about 9 months ago for our trip this past January.
I'm not going to address the gorilla experience (AMAZING with two little guys wanting to be with me!
but rather this company.
Our guide was Krish.
There were only two of us on this trip, and we were truly treated like royalty.
After our rather long gorilla trek in Uganda (7 hours total) my friend's shoe had pretty much fallen apart.
So Krish stopped at a village en route, found a young fellow working away under a tree repairing lots of shoes.
Krish explained our situation and the youngster immediately took the shoe and did a job that made the shoe look better than it had when brand new.
All at a cost of about $3.
None of our requests were out of line for Krish.
When we had a few moments to ourselves our tireless Krish took the car off for a much needed wash.
He was flexible with our schedule - which we wanted.
We learned so much about both Rwanda and Uganda, village life, family life, schools.
So much more beneficial than having an aloof driver/guide.
We laughed, talked politics (always in a pleasant way).
Of course this was a trip of a life time with the trekking to see golden monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees.
But I will forever thank my lucky stars the day I stumbled across Gorilla Trek Africa!
Thank you Krish!
I arranged this trip quite last minute and was traveling alone.
Arranging the logistics of the trip with Nelson went very smooth and I was picked up promptly by my driver Krish at the allocated time.
The excursion was brilliant.
I was travelling alone and Krish looked after me very well.
A 4-5 hour drive across the border to Uganda, we stopped for lunch and then checked into my accommodation which was beautiful.
Seeing the gorillas was amazing and then I was taken back to the lodge to shower and have lunch and then driven back to Kigali.
Everything was organised meticulously and I very felt safe throughout the whole trip.
I would 100% recommend Gorilla Trek Africa (and already have done to other colleagues travelling to the region.)
A friend of mine and I took an excursion from Kigali to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest in Uganda, organized by Gorilla Trek Africa.
Our guide and driver, Geoffrey, was excellent: professional, attentive, knowledgeable.
He took care of every logistical detail.
We were on a tight schedule, flying back to the US the evening of the day of the trek, but everything went smoothly thanks to Geoffrey.
I highly recommend this tour company.
We spent 5 days in beautiful and fascinating Rwanda, transported and guided by wonderful people of Gorilla Trek Africa.
All the arrangements were great, Kigali and the countryside were fascinating, and of course time with the gorillas is almost indescribable.
Eric and our other guides were so gracious, and so informed as they drove and guided us through the city, up into the hills and Volcanoes National Park, and on several side ventures.
My husband and I did a 10 day Rwanda-Uganda double gorilla safari last month with Gorilla Trek Africa.
It was a 5 star experience from start to finish - a totally enjoyable way to check gorilla trekking off of our bucket lisst!
We toured Kigali, visited Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla and golden monkey trekking, went to Queen Elizabeth National Park, did chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, and our last stop was Murchison Falls National Park before departing Entebbe.
First to review the booking process.
Nelson was absolutely incredible throughout the entire process.
He made sure our itinerary included everything we wanted to experience the most during our time there and was honest, helpful, and incredibly patient in answering my MILLION questions about what we might experience in both countries.
He answered all of my emails promptly and provided suggestions and options for every detail.
I also spoke with GTA's US representative, Bill, on the phone and via email on several occasions.
He was incredibly informative and helpful in selecting activities as well.
Nelson provided lodging options based on three different budget ranges, I believe we selected the luxury option for each location and we were incredibly pleased with all of our lodging selections.
Each location was clean, comfortable, had a friendly staff, and great food.
I would feel comfortable saying that probably any place they offer as an option would be a good one.
My only suggestion to them is that it would have been helpful to know that during our community walk, we would have the opportunity to sponsor the local children's education/donate money to the community school - we don't carry much cash when we travel because we've had past experiences being mugged (not in Africa, we felt safe the whole time in Rwanda and Uganda) and felt terrible not having enough money in our cash budget to help them out.
Our guide found us an ATM after, but since the credit card machines at the lodges didn't seem to ever work, we went through cash very quickly and were hesitant to give up what little we had.
By far the greatest part of our trip was our guide, Chris Muhabura :-).
Even the longest 9 hour drive to Murchison Falls went quickly with his friendly conversation.
Chris was very knowledgeable about history and culture of both Rwanda and Uganda.
He also has worked to habituate 3 gorilla families in Uganda and was full of knowledge and stories about these amazing animals that were the highlight of our trip.
He made sure we visited what he believed to be the best families, ones that were incredibly comfortable with humans (we heard other travelers say their families seemed more shy or nervous, ours either ignored us completely or just looked over and ambled by every now and then) and had very active members (we saw tons of playful babies).
Chris also shared many stories and information about his life growing up in Uganda, his family, and the culture around the mountain gorillas.
He is a wonderful person and we enjoyed his company very much!
We felt completely comfortable in the vehicle and around the towns and parks the whole time, and we had some awesome game viewing experiences with him driving - including a newborn giraffe, lionesses in a candelabra tree, and lionesses hunting.
Our itinerary involved A LOT of driving time to get from park to park, which I knew ahead of time.
It got to be exhausting at times, especially with the bad - BUMPY and dusty - roads, but it was worth it to see all the places we visited and the landscape was gorgeous along the way.
Chris stopped at interesting places for rest along the way and helped us buy fruit from roadside vendors a few times, this broke up the monotony of the journey.
I would recommend visiting Rwanda and Uganda with Gorilla Trek Africa to anyone and everyone.
My husband and I found both countries incredibly beautiful, safe, interesting, and full of kind people that are SO appreciative of you being there to support their tourism economy.
The wildlife experiences were the stuff of dreams and Chris, Nelson, Bill, and everyone at GTA were amazing in making our dreams come true!!
Thanks to you all for an amazing experience... Chris, we look forward to seeing you again soon!!!
We had a fantastic time in Uganda & Rwanda thanks to David, our driver&guide, and Nelson and the team at Gorilla Trek Africa!
We just told them what we wanted to see and how long and they tailor made trip for us!
David went out of his way during the game drives to ensure we see the wildlife an the national park (went to Queen Elizabeth in Uganda which was incredible) and we saw much more than other travelers who went with other providers!
The knowledge and contacts they have gathered over the years is remakable and ensures you to never miss a highlight (such as lions during sunset).
The lodges were great too and the Gorilla Trek in Bwindi was just unforgettable!
Thank you again David for everything: as said- you know best :D
I've only just got around to writing this review, but have to say a huge thank you to our guide Arthur for making our Rwanda/Uganda experience so memorable.
Our trip was meticulously planned, our accomodation lovely, food fantastic and wildlife encounters out of this world!
If you are hesitating about parting with the money like we were, don't!
Do it!
It truely is a once in a lifetime experience and unforgettable.
We went at the end of May/June and crowds were small and only three of us on our gorilla trek, so consider going at the turn of low and peak season.
The process couldn't have been any easier.
Nelson helped organized a short trip to Rwanda for me.
He kept a constant, clear and effective line of communication via e-mail from booking to the start of the trip.
Eric is an amazing host and driver.
He collected me at the airport and pointed out key buildings around Kigali as we drove towards Volcanoes National Park.
The drive is long but Eric tells great stories to make it seem shorter.
Have your camera ready because the drive is also scenic.
The next day, Eric arranged a gorilla group and hike tailored to my specifications.
The trek and hour with the gorillas is an amazing experience.
You will not forget the goosebumps when you encounter a few that decide to walk within a couple of meters in front of you.
Later on in the day, Eric arranged a special tour that involved a non-tourist focused village.
It was an authentic look of how the people lived their lives day to day.
Besides the gorillas, the interaction with the locals was the highlight of my trip.
I must have looked back at the video on the plane, at least a dozen times of me dancing with the people.
It brought true joy to my heart.
Before the trip back to the airport, we drove to the genocide meuseum in Kigali.
It was originally closed off due to a state visit for the President of Zambia.
Eric worked his magic, negotiated a bit and got me inside.
I want to thank Gorilla Trek Africa for assisting me of checking this trip off my bucket list.
I felt their price was competitive and fair.
Eric and Nelson were top rank.
Ask for Eric as a host and driver.
You will not regret choosing this team for your tour!
I had a great trip with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Elias was my excellent guide for the journey.
His expertise and connections with people, from park rangers to border guards to local businesses along the route, made the travel very comfortable.
On the way to Uganda from Kigali, we stopped at a local milk bar to taste the amazing (pasteurized, don't be nervous) milk that is a staple in the local diet.
We stopped at a local restaurant buffet popular with locals and travellers where you can taste a wide variety of foods.
Play it safe with beans and rice and beef stew or be adventurous with stewed goat including some interesting chunks of offal.
We also stopped at a local bar so I could taste some rustic sorghum beer.
Elias gets you to the gorilla briefing station early because everyone has an issue.
This means that all of the guides are trying to get their clients into a preferred group based on their fitness, itinerary for the next day, and other preferences.
My issue was that we had to cross the border back into Rwanda for that night's hotel and Elias got me into a group that had a very short hike.
I messed it up by agreeing to switch groups with another hiker and ended up on a seven hour hike.
Then I badly sprained my ankle an hour into the hike.
I saw the gorillas and it was amazing but I was in a lot of pain.
The Five Volcanoes Hotel in Rwanda was great.
I hobbled out of the car and there was some there to take my shoes off for me, give me sandals, and ask me about the injury.
They organized a leg and foot massage in my room, dinner to be delivered to the room, ice for my ankle, hot water bottles for the ankle, and a wake up delivery of coffee for the morning.
I thought I was going to have to forfeit my expensive gorilla permit for the next day because of the injury, but with all the rehab and rest, I was able to get to the gorilla briefing facility where Elias worked his magic and got me into an easy group once again.
The gorilla experience in Rwanda was even more amazing.
We were supposed to go to the Pygmy cultural center after the hike but the hotel was so nice that I decided to just rest my ankle by the pool and enjoy the view of the mountains.
I highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa for your tour.
I rate Grilla Trek on the top of the best for so many reason including our wonderful guide William KiryeI.
I can not say enough things about this company and what they provided us for this once in a life time adventure.
After doing quite a bit of on line research while planning my trip I saw that many companies offered basically the same itinerary.
The difference between many of the other companies and Gorilla Trek were many were twice as expensive while not offering anything more.
I think part of that had to do with Gorilla Trek being an African based company.
Locally owned and operated, which I considered a major plus.
Gorilla Trek also had somebody from the states call me who was very knowledgable to answer any questions I had and he stayed available as a liaison.
Most of the other companies did not call me all when I inquired and when they did had such thick accents it was hard to communicate.
Bill in the states calling me had a big impact on my choosing this company over others.
Once we arrived we would be picked up by an exceptional young man by the name of William.
Our guide for the two weeks we were there.
William was warm, welcoming knowledgable, professional, funny and a delight to spend our two weeks with.
We felt we had made a life long friend in William.
He was very protective of us not that we needed it Uganda seemed very safe but William made sure we were taken care of at all times.
His knowledge of his countries culture, history, geology, geography and the incredible wild life he had was hard to fathom in a 27 year old man.
William navigated the bumpy dirt roads that we drove on through over a thousand villages like the pro that he is.
William has a passion for birds and could name by site sound, nesting behavior etc about 80% of the approximately 1,100 birds that make Uganda their home.
The experience of being in Uganda itself and going to 5 national parks seeing the animals and getting to know the people of course was unforgettable.
We trekked the Sabyinyo group consisting of 17 gorillas including the oldest known Silverback in Rwanda.
To watch them up close as they ate, played, chest pounded, interacted, communicated, etc.
was mesmerizing.
An adolescent female grabbed my leg, briefly, like it was a tree branch and later brushed up against me two other times.
I felt so lucky!!
Although we had seen so many wonderful, memorable things during our African vacation, the mountain gorilla trek was by far the BEST!!!
Trip of a lifetime, organised well in advance but the wait was worth it.
Used a specialist firm (Expert Africa who were excellent) to arrange everything but local guide Alex was fantastic - drove round pretty much the whole country in his company and a great source of knowledge.
Beautiful country and worth the trouble getting there and the inoculations required.
Incredible trekking into the Forrest to see the gorillas - amazing experience.
Not suited for kids in my view.
Couldn't believe we could get so close and whilst we had to stay back you can't tell a Gorilla that and they seemed as interested in us as we were them and were so calm in our company.
You have to be in awe of these creatures - truly incredible and one for the bucket list.
Hire a local porter to carry your bags and put some money back in the economy - only $10 or so.
Any photos will just not do it justice.
Just got back from a 10 day trip in Uganda.
We didn't know what to expect as it was our first time in Africa, but we really LOVED the experience.
We used Kampala as our home base and made excursions to Bwindi for the Gorilla trecking, Ginga to raft on the Nile river and to Murchison falls for a safari.
All of these activities were amazing.
Everything was well planned and organized.
We spent a lot of time driving around to each of these places, but our excellent guide Gavis kept things interesting with numourous stories.
I'd highly recommend booking a trip with this company!
It is the most amazing experience I've ever had.
I loved my trek-although I was in worse shape than I'd realized (thanks to a sinus infection) and should've opted for an easier trek.
Prepare to get muddy, hire (at least one) porter, and enjoy being face to face with amazing creatures.
To be honest, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy the trip.
I went because I could & am so glad I did.
This will doubtless be one of the best experiences of my life.
Just finished a spectacular 10-day trip with Gorilla Trek Africa!
It really couldn't have been better - we visited the gorillas, went rafting on the Nile and visited Murchison Falls for a few days safari.
Everything massively exceeded my boyfriend and my expectations.
Quite a few long car journeys, but we knew there would be from the start as it was the only way to do all the activities we wanted, and it was totally worth it!
The beautiful Ugandan landscape helped keep the drives interesting, and we were fortunate enough to have Gavis as our guide who was truly excellent.
Not only is he just genuinely fun to be around, but he's also very open and eager to share interesting curiosa about ugandan culture and history.
Definitely a trip and tour company we'd strongly recommend!
Very professional and well organised.
A big thanks to Nelson and the whole team too!
I cannot say enough good things about Gorilla Trek Africa and our guide driver Luchi Williams.
We saw so much more than we expected on our tour; three groups of gorillas with a total of 41 individuals; chimpanzees, hundreds of elephants, hippos, buffalo, kob and water buck; lions (including tree lions), zebra, golden monkeys, velvet monkeys, blue monkeys, baboons, rhinos, leopards, giraffe, Patas monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys, and many more.
William was the perfect match for us.
He was a safe driver, spoke easy to understand English, and patiently answered hundreds of questions we had on the culture, wildlife, agriculture, appropriate tippling, etc.
He knew of my interest in Ankole cattle and drove off the beaten path to get me some great photos of these beautiful animals.
He made sure we had lots of water and plenty of travel stops.
He helped us get treks appropriate for our abilities.
He always checked out our accommodations to make sure they were to our liking.
GTA's prices were very competitive, and Nelson was always quick to respond to all my inquiries.
We (2 couples) had a great time.
Our guide for the week plus was Fred.
Fred is a wonderful guide and driver.
He was well knowleable about the Rwanda and Uganda.The roads were under some construction and Fred avoided a lot of potholes and such.
airlines failed to deliver my luggage and refused to deliver it to our Gorilla Camp some miles from the airport.
Fred and the owners of the camp talk to the airport by tele and they released my luggage.
The Camp staff drove back to the airport to get my luggage.
Fred is a good guy and a good guide.
Both countries are beautiful and so are its residents.
I will not forget this trip in that we got close to goreillas,chimpanzee,golden monkeys and rhinoceros.
My friend and I had a once in a lifetime experience on our 5 day Trek.
Gorilla Trek Africa was very professional throughout the entire process.
Nelson, who I dealt with for booking was excellent to work with.
Our driver, William was helpful, punctual, and professional.
He helped with extras including taking us for local currency, taking me to get my hiking boot fixed after the sole fell off, and generally making our experience even more enjoyable.
We covered a lot of territory in the vehicle in 5 days and we greatly appreciated William's driving skills.
Our hikes to see the Gorilla's was all and more I had hoped for.
Just being in the forest and on the mountain habitat was amazing, but actually being close up with the Gorilla families was everything.
I'm still reliving it, and thankfully have wonderful pictures for my memories.
Thank you Nelson and the team for making our dreams come true.
We just returned from a two week trip and it was absolutely amazing.
Our guide Gavis was beyond great.
Extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with, which is important when you are with him all day for 2 weeks.
We did 4 treks, a Gorilla and Golden Monkey in Rwanda and a Gorilla and Chimpanzee trek in Uganda.
I know the fees charged by the governments are high especially the Rwanda gorilla trek, but it is a once in a lifetime trip and we are thrilled we did them all.
The gorilla trek in Rwanda required some climbing and you need to be on good physical condition.
In addition to the treks, we went on game drives looking for and finding a variety of animals.
By visiting villages we learned about culture and way of life.
All organized by the company and our guide.
All of the lodges Gorilla Trek Africa used were great.
The rooms were very clean, the food was great and the service was outstanding.
The views were breathtaking.
The company is extremely well organized and was attentive to our needs.
As I said above, we loved our guide Gavis and found dealing with the manager, Nelson, a pleasure.
He got back to us very promptly and was attentive to our questions, needs and issues.
If you are going to take this type of adventure, Gorilla Trek Africa is the company to use.
Gorilla Trek Africa provided me the trip of a lifetime!
I was impressed with the service, Geoffrey was great, passionate and knowledgeable.
Nelson was always available to help out, even when the hotel forgot to pick me up he sorted it out at a moments notice!
Despite doing it on my own, I never felt unsafe or threatened in any way.
Geoffrey even dropped me off at my hostel after the trek was done in Kigali!
Gorilla Mist lodge was a lovely accommodation, and just be careful that if you're going to Uganda (Bwindi) from Rwanda and back to Kigali, make sure you've got multiple single entry visas, or the East African visa so you don't have to be held up at the Gatuna border having to pay USD$30 for visas (had to wait for around 30 minutes, but it wasn't a busy day!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Incredible experience, well looked after and incredibly accommodating.
Would totally recommend to anyone interested, and would do it all over again with them.
Thanks for providing the experience of a lifetime!
Booking with Gorilla Trek Africa was easy over email as Nelson is extremely responsive.
Our guide, Elvis, was at our hotel waiting for us on the first day as expected and over our 2 day trip with him he was very friendly and adaptable to whatever we needed (i.e.
bathroom stops, etc.
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Also helped us understand a bit about life in Rwanda and Uganda.
The actual gorilla portion of the trip was absolutely incredible and so worth the detour and money!
Would absolutely recommend using Gorilla Trek Africa.
Highly recommend!
Arranged my visit with Nelson via email.
He is quick to respond and is very informative.
Because of work I flew into Kigali and stayed at the Marriott, excellent hotel.
Due to the trekking permit cost in Rwanda, $1500.00 USD/day, Nelson recommended driving to Bwindi National Park in Uganda, half the price.
Nelson provided the car and driver also set up our accommodations for one night in Uganda at the Gorilla Mist Lodge.
The drive is approximately 4 1/2 hrs depending on how busy the boarder crossing is.
Which in itself is an interesting experience.
Enos was our driver and did an excellent job as a driver and tour guide.
Do get your East African Tourist Visa before arriving $100USD, I did not and had to pay $30 each time entering Rwanda and $50 entering Uganda.
All cash.
Causes a little delay at the Uganda/Rwanda boarder.
All in all it was a wonderful experience.
Kigali is a beautiful City, impeccably clean and safe.
The people are warm and friendly.
Tourist Support is imperative!!
My husband and I have just returned from a wonderful trip to Rwanda and Uganda.Having lived in another African country for 17 years I think Gorilla Trek Africa is one of the most efficient companies operating in Africa.
From the outset Nelson was prompt in his email replies suggesting and then arranging our itinerary.Peter our guide for three days was friendly, informative and looked after us extremely well.We cannot recommend GTA highly enough.Spending time with the Gorillas is certainly an experience of a life time ...just do it !!!
What an incredible experience.
From the start, emailing Nelson to the drop off at or hotel in Kigali it was a seamless and positive experience.
Norman was our guide and he was a really fun and educated guide.
He was always punctual and waiting with a smile.
The first day we were taken to the Genocide Museum which I think is a must for anyone visiting Rwanda as it plays such an important, yet bitterly tragic part of their history.
Seeing the Gorillas was an amazing experience, I almost couldn't believe it was real when we saw our first Silverback.
The hike to the Amahoro tribe (the tribe we tracked) was a good 2 hours with about 90mins of that up hill through thick jungle.
The trackers and guides are awesome making it as safe and easy as possible.
You can get a porter to carry your bag if you would like.
Once you find the Gorillas you are there for an hour ( they don't like more than 1hr human interaction with the Gorillas daily).
Be prepared to get up close an personal.
I had the chief Silverback walk toward me meaning I had to drop down into bushes to get out of his way.
Nonetheless he still managed to put his big right hand on my thigh.
A massive adrenaline rush.
This is a once in a lifetime experience (although hopefully not!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
If you want to get very close to wild Gorillas in the African jungle it's a MUST DO!
I would recommend gorilla trek Africa to anyone.
Tip: the jungle has stinging nettles so take proper hiking attire, boots and gloves.
Our driver Norman was excellent from picking us up at our hotel, driving us 3 hours to the National Park and being on top of all of our Gorilla/monkey/additional activities.
He was a fun guy to be around and was also very informative about Rwanda and the gorillas.
Nelson was always very quick to reply to emails and easy to communicate with when booking the trip.
Seeing the Gorillas was an absolutely amazing experience.
We tracked the Amahoro family which was a 30min walk through farmland before hiking 1.5 hours up the mountain.
There were only 4 people in our group and we all got to spend plenty of time with the gorillas, seeing two silver backs.
I would recommend to everyone!!
We are just returning from 2 weeks Gorilla Treking in Rwanda & Uganda.
Our experience with Gorilla Trek Africa was outstanding.
Our guide Gavis was extremely capable, knowledgeable, and compassionate.
We spent two weeks with him & felt so cared for.
He helped in so many ways to make our trip so special.
We have had many guides in our world travels- he ranks among the best!
Nelson, the manager & Mr. Wilbur, the owner were extremely concerned about pleasing us.
We preferred Our Trek in Uganda which is good because the price has now doubled in Rwanda.
We loved Five Volcanoes Lodge & Mahogany Springs - both lodges we Gorilla treked from.
The Myena lodge in Queen Elizabeth was beautiful.
Our favorite lodge by far was Kyianga in Fort Portal.
I'd recommend staying there at least three nights.
The lodge is magnificent & the staff is 5 stars.
We hiked to see the chimps, swam in Crater Lake & did a beautiful bird walk with their bird expert Simon.
We wouldn't recommend Lake Byouni Eco Lodge & after our Guide called Nelson they won't be using them.
We also wouldn't recommend Ishasha River Lodge.
The new managers don't treat the guides respectfully - not allowing them to join their guests in the main area.
Thy also lacked flexibility around meal times, laundry etc.
Gavis, our guide called Nelson & Wilbur to update them about each experience.
If you are wanting to go Gorilla Treking, look no further than Gorilla Trek Africa!
This was a first class experience.
From the point our driver picked us up in Kigali until he returned us there I felt like we were with a trusted friend.
Eric took all the time needed to answer our questions and really educated us on Rwanda's recent history.
A stop at the Genocide Museum on the way out of Kigali gave us a sobering appreciation for just how far this nation has come in the past 23 years.
Another brief stop at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Int'l building really laid a great foundation for the encounter with gorilla family the following day.
The hike up the mountain wasn't an easy one, but you are part of a very organized crew of guide, porters, and finally the trackers.
The latter spend a lot of time monitoring the various families and can basically guarantee you will see the gorillas at the end of your hike.
The 1 hour we were given to visit was full of exciting and marvelous activity; especially the younger gorillas.
The next day was another thrilling event to family of approx.
200 Golden Monkeys.
This trek is to a much altitude and a lot easier to accomplish, but the amazing feeling of being surrounded by the constantly active animals was one of the best things I have ever experienced.
Thanks to GTA for their fine coordination and flawless execution.
The gorillas themselves are amazing - lots of reviews talk about that.
But here are a few things I didn't know about this process: 1) Biggest Suggestion: do at least 2 hikes.
We only did one and regret it.
You go all this way and the first time you see them you are focused on pictures and trying to take it all in, but it doesn't feel real.
I would have liked to have had 1 more experience now that I know what to expect.
2) You meet together first thing in the morning and all of the tour guides (the one that drove you here) work with the Trekking people to assign you to groups.
So it is important that your driver/guide knows which gorilla group you want to see.
3) The descriptions on the website about how hard it is to get to the gorilla's don't always match reality.
We selected the Susa because it was one of the largest families and the description was that they were very far/harder to get to.
The hard part was the 45+ minute drive to the starting point.
Then we did about a 1.5 hour hike - not an easy hike but not hard - to where they were.
So if you are looking for an easy hike or a hard hike or a far hike, tell that to your driver so he/she can pick appropriately.
4) Wear gaiters and gloves if your hike will take you through the nettles layer.
which you really wont know until you get there - so just wear them.
5) No matter what family you get assigned to, there are only 8 tourists per group 6) The porters carry your stuff but also help you in the trickier parts if needed.
They are reformed poachers so supporting them supports the Gorillas.
Overall, this is a well run process that ensures the gorillas are least impacted while allowing us to experience them fully!
It's not just about the trek.
It's about knowing when you deposit thousands into an East African bank account it is used for your dream adventure.
It's about knowing the visit permits will be booked on the day you specified as they are very restricted.
It's also about communication and here Nelson (info@rwandagorilla.com) excels.
Over a 9 month period over 50 emails were exchanged right up to the day we left (News Years Day).
All were answered promptly.
This is a huge financial and logistical commitment and its crucial to be sure.
In addition we had a major 'complication' yet Nelson was able to sort it out via communication to the Rangers.
We finished the trek early so Nelson arranged the second night on Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort (Kyahugye Island).
An unexpected but appreciated addition to the tour.
This is how Gorilla Trek stay on top.
Don't be complacent and innovate.
The experience was awesome.
Two metres from a female and a baby doing baby stuff; somersaults and annoying the adults.
The silver-back did what it did best, playing the grumpy leaders role.
This review is long overdue, but I had an amazing experience with Gorilla Trek Africa from my first of many emails with Nelson to the actual trekking experience.
My schedule was constantly shifting, but everyone was so patient, communicative, and flexible.
I came from Burundi, flew to Rwanda, and then in one day drove to Uganda and back to Rwanda to see the gorillas.
Bob was my driver extraordinaire and a gem to spend hours in the car with.
Kind, funny, and extremely knowledgeable, he was the best!
My trek was very short...I think we walked maybe 5 minutes before we saw the gorillas while others trekked deeper into the forest.
My one piece of advice is to be very explicit with what type of trek you want because at the beginning all the visitors for the day are divided into different groups that will go visit the different bands of gorillas (Also, a group of gorillas is apparently called a band--thanks Bob!
so some go longer distances and some very short.
Overall it was incredible and I wish I could rewind time and do it all over again.
We enjoyed a 3-night tour of Rwanda with our guide and driver, Enos.
Enos is a safe driver, knowledgeable, courteous, and great company.
He taught us about the history of Rwanda and the genocide in case we didn't have time to visit the Kigali Genocide Menorial, which we squeezed in a visit to after all.
We went on two gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park and Enos negotiated our groups for us.
We visited Sabyinyo group and Amahoro group, both awesome viewings of the mountain gorillas!
We also went on a golden monkey trek, which was great fun watching these active animals in the forest.
Enos also took us to a cultural village for a tour, interactions and souvenirs.
It was kind of silly but entertaining.
Enos dined with us most meals and we enjoyed his company.
What a great guide and tour.
Rwanda is beautiful and we recommend this company.
Nelson was also very easy to correspond with via email in planning the trip, and in arranging all of the details.
Thank you so much for making our once in a lifetime adventure so special.
You were so knowledgeable and friendly and we were so lucky to see a family of 28 gorillas.
Thank you once again Norman.
My husband and I did a 3 day gorilla trek tour with gorilla trek Africa and it was fantastic.
Robert Elvis was our guide and we had the most amazing time!!
We started in Kigali and drove to bwindi jungle lodge which is simply beautiful right on a lake.
Robert took us on a walk around the villages nearby and it was so wonderful to meet local people.
The following day we went trekking in bwindi in the rushaga area with the gorillas!!!
Such a surreal experience!
Would highly recommend gardening gloves for the trek.
It was a real jungle experience which was great!
Would recommend a porter too.
Driving back from our trek, we randomly heard singing in the villages outside our car so Robert stopped for us to see a local Twa family practicing different songs and dances.
So wonderful to see!!!
Back at the lodge, we went for a canoe ride and met more local people.
We had brought little gifts from Australia to give to the kids and seeing their faces so happy was magical.
We finished off with a delicious dinner at the lodge.
Staff at the lodge were wonderful.
Our final day we headed back to Kigali and had a city tour to local markets, hotel Rwanda and the genocide memorial which was well worth it.
We cannot thank Robert Elvis enough for making our trip so enjoyable.
He did everything in his power to make our trip the best ever and suitable for us.
He got us local foods to try and was always happy to pull over for photos or anything else we wanted.
Robert is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his job.
We are so grateful to have had him as our guide.
I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Robert Elvis to anyone coming to Uganda or Rwanda.
Gorilla trek Africa was great to book through as they will cater to whatever your needs or want may be!
We chose Gorilla Trek Africa for our 4 day adventure to Rwanda.
We were not disappointed.
Our guide, Eric, was absolutely fantastic.
He was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and ensured that we were always comfortable.
Eric went above and beyond for us, and when I told him that I planned to propose to my now fiance on the Dian Fossey trek he arranged a bottle of champagne for us and a wonderful reception out our lodge after the festivities.
I can't finish this review without mentioning the gorilla trek - it was something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Gorilla Trek Africa made our dreams come true.
Very highly recommend GTA, and definitely request for Gavis to be your guide!
has got gorilla trekking (and more!
down to a tee.
You will deal with a very professional and responsive booking team (Nelson).
He will suggest an itinerary that suits your requirements and will ensure you have all the necessary information for your trip (even including a packing list)!
Each group booking is assigned a guide who will look after you from your designated pick-up and drop-off location.
Our guide Gavis was incredible - he was organised, knowledgeable, helpful and has a great sense of humour.
Gavis was also very accommodating to our requests (e.g.
a shopping detour following delayed luggage).
Thank you for such a great 4 days Gavis!
If I were to be pernickety and do the tour again, the only thing I would change is the packed lunch, as it's slightly limited in terms of options for vegetarians.
Just check with your lodging the previous evening and they should be able to accommodate your requests.
Enjoy!
Encounters with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, if you're up for a moderate forest hike.
Gorilla Trek Africa (GTA) provided transportation from the Kigali airport to the hotel and back again (we stayed at 5 Volcanos -- more about that later), then to and from the park area where you're dropped off by your GTA guide.
You're then put in groups by the park guides and the guides escort you up the mountain and supervise the gorilla trek and encounter.
The GTA guide was not with us for the trek.
There are local porters and walking sticks available for $10/porter.
If you're not sure-footed they're very helpful.
The GTA Guide picks you up after the trek and brings you back to your hotel.
Our GTA guide Bobby Joe (or something like that) did a great job of telling us about the history and culture in Rwanda.
He also dropped us off and picked us back up from the Genocide Museum on the way up the mountain.
We paid for deluxe accommodations, but the first of 2 nights at the 5 Volcanos hotel but we had crappy rooms the first night.
After we complained to Nelson from GTA we got the better room the second night.
If we had it to do over we'd make sure we were getting the deluxe rooms.
The hotel provided gaiters, so you don't need to bring your own.
We went in third week of September, the weather was cool but comfortable.
The dining room is covered, but with half-walls.
The food was good considering where we were.
The one thing that was scary was paying for the trip.
requires a 40% downpayment by wire transfer from your bank or a 5% surcharge on a credit card.
Moneygram and Western Union probably won't work because they're worried about fraud.
You can pay the balance when you arrive, but you'll have to pay by credit card and pay the 5% surcharge.
The GTA pricing includes the very expensive state-issued permits.
When we purchased our trip we got under the wire and only paid $700 per permit.
I understand the permit prices have since increased.
Considering this eco-tourism is one of the primary income sources for a terribly pour country, perhaps you can justify the cost for this incredible animal encounter.
Be prepared to be amazed.
Not that it matters, but if I remember correctly, GTA is owned by an Indian, not by Rwandans.
So worth experiencing!!!
These treks helps the locals and aids in preserving these magnificent animals!!
Both rangers and porters take excellent care of your safety.
Definitely would do it again!!!
A priceless adventure!!
We have just got back from a 7 day safari in Rwanda and Uganda with GTA - it was an amazing trip.
Nelson was very easy to work with in the organisation of the trip, very promptly answering emails to answer questions and giving us help when needed.
Kenneth our driver was the best!
He was a knowledgable guide and looked after us all week.
A very careful driver, he had so many contacts in the parks we visited which proved useful when looking for lions in trees!
We were very lucky and managed to see everything we hoped we might see including baby gorillas, elephants, hippos, baby chimpanzees and lion cubs in trees.
We would recommend GTA to anyone thinking of going on safari in Uganda or Rwanda.
Thank you Nelson and Kenneth!
Gorilla Trek Africa were great in helping me arrange my visit to the Volcanoes National Park.
I contacted them about 3 weeks before my trip to Rwanda and within a few days we had managed to agree on an itinerary that worked for me.
Their fee included pick up from my hotel in Kigali, and the 3 hour drive to Ruhengeri and back , the stay at the Volcanoes Hotel in Ruhengeri including meals, and arrangements for the gorilla trek permit.
We started the day with a very sobering visit to the Genocide Memorial in Kigali.
The young tour guide Elias was with me during the 2-day trip.
He was very conscientious, and drove very carefully to the park and back.
I would recommend using this company for visiting the national parks in Rwanda.
This has been a life long goal for me to see the great Silverback Gorillas.
My main contact Nelson was awesome and always responded to my emails the same day and even just a few minutes after I sent the email.
I discussed with him seeing the Gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda.
He recommended Uganda due to the substantial increase in park fees for Rwanda.
We booked through Gorilla Trek and our first guide could not make it so Nelson sent Gavis.
If you need a guide make sure it is Gavis.
He is very knowledgeable with the two countries and was a pleasure to talk too throughout our trip.
We stayed at Gorilla Mist Lodge and the accommodations were nice and the staff was very nice and helpful.
The Trek was awesome and we saw two males and a bunch of female gorillas all very close.
It was great experience and highly recommend them for you Gorilla Trek and make sure you ask for Gavis as your guide.
The first time my husband and I traveled to East Africa, we chose to coordinate our trip through a Western company because we ignorantly thought it would be more efficient to make arrangements with an agency in our time zone.
Since it was our second time in Africa, we felt more confident and comfortable traveling this time around and wanted to try and book directly with a local company in the region.
I am so happy we did!
Gorilla Trek Africa is EVERYTHING we could have ever asked for in a tour company.
Since the very first email I sent, Nelson was superb.
Communication was extremely prompt and thorough and we were able to coordinate everything through email.
We originally sent emails to a few local companies, but GTA had the most helpful and fast response times of any of the companies we reached out to, so it made it a pretty easy decision.
I was also thrilled/relieved to find a company that was willing to tailor and customize an itinerary to our exact requests.
While they do offer sample itineraries you can choose from if you prefer someone else handle the planning, they were incredibly flexible with me when I wanted to deviate and craft my own.
In fact, I did all the research of what I wanted to see and do in the allotted dates of our trip and then I gave to Nelson our desired itinerary and he was completely accommodating!
He then simply executed what I proposed and within our constraints.
We went through a couple drafts together, and he helped me tweak the order of activities a little based upon what made more sense logistically, but overall, you should have full control to select all of your own activities and time frame!
In terms of the actual trip itself, we made memories of a lifetime!
If you can, I would request William K. (they have two Williams) as your guide.
He was so fun, friendly, entertaining, and enjoyable to be with and we couldn't imagine having anyone else to share in our gorilla journey with us.
He was a terrific guide, but even more so, we felt like by the end of our trip, we left as friends.
We highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa, and we have already recommended them to all of our group members we met climbing Kilimanjaro during our first trip to Africa.
It is really a once in a lifetime experience.
After a briefing at the base, we drove by our Landrover the starting point.
Equipped with nice walking sticks the started your trail to the Vulcans.
Our great guide Augustin gave us some last instruction about the behaver on site.
After one hour walk they just have been in front of us.
The silver back, his tree wives and one baby of the Mahusa family are ready to meet us.
We have not been to close (a couple of meters).
However, when silver back moves to another location, he might be just next to you.
Just don't move!
I guaranty this moment I will not forget.
We booked our Rwanda trip through Gorilla Trek Africa and it was excellent.
Nelson was our contact person.
He was always quick to reply to emails and a pleasure to work with.
Our driver was Andrew and he took very good care of our family.
He met us at the airport and was with us for 4 days.
arranged all of our permits to see the gorillas as well as the golden monkeys.
Both were extraordinary adventures we will always remember.
Book early as they only allow 80 people per day to see the gorillas.
Highly recommended!
I wanted to go to Rwanda for a long time.
I decided to go as a solo female traveler.
I was a bit apprehensive at first, but everything went so smoothly and I felt so safe with this company and my guide, Eric.
I was picked up timely, and Eric was a very safe driver.
I booked two gorilla treks, as well as a couple of days in Nyungwe.
The Gorilla treks were challenging, and I almost wanted to give up after the first one, but Eric encouraged me not to.
I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this trip.
Thanks!
We booked a one night trip.
We had amazing communication even after we sent 20+ emails.
Gorilla Trek Africa setup a driver to pick us up.
Little did we know Elias would change our lives.
He picked us up at the airport, got us to our hotel and picked us up in the morning.
In his hushed tone, we learned about Rwanda and it's peoples history.
We got great pictures on our drive to Uganda, had an easy night and then saw a giant clan of gorillas after a beautiful hike.
Elias also arranged a village tour which all of our hike mates were jealous of.
Thank you Elias.
The experience was magical.
The 3 day gorilla trek plus golden Monkeys and the visit of the village of the friends of the Mountain Gorillas was a unique experience that will remain in our memories forever!
A well organized trip, a very friendly and competent tour guide.
Gorilla Trek Africa made the initial registration process for this trek quick and simple.
The Gorilla trekking was marvellous and exceeded my expectations.
My guide Krish was exceptional, knew his role very well, took good care of me and made great emphasis on safety.
The trekking guides and rangers were also very experienced which made the trek safe and enjoyable.
Highly recommended!
I had very little time to plan this spontaneous trip and from the first phone conversation this company could answer all my questions and helped me book a 4 day Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trek Tour in less than a week on a mid-range budget.
The service was very professional and they responded to every email and phone call promptly.
They provided all transportation in a private safari SUV.
I booked 2 Gorilla Treks...one in Rwanda and the other in Uganda.
Both were very different treks and well worth the travel.
This is a must do bucket list trip and one not to forget!
The gorilla trek is on the border of Rwanda, Uganda and DRC Congo.
The best trek I've had so far.
The one in Rwanda is at the Volcanoes National Park with a chain of 8 volcanoes and a wonderful landscape.
The gorilla trek is quite expensive at $1500 per person.
GTA is an amazing company that put together a customized tour that included Chimpanzee, Mountain Gorilla and Golden Monkey treks, game drives and Dian Fossey hike.
Nelson put together such a great itinerary with amazing accommodation and Douglas was our driver.
Douglas was so fun, he really made our trip comfortable and safe!
I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a customized itinerary through the heart of Africa.
I have just completed a five days tour with GTA in Rwanda and Uganda which included gorilla and golden monkey trekking and game drives.
From the moment I contacted GTA, they (Nelson) were always quick to reply (actually the quickest one).
We went a couple rounds back and forth with clarifications, but they were providing quality feedback and helped me compose/select an itinerary which included all I hoped for.
The accommodation options that GTA gave to me and which I selected from where all very good for the price level I selected (Chimpanze Guest House, Enganzi Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp and Da Vinci Lodge).
On the road I was given a driver, Gavis, who also doubled as a guide.
It turned out that I was really lucky with the guide.
He was very knowledgeable and helpful and understood what foreign travelers like and don't like without me having to spell it out.
I really enjoyed his company on the road, and I can highly recommend him as a guide.
In short, I am very satisfied with the service GTA provided, and I can highly recommend them to others.
Gorilla Trek Africa's Asaph was the dream guide.
Knowledgeable, interesting, kind and capable, he drove serenely and safely on the Rwandan and Ugandan roads, always ready to point out things of interest and stop for us to take photos, happy to divert from the route to show us something extraordinary, shepherding us through the border crossings, and making sure that our trip would be totally unforgettable.
Not only did we see the gorillas, but afterwards Asaph took us on a walk around the village where we saw not an artificial version of Ugandan village life organised for tourists, but the realities of a community living far from the amenities that people like us take for granted, reliant on their own resources for all that they need.
He even made time for a visit to the Genocide Memorial on our return to Kigali, for which I was so grateful.
At all times he was totally on our side, with advice on how to maximise the interest of our trip while minimising unnecessary spending... Like being in the care of your handsome, skilful, knowledgeable elder brother who's looking out for you 24 hours a day!
Thank you for a fantastic trip.
Nelson was very quick to respond to my initial email about gorilla trekking, and very prompt with all of my follow up questions.
The suggested itinerary and accommodation was just what we were looking for and a great price.
It was completely hassle free to organise.
Our guide for the visit was Enos, and what a pleasure he was - great fun to chat to, very knowledgeable and very flexible as well (e.g., we had already visited the genocide museum so he took us to a different memorial which was very interesting).
Highly recommend
We enjoyed a superb trek into Volcanoes National Park to spend an hour with the gorillas.
A superb experience never to be forgotten.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative.
It is well worth hiring a porter for many reasons.
Firstly, they carry your stuff - in my case very heavy camera gear.
They help you throughout when things get tricky underfoot - my porter kept me on my feet in slippery mud more times than I could count.
Also, you are providing them with employment for the day for $10.
Plus you are helping to prevent poaching as the majority of the porters are ex-poachers and by employing them you are helping to keep them from returning to poaching.
Thats a lot of benefits for a very small cost.
This was truly a life changing experience and should not be missed!
My guide, Krysh, was amazing from the moment he picked me up at my hotel in Kigali.
The two day journal went off smoothly, including the transport across the border into Uganda.
The lodge accommodations and meals were excellent and the gorilla trek was beyond words.
We got to sit with a family of gorillas for an hour and were within feet of them.
Krysh throughout the journey was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and I can't recommend him enough.
If you are in this part of the world do not miss this opportunity.
And definitely ask for Krysh as your guide!
Visited large local market in Kigali then Genicide Museum both with local guide from Gorilla Trek called Gavin.
Great bloke!
Lots local knowledge, gentle, trustworthy and fun too!
Then we visited the gorillas in Volcano Park on day 2.
Again a stunning trip - much more exciting and enlightening than I had imagined.
National Park guides were superb.
Then back to Kigali after delicious lunch at Gorilla Solutuins Lodge.
Would definitely recommend
We had a very good trip, departing from Kigali on Saturday morning, across the border into Uganda to Bwindi forest.
We stayed the night at the Gorilla Mist Camp, which was very pleasant, friendly, and quiet.
On the Sunday morning we did the trekking to a family of 10 gorillas, which included two silverbacks.
We got up close to the gorillas and had the opportunity to take great pictures.
Sunday afternoon we returned back to Kigali.
The guides, the camp staff, and the hotel staff was great, very friendly and helpful.
Elias, our driver from GTA, was very helpful and had good advice and information.
Benson and our other guides in the forest was very informative and did a lot to promote the conservation of the park and the gorillas.
They do a lot to get the local community involved with the conservation.
Really a worthwhile experience.
Can ask to have Easy, Moderate, or Hard trek.
Although, you may not be able to get a less than one hour hike to see gorillas by starting on an easier hike you may not be so exhausted when you find them.
Be aware you're at a higher altitude and unless you're young (we are in our 60's) and EXCEPTIONALLY fit then these treks can be challenging to downright difficult.
Had a great porter.
Unfortunately, I forgot his name.
All of the guides, porters, etc.
were exceptionally helpful.
The three G's of our exciting, amazing, inspiring, and successful gorilla trek with GTA: Gorillas; Gavis; and, Great planning by the company.
The Gorillas: There aren't enough superlatives to describe the experience of sitting with a gorilla family, even for a brief hour.
That these magnificent - and fragile - inhabitants of our planet survive encroachment, poaching, and other threats to their well-being is enough to warrant our admiration and support.
For those fortunate enough to have the means and opportunity to make a trek like this, the trek provides a reminder and inspiration to advocate for their survival, their flourishing, and the support of the communities and cultures in whose midst they live and - in no small part - on whom the gorillas depend for safety and well-being.
Gavis: We are really glad that we formed our small trek team with Gavis as our guide for the two-day trek.
From the time he picked us up at the hotel in Kigali, driving us the 5 hours each way, fielding what seemed like an infinite number of geographic and cultural questions, and joining us in hours of conversation, Gavis was all we could hope for to make our trip complete.
He is a conscientious driver, knowledgable landmark guide, patient photo enabler, effective border crossing facilitator, and overall great cultural ambassador (for both Rwanda and Uganda).
Having spent the better part of two days together, he seems to have the perfect disposition and skillset to make the trek a completely enjoyable.
Great Planning by GTA: Quite literally EVERYTHING was thought out and planned in advance.
To the degree that all the details could be ironed out in advance, we can't recall running across anything that was unexpected (save the sheer awesomeness of the gorillas).
Based in no small part on Trip Advisor, we made our reservation from the US.
has a rep in the US, with whom we were able to speak to address our questions, in addition to clear, comprehensive information in the e-mails we exchanged with Nelson in-country.
We chose to stay at the Gorilla Safari Lodge and everything was seamless there as well.
I have just returned from a fabulous 12 day trip to Rwanda and Uganda organised by Gorilla Trek Africa.
Nelson is very professional and responded to my numerous queries and itinerary adjustments promptly.
He was very clear about the much higher costs associated with gorilla trekking in Rwanda vs Uganda, although I chose to do both anyway.
My guide, William Kirye, is extremely knowledgeable about all of the fauna and flora we encountered during the trip, with birds being his particular speciality.
He provided excellent information on all of the places we visited and went out of his way to ensure that my trip was a truly memorable experience.
We met several other guides from the same company along the way and all demonstrated the same level of professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring their clients had a wonderful holiday.
The vehicle we travelled in was well maintained and ideally suited for the terrain.
We had 1 minor mechanical issue (not surprising given the state of some of the roads, particularly in the mountains) which was dealt with expediently and without any drama.
All of the accommodation that was booked (I chose mid-range) has been specifically selected based on the high standard of the facilities, service and food provided.
I would not hesitate to recommend Gorilla Trek Africa and look forward to booking my next trip to Rwanda and Uganda with them in the near future.
After a short business trip in Kenya, I flew to Rwanda hoping to spend a day or two in Kigali for a short city break.
A couple of weeks before going I realized how close to the Gorillas I was going to be - and looked for a tour company who could me conveniently visit the gorillas whilst helping me respect my very tight schedule (24 hours in Rwanda).
Due to these positive reviews on TripAdvisor, I enquired with Gorilla Trek on what options were available.
Nelson quickly came back to me with options and helpfully said that a 1 day option into Uganda was also possible - with a pickup from the airport once my flight landed at 2am, returning me to Rwanda to the hotel.
Due to the difference in price (about 600 USD cheaper in Uganda) and the chance to experience an additional country, I chose the one day Rwanda tour.
I had arranged to meet my guide Krish at the airport at 3am once I landed from Nairobi.
When my flight landed at 1:30am, I was about to prepare myself for 90 minutes waiting in the small coffee bar when Krish appeared, having got there early, saying we could set off immediately to beat the border traffic if that worked for me.
This was a very welcome offer as I managed to sleep in the large comfortable Toyoto LandCruiser for most of the journey, making my day with the Gorillas much more enjoyable.
Krish was a very personable, professional guide and it was a pleasure to spend the day with him - including 8 hours in the car going to and from the national park.
Due to the fact it was rainy season and there were heavy storms on the way back, having his driving skills was also very welcome.
He was also very happy to let me listen to some local African music on my request.
The border crossings were flawless and I felt very well supported, not overly chaperoned and it was a thoroughly worthwhile investment.
All in all - I would highly recommend this company for their support before and during the trek itself and their competent and professional guides.
Thanks Krish for a great day!
a year ago I booked a two week Safari to Kenya & Tanzania with an excellent co I traveled with before, but then I wanted to see the Gorillas & Chimps in Uganda & Rwanda.
The extension they offered was too expensive, so I searched the web & booked that segment with Gorilla Trek Africa , they worked with me to offer just the right iternarry and the value for the money was excellent.
I paid in full a year in advance.
When the time came for the trip the guide was right there at the airport with my name on the sign.
Everything was delivered just as promised and more.
I was worried that the Gorilla trekking may prove too much for me, but my excellent guide Richard ensured that I got to see a Gorilla family within 2 hours of hick in the forest.
Both the Gorilla and the Chimps viewing were exceptional at very close rang.
I would certainly highly recommend this company.
The accumulations, car, and guide were all terrific.
If you're going to Africa for safari, please consider making the gorillas part of your trip.
Words cannot describe how special this experience was.
I hope it will be for you too!
Primate safaris.
Excellent service professional approach and customer service.
Hussaine was our driver who coordinated the day's trek.
Which didn't disappoint.
Gorillas seen on all days .
Mind blowing.
I can totally recommend Gorilla Trek Africa for Gorilla Trekking.
The gorilla trek was a little tough but once I got to the gorilla family it was great experience.
Super pretty baby gorilla!
After trekking, I got a foot massage at Da Vinch lodge,they also cleaned my muddy boots, the lunch was very nice.
And thanks my guide Davis!
He picked up on time at hotel in Kigali early morning, during my tour he always made me feel comfortable.
Thanks a lot, Davis!!
First and foremost, do contact Nelson from GTA for your trekking requirements.
Next, ask for Eric to be your driver during your stay in Rwanda.
Our gorilla trekking was flawless and it was a great experience seeing the gorillas up close.
Our thanks to both gentlemen for making our experience in Rwanda an unforgettable one.
We chose to do our Rwanda gorilla trek with Gorilla Trek Africa due to their very good reviews on Trip Advisor and we were very happy with our decision.
Nelson put together a great itinerary focusing on the things we wanted to do and see, and leaving some flexibility for modifications and free time.
Asaf was an awesome guide and we very much enjoyed our time with him and his insight on the sites and tours.
He went out of his way to make our trip special, including running out to find us banana wine to try!
We did a 3 day trip with a Walking Tour of Nyamirambo and a visit to the Genocide Museum in Kigali, a gorilla trek to the Pablo family, and a golden monkey trek.
The gorilla trek was a medium/difficult hike and was a little tough being a steep 2 hour hike, but once we got to the gorilla family it was well worth it!
We saw about 15-20 gorillas and thoroughly enjoyed our one hour time with them.
It was amazing and we lucked out with no rain until the very end of our hike.
I also recommend hiring a porter for the gorilla hike, it's a great support to the local community and can be helpful in some slippery or steep spots!
We stayed at the Marriott in Kigali the first night since we arrived late.
The concierge was helpful ahead of our trip arranging for a shuttle pick up from the airport ($40).
The other 2 nights we stayed at the Da Vinci lodge.
The staff were super attentive and very nice.
It was great that they met you each day from your hike and cleaned your boots and gaiters.
They were really muddy and I was glad to have them cleaned up and get a foot massage!
Rooms were clean, but a little damp.
I'm not sure you can avoid the dampness when it's raining every day..
The charcoal fireplace lit each night was nice.
Africa itself is an amazing place!
And with any safari you will have an outstanding experience!
But if you want to experience something that very few will, take yourself to Rwanda and DO the gorilla trek!
You will not regret it and I promise you will be talking about your trek for years to come!!
I cannot urge you enough, this is a must do!!!
Gorilla Trek Africa organised the following tour for me in July 2017: 1) Rwanda: Transfer from Kigali to Gisenyi/Lake Kivu (3 days) 2) Kongo: Climbing Nyiragongo (2 days) 3) Uganda: Gorilla Trekking in Impenetrable National Park and Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park (4 days) Ahead of the trip I exchanged emails with Nelson from Gorilla Trek Africa.
Unlike other tour agencies I had asked for a quote Nelson replied to all emails within 24 hours.
He organised everything (from permits to hotels etc.
so that I did not have to deal with a lot of paperwork.
Every aspect of the trip was handled professionally.
David was my driver on the trip.
David is a local from the Queen Elizabeth NP.
Although the park does not seem to have the abundance of wildlife you find in the Serengeti NP or the Masai Mara I rate the safari as a good one.
David was one the best safari guides I have met sofar.
He did stop at places and spotted wildlife where other safari vehicles just passed (e.g.
tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector).
However, without a doubt the highlight of the trip was climbing Nyiragongo in the Virunga NP.
Thanks once again to Gorilla Trek Africa for a memorable trip!
We started out in Kigali, and visited Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Volcanoes National Park.
Richard was not only extremely knowledgeable, but also a fast but safe driver, who would literally go the extra mile to make our trip an unforgettable experience.
And best of all, he and Simon were great company!
We just returned from our 3-day-trip to Uganda.
We had some amazing moments with the gorillas in the Bwindi National Park.
The accomodation was good (mid range) as well as the food they served.
After a 1.5h walk, we spotted about 12 gorillas and stayed with them for about 1h.
Thanks to our FANTASTIC guide GAVIS, everything went very well!
He picked us up on time at our hotel in kigali and drove very save.
He is a very nice, funny and smart guy and we had many interesting discussions.
He could provide a lot information about the local culture, the animals and even politics.
We can totaly recommend GORILLA TREK AFRICA for your gorilla tracking and especially GAVIS as a guide!
My wife and I just returned from our trip to Uganda.
Gorilla Trek Africa was a fantastic company to work with.
I indicated what I wanted to do and see and Nelson was always very prompt in his response.
Our guide Rogers was one of the best that we ever had.
Always on time and a very safe driver.
From airport pickup to airport drop.
Everything went very smoothly.
A very nice vehicle that wasn't allowed to get dirty.
We highly recommed this company and guide.
We saw every animal that we had on our list including 2 gorilla, 1 chimp, 1 golden monkey trips along with rhinos lions leopards elephants and many many others.
It was fantastic.
We have visited Botswana and Tanzania but this is our favorite.
Gorilla Trek Safari provided us the trip of a lifetime with memories beyond anything imaginable.
We did a 7 day safari trek through 4 Ugandan National parks, first organized by Nelson via email, then completed with our driver, William.
We cannot say enough about William: extremely knowledgeable, very aware of our needs, an amazing driver and wild animal magnet.
We saw so much wildlife up close and personal - from baboons to chimpanzees, gorillas, hippo, giraffe, and lions....to name a few.
In between park drives (on sometimes challenging roads - what many of us would 'off roading' by home standards), we would get tons of info on local culture, farming, and life style of Ugandans.
We are a couple in our mid 60's, quite active, so the hiking wasn't unexpectedly hard.
I do suggest that if you do the gorilla trek, however, you hire a local porter as the vertical jungle terrain is challenging and the porter knows just where to walk for the best footing.
I followed my porters foot steps (that was all I could see at times in the thickens of the jungle) and his hand helped on the steep slopes.
My knees aren't the strongest, and I couldn't have done this without help.
Also, we topped 7800' by our GPS app, which can add to the hiking challenge if one isn't used to the altitude.
Another highlight was the Chimpanzee trek.
Not nearly as strenuous as the gorilla trek, the guide here got our group within inches of at least 30 chimps, some running past us within inches.
The males were chasing a female in heat and the sounds of their calls were amazing!
I could go on about each daily adventure, but with William and Gorilla Trek Africa you cannot go wrong.
You will have an adventure of a lifetime....par excellence!!
We did a 5 day tour with Gorilla Trek Africa which included chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, golden monkey trekking in Rwanda and (the obvious highlight) gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
All the primate trekking was fantastic and gorilla trekking was definitely a once in a lifetime magic moment.
We chose Gorilla Trek Africa based on all the good reviews and we were not disappointed.
Nelson was extremely helpful during the planning stage of our trip.
Both in terms of assisting us to choose the route that best suited our requirements and in terms of answering the numerous questions that we had before we began.
Once we were on the road, Bernard was our guide and he was brilliant!
He's incredibly informative and we had some fantastic conversations along the way.
He quickly ascertained what we enjoyed most in terms of scenery and (where possible) would take roads that best suited our taste.
He was an absolute pleasure to spend time with and we were said to say goodbye to him at the end of the trip.
If you're comparing tour companies I highly recommend choosing Gorilla Trek Africa.
My husband and I decided to book a once in a life time trip to Africa.
Once we heard about Gorilla Trekking, we decided it was an absolute MUST!
We choose to go with Gorilla Trek Africa as they have so many wonderful reviews on trip advisor.
Our experience with Gorilla Trek Africa began with Nelson organising our 2-day trip.
Upon arrival we were greeted by Gavis who was our guide for the two days.
Gavis is extremely knowledgeable and is also one of the most friendliest people you will ever meet.
He made us feel comfortable and welcome as soon as we walked out of the airport, and once he found out it was our honeymoon he went above and beyond to make sure the trip was extra special.
The gorilla trek itself, wow, what can I say?
It truly is a once in a lifetime experience!
Although the hike itself can be a little demanding but the end result is certainly well worth it.
It also feels good knowing that trips like this are helping the species and the surrounding communities!
Make sure you hire porters, not only are you then providing income for the local people but they genuinely help you with some of the parts that are slippery or rocky.
I honestly don't think we would have been able to make the trek to the gorillas without them!
I highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa, and also if you want a fantastic guide ask for Gavis!
Wouldn't have missed this for the world.
We'll run operation with the well being of the gorillas top priority.
Well worth the slog uphill.
Great guides, trackers and company.
If you're not uber young or a little on the unfit side like me don,t hesitate to get a porter to carry your day pack and help you up the slopes, over the streams and rocks.
My porter Gilibert was a life saver.
I can highly recommend Gorilla trek Africa as the 'go to' company for the Gorilla Tracking Tour.
Our driver picked us up at Kilgali airport and drove us to our hotel in the mountains- to the Tracking Tour the next day - back to Kilgali and then to the airport the following day.
He was informative, funny , had excellent English and couldn't be helpful enough.
They booked our hotels which were excellent choices , clean and quaint.
We had an experience of seeing the gorillas in the jungle which we will never forget.
Our driver explained everything which was going to happen in advance which I thought was a good thing .
They were easy to deal with and had excellent email communication skills - always answering promptly.
Rwanda is a safe and modern country.
I highly recommend this extremely professional company
Marvellous trip On invitation of my daughter I spent 5 days with her travelling Rwanda and Uganda.
She had organised the trip with Gorilla Trek Africa and everything was perfectly organised.
We were lucky maybe to have a guide like Bernard driving us around for five days.
Bernard was a perfect guide with great knowledge about the East African Region.
We spoke about culture, history, technical development and of course wildlife.
Bernard is able to answer any question.
Beyond that he is a very friendly person, service minded, caring, excellent driver and on top of that an outstanding wildlife spotter.
Thanks to Bernard and my daugters luck we were in touch with a beautiful and impressive part of the world and saw beautiful and special animals.
A really unforgettable trip.
I had a short tour but Chris, my driver, made it special.
I recommend both the Company and Chris if you are planning a visit to Rwanda and Uganda.
They are beautiful Countries, easy to Travel with very nice and warm people.
A little paradise to preserve with a eco-aware tourism.
You are in good hands
Gorilla Trek Africa was great to work with.
I had Guide William K for my 10 day trip to both Rwanda and Uganda to see the Gorillas, Chimps, Rhinos, Golden Monkeys, Hiking and safari drives.
William K was the best Guide I've had in my 20+ years of travelling.
He can tell you whatever you want to know about every bird, animal, plant, country history, etc.
everywhere we went.
I felt 100% comfortable being a single gal traveling.
The lodges and hotels they chose were excellent and the food was always delicious.
The company came through on every promise they made and more!
I can't speak highly enough about the company and William K. If you are considering a trip to Rwanda and/or Uganda, I suggest you consider Gorilla Trek Africa.
Its great experience to visit the Gorilla Trek in Africa .Tourist guide Eric was very helpful and provide us all the information about the about the places we visited Genocide museum also .Overall a wonderful experience to visit Gorilla trek in Kigali.Highly Recommended .
I have wanted to see gorillas for most of my life and to finally have this experience was amazing.
I chose to partially organise our trip to Rwanda but every aspect to do with the gorilla trek I left to Nelson to organise.
Prior to our guide, Eric, collecting us from our hotel we had 2 nights in Kigali to ensure we were rested and ready for the trek.
I have a very bad back and a knee that is heading towards knee replacement soon so knew this was the time to try and do the trek before my body made it even less feasible.
Eric took us to the Genocide Museum before taking us towards Volcanoes National Park for our overnight stay prior to the trek the next day.
Eric is a great guide who explained so much to us along the way and stopped for regular photo ops.
Once he dropped us at our overnight accommodation we were left to settle in before he collected us the next morning for our trek.
On arriving at the national park Eric was amazing, he spoke with the head guy there and arranged for us to go on an easier trek due to my back and knee issues.
This can't always be a guaranteed outcome but Eric was wonderful in advocating for me and we were lucky to get one of the easiest treks of the day.
Make sure you hire porters, not only are you then providing income for the local people but you are leaving yourself free to focus purely on the trek.
I hired 2 porters, one to hep me if needed and the other to carry my partner's backpack.
The porters know every rocky spot, every area where you may struggle and are instantly there helping you even before you realise you need it.
It was hard to watch a young lady from Brazil in our group who came completely unprepared.
She had no backpack, no drinking water, had even had to hire some appropriate clothes that day for the trek.
Don't be that person, read up and research what to wear and take and don't be the only person on your trek to not hire a porter.
It costs as little as $10 US for a porter and is a great give back to the locals.
I paid each of ours $20 US and I also gave good tips to each of the trackers (5 of them!
in the park itself after we saw the gorillas.
I also gave our head guide $50 US to thank him for his excellent guiding and ensuring our group were all doing ok. We had 2 ladies in their 70s, one who was doing fairly well and the other who was struggling more to do the trek.
She had 2 porters helping her and they were ready and willing to carrying her when and where needed.
If you think you can't do this trek, think again.
They have taken a guy in who is wheelchair bound (with 2 full time nurses), they have taken people in on stretchers.
They will go out of their way to get you into the park and get you to where you can see these magnificant creatures.
All up our trek was 3 hours which included the 1 hour with the gorillas.
We were lucky that we only had 1 hour and 40 minutes of reasonably gentle up hill trekking before they were found and then a much faster 20 minutes back down.
However, be prepared for thick jungle, there were times I had to bend right down and not quite crawl but close to it to get through the undergrowth and it did take its toll on my back but I had prepared myself as best I could before and ensured I had a great bed that night to rest in before flying out the next day.
I am sure all the guides at Gorilla Trek are great but Eric was excellent and I can't recommend him highly enough.
Don't forget to give your GTA guide a tip as well, Eric deserved every cent we gave him.
We decided to book our trip to Rwanda with Gorilla Trek Africa due to their very good reviews on Trip Advisor and we certainly did not regret this decision.
Nelson organised an excellent itinerary for us that allowed us to have some flexibility whilst in Rwanda.
We did a 3 day trip with a visit to the Genocide Museum in Kigali, a gorilla trek (highly recommended), a golden monkey trek and a very enjoyable side trip to the Twin Lakes.
Our guide for the trip was Enos who was very knowledgeable and provided us with valuable insights into the lives of the Rwandian people.
He was very obliging and went out of his was to ensure we had a wonderful holiday.
We enjoyed his company, and the company of the trainee guide Peter he had with him, immensely.
Enos recommended visiting a larger gorilla family and negotiated for us to visit the Pablo family.
The trek was considered a medium/difficult trek.
We saw 20 of the 23 gorillas in the family and thoroughly enjoyed the 40 minute drive and 2 1/2 hour one way trek to 3,050m.
The weather was fine and the trek reasonably easy despite my husband & I both being over 60.
No one in our group experienced any problems with altitude sickness.
Our accomodation in the Volcanoes National Park was 5 Volcanoes Hotel which we were very happy with (Reviewed separately).
This trip was one of the highlights of our time in Africa and we highly recommend both Enos and GTA.
We did a 3 day trip with this company and it was excellent.
Our guide, Gavis, was excellent - very helpful, interesting, friendly, relaxed and accommodating to our needs.
The gorilla trek was harder than we expected, but totally worth it to see the gorillas!
The Golden Monkeys involved a much easier hike, but we loved getting so close to them.
All in all, a truly great trip with a fantastic guide.
We highly recommend this company and the 3 day trip.
What can you say - an experience of a lifetime - costly but worth the money.
Remember you will need a second layer and water proofs.
An absolutely brilliant experience and worth every penny.
Nelson was quick to respond to messages and the staff at the forest were reliable, trustworthy and really helpful.
I definitely recommend the help of a porter on the trek, not only to help with luggage but to help give back to the local community too.
Watching the gorillas was an experience never to be forgotten and gorilla trek africa made sure all our needs were met.
I just returned from a 5day tour and can't give enough praise to express my fantastic experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.
After reading many positive reviews about this organization on Tripadvisor, I decided to email the company and inquire about a potential 5day Gorilla Tour / Safari (Rwanda&Uganda).
Nelson was extremely helpful in creating a customized itinerary that worked for us, and answered all the questions that I had in a very timely manner.
We had several email exchanges and phone calls, and a few days before the trip I received confirmation from Nelson that Bernard would be our tour guide.
We spent 5 days touring Uganda together with Bernard, from the early mornings until evening, and we could not have wished for a better guide.
Not only is Bernard super knowledgeable about everything there is to know about Rwanda, Uganda and the wider East African region (he will be able to answer any question that you have whether related to wildlife, culture, history, politics you name it), but also is Bernard a very social, humble, caring and humorist person who filled the days with many laughs and entertained us with great stories throughout the long drives.
I should also note that he is an excellent driver and made sure we arrived safe at every destination.
With Bernard as our guide, we had an amazing travel experience and feel that I have made a new lifelong friend.
I would recommend him and Gorilla Trek Africa without any hesitation.
Thank you again for this great adventure!
We just had a 3 day tour with these guys and they were great.
Very helpful, and clear and prompt with their communication.
They negotiated with us about our ideas and we were very happy with the end result!
We had a lovely trip seeing the gorillas and genocide museum!
Pros: - seemed a very reasonable price for what we got!
We compared quotes with other companies and they were by far the best for a private guide -easy to communicate with via email.
Quick at replying.
Worked out a customized itinerary around what was important to us.
offered budget, midrange or luxury accommodation options.
We went for midrange and couldn't imagine what else we could want!
It was great!
Cons - our guide sometimes had a little english difficulty with comprehending our questions, but he was friendly and tried really really hard so not a problem.
Apart from that can't think of any!
I can't praise this company and my tour guide Gavis Muliika enough.
I am lucky to have travelled to many countries but my five days in Rwanda and Uganda have been amongst the best ever.
Gavis,s driving over some of the roughest roads with spectacular views was fantastic and we quickly formed a comfortable and humorist bond.
Thank you for the experience and also for Nelson,s assistance in putting it all together.
Went for luxury accommodation and would recommend definitely value for money
I had been wanting to admire gorillas in the wild for years!...so glad my experience was well worth the wait!
Despite what I had heard numerous times I am very glad that I did my trek in Uganda.
My guide (& now brother) Elias is knowledgeable, kind, genuine & accommodating.
I had a wonderful time exploring Uganda with him & would highly recommend him!
This is a once in a lifetime experience, even though it can be a difficult and long walk to get to the gorillas once you see these amazing animals you forget about the trek.
It is super well organised, fantastic trackers, porters (a must to have a porter) and guides.
You get one hour with these majestic creatures so enjoy every minute, don't waste your time spending the whole hour looking through the lense of a camera, photos won't do justice to your experience.
Your guide is very aware and gives plenty of breaks in the trek, but I am told when you arrive they choose a trek for you on your physical appearance, so even if you ask for the closest group if you look fit and healthy you may end up trekking for 2.5 hours up and 1.5 back as I did.
A great trip from the moment we were picked up at the airport on Kigali until the moment we were dropped off.
Nelson answered my booking queries promptly and came up with an itinerary to suit our date requirements.
Our guide Garvis was a pleasure and his extensive number of friends and contacts we encountered throughout the trip eased formalities and provided useful tips on local conditions and game locations.
The first two days involved considerable traveling, but it was best to get that done early in the trip.
An option worth considering may be to add a day to the trip and spend two nights at Primates lodge.
Gavis added some pleasant detours such as a visit to a fishing village on Lake George.
Throughout the trip he pointed out things of local interest and made sure we stopped at good view points.
He made sure all our special requests were met.
Many thanks guys for a great week.
This certainly is a lifetime experience and not to be missed by those who can afford the high price for this in Rwanda.
It is very well planned and lots of support from the guides.
The Treks can be tough for the not so fit but guides help you and even carry you if required.
It can be from 90 minutes to even 6 hours ( for the very fit).
Once the Gorillas are sighted you spend one out with them observing the family going about there activities from eating to playing to resting etc.
They are very much similar to humans.....though I am of opinion that they behave better than us in the modern world of Wars, drugs, corruption, rapes etc.
A Gorillas trek in Rwanda is very safe and is nature at its best.
Experienced and informative staff, this area is organised very well, you feel looked after.
The staff have obvious pride in their animals but are also very protective of them.
We visited Gorillas one day and Golden monkeys the next.
It was a privilege.
One note though is, I wasn't prepared for the altitude and how exhausted it gets travelling even a short distance.
Gorilla Trek were great - Chris was there to pick me up at the airport and was very professional and knowledgeable.
He was part of the team that habituated the gorillas, and had worked extensively in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as a scientist, so he had a wealth of knowledge about the gorillas and their habitat.
It was great because he could answer all my questions.
He was always friendly, on time, and helpful.
Seeing the gorillas was simply amazing.
Each experience varies, but I was in a group with 6 other tourists, and we hiked about 1 hour 15 minutes.
I would say the hiking is not easy (very hilly and slippery) so dress appropriately (hiking boots), but the forest is beautiful.
Seeing the gorillas is worth any amount of hiking!
They were simply stunning.
We saw a silverback (Rukura), a mother and 3 month old baby, some juveniles, and, my favourite, Kabindize, a blackback who we got the best view of.
They were so peaceful yet powerful and it's astounding that we can get so close to them.
I couldn't recommend the experience enough and Gorilla Trek were really great.
A big thanks to Chris for all his help and knowledge!
I just came back from a wonderful trip between Rwanda and Uganda.
A 7 days safari and Gorilla trek.
This trip has been perfect since the beginning, with Nelson helping very proactively by answering all my queries.
The trip itself was even better with the great guide i was appointed to William K. (I strongly recomend him for future travelers).
William K. Was professional, knowledgeable, very friendly.
This type of service makes your.experience so much better.
So I absolutely recommend Gorilla Trek to anyone interested on going to visit East Africa and especially going to visit the Gorilla's.
I had been searching for a company who I could trust as I was travelling as a solo female traveller.
I chose this company based on others reviews and the prompt and professional contact from Nelson.
I wasnt disappointed.
I arrived in Kigali after a long and delayed flight at 6pm instead of 12.30 and was very happy to see a driver, David waiting for me.
He had a huge welcoming smile which instantly put me at ease.
We drove to the hotel and reached there around 9.30 pm.
The staff were accommodating and friendly.
The gorilla experience was exceptional.
2 silverbacks, mothers and babies.
Due to limited time I only did the 2 day gorilla trek.
My driver David went above and beyond to ensure my stay was enjoyable and I reached the airport in time.
Even drove me around Kigali and pointed out places of interest on the way.
I left a certificate in Davids car when he dropped me off so rang the office to ask Nelson to post it to my home as I would soon board the plane.
When I finally reached the boarding gate a member of staff handed it to me.
David had returned to the airport and given it to airline staff to be passed onto me.
I highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa, and cant thank Nelson, his team and my driver David enough.
I did quite a bit of research to choose a tour operator for a gorilla trek and ended up going with Gorilla Trek Africa because of the wonderful reviews on here and because of Nelson's responsiveness from the outset of my contact with the company!
I don't regret my choice one bit.
Even though I booked the trip fairly last minute, GTA was able to arrange my entire weekend and secure a permit for me to track gorillas in Uganda ...and all went super smoothly.
My tour guide, Asaph, was also wonderful: a wealth of knowledge, thoughtful and accommodating.
He did so much to make this experience an extremely memorable one from stopping along the road to take photos to sharing his experiences growing up in Rwanda and Uganda to making sure I was able to track a gorilla family with two babies and three silverbacks (from what I heard from others at the park this was the best family to track in the area!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Thank you for an unforgettable trip!
I am a solo traveller who used Gorilla Trek Africa for my visit to Rwanda and the Volcanos National Park and I'm so glad I did.
Nelson was extremely prompt in his reply and personalised the visit according to my needs.
The payment portal was very convenient and had no issues.
On arrival into Kigali very early I was met by Asaph who was very enthusiastic and super friendly.
If you get a chance to use him as your guide I highly recommend him.
He was so knowledgeable on all matters relating to Rwanda and Uganda.
He drove me around to all the areas I wanted to visit in Kigali before heading out to the Gorillas.
Asaph has a great story to tell and his conversational skills are excellent, never a dull moment.
I feel he went above and beyond with all my requests and really made this experience one I will never forget.
I was assigned the Agashya group who had a one week old baby which was incredible to see.
We were very fortunate that we only had a one hour thirty easy hike to get to the family.
Other groups who were assigned an easier family actually trekked much longer to get to them.
Our groups pace was set by an elderly gentleman who managed the uphill portions with multiple breaks so some degree of fitness is going to make the Trek more enjoyable.
Make sure you hire a porter as these guys really help out through the difficult sections and you are contributing to their livelihood.
I only used Rwandan Francs for tipping/paying and it was very well received so I don't think you necessarily have to use US dollars but either option is fine.
Some general tips on what to wear ( what I found useful): Sturdy hiking boots Gaiters to protect your feet/legs from ants and nettle.
Got stung above the knee when kneeling to take photos ( everyone reacts differently but I had a slight stinging/itching sensation for about ten minutes and redness for the rest of the day).
The excitement of being surrounded by the gorillas took my mind off the annoying itch.
I wore lightweight hiking pants and a lightweight shirt with a fleece pullover ( it gets chilly at the start and you quickly warm up) Gloves were a great idea as you are constantly pushing climbing over/under bamboo/vines and nettle and this protected my hands.
2 litres of water and some snacks The second Trek that the company organised was to see Diann Fosseys gravesite.
This Trek was much harder as the initial part is a steep incline.
You can do it in an hour and twenty if you have good fitness but on average 2 and a half hours.
Highly recommend doing this if you can.
We had Francois as our guide who actually worked as a porter for Diann when she was living in the mountains.
Such a wealth of information and one of life's true characters.
Overall this company exceeded all my expectations and I will definitely use them again when I'm next in Africa.
Rwanda blew my mind as a country and was amazed at how safe, clean and friendly everyone was.
We had the wonderful opportunity to experience Rwanda with Gavis of GTA.
Taking a step back, we initially spoke with Bill Williams GTA's USA contact and then starting communicating with Nelson, the owner of GTA.
From the beginning GTA promptly responded to our many questions over numerous emails.
Although we were concerned with wiring money it was simple and we received a receipt when requested.
Our 4-day program started in Kigali and Gavis arrived at our hotel early and greeted us with a warm welcome.
We started our program by going to a local market that tourists did not go to, which was fascinating.
We then visited the powerful Genocide Museum whose exhibits were thoughtful and moving.
An important visit and one that should not be missed.
After the sobering experience we went to a local restaurant Gavis recommended.
We enjoyed local dishes outside under an umbrella.
From there we began our drive to Kinigi, near the park.
Gavis is extremely personable and has a wonderful sense of humor.
The drive went swiftly and our conversations covered a myriad of topics.
He is a very good driver and pointed out of things that he thought would interest us.
There were ample bathroom breaks and water was available to keep us hydrated.
Throughout our 4-day program that included half-day city tour, 2 gorilla treks and a golden monkey trek with 3 nights at a lodge.
We felt taken care of and when we arrived at the lodges everything was smooth.
Gavis always advised us after each program of the timing of the next activity.
He was always ready and early for each program.
Although I will write separate reviews of the lodges we stayed in -Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (1 night) and Five Volcanos (2 nights) I did want to note that we preferred Five Volcanos.
We were unable to get into Five Volcanos the first night hence the lodge change.
The attention at Five Volcanos was more personal and intimate.
Not to mention the unlimited bottled/filtered water, cafe (including coffee drinks), gaiters, snacks and delicious meals.
Regarding the gorilla trekking, it is magical and something that should be in everyone's bucket list.
The golden monkeys were also a treat.
It is important to mention that Gavis was instrumental at the National Park and making sure that the gorilla families we were assigned to were special.
There is definitely some jockeying at the National Park with the permits.
Again everything was in place and there were no permit hiccups as all we had to do was watch the traditional dance performance and everything was taken care of.
is fortunate to have Gavis as one of their esteemed guides.
I cannot imagine a better person to share in our amazing Rwandan experience.
When you book with GTA please ask for Gavis.
Your experience will be enhanced with him as your guide.
Great operation, very well organized and detail oriented, with fun guides.
Starts in the morning with a festive dance and matching you and your group to a gorilla trek leader.
Caution: There are several groups of gorillas to find, all at different distances up the mountains.
YOUR HIKING DISTANCE/ LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY CAREFULLY.
Easy is really not.
You need to be in shape.
Medium is hard...the mountains are steep.
Very steep.
Plus, the gorillas can move on you...ours did....turning a 1 hour hike into a 3 hour one.
one way!
Be realistic.
Once the gorillas are reached, its like nothing else you have ever seen.
Magical.
Tip: don't try to take 1000 photos.
National Geographic does that.
Make sure you put the camera down and just soak in the moment.
It's awesome.
A silverback came and sat 1 foot away from me!
It was incredible.
Enjoy!
My husband and I did the 2-day gorilla trek and it was amazing.
Eric, our host and driver went above and beyond to make our visit exceptional.
We will definitely come back to visit Rwanda as this was such a life changing experience for us both.
Thank you!
This was a very special trip starting in Kigali and then to Volvanoes National park.
The company delivered everything they quoted to the last details.
Our day in Kigali was great and the drive to the park was beautiful.
Great stay at 5 Swiss in Kigali.
Hotel at the park was Five Volcanoes hotel, a treat of a deluxe room that included turn down service with a hot water bottle.
The next day was all about the trek and I can't believe how close we were to the gorillas.
The guide and his assistants were great helping us through the jungle and positioning us to see the gorillas but respect their space.
Great job Gorilla Trek Africa Ltd.
Even better though was our guide Moses Williams, a very knowledgeable guide who was really thorough in his explanations and had a very nice sense of humor.
Enough detail but not too much.
Moses was really awesome and took our experience and adventure to another level.
Thank you Moses!
When you book ask for him.
I would like to grab the opportunity to express my appreciation to the team of Gorilla Trek Africa!
From the first email I sent to them, these guys have been nothing but friendly and helpful!
I traveled to Rwanda on my own and it was a great pleasure to have Asaph as my driver/ guide.
Very friendly, very professional and very informative!
No doubt visiting the North part of Rwanda, have a glimpse of the authentic life that the locals live and most certainly to visit the gorillas was an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life!
I highly recommend this company to all of you!
While we were climbing up to visit the gorillas, I met some people who previously visited them in Uganda but they all said they vouch for the Rwandan experience.
All you need for this trip is: comfortable pair of shoes, open mind and a great spirit!
Once again a huge thank you to Nelson, Asaph and also the back of the house staff who makes this an experience of a lifetime to all, who travel as far as Rwanda!
My son and I wanted to see gorillas and used TripAdvisor to find a guide.
seemed to have very positive reviews - highlighting thoughtful and reliable guides - so we emailed Nelson and began a conversation about options and availability.
Our plans were evolving and we considered a number of different options - Nelson replied quickly and clearly to all our inquires.
Note, Nelson manages the business coordinating the schedules for guides and is the point of contact for clients - all of which went smoothly.
So based on these email conversations we paid via credit card the hefty fee (majority of which goes to Rwanda Development Board helping Rwanda, the gorillas and their national park).
Was not sure how it would turn out as we didn't know anyone first hand who had used GTA.
Happily all went beyond our expectations.
Our guide Bob was wonderful - thoughtful, efficient and knowledgeable.
Our experience was tremendous and he played a big role - there is some behind the scenes deliberation amongst the different guides early in the morning before the trek where they divide up the large group into smaller smaller groups based on ability and that determines which family of gorillas you get to trek to and see.
Our group was perfect for us, and without Bobs help we wouldn't have known how to arrange that.
We spent a lot of time w Bob and learned about the history of the gorillas and the area.
Thoroughly enjoyed our experience.
The lodging was deep in the forest, rustic and peaceful.
Rough road for five minutes before you get to hotel - but you're in a four by four so it fine but just want to help set expectations accordingly.
Pleasant and helpful staff.
Good food.
Our trek took longer than expected so we got back later than others but we're still able to get lunch and a quick shower before heading back to Kigali.
Two options for trek day food: 1, ask staff at dinner to prepare a box lunch for the next day or 2, at breakfast pick out a snack and after the trek come back for lunch.
We choose snack and then lunch which worked well for us.
Our trek was intermediate level - easy, intermediate and hard are the options.
Not sure what hard would be, ours was fully a real workout - we are fairly active and have hiked some hard stuff beforehand.
The hike was up through the bamboo to the top of one of the mountains and then down a little into a lush ravine where we found a family of 17 led by an enormous Silverback.
An infant being nursed by her mother, a baby wandering about, a female gorilla who swung around us on a vine and kept close eyes on us, two males who also came up to and around us.
This is more a review of GTA than gorillas so I will stop talking about the family of gorillas - but summarize it as being worth the cost and effort.
Back to GTA - I highly recommend using them and will again if and when we come back here.
From the moment we were picked up at the airport our guide Gavis made our time in Rwanda extremely enjoyable.
Gavis is a wonderful guide with a smile that is contagious and has a personality that makes it seem you are traveling with a close friend.
He took care of the arrangements for our gorilla treks with the care and concern one would show for a family member.
We highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa and Gavis.
Gorilla Trek Africa is an absolutely FANTASTIC tour operator.
We just returned from a week long trip to Rwanda guided by the wonderful Eric Manzi.
Eric's knowledge of all things Rwandan is astounding.
We love birding and Eric helped us to locate over 30 new species in 4 days on a trip that was really focused on primates!
Nelson in the main office was incredibly helpful in putting together a tour that precisely met our needs, and I might add he was always responsive and thorough in answering every question (and boy we had a million of them).
Our every need and desire was met perfectly.
The main office is in Uganda and the company arranges trips to both countries.
Our trip was exclusively to Rwanda.
if I sound enthusiastic it is because this has been our best trip yet to Africa and we had been happy on two previous trips to other parts of the continent.
I cannot recommend Gorilla Trek Africa highly enough.
Gorilla Trek Africa provided my daughter and I with the trip of a lifetime (June 24-July 2).
My planning started by going to Trip Advisor last fall and looking for a local company with great reviews.
Gorilla Trek Africa was at the top of the list and it did not disappoint me.
Nelson responded quickly with ideas for our trip and continued with immediate responses to my questions for the next 7 months as we worked out logistics and lodging.
I also read the reviews so I could request a guide and we had the BEST....William K. I cannot say enough positive things about William.
He was a professional from the moment he met us in Kigali and over the next 8 days he also became our friend.
He was so attentive to our needs and fun to be with.
I am 74 years old and William was always there for assistance if I needed it or to be sure that I was in the appropriate tracking group.
We were particularly impressed with his knowledge of the area, the terrain, and the people.
With his college degree in tourism, he is very positive about the future of tourism in Rwanda and Uganda and is active in promoting tourism.
He is an avid and knowledgeable birder which was wonderful.
My daughter enjoys birds and so William's knowledge made every bird we saw a learning experience.
I inadvertently left my computer at Bakiga Lodge in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
In cleaning our room, it was found and the lodge called the office who in turn contacted William.
Through the coordination by William, the Gorilla Trek Office, and the staff at the Bakiga Lodge, my laptop was returned safely to me in Kampala.
I cannot express my appreciation enough for everyone's effort.
Mountain Gorilla Trek in Rwanda.
The experience of a lifetime!
We were supposedly in the easiest tracking group but our trek up still took 2 1/2 hours and pushed the limits of my physical ability.
Eugene, our guide, made sure that I got enough opportunities to rest and the other four members of our group were very patient.
Our hour with the gorillas went far too quickly but we saw two Silverbacks and their family.
Then the two hour trek down.
I never would have made it without the support of two incredible young porters, Japhet and Phocus, hand chosen by Willliam.
Hopefully the future holds promising outcomes for these two.
Golden Monkeys.
This was another phenomenal experience with an easier hike of about 2 1/2 hours in the bamboo forest.
It was a much larger group but there were over a hundred Golden Monkeys for us to enjoy.
I also had a very good porter, John, again hand chosen by William, and his support was very much appreciated.
Chimpanzees.
This was another manageable hike through the bush but not as rewarding as the other two experiences.
Our guide did not seem as competent in locating the chimps and we seemed to just scurry after another group in the same area.
By the time we would arrive to where the other group had been observing the chimps, the chimps were moving on.
I would still highly recommend this experience.
Our other experiences included a drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park which we might replace with a drive to Murchison Falls another time, a boat ride down the Kazinga Channel which was well worth it for elephants, hippos, wildebeests and zebras, and a Bota Bota tour on our last day in Kampala.
During this tour, we were able to stop at a small craft market.
This was a great place to shop for gifts and handicrafts.
Again, William went with us as our guide as recommended by Nelson, and we fully agreed with this advice and we had a fun time.
So, 10 stars for Gorilla Trek Africa and 25 stars for our guide, William, and the outstanding porters that he chose to help me.
Please feel free to contact me or my daughter with any questions
I took a 2 days tour from Rwanda to Uganda.
I loved it.
The trip went with no problem whatsoever, including the border crossing.
Car is excellent and accommodation was really charming (Gorilla in the mist).
Special thanks goes to Gavis, the guide, who took care of me as If i was part of his family!
Gorilla Trek Africa provided me and my two friends an absolutely AMAZING experience trekking the gorillas!
You will be VERY pleased if you chose them!
I initially chose them because they (my main contact was Nelson) was so timely and thorough with their responses to my inquiries.
It was a bit of a gamble with so many companies offering the trekking.
But I am so thrilled a did pick them!
I also cannot begin to express how incredible our guide (Enos) was and how fantastic he made EVERYTHING for us.
He made certain we got the best gorilla group.
I am also in a wheelchair and he knew all the people, how to negotiate with them, and where were the best places to see the most gorillas.
I think it says a lot about this company that they were so willing and eager to help someone in a wheelchair.
Enos instructed everyone how to take care of me.
Those carrying my wheelchair were perfect in every way.
Enos is such an incredible man with such an extremely vast body of knowledge and is able to explain things so incredibly well.
At one point, he sat with us for an hour to explain the genocide from every angle and we learned so much.
Again, you will be VERY pleased if you chose Gorilla Trek Africa!
YOU!!!!
Bob Bell
I wanted to take a short trip to Rwanda, particularly to do the gorilla trek and visit a child I sponsor with Compassion.
It was my first time traveling solo in Rwanda, and Gorilla Trek Africa did an excellent job coordinating the details.
Gavis picked me up promptly at 8:00 a.m. at the Five to Five Hotel (recommended by Gorilla Trek Africa; it is a moderate hotel, but the closest to the airport, and the airport shuttle was waiting for me when I arrived.
It was very safe and clean, and so I recommend it for those coming in the night before they start their tour with Gorilla Trek Africa).
Gavis immediately helped me exchange some dollars for Rwandan Francs (not important if you stay in the main tourist area, but extremely important if you want to purchase anything away from there), and helped me make a local phone call to finalize my plans for after the gorilla trek.
Because I had been to Rwanda once before, I asked to not do the tour of Kigali and the Genocide Museum, and instead I wanted to visit Imbabazi, Roz Carr's plantation, which was turned into an orphanage after the genocide and now runs a preschool.
Gorilla Trek Africa was very accommodating of my request, and Gavis did an excellent job finding the site (which was not easy).
We had a nice lunch at the Five Volcanoes Hotel (a lovely hotel, where the staff was incredibly pleasant and helpful), and then went to the Gorilla Guardians cultural village for the afternoon.
The gorilla trek was scheduled for the next morning, and Gavis was very good at helping me to prepare for the trek, and at getting me in the perfect group for my fitness abilities.
The gorilla trek involved about a 2 1/2 hour walk up, an hour with the gorillas (which is wonderful and different from any other animal experience you could ever have), and a 1 hour walk back down.
The next day we did the golden monkey trek (also well worth the time and money), and then Gavis found the Solace Guest House where I was staying next, and got me there at a good time that afternoon.
Because it takes some time to drive from Kigali to Musanze, it was very helpful that Gavis was a good conversationalist.
I also appreciated having time to myself in the late afternoon and evenings, so that I could contact folks back home and enjoy some relaxing time in the gardens at the hotel.
I was initially anxious about traveling to Rwanda solo, and about booking my trip with a company that I had only read about on Tripadvisor; however, everything went very smoothly.
I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
If there are any other women who are traveling solo to Rwanda, and have any questions, I would be happy to address them.
I had a fantastic experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.
I was in correspondence with Nelson (and certain other individuals from other tour companies) a week or so before my trip.
During this time, as one might expect, I had many questions about the logistics, fees and tailoring the tour.
Unlike any other company I contacted, Nelson patiently and promptly responded to my queries, which illustrated exemplary customer satisfaction.
I eventually made it to Kigali and booked a four day tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - for gorilla trekking and community walks - the night before I wanted to commence the tour.
Nelson and his team, mainly Asaph (my chivalrous tour guide), were extremely accommodating given the short notice period.
I was very impressed by this.
Asaph is an excellent tour guide; he is very knowledgable on just about everything I asked him, including gorillas, farming, and Rwandan and Ugandan culture.
Asaph is kind and thoughtful; he remembered certain errands I had to run which he helped me achieve, such as find a post office to send postcards.
By the end of the trip I like to think that he and I became good friends.
During my stay at the beautiful Bakiga Lodge, there were other Gorilla Trek tour guide who I met, all of whom were polite, and other who were very fun to hang out with, such as William.
Gorilla Trek Africa truly enhanced my solo traveller experience, and I would highly recommend this company to family, friends, and friends I have met yet; go with Gorilla Trek Africa!
If you're even debating whether to do this or not, just do it!
We did a 3-day tour, the first day in Kigali, the second day gorilla trekking and the third golden monkey trekking.
The gorilla trek was probably one of the best things I've ever done.
We had an up close experience with a family of 16 gorillas which really is once in a lifetime.
I'm even happier that we did our trek with Gorilla Trek Africa.
They were extremely helpful, knowledgeable, pleasant, reliable which made for a fantastic tour.
Our accommodation was also great.
Travel for a conference was taking me to Kigali, Rwanda, so I decided to book a gorilla trek.
The Rwanda trekking permits were sold out, but Gorilla Trek Africa offered me an alternative 2 day trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda.
The $1300 price (for one person) included the permit, roundtrip private transport in a well maintained and safe vehicle, budget accommodations at Bakiga Lodge (also super comfortable and located in a stunning location) all meals and non-alcoholic beverages (plenty of bottled water was provided at no charge).
Everything about the trip was outstanding, including the service of my driver/guide Krish, the local food at the Ugandan restaurant we stopped at for lunch, the accommodations at Bakiga Lodge, and the trek itself was an amazing experience.
Many others have written reviews about the trekking at Bwindi, so I will only add that the trekking guide and trackers worked exceptionally hard to find our assigned gorilla family, as they had moved quite a distance from their usual location.
I will add that I am a single white woman traveling alone, and at no time did I ever feel unsafe or at any kind of risk.
My wife and I decided on a gorilla trek a few months ago.
Since my wife's back is sensitive to long distance travel, we decided that Rwanda would be best for our needs - good infrastructure, highest probability of seeing gorillas, well-supported cell phone networks, good (tarred) roads with shorter distances between the lodges and the airport... and excellent reviews from previous travellers.
Our guide, Egide Mukama, an experienced and well-networked local resident spent the entire trip with us - arranging permits, acting as our driver, explaining the history of the country and taking us to excellent coffee shops and supermarkets used by the locals.
He was highly professional and in light of my wife's back condition, drove very responsibly.
My wife and I would highly recommend him!
Just a few tips for aspiring Rwanda Gorilla trekkers: 1) Be prepared for the hikes - whether its the golden monkeys or the gorillas.
These animals are constantly on the move and the intensity of the hikes can vary considerably to find them.
We spent at least 3 days per week in the gym in the run-up to the trip and we think this definitely helped in appreciating the hikes more and also with altitude acclimatization.
Keep well hydrated!
2) Have the right gear - walking gloves, comfortable walking boots, bug sprays and gaiters definitely help...you want to spend your time appreciating these wonderful animals, not scratching and burning from insect and nettle stings.
You can take your own hiking sticks or if you hire a porter, they will lend you one - take advantage of this; they are helpful and very considerate.
3) Sequence your trip: Somewhere I got the impression from other reviews on this site that you have a choice as to the intensity of the gorilla hike you want to do - either easy, moderate or hard hikes.
We didn't experience it like this.
We bought the permits upfront through a travel agent and then it was up to your local guide to negotiate on your behalf as to which hike you will be allocated.
However, if you have already done a walk or two the day before (like the golden monkey hike), then your guide can use this as a negotiating tool in arranging a specific gorilla hike for you with the park rangers...its just something to consider if your need, like in the case of my wife, is to see the gorillas and not simultaneously engage on a gruelling hike.
4) Read literature and do research on the area being visited - even something straight forward like watching 'Gorillas in the Mist' beforehand greatly enhanced our experience.
5) Take sturdy suitcases - our luggage seemed to have been roughly handled and we saw the zip mechanism was broken when we reached home 6) Security at Kigali airport is very tight.
In all our travels, I have never been body searched twice before simply getting to the boarding gate - and a 3rd time after we needed the bathroom!
Take a deep breath and remain calm and polite - the gorillas are worth it!
7) Weather variation between Kigali and Volcanoes National Park can be significant - layer your clothes to cater for different temperatures
This activity is a must in your bucket list.
The Trek itself is challenging and beautiful.
Usually a 3-5 hr hike.
The Gorillas are just amazing.
One can really get as close as 5 feet from them.
Book in advance since there are only 96 permits per day.
12 groups of 8 persons.
A must do on your trip to Africa.
Prices were raised from $750 US to $1500 US on May 6th which I am hoping doesn't change things.
If your travel guide gets there early, have them pick an easier trek so you will be at the gorillas within an hour.
We did not find things muddy or difficult in the trek.
We were advised to where long sleeves and long pants, gloves, and hat for the stinging nettles but our route was no problem.
You leave your packs with the porters so bring a fanny pack for your passports, money, extra batteries and memory cards for taking with you when with the gorillas.
High a porter to employ them.
He carried our pack and helped in a couple of slippery areas.
We paid him $15 US.
Bring money for tipping the head guide, assistant guide, trekkers, and security.
We had a remarkable trip to Bwindi National Park in Uganda with Gavis as the guide!
The trip was very well organized, with management responsive to all of our questions.
Gavis helped with all of the details while on our trip and was a pleasure to work with.
Spending time with the gorillas was even better than expected.
Truly a unique and special experience.
My only feedback going forward is to suggest the multiple entry visa to Rwanda if visiting the Uganda park to / from Rwanda to help reduce the transit tlme back to Rwanda afterwards.
Also, there was a local community tour the evening of our trip, so please make sure that you bring some Uganda money for donations / tips.
Otherwise, the trip and gorilla experience was amazing!
We just returned from a week in Uganda and Rwanda with Gorilla Trek Africa.
We highly recommend them if you want the adventure of a lifetime.
We did gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda and in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda as well as a chimpanzee trek in the Kibale National Park and a game drive and boat game ride in Queen Elizabeth's National Park.
It was the trip of a lifetime and I'm still pinching myself that I saw the mountain gorillas twice.
In Rwanda, one gorilla came through the bushes, stopped and gently touched my husbands leg before continuing on its way.
Gorilla Trek Africa was wonderful from the very beginning.
Nelson in the office always promptly got back to me via email and was helpful in planning the trip and with all of the details.
Our guide Bob was excellent and I highly recommend requesting him.
He was professional, knowledgable, and just a great guy.
He really took care that we had a great trip.
We chose budget hotels, but they were excellent all with great views and amazing service.
I'm a huge fan of Dian Fossey who studied the gorillas in Rwanda and they specially booked me in her room (that they've kept exactly the same since her death in 1985) at the hotel she stayed in when not in the field with the gorillas.
If you do go, be sure to read her book, Gorillas in the Mist for a fascinating account of the Mountain Gorillas.
If you want t a great experience gorilla trekking and visiting Rwanda and Uganda, I highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa.
I went on the 2-day tour (1 day trek) to Bwindi park.
I had an excellent time with Gorllla Trek Africa, largely due to the people at the organization.
Nelson was very responsive and timely to my inquiries leading up to the treat and he was very flexible and accommodating with last minute changes and updates to my itinerary.
Elias, my guide for the trip, went above and beyond to make sure my experience was the best it could be.
He scouted out the trekking guide who would go to the largest gorilla family (19 members!
and had a shorter walking distance to allow for maximal time with the gorillas (1 hour!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
I came unprepared for this since I was visiting primarily for work, so he lent me his backpack and made sure I had everything I needed.
He offered a lot of interesting information on the ride over--pointing out facts about the lifestyle, culture, history, agriculture, etc.
about Uganda and Rwanda.
Aside from the guides, the accommodations at Gorilla Mist Camp were great--the staff were friendly and accommodating, the views were amazing, and the room itself was comfortable.
The guides at the park really knew their stuff--they offered a great informational overview and made every effort during the trek to make sure we had a good experience.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is expensive.
Hence you expect everything to be perfect.
With Gorilla Trek Africa and Sam Elliot, it was.
Thanks a lot for everything!
Have almost finished a great 4 days staying at the Gorilla Safari Lodge for 2 nights at Uganda, an amazing gorilla trek in the Bwindi national park followed by a night at the Bamboo Gorilla Lodge in the Volcanoes National Park at Rwanda and the a trek to the Golden Monkeys Everything was well organised and our experience was made even more enjoyable due to our Guide Gavis who was both great company and knowledgable and navigated the difficult roads with patience and skill.
Nothing was a trouble including orchestrating our last minute change of plans enabling us to visit the Golden Monkeys In Rwanda.
For a 4 day visitI would highly recommend our amended Itinery, the Gorilla Trek Safari company and Gavis as the Guide.
Before planning our trip to Rwanda, I was checking the reviews of Gorilla Trek Africa on TripAdvisor everyday.
I did this for a couple of reasons; to assure myself that Rwanda and the Volcanoes National Park was a safe place to visit (despite its close proximity to DRC) and that the high cost of the experience would be worth it.
We had never been to Africa and Rwanda was about as remote as we had ever ventured.
And every day, there would be new reviews of the Gorilla Trek Africa - all with 5 stars.
I reached out to GTA through TripAdvisor - and within an hour, Nelson had emailed back with all the details.
I immediately felt at ease.
Nelson does a phenomenal job of answering all your questions and making you feel instantly comfortable.
He is extremely diligent and pays a great deal of attention to delivering an exceptional customer experience.
We did the 1 night - 2 day experience.
We were picked up punctually at 9am by our guide Eric on Day 1.
Eric drove us around all the main sites in Kigali - whilst detailing the history of the city.
We also stopped in the Genocide Memorial for a couple of hours, which was absolutely heartbreaking but an experience that should not be missed in this incredible city.
Nothing was too difficult for Eric.
He catered to all our requests and was very attentive, ensuring we were experience the city to its fullest.
He was extremely patient with all our naive questions and was so knowledgeable, recounting personal anecdotes and historical facts that really gave us a deeper understanding of Rwanda and put it into historical context.
We arrived at Five Volcanoes Lodge at around 4:30pm (we also stopped at Dian Fossey institution on the way) and the hotel was so charming.
Comfortable rooms, great customer service and tasty meals.
All included in the GTA itinerary.
The next morning we went on the Gorilla Trek, and I can confidently say it was one of the most powerful, grounding and wholesome experiences of my life.
If you are hesitating about this expedition - STOP!
You must do it.
It is a life changer.
Yes it's expensive, but I guarantee you, it will be some of the best money you have ever spent.
We were brought so close to the Muhoza family, saw the Silverback, a number of women and a tiny baby.
Pre-departure the gorilla guide (it is the National Park guide that takes over at this point to take you to see the gorillas - Eric from GTA was waiting for us upon our return) ran us through how we should behave, when we are in their presence.
We were encouraged to get porters to carry our bags up, we didn't need it, but Eric told us that a lot of these porters are ex hunters (not of gorillas but antelopes etc for food) and it really involves the whole community into the conservation of the National Park and the gorillas.
For this reason, it is definitely worth it.
For a minimum of $10USD we had a porter carry our backpack up.
We went on a shorter trek, because we had a flight to catch that day, and the whole tour was organized so well.
We hiked for around 1hr, and then we saw the gorillas.
I still cannot stop reliving the experience.
at no point did I feel unsafe, I felt strangely calm in the presence of these humbling primates.
We got to spend an hour with the gorillas (max time per trek) and they came so close to us, even brushing past us.
The baby gorilla was so curious too.
After the trek, we returned to Five Volcanoes and had lunch before Eric took us back to the airport.
A 10/10 experience, one that I will never forget, and one that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Rwanda is an incredible county - its known as the land of 1000 mountains - its landscape is one of the most beautiful I have seen.
the people are incredibly kind and resilient, and it is unbelievable how much they have achieve since the 1994 genocide - and obviously the gorillas are so awe-inspiring and humbling - and it is wonderful to see the locals and Rwandan Government doing so much to protect them.
Gorilla Trek Africa - thank you for organizing such an incredible, life changing trip for us.
We have fallen in love with Rwanda and hope to return soon - and have already recommended you to all our friends.
This company is EXCELLENT we had planned our trip and they were so responsive to all my questions.
I organised this for 8 friends and we wanted to go to Uganda from Rwanda to Bwindi impenitrible forest and also to Queen Elizabeth park.
They took care of everything Nelson was so helpful and he put together a fabulous itinerary for us.
The accommodation everywhere was beyond what we expected and we couldn't have been better looked after.
Great staff, great food and AMAZING views.
But the best bit of using this company was Douglas our AMAZING guide he was just fantastic.
We had a problem with Kenyan airlines on the way to Rwanda and Nelson made it possible to catch up on our lost day and Douglas drove us through the night and went out of his way to make our trip fantastic.
We saw so many animals, Leopard, Elephants, Gazelles, Hippos, Wildebeest, Warthog, Lizards...and of course the highlight the gorillas.
The trek was quite hard in Bwindi but we were rewarded by a family of 10 gorillas sitting with us and they were very active and interactive especially one of the silver backs!
what an experience it was totally amazing and exceeded my expectations.
How blessed are we to spend an hour in the company of these great creatures.
I 100% recommend this company and would definately book another trip with them.
Thanks again Gorilla Trek Africa.
Amanda, Lili, Isla, Ralph, Lisa, Dan, Connor and Lisa - you made this trip so special for us :)))))
We did two amazing treks to see two different families.
Both experiences were different and both just as amazing as each other.
We saw the Amahoro family one day and the Agashya family the next.
The Agashya family was more active on our day and some of the gorillas brushed right past you, Silverback, Blackback and babies too.
We had Eugene as a guide both days, luckily, as he was excellent, very friendly, funny and totally relaxed.
Our trackers and porters were great too.
Hiring a porter gives them an income and were much needed with a helping hand on both days as part of the trek was a little challenging at times.
On both treks the tracker and guide had to cut a way through nettles, ferns and brambles for us to get to see the gorillas.
We were almost doing a gorilla walk ourselves to climb up to see them.
This was such an adventure and a real buzz.
the most incredible thing you can do in your life!
The gorillas are simply gentle giants !
amazing experience!
just go!
We have just completed our 3 day experience in Rwanda, I would like to thank Nelson for arranging the trip, he was very professional and always responded to my emails ( lots of them) The trip is expensive but it certainly lived up to my dreams.
We would highly recommend our tour guide Gavis, he has been a fantastic guide who is very friendly, his English is excellent and he has lots of knowledge of Rwanda and was able to answer all of our questions.
We feel that he went over and above his role and went out of his way to ensure that all of our wishes were met.
The gorilla trek was amazing we were really lucky to see the Titus family who have a 5 month baby gorilla, we were so close it was unbelievable!
2-3 foot) Highly recommend booking with this company , it lived up to all of my expectations and more
Avid adventure travelers, my husband & I wanted to plan a special trip to commemorate our 25th anniversary.
After considering several possibilities, we settled on primate-centric adventure in Rwanda & Uganda.
After a little research we chose Gorilla Trek Africa as our outfitter.
Suffice it to say, they did not disappoint!
We knew we wanted to see gorillas in both Rwanda & Uganda.
Nelson put together a week-long foray which included Gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda, Golden monkeys, Queen Elizabeth National Park, & chimpanzees in Kibale National Forest--not to mention other add-ons like the Genocide Museum, Nyamata church, community visit in Bwindi.
We opted for the moderate range in accommodations--which included DaVnci Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Enganzi Lodge & Primates Lodge, and while I will review them separately, let me say that we were quite happy with all of the lodging arranged by GTA.
A few words about Nelson--he delivered the finest level of customer service the entire 10 month period in which we were planning the trip.
He answered countless questions and usually within a 12-hour period.
Initially I contacted him last summer, and after receiving all of the financials we were not quite ready to pull the trigger on the trip.
I asked him candidly that if I waited until December to send my deposit, would Gorilla permits likely still be available for June?
He answered honestly that I could probably wait until January and still be able to secure the the permits I wanted.
No pressure to commit--just a candid response to my situation.
So we chipped away at saving for the trip and then in January sent in our deposit.
All good.
I wondered if the amazing level of customer service would wane after they had our deposit.
Not so--Nelson remained a source of information and help right until we boarded the plane.
Perhaps the most important aspect of this fantastic adventure was our guide, Bernard.
It is hard to imagine how our trip would have surpassed our expectations without him.
If you comb through all of the Trip Advisor reviews, you will see that it is to GTA's credit that everyone loves their guide and touts him as the best.
This really does speak to the caliber of individuals that make up GTA.
We are no exception in our opinion--Bernard proved the best guide possible!
First of all, he inspired confidence from the get-go.
Bernard is knowledgeable on a wide range of topics, intelligent, witty, a great conversationalist, and a skilled driver (no small feat in Uganda!
By the end of the week, he felt like family.
He provided a level of comfort, confidence, and security that allowed us to fully appreciate all of the dichotomies that make up this part of the world.
Our experience would not have been as rich without Bernard.
If we our fortunate enough to return, I would request him again in a heartbeat.
On to the individual particulars of our trip.
Gorillas--I keep re-living the experience through our wonderful photos.
Being in their presence is exhilarating, moving, and humbling.
If you are a wild-life lover, I cannot recommend strongly enough.
In terms of logistics--in both Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest In Uganda, your guide will inform the ranger whether you wish for an easy, medium, or hard hike into the gorillas, and they assign you to a gorilla family based upon that.
We were in medium groups for both and that proved perfect for us.
Both times there were a total of 6 people in our group.
In Rwanda, our hike had the potential to be in the difficult range, but the gorillas had come down a bit & so were closer than anticipated.
I ended up being glad for this, as I was feeling the altitude a bit on the hike up to the gorillas, which ended up being about 2 hours long.
After a magical hour with the gorillas, the descent went much more quickly.
In Bwindi, its a reversed climb--descent first.
I really recommend hiring a porter ($10 in Rwanda/$15 in Uganda --+ tips).
As mentioned in many previous reviews, hiring a porter helps the local community, which in turn helps the gorillas.
While neither my husband not I needed our porters for hiking help, I was more than happy to have my porter wear my daypack --especially on the ascents.
Gorillas in Rwanda vs Uganda?
I feel blessed to have experienced both.
We booked our trip before the drastic price increase in Rwanda.
Our photographs are better from Rwanda as the gorillas were more in the open, but if I absolutely had to choose between the two experiences, I think I would choose Bwindi--I loved the environment--being in the tangle of vines so close to the gorillas.
It felt even more close-up & intimate.
That was my experience at any rate.
Guides & porters were equally fantastic at both.
Volcanoes in Rwanda has the added bonus of a traditional dance/music presentation... Golden Monkeys--fun !
I was glad we did this.
Expect your hiking group to be quite a bit larger than the gorillas, but the monkeys are everywhere, so you can spread out a bit.
The hike to the monkeys is quite easy--almost totally flat, so can accommodate all fitness levels.
The only downside is that we ended up with some are we there yet?...how much further? 
types--which we did not experience on the gorilla hikes as they group you according to your skills/appetite for adventure.
Someone in our group was wearing a fitbit and clocked the round-trip monkey hike at just under 5 miles.
Chimpanzees in Kibale--a definite must !
I was expecting to adore the gorilla experience, but this one proved almost just as exciting and moving!
We were lucky enough to see many, many chimpanzees--not always the case, I guess.
They took us on a quite a tromp through the forest.
It was an exhilarating experience and a fun surprise as I feared it would be anticlimactic after seeing the gorillas.
Not so in the least.
Queen Elizabeth National Park-- This was the only day that perhaps did not live up to my expectations.
If I were to do the trip again, I would make changes re: QENP.
PROS--we were lucky (thanks to Bernard) to see the tree-climbing lions.
We also saw elephants, water buffalo, hippos, warthogs, waterbucks, a nile crocodile, & scores of birds.
It was also great to see an ecosystem so different from Bwindi...On the other hand, we drove there from Ruhija in Bwindi & it made for an awfully long day of driving almost exclusively on unpaved roads or roads in terrible condition.
Also, the guide on our river cruise of the Kazinga channel wasn't the strongest--by his own acknowledgement, he was substituting and wasn't an expert.
It was still a worthwhile experience, but I would either plan the travel to it differently or try Murchison Falls instead.
Community Walk in Rujija (Bwindi)-- I am a teacher & told Nelson I wanted to bring school supplies--if he knew of a place along the way on our itinerary to donate them.
He knew of just the orphanage/school in Ruhija .
So as part of our community walk we visited the school to deliver all of the stuff we brought.
So glad we did this.
Even if you don't wish to bring supplies, there is a donation box--I'm sure no amount is too small to do great good.
I highly recommend the visit.
The need is so acute.
The children were so adorable and it was another part of the trip that gave me cause for great reflection.
We also visited a traditional Batwa village which was interesting.
The Kigali Genocide Museum & Nyamata Church--this was the first day of our trip.
Another important experience you won't want to miss--difficult though it is--especially the church.
Prior to going I had read a book on the genocide, but nothing really prepares you for being at the actual site.
We also visited the renowned Hotel Mille des Collines and were treated to a brief tour by a manager.
He did a great job separating fact from fiction re: Hotel Rwanda.
I felt this was an important part of contextualizing our trip as a whole.
I really appreciated that our itinerary with GTA exposed us to the whole of Rwanda & Uganda--not just the travel destination bits...we witnessed great beauty and also some terrible desolation--all part of a rich tapestry of East Afica.
Things I wish I had known/was glad I did or brought/would do differently: Currency--we changed very little money-- a bit in each country.
US dollars were welcome almost everywhere except in small craft collectives.
Bills must be in pristine condition and 2009 or later--but we paid for almost everything in USD with not so much as a hesitant look.
Tipping--its a personal thing I know, but I wouldn't have have been able to enjoy my trip as much if I hadn't been prepared to help in an area of so much need.
I had budgeted for all guide tips & porter tips, but there were so many other occasions along the way that I wished to tip--and felt lucky that i brought in excess of my anticipated costs (museum, church, dancers, gorilla trackers--separate from gorilla guide & porter, school, village--pretty much every activity we did had a tipping opportunity).
I wish I had more bills in lower denominations--the equivalent of $5 or $10 for the little things that came up.
Lodging--I would do two nights at every lodge.
Our last two lodges were one night each-- I would definitely add an extra night--especially at Primates where they also had other activities that were of interest--nocturnal hikes, birding... Murchison Falls--I wish we had done this--so many people we met LOVED this place so much and mentioned it as a highlight.
It was far from most other things were were doing, but I would try to work it in next time.
Rafting in Jinja--an amazing experience (we used Adrift)--we booked this on our own, after the GTA part of our trip, but I would would do it through GTA next time...just to have extra time with our guide.
Bernard.
Heaven in Kigali--We also booked this on our own--this is where our trip started--great lodge, great restaurant.
I wanted to stay there after reading A Thousand Hills to Heaven by the owner, an NGO World Health developer who had done wonderful things for Rwanda--not the least of which is opening this lodge with his wife (actually, Heaven is more her project) So glad I stayed here--great meals, too.
Perfect start to the trip.
Wad glad I brought... ~ headlamps (for reading & dark steps/ walkways at night ~face wipes as most lodges did not have face cloths in the rooms (though did bring a warm one at arrival) ~immodium ad (enough said : ) ~ a good camera If you made it to the end of this review, I imagine you are an adventure loving and intrepid traveler who is strongly considering booking this trip.
Do not hesitate to book this once-in-a-lifetime trip with Gorilla Trek Africa.
they will deliver a fantastic experience and memories to last a life-time.
If you love adventure, nature and primates then this is for you.
Trekking to see gorillas in Rwanda has been a long time dream of mine and I was able to experience it two weeks ago.
Extremely well done, professionally designed natural quest.
Four of us, all in mid 60s, planned this months ago.
We had an amazing time.
Patience was our wonderful guide.
We each hired a porter which was necessary.
The men used them to carry camera equipment, jackets and water.
My friend and I needed them for assistance and support.
We had women porters and they were Wonder Women!
Strong, tireless, fearless gals.
We requested an easy trek but it was more of a moderate trek.
We also had permits for the next day but unfortunately were just too tired to go again plus it would have made us rush around making our airline flights.
That was a significant loss of money but we accept it because our trek was so awesome.
Go well prepared.
Know what to expect.
Read all of the suggestions and recommendations.
Read others' blogs.
Be cognizant to tip correctly and generously.
A German couple was with us and they were annoying and rude.
They didn't hire porters but needed them.
Therefore, they used and relied on our guide and his intern inappropriately.
The woman fell several times.
The man gave his cell phone to the guide to take photos.
Then they had the audacity or complete ignorance to tip no one.
Information was clear to us that the park ranger teams who track the gorilla families are up at dawn and do a fantastic job that is arduous work.
You meet them after your encounter and then show your appreciation.
The Germans, even though my friend explained the protocol, brought out a wallet, looked through it, put it away.
Nothing.
Not even a verbal thank you.
You will fall in love with your gorilla family.
What beautiful, amazing, glorious creatures.
I loved all of the animals in the Serengeti, the Galapagos, Antartica.
However, my gorilla encounter reigns supreme.
I had a wonderful experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Travelling by yourself is always a daunting experience.
My guide Sam Elliot was the most amazing guide.
I couldn't have ask for a better guide, he was so accommodating, knowledgeable and made me feel so comfortable.
The whole process of the tour ran smoothly and was organised to the minute.
Seeing the gorillas and getting so up close to them was breathtaking, such a fantastic once in a lifetime experience.
Great value for money
Hiking with gorillas in Rwanda has been a bucket list adventure for me for a long time.
When I finally had the chance to go for it, we made it happen with Gorilla Trek Africa.
They did not disappoint.
We had two treks with the mountain gorillas and one with the Golden monkeys.
Our treks ranged from one hour each way, to a 12 mile odyssey where we caught up to the gorillas at 11,000 ft!
It all was so worth it and did not disappoint.
The trackers and porters are all former poachers that now earn an honest and decent living on the conservation side.
I found no-one pushy about wanting to carry my pack, and even though I am more than capable to carry my own camera bag, I was more than happy to pay them $10 to carry it for me.
The one concern I have is the expense.
Beginning in June, 2017, the cost of the permit has doubled to $1,500 per person per day.
If you have any interest in seeing wild mountain gorillas in their beautiful habitat, make it happen- it is more than worth it.
Traveling on my own can be a little unnerving but I have never felt more taken care of.
Gorilla Trek made a very special experience even better than I could have hoped for.
If you can request Gavis as a guide, you should!
He really went out of his ways to make sure I had a great time.
I wanted 2 days of trekking and they were happy to organize the tour around my requests.
Gavis made some suggestions that really helped me get the most out of my trip.
I wouldn't hesitate to book with them.
We stayed at the Gorilla Mountain Lodge located about 3 hours outside of Kigali.
The accommodations are quite unique where you stay in your own individual cottages.
The facility is actually owned by the town and much of the profits are directed back to Gorilla conservation.
The Gorilla Trek is one of the most unique activities we have ever done.
There are limited numbers of Gorilla permits and they are quite expensive.
Each permit which allows you one hour with the Gorillas will cost you upwards if $1,000 US.
Each person it the party must have a permit.
All proceeds go towards Gorilla conservation.
The Trek involves climbing up the mountain through thick jungle.
You are guaranteed seeing gorillas however you may have to hike for several hours to get to them.
It is truly breathtaking when you arrive at their habitat and sit almost side by side with these amazing creatures.
We saw a family with about 8 gorillas two of which were silverbacks.
This is a once in a lifetime experience!
We contacted Gorilla Trek just two weeks before our Gorilla Tour and Nelson from the head office was always very responsive and helpful.
We paid for the tour by making a bank transfer a few days in advance.
We also appreciated that they immediately proposed to us to go to the Ugandan side (Bwindi Impenetrable Park) which is maybe a 4-5 hours trip from Kigali as they just doubled the park fees in Rwanda from $750 to $1500.
We stayed overnight in Bwindi Jungle Lodge which is a very nice accommodation roughly 1.5 hours away from the (south) gate.
Our driver, Chris, was fantastic, always up for a good talk and very responsible.
I can recommend Gorilla Trek to anyone who wants to see the Mountain Gorillas.
I and my wife Dorothy, booked a gorilla tour with Gorilla Trek Africa managed by Nelson in May 2017.
At first we did not feel safe sending a deposit online to a foreign company we had just identified.
But basing on their past amazing trip advisor reviews and the USA representative Bill Williams' effort, our dream to track mountain gorillas became a reality.
Our trip was organized so well - very comfortable clean car; very knowledgeable and kind tour guide called Brian; and a very fabulous lodge, the Gorilla Solution Lodge.
Any one who would wish to track gorillas, Gorilla Trek Africa is the way to go!
Just returned from Gorilla trek in Rwanda with Gorilla Trek Africa.
It was an amazing experience and very well organized with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Our guide, Kenneth, was extremely knowledgeable and gave us information on what to expect and everything we wanted to know about Gorillas!
If the opportunity arises, would definitely go back again using Gorilla Trek Africa.
Well worth the cost!
My sister and I did the 2-day trek to see the gorillas at Volcanoes National Park.
We booked completely through email and Nelson/William handled everything (permit, accommodations) it was seamless.
We were picked up in Kigali by our guide, Innocent, who told us lots of interesting information about the country and regions we drove through on our way to Volcanoes.
We stopped for lunch during the drive and he was accommodating if we wanted to make any other stops along the way.
Innocent was very detailed about the schedule for trek day so there was no confusion and made sure we were in a group for our desired hike length (short, medium or long - we opted for medium).
After the hike we went back to our lodge to freshen up, have lunch and headed back to Kigali.
They give three levels of accommodation options at Volcanoes depending on your budget.
We chose mid-range Da Vinci Lodge and it was excellent, also highly recommend.
Our only regret is not doing a longer trip!
Thank you Nelson and Gavis for a perfect trek.
Everything was easy and enjoyable thanks to you.
So glad I picked your company.
If you are looking for a company to arrange a trip to Rwanda and Uganda, then your quest is over, as I can recommend the perfect tour operator: Nelson at Gorilla Trek Africa.
Nelson put together and arranged for a 13 day customized trip for my group of four to Rwanda and Uganda.
I have traveled all over the world and honestly can say that Nelson is best tour operator that I have ever encountered.
Reasons: 1) Honesty/Professionalism/Integrity.
Nelson's character displays each of these attributes.
He is 100% trustworthy.
We wired our entire payment to Gorilla Trek Africa's bank account.
Nelson immediately confirmed receipt.
There absolutely were no issues.
2) Price.
Nelson's pricing was competitive and provided excellent value for the money spent.
Nelson provided us with a detailed accounting of the cost of the trip.
The price never changed; there were no hidden or surprise fees.
3) Guide.
A guide can make or break a trip.
Sam Elliott was both our driver and guide for the entire 13 days.
Sam was phenomenal and ranks as the best guide that we ever have had in all of our worldly travels, and we have had some pretty good guides.
Sam was masterful in executing our daily itinerary.
He made sure that we saw and did everything that we wanted to.
We never felt rushed and were given ample time to enjoy every activity, including our meals.
Sam has a keen knowledge of Rwandan and Ugandan history, as well as the flora, fauna, and wildlife.
He was a walking and talking encyclopedia!
Sam was professional, polite, easy to talk to, fun, and a delight to be with!
Sam's driving skills are superb!
We don't know how he managed driving so well on those unpaved Ugandan roads, but he did!
Sam always was happy and in a good mood, even after driving a 10 hour day!
We felt perfectly safe with Sam the entire time.
Sam always managed to take care of little things that made a huge difference.
For example, the day that we drove to Murchison Falls was a very long day.
It took 10 hours on dusty unpaved roads to get to Murchison Falls.
By the time we got there, the car was filthy inside and out due to the dust.
We had a 6:00 a.m. game drive the following morning.
When Sam picked us up for our 6:00 a.m. game drive, the vehicle was spotlessly clean inside and out.
Sam had washed the car!
I don't know how he managed to get that done after that long drive, but he did.
Another example was Sam's willingness on road trips to take us to facilities that had nice clean bathrooms with toilet seats.
Our group consisted of three women and one man, so you can imagine that we three women were very grateful.
Our entire trip was spent with moments like that, where Sam took care of all the little things that made a huge difference in our comfort level.
What really made Sam standout from all of our past guides was: At our last dinner together just before going to the airport, Sam gave us a heartfelt speech wherein he thanked us for coming and apologized if he did anything wrong.
We assured Sam that he did everything 100% right and that the trip was perfect.
We all had tears in our eyes as Sam expressed his gratitude to us for being Gorilla Trek Africa clients.
We all felt like we had bonded with Sam and hated saying goodbye to our new dear friend.
4) Transportation.
Our safari vehicle was large and extremely comfortable.
It had a refrigerator which Sam kept continuously stocked with water, soft drinks, and juice.
The top popped up for wildlife viewing.
5) Hotels.
Our hotels were fabulous!
We stayed in luxury class accommodations.
At each lodge, the grounds were beautiful, the food was five star quality, and the service was outstanding!
We stayed at: Hotel Des Milles Collines, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotel, Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Mweya Safari Lodge, Mihingo Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, and Paraa Lodge.
I will review each lodge separately under its respective Trip Advisor area.
6) Activities.
Every place we visited truly was magnificent!
We visited: Akagera National Park, Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Golden Monkey trekking, Lake Bunyoni boat ride, Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
We saw elephants, giraffes, lions, impalas, bush bucks, warthogs, baboons, chimpanzees, gorillas, antelopes, zebras, and more.
I will review each placed visited separately under its respective Trip Advisor area.
7) Philanthropy.
Gorilla Trek Africa is actively involved in arranging for clothing donations to local orphanages.
At our request, Nelson arranged for us to visit two orphanages where we donated clothing brought from home.
Both visits provided a humbling and moving experience; definitely a trip highlight!
In closing, this trip was life changing and mesmerizing in the plethora of wildlife, flora and fauna seen.
Both Rwanda and Uganda were beautiful in terms of nature/wildlife, and the people themselves.
This truly was the trip of a lifetime.
We all give Nelson the highest recommendation!!
We made all our arrangements on line.
The deposit for the trip has to be paid in advance to a Ugandan bank with the balance being due on arrival although we paid in advance to avoid carrying too much cash.
We applied for East African Tourist visas in advance which cover Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.
You receive an approval document within three days which you hand in on arrival and get the visa entered in your passport.
We flew in to Kigali arriving quite early and we were met by our guide Richard who stayed with us for our 5 day trip.
It would have been better if we had flown in to Uganda as we spent the day driving to Katsura Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Both the hotels we stayed at on the tour were excellent and the subject of separate reviews.
Although the journey was interesting I feel we would have had an extra day if we had flown in to Uganda.
Immigration from Rwanda to Uganda was very slow taking over an hour queuing in very the very hot sun.
Worth making sure you've got a had to hand.
On day two we had a short drive to track chimpanzees.
The tracking want too difficult.
The chimps were high in the forest canopy but we were able to get photographs with ease.
Our guide for the tracking was very knowledgable about the flora and fauna.
On day three we tracked tree climbing llanos and made our way back to Rwanda where we stayed at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge in the Volcanoes National Park.
On day four we did tracked the gorillas.
Eighty people per day are granted permits for gorilla tracking during are broken down in to groups of eight depending on fitness, each with their own guide and you track one of ten gorilla families.
The tracking can be quite hard depending on how quickly you find the gorillas.
My group was expected to take half an hour to find them but it took around two hours.
Once you find them you are allowed to stay for one hour only before you leave to avoid the gorillas having two much human company.
We were 3500 metres above sea level and a lot of people found the altitude made the tracking hard.
Having found the Amahoro family we made ourselves comfortable seated in the grass and started our hour.
The family numbered around twenty and we saw 16 of them The gorillas appeared almost oblivious to us, brushing past us as they went about their business without giving us a second glance.
The hour we were permitted passed very quickly and we then made our way out of the jungle.
On day five we drove back to Kigali and visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Well worth a visit although a very sobering experience and again the subject of a separate review.
We then flew down to Mombasa for som R&R on the beach.
All in all an amazing experience with the gorillas being the high point .
Just finished a 3 day trip with Bob to Bwindi and Volcanos NP.
Bob was fantastic and a pleasure to chat with.
Nelson from the Kampala office was also excellent - very responsive.
The gorilla tracking in Bwindi was absolutely amazing and totally worth the long hike.
The golden monkey at Volcanoes NP was good but cannot be compared to the gorillas for sure.
Overall, would definitely recommend.
Just back from 5 amazing days in Rwanda and Uganda, with David of Gorilla Trek Africa.
He is exceptional, and I can't recommend Gorilla Trek highly enough-- they are a highly skilled, resourceful, and reliable team with deep knowledge of both Uganda and Rwanda, and in my experience offer a significantly .
As soon as I told
It was an amazing adventure to visit Rwanda and see the Gorillas in their natural habitat.
Everything was so well organised by Nelson, payment was easy and David my guide was a wealth of information.
Stayed at DaVinci Lodge, the staff there were so helpful and friendly.
Make sure you hire a porter they are invaluable especially if you will be hiking a distance, it also gives to the local community.
Gloves and gaiters were necessary on our trek, it can be very slippery and you do need to grab on to various plants at times to get through the bamboo, including the nettles.
It was one of the most memorable trips I have been on and I can give Gorilla Trek the very highest recommendation.
I can't say enough good things about this company and the trek.
I'll try and be as specific as possible.
The booking process was made through the website with Nelson.
He was incredibly responsive, custom made our tour specifically for what I requested day by day.
Payment was incredibly easy, he sent document for travel packing list and for East African visa as well.
Could not have been more straight forward and I can't say enough good things about Nelson and how great he was in booking.
We decided to go during the beginning of May, which is the last month of the rainy season.
It certainly rained at times, but this was never an issue in terms of hindering us and it is really beautiful to see these landscapes during rains.
The gorilla treks and lodges were much less crowded and I really am so happy we decided to go in May rather than June/July.
I have heard April gets extremely rainy however.
When we landed in Kigali we stayed at the hotel Serena, a wonderful hotel and would definitely recommend it to everyone.
Our guide, Kenneth met us the following day at 8am and we set off for Kabale in Uganda to start the trek.
I really want to emphasize how incredible Kenneth was from start to finish.
He was a gorilla guide and tracker for 12 years in Bwindi impenetrable Forrest, Queens Elizabeth National Park ranger for several years, and his knowledge of the area and of gorillas was incredible.
He essentially gave us our own course on Ugandan and Rwandan natural history, wildlife in the area and is truly an expert in gorilla tracking.
I learned so much from him and feel so lucky to have had the luck to have him as our guide.
He knows all the gorilla guides at Bwindi and some in Volcanoes NP that he set us up to follow specific groups on specific treks.
He was known and well liked by all of the staff he ran into and it felt like royalty going to Bwindi and the Queen Elizabeth National Park with him.
KENNETH AS YOUR GUIDE IF POSSIBLE.
Truly an amazing experience with him.
We ended up doing a chimp trek, wildlife drive in Queen Elizabeth national park, and 2 gorilla treks (1 in Bwindi, 1 in Volcanoes National Park.
The chimp trek was very interesting, at one point we were sprinting through the Forrest in search of a chimp that had come down from the trees.
Was a wonderful experience and would highly recommend.
The game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP was similar to those I've been on in Kruger and others.
Very safari feeling, the top to our land cruiser was open, we saw lions, elephants etc.
Beautiful park and definitely worth it.
The 2 gorilla treks we're both amazing.
Words can't describe the experience and if you've come this far in researching it please do it.
Bwindi is very thick jungle terrain with lots of ups and downs.
The gloves and gaiters were a must here.
We were in a group of 5 total ppl plus 4 porters and 3 guides.
It only took us 20 mins until we found the gorilla group and the hour with them was amazing.
The Volcanoes NP trek was much different.
Had about a 1.5 hour hike through bamboo Forrest, some areas of very thick mud ( again gaiters a must here as well) and then found an incredible gorilla group in a very open area.
Very different group, ambit just as amazing and unique experience.
Really would recommend 2 treks if possible.
Overall, can't say enough good things about this company and specifically Kenneth as a guide.
You won't regret going with this tour group.
The term once in a life time is certainly overused, however going to Uganda/Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas is truly this.
The people, the landscapes, the history, the wildlife and the overall experience left me awestruck over and again.
If you have the opportunity to go, do it!
REQUEST GAVIS as your GUIDE!
Gavis was my tour guide and was professional, courteous, and engaging in conversation during the drive in and return to Kigali.
He arrived 10 minutes early to pick me up in a very comfortable vehicle, and even secured having the guide for the party of 8 join us on the ride to the trail head.
This is a once in a lifetime, MUST DO experience with a top notch guide and a company that delivered on their promise.
My friend and I did the two-day tour; we don't have any regrets.
Nelson booked our travel itinerary and Bob was our 2-day tour guide.
Everyone I interacted with at Gorilla Trek Africa (GTA) was extremely professional, kind, and helpful.
Two tips: + I recommend the 2-day tour if you want to leisurely arrive into Rwanda and have GTA pick you up from the airport.
You go on a city tour and visit the genocide museum and the memorial for the Ten Belgian Blue Helmets.
Then you go off for lunch (in Kigali or on the way to your lodging near Volcano National Park) and can rest for the day.
All meals are covered during the 2-day tour.
I stayed at Gorilla Solutions Lodge.
The hotel staff were very kind and even cleaned our shoes after our trek (amazing work!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
+ Be prepared to hike 6+ hours.
Grab a porter if you are not accustomed to medium-level difficulty hikes--they will help you up on steep inclines or support you walking through challenging areas.
We trekked in the mud, got hit by stinging nettles, and had occasional rain fall on us.
The trip is expensive, but worth every penny.
The permit prices will increase soon, so you should go now before it gets more pricy!
You get very close to the gorillas; and it is a very magical experience.
I felt very safe and comfortable with the GTA team and highly recommend others who are considering the trip, to email the GTA team at info@rwandagorilla.com.
I want to go again with my husband and will definitely use this same company again.
Nelson and Bob, I appreciate all your support!
We LOVED our experience, thanks to you both!
Less than a week before I was to arrive in Rwanda I contacted Gorilla Trek Africa to see if I could schedule a one day gorilla trek from Kigali.
The process to arrange and pay for the trip was quite easy.
Nelson answered all my questions - with no pressure at all to book - and everything was arranged after just a couple of emails.
On the morning of the trek (less than 8 hours after arriving in Rwanda) Gavis picked me up at my hotel at 4:30am for the drive up.
Gavis was fantastic.
He's extremely friendly and interesting to chat with.
Once the trek was over Gavis and I stopped for some good food and we were back in Kigali by 4pm.
Considering I had less than a day for the gorilla trek I'm really pleased I booked through Gorilla Trek Africa.
The trek itself is an amazing experience (not to be missed!
and Gavis and GTA were great.
We did a 3 day gorilla tour in early February, departing from Kigali.
If you are considering a gorilla trek, just DO IT!
It truly is an amazing experience - everyone we spoke to afterwards was just in awe of what we had seen and on an absolute high.
Our guide Asaph was fantastic - very patient, friendly, knowledgable, and went out of his way to get us onto the gorilla group we wanted.
Overall, the 3 day trip is overpriced for what you get.
Days 1 and 2 are really just transfers to and from Volcanoes National Park, with a detour to the Genocide Museum (which you can easily do on your own) and a Golden Monkey Trek if you choose to do it (we didn't as it could never compare with the gorillas).
We were also a little miffed about having to pay heavily marked up prices for drinks consumed at Da Vinci Lodge which we assumed were included in the meal package, for example tea and coffee that they offered as part of their wake up service and with breakfast, and small bottles of water left in the room on arrival.
Be sure to arrange payment well in advance, taking into consideration the bank transfer fees you will incur.
A lot of banks will not transfer to an account that has any reference to Rwanda.
I did a 2-days tour with Gorilla Trek Africa in Rwanda in late April.
It is a well organised tour, there is not a big difference from a 1 day tour in terms of price, which makes it worth it.
I pre-paid 50% of the price in advance via bank tranfer and the other half in cash upon arrival to Kigali.
Getting a list of required trekking gear in advance was very helpful.
All things were really needed, rain jacket, gloves, good trekking shoes...It is a physically demanding exercise and weather can be unpredictable so pay attention to this list shared by the company by email.
I was met by Asaph in Kigali airport, he gave me a great introduction to Kigali and its history and showed some famous sites around the city, including famous Hotel Rwanda.
He is a really good and knowledgeable guide and also very flexible.
He adjusted the programme according to my wishes, helped to find things I needed to buy, took me to local crafts markets, assisted with water supplies and even some trekking gear and was a good company for 2 days.
Thank you so much!
In the afternoon we drove about 2,5h to Gorilla Solutions Lodge nearby Volcano National Park, where I spent the night.
It is a great place with exceptionally good service and tasty food.
It can get cold at nights so carry warm clothes!
On second day the safari started early in the morning with introduction and security briefing.
We were trekking the gorillas in a group of 8 people with a local guide.
It was a truly exciting adventure, not a very easy one as we had to hike in heavy rain, all the way up to the mountain slopes to see gorillas.
But it was definitely worth it, we saw a big family, they turned out to be very relaxed, smart and absolutely not aggressive animals.
It was a fantastic experience!
After spending an hour with gorillas we hiked back, got our certificates and returned to the hotel for a late lunch.
Afterwards we drove back to Kigali and arrived there at around 7pm.
I warmly recommend this tour with Gorilla Trek Africa to other adventure-seekers!
//Viktoria
Ok, so let me tell you my story from start to finish.
Trekking with the mountain gorilla is something I always wanted to do.
I am a single female traveller, and wanted to ensure everything was safe and well organised.
After reading many reviews, I decided to go with Gorilla Trek Africa.
I made contact through the website, and Nelson got back to me promptly within 24 hrs.
We had many communications through email, and he answered all my questions.
The next step was booking and paying.
Nelson sent through the pay details ( either credit card or international bank transfer).
It can seem a bit scary at first sending through a big payment of USD, but rest assured, it is no problems.
It took 4 days from me putting it through from my bank in Australia to the bank in Uganda.
I confirmed via email with Nelson again that my payment had been received.
Next step, arrival.
I arrived early morning in Kigali (Rwandas international airport) and my guide Krish was there to meet me with a sign just outside of arrivals.
He had a very clean 4 wheel drive vehicle, and was very helpful.
I hadn't been able to change some of my money into Rwanda francs, so Krish drove me to a money exchange on our way, so I could do that.
The journey is 3-4 hrs but it is a beautiful scenic drive.
I was mesmerised by the beauty of this country..and so clean.
They do take great pride in keeping their country clean.
It is a very windy hilly drive, but beautiful.
Krish was happy to stop along the way so I could take some photos.
On arrival of my accomodation, I stayed at the Davinci Lodge.
It was really lovely, and a beautiful lady called Tracey was there to greet me.
She was so warm and welcoming.
She also speaks fluent English, so communication was easy.
The lodge itself is really lovely and I thoroughly recommend it.
Nice big room, and the shower was nice and hot with good pressure.
I did a 4 day trip in total (the double gorilla trek).
So day 2, my first gorilla trek.
We had breakfast at the lodge at 6am, and left at 0630 for the headquarters of gorilla trekking.
Krish (my tour guide and driver)also stayed at the lodge, so your own personal guide is always at hand, and there to drive you about.
When you arrive at the headquarters, you have about half an hr to grab a free cup of tea, and mingle with others.
The cultural dancers will come and perform for you whilst your gorilla trekking groups are getting sorted.
It is always nice to tip them for their efforts.
There is also free wifi there, so if you need to check in with loved ones, that is handy also.
Once your groups have been arranged, you will be taken for a briefing, then you head off for your trek.
As I did two days of trekking, my first one was very challenging, but I loved it, although it was long.
Seeing the gorillas is just so incredible, I wouldn't change a thing.
On my second day, I did an easier trek, a completely different experience, but equally as rewarding.
Can I just mention, on arrival back to the Davinci Lodge after trekking, they take your muddy shoes from you and give your feet a rub.
They also take your shoes away, clean them up and return them to you.
This was really great, and again worth a small tip.
On the 3rd day I did a cultural tour in the afternoon.
This is where another guide will meet you and you walk into the community and learn various different things.
I have done a fair bit of travel before, so I knew what to expect, but if you haven't, it can be a bit of an eye opener.
My guide for this Elias, was full of knowledge.
He explains how the community was formed, showed me a local meeting area for afternoon wind down for the local people, and explained how the local beer was made.
He also showed me into a couple of local people's homes and explained a lot of the plants and trees, and their properties and history.
Please if you do this cultural tour, have some tipping money ($5000 francs) with you.
These people are opening their homes to you so you can learn.
I got a lot out of this tour, although it is optional.
On the final day, I did the golden monkeys, another experience again.
Once that was finished we went back to the accomodation and I had lunch and a shower, then it was time to head off again back to Kigali airport.
The drive again equally as stunning as the first time.
As I had a late flight, my guide Krish offered to take me to the local markets for a look around.
This was very kind of him, as he didn't have to.
These markets are huge and very busy.
Then I was dropped back to the airport for my return flight.
Krish ensured I was safe at the airport, before leaving.
A big Thank You to Gorilla Trek Africa for helping me fulfil one of my dreams.
From the start, emailing with Nelson, the Tour with Krish, and my cultural guide Elias, I had a wonderful time.
I definitely plan to return in the future (& hopefully bring others with me to share this experience)!
All I can say is Just do it!
You will have no regrets.
There was literally no part of today that I did not thoroughly enjoy: the ride from Kigali with the excellent driver Gavis, the friendly and knowledgeable Emanuel, and of course the one hour we spent with the gorillas.
Just the best!
Gorilla Trek Africa is a Kampala Uganda based company that organizes trips throughout Uganda and Rwanda.
My trip was a 5-day tour through all of Western Uganda and included visiting the gorillas in Rwanda.
Upon pickup, my guide, Robert told me that I had a balance meaning that I had not paid in full for the trip.
My trip was organized 7 months prior and had been paid in full two weeks prior to my arrival in Kigali.
Due to this miscommunication between the office and Robert he did not have any money for the trip, which forced us to go back to the Kigali office to get money.
This caused a 1.5 hour delay which caused us to reach the border right when all of the Kigali buses got there.
It took us 3 hours to cross the border.
Robert was not helpful in explaining the procedure and I stood in the hot sun (with no water) in order to do this.
Water was supposed to be included in the $2800 I paid for the trip.
When we arrived at our lunch spot the cafe was full, food was taking 25 minutes to be prepared, Robert wanted us to get lunch to go (takeaway and eat it in the car) and I was ready to keep moving.
Instead I agreed to eat at a local place which was fine but not what I paid for.
I would suggest GTA has other lunch options available in case this happens to others.
We arrived in Fort Portal late evening and reached Chimpanzee Guest House.
The guesthouse was comfortable and seeing the chimps was a good experience.
The trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park the following day was long and fairly warm.
After we had been driving around the park for about an hour I told Robert that I was ready to head to the lodge.
We had been on the road for 5 hours, and hadn't eaten in 6 or so, he told me why do you give up so easily, let's keep going for another 30 minutes. On the third day we drove from Queen Elizabeth National Park through Ishasha to see the lions, Bwindi National Forest and into Rwanda.
The road was dusty and dry and the AC in the vehicle was not working.
Robert claimed that it had worked two days prior and he had no idea why it was not working.
We stopped for lunch at the Bwindi gate (entrance to see the gorillas in Uganda) and Robert proceeded to tell me that there are more gorillas in Bwindi and it is much better to see them there.
I was shocked.
Here I am on the way to Rwanda the day before my gorilla trip and this guy is basically telling me I am missing out by not seeing them in Uganda.
After crossing the border in Rwanda I realized that I was missing $100 dollar bill from my bag.
No idea where the money went but am 100% sure it was there the night before.
I had left my bag in the vehicle while using the restroom twice that day.
When I told Robert what happened, he asked if they had taken other money as well and explained to me that it makes no sense to only take some of the money and not all of it.
In my experience, people take a little bit because they think you won't notice.
This was my tipping point and I asked Robert to call Nelson.
Nelson was surprised to hear all of the issues that we had and told me that GTA would replace the money.
Upon arrival in Kinigi, there was a new guide (Eric), new vehicle and the money was replaced.
The Da Vinci Lodge in Kinigi was excellent and the staff was great.
My experience with the gorillas and golden monkeys was absolutely breathtaking and wonderful.
My replacement guide Eric was amazing and what I expected in a guide from the very beginning.
On my last day in Kinigi I was speaking with a guide and a fellow traveler.
It turns out that I was eligible for an East African resident permit to see the gorillas in Rwanda.
The East African resident permit is $450 where GTA paid $750 for my permit.
While I do not blame GTA for overlooking this, I am disappointed that their US representative did not communicate this to the Kampala office when we began communicating back in September of last year.
Overall, the gorilla experience was amazing.
However, I would not recommend Gorilla Trek Africa to my fellow travelers.
After recommendations from friends, we decided to trek with the Gorillas for the long Easter Holiday.
I contacted Nelson three weeks prior to our departure, told him my time parameters and he planned a fabulous 4 day excursion for my husband and me.
He communication was prompt and he organized a trip that included a tour of Kigali and the Genocide museum, two gorilla treks and a final hike with the Golden Monkeys.
Gavis, a gentle, informative and attentive guide picked us up at the hotel in the morning.
The market is full of fabrics and he demonstrated patience as I chose two different fabrics and had them made into skirts while we explored other parts of the market.
He helped negotiate prices so it was a fair deal for all.
We had a comfortable drive to Volcanoes National Park and Gavin negotiated two great treks.
It was comfortable spending time with him.
We were disappointed the first night when we realized he didn't get to share dinner with us.
He is great company and he quickly became part of our experience.
However, we did get time with him and learned a lot about the country during our different drives.
He has interesting stories, and was interested in our stories.
The scenery is spectacular, the hiking provides such a sense of the forest, and definitely was a memorable and worthwhile experience.
Thank you Gavis, Thank you Nelson.
Trekking with gorillas has been at the top of our bucket list for years.
We finally decided to make it happen...and it was one of the best experiences to date.
Our entire trip was flawless and a dream come true!
I would recommend this company and book with them again if we ever find ourselves back in Rwanda.
Beautiful country, animals and people.
I cannot say enough about our time...other than, book your trip now!
This trip was organized for me by Nelson.
At first it was just myself, but my son decided to join me.
Nelson organized a five day trip involving the chimps at Kibale in QENP in Uganda and subsequently the gorillas at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
He set us up with Joseph, a guide par excellence.
Joseph Tamale made sure we were both happy.
My son with his camera shots and me with my stretch my legs stops.
We got to see the great apes up close and at a leisurely pace.
Our visit with the Golden Monkeys was spectacular and much less strenuous.
We saw other game including elephants, waterbuck, topi, kobs, numerous birds, hippo and cape buffalo and even lions.
Unfortunately, the lions were not in the trees that day.
Every thing went according to schedule.
We even could modify the itinerary a bit to include a boat tour in the channel between Lake George and Lake Edward.
This way we got to see both countries, crater lakes, valleys and the Rift valley.
All spectacular views.
I would recommend both the company and Joseph to anyone.
My wife and I spent a week in Rwanda guided by William at Gorilla Trek Africa.
From the moment he met us, we knew we made the right choice.
Despite a very full itinerary, William allowed us variations in our schedule to allow for changing needs and desires.
Our trip included a combination of culture and history, site seeing, and monkey and gorilla trekking.
The trip was a once in a lifetime, life changing experience that was worth every penny.
Gorilla Trek Africa had come highly recommended from our friends who traveled with them 3 years ago, and we were definitely not disappointed!
From my first email to enquire about a booking, Nelson was exceptionally responsive to all of our questions and requests right up until literally minutes before our departure to Kigali - we almost missed our flight to Kigali due to a horrible traffic accident at our departure end.
He was ready to help on his end to rearrange our pick up, but fortunately we made it to the airport with minutes to spare.
From the time we were picked up at the airport by William Luchi (he was our guide for the week), we didn't have to worry about a thing.
We did a week-long driving tour starting in Kigali.
After departing Kigali we traveled to Nyungwe Forest (with a couple of stops at Nyanza for the palace visit and a the genocide memorial).
We hiked to see the chimpanzees and also did a separate afternoon trip to see the colobus monkeys.
We were driven to Lake Kivu for an overnight and a boat tour.
The highlight of the trip was definitely to Volcanoes National Park and our stay at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Our hike to see the Agasha Group was incredible.
We were awed with our visit, getting to see the dominant silverback (walking within 2 feet of me) and two of the group's babies among others in the group.
Our final day, we headed back to Kigali to visit the Genocide Memorial and Nyamata Church south of Kigali.
William was so full of interesting information about the country, history and culture of Rwanda and was always pointing out things along the way.
Everything from start to finish was handled so professionally and promptly.
I have already recommended GTA to several friends (even while on our trip!
), one of whom has already booked to travel with them two weeks from now.
I highly recommend using GTA for your visit to Rwanda (or a combination of Rwanda/Uganda).
If you get a chance to request a guide, William's awesome.
It was a great experience made even more memorable by our guide Gavis.
He was friendly, professional and knowledgeable.
Gavis, our guide, was the best!
Warm personality, knowledgeable, beyond helpful and always at the ready to make our experience one to remember.
The Gorilla trek was something that I would never have thought to do but once I started to research it the more I became interested.
My friend and I just did the day trek.
A driver picked us up at our hotel in Kigali around 4:30am and then we drove about 2 plus hours to the Volcanoes National Park.
The drive was gorgeous once the sun came up.
When we got there they had coffee for us and there was a welcome dance from the local village people.
It was a little unorganized in the beginning, people were starting to get into groups and we had no idea what group we were suppose to be in.
After asking someone they told us what group we were in.
We were doing the medium hike.
We were told when we signed up we would have a choice but then they just told us that was our group.
They gave us walking sticks which was a great help.
I highly recommend getting a porter, he will carry your bag and is a great help getting through all the mud.
The hike was very challenging for me, it was so muddy and the tour guide was going pretty fast.
I felt bad for being slow but I was slipping and sliding the entire hike.
Plus I'm out of shape so that didn't help.
Our tour guide Mr. D was kinda nasty to us for being slow and not keeping up with the group.
I would say that was our biggest complaint.
We would have done the easier hike but never got a chance.
The hike took about 2 hours to see the Monfunzo family.
I was so amazed how gentle the gorillas were and they really didn't seem to care that we were there.
It was amazing watching them.
You're only with them for 1 hour and it goes so fast.
Overall, we had a great time.
I think next time we would go when there's less mud.
The trek is expensive but its a once in a lifetime thing.
I also recommend that you rent covers for the bottom of your pant leg.
They have guys going around and asking, you can also rent boots.
Enjoy and take lots of pictures.
My son and I did a 4 day trip through Rwanda and Uganda to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Our guide and driver was Sam Elliot.
I have traveled throughout Africa and the world, but this was definitely the trip to remember.
Organization of the trip, tailored specifically to my limited time schedule, accommodations, and our guide's knowledge, experience and attitude were all exceptional.
Sam was able to arrange the tracks that fit perfectly with our physical capacity and time constraints, given that we covered the length of two countries in just 4 days.
We saw unbelievable sights and had animal encounters that still leave us speechless.
We will never forget this trip, all thanks to Gorilla Trek Africa.
We trekked for two days and it was amazing!
Two very different trekks, more than 5 hours one day and about 3 hours one day.
Everything is so well organised and they take well care of the gorillas, only allowing us a one hour visit.
The guides were all fabulous, spoke excellent english and were very knowledgable!
Make use of porters, as it give the village people a small income.
And the gorillas......wow!
They are so beautiful, you get really close and they do not seem to mind at all.
Overall an amazing experience, we highly recommend this trip!!
Yes, it is expensive but so worth it!!
Our Gorilla Trek was awesome.
Getting close to gorillas and looking in their eyes is a strong emotion.
I fully recommend Gorilla Trek Africa.
We were at first nervous to send an upfront payment in Ouganda but all was perfect.
Tripadvisor reviews certainly helped us.
Please note that our driver and guide Kenneth was outstanding.
He is: - an excellent driver and problem solver - very polite and educated - a real encyclopedia on gorillas and Rwanda/Ouganda - a very attaching personality.
You could ask for him.
Amazing opportunity ti see these awesome gorillas in Rwanda and Ouganda.
Really impressed with the service of this company - great communication beforehand with Nelson to get the visit arranged.
Our guide Bob was lovely - excellent driving and very knowledgeable.
The lodge was really relaxing and the gorillas - wow!
An absolutely incredible experience the time we spent with them was so special, an absolute privilege.
Visiting the gorillas was an amazing experience and Gorilla Trek Africa played a huge role in ensuring the visit was smooth and easy to manage.
I chose based on their TripAdvisor reviews and I'm happy to say it was the right choice.
They don't do budget tours so I assume is a bit more pricey than other companies, but this an experience that you don't want to jeopardise in any way, shape or form.
I booked a two-day tour: which included transportation to and from Kigali, a private car and tour guide, lodging and food and permits.
Before you actually do it, it's hard to realise the amount of preparation the trip takes in terms of getting permits, ensuring accommodation, different bits of transportation, etc.
Gorilla Trek Africa took care of all of this and also ensured I got into a group that I could handle due to some physical limitations at the moment.
Robert, who was my tour guide, is an incredibly knowledgeable and extremely nice.
It was a real treat to spend time talking to him.
I would recommend them any time!
Here is the paradox right up front: Gorilla Trek Africa offers you the best tour, accommodations and guides for the least amount of money!
After exhaustive research contacting the myriad of companies servicing Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla safaris, Gorilla Trek Africa made the most sense in terms of dollars and cents.
What I mean by that is comparing the exact lodges, the exact tour, the exact gorilla trekking experience,Gorilla Trek Africa offered the best deal.
Okay, money isn't everything.
So say those who have it.
The service was exemplary.
Nelson tirelessly communicated with me in the planning, making suggestions but openly listening to my thoughts and needs.
The result: I've been to Africa four times and this was by far the most inspiring, adventurous, physically challenging trip of them all.
We did gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda and then visited Kibale N.P., Queen Elizabeth N.P.
both Ishasha and Mweya) and Lake Mburo N.P.
The accommodations were beyond Deluxe, yet kept the flavor of being in Uganda and not any 5 star hotel.
Kyaninga Lodge, Mahogany Springs and Mihingo Lodge were all beyond belief.
I saved the best for last.
Patrick, our guide, is a must!
He is immensely knowledgeable, enormously personable, fluent in English ( idioms and all), gets nuances and humor -- which believe me is imperative when spending two weeks with anyone.
Request Patrick immediately upon reserving.
In fact, demand Patrick as a condition of your booking.
He is THAT extraordinary.
I write very few reviews.
Only when I feel compelled or so excited that I must.
This was one company that did everything right, so I wrote a review.
I will remember and reflect on this trip for a very long time.
But my wife and I will think about Patrick and his tireless work on our behalf for even longer.
We booked for a 3 day trip to volcanoes national park through gorilla trek africa on their website including making payments through the service available on the website.
My wife and I travelled in Ely feb 2017 which is typically low season and weather was sunny but cool in Rwanda, it gets cooler at Musanze town which is the starting point of the trek.
I would highly recommend using Gorilla trek africa as the pick up was prompt and Krish (the tour guide) was very friendly showing us around and explaining the sights along the drive.
We chose the mid range accomodation (da vinci lodge) in Musanze which was a comfortable stay arranged by Gorilla trek Africa also.
Please note that Gorilla trek africa operates out of Uganda but are well versed with day tours in Rwanda
What an awesome experience it was to see the gorillas!
I did the day trip from Kigali and it worked perfectly.
Douglas picked me up promptly at 4:30am and was a fantastic host for the day.
When we arrived, there was tea and coffee available, as well as a traditional performance, while all of the drivers signed us up for one of the family groups.
The trek was more strenuous than I was anticipating; 2.5 hours to reach the gorilla group with a long portion going up very steep and slippery inclines (I should note that other gorilla families were in different locations and so their treks may be different).
In total, I think the trek was 5 hours.
I hired one of the porters and don't regret it for a minute: he carried my bag, waited with me when I needed to stop and catch my breath, and helped me on tricky areas.
It was $15, so I paid $20 to include a tip (each of the 5 porters in our group only get to work 1 day a week, so that others in the village have a chance of employment).
I wore gaiters and they were the best investment I made when we got to the stinging nettles.
The only small disappointment is that the package purchased said there would be a packed lunch provided to eat on the trek, so I was very hungry when we finished.
Luckily I had some snacks and we stopped for lunch about an hour later.
Me and my partner went to Musanze by rental car from Kigali with no issue.
Stopped two nights to be able to go see the mountain gorillas and also to be able to make the most out of it.
Got to Kinigi and the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters at around 6.45, thinking we'd be amongst the first to arrive but we were surprised to see a lot of people already there.
A bit worried that we wouldn't get to go to the gorilla group we so much hoped to see we were greeted by a ranger (Emmanuel) who welcomed us and directed us where to go.
He also suggested us to rent a driver as our vehicle to the trekking start point would be to bumpy for it and might damage the car.
We didn't count on this expense but like Emmanuel pointed out; it's better to spend $100 on this than even more repairing the car.
And he was right, the road for a Toyota Rav4 (ours was lower than others) would've been straining for it.
We were glad we listened to him in the end.
So make sure that you either are on a tour with a driver or, if you are renting a car on your own, like we did, make sure you spend a bit extra to get a proper 4x4 vehicle.
On site at the Volcanoes National Park HQ we got coffee and a performance by a group with drums and an enthusiastic attitude for musical beat.
A woman of us tourists actually went up and joined them and even got to borrow sticks to beat the drums with them.
Seemed to make the performers even more enthusiastic.
Eventually we found Emmanuel again and told him about our wishes to see the Susa group of the gorillas.
He left us for a bit and came back and said that it had been taken care of.
But we were told beforehand about that it could be a long walk.
But we had been prepared for that.
We met up with our guide Fernando who assembled our group and informed us everything we needed to know.
Very funny and informative guide at the same time, he made us all feel very relaxed and excited.
I'm sure every guide there are more than capable to escort you to see the different gorilla groups but I'm happy we got Fernando as our guide as he seemed seasoned enough to be so very relaxed and sure around the gorillas.
Trackers were also there to help when we arrived at the gorilla family.
They also helped us and told us what to do and how to act.
A car drive of about 1.30 hours to a village to start the trek.
Then, between the villages crops and fields, we started walking towards the mountain area of Karisimbi.
After about 4-5 hours of trekking through thick bushes and bushes, covered with nettles and thorns, we came across the gorillas of the Susa family.
Make sure to google about the clothing pointers of trekking through the jungled areas of Rwanda before you go.
Thick trousers is advised as nettles goes through most thin clothes.
Even gloves are advised but not necessary, i'd say, but raincoat and trousers or a good rain poncho is a must!
We were surprised by the rain and it went from sweaty muckiness to freezing cold.
By the time i got to my rain clothes I was soaking wet.
Oh, and a good pair of walking boots or high shoes is also a good advice as, when it's raining it can be very muddy and you are more than likely to slip even with the best of boots.
Even so, it never affected the experience of being around, and surrounded at some points, by the fabulous mountain gorillas.
I cannot describe this experience, it has to be experienced first hand in order to make it just.
But one thing is for sure; you won't regret it!
If you are remotely interested to see these wonderful beings you are definitely in for a treat!
From the giant silverback to the smallest baby gorilla; you felt like they welcomed you almost.
Like they wanted to show how they lived their life.
You get 1 hour with them and then you start heading back again.
This is a policy which is understandable and reasonable.
Make sure you just don't look at the gorillas through a lens too much though as 1 hour can go quick.
Definitely do at least two days if you can.
We had a great experience!
Take gators and gloves!
Rain coat and layer clothes.
Hire the porters to give them jobs but it also helps when you get tired and they can help to carry your back pack and/or help you up and down the hike.
Trekking to the Mountain Gorilla Jungle has been on our bucket list for years.
We decided to go in January 2017 hoping for nice weather and smaller crowds.
We lucked out on both counts, plus spent memorable hours with these magnificent creatures.
A web search yielded a dozens of tour companies all working out of Rwanda or Uganda and all visiting the same National Parks.
Plus they all have the same hotel room inventory to work from.
So we quickly figured out that the differences would be in the organization of the reservation office and the guide who would transport us from place to place.
These reviews on Trip Advisor provided valuable feedback fro both pleased and not-so-pleased guests.
We elected to first try out Gorilla Trek Africa based upon these reviews and based upon the fact that they had a name and phone number of someone located in the US.
We made simultaneous inquiries to Bill at the US contact phone and by email to Nelson in the Ugandan office.
To our pleasant surprise both answered within a matter of a few hours [Nelson often stays up late answering emails].
Bill offered to answer questions but advised us to work with Nelson on the details.
In a few days and quite a few iterations we had an itinerary.
Then, we learned on the one day of the week we wanted to fly, the airline didn't operation.
Without any hint of irritation, Nelson re-arranged everything.
We had a bit of a problem with their payment portal and the heightened security of our stateside credit cards.
So Nelson organized and executed a work-around.
Without hesitation we can state he is one of the best tour organizers around.
We opted to fly in and out of Rwanda, but wanted to see Gorillas in both the Rwanda and Uganda parks.
Plus Uganda has a more extensive network of game preserves.
So our trip included both countries.
In Rwanda we did the normal Gorilla thing: groups of 8, pre-briefing, drive to trailhead, 1 hour with the animals.
It was a simple 4Km walk over easy terrain with good footing.
Most of the walk was through farmland.
The Gorillas were not more than a few hundred meters from the forest edge and the guides lead us right to the place since the spotters had started hours earlier and already located them.
We spent an hour with a large family full of playful young, unafraid females, and of course a big silverback.
In general, we stayed 5 m away but on multiple occasions the gorillas would choose to walk closer on their way to another tasty patch of leaves.
This family was quite used to Humans.
We took dozens of wonderful photos.
The only negative was another guest who made a huge issue of us carrying our own daypacks [containing all our valuables].
That's the downside of randomly being assigned to groups.
In Uganda we elected to take the Gorilla Habitation Experience.
This meant we had 4 hours in Gorilla country for just the two of us [and our staff of 5 machete wielding gun toting guides].
This day we hiked 12 Km with 800m of vertical through extraordinarily difficult jungle.
While the pictures were better in Rwanda, the personal connection made with both the guides and the gorillas in Uganda made it an experience we will never to forget.
Roughly an hour of our 4 hour was spent tracking the Family from the previous day's last seen GPS coordinates to their overnight next to their current feeding location.
Then we spent an couple hours locating and following the silverback as he watched and interacted with his family.
This family was not very accustomed to humans.
A word of caution to others, this can be a difficult excursion.
We think nothing of hiking 20Km and doing 1000m of elevation.
Yet we were tired after this day in the jungle.
We elected for the Batwa Pygmies tour and some game drives in Queen Ann National Park.
These were great additions to a wonderful trip.
So if one is going all the way to Africa, you mind-as-well include some additional activities.
However, Queen Ann NP does not have the diversity of Serengeti or other top tier game parks.
And, the Batwa have all been relocated so the 4 hour tour is mostly a show and tell of how they once lived.
William Kirye was our guide and driver.
Most important his English was excellent.
Equally important were excellent customer service skills.
He was considerate, patient with us, explained whatever we asked, punctual, and good natured.
He was probably the best (safest) driver we've ever had on a private tour.
He would take an occasional meal with us so we got to know him personally which increased our enjoyment of the trip.
And yes, he was great at spotting and identifying wildlife.
We enjoyed our time driving through the villages of Rwanda and Uganda.
The highlands of the north-western part of Rwanda and south-western Uganda are a lovely countryside.
The villages are pleasant and while poor are not impoverished.
The people are friendly and we never feared for our safety.
The roads are good; and while the distances are not large, everything moves slowly so the elapsed times are long.
Someone doing a similar itinerary should plan on spending quite a bit of time in the land rover.
Nelson offered us economy, midrange, and luxury accommodations.
Then he explained that Rwanda/Uganda mid-range was actually at the lower end of what we might find in the States or Europe.
So we chose the top end for not too many more dollars and were quite satisfied.
5-Star luxury they were not.
They were however very clean with outstanding service and local decor.
The meals were always excellent and I think we each gained over 2Kg on this trip.
What a great time in Rwanda!
Our guide was Krish W. and he really did everything and more to let us spend 2 exciting days at the volcanoes national park.
We did the gorilla and golden monkeys tracking, both experiences will be unforgetable.
Also Nelson who was our first contact (trough an agent in Kenya) did a programme that already exceed our expectations.
Thanks Krish for being so polite with us we thank all the great team!
This tour group has been fabulous for planning my trip.
I happen to have a permit for gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda that I booked through them and will not be using.
If anyone needs a permit on February 23, 2017, let me know and you can obtain it directly through them at the face value of the Rwanda permit.
I found gorilla trek via a Google search and naturally I was a bit wary about whether the company was genuine or not.
I need not of worried as they were always very prompt in replying to emails.
The booking process was very easy and the company was able to accommodate my dates and wishes.
My driver Krish was a great guy and was good company for the 2 days.
The company delivered on everything they promised.
I started the trip off solo, so I was nervous, but as soon as I got out of the airport in Kigali - I was greeted by my awesome driver Douglas and all my fears went away.
He was so nice and knowledgeable.
I stayed at Serena in Kigali and then we departed for Uganda the next morning.
Long drive, but places to stop and see along the way.
Crater Safari Lodge.
Very nice, but you can't charge your phone in your room.
Although they have a charging station up at the main area.
I booked a Chimpanzee trek and a game viewing on boat in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
I saw Hippos, Elephants, Water Buffalo, etc.
I would highly recommend.
We drove through the Savannah and I saw Elephants and Baboons.
Stay that night was at Mweya lodge - another excellent stay and there were Wart Hogs all over my front lawn!
So cute and there were Mongeese coming up to me as well.
Beware of the Water Buffalo though!
The next day we drove to Rawanda and stayed at a great lodge.
Mountain Gorilla View.
Very nice.
Fireplace in your room.
Rustic at times, but perfect.
They also welcomed you back from your treks with a hot cup of tea and they cleaned the mud off your boots!
The food at all three lodges was excellent.
I am a pescatarian and a very picky eater - so I'm glad it all worked out.
We did the Gorilla Trek (unbelievable) and the Golden Monkey trek (easier and the monkey were so cute).
The Gorilla Trek though was so amazing.
Jack Hannah actually showed up on the trip and was doing his own Gorilla trek!
It was great to meet him.
Two days later we drove back to Kigali and you must go to the Genocide Memorial Museum as well as Camp Kigali.
It was very moving and powerful.
The people of both countries were beautiful.
The landscape in Uganda was spectacular and Kigali was sooooo clean!
Great city, very safe.
Rwanda was a perfectly safe country.
No issues.
Douglas took care of EVERYTHING for us and he was a fantastic host when I was there.
Nelson answered all of my questions prior to the trip and took care of all of our permits and passes.
I would highly recommend this trip!
Let me know if you have any questions.
PS try and buy gaitors to put over your boots for the trek, its very very muddy)
This was a once in a lifetime experience.
Was pleasantly surprised at the airport to be greeted by our handsome tour guide Gavis.
He was a delight and showed us the best parts of Rwanda.
The entire experience was exceptional and I would recommend the trip and the company to anyone.
They really take care of everything so you don't have to worry about a thing and get to experience Rwanda and the gorillas stress free.
We were very pleased with the trip and with our lovely guide who was knowledgable and a pleasure to be around for our three day adventure!
I booked the two day trip with Gorilla Trek Africa after reading nearly all of the TripAdvisor reviews and contacting several companies to find out more details.
Nelson was easy to contact and was usually prompt responses, given the five hour time difference between Rwanda and my location in Canada.
I was picked up promptly from my hotel in Kigali by my guide Asaph.
I had already visited the Genocide Memorial in Kigali with a conference, however, Asaph took me to the Camp Kigali Belgian Memorial, which was especially interesting after being at the Genocide Memorial already.
As with another traveler, I had also selected the Muhabura Hotel close to Musanze City but was upgraded to the Da Vinci Lodge after Nelson explained there had been several complaints about Muhabura Hotel.
The Da Vinci Lodge was a decadent hotel with Tracey and Aaron and staff going above and beyond with the service - calling me by name, bringing hot water bottle to my cottage at night, checking on me during my meal - I've never received such excellent attention to detail at a hotel.
The visit to the local cultural village was somewhat interesting, but had the obvious feel of being there just for tourists.
That's OK - the dancing and singing was excellent and the tourist area discussed maybe customs of the country and region of Rwanda.
I received a wake-up knock on my cottage the following morning - bearing coffee - and breakfast was ready for me when arrived at the main lodge.
Asaph was excellent with assistance at the park to get the gorilla trek started.
He looked after renting my gators and various other details.
Our park guide Roger was excellent, as were the porters.
It really was a magical experience.
I would heartily recommend going to see the gorillas even though it is very expensive - it is the experience of a lifetime.
Our driver picked us up punctually in Kigali and was attentive and helpful throughout and drove well.
We had had a lot of correspondence with Gorilla Trek Africa about my wife's difficulty with walking owing to a disability and they had assured us this would be taken into account.
We were surprised that the driver had not been briefed about this.
We had to make sure that this was taken into account when we were allocated groups for trekking, which it was.
We had sent scanned copies of our passports to the company, which we assumed would have been given to the driver for entry to the park.
On arrival we found that this had not been done and we spent some anxious time negotiating entry.
Our driver and the officials were helpful and courteous and found a solution for us.
In their advertising material, Gorilla Trek Africa say, On arrival, enjoy your breakfast - we took this to mean that breakfast would be supplied, but in fact there was only tea without milk so we recommend that trekkers take their own breakfast plus snacks for the day.
Our guide and all the park personnel were amazing, and seeing the gorillas was the experience of a lifetime - do not miss it!
I do think that this particular company (and there are many competitors) could have communicated better with us and internally, but this gripe does not take away from the wonderful experience.
I would check out a range of tour operators before deciding on which one to choose to get you to the park, but even with the small niggles, I would use Gorilla Trek Africa next time as I am now better prepared!
We booked our Trip with Gorrila Trek, very thing was well planed from the first day, we arrived in Kampala very late from Kigali Rwanda, though our flight was changed but they waited for us to arrive, thank to our Driver guide he was well prepared.
Our Safari began the next day very early in the morning after breakfast, the park was amazing we managed to see lots of gorillas, the driver guide was very knowledgeable about the all environment and the behaviors of the gorillas.
To tell you the truth this was a life time experience with Gorilla Trek, I would recommend this company to all travelers visiting Uganda.
We took a day trip with Gorilla Trek Africa from Kigali leaving at 4.30am and were driven to Volcanoes National Park to see the gorillas.
It was one of the best things we have ever done.
We arranged the trek via email and telephone through Nelson who was extremely responsive and helpful.
Our guide Gavis arrived at exactly 4.30am after having been in touch with us at 4.15 to confirm that he was on his way.
The drive to the national park took just under 2 hours and Gavis driving was exceptional and allowed us to sleep on the way there.
Gavis managed all of our passes and the organisation throughout the day and was incredibly professional.
Our return journey was just as smooth and we were able to have great conversation with him.
We cannot recommend the company enough and especially Gavis.
Thank you!
Amazing, unforgetable experience.
We just finished a 6 day safari tour with Gorilla trek Africa, Arthur was our guide.
It was an absolutely amazing expereince from start to finish.
Arthur went above and beyond for the 4 of us.
We saw everything there was to see - lions, hyenas, hippos, elephants, water buck, cobes, zebras, all types of monkeys, gorillas the list goes on.
Our guide Arthur' made the trip for us, he was so well informed on everything and had an amazing eye for spotting the animals and bringing us to the areas where we would find them.
He was punctual, informed, energetic, welcoming and we all had a brilliant time together.
Thank you Arthur.
We will be back.Highly highly recommend.
We booked at Gorilla Trek Africa the 2 day trip starting with a city tour on the way to Volcanoes NP.
Followed by the most exciting trip we ever did.
After contacting Mr Nelson the feedback was fast and professional.
Iternary was attached with detailed description.
When the time came we got picked up by our guide Asaph.
A very friendly and supportive young men which showed and explained us this beautiful and exciting country.
Specially after visiting the Genozide museum a lot of questions came up and Asaph explanation were all clear and understandable.
After choosing the Muhabura lodge close to Musanze City we were upgraded to the Da Vinci lodge.
This were a perfect decision.
Tracey and her team were just perfectly looking after us.
Meal, service, fire at the chemine all were just brilliant.
Unforgettable was of course the trek to the Gorillas with the most famous guide Francoise.
All in one a trip we will never forget.
Thanks to all.
When choosing a Gorilla Trekking company I found that the big companies such as Exodus, G adventures etc, they did not have an itinerary that satisfied all of my requirements for a trip in Uganda and Rwanda.
I contacted this local Ugandan/Rwandan company and was impressed to get a reply within a few hours with a tailor made trip itinerary attached.
I am a backpacker and could not afford luxurious hotels but the company could provide all options to suit your budget.
I arrived on my trip and was greeted by my guide Bob.
What a pleasure it has been to be in the company of such a enthusiastic and helpful individual!
His knowledge of both Uganda and Rwanda was exceptional and he always went above and beyond to ensure that I was looked after and transported to my treks safety and on time.
Being a solo traveler I was nervous to be traveling alone but Bob made e fee completely at ease and I thoroughly enjoyed his company.
I decided to trek both in Rwanda and Uganda as I was not sure which would be the better one to go for.
I found that gorilla trekking in Rwanda was definatley more pubicized by the country than in Uganda and this meant that there were a larger number of people that would trek every day in the Volcanoes national park.
The positive f Rwanda trekking is that there are treks to suit all abilities, ranging from shorter, gentler hikes to longer more physically demanding treks.
Uganda on the other hand was definately a sight not to be missed.
I went trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, an unspoilt area of jaw-droppingly beautiful ancient rainforest, basically untouched.
The trekking groups were smaller but the waking was definatley more physically demanding due to the steep mountainous terrain.
Both countries offer great Gorilla sightings but for me Uganda had the edge.
Just the whole experience of trekking through forest areas that had not seen humans passing through them before, the intimate trekking experience of trekking with a smaller group and the superb quality of information on Gorillas and our Gorilla family given by the park rangers.
This is definately an experience I will never forget - thank you Gorilla Trek Africa!
I just finished the tour where I left Kigali Saturday at 1 pm, stayed at the DaVinci hotel near the Volcanoes Park and then trekked in to see the gorillas Sunday morning.
I chose Gorilla Trek Africa because of the great reviews on TripAdvisor and was pleased that the reviews were spot on.
I was worried Beijing a solo traveler but felt safe the entire time and well cared for.
The trip went very smoothly.
I did not ask for a specific guide and was assigned Mr Gavis.
He was excellent!
English was no problem.
He was knowledgeable, courteous and funny.
Managed the trip without difficulty and answered all questions and took care of all issues.
Had a lot of fun during the time spent with him (over two hours each way between Kigali and the park).
Highly recommend.
Amazing experience.
Once in a lifetime.
This operator is fantastic.
Asaph goes above-and-beyond, He even spent an extra SIX HOURS on the road to retrieve some belongings we left behind.
You are the best Asaph.
Thank you!
We booked through this company based on Trip Advisor comments and we were thoroughly pleased.
Our guide for our 3 day trip, Sam, was extremely knowledgeable about Rwandan history and culture.
Our drive to the Volcanos National Park was unforgettable, winding through the mountains and seeing Rwandan people up close.
The gorilla experience is a once in a lifetime trip and Sam ensured that every aspect of the trip went flawlessly.
We inadvertently left our hiking boots at the lodge and he arranged for us to get them back via bus before we left.
This was above and beyond service and we highly recommend this company for your Rwandan trip.
I found Gorilla Trek Africa here on tripadvisor and all the 5 star reviews are right on.
I am very pleased with my experience.
Great communication from start to finish during booking.
William my driver and guide is the man.
Really enjoyed his company and he took great care of me and did his best to ensure I was paired with good groups for my trek to the gorillas.
The experience of seeing the mountain gorillas was beyond what I imagined.
Simply incredible.
Book with these guys and you will have a great trip.
We couldn't have asked for a better day.
This was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Gavis, our guide to the trek was informative, professional, educational, and all around awesome.
He made the 2-2.5 hour car ride from Kigali so easy and he was so helpful and polite.
The trek itself was life changing.
We loved seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Lois, our main guide, was incredible at leading and explaining.
Thanks for an awesome day.
We would recommend your company to anyone and everyone.
This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
Our guide, Douglas, did a phenomenal job of driving us through the hilly and unapologetic terrain of Uganda and Rwanda.
He was incredible and helped us with many of the little things, such as advising us on tipping etiquette and helping us seamlessly cross country borders.
Nelson, one of the organizers in the main office, was communicative and responsive throughout the whole process.
And of course, the gorillas were absolutely amazing.
The most memorable trek for me was in Bwindi, but Volcanoes National Park certainly didn't disappoint.
This is the experience of a lifetime.
Trekking with the mountain Gorillas is an unreal experience.
Gorilla Trek Africa (GTA) delivered a perfect and highly flexible tour through Rwanda.
I had a swollen knee after descending Mount Kilimanjaro 2 days prior.
We were impressed by the ease with which our guide, Chris, amended the tour itinerary to accommodate my injury.
We had a large amount of control over general timing, which most tour companies tend to not accommodate.
Chris displayed exceptional knowledge on the history of Rwanda and animal conservation.
He was highly professional and we felt very well taken care of.
The hike to see the Golden Monkeys is worthwhile and we would highly recommend it.
The rooms and service at Five Volcanoes Hotel were superb, making the luxury accommodation option the ultimate choice.
Rwanda as a whole was extremely impressive.
Contrary to general perception, it is extremely clean, well organised and has great highways.
A visit to the Genocide museum is a difficult, but is a worthwhile experience to gain insight into country's tragic history and realise just how far its people have progressed towards unity.
My experience with Gorilla Trek Africa lived up to all the rave reviews.
Was picked up by my guide, Bob, at the Kigali airport late in the morning and headed immediately to the Genocide Memorial, which is heartbreaking but a must-see.
Drove 2 hrs that afternoon up toward Volcanoes National Park, and I got lessons on everything from history and culture to the natural environment of the country--Bob is a walking encyclopedia of Rwanda!
Stayed in a budget hotel, which turned out to be Dian Fossey's old home!
Simple but more than sufficient for my needs and had a great restaurant/bar.
Did a medium trek to the Isabukuru gorilla family on Day 2 (took about 3 hours each way since one of our group members was recovering from illness and they didn't want us trekking too far apart).
I travel A LOT and this was by far and away one of the top experiences of my life.
Our gorilla family had a lot of babies and seeing them beat their chests and chase each other around was incredible.
Most of my trekking group was pretty close to speechless the entire hour we were with the gorillas.
Felt I was in very good hands with the rangers and the porters, who frequently pulled me out of the mud.
:) Visited a cultural village in the afternoon which was a tad hokey but fun and informative nevertheless; appreciated the opportunity to support a community which has dropped poaching in favor of tourism.
Day 3 was a golden monkey trek--much easier than the gorilla trek (maybe an hour tops on much flatter terrain), and a very different experience--bigger trekking groups, and the monkeys are easier to find but harder to photograph as they dart through the bamboo forest!
Beware of the safari ants--either tuck your pants into long socks or bring gaiters (I think GTA can provide some if you ask).
Drove back to Kigali after the trek and had a bit of time left before my flight check-in, so Bob suggested the Presidential Palace Museum near the airport.
Was really glad we added this--it seems underdeveloped given its significance to Rwandan history, but was fascinating.
This was where the genocide was planned, and where the president's plane was shot down in 1994.
The secret passageways, security measures, and interrogation room paint a picture of a president who was seriously paranoid (and rightly so, as it turns out).
Overall, Rwanda far exceeded my expectations--one of the cleanest and safest countries I've been to.
Planning the trip with Nelson via email was super easy; I had a great experience with this company and will definitely give them a call when I head to Uganda in the future!
I have always wanted to see the gorillas.
I contacted Gorilla Trek Africa and they put together a customized 10 day experience.
The itinerary included exactly what I wanted, lots of gorilla trekking, and the activity levels I desired.
The trip went perfect.
I was me at the airport at 8pm by Gavis (when you book ask for Gavis, no wait, demand it :) ) Gavis spoke perfect English, knows the areas, and gave lots of insight.
I spent the first night at the Kigali Serena, that is an exceptional hotel.
In the morning Gavis and I drove to Uganda so I could hike in Bwindi.
Absolutely an amazing experience.
We then did a community cultural experience, and then hiked to see the Bwindi waterfall.
The next day we went back to Rwanda to the Volcanos national park.
I did two more days of gorilla trekking.
On all three treks, I saw numerous gorillas.
The guides are all great.
All of the guides are great.
They take you to the gorilla families in groups of 8, and there are plenty of phot opportunities for the gorillas.
If you can, trek in Uganda and Rwanda, totally different experiences.
I then did the Dian Fossey hike, and the Golden Monkey hike- both were great.
I then went back to Kigali and stayed at the Kigali Serena, again it was a great stay.
The transfer back to the airport was arranged.
I would highly recommend this company for Gorilla Trekking.
It was a great experience.
Everything was well planned so all I had to do was enjoy.
But again, hats off to Gavis how made this trip most enjoyable.
Trekking the gorillas is a must do experience while in Rwanda, The tours, guides, and gorillas are incredible.
It is an experience like no other.
Go do it!
This was one of the most amazing things I have done.
A last minute plan, the trip was amazing in every way.
A great medium range hike to the 'Amhoro' family.
First sighting was of the leader of the pack, a rather gentle silverback.
Then the rest of the family including a 4 month old.
Just surreal.
We used Gorilla Trek Africa to book a 10 day tour of Rwanda, including gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
When were were booking and trying to figure out what we wanted to do Nelson was very helpful and was fast to respond.
Our guide for the 10 days, Eric, was excellent.
Eric was knowledgeable about the country and its history.
He was great to talk to, always on time and had a great attitude.
Rwanda is an amazing country -not only for the gorilla's but for what they have overcome and how they have move ahead.
It is must visit country,
We went trekking on two days to see two families.
The first day we were with the Hirwa Family and it was fabulous as the gorillas were eating bamboo and it was fairly open territory.
The second day we were in the very dense bush with the Titan Family.
This was somewhat disappointing as the gorillas were harder to see and very difficult to get decent photos of.
Unfortunately we had no control over which families we were given to visit.
The rangers decide who goes where.
The local entertainment was interesting to watch while we waited for the rangers to make their decisions.
Coffee was provided and there were bathrooms at the check in point.
Our guide Krish was fantastic.
Nothing was too much trouble for him.
He was very knowledgeable and a very careful driver.
Our lodge in the park was interesting.
They tried very hard to make our stay comfortable.
To the point of putting 4 hot water bottles in our bed.
Heat in the bathroom was a challenge but they tried to fix that as well.
Even before we left home we found the service of this company to be amazing.
So quick to respond to questions and enquiries.
We felt very comfortable that it would be a great experience.
Before we left Bill phoned us from USA to make sure everything was in order.
This company lives up to it's reputation on being number 1 on Trip Advisor.
We would highly recommend them.
No worries.
From booking online to the drop back to my hotel in Kigali, the day was brilliant.
Dealing with Nelson remotely, was a pleasure and completely professional.
The pre check in the evening before the trek was well managed - Krish who was my guide came to the hotel made sure that I was organised and asked whether I needed anything in advance.
We left at 4.00am the next day.
I only had 1 day so the start was early but dont let this perturb you.
The trek was much shorter than I had anticipated - it was only 30 minutes because the gorillas cam out of the forest to graze, who we didn't have to go far
what an incredible 2 days of gorilla treking.
A MUST do adventure if you are physically fit to do so.
Thank you Beck and Eugene for bringing us face to face with these amazing creatures.
I want to add my voice to the chorus of praise for Gorilla Trek Africa.
My guide Gavis was warm, friendly and very knowledgeable.
From picking me up from the airport to delivering me back there two days later he looked after me very well.
The visit with the gorillas was amazing.
I picked a medium group so it was about a three hour trek to reach the group but my porter helped me over any difficult parts of the trail.
Such a great experience!
The visit with the golden monkeys was a much easier walk and was so much fun watching all their antics - such beautiful animals.
The organisation of my trip was exemplary and I would highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa to anyone making the journey.
I only wish I had had more time to see other parts of Rwanda.
This was one of the most amazing things I have done in my life (63 years young) .
Not for those who are not in reasonable physical condition or those who are easily frightened by wildlife, but if you are neither of those this is an experience of a life time.
This was not on my bucket list but it showed me my bucket list is not complete!
The trackers will stay with any gorilla group until they make their night nests, and arrive after dawn to track them from those locations the next day, so there is a strong (though never 100%) likelihood of seeing a gorilla family.
The hike depends on the distance of the family.
Can be a tad hard, though never close to Machu Picchu or Everest-Base Camp levels of difficulty.
Just be in reasonable shape.
Nothing in your life will compare to communicating with a Mountain Gorilla in their own tongue (the guides will teach you a few vocalisations to make) If you see Cantsbee from the Pablo group, say Hi to him for me.
I went with a group of people and everyone loved it.
Nelson was great at dealing with 4 peoples millions of questions and changes we made with our trip.
They picked us up in Kigali which was convenient for us and took us to our hotel and picked us up there to do our day tours and then back to the airport at Kigali.
Everyone was amazing, gracious, knowledgeable and love their country.
Our guide was very patient and even took us shopping a little.
I can't think of anything that could have been better for this trip.
we were all very satisfied and loved our once in a lifetime experience with the gorillas and golden monkeys
We (my husband, brother and I) did a 10 day trip through Uganda/Rwanda to see Murchison Falls, chimps, QENP gorillas and more!
We planned the trip with Nicolas, then also with Nelson who were very knowledgeable and patient and answered my million of questions very promptly.
Rogers was our guide for the trip and he was a perfect example of what a driver/guide should be!
He was always smiling, professional, courteous and we really enjoyed getting to know him better.
We could tell he puts a lot of effort to make this trip perfect for us.
We felt very lucky to have a such a professional and friendly person to accompany us on our trip.
We did a mix of accommodations ranging from luxury to budget and we were perfectly happy with all of them!
This trip to Uganda really exceeded all my expectations and in a large part, that was because of the work from Gorilla Trek Africa.
I would not hesitate to recommend this company to anyone planning a trip in Uganda/Rwanda.
It is hard to describe what a wonderful experience this is.
The two hour climb to the gorillas was well worth the effort.
To spend one hour with these magnificent creatures is an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
I don't think I have ever been so excited or felt that the expense was worth every cent.
If you have the opportunity to take part in this activity, then do it!
This is an absolutely must do activity!
Was an unreal experience like no other.
You get so close to the gorillas it's amazing.
Was a bit of a hike up the mountains but well worth it.
Kigali is also such a beautiful place!
Tour guides are nice and you can also hire a porter to help you on the way!
From my initial interaction with Nelson (the owner) everything has been perfect.
My tour guide William K. met me at my hotel in entebbe.
The two of us drove for 10 hours to Bwindi national park.
William K. was informative, kind, generous with his knowledge, and knew so much about Uganda, the history, and the rich culture.
They planned the perfect itinerary for a single traveler.
The hotels they selected were awesome.
The gorillas were amazing.
William K was such a wonderful guide a very conscientious driver.
He is an exceptional bird watcher and knows so much about the wildlife both in and outside of the parks.
I could not have asked for a better trip.
It was great.
Don't hesitate to book your safari with Gorilla Trek Africa.
My partner and I did the 3 day tour to gorillas, golden monkeys, Kigali city tour and cultural village with gorilla trek Africa.
It was fantastic and the highlight of our African trip.
Being less fit we appreciated getting on the shorter hike, thanks to our guide, David.
Spending an hour with the gorillas was special, we were so close it was a bit scary initially, but after a while i felt less apprehensive.
Visiting at this time, when the bamboo shoots are coming up is ideal as they were very active digging out the shoots.
Highly recommend the cultural village as it was very interactive and learned a lot about the Rwandan culture, it supports people to earn an income away from poaching.
Our accommodation was great at the five volcanoes, staff were very friendly, the food was great and rooms very clean.
The only down bit was the tour of Kigali city tour, that was a bit rushed and not informative.
The genocide memorial was good in that it provided comprehensive information with personal stories.
Overall, Rwanda was a great place to visit and I wished we had more time there.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to Nelson and Gorilla Trek Africa for arranging an incredible trip for us.
My wife and I did the three day Kigali - Gorilla Trek - Golden Monkey Trek tour staying at the Mountain View Gorilla Lodge.
Everything was beyond expectation.
Rwanda is a beautiful country full of warm and friendly people and the Gorilla experience was second to none.
Thank you to our wonderful guide Asaph.
Would highly recommend him and Gorilla Trek Africa.
it was so good I decided to leave my first ever review on TA!
We recently traveled to Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas for our honeymoon and counld not have asked for a better travel company to go with.
We planned all of the experience ourselves directly with the company, as we found Kwoni and travelfinders very expensive with the same travel firm.
The company stayed in touch throughout and were excellent at meeting all of our expectations.
We got picked up directly from the Airport and did a 3 day trip including the Genocide museums, tour of Kigali, village life tour, gorilla trekking and Golden monkeys.
Enus our driver and guide was superb, and very knowledgable.
He even took time out of his evening to come back and give us a detailed explanation of his account of the genocide which we thought went truely over and above his job requirements.
The gorillas themselves were absolutely umbelivable with us visiting a family of approximately 20 gorillas, in a totally wild environment.
We would thoroughly recommend this tour company to anyone wanting to visit Rwanda and go for an adventure!
My husband and I went on a 6 day tour with Gorilla Trek Africa.
This tour company was very prompt in answering my e- mails and accommodating my requests.
Our guide Sam was great!
He was prompt, organized, and provided all kinds of information about the countries and the animals.
Most importantly he made us feel safe.
All our needs were looked after.
Seeing the gorillas was an amazing experience.
I would highly recommend this tour company.
The trek to see gorillas in Rwanda is probably one of the greatest life events that can be done on this planet.
If you are one of the luckiest people in the world to do this then you know, if you have always wanted to do it, then book now.
We booked a 5 day tour from GorillaTrek Africa to see large primates.
We were picked up from our clean, friendly Kigali hotel (FivetoFive Hotel) by our guide Moses, who took us straight into Uganda to Kabale Forest to see Chimpanzees.
Next day we spent chasing Chimps in the trees, watching and listening to them.
They stayed in the trees most of the time, but came down mid afternoon and we followed them through the forest.
Upon returning to Primates Lodge, we found a chimp grazing right at the entrance.
We then headed back into Rwanda, and stayed at Le bamboo Gorilla Lodge.
Next morning it was up the Mountain with a Rwandan guide (Edward), and at an elevation of 10,000 feet we saw them!
Despite being told we would be about 20 feet away, we were much closer, around 5 feet on average.
The silverback, Mufunza, was enormous and protective of his family, he actually bluff charged at us twice to show he meant business.
We watched them graze, wander, sleep, saw babies play, and wondered at them.
We were so close, could have touched.
After this, next morning we trekked to see Golden Monkeys, which spent their time eating bamboo shoots on the forest floor around us.
Cute, and a nice experience, but nothing like the Gorilla experience the day before.
Moses was a friendly and able guide for us, made sure we got the most out of our experiences as our driver and minder.
One tip for seeing Gorillas: bring your iPhone.
Finally, just an advert for Rwanda.
Such a clean, friendly country, it surpassed our expectations with warmth and kindness.
My husband and I spent a week with William our guide from gorilla trek Africa.
he was helpful in very many ways and made us feel at home in Uganda.
Such a great experience we couldn't done it any other way.
I booked a six day gorilla trekking experience with Gorilla Trek Africa, a local tour company.
I had wanted to see the gorillas for over twenty years so there was a lot of pressure on the company to get it right, which they did in every way possible: the booking process was seemless with the amazing Nelson answering my numerous queries and the wonderful Krish who was my guide/driver for the entire trip.
Krish did everything possible to make my trip as comfortable and special as possible, even providing me with replacement hiking boots when mine were destroyed while tracking chimpanzees.
Gorilla Trek Africa exceeded every expectation and I will be visiting Rwanda and Uganda again with this company (and hopefully I will be lucky enough to come across Nelson and Krish again).
I only had 2 days to spare in Rwanda on my short East Africa city-hoping at the end of Sep and Gorilla trekking is on the wishing for this corner of the world.
Upon internet search I came across Gorilla Trek Africa (GTA) and several other tour companies.
After contacting several and comparing the info and communications I settled for the best, the top-rated one at TripAdvisor.
I thought; I might only have one chance of Gorilla Trekking as I have a long wishlist to see and to do around the world; so why not go for The Number One.
Nelson attended my email comms promptly and efficiently; giving all the details I needed; even further help me with queries on the phone.
The best tour organizer I have encountered!
I met Gavis my guide in the morning who after that became my Ange - guardian angel for two wonderful days of my tour.
We had a tour around the city, went to the market, get some souvenir shopping done and my rain jacket - a well needed gear for the trekking.
A visit to Genocide Memorial Park/ Museum is a must see during the city tour.
Travel to Musanze encountered some stunning landscape; make sure you have you camera and video ready.
Then later in the afternoon, I had another wonderful experience at the Iby'wachu cultural village.
Despite the cold wind and drizzle, the performance and engagement in this village truly warmed my heart.
Gorilla trekking the following day was AWESOME!
I was so thrilled to be so close to the gorilla!
I just could not get enough of them on photos and video.... After about one hour with the Gorilla family we descended quite quickly to the car park as some of us had flights to catch out of Kigali Airport.
I was a bit nervous about missing the flight but Gavis played his role as my guardian angel perfectly; calming me down and efficiently organised everything.
I could even had a quick shower at the lodge before heading back to Kigali Airport.
He is a very safe driver and did not take any chances despite the time was tight for the drive Musanze - KGL airport.
Gavis has all the qualities you need for a perfect tour guide and a friend!
Overall, GTA is a real gem for Gorilla Trekking in the heart of Africa.
They work across the borders so you can get any package you need.
Highly recommended, both GTA and Gavis!
We booked a 4 day Gorilla trekking experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.
The company exceeded every expectation; Nelson and Nicholas were extremely prompt to respond to our multiple pre-trip e-mails, including a last minute flight delay that altered our flight plans...EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE!
Upon arrival at the Kigali airport, we were met by Erik(c), our assigned guide for the duration of the trip.
He was all around AWESOME; very informative and well versed in Rwandan history and culture; he ensured that we were well taken care of throughout the duration of our trip...from helping us check into our hotel, to helping us get assigned to the gorilla families we were most interested in seeing (never guaranteed, but he really advocated for us).
I highly recommend requesting him as your guide!
Overall a wonderful experience, with a life time of memories!
Thank you Gorilla Trek Africa!
My husband and I booked through [ Gorilla Trek Africa ] Nelson was great, replied to all our emails promptly.
Had to transfer 40% of our Tour costs and the balance on arrival.All safe and above board.We were met at the Airport by Bernard who was our driver for the next 4 days.
Bernard was warm and friendly and we looked forward to seeing him each morning.
The Gorillas are A MUST DO.What privilege to be able to see them in there natural surroundings.We felt safe and welcome at all times.
I highly recommend this Tour Company.
I wanted to choose a local tour company.
Nicholas and Nelson at Gorilla Trek Africa was very professional and easy to deal with and instilled confidence in me In spite of my flight being one and a half hours late, Eric my guide for the three day Gorilla Trek handled my pickup confusion with a minimum of fuss and soon had me back on track staying at Five to Five hotel.
The Five to Five Hotel met my needs admirably.
The visit to the Genocide Museum was most informative and touching, The Rwandans want everyone to know that it must never happen again.
While posing for a photo with the gorilla's in the background,one juvenile male sneaked up behind me to touch my beard over my shoulder WOW.
I also found the visit to the Golden monkeys rewarding.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is very well organized and well worth the ticket, which is not cheap but serves to help preserve this amazing animal.
I understand that one is virtually guaranteed of seeing a gorilla family and if for some reason you don't, they let you come back the next day.
If the gorillas are feeding you may get very close as they do not seem to care if they walk right by you.
One has mixed feelings about this since the rule is to stay 7m away.
The hike is typically about 2 hours one-way but can be longer.
Since it is straight up the mountain side, one needs to be fairly fit.
I used AAB Tours and Travel based in Uganda because they were the only ones who could get a permit on Sunday at short notice.
This was great but one does have to send $750 in advance and when I requested a scanned copy of the permit I never got it.
They sent reassuring e-mails but visions of a 417 scam started to arise.
They also do not give an address in Kigali to contact them.
Turns out they work with Let's Go Tours.
Anyway, I finally met up with their driver who was a former gorilla guide from Uganda.
He was great, very knowledgeable and a very good driver.
I have advised AAB to improve their communication and they have agreed.
They booked me in the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge which was very good.
All in all, a real success.
Thanks for the awesome experiance we had.
It is amazing to see the the Gorillas in the Mountains of Rwanda.
The Tour, Hotel and Airport Pick-Up was very well organized.
We feel great during our stay.
Thank to Gavis oir Driver, he did a wonderful Job feel us welcome and save everytime.
You have to do this at least once in your live.
The feeling, when you see the Gorillas after the walk throu the Jungle you can't describe.
Thank you for this great experience, was the best i could do on our African-Tour.
Very professionally arranged.
Excellent driver William who was afe and informative.
We stayed at Bambou lodge which had fires in the bedroom to keep us warm at night.
The gorilla experience is managed by Rwanda Volcanoes National Park stqff and is sensitive to the needs of gorillas and tourists.
The team at Gorilla Trek Africa were great in setting me up a customised itinerary on reasonably short notice.
I spent a total of 4 nights with GTA in Uganda and Rwanda.
I was collected in Kigali and moved up into Uganda and looped back through to Rwanda.
The accomodation they organised was great and my guide, Douglas, was fantastic.
Extremely friendly and was always concerned with my welfare and nothing was too much trouble at all.
My only complaint would be that I wasn't made aware that there is a chimp habitutation option when observing the chimps as I probably would have gone for that.
Met a few of the other guides that work for GTA as well and all were extremely friendly.
Definitely would recommend using them to friends.
Was doing a tour of the southern part of Africa and after it ended I had a few days..
I decided to start researching whether or not a few days was enough to get to see the Gorillas in Rwanda.. After researching here on TA, I decided to contact Gorilla Trek Africa.. To be truthful I did not do any shopping around other than TA, and once I began communicating with office and Nelson was so prompt and helpful I decided I would not waste any energy shopping around..
I can not say enough about this trip...
I was greeted by a huge smile from Gavis...
He showed we around Kigali before we went to the Park area to get ready for my adventure.. To see the Gorillas is something that needs to be experienced I can not explain how amazing it was..
I did decide on 2 days with the Gorillas instead of the traditional 1 and 1 day with the Golden Monkeys.. And boy.. oh boy.. am I ever glad I made that decision as well.. (highly recommend if you can afford)..
I was fortunate enough to have the same guide for both days (2 different families) - Patrick..
In my opinion this also enhanced my experience as we formed a relationship on the first trek and he totally spoiled and took care of me for the second.. Of course this is not easy to accomplish as you have no idea what treks the guides are on and which ones you will need, however Gavis put forth the effort to get me Patrick and Success..!!!!
My experience from beginning to end on this adventure was second to none.. Quite honestly the 3 countries I did prior to Rwanda pale in comparison...
I feel I left behind a number of friends in Rwanda... Not guides and primates..
But friends..
Highly recommend Gavis and I will be back... Expect to see you in the future my friend.. :)
I've done a fair bit of traveling in my time, and i can honestly say that I have never been as pleasantly surprised as I was after visiting Uganda and Rwanda.
Both very safe, clean, warm and friendly places.
Very happy that we chose this provider who took care of all the details from arrival to departure.
Our driver, Douglas, did an absolutely amazing job.
He was very helpful and always went that extra mile to make sure that we were getting the most out of our experience.
We did 4 days Uganda and 3 days Rwanda and I would urge you, if possible, to spend more time in each.... just so much to see.
Really enjoyed the action packed simian tracking and the adventures in Jinja - not to be missed.
Gorillas!
YAAAASSSSSS!
Gorilla Trek Africa did a great job of coming up with a custom itinerary for us.
We arrived in Kampala, spent some time in Jinja whitewater rafting and horseback riding, then drove across Uganda (with stops & safaris along the way), ending in Rwanda to see the gorillas in Volcanoes NP.
Our guide Douglas was fantastic and made our trip smooth and very enjoyable.
We did not need to worry about a single detail because Douglas took care of everything.
He did a great job of customizing the itinerary when we were there and keeping us on schedule.
It was a fantastic trip and I highly recommend that anyone going to Uganda and Rwanda books with Gorilla Trek Africa (and requests Douglas as their guide!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
We did choose luxury accommodations and definitely think it was worth the splurge.
Nelson did an amazing job creating the itinerary that met our needs.
Any concerns we had re accommodation, safety and border crossings were completely unfounded.
The accommodations at Gorilla Lodge in Rwanda and Chameleon Hills in Bwindi were exceptional with Chameleon Lodge and its view over Lake Mutunda stunning and surreal.
The treks were great in both Rwanda and Bwindi with Bwindi being physically harder - you need gators and gloves for both which you can hire at $5 USD a pair.
But be prepared for a steep 2 hr trek.
Interactions on both treks breathtaking.
For my friend and I travelling what made our 4 days unique was our guide Gavis.
He was punctual, warm, friendly, accomodating (taking us to markets, roadside stalls, interacting with local villagers and kids so we got a bit more of a genuine experience) whilst making us feel safe and secure the whole time.
He was knowledgable and really just a lot of fun.
So would totally recommend him.
Be warned if you do the cultural village trip in Rwanda they make you dress up like African kings and queens and have your tribe dance and sing etc which really isn't my thing but it's still a interesting experience.
So in conclusion book via gorilla trek Africa and ask for Gavis.
Hope to be back soon!!!!!
Highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa - we did a 2 day Trek from Kigali, Rwanda (because we couldn't get any permits in Rwanda last minute) to Bwindi National Park.
Nelson set everything up - we had a little glitch with our rooms but a quick call to Nelson and we achieved an amicable resolution.
He is very responsive throughout the process.
Asaph was our driver and he, too, shared a lot of information about Rwanda and Uganda.
The actual trek was a challenge physically but one I would do again in a heart beat - got to find a family of 18 gorillas including 3 large silverbacks.
Amazing experience!
This has been a life long dream of mine to see the gorillas.
My husband and I knew we wanted to make this a part of our round the world trip itinerary, but only had limited time in the area due to budget and timeline.
After some extensive research, I selected this trek due to the great reviews and the convenience of offering a 1 day trek from Kigali.
I couldn't be happier about this decision!
Everything from my initial questions about the tour to the booking and finalizing of our tour details were quickly addressed and handled by Nelson, the tour organizer.
He was very responsive and knowledgable about all aspects of this trek.
We also must commend our driver Enos who was absolutely amazing.
He went above and beyond to make our experience truly memorable.
We learned so much about the beautiful country of Rwanda from him.
I cannot speak highly enough about this company and the wonderful memories they created for my husband and I.
What an amazing experience!
Nicholas was very helpful during the planning phase.
Our driver and guide was Chris who did a great job.
He was very informative and accommodating.
The drive out to Volcanoes National Park was breath taking and the accommodation and food near the park was really good.
The hike up to where the gorillas live was very strenuous and not for the faint of heart.
If your hiking abilities are not strong, then the park guides can put you on an easier hike where they know the gorillas may be at a lower level.
The one hour spent with our gorilla group is something that will stay with me forever.
Sitting down just a few meters away from a 600 pound silver back is beyond words!
Kudos to Gorilla Trek Africa for creating this wonderful experience.
We booked a three-day trek out of Kigali to see the mountain gorillas and Lake Kivu, and we could not have been more delighted with Gorilla Trek.
From the moment we made our first inquiry, Nelson was tremendously helpful.
Our desired itinerary didn't exactly match the three-day tour that Gorilla Trek described on the website.
No matter - Nelson quickly came up with an alternative itinerary that worked perfectly and got us to see everything we wanted to see.
Payment was easy and straightforward, and we were very thankful to have Nelson sort through the details of arranging permits and lodge stays and everything else.
All of the accommodations were excellent.
We stayed at the Mountain View Gorilla Lodge next to Volcanoes National Park, and the Serena Lake Kivu, both of which were beautiful.
Gorilla Trek took care of all the bills and we weren't bothered at all.
Finally, a word about our absolutely tremendous guide Gavis.
Gavis was punctual, polite, funny and engaging for the whole tour.
He went out of his way to ensure we had a fulfilling trip, trying to give us as full a view of Rwanda as he could.
He was a perfect fit for us and we had a blast with him.
An excellent driver, he always made sure we felt comfortable while also giving us insight into daily Rwandan life.
If you get a chance to have a tour with Gavis, we absolutely recommend him.
We were privileged to meet not one but two troops of gorillas on our day trek in the Volcanoes National Park.
The day started early (7am) when we arrived at the reception centre in order to submit our passes and passports to the officials for verification.
This can be something of a lengthy process and so whilst we were waiting we enjoyed complementary coffee and spectacular local dancers who entertained us.
We were eventually allocated a guide and a troop of gorillas to visit.
Mr D, our guide, was very knowledgeable and we felt very safe in his hands.
We travelled to the start point where we were given walking poles and chose our porters and set off.
As the trek is at altitude the pace was gentle with plenty of stops to get our breath and no pressure.
He was happy to go at a slower pace so that even those who were not in the peak of fitness could achieve the goal of meeting the gorillas.
Before entering the forest we were given a full briefing on how to behave, what to do and what not to do in order to have a safe and fulfilling experience.
We walked for some hours through quite dense undergrowth and did not always follow any path.
The guides used machetes to forge a path through the vegetation and we were very much off any beaten track.
The porters were very helpful helping us over difficult bits of terrain and guiding us on the best routes and I would definitely recommend hiring them.
We found two troops of gorillas, two silverbacks, plenty of mothers with babies and black backs and were able to get up very close to them.
The younger silverback was challenging the older one and we saw them coming together to fight which we were told was not normally something that trekkers would see.
There was even the rather cliched chest drumming afterwards as the victor pronounced himself the winner!
We trekked for some hours as our troop was on the move and walked over 16kms.
Tips for a successful trek - wear full trousers and walking boots; wear a light waterproof coat which fully covers your body and take gloves.
The stinging nettles are over head height and pack a mighty sting and it is difficult to avoid them brushing against you.
If the guide yells ants yell ants to the person behind and move very quickly past them!
Engage a local guide to hold your hand and help over the dodgy bits - it also provides local employment.
Take dollars with you to tip the trackers and guides.
The trackers you only meet once inside the park and they don't follow you back to base - its not cool to say you have no money!!
My family had the pleasure of visiting the gorillas in Rwanda in the last week of August 2016.
Top marks to our guide - Bernard, the gorilla's and the country of Rwanda - clean & safe to visit.
Bill Jarman
THE TOUR We went on a 10 day tour with Gorilla Trek Africa which started in Kigali and finished in Kampala.
The van was very comfortable.
It looked a little bit old but it was seemed well maintained and was even quickly checked out on our journey.
We were the only two people on the tour.
WILD LIFE The gorillas were were a once in a lifetime treat and worth every penny of the permit.
We did it in Rwanda and although the trek wasn't quite as steep as in Uganda it can be slightly longer as you can't start from multiple point along the road as in Bwindi.
I would also recommend getting to the country a few days before the trek if you can as it went above 3000 meter and would have been easier with a bit of acclimatization.
We then went up into Uganda and visited Bwindi National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park and Murchison Falls along the way.
The wildlife was spectacular everywhere and detailed information is easily available over the web.
The only slight disappointment was only seeing one chimpanzee in Kibale which was very high in a tree.
This is because it is was the dry season so much harder to find them.
Obviously this is nobodies fault and it is worth keeping in mind that you pay for the chance to see wild animals and you cannot predict the outcome.
The rhino sanctuary was a brilliant experience and truly unique being on foot so close to three rhinos.
The price of all the permits does add up but it's worth remembering the money is going towards the conservation projects!
We stayed in the budget accommodation but we're lucky to get a couple of upgrades.
It was some of the best accommodation I've stayed in and we were extremely happy with the standard the whole way round.
Our guide Bernard was a true professional and very knowledgable about flora and fauna.
He really was superb at his job and a kind, interesting person.
He did the little things really well like buying us local snacks and drinks on the way around and explaining local life.
You can get equivalent itineraries and vehicles from other countries but there is only one Bernard.
He took our trip to the next level which is why I gave a five star rating for this company.
Pre-trip service: - We corresponded with Nicholas initially and with Nelson when Nicholas was not around.
Both were very prompt and helpful in giving information and giving us a quote for the trip.
Information provided was to the point and complete with packing lists, etc.
There was a moment of anxiety for one individual in our group of 3 when his receipt for the deposit placed with Rwanda Development Board had only his first name and not full name.
Nelson assured us that this would not be a problem as it was only the receipt and not the permit and that they have given the full names and passport numbers to the RDB.
Indeed there was no problems at all.
On-trip: - Our guide was supposed to be Eric; we had asked for him after reading reviews although Nicholas had told us that all their guides were very good.
Nelson advised with apologies at the last minute that due to some personal problems he wouldn't be able to come and our guide would be Enos instead.
Enos is a great guide; very punctual, patient and professional with fluent English and most importantly with so much charm, humility and politeness.
His calm but confident demeanour put us at ease from the very beginning.
We were super impressed by his nuanced answers to our queries and he, at our request gave us a Rwanda genocide 101 - the context of the madness and how it built up to what it was starting over a 100 years ago.
There were 3 of us and on the 2nd day in Volcanoes National Park, one of us was doing the gorilla trek the 2nd time and two of us were going to do the golden monkey trek.
And we had to go in different directions to two different starting points.
Enos was very resourceful and ensured that we reached our destinations in time.
I also need to mention that Enos was very sensitive to every one of our individual needs and ensured that all of us had a great time.
Trip Itself: - We went to Akagera National Park where we did a boat ride and a game drive the next day.
Lovely experience not because the animals were very close by (except for the zebras, buffaloes and impalas, topis) but because of the solitude.
It was like it was just the 5 of us (3 of us, Enos and the park ranger Didier), the wide savannah and the animals.
The silence in such a large place with so many animals was complete!
We had a good time spotting animals which were generally far away for most of the drive but in the end we came to a huge plain which had a lot of zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, topis etc.
We also got to see two herds of elephants but they were pretty far.
The Volcanoes National Park is a beautiful place with the misty mountains peaks and the jungles.
We had a great time on the gorilla visit - the apes were very close by so we had good views and it was the same for the golden monkey visit.
Both the treks through the dense jungles of central/east Africa were very enjoyable and unique experiences.
I am not writing much about the gorillas because they are widely covered elsewhere and this is a review about the tour company.
Overall - Very impressed by Gorilla Trek Africa.
We had found them from the TripAdvisor reviews and they are #1 amongst 26 tour companies doing the gorilla trekking in Africa and it is totally justified.
Booking directly with Gorilla Trek Africa is highly recommended.
They also have another website by another name (i forget the name); the reason is nothing other than to increase reach.
Thanks to Nelson, Nicholas and Enos for a wonderful experience.
If we do the gorilla trek or Akagera National Park again, I am going to use this company.
I have done yesterday the gorilla trek and has been a great experience.the organization was perfect,my email communication with Nelson was always clear and quick.
My guide Gavis was number one,very professional,friendly and ready to satisfy my needs,i was very lucky to find him as guide.I recommend Gorilla Trek Africa and Gavis for this wonderful experience.
A truly memorable once in a lifetime experience to trek the mountain gorillas in East Africa.
We chose Gorilla Trek Africa based on the reviews we'd read on Trip Advisor and they delivered everything we expected and more.
Like everyone we were a bit nervous about sending a large deposit in advance but it was not a problem.
Nelson did a great job organizing our tour and I was thrilled to get the chance to meet him and thank him personally at the start of our trip.
From the start everything was fantastic.
Accommodation and food were outstanding and the wildlife was truly amazing.
Walking with chimps in Kibale forest was a great prelude to viewing the gorillas twice in Bwindi NP and Volcanoes NP.
I would recommend you do both if you can.
They are different but equally amazing.
I was moved to tears at both viewings.
A real once in a lifetime experience.
The other thing that made our 7 day trip so wonderful was our outstanding guide Patrick.
What a terrific guide and just an overall great person.
Extremely knowledgeable and always trying to do that extra bit to make our tour as good as possible.
His great sense of humour added so much to our experience.
Thank you so much Patrick.
Gorilla Trek Africa gets a 100% rating.
I would strongly recommend Nelson and his team to anyone thinking about undertaking such an amazing adventure.
I recently traveled from Kigali to Bwindi Forest as a solo female traveler.
I can honestly say every part of this company is a 10!
From the email dialog with Nelson to my amazing hospitable guide, Sam.
They went above and beyond with customer service, knowledge, communication etc - everything is so buttoned up!
I highly recommend using this company!
My tour was from Kigali to Bwindi Forest to see the gorillas - the drive is beautiful, the local markets are a must, and the beauty of Rwanda & Uganda is truly out of this world.
Please don't have any reservations if you are a solo traveler - I felt so safe at all times!
The locals are so friendly and curious - be sure to interact with them!
Not going to lie - the hike in Bwindi was tougher then I expected, but SOOO worth it.
It's truly magical in this part of the world.
Thank you Nelson for EVERYTHING!!!!!!!
I did the 2 day gorilla tour in Uganda and it was truly an experience of a lifetime.
My colleagues in Kigali had already signed up with another outfit so I reached out to Gorilla Trek Africa based on the ratings in TripAdvisor.
Nelson responded very promptly and since I had never done this in the past, I had lots of questions.
Nelson answered all of them very promptly.
I choose the Deluxe Package and I am very satisfied with my choice.
Nelson was also very accommodating when I wasn't able to transfer the money before I left the States.
In fact I paid up fully on the day of the tour and he made sure that my reservation wasn't impacted.
On the appointed day Krish my driver and overall guide showed up promptly at my hotel in Kigali.
I cannot say enough good things about Krish.
He is extremely knowledgeable about Rwanda and Uganda and patiently answered all my questions.
He really is a decent and humble person who gave me the confidence that I was in good hands all through.
He is also a very good driver who obeyed all speed limit restrictions and did nothing risky.
The unpaved roads at times can seem dangerous, but with Krish behind the wheel, they never felt that way even once.
The vehicle provided by GTA was clean, powerful and perfect for the all the rough roads that we encountered (African massage per Krish :-) ).
He was also very attentive and made sure that I was well taken care off at the lodge and during the journey.
made arrangements for me at the Bwindi Jungle Lodge.
I was satisfied with the living arrangements.
The lodge is located on the shore of Lake Mulehe.
The lodge arranged for a boat trip on the lake (not included in the package) that I really enjoyed.
The gorilla trek itself was a tough but exhilarating experience.
It was no doubt hard work but truly worth it.
It was done primarily with conservation at the ultimate goal and I really appreciated this.
The tourism money goes towards protecting the gorillas' natural habitat as well as for providing a source of livelihood to the residents of the area thereby providing a disincentive for poaching.
I did my best to use as many services (porter, etc.
offered by the forest authorities even if I didn't really need them.
The fees are very modest ($15 for a porter) but go a long way towards ensuring meaningful employment to the locals.
At no point did it feel like a highly commercial operation.
It took us nearly 6.5 hours of hiking and it definitely requires more than an average level of fitness.
There was a lot of climbing involved.
Of course, the amount one hikes and the terrain is very dependent on the location of the gorilla family, so on certain days it might takes only a couple of hours.
To summarize, I HIGHLY recommend Gorilla Trek Africa and Krish in particular.
I plan on returning to Uganda in the future with my family and I will definitely engage Gorilla Trek Africa wherever possible.
A gentle suggestion: Folks, be as generous as possible with your tips.
Everyone I interacted with during my 2 days was very sincere and genuinely wanted to make sure I was comfortable.
A little bit goes a long way and provides a living to the locals which in turn ensures that these lovely animals continue to have a home.
Went on this activity while visiting Rwanda.
It was an amazing experience.
We got really close to the gorillas which was totally magical.
It is very expensive but the cost goes towards maintaining the National Park so is going to a good cause.
There are a number of gorilla groups and you are allocated to one group.
A ranger takes you there and you are met by trackers who live near the gorillas and who know where they are on any particular day.
INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE IN A TOTALLY WELCOMING COUNTRY.... My friend and I were so pleasantly surprised how safe and friendly Uganda and Rwanda was.
As an American, I think there's always a bit of apprehension when traveling so far away.
I would say, however that I have never felt so comfortable, safe and welcome in a country more than in Uganda.
We did a lot of driving from location to location in sometimes very remote areas.
As we did, lots of children and adults on the street would smile, get excited to see us and wave hello enthusiastically as we passed.
I have never experienced this in any country.
Also, anywhere we stopped, people were so polite and friendly.
It was really a joy to mingle with locals anywhere we stopped.
Gorilla Trek Africa was equally as welcoming, friendly, informative, and helpful with all of our planning.
I was communicating with Nelson throughout the entire process.
I had MANY questions as I wanted to make sure we experienced as much as possible while there.
He was extremely patient and answered all of my questions with much detail.
I believe we also got a lot for the price and the accommodations were really perfect.
We had cottages in 2 of the locations ...one was with a view of a beautiful lake and the other was overlooking the savanna.
The staff at each hotel couldn't have been more lovely.
We also were in communication with Gorilla Trek Africa's American contact, so it was nice to also be able to hear someone's voice in the communication for this planning process.
We did the Behind the Scens Tour at the Entebbe Zoo which I would highly recommend.
You are able to go behind the gates and feed by hand elephants, giraffes, leopards and lions and for an extra cost, you can also play with cheetahs.
We also did the Chimpanzee Close Up where you have about one hour to play with 5 chimpanzee babies.
Definitely an experience of a lifetime.
Last but not least, I would have to say our guide, William Lutchi, really made our experience the best it could have been.
William was so knowledgable.
There was not a question we asked about the country, animals or the people that he didn't know the answer to.
We discussed politics, the Rwandan Genoicide, economy, really lots of different subjects as my friend and I were very curious about how this country seemed so well organized and prepared for tourism.
I was amazed at the landscape of Uganda as its major export is agriculture.
All of the driving gave us great views of different types of crops aranged in an orderly, almost picturesque fashion.
William made us feel totally at ease everywhere we went.
With his guidance, we were able to view all of the animals we set out to see on the game drives.
The day of our Gorilla Trek in Uganda went off perfectly as well.
We told William of our stamina level and he helped us be put into the correct group for the trek.
We hiked into the forest for about 1.5 hours until we came upon the amazing site of a huge silverback in front of us.
We walked just a few feet more to see another silverback, 2 babies, and 4 females.
We were immediately at ease with these gorgeous creatures.
One hour with them, you felt that you were definitely such a fortunate person to have experienced this activity that only a hundred or s people per day in the world get to experience.
I have traveled to over 70 countries and I would definitely recommend Uganda and Rwanda as ones that everyone should put on their lists!!
And to defintely have Gorilla Trek Africa organize the planning !!
I did this with 3 friends and we all agree seeing the gorillas was truly surreal and magical.
Nelson and his team were great on the ground, and made the whole process of booking from another country seamless.
Kigali was a huge surprise and we enjoyed it thoroughly.
All the smiling children and friendly disposition of the locals, as well as the remarkable cleanliness of the city itself, made our trip extra special.
A difficult morning visiting the Genocide Memorial, but important for people to know and remember.
The Gorillas that are protected by the Dian Fossy Foundation and the work they do with the government for the local people, schools etc is amazing.
The trek itself can be a rough go at it, but totally worth the energy, sweat and money.
The porters who charge $10 for the trip carry your things...hire them if you need them or not...they help you when you trip on roots, vines etc...they are poachers that are being retrained to do this to provide for their families.
We had a gentleman at our lodge with lung issues and they carried him up on a straw mat, so he could still see the Gorillas even though he was only part of the way up.
The trek can last anywhere from a couple of hours to 5 depending where your Gorilla Troop is located.
You get to stay and watch, photograph and just plain enjoy them for one hour.
If you get the chance do the Golden Monkeys.
A little calmer walk but also a grand experience.
Trip was great - gorillas, golden monkeys, etc.
Logistics were very well handled with no issues at all.
I highly recommend
One of the most exciting and must do experience, they should extend the time which you stay with Gorilla from one hour to at least to 2 hours
It's expensive, $750 a day in 2016.
But, it's worth every penny.
You'll be within 15 feet of the gorillas and observe them eating, grooming one another and playing.
You should sign up for two days to make certain you have a good experience.
You'll want to make sure you have ample time visiting with them.
Once you find a gorilla family you are allotted one hour to be with them.
That's it That's why I recommend you sign up for two days.
They're frightening at first but you'll soon find everyone inches closer to take a better photo.
I inadvertently was in the path of a gorilla and as he walked by he put his arm around my leg.
No problem.
He just wanted to pass and acknowledged I was there.
Have fun!
It's one of the best trips I've every taken.
If you want a trustworthy and professional company to handle your travel needs while on safari, then look no further.
We did the 3 day gorilla tracking safari in Rwanda and had a great time overall.
Some of our luggage actually got lost on the way to Kigali which held us up quite a bit at the airport.
Fortunately our guide (Asaph) was still waiting for us, and then was helpful over the next day or so in helping us locate the bags.
For the gorilla trek, we had told him what our level of comfort was with trekking and he got us set up in the perfect group, and we then proceeded to have an experience of a lifetime with the gorillas.
We also visited the Ib'iwachu Cultural Village, did the golden monkey trek, and took the city tour of Kigali (including visiting the Genocide Memorial).
I'm always skeptical of cultural villages since some can be overly cheesy, but we absolutely loved Ib'iwachu, so if you have time in your schedule I would definitely recommend that.
The golden monkeys are a blast to watch, but are certainly trickier than the gorillas to photograph, but I would still recommend those as well.
In Kigali, you'd be a fool to not visit the Genocide Memorial, so try and allow a few hours for that.
Overall, I appreciated that this company had a flexible itinerary that can more or less be customized on the spot (beyond the main trekking activities), but at times things seemed a bit too slow paced for our style of travel.
We weren't offered the option of a boxed lunch on any of the days, so I would recommend inquiring about that if you're looking to save some time (or have something to eat during the gorilla trek in the event that it takes a while to find the gorillas).
I expressed my concerns to the company and they were very courteous in listening to my suggestions (again, wonderful professionalism), so my recommendation would just be to discuss everything with the driver upon arriving in town so that everybody is on the same page.
Overall, a lovely experience with a nice company that I would certainly recommend.
Had a great experience with Gorilla Trek Africa 3-4 of July.
Pick-up in Kigali by very nice driver Gavis, smooth and informative drive to Volcanoes and attentive assistance througout the trip.
Unfortunately I hurt my knee the day before the trek and got a lot of help and sympathy from Gavis, who even went to a nearby village ti buy some bandage for me.
With help from 2 strong porters I made it up to the unforgettable gorillas.
I am very happy with Gorilla Trek Africa and would recommend this company to anyone who wants to vivit the mountaingorillas.
I'm so pleased I chose this company to plan my three day trek in Rwanda.
My driver, Bernard promptly picked me up at my hotel in Kigali.
He was my personal guide for three days, and he was extremely professional, informative, and conscientious of every detail.
He took me to the caves for a tour, made sure I was completely ready for the trekking experience, explained every detail, and was so pleasant to visit with.
The gorilla trek was a great experience and a memory of a lifetime.
The golden monkey tour was also very good.
I can't say enough about how highly I recommend this company for trekking or any of their other tours in Rwanda and Uganda.
Bernard made the experience so relaxing and enjoyable.
As a single traveler, it was a real pleasure getting to know him and hearing about his family and life in Africa.
I hope to return with my family in the next year or so and I will hire this company again for sure.
I used this group on recommendation from a friend that used them.
So happy I did.
Chris was my guide and was very knowledgeable, nice, and all around great.
Nelson did a fantastic job of actually understanding what I wanted to do (instead of blindly offering prior packages like other groups).
I used them for gorilla tracking in Uganda and volcano climb in Rwanda.
They organized hotels, cars, all permits, and did so without flaw.
I plan to contact them in the future for trekking the Central Circuit, fishing for Nile Perch, and all the other good trips I have on my wish list!
Nothing could have prepared my husband and I and our adult son and our friend for this kind of adventure.
It needs to be on everyone's bucket list!
We were unbelievably up close and personal with a 19 member family of gorillas in perhaps the most lush and beautiful surroundings I have ever seen.
The animals were amusing and active and curious and aloof all at the same time.
I would never have imagined I would feel no fear but it's true.
You just get so carried away with the wonder of it all.
You feel complete confidence in your guides and trackers.
They give you lots of pertinent information that helps you know how to react to the gorillas in a way to stay safe and comfortable.
The hiking aspect is pretty tricky at times as the pathway is sometimes created as you go.
That makes it even more interesting and fun to be fully immersed in this natural wonderland.
Porters are there at the onset to help carry backpacks etc.
and they are very attentive on the initial parts of the hike where you might need assistance.
Once you find the gorillas the porters take your walking sticks and bags and wait for your return to the original trail so you are free to move more freely as you follow the gorillas into whatever environments they choose!
Our guides were very personable and knowledgeable and they set the tone for a totally positive and exciting experience.
I kept asking myself, who gets to do this kind of thing and I was thrilled beyond belief when my answer was some of those I love and me!
In all our years of travel and experiencing many different attractions, this was far and away the most incredible!
Our guide, Patrick was absolutely superb - even though we were in close proximity to the gorillas, including the silverback, we never ever felt threatened or in danger.
We put this down to Patrick's skill as a gorilla whisperer.
A special thanks also to our porter, Bernard who took great care to ensure our belongings and us personally made it up and down the mountain through a jungle landscape.
Even though it is expensive at $750 USD per person, it as worth every penny and money well spent.
This is not a cheap trip especially when factoring the cost of a car up to the Virunga's and back to Kigali but you will never ever forget the experience.
Tip - we found it very useful to donate our hiking boots, leather garden gloves and some articles of clothing to the porters and trackers...also lightens your suitcase.
It is an extremely difficult trek that requires high degree of physical fitness.
Usually it takes 6 to 7 hrs.
The guides are very nice.
Worth hiring porters.
Awesome experience, being with gorillas.
One of the best wildlife encounters in the World and certainly the best we have made.
The guides are absolutely brilliant and do their utmost to ensure that everyone is totally satisfied with their tracking expedition.
I would visit again in a heartbeat if I had the time, the money and no other places yet to be seen.
It is totally worth going but would suggest that you make an effort to gain a reasonable level of fitness.
That is, can you walk on undulating ground for at least one hour without stopping, two hours would be more than enough.
Do it!
From the beginning Nelson was very prompt and patient responding to all our emails and answering numerous questions we had .
Payment was also straight forward and had no issues.
We had a fantastic trip with Gorilla Tours, traveling from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Rainforest.
Our driver and guide, Enos was wonderful.
He was always very prompt, kind and courteous.He truly went above and beyond in all aspects.
In addition to being a terrific and safe driver, he was a fantastic guide as well.
He went out of his way to make sure we were informed of the history, significance, and meaning behind various sights and experiences.
Not only was our trip enjoyable, it was truly a learning experience.
His level of knowledge about the political and social history of Rwanda, and the East African region in general, made for very fascinating conversations.
His friendliness and willingness to share his experiences and insight made even 7 hour drives fly by!
Even though Lake Kivu wasn't on our itinerary Enos made sure we stopped and had lunch overlooking the lake as he knew we were very interested in viewing it.
We would highly recommend them.
Climbing to where the gorillas is a good hike uphill.
Slippery after a rain.
If you are not in shape, like me, get a helper.
Amazing how close you are to the animals as you view them for about an hour.
I just returned from a 2-day gorilla trek in Rwanda.
It was a great experience and everything went wonderfully with close exposure to the gorillas.
Chris Ngabirano did a truly great job as my guide on behalf of the company.
He picked me up promptly at my hotel in Kigali.
After some time at the Genocide Memorial museum he drove me to the park area and the lodge for the night.
Then the next day to the consolidation point where the groups are formed and you hike in with a park guide(s) to where the trackers have identified your gorilla family to be.
After return from that wonderful experience, a shower, lunch, and drive by Chris to the Kigali airport.
Chris and I had long and very enjoyable conversations on the rides back and forth -- he is a wonderful driver and extremely knowledgeable about all things Ugandan (where he lives and also works) and Rwandan, as well as the biology and conservation side.
I strongly recommend him as well as the company, where my emails of inquiry and planning were always answered very promptly and well.
My wife and I made the trip to Africa for our 1 year anniversary.
we started in Kenya with an amazing safari adventure.
thinking there was no way we would top that we headed to Rwanda and boy was I wrong... First off our communication with Nicolas over email was fantastic.
he was quick to get back to us and answered all our questions which were a lot and really made us feel good about booking through them.
Here comes the most important part.
Enos our driver picked us up at our hotel in Kigali at 9am sharp and he is what made this trip the experience that it was.
In my wifes words he was one of the smartest people she had ever met and that was no exaggeration.
He was a wealth of knowledge whether is was about the history of Rwanda and the genocide of 94 to the neighboring countries to the gorillas themselves.
He would talk to us in great detail over a meal on any subject and you'd walk away feeling a better and smarter person for it.
he took us on a city tour of Kigali which turned out to be a highlight as we learned so much.
We went to two genocide memorials and although sad it was so powerful and educational.
Everyone should have a better understanding of what happened in Rwanda just a short time ago and appreciate how far they have come.
It really is astounding.
After our city tour and lunch we headed out to Volcanos National Park.
try not to fall asleep on the drive.
The sights and views are stunning!
So lush and green.
We got to our accomodations(Gorilla Mountain Lodge) we got settled in and had dinner with Enos who explained in detail how the next day would go.
after a quick breakfast we head out to the ranger station where Enos goes and pulls his strings to get you in the best group and guide.
we told him we would hike as long or short and were more interested in the best experience with the Gorillas.
on our first day he got us in a group with only 1 other person, a fantastic guide whos name is Edward and I recommend him highly.
Enos drove us to the hikes start point where he waits for you to return.
the first day we had about a 40 minute hike through lush jungle till we came upon our trackers(means your close) and a few minutes later we were among the Umubamo group.
What an experience!
cant explain and don't want to.
its something you need to experience for yourself.
We saw all 12 members and ill just say the hour was magical.
hiked back down where Enos was eagerly awaiting us.
Took us back to the lodge where we showered us and had lunch while staff was cleaning our hiking boots to like new condition and the Enos took us on a drive to an amazing view of the Twin Lakes.
just beautiful.
back to lodge for a nice dinner and sleep cause we did two days gorilla trekking.
the 2nd day went like the first and Enos was sure to get us a different experience.
this time we trekked through a bamboo forest which was amazing and completely different from the day before.
we had a larger group but that was ok because we saw a gorilla family that had 24 members!
We thought we couldn't top the day before.
well, we did and then some.
it was amazing.
The babies put on a show for the cameras, the silverback sat there proud and in charge and the teens played the whole time.
They get a little tipsy from eating the bamboo.
after getting cleaned up and having lunch Enos took us to a cultural center where we spent a few hours interactively learning about their history.
We played drums, danced, shot arrows, and even dressed as king and queen.
quite a day!
the last day we trekked the Golden Monkeys which were very cool and to all our surprise and the guides we stumbled upon a small family of mountain gorillas and spent a little time seeing them.
So we got 3 days for the price of 2!!
back for lunch and one more boot cleaning and Enos took us on our drive back to the airport.
He stipped by a local bookstore because we wanted a book about the genocide he recommended(shaking hands with the devil) and while there we decided to buy Enos a book since he is such an avid reader and he was just thrilled and we were happy to do it.
after a sad goodbye at the airport we headed home and will carry the memories of our time in Rwanda for the rest of our lives.
I cant say enough about Gorilla Trek Africa and to Enos, words cant express the gratitude we have.
You are the best and you have made friends for life.
Dave and Nadia PS- Be sure to bring enough cash for tips.
Trackers, guides, and your driver.
Porters are $10 for the duration of your trek and will carry your stuff and help you if needed.
they are often reformed poacher so its good to use them.
Unreal experience with gorillas in their natural habitat, playing, climbing and mainly eating.
There was a bit of a trek to do before we saw the group but was well worth the wait.
Beautiful views of landscape from the hills.
This could turn in to a full on Hike so be prepared with Water, food, walking boots, clothing to protect you from nettles (hands, arms and legs).
Our Hike took over 7 hours all together but others i know only took 1 hour
2016Nian 5Yue nibuuindeiGuo Li Gong Yuan nogoriratsuatoniragongoHuo Shan tsuawosetsutodeLi Yong shimashita. goriratsuadeha, Si tachinogurupuhaSen noZhong niRu tsute30Fen hodode, 15Tou hodonoQun retoHui ukotogadekimashita. goriratachihaQuan kuRen woBu garuYang Zi ganaku, Shi Si tachinohouwoJian nagarazutsutoShi Shi woshiteimashita. (totemooShang Pin ni!)Mei Zhao renziyasantachiga, goriranoQun regadokoniirukaTan shiteirunode, Hui enaikotohanaisoudesu. Ren hagorirakara7mYi Shang Li renakerebaikenairurugaarunodesuga, gorirahasonnaruruwoZhi ranainodeoGou inashiniJin duitekimasu. Su Qing rashiiShi Jian woGuo gosemashita. goriratsuanoChi chiWu ha, tsuaHui She karaShi Qian niLian Luo shitekuremashita. gaidonokurisusanhatotemoYou shiiFang de, yutsukuriDing Zhu naYing Yu woHua shitekudasarimashita. An Xin shitetsuaniCan Jia surukotogadekimashita. I took part in Gorilla tracking tour in Bwindi NP and Nyiragongo volcano tour in May 2016.
On the Gorilla tour, I entered the forest and was able to meet about 15 Gorilla party 30 min later.
They didn't look afraid of person and were eating all the time elegantly by their hands!
The rangers are looking for where Gorilla parties are every morning, so we can meet Gorillas any time.
Human have the rule that must keep 7m from Gorillas.
But, Gorillas don't know such rule and came close to me!
I was able to spent very very valuable time.
Our guide Chris are very kind and has good hospitality.
Thank you!
From answering my emails to arranging my permit and actually going on the trek, I got great service.
I picked the company more or less at random off the internet, and was pleased with the attention.
I was in Kigali for business and didn't have much free time, so a 1-day gorilla trek was just right for me.
They picked me up at 4:30 am and drove me to the Trek starting point, and shuttled me to each stage of the Trek until arriving back at the hotel some 12 hours later.
There are lots of blogs and posts describing the Gorilla Trek experience, so I won't belabor the point.
But the key pieces of advice I found useful: take hiking boots, especially in the rainy seasons; bring dollars or other western currency to tip everyone (guides, porters, park rangers, the guy with the buffalo gun, etc.
), and bring bug spray with DEET.
I was very impressed with the interaction with the office when booking.
Fast, professional and reliable.
The guide picking up in Kigali was equally competent so I was very happy having chosen this company for my tour.
I chose Gorilla Trek Africa for my recent trip to Rwanda because of a review I saw on TripAdvisor from a Solo Female Traveler.
I met a traveler in Rwanda who chose Gorilla Trek Africa because she too read the same review.
I've been wanting to see the gorillas for 10 years so I emailed Gorilla Trek Africa to inquire.
Nicholas responded quickly and we emailed back and forth daily for almost two weeks, then when needed thereafter.
He answered all my questions and I kept him informed of my progress.
The one thing I made sure he had before booking my flight was my gorilla permit.
He sent me a packing list that contains the visa information along with payment details to help with my planning.
I added a 3-day vacation to Rwanda to the back end of my two-week business trip so I had to get everything in order before getting on a plane, otherwise I'm screwed while abroad.
There were two hiccups on my trip.
The first was Nicholas gave me the wrong number for my guide/driver David.
Luckily, he was waiting for me at the Kigali airport and had a sign with my name.
I did ask David for his number just in case.
The second was when I checked in to one of the hotels but they couldn't find my reservation.
David quickly straighten out the confusion.
Once I was in David's company, he took care of everything.
He was very nice and always made sure I was doing okay.
On the morning of the gorilla trekking, I asked David if he can get me assigned to an easy group.
I was tired from traveling and I wasn't nitpicky about which one I saw.
It was raining that morning so I knew the grounds would be slippery.
I was assigned the Agasha group and it only took 45 minutes of trekking to find them!
Ten years of waiting and it was all worth the wait.
I was able to get very close to the gorillas and it was exciting to see baby gorillas.
It's was cold, raining, and they were mostly eating so not much playing around.
We headed to Kigali after the trek.
David picked me up the next afternoon for a short city tour before dropping me off at the airport.
Genocide Memorial is commemorated for a week so I couldn't do a lot of souvenir shopping, and I knew that when booking so I was okay with it.
Overall, I had a wonderful time in Rwanda thanks to Gorilla Trek Africa.
I felt fine the entire time, especially when David was with me, and even the one night when I was the only guest at the Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (low season).
If I ever use Gorilla Trek Africa for another trip, I would definitely ask for David again.
Tip: Get your Rwandan visa from the embassy in your country before departure.
Nicholas will send you an official itinerary to include with your application if you ask.
I called the Rwandan embassy in DC and they said I could get the visa at the Kigali airport or mail them my paperwork.
The rule might different if you're not American.
I mailed the embassy my visa application, along with proof of yellow fever vaccination.
I received my visa in little over a week.
I'm giving this a 3 not because of the tour itself (the gorillas were absolutely amazing) but what it took for us to make it!
We had booked and paid for a 3 day gorilla trek.
Once we had made our payment we stopped receiving emails from Nicholas.
My husband had to write numerous time to get details about pick up at the airport etc.
we finally received an email stating that he had already sent us the info (which we never received) and continued to give us the details about our schedule.
Nothing else.
Yes it might have been our fault for not checking but we were never advised that we needed our visas prior to arriving in Rwanda.
Which means that once we arrived in Amsterdam for our connecting flight, we couldn't get on the plane.
We emailed Nicholas and he finally answered stating that all this information had been send in an email with a packing/planning list.
We had never received such email and he was not able to re-send us that said email.... We lost 2 days in Amsterdam planning a a trip to Tanzania (which is were we were going on the second half of our trip) and lost of money changing and reorganizing flights.
We were extremely disappointed about not making this trek and the loss of our deposit.
Nicholas emailed and said that he was able to fast track our visas (we had applied on line before leaving but still had received them).
Even though he said he had them, we still couldn't get in the plane without a copy -which he couldn't provide.
After being on a safari and in Tanzania for over a week we finally got back to civilization and Internet access.
We were pleasantly surprised to receive yet other emails with copies of our Visas.
Nicholas told us that he could accept us anytime for our 3 day trek as planned... We were ecstatic!!
We yet again changed the back end of our trip and 3 days later made our way to Rwanda.
Our guide Patrick was fantastic and on time and there for us.
The experience with the gorillas was a once in a lifetime event that I will never forget!!!
Absolutely amazing and well worth every penny!!!
Things to keep in mind for the trek in Rwanda.
On line Visa -they say within 3 days but will most likely take much longer so get well in advance before your trip.
No need for the multiple days/countries (100$) unless you are going to Kenya etc.
No need for gaters Absolute must are gloves!!
Long sleeves and pants Get a porter not only does it help their economy but they are extremely helpful.
You are also guaranteed to see these amazing creatures!
All in all one of the best experiences in my life and happy that Nicholas finally came through
Exceptional trip with our magnificent, thoughtful, knowledgeable, driver guide Emma, who knew the region as the back of his hand.
Despite the patches of bumpy road- he kept us up-to-date, as well as entertained.
Wow the custom built van was very comfortable, clean and in a good state.
The lodges Cassia Lodge, Primate Lodge, Top View Hill Hotel were well chosen.
The boat launch in Queen Elizabeth rewarded us with what Emma called the school of hippos, alongside, buffalos, crocodile's elephant, and a range of beautiful birds, eminent - the white pelican-, bathing.
Gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda left me and my family speechless - we had never seen such a huge animal in its natural environment.
As a family we agreed that a repeat visit to this beautiful virgin lands is more than the monies worth, this trip was certainly memorable for us.
Kristoffer Hansen
I have just returned from a 3 day Gorilla tour with Gorilla Trek Africa and have been so impressed with the whole experience.
From the start I found that Nicholas was very quick to respond to my emails and was able to provide answers to all my questions.
I had heard good things about the company and they lived up to their reputation.
My guide was William and he was an absolute star!
So friendly and helpful.
Kenya Airways managed to not transfer my luggage from Nairobi so the start of my trip was quite stressful.
William made sure that he made all the right phone calls etc.
and I was able to get my luggage later in the day before we travelled to Musanze.
Although the main purpose of my trip was to track the gorillas, I had wanted to see some of the historical and cultural aspects of Rwanda as well and really enjoyed the other visits on my itinerary.
The Kigali Genocide Museum was a deeply moving experience and tackled a very sad part of Rwandan history very well and with a lot of tact.
It was so sad to learn the history behind the genocide and very sad to read about the victims, especially the children.
On the drive to Musanze William was great, telling me a lot about Rwanda and answering all my questions.
I had travelled alone for my trip and was relieved that William was so friendly and relaxed as there is nothing worse than travelling alone and being stuck with a guide for days that you don't get along with!!
The drive to Musanze was beautiful and really shows what a beautiful country Rwanda is.
I stayed at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge and really enjoyed my experience there.
The staff were very friendly and helpful.
As I visited in low season the lodge was very quiet and didn't have many other guests but it didn't matter.
The climate is a bit cold (in comparison to Mombasa where I live) but they have fireplaces in the restaurant and in your rooms.
It was really nice to have a roaring fire in my room each nice and to have a hot water bottle to sleep with!
Of course the gorilla trekking was the highlight of the trip and it was amazing!
My guides for the trek were Eugene and Francis, who were both very friendly and entertaining.
Nothing beats the feeling the first time you spot a gorilla after trekking through the bamboo forest!
Amazing experience!
I also did the Golden Monkey trek and really enjoyed that too.
My guides were Francois and Ferdinand who were also very entertaining!
I also did a community walk which involved visiting a local village and meeting families and seeing how they live.
I got to try basket making and learned a lot about day to day living in Rwanda.
I really enjoyed this experience and would definitely recommend it, especially as your money helps the local communities to benefit from tourism.
Overall, I had an amazing, once in a lifetime adventure and enjoyed every aspect of my trip.
I would recommend Gorilla Trek Africa to anyone and will certainly be using them again the next time I visit Rwanda.
I would also definitely recommend having William as your guide as he was very professional but, most importantly, very friendly and fun!!
A massive thank you to William and everyone at Gorilla Trek Africa!!!
I can not express how absolutely wonderful my 5 day Rwanda trip was with Gorilla Trek Africa.
My guide, Bernard is one in a million!!!
The nicest, kindest and most capable guide I have ever met.
I was traveling as a solo female and felt safe and well taken care of the entire time.
Every little aspect of my trip was perfect right from the first email response I received from Nicolas.
I emailed 5 or 6 different companies and Nicolas was the first to respond with many companies never responding at all.
The planning stage went flawless.
I stayed at the following: Rusizi Tented Camp at Akagera National Park, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge near Volcanoes National Park, and Paradise Malahide on Lake Kivu.
Each property was wonderful in their own special way, especially the service, the kindness and care of the staff.
I would highly recommend each.
The gorilla experience is a once in a lifetime Bucket List item that leaves lifelong unforgettable memories.
If I could give Gorilla Trek Africa 10 stars I would.
Again, Bernard is a gem and made my trip even more special with all his knowledge and kindness I can't thank him nor Nicolas enough for making my trip one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Book with Gorilla Trek Africa and ask for Bernard...you won't be disappointed.
I'm back to the states just a week now and only now is my experience starting to sink in.
Every single aspect of the trip was fantastic.
Chris my tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and the entire east African region.
He is a truly wonderful person who brought me straight away into a life changing tour of Uganda and wildlife beyond my wildest dreams.
My trip started in Queen Elizabeth National Park and I was in heaven!
Elephants galore!
Antelope like crazy!
Lions Lions Lions!!
Hippo's, Croc's, Water Buffalo, Birds Birds, Birds!!
was in and unto itself a trip beyond my wildest dreams but every single day after seemed to top the next!
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park came with a rare upgrade!
On top of a once in a life time encounter with the acrobatic boisterous chips we also had a close call with a small group of Elephant as they zig zagged through the rain forest.
Never saw a mosquito or a single safari ant.
Our guide- Africana was awesome!
Informative, patient, filled with facts!!
The gorilla treking in Bwindi was over the top awesome again!
Up close, eye to eye!
It was work- up and down some serious grades but well worth it.
Young and old- totally doable.
If you have doubts just hire a porter to help.
Do this before you leave earth!
William picked us up at the hotel in Kigali and took us to a lodge at the entrance to the park.
He was punctual and most informative, offering us a wealth of information along the way.
All details were looked after.
Seeing the gorillas up close was an experience of a lifetime.
We were fortunate to see a one day old baby gorilla.
Thanks for a great experience.
We got up bright and early to head from Kigali to Volcanos National Park for the gorilla trek.
Our driver and guides were all fantastic and helpful!
The experience itself is amazing.
We hiked about 1 hr 45 min to get to see our gorilla family - we saw a nice variety of babies, adolescents and the huge silverback leader.
I am honestly having trouble believing it was real life thinking back on the experience as I write this!
A few things I wish I had known going in though -- bring good, waterproof hiking shoes.
Many people in our group just had on tennis shoes and had wet, muddy feet at the end of it.
Also wear or bring a waterproof/thicker plastic layer to cover your arms and legs - our guides had waterproof pants they put on about halfway through the trek.
The stinging nettles you hike through can cut right through cotton clothing.
Even my thick hiking pants were no match for the nettles, but luckily the gorillas took my mind off of the pain in my legs!
Also, hire a porter.
It's only $10 and it gives a job to someone who used to be a porter.
The hike isn't strenuous enough to really need them to carry your bag or anything, but they do provide a nice helping hand when traversing some of the muddier areas.
The staff offered us the best rates and delivered fantastic service, meeting us at airport, providing safe travel to the gorilla viewing location and generally just taking care of all details and needs without any bother at all.
Would highly recommend them as cheapest by a long way and excellent service.
My husband Rob and I have recently been gorilla trekking with Gorilla Trek Africa and were absolutely blown away by the experience of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild.
For both of us this was something we have always dreamed of but never imaged that the experience could be so amazing!
First of all I would mention the wonderful service while planning the trip.
Nicholas was wonderful at answering all of my many and varied questions and always replied within 24 hrs.
His advice helped us to pick exactly the right trip for us given the time we had available and in particular we were extremely pleased with the option we were given of seeing gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda.
For us it was quite a nerve-racking thing to be sending such large amounts of money overseas based mostly on trip advisor reviews but we needn't have worried the whole process was smooth and trouble free.
Our Trek was excellent!
After a bit of a nerve wracking start thanks to a miscommunication by our hotel we were met by our guide Chris.
It was really nice to see such a professionally presented guide waiting for us and we were blown away by the quality of the vehicle.
My husband and I have both travelled extensively in the past but we both agree that Rwanda and Uganda are some of the best places we have visited.
Chris went out of his way to ensure that we were comfortable and happy and his experience and passion for his job ensured that this was the case.
We were able to see everything that we had wanted to see and so much more thanks to his knowledge and contacts within the industry.
His knowledge of the gorillas and other animals, their behaviours and habitats was a credit to him and on top of that he understood that we were interested in everything going on around us and he was able to explain to us a lot about the culture and the history of the countries.
Because of his knowledge we were able to see and hear animals that we know other groups missed out on.
The actual gorilla treks were astonishing in their quality.
While there was a lot of hiking involved in Uganda the sight of gorillas hanging out in the tops of trees will stay with me forever.
We were told that we should not get closer than 6m to the gorillas, however something we were told time and time again is that the gorillas do not know this rule and this is very true.
We got closer than we could have imagined.
The gorillas are very much used to people and just seemed to be so gentle and tolerant of us being around.
They truly are beautiful to see.
Another highlight on this trip was hearing the chimps in the forest, its such a distinctive call and was a real treat to hear.
In Rwanda our day trip was a little less of a hike (thanks to Chris for sorting that one out for us!
but the experience was no less amazing.
We had a young gorilla (one of a set of rare twins) fall out of a tree onto my husband and another in our group.
No one was harmed and it was a hilarious thing to watch!
Later a silverback walked up to one in our group and brushed past him and then a female with a 2 month old baby on her back nudged my husband to tell him to move out of her way.
At all times the gorillas were completely non threatening and being in their presence felt like an absolute privilege.
For anyone who has ever thought of doing a gorilla Trek I would say that works cannot do an experience like this justice, it truly is a once in a lifetime experience.
I would also like to mention that the gorilla guides and porters did an amazing job and helped to make the trip so much more enjoyable.
All in all we were absolutely blown away by the experiences we had while in Rwanda and Uganda, the people, the animals, the accommodation and the food are all things that will stay in our memories for a long time to come.
The team at Gorilla Trek Africa ensured that we had an amazing experience that will never be forgotten!
Rwanda is a place well worth visiting.
I've done gorilla trekking twice now and that in itself cannot be described in a justful way, just needs to be done!
The three day tour we took included a very nice trip from Kigali that we enjoyed very much.
Alot of credit goes out to our very pleasant driver/guide/compagnion Eric.
Urban/Malin
My wife and I arrived (30 years old USA couple) in Rwanda and were promptly picked up by our driver William (we called him Willy.
Our camp was a 3 hour drive and he was a very safe and kind driver.
He got us there safe and sound.
We absolutely loved the quarters (Mountain Gorilla View Lodge).
We were tucked away in the mountains with our own unit that had a fireplace and was very cozy.
We also really enjoyed the meals.
We did both the golden monkey and gorilla treks.
This is where Willy was absolutely amazing.
He made sure we were with the best groups that moved quickly and got to see the largest Gorilla family with the oldest living Gorilla of all the families.
Willy went around to the other groups and cross referenced who was in each group and where they were going and got us in the best one.
Seeing the Gorillas was nothing short of remarkable.
We saw a family of about 12 Gorillas with a mix of males, females, and children.
The babies playing was a huge highlight and having them swinging around on jungle vines is something I will never forget.
Also after the golden monkey trek it was raining and we were supposed to do a culture walk around town.
Willy hung out around town (while we were back at the hotel) and waited to see if people came back outside after the storm so that we didn't waste our time.
Willy didn't ever make us feel rushed and was always willing to make stops (bathroom, pictures, etc.
when requested.
Willy was truly selfless, kind, and knowledgeable.
We loved his smile, professionalism, understanding of the area, and driving ability.
We always felt safe with him and enjoyed his company.
Willy made every effort to ensure we had the best experience possible.
The organization of the tour went smoothly, but the guide did less than minimum.
I had gorilla trek permit for 2 days.
The guide mentioned to me beforehand that usually the rangers assign an easy hike the second day.
I very clearly told him I want a medium difficulty hike on the 2nd day, of course I was assigned to the easiest group possible (3/4th the ppl were over 65 and could barely walk).
He gave vague excuses for the reason(park rules, he doesn't have influence over it etc.
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
I later asked the rangers about it and they said they honor requests like this.
Basically I think either guide didn't care, or he wanted to return early to Kigali so intentionally ignored my request.
Anyways, that was a very unsatisfactory hike and I don't feel I got my monies worth.
And I wouldn't recommend unless quality of guiding improves.
I later felt bad for tipping him a pretty large amount.
Also, a week after the tour, the company have not asked for any feedback from me, or I would have written this privately.
There were some other minor annoyances also, such as I asked to rent rain boots, but he said I don't need it.
Walked about 3 hours with inside of hiking shoes wet.
The actual gorilla trekking is highly recommended.
There isn't enough that I can say about seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat... that review is for a separate day.
But I will say this: if you are even thinking of doing this, DO IT!
You won't regret it!
It was one of the best things/experiences that my husband and I have ever done.
Now for the review of Gorilla Trek Africa itself.
It was everything we had expected and wanted.
William, our driver was great and very knowledgeable and friendly and we always felt safe with him.
We booked budget accommodations and were pleased with the lodge we stayed at... it's the same one Diane Fossey used to stay at as well!
Rooms were simple but clean and everyone was friendly and food was tasty... what more could we ask for :) We would definitely recommend Gorilla Trek Africa to anyone who is thinking of going to Rwanda to see these amazing creatures!
Thanks again to William and everyone else at Gorilla Trek Africa who made our trip, a trip of a lifetime!
The itinerary was great, the gorillas were amazing.
We were not floored by our guide, who seemed to do the minimum needed.
For example, the itinerary said we would view Nyamata church, local markets -- never happened.
I would go with this company again, but would ask for a more dedicated guide.
We ended up tipping the guide nicely (too nicely) cause this was at the beginning of our trip and we didn't know what to expect.
After continuing to Tanzania with a great guide, we could tell the difference.
This certainly is an amazing experience.
If you are seeing the golden monkeys make sure you do that FIRST.
They are worth seeing, but would be an anticlimax after seeing the gorillas.
I was concerned that it would be a really hard walk and I would have difficulty completing it - but no.
The organisers put you in groups of people of similar ability and fitness level and take you to a suitably close family of gorillas.
I would strongly advise you to take advantage of the porters and walking stick (cost only a few dollars) - who will not only carry your bag, water etc but also are there as a helping hand when the walk gets tricky.
It is best to wear long sleeves, long trousers, long socks or gators and gloves as there are fire ants, stinging nettles and mud.
Any walking shoes will suffice; I just used my sneakers.
It's worth it!
In total we walked for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours to get to see them, but it was not a terribly difficult walk.
We are both 60 years old) The jungle is the last part and it is thick and it was slippery, but manageable.
We saw a family of about 18.
Twins, more juveniles tearing around having fun, mothers, other females, a mother and a young baby and an enormous silverback who made his presence felt in no uncertain terms!
It was breathtaking - He stopped eating, made warning noises and moved swiftly through the clearing, passed us (nearly brushing my thigh as he went past) and tore down a stand of bamboo just to show us who was boss!
Having done that, he stalked off into the next clearing and went to sleep!
We were able to start breathing again!
The hour flew by really quickly.
We took hundreds of photos and some movies.
The trackers were great and kept making new space, when needed, for us with their machetes.
If you are disabled or incapacitated in any way, did you know that the porters will carry you to see the gorillas?
It is worth every cent!
My husband and I have just returned from a trip to Rwanda and Uganda organized by Nicholas at Gorilla Trek Africa.
Right from the initial inquiries about cost, itinerary, logistics etc.
Nicholas answered all our questions promptly and also provided information we had not thought to ask.
Wiring the deposit and final payment was no problem in fact the money was received in 2 days from Canada.
Rodgers, our cheerful, informative driver and guide was excellent, providing us with enough information to make our trip interesting, educational and fun.
He generously shared his impressive knowledge of the history, culture, traditions, birds and wildlife of each area we visited.
His driving skills, for those of us who are nervous passengers, are excellent and we felt safe at all times.
We are still in awe that he can drive and spot lions at 1/4 mile away.
We had asked Rodgers to take us to a local orphanage and he drove us to Ruhija orphanage where we were entertained by the children.
They are in desperate circumstances so we were glad to have an opportunity to make a donation and help with clothing items.
We chose the moderately priced accommodations and were delighted with each lodge we stayed in.
Two of the lodges were solar powered with charging stations and wifi in the common area.
All the lodges were set in the most magnificent locations, snuggled up to a crater lake, the heart of a wildlife park, nestled against picturesque misty mountains, etc.
The people working at the lodges were charming and helpful, as were all Rwandans and Ugandans we met along the way.
The gorilla treks were challenging (we are in our late 60's) but there is not a more exhilarating wildlife experience on the planet than gazing into the amber eyes of a huge silverback or playful youngster.
Anyone reasonably fit can make it as the guides set a reasonable pace and there are porters that can be hired for $10 to pull you up the steep bits and carry your gear.
This income is vital to the community.
The Golden Monkey and Chimpanzee treks were wonderful a well and a bit less challenging.
Anyone contemplating a trip to Rwanda ad Uganda will be rewarded with stunning scenery, warm and friendly people and magnificent wildlife.
Go, it is a life changing experience.
Thank you many times over Nicholas and Rodgers.
From the beginning of booking right through til I was safely home, I can't thank Nicholas enough for his professional courtesy and patience.
As a female, travelling solo for my first time in Africa, he answered a LOT of questions and customized my stay to perfection.
Rogers was an outstanding guide, prompt, helpful and answered my myriad of questions about the country and it's history.
He was a great photographer while I visited the Cultural Village and got some great shots of me as Queen for the day.
Thanks Rogers!
As far as the trekking went, Rogers arranged for me to be on the easy trek as I had to catch a flight that evening and couldn't spend hours trekking up to meet the group.
It was perfect.
About one hour of hiking and the stinging nettles and ants were basically non-existent once you're sat a few feet away from a silverback.
Our group had two, the oldest fellow on the mountain and his son.
It was stunning and surreal and I can't say enough about the guides, the Rangers, the porter and of course the gorillas.
An experience of a lifetime!
Thanks again to Nicholas and Rogers for making this dream come true.
Rwanda is a beautiful, immaculate country full of hard-working people who are quick to smile and wave if you make the first move.
The children are endearing and beautiful and always shout hello with a big smile.
I fell in love with Rwanda...so should you!
I would highly recommend this to anyone who is over the age of 14 and able to walk semi-treacherous terrain for 4-10 miles.
It was, without exaggeration, the best experience of my entire life.
The slogan of the gorilla trek at Volcanoes National Park is Experience of a Lifetime, and man did the trip live up to the slogan!
My group was picked up from our hotel by Land Rovers and started the excursion at the welcome center where we got to watch native traditional singers,dancers and drummers.
We were given some brief instructions and split into groups to go see the different groups of gorillas.
We took the Land Rover out and walked through a wildflower farm up to the edge of the forest, then contacted the gorilla trackers who let us know where to enter the forest.
We entered right by where an elephant had been roaming in the morning.
We followed the path that the elephant had made right up to where the gorillas nest sight was.
We walked through the nests and turned the corner and next thing I knew, I was surrounded by wild gorillas.
There were babies, adults, sub adults, and one silverback alpha male.
It was the most amazing hour of my life.
The trek in/out of the area where they were located was only about a 30 minute walk both ways.
100% worth the $750 to go because the money goes straight back into conservation, research and tourism that has resulted in rejuvenation and recovery of Rwanda post-genocide.
Would recommend and I hope to go back!
We chose to book our trip to Rwanda and Uganda over Christmas through Gorilla Trek Africa after reading all the positive reviews on TripAdvisor and are so glad we did!
Our previous trips to Africa have been booked through UK tour companies but the service from GTA was first class at a much lower cost!
Despite only booking a month in advance, Nicholas was able to secure gorilla and chimp trekking permits for the 5 of us and put together a fantastic itinerary, answering all our questions promptly and adjusting everything to our requirements.
I was slightly concerned about sending a sizeable deposit by bank transfer and paying the balance in cash on arrival but the positive reviews on here allayed any worries and it all worked perfectly!
Our guide, Kiganda Harryson, was absolutely fantastic.
He was incredibly knowledgeable, courteous, great company with a wicked sense of humour, a superb driver and guide, and went out of his way to make every aspect of our trip perfect, and to give us a real insight into Rwanda and Uganda and their amazing culture, history, scenery and wildlife.
We did a 7-day tour, starting in Kigali and spending 2 nights at Crater Safari Lodge near Kibale NP in Uganda, where we did the full-day chimpanzee habituation experience (highly recommended and possibly even better than the gorilla trek) and the Bigodi Wetland walk (fantastic for birds); then 2 nights at Mweya Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, with some superb game drives in stunning scenery and the amazing boat trip on the Kazinga Channel; and finally 2 nights at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge in Volcanoes NP in Rwanda.
The gorilla trek was even better than expected - an incredible experience - and we also really enjoyed the golden monkey trek.
Finally back to Kigali where we visited the very moving genocide memorial.
All of the lodges were very comfortable with outstanding views and very friendly and excellent service.
Thank you to Gorilla Trek Africa and in particular to Harryson for the trip of a lifetime!
Want to thank Gorilla Trek Africa for a wonderful trip!
We did a 5 day trek around Uganda which included tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi, a boat safari in Queen Elizabeth, and tracking chimps in Kibale.
All of these experiences were exceptional--with great service and awesome game viewing!
Our guide and driver, Chris, was a very knowledgeable guide and he made sure that we got the most out of every day--whether it was trying some ripe mangoes off the side of the road or stopping a million times for us to take panoramic photos of the mountains and countryside.
All the lodges were wonderful, we stayed at Gorilla Mist Lodge (5 star!
), Marafiki (5+ stars!
), and Primate Lodge Kibale (4 stars).
Gorilla Trek Africa was wonderful.
Our driver, Enos, picked us up at the airport and stayed with us for the whole trip.
He was very knowledge and answered all of our questions.
I would definitely recommend this tour agency
We booked a seven day safari with two days of gorilla trekking.
One in Uganda and one in Rwanda.
We were/ are very happy with the safari, the booking process and especially our driver, Harrison.
The booking process was very easy and communication with Gorilla Trek Africa was always easy with quick responses.
Our driver was absolutely amazing.
He was prompt, made sure we were on time to all of our scheduled items, drove responsibly, was full of information.
He just went over and above for us.
Our gorilla treks were about 3-4 hours each and varied from the challenging in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, to a mild hike in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.
Highly recommend spending time with these beautiful animals.
All of the accommodations were great.
We stayed at Mihingo Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Bakiga Lodge and Mountain View Gorilla Lodge.
I can't think of a single issue with any of the lodges.
The staff at each was always welcoming, kind, and professional.
The dinners and breakfasts were all good.
The Range Rover transportation was very comfortable.
And it was well stocked with water.
I would definitely recommend GTA.
I hired Gorilla Trek Africa for a last minute, one-day expedition into Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Nicholas was very responsive to my inquiries and the trip was booked quickly with no hassles.
The next morning at 4:30 promptly, Eric picked me up at my hotel in Kigali and we began the two-and-a-half hour drive to the Park.
Eric has an extremely deep knowledge of the gorillas, Rwanda and anything else you would like to ask of him.
With five hours in the car coming & going, we covered a lot of topics, and he was engaging, friendly and a great resource.
Once at Volcanoes, Eric got me into a fantastic hiking group.
Lunch was provided as well boot cleaning service after the hike (believe me, you WILL need to clean your boots afterwards).
Great kudos to Eric, Nicholas and Gorilla Trek Africa.
They helped facilitate a wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.
We booked gorilla trek Africa after having read the positive reviews on trip advisor and weren't disappointed.
Everything was planned perfectly and the city tour before heading north was interesting.
Our guide Eric was very knowledgeable and his temperament suited our North European character just fine - calm, informative and friendly yet not overbearing.
He briefed us on everything and showed us around musanze up north which was great.
We stayed at the muhaba lodge, which was included in the budget option - great value for money.
The trek itself was great.
We chose a medium trek which lasted around 3 hours plus one hour gorilla watching.
I can only highly recommend the company.
Very professional and good with customers.
One of the best treks I've ever done.
For sure I'll never forget it.
The guides are informative and friendly.
You need to have a certain level of fitness as there is some steep climbing and descending.
The trek I was on lasted about five to six hours in total starting very early in the morning.
However the time flew.
Be aware also that because of the altitude some people will feel breathless at times but it all depends on fitness levels.
You'll be offered a long walking stick to use.
Take it.
You will use it.
Wear long trousers and tuck the ends into your socks.
Wear proper hiking boots too with a good grip sole.
Some parts of the trek/hike can be very slippy especially when you're going down.
I had the opportunity and thrill to be up close and nearly personal with some the members of one gorilla family.
They're beautiful creatures.
The views that I saw too were breathtaking.
For me the entire experience was something very special.
The trek is not cheap by any means but the majority of the money is going into the general upkeep of the reserve and the health and well being of the gorillas themselves.
Part of our money goes into the local community too which was good to see.
All worth this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Gorilla Trek Africa were great.
We thoroughly recommend them.
They organised a wonderful trip around Rwanda for us, visiting many locations over two weeks in June/July 2015.
Nicholas was excellent and very thorough with his preparation and administration.
William was the perfect guide.
We will definitely use them again.
Gorilla Trek Africa arranged a 5-day birthday trek through Rwanda and Uganda for me in late November of 2015.
They did a fantastic job, from organizing the adventure to ensuring that my experience was world-class.
As a woman traveling alone, my trek was completely dependent on my guide--five days spent with a stranger could go either way, and I was lucky enough to have William as my companion, teacher, and friend for that unforgettable trip.
He's smart, super-knowledgeable about animals, the countries we were traveling through, photography, history, culture--pretty much everything you'd need expertise on, he's got it.
In fact, (I think he turned me into a birder...) He's also a warm person who's extremely easy to be with, which is essential when you're traveling long miles over rough terrain to get to the next attraction.
He was happy to talk when I wanted to talk or just drive and experience the lively, hectic African scenery unfolding out our windows.
Everywhere we went, he was greeted with real warmth by people who obviously respect him, from park rangers and guards to other guides.
He worked tirelessly to be sure I had the best experience and that I saw as many animals as possible.
I cannot recommend him--or this experience--more highly, and I'm already dreaming of my next trek (I need to meet the gorillas in Bwindi, and see more of Uganda, which is one of the loveliest countries in the world).
One caveat--I insisted on driving to Bwindi after my gorilla trekking experience at Volcanoes Nat'l Park in Rwanda.
Looking back, it would have been much smarter to have stayed at the lodge that evening and relaxed after scaling a volcano in the rain and coming fur to flesh with a blackback on top of Abinyo earlier that day.
But William very gamely drove me to Uganda and when we arrived at the lodge in Bwindi late that evening, they surprised me with a birthday cake--just one of many happy memories I have from my trek through Rwanda and Uganda.
Thanks, William...and the whole Gorilla Trek Africa team.
Our Gorilla trek in Volcanos National Park in Rwanda and Chimpanzee trek in Uganda (Kalinzu forest) and safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park was a trip of a life time.
Our family of four including our 5 year old and mother were comfortable and well cared for on this trip.
They took us to all our hotels attractions and took us across from Rwanda and Uganda.
The route was amazing through the rolling hills of Rwanda and the beautiful breathtaking country side of Uganda through the Impenetrable forest of Bwindi and lush green tea farms.
We were fortunate enough to see such amazing countries.
Our drivers were great representatives of their country informing us about the history culture and resources of their country.
This tour company also were very accommodating they arranged to give us a last minute city tour as we waited for our late flight back to Canada.
They also helped us to cross over between countries which was interesting process as they don't allow people to cross over in cars but had to walk across the boarder.
Over all this company was professional and very reliable.
Enjoyed every minute of it and best of all we were able to maximize our visit to Africa by visiting all the must sees places on this trip with this safari company that took care of us.
I traveled to Rwanda on my own as a solo female traveler and was a bit apprehensive, but Nicholas put me at ease.
I was in contact with him for a couple of weeks before I officially booked and paid for my tour.
He answered my many questions and even chatted with me on the phone a couple of times.
His outstanding customer service is what made me choose Gorilla Trek Africa.
He was prompt to reply to all emails and was very helpful and informative.
I requested a Senior staff member from Gorilla Trek Africa to be my guide.
Eric was my guide throughout my 5day double trek, with city tour.
He provided flawless customer service and took good care of me.
He was extremely attentive, professional and made me feel safe at all times.
His customer service is exceptional and it was clear he loves his job and loves sharing his culture and country with people.
I trekked to see the gorillas twice.
Eric inquired about whether I wanted a short/med/long hike and then I was put into a hiking group accordingly.
I saw the Sabyinyo family with the largest of all the Silverbacks.
On day 2, I say the Agasha family.
Both days, I got within a couple of feet from Silverbacks, blackbacks, females, and baby gorillas.
At times they were literally at my feet!
This was a breathtakingly spectacular adventure that I will cherish always!
It is hands down one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life!
A once in a lifetime adventure!
I was offered budget, mid-range, luxury, hotel options.
I opted for the mid-range and stayed at the Le Bambou lodge which was perfect!
I had my own private cottage with a fireplace and it was very close to the Volcanoes national park.
Overall, my trip was perfect!
Gorilla Trek Africa did an amazing job creating a once in a lifetime adventure for me!
I felt the price for the tour was very competitive with other tour companies, but Gorilla Trek Africa's customer service far exceeded any other company I had spoken with, which is why I chose them.
As a solo female traveler, it was important to me that I find a company that I feel safe with, that provides superb customer service and that will provide an amazing adventure and Gorilla Trek did all of the above!
I highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa for your Gorilla trek adventure/experience!
Amazing company, easy from start to finish and at a fair cost.
Norbert and Valance are true professionals with a knowledge of Rwanda that only comes from being a citizen.
Norbert's flexibility, kindness and keen awareness of the real Rwanda are huge assets.
Although incredibly safe, he and his trusted partner Valance were hyper vigilant with regard to our comfort and safety at all times.
From Twin Lakes, Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Lake Kivu, local villages and cultural heritage - Norbert is simply outstanding.
His relationship within the tourism and development industry as well as the locals is beyond reproach and certainly a benefit to visitors.
When you go to Rwanda, reach out to Treks2Rwanda.
Karen makes things easy to book...Enjoy and say hello to Norbert from his friends in the USA.
Gorilla Trek Africa arranged a wonderful trip for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda (Volcanoes Park) and Uganda (Bwindi Forest), chimp tracking in Uganda (Queen Elizabeth Park) and Golden monkey viewing (Volcanoes).
To see primates, the trip was spectacular and exceeded my expectations.
Highly recommended.
After finding Gorilla Trek Africa on Trip Advisor - I would to give Nicholas and Eric compliments for arranging an incredible and unforgettable experience.
My wife and I did the Gorilla trek on Saturday the 24th October and I can honestly say this has to be one of the best experiences of our lives.
We visited the Susa family which was the one followed by Dian Fossey.
Eric was the kindest and most helpful man and we would really like to thank him for the insight into Rwanda, helping with our transfers and then for arranging a birthday cake for me at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge .
Also a special thank you Eric for managing to find a TV which showed the rugby semi-finals.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience and I can strongly recommend using these guys to arrange a trip.
Nicholas and Eric - thank again from Jared and Tracy Coetzer
We just completed a 3 day gorilla safari that was organized by Nicolas of Gorilla Trek Africa that turned out to be much more than we had expected.We were very fortunate to have had an absolutely fantastic driver by the name of Sam Elliot.
He was both knowledgeable, considerate and more than willing to go out of his way to attend to our interests and needs, and what was most enjoyable was the pride he felt for his country.
If you decide to go on a gorilla safari you should use this company and if possible, ask for Sam, you won't be disappointed.
I did a 1.5 day trip from Kigali to the Volcanoes National Park to see the Mountain Gorillas.
I organised this through Nicolas at Gorilla Trek Tours who is simply amazing - responsive, knowledgeable and never impatient despite my numerous emails.
My tour guide, Eric, was fantastic too - a good driver, very helpful and very knowledgeable on Rwanda and its history.
The trek was long, tiring, but one of the most fantastic things I've ever done - we saw 12 gorillas including a very young baby.
Why can't I give more than five stars?
We have recently returned from a 3 day Gorilla Trek in Rwanda arranged through Gorilla Trek Africa.
Nicholas who organised the trip was professional and responded to all my emails promptly giving sound advise on all aspects of the trek.
We were picked up at our hotel in Kigali by William who was to be our driver/guide for the next 3 days.
I cannot say enough about William he was incredible, excellent driver, knowledgeable, always on time and nothing too much trouble for him.
10 out of 10.
The actual trek was tough and one of our friends aged 74 who found it hard had the excellent support of the porters who deserve a mention in this review, they are marvellous.
Seeing the gorillas was amazing and an experience of a lifetime.
I would highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa and William as a guide.
My 2 friends and I did 5 day tour with Rwanda Gorillas early September.
The experience was more than we expected.
We were picked up at Kigali airport by our amazing driver Robert (wiring money went ahead smoothly).
He explained the gorilla treks, was at our lodge to pick us up every day at 0600 hrs and took great care of us.
Seeing the gorillas up close and personal was beyond our wildest dreams, you get so much closer than is expected.
And to top it off we trekked to Dian Fossey gravesite which was really amazing too.
Highly recommend going with local company, payment was easy and no hassles anywhere.
I could not speak more highly of this company and its service.
First of all, we dealt with Nicolas when organizing our trip.
He was spectacular.
He would reply almost always within 24 hours and was always willing to answer our questions or make changes to our itinerary.
We were able to tell Nicolas what we wanted and he was able to secure it all--great hotels, gorilla trekking permits, and excursions all for the right price.
It could not have been any better.
When we arrived we were also blessed to have, what we thought, as the best guide on earth.
Bernard was awesome.
I would even recommend asking for him if he is available.
He was super informative, always positive, amazingly helpful, and very caring (even stopping on our drives to pick us up drinks and local fruits).
If you get the opportunity to have Bernard as your guide, you will not regret it!
Our trip started in Kampala, Uganda and Bernard drove us down to Kigali, Rwanda--making multiple stops on the way.
We gorilla trekked in Rwanda and went on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park--both of which I would recommend.
All in all, our trip could not have been better.
I would absolutely recommend this company.
Was probably what I looked forward towards the most and still I am amazed by it.
It's hard to describe seeing a gorilla in the wild up close (around 3-5m).
Initially was only going to trek once but I was fortunately able to buy a cheaper permit off someone else that have cancelled.
The trek can be modified to your need but often unpredictable.
For example first day we asked for a hard trek but once entering the jungle, the gorilla family had moved near the entrance.
As for an average trek, we ended up needing to scale down a cliff to see the gorillas.
If you need, you can always hire a porter for a fair price who help you navigate through the trek.
It's just amazing to see how a family interact with the babies playing and the dominant male being really imposing and cool.
We had a great experience, right from the start of emailing to customising our itinerary, to being picked up by Ben (our excellent guide) in a very good quality vehicle to being settled into our last Motel before flying to the next leg of our trip.
Gorilla Trek Africa organised our Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda, our Chimp trekking Permits in Uganda, our Golden Monkey trekking permits in Rwanda and a 2 day hike to Mount Nyiragongo in DCR and it all went without a single hiccup.
Ben was a great representative of Gorilla Trek Africa, going above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly, even organising overnight repairs to one of our pairs of hiking boots and tracking down a replacement to a lost power adaptor.
He was able to answer all our inquiries about Uganda and Rwanda; flora and fauna, agriculture, infrastructure, education, health politics etc.
On the first day we met a very competent guide, on the last day we said goodbye to a good friend.
Highly recommend a competent and good value for money company.
I have just returned from a 3 day tour with Gorilla Trek Africa, in Rwanda, and it was incredible.
The Gorilla Trek was something else all together, and I would absolutely and whole heartedly recommend it to anyone that has ever thought about doing it.
It is a magical experience, that will never be recreated!
As for the company, there is not one bad word I can say.
From the very first enquiry email I sent when I was searching for companies to go with, Nicholas was extremely helpful and totally accommodating.
He allowed me to custom build an itinerary to meet my requests and time restraints.
It's a pretty expensive expedition, especially when going solo, and he gave me a great deal.
I was met and then dropped off at the airport by Eric, who was an amazing guide!
His knowledge of Rwanda is awesome, and he shares it so well!
He was great company.
I had an amazing 3 days in Rwanda, and definitely left with the desire to return.
I very highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa.
Our amazing trip to Rwanda was really a result of our tour company.
Before this trip all we knew is that Rwanda was a country steeped in beauty and with a history of unrest and tragedy.
These two aspects came to life through our guide Sam and his assistant Billy.
Sam knows every single thing you could imagine about this jewel of a country.
We know this because we asked him about everything and every question received an extensive, knowledgeable response.
I never saw those two without smiles on their faces, and every aspect of the trip, no matter how difficult our requests made it, revolved around us receiving the best trip imaginable.
Yes, we changed our plans a few times lol BUT they somehow accommodated every one of our needs.
The trip took us from Kigali and the busy markets, where we were taken to the coolest local stands, to the Genocide Memorial and museum, to the gorilla national park and upon our last second request to the other side of the country to the Akagera National Park.
On one trip we saw the worlds best wildlife and met the kindest locals.
Sam is funny, kind and quick to share a joke or share deeply sad and moving stories about the history of the country.
We are so thankful to have somehow stumbled upon this company, and with our big spacious off road vehicle, to have wandered the most amazing country.
We booked the 5 day tour across Rwanda (to see the gorillas) and Uganda (to see the chimps) and for some game drives.
Booking was really easy and Nicholas was really responsive to our emails.
David was our tour guide for the week and looked after us well, talking us through our agenda, checking we were always ok and asking how each day was, checking we always had water and driving safely (especially given the crazy distance we covered).
We were super lucky and got to see both gorillas and chimps as hoped on our day and our choices of location to do so was as a result of the companies recommendations.
Prices were very comparative to other companies but would definitely recommend these, regardless.
We had a great trip!!
It's indeed a once in a life time experience as many say it.
Traveling with Gorilla Trek Africa to make this dream come true was just the right decision I made.
Nicholas was on point for every question and it took no time to trust and book my trip with the company.
Not forgetting my guide Eric who was attentive to all my needs on the trip, knowledgable, always on time and smart.
I wouldn't ask for a better guide.
Thanks a lot to Nicholas and Eric
Gorilla Trek did a terrific job in organizing our bucket list trip to Rwanda.
I did my due diligence in selecting the local travel company that we would use for our trip and Nicholas with Gorilla Trek was by far the most responsive to my inquiries.
In addition, he put together a unique itinerary that not only allowed us the once in a lifetime experience of seeing the Mountain Gorillas, but it also exposed us to the people and culture of Rwanda.
The trip would have not have been as special, however, without our driver-guide Sam.
He is not only incredibly knowledgeable about his country and its history, but most importantly, he is a great person.
We shared a lot of stories and laughs with Sam and developed a friendship that we hope will last a lifetime.
Thanks to Sam and Nicholas at Gorilla Trek for a very special experience that we will not soon forget.
An experience words cannot describe!
Even though I booked last minute Gorilla Trek Africa went out of their way to secure a permit for me, confirming my booking both after paid and the day before pick up.
William my driver was fantastic - he enquired about my preferences and managed to secure me spot with a great troop of gorillas.
Highly recommended
We were incredibly pleased in our experience with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Before the trip they were very responsive and flexible.
It was during the trip that they really shined.
Our flight into Kigali was cancelled (beware of Rwandair) and we managed to get on a much later flight that same day.
We called Gorilla Trek Africa and they were very understanding.
Our driver met us at the Kigali airport after midnight and let us catch some sleep on the drive to the national park in order to still catch our Gorilla trek for the next morning.
Trekking was amazing, as expected.
We liked it so much that we decided to try for permits for the next day.
Our guide William, stopped at nothing to help us get the permits, including driving us al over the area to find an ATM capable of allowing us to withdrawal the cash and letting us use his phone to make the withdrawal work.
It was quite a process and having a patient and helpful guide made it so much better.
I'd highly recommend this company - they were awesome!
My wife and I have just returned from a week in Rwanda.
The holiday (excl.
flights) had been arranged by Gorilla Trek Africa, which is a travel company located in Uganda but organises tours through East Africa.
We didn't find many other reviews of this travel company on Tripadvisor (or elsewhere) and that is a real shame as this company is fantastic in providing tailor made holidays without a price tag that breaks the bank!
Our primary contact was Nicolas (working in their Uganda office) who was highly professional, friendly and very helpful in developing a tailored programme that suited our interests.
Our primary goal was to go trekking with mountain gorillas in the Volcanos National Park in Rwanda and Nicolas was extremely helpful in organising this.
We had MANY questions and he was very patient and answered each and every one in great detail.
When the itinerary was finalised we had to transfer a deposit (a sizeable amount) to secure the gorilla permits as these get booked out up to six months in advance - it is standard practice and all travel companies will ask for a deposit to enable them to secure the gorilla permits.
To be honest we were a little hesitant parting with a large sum via an international transfer but this worry hadn't been necessary whatsoever and Nicholas informed us as soon as the money had arrived.
We could not have asked for a better service.....in fact we have not received such effective and rapid responses from any UK company that we have used in our past 20+ years of intense travelling.
Roll on Rwanda.....a.k.a The Land of a Thousand Hills.
It is a beautiful country with a dark history that has left a permanent scar but it is humbling to see how everyone continues to push forward and look ahead to the future.
It is a poor country but so incredibly beautiful and it is lovely to see how curious most children are of tourists and their desire to engage.
Our guide for the week was William and he was an absolute pleasure to travel with.
He was very knowledgeable about Rwanda, its culture and introduced us to local food and traditions, which made the trip even more memorable.
William was highly organised.
He was highly organised, very friendly and easy going, always on time and flexible in his approach.
William was incredibly well regarded by the locals everywhere we went and we cannot praise him highly enough.
A great ambassador for Gorilla Trek Africa and we would highly recommend him as a guide!
We spent a couple of days in Akagera National Park where we saw hippos, zebras, baboons, wild hogs, impalas, crocodiles and much more.
It is a great visit but don't expect to see the Big 5 Game.
The park has recently (June 2015) released eight lions into the park and there are also elephants and giraffes.
Whilst it cannot be compared to the Maasai Mara or Serengeti it is well worth a visit!
The highlight of our trip was the gorilla trekking in the Volcanos National Park - an experience for a life time!
We did two treks and whilst the permits are pricy it is well worth it as you get two completely different experiences.
The treks offered amazing views of the mountains and the lush nature.
The hour we spent with the gorillas were mind blowing and we cannot recommend it enough.
We also did the Dian Fossey trek and it was great experience that we would definitely recommend if you got an extra day in Musanze!
The trek was steep but the views were worth the efforts.
If you consider travelling to Africa then go with Gorilla Trek Africa.
We highly recommend them and when we go again we will definitely be in touch with Nicolas to arrange our next trip!
I took a two day trip with Gorilla Trek Africa to see the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda and it was absolutely incredible.
My driver, Enos, was a great guy - knowledgeable about everything and a real gentleman.
I was travelling solo and he made sure I was looked after the whole time.
And the gorillas of course were fantastic!
We only had to trek 30 minutes before coming across the 'Lucky' family - about 13 of them.
And to our incredible luck - a new baby had arrived in the night and we saw the mother in her nest with it.
This is a lifetime experience and I'd highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa.
I had been wanting to visit Rwanda for the past several years, and Gorilla Trek Africa provided a perfect introduction to the country.
Within twenty-four hours of contacting the company via e-mail, Nicholas promptly responded to my inquiry, providing detailed responses to each of my questions.
Through regular e-mail correspondence, he created a 10-night, 11-day itinerary, which included, but was not limited to, private transportation, virtually every meal, visits to all three national parks (Akagera, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe), various trekking activities (gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees), and a personal guide.
We feel incredibly fortunate that Eric was our guide; he was remarkably professional, punctual, and knowledgeable, providing excellent insight into Rwanda's history, culture, and future.
In addition, he always greeted us with a smile, and he was very accommodating of our requests.
Truthfully, I can't imagine a better guide, and we would gladly use Gorilla Trek Africa's services again.
Highly recommended.
A friend recommended Gorilla Trek Africa so I decided to contact them.
When I first emailed them to inquire about tours to Rwanda they were very professional and got back to me quickly.
We decided to do a Kigali city tour, gorilla trek and golden monkey tour for my husband and I and we weren't disappointed.
On arrival in Rwanda we were met by David our guide who was friendly, had lots of knowledge, good English and nothing was a problem for him.
The car was clean and reliable and our hotel was excellent - everything about the tour was exceptional.
I have recommended Gorilla Trek Africa to friends as they make your trip to Rwanda a memorable one.
Its a long day and a tough/steep walk up to the park and the flora (stinging nettles) will attack you through your clothes if you are not properly prepared but the opportunity to visit, even for an hour, with these incredible primates should not be missed.
The guides are well prepared and they say it is unusual not to find your allocated family of gorillas.
I was nervous to be so close to nature this powerful but after a while I relaxed and began to enjoy the experience for what it was - once in a lifetime!
I had a long weekend and wanted to do something memorable in it.
I got in touch with a number of travel companies however Gorilla Trek provided the most active and comprehensive itinerary which is why I chose them.
From the moment I arrived to the time I left, everything was taken care of.
My guide Eric was just awesome.
Cannot recommend him highly enough.
He looked after me the whole time, was so insightful and really put 100% in each day.
He really made the whole thing (well that and the Gorillas!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Overall an amazing trip.
Recommend the company.
Booked the trip with Gorilla Trek - who were very efficient handling all enquiries and making suggestions and adjustments to the itinerary.
We chose a day in Kigali visiting the Genocide museum and Nyamata Church - then to Mountain View Gorilla Lodge for 2 days to see the Gorillas.
This something I had wanted to do for twenty years and it lived up to all expectations.
Seeing them so close is truly memorable and uplifting experience - and Gorilla Trek and a well run organized company and I would recommend them.
Gorilla Trek put together a great plan for us to see gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda as well as some excellent game viewing at Akagera, Nyungwe, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
Our guide , Paul Tamwenya, did a fantastic job arranging everything we needed, and ensuring that the whole trip went smoothly.
His knowledge and ability as a birder and wildlife guide was exceptional.....and with his expert help we found a leopard and family of lions as well as many other animals.
Accommodation and food were all very good and we were well looked after everywhere we went.
Rwanda and Uganda are both beautiful countries and we would happily recommend Gorilla Trek Africa to anyone planning a visit.
We must've exhausted Nicholas with our scores of emails - he patiently answered everything and even met us in Kampala to pay second half of trip fees.
Wire transfer took three days to process so don't panic!
Our fantastic driver and guide - Williams - had an enthusiastic tourism operator in training with him named Asaph.
Between the two of them we were so well taken care of.
honestly, there was nothing we could've asked for more - stops for pics, searches for specific gifts, and when we had a couple hours to kill they took us poolside to Hotel Rwanda in Kigali and picked up the lunch tab.
The driving was very safe, the van downright plush and the accommodations at Las palmas in ruhengori (base for trekking at Volcano National Park) was superb.
The trek itself defies words - but suffice to say it was magical.
Rogers, our guide, was lovely and made the whole experience so memorable.
Williams and Asaph gave us options every day as to what we wanted to do and kept up many hours of steady conversation about history, language, flora and fauna and local culture.
Many blessings to Asaph and Williams - big hearts and a love of eastern Aftica shines through.
We will never forget you.
You simply dont need them Full Stop.
They ripped us off big time.
And their guide is very abnoxious!
Never leaving us room for privacy.
Inviting himself to sit with us at table.
Coming by to our room without invitation.Driving dangerously.
Trying to save money by not turning aircon on.
It gets very hot and stuffy.
Everything he did he expected tip for it bearing in mind he gpt full board at the luxuious hotel on our expense the whole time he is there with us.
Never explained our programme clearly And then charged us a lot of extras (40usd) for things we dont know such as boots and jackets to borrow for a couple of hours.
They were also dripping wet, too small and broken.
For 3600 usd for 2 nights, we expect more.
Boots and jackets should be provided for free.
The guide also rushed us so much in the morning when he got up later than us and kept forgetting things so wasting us more time and we still had to go wait for registration for over 45 mins!!
At the end, we felt pressure to leave him tip because of what he said and acted.
We gave him 12 euros and he wasnt happy.
He didnt even deserve it to be honest.
It is just disgraceful!
Here my suggestions: 1) Rent a car.
If its not rainy season, dont think you need 4w.
2) Stay in mountain gorilla view lodge.
Ask them where to get park tickets.
The staff there is so useful.
3) Pay for a porter/tracker at the entrance.
They should be like 10-20 USD max.
That way money goes to villagers rather than big company.You will see gorillas nonethrless.
4) dont do the golden monkey trail.
Its so expensive and not worth the money.
5)go to tea plantation and cultursl villagr 6) spend 1 day max at volcanoes national park and then go to eastern part of Rwanda for safaris 7) skip uganda.
gorillas in rwanda are more and trails not so steep and muddy.
Easily to spot them.
Hope this is helpful.
Enjoy!
Do the gorillas.
Dont hesitate!
We had a wonderful time in Uganda and were perfectly happy with the organization of the trip!
Booking was easy through emails.
Nicholas' replies to my numerous emails were nearly instantaneous.
The payment through wire transfer was simple and not as expensive as payment through credit card.
The car was in a good condition (I was a bit scared before going on the trip because I had some bad feedbacks from travellers on this), the lodges were nice with friendly staff and the food was simple but surprisingly good and nicely presented.
And last but not the least, we would like to thank our guide and driver Rogers who really went out of his way to make our trip as interesting and hassle-free as possible.
Bravo!
We've just returned from our Rwanda tour with Gorilla Trek Africa during April 2015- what an experience we had!
This was a truly a once in a lifetime experience for us that was only made better by our brilliant guide and driver William.
His local knowledge was phenomenal.
We travelled during the week of the 21st anniversary of the Rwandan genocide a period of mourning for Rwandans country wide - he handled the situation with delicacy and sensitivity and he gave us expert information of the history of the country.
We saw everything From chimpanzee, golden monkeys, gorillas, hiked a volcano in 9 hours.
I can't wait to bring the rest of my family on this trip and would recommend Gorilla Trek Africa in a heart beat to all our friends!
Thanks so much William and Nicholas for the fantastic organization of our holiday!
Awesome company with great local knowledge.
From the outset a pleasure to deal with our time with Gorilla Trek Africa ensured we came home with fond memories, amazing photos and a once in a lifetime experience.
Lucky William was our wonderful driver who looked after us.
As two women travelling we felt safe and spoilt.
Thanks William and Nicholas.
We booked a 5 day safari with Gorilla Trek in March 2015 and would recommend this company.
Booking was easy through emails.
Nicholas answers quickly and arranged for all our special requests.
His description of the tour and accommodations was accurate.
The payment through wire transfer was simple and I had no concerned since they have so many good reviews.
The driver/guide was William.
He was on time, courteous, knowledgeable and insured we where well taken care of everywhere we went.
We chose deluxe accommodations (gorilla mist camp and Gorilla view lodge) and both where great.
Service and food was excellent, rooms are a bit more rustic at the mist camp, but fine for my standards.
Loved the friendly welcome and service.
The gorilla treks where great, but Rwanda (volcano parc) was a much better day than Uganda (Bwindi impenetrable forest).
I am sure the experience varies from one day to another depending on where the gorillas are and how active they are at that time.
I was glad we did 2 treks since the second one was so much better.
More than 2 would be too much.
The golden monkeys where not worth it.
It was raining and they stayed in the trees, not doing much.
The walk in the forest was more fun than watching the monkeys.
We came back early...
Tips: -No need to get local money.
You will need money only for tips and the few souvenirs you will buy.
We paid in US$, bring lots of small bills.
-Don't bring much with you for the gorilla treks.
1 litre of water, 2 granola bars, garden gloves, a sweater and light rain coat and your camera.
Leave your lunch behind, you can eat it when you get back to the car.
You won't need a porter unless you want someone to hold your hand and push you up.
We put all our stuff in one bag and hired a porter for 3 people, but if you are in half-decent physical shape, you don't need one.
If you can't climb a hill, get 2 porters to carry you!
-Bring warm clothes, the lodges are at about 2000 km altitude and you will wear long pants and a sweater most of the time.
I was a little skeptical about booking online with a cash payment in person for a trip this expensive, but I was pleasantly surprised with how well everything was coordinated and how much fun the trip was.
Our guide went the extra mile to make sure we were well taken care of and everything happened like clockwork without needing any input from us.
Very good experience.
This is actually a company owned by Ugandans, and headquartered in Kampalla, even though we wanted to deal with a Rwandan company, and our correspondence with Nicholas lead us to believe we were dealing with a Rwandan company for our Rwandan 11 day tour.
Our guide Enos was VERY kind, and courteous, and attended to our needs in a thorough way throughout the trip.
He lives in Uganda and travelled to Rwanda for our tour of the country.
The only negative about our guide was some of his driving skills.
He likes to cross over the centre line to cut corners on the highway.
He also likes to leave the car running while sitting, rather than turn the engine off.
At the hotel parking lot he walked away from the vehicle to make an enquiry in the hotel and was away for some time.
I reached over and turned off the ignition - no use creating pollution and exhaust for us to breath, and waste fuel.
Other instances as an example: I asked why he was driving down the centre line of the road instead of his lane - he replied you are right and moved over.
Another time we stopped for fuel and he left the car running, and got out to talk to the gas attendant.
I asked why he was leaving the car running while getting gas.
he replied you are right and then came in the car to turn it off and went back out again.
Driving down a long continuous hill into the southern region, he put the vehicle into Neutral, and rode the brakes all the way down the hill.
We stopped to take a photo at an elephant swamp and you could smell the brakes.
One of us in the car commented that they brakes should be allowed to cool down before continuing.
The chimpanzee trecking at the Nyungwe forest was an exhausting waste of time - we only saw blob shadows of animals in the canopy of trees and didn't get any good photos.
It was a steep slippery climb down and back up, and was NOT worth it.
the Kibali Forest in Uganda was much better than this experience) I would recommend visiting the south of Uganda for game and chimpanzees, and then cross into Rwanda for your gorilla trecks.
I wouldn't bother touring the rest of the country, since there really wasn't anything of particular interest in the 12 days we spend driving around the country.
Everywhere we went, children yelled Mazungu (pronounced mazoongoo) meaning white tourists.
Then when we stopped to take photos, or got out of the car on the highway, within a minute we were surrounded by children rudely demanding give me money.
We got extremely tired of it, and told our guide that it was rude and a turn off for tourists who spend thousands of dollars to tour the country and have this happen every day.
They don't even smile or look friendly, they just demand money!
Again, I'd recommend going to southern Uganda for happier, friendly people.
the north of Uganda was not as friendly, and the people are not as familiar with tourists up there)
Words cannot describe how amazing our tour with Gorilla Trek Africa was.
My girlfriend and I did a 8 day trip with the company through Rwanda.
Nicholas was superb at organising our bespoke trip.
We started in Kigali and made our way to Nyungwe Forest where we saw the Chimps, Colobus Monkeys and hiked to the waterfall and walked in the tree canopy.
A great start to the trip.
Only to be outdone by the beautiful Volcano National Park where we saw the gorillas, golden monkeys and hiked Volcano Bisoke.
A special thanks to our amazing guide William who took care of us throughout the tour.
He was excellent in every way possible with detailed country information, history and a warm personality.
Thanks to Gorilla Trek Africa and William.
We will be back and will certainly travel with you again!
I use the services of Gorilla trek in January for 2 days and have only good feedbacks to give.
The organisation of the trip from Switzerland was very easy, despite the distance.
Nicholas replies to my numerous emails were nearly instantaneous.
I made the deposit to the wrong account which made me a bit nervous, but I was duly refunded when I came back.
William my guide was very efficient and knowledgeable so I learn a lot about Rwanda in those 2 days.
With regards to the gorilla experience, it is indeed very expensive but for me it was totally worth it even though 1 hour with them goes so fast!!!
We were looking to do a gorilla trek, but we didn't know how to find a reliable, reputable company.
Fortunately we found this Tripadvisor listing, so we trusted the reviews and booked with Gorilla Trek Africa.
And the company was as outstanding as everyone here says.
Nicholas was always quick to respond to our endless emails and questions.
When we finally arrived for the tour in Rwanda, our guide Enos was fantastic!
He was full of wisdom, kindness, and humor.
Overall, the experience was magical.
I'd call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience to trek through the jungles to see the gorillas, except for the fact that I would love to do it again.
We actually did a 4-day tour with this company, going to see the chimps in Uganda as well.
All the lodges were excellent - better than we expected, especially because we chose the budget option.
I recommend this company highly!
After much research we finally agreed to go with Gorilla Trek Africa for our weekend trip to the Volcanos national park in Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas.
And we are so glad we chose them!
Nicolas was very efficient in handling email queries, re-arranging when we had to change dates, and generally giving us all the information we could possibly want.
Our driver, Chris, was punctual, obliging, courteous and an amazing source of knowledge on Rwandan history and life.
And of course the gorilla experience was out of this world!
Chris kept us informed about the whole procedure so it all went very smoothly.
If (when) we return to Rwanda, we would not hesitate to use Gorilla Trek Africa again.
Look no further if you are wanting to explore & experience a customized SAFARI and see the most incredible country UGANDA.... and book it with this reliable experienced tour operator!
We enjoyed 5 magnificent UGANDA National Parks which include Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, and Lake Mburo and spent 9 days enjoying these spectacular places.
So many stunning breathtaking animals that I cannot list all of them but our favorites where the Elephants, Zebras, Lions, African Buffalo, Giraffe, hippos, rhinos, chimpanzees, and of course the trek to see Gorillas (790 left in the World...400 in Uganda/Rwanda borders) and our small group was able to hang with the Kyagurilo family of 15!
While I have not traveled to the other parts of Africa or the more well known places to safari/game drive...what I can say this place is it truly is the PEARL OF AFRICA and seems to be less traveled/better value than the more popular African tours.
Gorilla Trek Africa was terrific to work with from start to finish!
I started planning the trip only 45 days prior and had NO knowledge of the area and what this beautiful country has to offer.
We enjoyed a customized, hand tailored trip based on our families budget, schedule, and top wish lists.
We received excellent communications during the pre-planning stages & was able to get detailed questions answered from the home office in Africa as well as with a USA representative.
We had a selection of Lodges & Tent Camps to choose from based on budget and service rated and Gorilla Trek worked with me to make sure all was perfect.
It was also important for me to support a local tour operator and stay with in Uganda, even though this operator could have arrange other tours in Africa.
The highlight of our trip was experiencing the most remarkable, extraordinary TOUR GUIDE & DRIVER ever in my lifetime.
Muhumuza Rogers is one of Gorilla Treks guides/driver and we thoroughly enjoyed his professionalism, his leadership, and knowledge during our entire 9 day adventure.
Rogers has a gift and talent in finding the most incredible animals, birds, sights, and sharing the details about each along with the history that Uganda has to offer.
His passion and pride about his country and the gorgeous parks that we visited was what made this our trip of a lifetime.
We toured in a very comfortable customized 4WD safari vehicle and had plenty of space for stretching out and relaxing while exploring the country.
We had a cooler for our water & snacks, and he was very accommodating to our needs and stops along the way.
Thank you Gorilla Trek Africa....Nicolas and Bill for the logistics, the planning, & the itinerary and ROGERS pulling it all together and making this phenomenal trip of a LIFETIME.
Nicholas was very helpfull in every way and arranged for a perfect trip in all aspects.
He answered patiently all my questions and emails very quickly with helpfull answeres and information.
On the airport I was met by my driver / guide Chris who were equally helpfull and had a thouroughly good knowledge of everything from Rwandas history to its culture and animals.
If I get the opportunity I most certainly will use Nicholas and his company again and I will have no trouble of asking for Chris as my driver again as well.
I recommend Gorilla Trek Africa for all its worth.
I went to Rwanda in 2013 to fullfil a life-long dream of seeing the gorillas and the Gorilla Trek Africa agency organized the trip for me, it ended up being so good that I decided to comeback this year and take my daughter with me, doing it with the same agency.
Our guide, Patrick, who I specifically asked for after a great tour on the first trip, accompanied us again to Rwanda and Uganda, and it was great again, he is very polite, has lots of knowledge of the countries, is very helpful and a great game seeker seeing he spotted two Tree Climbing Lions in Uganda for us!
The overall experience was amazing and I'd definitely recommend the agency!
From their back offices to tour guide, Gorilla Trek Africa is an A+ operator.
Our bags were delayed by one day and Nicolas (tour manager) swiftly rearranged our tour.
His responses to our inquiries were always prompt and helpful.
We went on a five day tour with Enos as our guide.
He was knowledgeable, hospitable, and a joy to be around.
He went well above his duties and welcomed us like family.
His driving skills on unpaved roads are impeccable.
We were able to see chimpanzees and most specially, spent an hour viewing a gorilla family.
This experience is one I'll keep close to my heart for sometime.
The hike is strenuous, but the staff is supportive.
The hike in the Impennetrable Bwindi forest was special in itself!
In sum, I'd highly recommend this tour operator.
As usual my last minute planning meant that I didn't expect much in terms of being able to book a Gorilla trek.
Fortunately Gorilla Trek Africa exists.
A very quick and easy correspondence with Nicolas meant that everything was arranged in hours and to our convenience.
We had a wonderful driver and guide called William, who was knowledgeable and really took care of us.
He was a careful and courteous driver too which can sometimes be an issue.
He also took time to make recommendations and explain not just about local life and what we were seeing and experiencing, but also took the time to check that we were comfortable and happy.
When we actually arrived at the park for the trek, we were handed over to the park guides, trackers and security who were also fabulous.
I had wondered about the seemingly high cost of doing a trek, but once there you realise just how much work goes into this, how many people are involved and how much the local community benefits, as well as the obvious contribution to conservation.
So worth it!
We were lucky enough to spend time with a group of around 15 gorillas who seemed very content and oblivious to our presence.
It's difficult to describe just what a magical experience it was.
I'll just add that the hike wasn't too far or difficult, but there are things like stinging nettles, so although it's warm do take something to cover your arms and legs sufficiently.
Training shoes may pass if it's not muddy, but proper walking shoes are better.
Oh, and take water.
Otherwise thank you Gorilla Trek!
It's an experience that will stay with me for a long time!!!!
Our guides were phenomenal.
We got up close and personal with these creatures.
We spent over an hour with the gorilla family chosen for us.
The trackers were amazing, they have the best eyes for the hidden gorillas, and make you feel safe even though your heart is beating a thousand miles an hour with excitement.
The hike up the mountain was treacherous, I mean treacherous.
The climb back up from following the gorillas into a valley would have been impossible without my porter.
You are automatically handed a walking stick and given a personal porter.
Mine carried all of my gear(backpack, water, camera).
You need BOTH hands free to climb and balance.
My porter helped me navigate through steep muddy areas and literally PULLED me back up the mountain.
I felt great kinship to him even tho he didn't speak English.
We were able to get UNBELIEVABLE Pictures, up close and personal to the gorillas.
It may have been one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I would do it again tomorrow to see those animals.
We booked this trip at the last minute and I can not fault anything.
Our tour guide William was amazing, he really made this trip perfect.
We were able to fit so much in 5 days!
One of the best tours I have ever done!
I can't say enough praise about Gorilla Trek Africa.
Nicolas is prompt and professional in coresponding.
Our guide Rogers is an EXCELLENT guide!
He is courteous, informative and a very safe driver.
We asked him a million questions about local history, present day life, the animals, etc.
We learned so much from Rogers.
I've been on many other tours and haven't always has this high level of service.
We had an important parcel get lost thru our Rwandair flight.
Nicolas and his coworkers spent days tracking it down.
If you are looking for a guide service to the Gorillas, Chimps, Rwanda or Uganda I would recommend looking no further and booking with Gorilla Trek Africa.
You will be impressed.
Guides are extremely helpful.
Porters are so happy to help you - even had to carry my elderly friend.
Definately worth to pay for a porter as it keeps the locals in work and doesnt cost very much at all.
They will carry loose items and lend a hand when the going gets tough.
Lovely people.
The gorillas are absolutely amazing.
Words can not express the feeling of these large creatures walking right next to you.
Will definately be back!
First of all, dealing with Nicholas and Bill Williams (US rep) was outstanding.
Our driver, William, was also top-notch.
The gorillas themselves were simply amazing to see - after a short hike, we encountered a family of gorillas with three silverbacks, a very young baby, some highly active and rambunctious teens and doting mamas and aunts.
We spent a full hour with these amazing creatures and I feel so blessed to have been invited in to see their lives.
We got incredible photos and our guides took photos of us with the gorillas too.
The guides were not only expert trackers, but great with people - they were so friendly, welcoming, and made sure our needs were met.
Nicholas was very easy to deal with & the trip organisation was perfect & tailored to our requests.
Eric our guide was informative, very helpful & polite & looked after us each day-including getting the treks/groups we wanted.
We loved the whole experience & would not hesitate to book with Gorilla Trek Africa again.
Thanks again to Nicholas for helping us keep our original ccomodation booking when the Lodge tried to change it!
My friend and I toured with Gorilla Trek Africa in Rwanda for 3 nights and 4 days.
Two young women traveling alone could have been scary but William our guide was WONDERFUL!
He kept us safe and made everything very enjoyable!
He spoke perfect English so it was very easy to communicate.
I booked everything with Nicholas and he was so patient dealing with my millions of questions and made the entire booking process easy!
It was really nice to have Bill call from the states as well.
Overall very professional, patient, and super fun experience!
I would highly recommend this tour group to anyone!
My friend will probably tour with them in her hopefully follow on trip to Uganda!
Loved this!
We did a 7 day trip with mountainbikes.
There is a new owner now (Octavio) who is not at all friendly.
He tried to put in cheaper hotels than agreed.
Watch out of you book that the price is as agreed.
His staff (Albert and Remy) was good and managed the trip well.
The mountainbikes were good.
I went for 3 day bike trip from Gisenyi to Kibuye, part of the Congo Nile Trail.
The route was challenging but doable even with little mountain biking experience.
Scenery was very nice and the local kids were happy to see a muzungu on a bike.
Equipment was good, no issues.
The guide, Albert, was professional and accommodating.
All in all, everything went smoothly and the experience was very nice.
Be prepared for rain, though, as the weather can be unpredictable.
The trail was not too muddy even though we had quite heavy rain on one day.
Highly recommended!
We had planned to cycle two days on the Congo Nile trail - from Kibuye to Gisenyi which is the reverse direction.
Rwandan Adventures provided us with brand new Ebikes.
The bikes had fabulous suspension, great brakes and plenty of battery capacity.
Albert was our guide.
On the first day - after 45 km I found the terrain too exhausting and Albert in conjunction with our tour guide managed to find a motor cycle in the middle of nowhere to pick me up and transport me to the hotel - I was so appreciative.
On day two instead of returning to the trail Albert arranged a fabulous tarmac ride to Gisenyi which was so much fun!
Thanks Albert for the fabulous memories.
Cheers Anne & Mark New Zealand
We wholeheartedly recommend Rwandan Adventures.
Albert (our guide) and Onesphore (our driver) led our bike trip from Kigali to Gisenyi on excellent mountain bikes hired from Rwandan Adventures.
They took us on unpaved back roads - we were glad to be on mountain bikes - through villages and towns, with almost no motor traffic.
The three full days of cycling were a fantastic opportunity for us to see Rwanda outside the normal tourist areas.
Albert and Onesphore not only navigated and looked after us, they introduced us to the people, geography, wildlife and plants of their country.
Both spoke excellent English.
We stayed in hotels that we would not have discovered without Rwandan Adventures - all clean and comfortable and with varying degrees of luxury (and price) available.
We were impressed by their friendliness and the way that they treated everyone with dignity and courtesy.
They even organised snack lunches from locally bought food, which they tailored to us as vegetarians.
We were in Rwanda to take part in the inaugaral Ironman 70.3 triathlon, and with the help of Rwandan Advantures, we turned it into a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.
Ottavio and Evelyn's put together a personalised itinerary for us, incorporating a trek at the Volcanoes National Park to see a family of mountain gorillas.
Rwandan Adventures organised a specialist local guide, Patience, who took us to and from the park, and liaised with the guides and rangers).
All the team at Rwandan Adventures looked after us very well, and we would certainly recommend them to family and friends.
Rwanda is called the country of thousands hills for a good reason.
It was an amazing experience to go up and down from those green hills, being surrounded by banana plantations and the greetings of the children of the village who try to run some meters next to you.
Our amazing guides Arbert & Leverien gave us excellent guidance during our 3-day trip from Kibuye to Gisenyi.
We had no mountainbike experience at all, but nevertheless managed to deal smooth with the heights and rocky roads.
The bikes were in excellent conditions.
Very well organized mountainbike tour on the congo-nile-trail.
Our guide Arbert had everything under control.
Would definitely recommend it!
Great Ride with Leandre through villages around Musanze.
We rented a variety of bikes some electric and we were met at our hotel with the bikes and began our bike tour right from the hotel.
Super interesting riding through the villages seeing all the local people.
Great tour.
We had a great morning out with Leandre and the crew!
We were a large family with a few kids and several adults - we ultimately split up with one advanced biker staying with Leandre all the way down to the bottom.
We went on a bike ride with Leandre from Musanze to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
We were tired from a big hike the day before, but the bikes were high quality and Leandre kept a good pace for us to complete the ride.
Great stops on the way to explain some of the sites and culture.
Great guide, beautiful scenery, great memory!
A fantastic bike ride with Leandre.
Great terrain, fabulous views, very professional.
I highly recommend them if you are into mountain biking!
The trip of a lifetime.
Rwanda Adventures are professional and organized, yet flexible to allow you to tailor your trip.
I did the two day Congo Nile bike trail (Kibuye to Gyseni- so backwards).
I did it with two very fit male friends and the guide was able to accommodate their speed - let them go ahead, while staying behind with me.
This was not an easy ride.
I am - I'd say- in average shape, have done a few overnight bike rides over the years and this was hard.
So if you're not up for it- take an ebike/ hike instead/ tailor your trip some other way.
I'd recommend the company purchase some lights for the bikes.
I know technically we are not allowed to ride in the dark in Rwanda , but in case of emergencies- this would be very helpful.
I'd recommend anyone going on the trip to hire a guide.
He/she knows the local terrain, can talk to people , you'll get a more authentic experience and support local economy rather than just be some weird Muzungu going through Rwandan villages :) Will definitely book with Rwandan Adventures again
Great company, great guide, great adventure!
The team were organised and responsive right from us making the initial enquiry until the very end of our trip.
The Congo Nile route is beautiful.
It is quite hilly, so if you're not a strong cyclist the company offers e-bike rental which makes it much more comfortable.
Overall a really great trip.
This is our second time using Rwanda Adventures and we have not been disappointed.
Highly recommended.
When we prepared our trip to Rwanda we talked to several operators - Rwandan Adventures stood out already then.
The availability and service focus during the preparation phase continued during the trip - fantastic!
Moreso, we discussed with Leandre, our coordinator and guide, what we like doing (mainly focused on meeting real people in their daily lives) and he turned the itinerary around to make sure we experience what we like - flexible, attentive and always smiling.
We had an amazing experience.
They even mapped a biking trail along the Congo Nile Trail that fits our level.
Best operators ever!
The team at Rwandan Adventures was thorough, helpful, kind, and arranged a wonderful time in Rwanda during my Feb/March 2021 stay.
Leandre was supremely helpful and knowledgeable in answering all of my questions and offering travel tips at every stop along the journey.
He's very well connected and an excellent communicator.
The Congo Nile trail was a highlight of the trip and I highly recommend booking with Rwandan Adventures (specifically the Gisenyi-Kibuye 4 day hiking trip, though the biking also looks quite fun!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Kuzungu provided delicious meals and excellent hospitality through RA.
A real treat to spend time with him.
Additionally if you have time in Musanze, get in touch with Olivier for some excellent hiking around the Twin Lakes, though he guides all around Rwanda as well.
:) A complete professional who brought energy and fun to the entire experience.
And for any transportation needs, you can't ask for anyone better than Patience.
Always on time, always safe, clear, and a joy to be around.
Thank you to the whole RA team for an incredible journey!
Way overdue to leave a review for RA as it was a really amazing experience.
Guides were friendly, professional and sporty and the trails they chose gave us a beautiful vista of surrounding regions.
Almost felt like a Safari.
Will definitely choose Rwandan Adventures again for more sightseeing and outdoor activities when Im back in the region.
Thanks for the unforgettable memories, guys!
We booked the tour on very short notice; but Rwandan Adventures were swift in arranging our tour despite the current Covid-situation.
The day before the hike began, we took them up on their offer to stay at their AirBnB; which meant a great start to the hike (including lovely food & huge room!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
We hiked the 4-days Congo Nile Trail trek starting from Gisenyi (Rubavu); and what a hike!
The first two days went by in a flash; but halleluja, the third day was demanding.
We had a highly proficient and engaging guide, who was able to show us several shortcuts & help us along the route.
Definetely considering repeating the succes; but we might, for the next time, split day three into two - which would allow more time to enjoy the view at Bumba.
Full recommendations from us!
I rode the Congo Nile from Gisenyi to Karongi in January of 2021 with Rwandan Adventures.
It was a well organized tour and a great opportunity to cycle one of the most scenic routes in Rwanda.
My guide was very knowledgeable of the culture, surroundings and the trail itself.
Also, there was constant communication with Leandre before/during the ride to ensure the best trip possible.
I highly recommend Rwandan Adventures for this itinerary or other adventures!
Leandre is a great guide, very knowledgeable, gave lots of great advice and even connected me with a local cycle group.
Thank you .
The route is beautiful and it is great to see rural Kigali on 2 wheels.
Due to my experience and fitness level I could have done with a break and stop for lunch earlier.
And in hindsight should have asked for more details of the route.
I would definitely book another tour with Leandre and Rwandan adventures again.
Some superb views on the trail, and Leandre and Leon were great company as well as knowledgeable.
The ebikes were pricey but fantastic bits of kit, and made the experience altogether more relaxing and enjoyable, although still leaving me with the feeling each day that I had definitely done some exercise (I'm 58 so felt I deserved one).
If I had taken an ordinary bike the ride would have taken me twice as long and would have left me feeling completely wiped out each day.
The hills are steep and the road very stony in places.
We went north to south, and because I had a car we missed out the long climb from Rubengera on the tarmac and started at Bumba Camp instead.
A bit of a cheat but I had driven the road the day before and didn't need to witness it from a bicycle.
Anyway, it was fun doing the whole cycle off road away from cars.
The stay at Kinunu Coffee station was very chilled.
The best coffee I've had, and food was good wholesome local fare.
I've lived on a coffee farm but still found the Coffee tour really interesting.
Eric the guide and barman is a knowledgeable and very nice guy.
The value of having Leandre to guide was exemplified when I left my phone at the guest house by mistake and we'd done 4 or 5km downhill the next morning before I realised that I didn't have it with me.
He called Eric and he found it and sent it to me via a motorbike taxi.
Very kind of all concerned.
An unexpected luxury was having a shower at Rwandan Adventure's house which they use as a base in Rubavu, before driving back to Kigali.
As I said earlier - Leandre and Leon are great company, the views were lovely, and just being away from cars for a couple of days under my own steam (almost!
made for a great couple of days.
The only touch of reality is that the cost may put off some people I think.
But if it's a one-off, then go for it!
Really enjoyed my day out with Leandre, who was very knowledgeable and an excellent companion for my day in the saddle.
Gives you a glimpse of the real Rwanda.
You need to be pretty fit!
We enjoyed an amazing fortnight with Rwandan Adventures who organised our entire visit around this amazing country.
During our trip we enjoyed seeing the abundance of wildlife - the gorillas a highlight naturally!
stunning mountainous scenery and even went on a couple of e-bike tours that took us along dirt roads, past tiny villages and beautiful lake vistas.
Our guides were always informative and our driver Patience made the trip even more memorable with his reliability, humour and knowledge.
If you need support, advice or an organized journey including high quality (mt)bikes, this is your heaven.
Insightful, friendly and experienced staff that help you to juggle the challenges & beauty that the Congo Nile Trail offers on bike!
Great fun - Leandre was a great guide - really knowledgeable about a wide range of Rwandan stuff- culture, history, zoology and very willing to share it.
The cycle was a nice mix of city, villages and countryside.
Along the river at Gahanga was really pretty and peaceful.
It's not too tough a cycle for regular cyclists, but some of the hills at the end of a 60km cycle were tough, and I walked bits of them ( I'm late 50's and reasonably active but haven't cycled for ages).
Leandre was a great motivator but also read my tiredness really well and was always alongside me, and went with my pace.
Altogether highly recommended.
Tiny negative - bike could have been better set up.
Not all gears worked smoothly and very occasionally jammed, but not a major issue.
Take lots of water and sunscreen!
Spent the day Leandre, one of the tourguides, who gave me and a friend a fantastic day-long cycle tour just outside of Kigali - from the centre to the suburbs and then to rural areas, all along giving us a wealth of information about Rwanda.
The bikes they've got are really good - my friend wasn't feeling great so they even whipped out an electric mountain bike for her to use on the steeper climbs, so we all got to the end in good spirits and not too tired.
Definitely bring sun cream!
We forgot and our arms were pretty tender for some days after.... completely our own fault though :-).
Great way to spend the day, highly recommended.
Stunning 3-day ride along the shores of lake Kivu.
All smoothly organized by Rwandan adventures.
I had a fantastic friendly guide, Leon, that shared a lot of insights on Rwanda.
Many thanks rwandan adventures for a wonderful trip.
Amazing views and the best way to explore the local area.
The trip was super speedily organised and the equipment was top notch.
My guide Albert was really knowledgeable and made the trip very enjoyable.
Thoroughly recommended!
Had a great experience biking from Gisenyi to Kibuye alongside Lake Kivu.
Good quality material, responsive in planning and very helpful support from Albert joining me on the way.
Extremely challenging, but very much worth the magnificent views and local connection.
Rwandan Adventures provided a great and easy going service with quality bikes kept in good conditions.
We chose to do it with a chaperone but we had a guide since the chaperone got sick, Albert was great!
We really enjoyed chatting with him and another people and he kept at good pace and waited for me when I slowed down.
As per the trail, challenging is not a understatement.
There are a lot of mountain biking sections and of course hills (one of them continues for about an hour).
I don't think the direction (i.e.
Ginseyi vs Kibuye) makes a difference.
It's gorgeous, fun and worth all the effort.
I suggest 3 days not because the difficulty but because the stay at Bumba has an amazing view ( + you also help the community).
So pleased I used Rwandan Adventures' services!
I live in Kigali and wanted to explore the back roads on bike with a visiting friend.
I needed to rent good quality bikes as the back roads have tough terrain and the uphill climbs are steep.
I decided to use Rwandan Adventures as they've always had a good reputation.
I couldn't have been happier!
I got quick and reliable service, which included them dropping off and picking up the bikes (with helmets).
Me and my friend are both novices and we're able to combat the notorious hills and had an unforgettable adventure.
Thank you!!
A group of four of us rented bikes from Rwanda Adventures and had an absolute blast exploring the area around Kigali by bike.
Having mountain bikes was great because a lot of roads are dirt or cobblestone.
The Rwanda Adventures team was really helpful about recommending a route.
We had a blast!
Would highly recommend this for a day in Kigali!
This trip is great if you're doing alone or as a group.
I'm not an experienced cyclist and was able to complete the route (while taking breaks here and there).
My tour guide was patient and happy to go at my pace.
There is a longer route option for experienced cyclists looking for a challenge.
The scenes include all the beautiful hills of Musanze, passing by farmers and learning about all the crops they grow, small villages and of course, the Twin Lakes.
Overall, I really enjoyed my trip and Rwandan Adventures were very professional and organised.
I had just a few hours to spend on an activity in Gisenyi and wanted to get a feel for the place.
Rwanda Adventures brought a mountain bike in excellent condition round to my hotel within an hour plus helmet.
My guide Olivier was Rwandan and gave me options for the routes we could do in the 3 hours we had.
I went for biking the Congo Nile trail even though it would normally need much longer.
Oliver managed to find a way for me to see stunning vistas over Lake Kivu, in addition to cycling off road through various villages where I got to see how Rwandans in this part of the country lived.
I also got to see the traditional fishing boats of Kivu.
On the journey Olivier told me about the area, the lake and translated the greetings shouted by locals at us!
At the end of the trip Oliver found me a lift with a local motorcycle taxi for a cheap price which was fun in itself.
Gisenyi is hilly like the rest of Rwanda and the climbs could be challenging but ultimately rewarding.
I highly recommend doing the Congo Nile trail with Rwandan Adventures.
We hired mountain bikes from RA for 5 days to do the Congo Nile trail by ourselves from South to NOrth.
A pretty ambitious feat.
RA were great at delivering the bikes in time and resolving some minor issues we had with our booking.
It would have been great of we had a map from them, but with the help of the friendly locals, some sign language and a fantastic app with the routes which synced with google maps, we were completely fine.
An absolutely breathtaking experience.
We had a great time biking from the Rubona peninsula all the way up to the top of the hill and then visiting the Pfunda Tea Estate.
The tour was supposed to last half a day but we took a bit longer...but our guides Sylvie and Albert were really patient.
We had a great experience with them!
We definitely recommend!
The guys at Rwandan Adventures were extremely helpful in designing and advising on my trip and very flexible in supporting my requirements for one way bicycle hire.
All at a reasonable price.
Fantastic organization from the team at Rwandan Adventures!
Everything ran like clockwork and we had a lovely full day on Lake Kivu and a guided tour of Kinunu Coffee Estate, followed by lunch at a near by hotel.
Very awesome experience and definitely recommended!
Did a 1-day bike tour in Musanze, was incredibly well organized and really appreciated the guidance from our guide Olivier - he really went the extra mile.
Thank you!
We stayed in Rubona for only two days but wanted to experience a bit of the Congo Nile trail.
Rwandan adventures organised a wonderful day of hiking on short notice (we just dropped by their office the day before).
Olivier, our guide, was very friendly and knowledgeable about Rwanda and the surrounding countryside.
When we told him we were going to Uganda he gave us tipps and helped us find transportation.
We walked for a couple of ours through beautiful fields and small idyllic villages.
the children were greeting us along the way and people were friendly and open.
all in all we had a very interesting day and also a bit of workout although the hike was rather easy.
Thanks Rwandan adventures!
Can absolutely recommend it!
Btw, They also organise loads of other activities especially biking.
thank you rwandan adventures for the professional service and the great experience.
your mountain bikes are up to date and in great shape.
the transfer of our luggage also worked perferctly.
Had a great time cycling around Kigali with Rwandan Adventures.
They are knowledgeable and were able to balance the different skill levels of our group to select a route that was both challenging and manageable for all of us.
The CNT is a great tour to indulge in the rural life of Rwanda.
We did it in 5 days from Gisenyi to Cyangugu.
We greatly enjoyed our cycling trip with Rwandan Adventures.
Olivier was a fantastic guide who did everything to make our trip unforgettable - even cooking!
The e-bike is a great addition which makes the trail doable for most people.
Weather was very comfortable in November.
Rwanda has more than 1000 hills for sure!
I absolutely loved our four-day hike.
It was perfect.
Super challenging but with incredible views, friendly guide (Olivier is awesome!
), hospitable accommodations, and delicious food, I couldn't have asked for more as we trekked through the Rwandan countryside.
You won't get bored, and Rwandan Adventures takes care of all of the logistics, which makes it easy for you to just hike along and enjoy!
echo the positive comments about this trail.
We did Gesinyi to Kibuye over 3 days on bikes through Rwandan Adventures.
We were initially quoted $900 for fully guided everything included.
After more queries they offered their chaporroned tour where we pay for meals and accommodation for $380 for 2 people.
This is good value as it's still guided.
Roger, our guide was great.
Interacting with all the kids and adults enroute was fun.
If you don't want to do that then maybe do something else.
The bikes were good.
Make no mistake this is a VERY hilly bike ride.
The climbs are long and if its hot can be very gruelling ( we are bike fit).
Also some of the dirt roads are quite rough.
Regardless it's a great way to experience Rwanda.
We had an excellent 3 days bike-trip, starting in Kibuye to Gisenyi, together with our guide Roger, who did a great job.
Day 2 was really really hard but finally we did it and were so happy!
We did a combined MTB and trekking trip.
We biked one direction along the trail for two days and then walked back over three days.
We really enjoyed ourselves.
It was our second time using Rwandan adventures and they were great both times.
They were very responsive to emails, very flexible and everything went exactly to plan on both trips.
I would highly recommend one of their trips.
We were staying in Rubona, and decided to book a day of MTB tour to see the tea plantation.
We contacted them requesting a half day tour, which was $60/person USD.
On their website we noticed that it was $80 for a full day.
We felt tour should have been slightly cheaper, considering it was only a half day tour and no meal needed to be provided.
Bikes were Scott front suspension mountain bikes.
They were fairly new models.
They were in good shape (keep in mind you're in Africa).
They are fairly well tuned, front shocks needed service.
To be fair, it is probably unreasonable to expect they have the equipment to do this here.
They worked well for the ride we were on.
We found the uphill portions of trip to be very long and intense.
We bike quite a bit but are not used to these inclines.
It is not a negative but just want others to be forewarned!
Our guide Olivier was great.
He was fun to hang out with and talk to.
He had lots of bottled water ready for us.
He was patient, allowed us to take breaks and stop for pics whenever we wanted.
The scenery is stunning.
Can't be beat.
Riding home on the trail through villages was an experience in itself.
Dodging animals, kids and people.
It was some fun terrain, not too technical but you could really get up some speed and have fun on the rutted out areas.
The tea plantation tour was super informative and fun.
No where in Canada would you be allowed to walk through the middle of a manufacturing plant, and get to be so hands on.
Our guide here was great.
Simply put, the bike tour of Kigali made my experience.
I got to see parts of the city that I would have otherwise missed, but most importantly I was able to see the outskirts, the rural and suburban areas around Kigali, which are stunningly beautiful, and the people are incredibly nice, especially the children.
Jado was my guide, and he knows his country, his city, and its history very well, and speaks English and French fluently, which made for an enlightening and enriching experience.
He is also a very friendly and fun person to spend the day with.
I highly recommend this for anyone traveling in Kigali!
Superb trip.
Jedo was an awesome and engaging guide, very resourceful and always energetic and positive and up for anything.
Katie was super helpful when plans changed at the last minute.
Highly recommend them for this adventure.
Two day trip along the Congo Nile trail.
The riding was fantastic and was well organized by the Joanna and the team at Rwandan adventures.
They knew all the good lunch spots and chose an excellent guesthouse next to a coffee plantation that was also a great place for swimming after hot day of riding.
The track although tough is extremely rewarding and features stunning views of the lake.
The bikes that Rwandan Adventures use are excellent Scott brand bikes that are well maintained (unlike others I saw).
Definitely recommend the trail if you are fit enough and definitely recommend Rwandan adventures to guide you through.
Went on a bike tour with them and it was a great experience, really new bikes and overall one of the best experiences we had whilst by Lake Kivu.
Really recommend them- but maybe avoid the boat ride back!
Rwanda Adventure arranges the truly wonderful walk along lake Kivu, the Congo-Nile trail, and they do a marvellous job.
Beauiful scenary and a unforgettable experience, highly recommended.
Had a great adventure with Rwanda Adventures.
The riding was very enjoyable.
Incredible views!
We did the Congo-Nile trail in 2 days, but there's a 3 day option available for those who are concerned about the distances.
My guide, Olivier, was excellent; very professional and very entertaining.
I was blown away by how beautifully Rwanda has developed in just 24 years since the horrible genocide.
It exceed my expectations.
Having traveled a lot in East Africa, I was amazed by how immaculately clean Rwanda is.
There is virtually no litter anywhere!
I highly recommend Rwandan Adventures!
We had a really great time biking to the twin lakes.
We went with our 8 and 9 year old boys and they loved this great adventure!
Excellent guide Olivier who made our experience even better.
It took us almost 3 hours to reach the lake, then we had a fun boat ride and stopped somewhere for a great lunch,we took another boat ride and it took us another 3 hours to bike back to Musanze.
Some hills are quite tough to ride so expect some little suffering.
;-) We were really surprised our kids managed this without any complaints.
They really loved it!
We will do this again!
Thank you for the great experience!
The Congo-Nile trail is absolutely amazing.
The first day the biking is great (not easy) and the views are stunning.
The second day the views and the nature are even better!
As if you travel through paradise.
The last part of the biking is so hard that you need to walk at least parts of it (climbing a mountain).
The third day is a short day, biking mainly downhill over a paved road with less interesting views.
The bikes are in excellent condition.
I did not bring a bike with me to Kigali, but wanted to do some biking around Kigali.
Rwanda adventures and Joanna, specifically, were great!
She wad much more accommodating than expected!
She delivered the bike to me, offered great advice on routes to Muhazi, and was generally just a pleasure to work with.
The bike was in good condition and offered a great ride.
Would definitely recommend!
On my own.
Bike dropped at the hotel.
Biked a little bit more than 50 km.
Kigali is hilly.
Nice bike.
Joanna was very helpful.
Biked picked up at the hotel.
Fantastic.
My adult daughter and I did the two-day walk to the two lakes, strolling through the lush green countryside (it was October and the short rainy season, so everything was green).
Our walk with Yannick was one of the highlights of our trip to Rwanda.
We loved the contact with people, especially the children.
People working in the fields always waved to us and the little kids gathered around giggling and walking stretches with us.
As an avid gardener, I was so interested in the crops and gardening methods we saw being practiced on every inch of ground!
The terrain is very hilly and we got some wonderful views.
Yannick was attentive to our needs before we voiced them and kept a walking pace that suited us.
It seems he perfectly judged our capacity and tailored the walk to our ability and preference.
The over night accommodation at the Lake Ruhondo Beach Lodge was also perfect!
And communication with Joanna at Rwandan Adventures was always informative and easy.
We already felt lots of confidence before even leaving Canada!
Thanks so much!
We really enjoyed our 3 day trip on the Congo Nile trial!
The staff is helpful and flexible, bikes are in perfect condition and brand new.
Our guide Marcel was simply perfect, guiding and informing us through the amazing landscape and joyful colorful villages.
This is a great experience, but I would recommend you are in good shape :)
We had an absolutely amazing time doing the one day cycle along the Congo Nile trail.
The staff were very helpful, ever since we made first contact, and everything was organised for us upon our arrival.
Marcel the guide was excellent, a big help and very knowledgeable.
He is also the fittest person in the world!
The day was amazing, we saw some outstanding views and got to experience a different side to the country that I had never seen before.
The guest house at the end of the cycle was lovely, good food and a great place to chill after a long day of cycling.
the Ferry back the next morning is an experience to say the least... but never the less an enjoyable one.
I would recommend doing one of these trips to anybody, especially If you fancy doing something a little bit different and want to see another side of the country we all love.
Just completed a two day journey from Gisenyi to Kibuye.
I would suggest 3 days if you have the time.
The brand new mountain bikes were the real deal but perhaps the greatest part of the experience was our guide Marcel, an absolute stellar guide with a never ending smile.
Joanna was very helpful from the first moment that we contacted her.
Rwandan Adventures offers a whole range of bike tours, including the famous Congo-Nile Trail, one of the highlights of our Rwandan trip.
Fantastic sceneries and experience, highly recommended!
We had a two day biking trip up to the Twin Lakes outside Musanze, Rwanda.
Back roads and pavement.
Perfect.
It was beautiful, fun and hard work.
We went as a family w/three kids, ages 16, 14 and 11.
Our guide, Olivier, was constantly adjusting the route to make sure everyone could manage.
We broke into two groups.
One taking a beautiful boat ride that cut 15 KM of hills off the trip.
Only problem, it ended too soon.
A bit too expensive too really...
But could have gone a few more days.
Highly recommended for individuals or families.
We did an all day day hike that started from one of the downtown areas.
we hiked to Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera.
It was a wonderful hike and took a good part of the day between hiking and driving.
Our guide was great.
My husband and I rented mountain bikes from Katie and the team to cycle the Congo nile trail to nyungwe.
We didn't want a guide and wanted to carry our own gear so had a lot of questions.
Katie and Diane were incredibly helpful answering all my questions in advance and then helping us with a flexible plan of places to stay along the route.
We had a great trip and I'd seriously recommend it to anyone considering a more adventurous way to see some of Rwanda.
The route, especially day two, was really excellent.
The path has a lot of very beautiful sights.
But I must warn, it's more for people who are into more athletic biking.
Its physically demanding and the other people I was with quit after the first day.
I also find the price to be a bit high for what the experience entails.
Rwandan adventures perfectly organized our biking tour around the Twin Lakes.
Katie and Obed were great guides and took good care of the 6 of us.
We had different biking levels but the rhythm of the tour allowed us to enjoy every second of it (albeit a little less in the tough ascents :p).
Scenery was incredible, Food was good, location of the accommodation was on point and we particularly enjoyed Obed's Yoga sessions at the end of each day.
It was very professionally organized and we definitely recommend a biking tour with them!
Yesterday I went on the Musanze Twin Lakes trail and had an absolutely amazing experience.
Setting up the trip was super easy, and RA was very flexible with what I needed.
They ran the trip with just me signed up, too!
My guide, Marcel, spoke great English and was very fun to talk to during the ride.
When I fell and scraped up my arm (totally my fault), he did a great job cleaning me up and encouraging me to keep going.
There were plenty of drinks and snacks, and Marcel made sure I was always hydrated and full.
I made the whole trip in 6 hours, and easily came to and from Kigali in the same day.
Very doable and very worth it.
The trip was beautiful, amazinglly fun, and just exactly challenging enough to keep me entertained and happy.
I highly recommend this company, the Musanze Twin Lakes Trail, and Marcel in particular as a guide.
I was in a 2 days trip on mountain bike rented at their agency.
great service, great tips and they even made sure I was safe and Ok by waiting for me until 10PM.
Thanks for that.
Rwandan Adventures perfectly outfitted us for our 5-day, self-guided, self-supported Congo Nile Trail biking adventure.
The bikes were decent and the service was superb.
We had a technical issue with one of the bikes on Day 1, and they immediately came to the rescue and replaced the whole bike!
They also gave us a map and enough information to get through the difficult trails and still enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Kivu, both on and off the bikes.
The recommended stops and accommodations were great.
But be careful with Hotel des Chutes (not recommended).
The only reason we used it is because we had to drop off/handover the bikes to them, which is our final destination.
Otherwise, everything was perfect.
These guys are good, reliable and flexible.
A good mix!
We've used them a couple of times and always enjoyed it.
They are not given away but i feel they deliver so it's definitely worth it!
The guides are chatty and knowledgeable.
A couple of points of advice with all guided routes in rwanda: 1 - double check the itinerary with the guide at the start of your walk.
A few itineraries start from the same place so a small misunderstanding or break down in comms could mean you head off the wrong way 2 - Check with the booking office and guide what transport options exist from the end of the walk and check if the guide has numbers for a couple of motos and taxis.
We rented two mountainbikes to make a self-guided trip around Kigali.
It was very nice thanks to the good quality of the bikes and the flexibility of Rwandan Adventures!
My partner and i did the 3 day mountain bike trip on the Congo Nile trail with Rwandan Adventures and had a fabulous trip.
Our guide Marcel was a super chaperone really helpful and easy going and clearly knew the trail and biking well.
Diana in the office was lovely and helpful too.
The biking itself was superb.
Such a great experience.
All in all a super experience.
Hired a mountain bike in Kigali from RA and used it for a self-guided morning trip around the hills and villages south of Kigali.
It was excellent, nice bike with no problems.
They provided a GPX map of the route which was easy to follow.
I think RA are the only source of a MTB to hire in Kigali.
I really enjoyed it, would love to do a longer trip sometime in future.
Wonderful weekend and as other reviewers have mentioned a great opportunity to see real Rwanda.
It was extremely well organised from start to finish.
Marcel was a superb guide and the scenery like all of Rwanda was amazing.
Thanks, Rwandan Adventures *****
Did the two day Twin Lakes biking trip with Rwandan Adventures a few weekends ago and loved it!
It was such a fun, beautiful and interesting few days.
The best way to see Rwanda and its gorgeous scenery and people and a great workout too!
Would definitely recommend the trip for anyone wanting to see Rwanda by bike.
Expertly organised.
Beautiful views.
Even for a day - you must get out with Rwandan Adventures when for a proper explore!
Perfect mix of adventure, beauty and exercise!
My friends and I completed the 3 day bike trip from Gisenyi to Kibuye in August this year.
We had two 'porters' (Marcel and Bosko) who carried our belongings in 4 panniers each.
Looking back the trip was absolutely fantastic - at the time I thought that I was going to die!
This was partly to do with the heat, but I think it is fair to say that it was an extremely difficult cycle ride (but please keep in mind that I'm in my 50s and my normal cycling distance is about 5 miles), so it was definitely a shock to the system.
Anyway, despite this, I did it and feel tremendously proud that I did!
The views along the trip were spectacular and it was a great opportunity to see and appreciate rural life in Rwanda.
During the ride we were followed (or rather, swarmed) by lots of children and adults at every stop, but this was not intimidating at all.
I would suggest that anyone wanting to do this cycle ride should consider doing an 'Iron man' as a warm up or maybe cycle up Ben Nevis!
but seriously, it was a very hard cycle ride and not for the faint hearted!
For general information - we stayed at Inzu Lodge prior to starting the ride and this was a lovely place (see separate review).
It was a 5 minute walk to the Rwandan Adventures centre.
We chose to cycle to Kibuye and then get the boat back to Gisenyi.
We weren't quite sure what would happen to our luggage, but basically it stayed in a locked room in the Rwandan Adventures office.
We were able to take our essentials for the 3 days and this was put in a pannier which was carried by the guides.
If you don't want to travel back to Gisenyi your baggage will be taken by boat to Kibuye where you will be reunited with it at the end of the trip.
Anyway, in either case there is no need to take a lot of luggage - some basic toiletries, first aid, camera, sun tan lotion and a change of clothes for the evening.
Maybe swimming costumes because there is an opportunity to swim in the lake.
Daytime clothes can be washed and will dry over night (or certainly this worked in August) maybe in the rainy season (Sept - Nov) this may not be possible.
Re; money, the only money that you need on the trip is to buy drinks in the evening.
There are no shops en route, so no opportunity to buy anything else.
Word of caution, particularly for ladies - if you need to use the toilet on the journey be prepared for some very basic amenities!
I would also recommend wearing proper cycling shorts - a good investment!
Overall Rwandan Adventures was very well organised, We had wonderful guides who were polite, friendly and helpful at all times.
We had simple, but ample food on the trip and our guides kept us well hydrated with lots of water and regular breaks.
Although we weren't quite sure how the trip would work out both in terms of our ability to complete the journey but also the logistics of getting our belongings from A to B, but it all worked out absolutely fine.
We had a terrific trip and it was well worth the money.
I would definitely do it, or something similar again.
We had spent two days gorilla trekking and had one further full day in the area.
We wanted an experience that, while different, would be as rewarding.
I had read (and seen some beautiful photographs) of the nearby Twin Lakes and set about trying to organize a day mountain biking around them.
Although this was not a standard itinerary offered by Rwandan Adventures they were enthusiastic about helping us organize it.
This was quite brave on their part as to some extent we were breaking new ground.
We were not disappointed by the enthusiasm and support of the Rwandan Adventures staff.
Marcel was heroic as our guide and Kavos (in our support vehicle) was always helpful and encouraging when required.
The scenery really was beautiful and the local people we met along the route were both curious and friendly.
We felt we were fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore such a beautiful but less visited part of the country.
If there was a shortcoming it was that as a family we slightly overestimated the distance we could cover.
I understand from Joanna that the company is hoping soon to be able to put the bikes on a trailer.
I believe this will open up a huge number of possibilities.
For example in the case of the Twin Lakes it would be possible to choose both the starting and finishing points thereby tailoring the length of the ride to the group.
Travelling by bike in Rwanda is a great way to appreciate the country and its people.
I hope that we will have further opportunities to do so future and would have no hesitation in organizing this through Rwandan Adventures.
My husband and I biked the Congo-Nile trail in 3 days from Gisenyi to Kibuye in March 2016.
We had a porter with us, Marcel, and were joined by an American and her porter Papa Lucile.
We had an awesome time and I highly recommend this trip.
The trip is tough though!!
The reviews I read in advance were accurate - we are both in good shape but I really struggled on day 1 with all the hills and biking in the heat.
You need to take proper precautions against heat stroke: manage your pace, drink lots, cover up!
The first day was by far the toughest mentally and physically.
Our American friend wanted to quit and I wouldn't have minded either.
I'm so glad we didn't as day 2 was so beautiful - lots of single track and stunning views.
Day 3 is super fun with lots of downhill.
The landscape is breathtaking and we had positive interactions with locals including an impromptu singing/game session with a primary school.
The accommodations along the route are simple but (most importantly) provide big hearty meals.
We enjoyed meeting Ernest at the Bumba guest house who gave us an inside look into rural living in Rwanda and the hardships faced by the community.
Marcel definitely made the trip for us and I cant say enough good things about him!
He went above and beyond expectations.
The trip is tough as I was not used to biking so many hills in the heat.
Marcel's cheerful attitude really helped keep the group staying positive and he made sure that we all made it through the tough days.
Not only did he do a great job with his porter duties but he also made sure we had enough food and water, maintained our bikes (changing out brakes etc.
), pushed me up hills (!!!
), taught us some kinyarwandan, and kept us all smiling and laughing.
Marcel speaks English really well and was genuinely interested in sharing his culture and learning about ours.
Papa Lucile was also a wonderful addition to our group.
While his English wasn't as strong as Marcel's, he also very competent and his quiet calm energy was appreciated.
A big thank you also goes to Diane who gently encouraged us to rent bikes with suspension.
I can't imagine doing that trail with no front suspension!!
We arranged a two-day cycle ride with Rwandan Adventures who hired us bicycles for the trip.
This trip is usually led by a chaperone who knows the route.
Doing it without a chaperone meant a lot of preparation and planning in advance and to do it in this way is not for the faint hearted.
There is no signposting and it would be very easy to get lost.
The route is through rural Rwanda and is primarily on rough dirt tracks.
This coupled with the fact that it is extremely hilly makes it a demanding and challenging experience.
Despite this I would definitely recommend it.
Not only is the challenge exhilarating but it allows you to visit areas that would be impossible any other way.
I understand that many people do the ride over 3 days rather than 2 and this would allow for a more relaxed experience.
My only complaint was a lack of communication from Rwandan Adventures in the planning stage of the trip.
My boyfriend and I had a wonderful 2-day trip from Gisenyi to Kibuye with porter Marcel.
The bikes were in a good condition and our porter very friendly and helpful.
The trip was one of the best experiences we had during our 2 week trip in Rwanda and Uganda, almost beating the gorilla tracking!
We decided to cycle on day 1 from Gisenyi to Kinunu, where we stayed in Kinunu Rushel Lodge (an extremely beautiful and crisp place - true value for money).
On day 2 we cycled from Kinunu to Koko, from which we took a boat to Kibuye.
It is also possible to make this a 3 day trip and stay over in Bumba.
However, as only budget accommodation is available in Bumba, we opted for the short cut by boat.
In addition, the Rwandan Adventure team (Joanna & Diane) was very helpful, by arranging several taxi transfers for other parts of our trip in Rwanda.
Did the 3 day cycling tour from Rubona to Karongi.
Wonderful experience riding through beatiful landscapes, highly recommended.
Very professional organisation, which provides good material and good service (eg.
also organised main luggage transfer).
Recommended to do the tour with chaperone or guide unless you have tools and skills to repair bikes (not only tyres) on the way (even good bikes suffer on the rocky roads and may need repairs).
We rode with porteur Marcel from Gisenyi to Kinunu washing station, where we stayed for the night.
It was a beautiful bike ride (with excellent bikes!
), and Marcel was a great guide!
And Diane in the office in Rubavu was a great help to us for planning our trip, but also some other things we wanted to do in Rwanda.
The hotel in Kinunu was basic, but ok.
The meal we had in Kinunu that evening wasn't the best we had during our stay in the country, but the surroundings are magnificent.
Don't forget to ask for a tour of the washing station.
I hired a good quality mountain bike, helmet, gloves and repair kit from Rwandan Adventures and went on a route recommended by them which took me south from Kigali down to the Nyaborongo river.
It was an excellent day, the locals were very friendly and the landscape was stunning.
It was great to be able to get out of Kigali and get some really fresh air.
Although, being in Rwanda, you can expect some hefty climbs!
Jo was very kind providing transport back to my starting location when I got slightly lost at the end!
All in all, a great day, highly highly recommended.
We took this trail on foot with Isaac, the guide from Rwandan Adventures.
He was very helpful the whole trip and also excellent in providing information.
We appreciate very much his interpretation when being among locals and among others his open mind.
He has very interesting opinions and we spent hours on discussing different topics.
The trip was very well organized without any problems.
Accomodation and food were also able to pay in USD which help us a lot.
Among other advantages of R.A., we appreciate flexibility in everything (payments, dates, ...) and the possibility to prepare trip before coming to Rwanda.
If we want to take this trail again we would definitely choose Rwandan Adventures.
Enjoy your stay in Rwanda!
When great people, great advice, great location, great locals, great scenery and great gear come together, you get the perfect trip.
Thanks to Rwandan Adventures we had one of the best trip we had ever had...So much so that we made a short film about it: http://theduckwhisperer.com/2015/01/20/r-w-a-n-d-a-north-to-south-on-a-push-bike/
Jo, Emmy and the rest of the RA team catered to all our needs!
We wanted to bike from Kibuye to Gisenyi but only got 75% through.
It's a tough ride but the views are spectacular
Rwandan Adventures was really great in helping us organize our bike tour from Gisenyi to Kibuye.
They booked rooms, gave maps, gave advice, responded quickly--very useful and nice, and even advised friends of ours hiking instead of biking.
The standard bikes are heavy but sturdy and had no problems.
Only had a couple of issues (why not 5 star, otherwise it would def be): we reserved panniers, as did some others, but there were not enough to go around (there were 9 of us biking, 4 with a porter, so maybe that was why, just a big demand--they had other types of bags but those did not hold very much, so we just strapped our bags on the bikes and it was fine), and I was told there were plenty of the standard bikes available, but there actually were not very many and they had no left the morning we left, so that could've been a problem if my friend had at the last minute not been able to bring her bike.
The nicer bikes also don't seem to have a way to attach panniers/baggage to them (but they were very nice bikes).
Other than that, getting out riding in the morning was well organized, and the staff at the bike shop was great.
Gisenyi to Kibuye via the congo nile trail was a beautiful (but a bit tough) ride and we easily found the contact in Kibuye to take us to the bike drop-off.
Boscoe, the porter hired by the other group biking at the same time as us, was always steering us in the right direction and helping with bike issues.
We used the bike repair kit provided a couple of times, and I think it would be worthwhile to include a chain breaking tool and a master link, or one spare chain/group, in the future (we had a chain issue on the trip).
Otherwise it was pretty complete!
Overall I really recommend the company, and the trip.
It was a beautiful weekend biking and things went smoothly.
highly recommend!
had a fantastic porter (who also served as my guide, despite his limited English, he was helpful and wonderful).
tough two day trail (the second day was especially tough following a huge thunderstorm) but doable.
Fantastic scenery, fun cycling--a great way to see the countryside and scenery off the beaten path.
great tour--a must-do if you are in Rwanda.
Rwandan Adventures was fantastic!
Personalized service and great at coordinating my entire adventure along the Congo Nile Trail.
I rented a well-maintained hardtail mountain bike and hired a bike porter for the two day ride from Giyseni to Kibuye.
The porter was a former Team Rwanda member!
Overall, my experience couldn't have been better.
I can't wait to do it again.
Our 3 day gorilla safari from Entebbe was an amazing experience!
Organising our trip was easy and stress-free thanks to Nicholas quick and detailed responses to our many questions.
Nicholas also offered good advice on lodges and helped us with booking the amazing Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi.
Our guide Ema was excellent.
He made our long car rides enjoyable by sharing his extensive knowledge of Uganda and with his kind and friendly personality.
Overall, I can't recommend Devine enough.
A professional company who helped us have an unforgettable gorilla viewing experience.
Once in a lifetime experience!
I can't recommend this tour company/gorilla trekking experience enough.
Always prompt email responses to all of our multiple questions.
Accommodations and Ronald, our guide, were superb.
Going on safari at Akagera National Park and viewing the gorillas are not to be missed!
Everything about my tour was well-organized and professional, and my guide, Ronald, was excellent at tracking and spotting all kinda of animals from elephants to lions.
On the gorilla trek, you can get super close to the gorillas, and it is a once in a lifetime experience!
Definitely recommend traveling with Devine!
Devine Safari provided a great experience to trek with the gorillas in Uganda.
Nicholas the owner is very responsive, answering all my emails and questions in a very timely manner.
My driver was also named Nicholas and he was great!
He was knowledgeable, friendly and a great driver.
He ensured I had a great experience and went out of his way to make me feel welcome and comfortable.
Choosing Devine means you are choosing a local Ugandan business that is trying to support Ugandan operators and other businesses.
Highly recommend.
From beginning to end, it was an amazing experience.
Ronald, our guide & driver, picked us up promptly at our hotel on the first day.
He escorted us on a city tour of Kigali which included a visit to the Genocide Museum.
Next stop - making banana beer!
What a Fun Experience!
The Kigali women shared with us their fun communal experience of how they make banana beer all while singing and dancing.
On the way to our lodge, required Covid testing needed for Gorilla trekking was easy.
Ronald arranged appointments ahead of time and it was all a breeze.
The lodge was clean and very comfortable and the staff were attentive and welcoming on arrival.
After our gorilla trek, huge bonus - the lodge staff cleaned and dried our boots!
We stayed at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge.
TREKKING - AMAZING!!
After a couple hours trek with our park guide, we met up with the morning trackers.
The next hour of my Life will forever be Unforgettable!
Recommendations - hiking boots, rain jacket and gloves are a must.
Also, be careful of Stinging Nettles - ouch.
And they can stink you through clothes too.
I highly recommend Devine African Safaris!
Very well organized trip with hospitable and caring staff, the car which can surpass any bad roads and nice choice of lodges with beautiful views and practically guaranteed view of the animals.
Cultural visits may look less exciting, since they mostly follow the same pattern (e.g.
dancing and crafts), but some of them were also useful to learn more about the country and its problems.
So it was a brilliant and affordable tour with high-quality service and the attentive and intelligent guide.
We had an amazing trip to Tanzania for our honeymoon over New Year's 2022-23.
Nicholas helped us organize the trip, and he was very responsive to our questions and helped us to customize the trip exactly how we wanted.
The lodges he recommended were all excellent, and our guide/driver was great also.
We saw incredible wildlife and scenery including hundreds of elephants, thousands of zebra and wildebeest, dozens of lions (including many cubs nursing), and much more.
The only reason this is not five stars is because there were a few communication issues between the various local partners that Devine uses in Tanzania, where they did not all have the same information about the itinerary.
This caused a bit of inconvenience and confusion but did not detract too much from what was otherwise an amazing and memorable trip.
We had an incredible trip with Devine African Safaris this past summer.
We had booked the trip in 2020 and had to postpone until 2022 but the Nicholas was great about staying in touch over those 2 years and maintaining our exact itinerary.
Our guide was punctual and took great care of us over our 6 day trek.
We had such a great experience and learned a lot from him.
The accommodations that they booked were all great and we saw great wildlife (gorillas, chimps, golden monkeys, elephants, lions, and more!
We had an incredible trip and would highly recommend Devine African Safaris for your Ugandan/Rwandan trek.
Thank you!
we had a wonderful few days trip, organised by Nicholas at Devine Safarid Ltd. :-).
My boyfriend and had booked a trip, travelling around Rwanda, and later found that we could also travel across the border into Uganda to Bwindi Forest and see the mountain gorillas.
I got in touch with Nicholas to ask about options and we arranged to be picked up in Kigali, and dropped off in Ruhengeri in Rwanda, to resume our travels.
Our guide was Ronald, and he was really great and professional.
The border crossing at cyanika was pretty fast and smooth.
We went in rainy season, so needed a 4wd Landcruiser to get around some places, especially close to Bwindi.
The lodge Nicholas arranged for us was also cool, with an amazing view of the volcanoes across the lake.
The only mistake we made was not to spend more time in Uganda, as the scenery was really breathtaking, and the people we met were very nice.
Thanks very much, can recommend, and would love to visit again.
We had the most incredible 5 day experience in Uganda.
Starting with being picked up from Kigali airport in Rwanda and day tripping to get to Uganda in preparation for 3 adventures.
These included Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Game drives and boat trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park and finally Chimp Trekking in Kibale National Park.
Nicolas our guide was excellent and looked after our every need.
The accomodation was excellent as well.
Cant recommend these guys more highly.
A MUST do bucket list trip.
100% recommend using Devine.
Great communication before the trip.
They planned me a 6 night private tour around Rwanda crossing into Uganda for the gorilla trek.
They incorporated everything that I wanted to do on the trip.
They have great local connections - lovely hotels and lunch stops throughout.
Easy payment before the trip - including gorilla permits, hotels and food - which meant less cash was needed.
Safe comfortable car and really knowledgeable friendly guide (Thanks Nicholas).
Fabulous trip and good value for money considering what was included in the trip.
Thanks so much :)
We had a great time!
We spent 3 days in Akagera, staying at the Tented Lodge (highly recommend).
Our guide was Ronald, and he was super helpful, always on time, and provided a very comfortable ride.
I booked a 4-day safari to Uganda (drove from Kigali, Rwanda).
Ronald was an amazing guide.
He went above and beyond to make sure that my safari was an experience to remember from adding activities if we had extra time to sharing stories and information about Uganda's culture with me.
Devine also does a great job of making sure that you are always comfortable during the adventure.
The accommodations and dining options were fantastic.
I had such an amazing time on this safari - I would 10/10 do it again!
We had a great experience working with Devine for the first portion of our honeymoon.
Nicholas picked us up at our hotel in Kigali, took us to the genocide memorial, showed us around the city a bit, and then drove us the 4-5 hours over the border to Bwindi.
He was our driver to and from the gorilla trek from our mountain lodge, walked us through the process, and then brought us back to Kigali on day 3, stopping for lunch at the Hotel Milles Collines (Hotel Rwanda) before taking us to the airport for the next leg of our trip.
He was very calm and friendly, and super helpful guiding us through the two land border crossings.
Would happily recommend Devine to anyone else looking for a great adventure!
We had a great experience from beginning to end.
Our guide Lucky picked us up in Kigali, and thanks to him we had 2 wonderful days of activities.
He was extremely knowledgeable and reliable in every way, and offered the nicest and most friendly company throughout the trip.
We cannot thank him enough.
Nicholas at Devine Safaris was very professional, responsive and helped finding the perfect program for us.
That was one of the reasons we decided to go with this tour company, and we didn't regret it.
In Volcanoes National Park, the hike up to the Mount Bisoke crater lake offered wonderful views, and was well worth the challenging trek.
And seeing the gorillas up close is an unforgettable experience, truly amazing to see them go about their everyday life!
I am very happy with this trip and would recommend it to everyone.
We had booked a 2020 gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda through another agency - permits were paid for and deposits had been made.
Then our safari guide went out of business during COVID.
After scrambling to find someone to take over the planning, I found Devine African Safaris here on TripAdvisor and Nicholas was amazing!
He helped me work with the Rwandan tourism board to get our permits transferred to our new travel dates and he came up with an even better trip than we originally had planned.
We stayed in the real-life Hotel Rwanda, toured the heartbreaking genocide memorial in Kigali, spent a cultural afternoon in a native village, saw the golden monkeys and of course, the highlight of the trip, the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park!
We did the medium hike by the way, which was still challenging, and I'm an experienced hiker.
Make sure you hire the local porters.
They come in handy even if you have nothing for them to carry - and it supports the locals.
This was the trip of a lifetime!
I may have even shed a tear or two when I saw the gorillas.
We watched the babies play, saw a male beat his chest and watched the silverback fake sleep, opening his eyes occasionally to see if we'd left.
Everything was planned perfectly.
Everyone we came across was friendly and helpful.
Everything is included, except tips (which you'll need a lot of - that's how things work in Rwanda).
I can't thank Nicholas enough for his thoughtful planning down to the last detail.
Great experience!
Nicholas at Davine Safari was excellent with the booking process, professional and very responsive.
We did the Gorilla trek and hiked up Mt.
Bisoke.
Both such unforgettable experiences!
The best part of the trip for me however was spending time with our fabulous guide Mr. Lucky.
Lucky is extremely knowledgeable about his country, Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills.
He was always attentive to our needs, but without being intrusive, he answered all our hundreds of questions with patience and a smile.
But most importantly, he was sooooo much fun to be with!
I wholeheartedly recommend his as a guide, and cannot wait to go with him again next time I'm in this part of the world!
Although, I did not make the travel arrangements directly, a girlfriend found Devine African Safaris after extensive research to find a good local agent, my contact with Nicholas was easy and pleasant.
We were welcomed at the airport by Lucky A, who came back to introduce us to Lucky B who would be our guide and driver to see the gorillas in Bwindi National Park in Uganda.
Lucky B is dynamic, kind and a wealth of local information, always eager to please.
The long drive went by quickly as we learned all about Rwanda.
Our experience with the gorillas was magical, Lucky B made sure we were at the starting point early, ensuring us an easy walk, which it thankfully was as the jungle is very dense and walking through it for hours would have been difficult.
We were well surrounded by our knowledgeable guide, trackers and guards and spending an hour with these incredible mountain gorillas was the adventure of a lifetime.
Thank you Devine African Safaris for making it possible and to Lucky B for making it such an easy and pleasant one and expanding our knowledge of your beautiful country.
This was fantastic!!
From the moment Lucky B picked us up at the airport until he dropped us back off at the airport, this experience was first rate!!
Lucky B is a wonderful guide/driver with knowledge to answer all our questions.
We had a lot of them!
He made sure that we were in the trekking group with the shortest walk as my husband has a problem with his leg.
He got us there a few minutes early to guarantee that we would be in that group.
We only trekked for5 minutes!
The hour spent with the gorilla family was an experience we will never forget.
The family had a 3 week old baby and a couple other babies a few months old.
They were so cute to watch and see fall off things as they explored their world.
The silverback just watched over his family as we watched him.
Majestic!!
The Park Ranger was excellent as were the trackers and security people.
The lodge where we stayed in Uganda was right on a beautiful lake.
They put hot water bottled in the beds to warm them up as it was quite chilly during the night and in the morning.
Booking through Devine African Safaris was an excellent experience.
Nicholas handled everything and it was a piece of cake.
We highly recommend this tour company and most importantly, Lucky B as your guide/drive.
Ask for him!!
You will have an amazing trek!!
As a solo traveler I completed two gorilla treks, a two-day hike to the summit of Mt.
Karisimbi, a visit to the caves of Musanze, a visit to the genocide memorial in Kigali, a morning boat ride on Lake Ihema, and a game drive in Akagera National Park.
The trip was amazing and my intrepid guide Ronard was with me every step of the way.
Ronard was an outstanding tour guide of Rwanda and provided exemplary service.
Ronard and Nicholas from Devine made all the necessary preparations for my activities, and everything was completed seamlessly without any complications.
I would 100% recommend Devine for anyone considering tourism in Rwanda or Uganda.
I could not be more satisfied!
Booked a 12 night safari through Devine with game and boat drives, Rhino Trekking, Chimpanzee Trekking and a Gorilla Habituation experience.
Nicholas in the office was always prompt and professional in answering my emails and very flexible when the airlines kept messing around with their schedule and I had to make a few changes.
Emma, my guide, was AMAZING.
I honestly cannot say enough nice things about him.
He was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, a cheerleader/life coach when I thought there was no way I was going to be able to do the gorillas (walking on a treadmill is not enough training prep) and just the nicest man you could ever hope to meet.
I do owe him an apology for crying all over his coat after I came out of the forest after finishing the habituation experience but he just asked if I needed a hug - above and beyond!
This was one of the best experiences I've ever had and a large part of it was the team at Devine.
Booked Devine African Safaris based on excellent TripAdvisor reviews.
Originally set for 2020 yet Covid pandemic pushed its eventual adventure to Sept 2022.
Devine Safaris was great to work with/very accommodating.
Excellent Safaris.
Originally scheduled 5 day safari but had to extend to 7 day due to airline cancellation out of Entebbe.
Did chimpanzee and Mountain Gorillas along with Big 5 Game drives in Uganda.
Easy pick up in Entebbe to start.
Guide drove us around for the 7 day Tour.
Excellent accommodations.
Good meals.
Great experience seeing Uganda, the chimps, the mountain gorillas and the big game.
Would not hesitate to book again
We were a group of 4 adults travelling in Uganda for 9 days.
We have chosen Devine African Safaris by recommendation of our friend who travelled with them a year before.
We must admit that the agency is very reliable.
The process of tailoring our individual program was smooth and efficient.
The agency was flexible and open to our suggestions.
Emma was our driver, guide and guardian angel We felt safe and well taken care of with him.
We do recommend Devine African Safaris.
Seeing the gorillas was a once in a lifetime experience.
Honestly, the entire trip was amazing.
I would highly recommend Devine Safari.
Gorilla trekking is without a doubt, an absolutely necessary activity on your agenda.
Please do research on clothes in advance but expect to wear: hiking boots, hiking pants with thick, knee high socks (or ankle gaiters), rain jacket, gloves, sun hat, & sunglasses.
Also be prepared to bring a small backpack to pack your camera, snacks, hand wipes, face mask, water, etc.
Upon arrival, your driver will arrange a group for you - easy, medium, or hard.
This will determine the difficulty in your trek/hike up the mountain.
From there, enjoy a slow & easy pace up to the gorilla family.
The distance between you & the gorilla family is so close, it's surreal.
An hour with them will feel like mere seconds but it's beautiful nonetheless to be with them in their natural habitat versus seeing them in a zoo.
Volcanoes National Park is lovely and absolutely worth the hike & visit!
I very much enjoyed the itinerary planning with Devine Safaris and I would book them again if I go back to Rwanda!
We booked this holiday 3 years ago and then due to the pandemic it got cancelled numerous times.
During this period Nicholas was excellent, his communication was quick and factual and this saved us lots of worries.
The actual trip (once we could go) was excellent.
Our driver Ronard was friendly but most importantly he drove safely and respected our welfare.
Rwanda was perfect for Gorilla and Chimp trekking, the country is incredibly clean and everyone was very friendly and helpful.
Would recommend the company and the country to all.
I think volume of activities, in retrospect, was considerable.
Each day was filled with a different adventure.
Besides gorillas, which definitely was a highlight of our 9-day trip, Uganda as a country, explained through the conversation with our guide Emma / Emmanuelle is something unbelievable.
We strongly recommend this trip and Devine to anyone that wants to see and hear behind the scenes.
The trip is not for everyone - be ready to spend hours on a bumpy roads, some lodges might have strange policies about admitting your guides to join you for the dinner, the poverty of the country will tear you apart - but if you don't mind stepping out from the comfort zone, enjoy the ride and be ready to be surprised.
Yes we saw all of the big game, yes we saw the gorillas, but thanks to Emma we also visited the Rhino sanctuary (not in the program), he organized Lake Mburo visit on the way to the airport (not in the program, additional cost but my God it was worth it) and every day we discovered some hidden gems that we were not expecting.
Few tips: have a LOT of small USD bills; bring bags of candies for kids; buy Airtel SIM on the airport, not MTN due to the coverage in remote areas; wash everything all the time; go alone as much as you can to experience wildlife in silence; make sure you have Papaya Lake Lodge in the program; ask Devine and your guide everything all the time and about everything, not everyone has same expectations so make everything clear, both Emma during the trip and Nicholas in the booking phase were amazing and very responsive; do not miss the Batwa (pygmies) village.
Devine provided superb service and put together an excellent custom itinerary for us.
Our trip was initially canceled in 2020 and they were very accommodating, allowing us to travel two years later on the same itinerary with no increase in price.
The tour was, by all accounts, spectacular.
We saw golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and big game.
Our driver-guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and ensured that we had the best possible experience.
All lodges were outstanding.
We recommend Devine without hesitation.
Positives: seeing the gorillas was amazing!
that part was 10/10.
Driver was nice, on time.
Guide was excellent and trackers found gorillas as promised.
Company arranged for Gorilla trek and I hear there are scams out there, this is legitimate.
Negatives: The problem was that I wanted to trek into the jungle to see the gorillas.
Instead we walked for 20 mins across a farm and into tall grass and bam!
saw gorillas right away.
They were amazing.
However, I wanted to trekking experience into the misty rainforest.
It would have been fine if this was the only way to see the gorillas the day I went but there were several groups that did get the experience I wanted.
It had not occurred to me that I would have to request to go into the rainforest to see gorillas I thought that was part of it.
For $1800 the experience should have been better and could have been.
They could have simply explained this to me.
I am an early 30s solo traveler who just climbed Kilimanjaro (and informed them of such) ie clearly in shape to do any day hike.
They put me with a nice older group who probably preferred the shorter hike.
I did not.
My driver asked me before hand short, medium, or long hike.
I said I don't know whatever is best.
I asked how long is meant by short vs medium vs long and got no answer.
He said he would book short/medium (did he prefer this so he wouldn't have to wait as long?
I don't know).
I had no idea this meant a 20 min hike not even into the forest.
I then asked the guide what type of hike we are doing and he said what do I want.
I said I want the best experience.
Once again, I had no idea you could see gorillas without going into the forest.
Once again the experience I wanted was available.
And once again I spent $1800 for this and it is significantly cheaper in Uganda.
Quite simply the company should have explained the different types of treks before hand (not simply being told long medium short on drive to the gorillas) so I could have understood and told them what I wanted for this once in a lifetime experience.
despite this.
still recommend.
gorillas were amazing.
This really was the trip of a lifetime!
The most stunningly beautiful country and magical gorilla experiences - and most importantly, the best guide you could hope for.
Thoughtful, inspiring, insightful and really guiding and partnering with local people and businesses.
I feel honoured to have done this!
Book with this group, it will be your best decision :)
Everything was perfect: the guide was very helpful and nice, car in good conditions and we managed to see the big cats, also due the cooperation among all drivers.
And the price really included everything but tips.
This was A complete life changing experience.
From start to finish this is a must do while visiting Rwanda.
I wasn't going to go since it's a 3 hour drive from Kigali.
I decided to go for it and it's an Experience I'll never forget.
There's three levels to choose from easy trek, Med and Hard.
I chose Medium.
It was about 45 min to an hour of uphill climbing and an hour spent with the gorillas.
You never know what your going to get, but the tribe we found were full of life and personality.
We saw about 20 of them up close and personal.
I was even pushed out of the way by the larger alpha.
I never felt to be in danger either.
It's heart stopping excitement and pure beauty.
We did a 3 day trip to Akagera National Park with Nicholas from Devine African Safaris.
We were happy to be able to choose dates that suited us and program that we found the most interesting.
Everything was well organized and it was a pleasure to travel with Nicholas.
We did enjoy the boat ride as well as the safari tour in the open roof car, which was perfect for spotting the animals far and close.
We had a great picnic in the park as well.
We stayed in the Akagera Game Lodge, which was a pleasant experience with great atmosphere, staff and food.
I had the best tilapia meal of the whole trip at the lodge.
I can highly recommend this experience!
It was amazing to see the gorillas in their natural environment.
The trackers and the guide were extremely nice and helpful.
We had the best time exploring Uganda with our amazing guide Emma.
We saw all the animals we were hoping to see and many more!
We made the journey over to see the apes (chimps/gorillas) but also saw tree climbing lions, giraffes,elephants, hippos, Cape buffalos, zebras, and a leopard.
We stayed at the most amazing lodges and greeted by amazing hosts.
Devine truly has the best relationships with the lodges, the parks rangers, the best land cruisers and more importantly a great guide who has an exceptional eye for nature.
We had the time of our lives and hopefully will return sooner than later!
The tour company was very accommodating as our group went from 2-6 people.
The was a perfect length tour and we enjoyed the sights and the trip overall.
Keep in mind that you are hiring more of a driver than a continuous tour guide but the park rangers will give you an overview of where to find what animals as well as other tips.
Our driver did have Eagle eyes and pointed out animals in the distance that we didn't quite notice.
Everyone had a great time.
AMAZING, AMAZING, TRULY AMAZING.
We just came back from a 3 day gorilla trekking from Entebbe.
Nicholas is fantastic, from the very first prompt response to dealing with last moment additional person joining our group, to answering a million questions about what to bring and where to stay, and what to do.
I am truly impressed.
Our designated guide was Joseph and he took care of our every need.
The drive from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is taking some skill and Joseph made sure we are entertained with stories of the local community, introduced us to great food, and shared stories of our families and countries.
The accommodation booked for us in the forest was of absolutely world-class and we enjoyed true comfort and magnificent views.
I will highly recommend DevineAfrican Safaries for any of the trips they offer.
I am very much looking forward to booking an adventure with them again
I had an amazing time with Nicholas he was a great guide and told me about African life.
We spoke about many different things and truths about living in Uganda.
I stayed in very beautiful lodges with animals at my fingertips, but not really lol.
I was immersed with beautiful sceneries including lakes and trees, flowers and birds.
The staff on each location was most attentive to all my needs.
I never had a dull moment unless i wanted to relax.
I recommend this company for reliability, safety and an assured great trip.
Relaxed out of this world.
I did see the big Five!
We had the trip of a lifetime!
If you want to see the Big Five plus cheetahs, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys (plus many others), in addition to cultural village stops, gorgeous scenery, and a chance to spend time getting to know the open, warm, friendly locals.
. . go to Uganda with Devine African Safaris and request Nicholas as your guide!
Nicholas has been guiding for years and helped us see more or the rare animals than any of the other travelers we talked to using other trip organizers and guides.
He was a careful and safe driver and knew all the roads and parks, and where to find the animals.
this was all at the best price we could find.
We couldn't have asked for anything more!
Check out the pictures, Nicholas got us so close to the animals I could take pictures with my cell phone!
I would never expect someone to take care of us as much as Emanuel from Devine African Safari did.
We had a perfect trip, been to gorillas just a step away, saw chimpanzees eating termites using the stick in the jungle, and many more animals during the safari.
The whole trip we felt extremely safe, taken care of and Emanuel was always trying to help us in each possible way to have as comfortable trip as possible.
I definitely recommend everyone the company and Emma as a guide.
I did a 6-day tour with Devine which included gorilla tracking in Bwindi and safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Everything was very well organized, the accommodations were great, the guide was knowledgeable and friendly.
The gorilla tracking itself was one of the most special and unique experiences of any of my travels.
I highly recommend!
Excellent I really loved my experience with Devine they are very professional and fun at the same time.
So the communication with the owner Nicholas directly before and during the trip as well was very fast and very cooperative.
I had also add a section to the itinerary and they were very flexible and managed great section.
The guide in Rwanda Ronald was fun and I enjoyed my time with him.
The guide in Uganda Nicholas I had an amazing time with him and unfortunately moments which we both share now and he truly have a pure soul full of joy.
I took the 7 days Big 5 & Big Cats in Uganda Wilderness tour.
I had never thought of taking a safari, but a friend suggested it, and I'm so glad I took this tour - I had the best time.
The trip was well organized, and the guide, Emma, was fantastic.
He was knowledgeable about the animals and the country, had a great sense of humor, and was a great driver.
Murchison Falls was stunning, and of course seeing the animals up close, with their different personalities, was incredible.
The country is beautiful, and the people are so friendly (little children would wave at us as we drove past them).
The food was good and the hotels were comfortable.
I'm trying to motivate family and friends to take this tour, or another tour, with Devine African Safaris.
I hope one day to take another tour with Devine African Safaris to see more of Uganda and hopefully also Rwanda.
I am so glad I found Devine African Safaris!
Nicholas was so quick to respond and helped us customize and plan the perfect itinerary for our trip to Uganda.
He had everything from the lodging, transportation, meals, and permits organized and scheduled for us, which really made all of the planning effortless on our part.
Our 6-day trip included chimpanzee trekking at Kibale National Park, many game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a game viewing boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, and gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
We had such an incredible experience with all of these activities - the gorilla trekking is a must!
The vehicle and drives were comfortable and all of the lodges we stayed at were so beautiful and welcoming!
Our expert guide and driver, Nicholas, was very informative and shared so much knowledge about the history and cultures of Uganda, as well as his expansive knowledge of the wildlife.
We had the trip of a lifetime and I can't wait to plan another trip with Devine to see even more of East Africa!
Booked in Dec 2019 for summer 2020.
Due to Covid 19 had to postpone the trip by one year.
Throughout this long period I cooperative and quick solutions offered.
The offered accommodations (budget/moderate) were all up to expectations, food was nice, but I would have preferred more Eastern African food instead of Western style.
Driver-guide Ronald in Rwanda was excellent, William in Uganda a top wildlife spotter and birdwatching expert.
Cars in both countries not brand new, but in good maintenance and comfortable.
Very reliable company, offering also off the tourist path options
I have just returned from an 8D/7N tour in Uganda with Devine African Safaris.
Both the pre-tour and the tour experience were great!
Communication was prompt and matter-of-fact, all my questions were being replied to patiently (and believe me, there were many --> lockdown, COVID tests, malfunctioning of the e-visa system, etc., etc.
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
The itinerary included Kibale Forest, Queen Elisabeth NP, Bwindi, Lake Bunyoni, Mburu NP.
Each area has it's own specifics, and accommodation in all of the places was comfortable, often with great views.
All this at a very reasonable price.
Emma, our driver cum guide, was excellent: professional, knowledgeable, with a good sense of humor and excellent English.
Important traits in a person with whom you are to spend quite some time...!
All in all, Uganda packs a lot in for such a relatively small country: wildlife, nature, landscapes, tasty food (make sure you try the Rolex:-))).
It's also admirable how the country managed to adopt all the fundamental anti-Covid measures, with sanitation stations dotted around the entire country, and everyone wearing a mask!
Many thanks to the Devine team for this fantastic experience!
I have worked on 2 similar trips of 9 days each.
The team of Devine africa was very easy going and helpful to our relatively last minute trip.
Our guide/driver williams was so kind, informative and accommodating to all of our needs.
I was lucky to know by pure coincidence this group , I was just browsing online and dealing with Devine African Safaris was so smooth and professional from the first message randomly sent to them; they responded straightaway, sent an offer within less than an hour, very polite respectful and comfortable attitude and service.
The meeting with the driver was as good as the organiser, Ronald is very kind, thoughtful, fun, professional and reflecting such a positive energy ... everything was organized perfectly, the site visits, gorillas trekking and karisimbi climb, couldn't be better!
A bit expensive due to the gorilla trek permission cost but worth it .. thanks a lot for the team , will definitely come back for more activities in the region :)
We visited Uganda's beautiful parks with Devine African Safaris.
It was such an amazing journey pregnant with anticipation as we were looking forward to seeing the mountain gorillas and luckily Boaz the appointed guide did not disappoint.
He was drove us from Entebbe through Kibale National Park followed by Queen Elizabeth National Park to the highlight of the whole trip - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
We had the best travel experience capturing wildlife filled scenes including shots from a family of fourteen gorillas.
We stayed at some of the most beautiful lodges on tour with Lake Mutanda Resort taking the cake.
If I were asked to change anything from our trip............ Would be to stay a little bit longer!
We finally did Gorillas in Bwindi and a safari to Queen Elizabeth in Uganda with Devine African Safaris for a very reasonably priced package.
Christopher was an excellent driver/guide, answering our many questions and sharing so much about Uganda's history, culture and attractions.
Gorilla trekking is an amazing experience, quite strenuous trekking up the forest for 3 hours till we finally came to a family of the famous mountain gorillas.
This encounter is unforgettable and is worth all the trouble.
I would not change or exchange it for anything.
It was gratifying that we took necessary precautions to protect these apes from contamination and the authorities are very strict on the protocols!
Uganda is special and has a lot to offer because the day at Queen Elizabeth National Park was not enough to explore the park, we sampled bits including taking a boat on Kazinga channel.
I recommend Devine African Safaris as the #1 local operator for Gorillas and Uganda exploration
Our recent experience with Devine African Safaris in Rwanda exceeded all expectations.
Communication with Nicholas prior to our trip was smooth and he made it easy to plan our trip in the pandemic.
He provided us with all the requirements for entry to Rwanda and sent Mike to meet us when we arrived at the airport.
The actual trip to Volcanoes for gorilla trekking and Akagera in pursuit of the big 5 was fantastic.
Mike's keen observation allowed us to see numerous animals ranging from elephants, antelopes, lions, hyenas, buffaloes in Akagera and the Gorillas at the Volcanoes which were the highlight of our safari.
The accommodations were actually better than had been described.
All very comfortable, serving delicious meals.
I highly recommend Devine African Safaris.
We spent a day with our guide in Kigali followed by a day trekking the Volcanoes for gorillas and finished off with safari game drives in Akagera National Park.
Chris was our guide for the trip and his knowledge about Rwanda's history, wildlife, culture and politics was freely shared.
Understandably there are very strict guidelines for Gorillas trekking at Volcanoes but they did not dampen our experience.
These animals are magnificent and the hour allowed with the family passed very fast.
We had a fascinating time in Rwanda courtesy of the great arrangements by Devine African Safaris including the nice hotel and lodges.
Excellent, I would love to return
The view of the crater lake at the summit point is amazing.
I was not so impressed by the slow pace that was forcefully imposed on us by the park rangers.
A hike that should have taken about 5 hours maximum for me and a few others ended up taking about 8 hours due to the constant stops.
On a positive note, the vegetation is lush and stunning, the trails are quite comfortable and it's a hike i would highly recommend for anyone that wishes to explore Mount Bisoke.
Rwanda is beautiful.
They are constantly concerned with preserving their environment for future generations.
They may be poor but they know how to make what money they do have go far.
The country is absolutely beautiful and the main roads are really good quality but be prepared for a bit of bone shaking when you get onto the minor roads.
It's worth the effort though as there is so much to see and do.
Rwandans go to bed early so don't expect a scintillating night life outside of Kigali.
The people there are the most polite and helpful that I have made in any other part of the world.
I can't wait to go back and renew my acquaintance with both the country and it people.
I took the 6 days Gorilla Tracking and Masai Mara safari with my partner through Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya with Devine African Safaris.
We had an incredible trip all through with guides Christopher on the Kigali - Bwindi leg and Maxwell in Kenya.
We were lucky that we did not have other people in the vehicle despite booking a group safari hence very private.
It was magical beauty in the parks seeing the gorillas so close, great experiences with the amazing Batwa people we met in between.
Masai Mara was spectacular too, we chanced on 3 lion prides, lots of zebra, giraffe, couple of cheetahs and elephants.
We were very impressed by the high service levels at the lodges in both Uganda and Kenya.
We have no regrets, only fond memories from our trip.
My daughter and I spent the day in the beautiful Akagera National Park.
Every detail of our trip was wonderful from our transportation to viewing the animals to our amazing guide Kenneth.
Rwanda is now my favorite place and I plan on going back.
We also did the one day monkey trekking tour which was equally fun and exciting.
You won't be disappointed and will know your guide is going the extra mile to ensure a memorable day for you.
Massive thank you to Devine Safaris for my trip and the experience, one I'll never forget.
My drive: Ibra, was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, he made the experience really easy and enjoyable, taking care of all arrangements and any questions I had.
I'd definitely recommend this trip to anyone.
We had a spectacular 7-day Safari in Uganda thanks to Devine African Safaris.
The communication with the sales office before and after the trip has been fast and customer-orientated.
The trip itself included all must-sees such as the Chimpanzee trekking, Queens National Park, Gorilla trekking and the Equator.
On top of that, interesting community and nature walks were offered along the way.
The accomodations were all well located and the staff super friendly.
The food was awesome and plenty.
We are very satisfied with this tour operator and can highly recommend it!
My wife and I went on the three days gorillas trekking tour in Rwanda.
Booking was easy as Devine staff was always available and helpful.
Our driver guide Chris picked us from Keys hotel in Kigali punctually and he is a great guy.
He made our trip interesting with his vast knowledge of flora, fauna, history, culture and was not elusive about the country's sad past.
We started with Akagera National Park seeing elephants, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife species.
Gorillas Trekking in Volcanoes National Park was very special.
Trekking for 3 hours in the forested trails with Chris and an armed guard from the parks was quite rigorous but when we finally sighted gorillas it was an awesome experience.
Everything on our trip was well planned and went really well as we had no hiccups on our trip.
Great experience
My 14 day trip to Africa was a complete success!
Nicholas and team were able to arrange a fascinating visit to Congo as part of this trip.
All well coordinated and secure.
Including a last minute itinerary change that team was able to manage.
Trip included visits to multiple national parks.
Our driver-guide Boaz was superb.
Very friendly and knowledgeable!
Happy to see gorillas in Congo and Uganda among other flora and fauna unique of the region.
Hope I can go again to Africa very soon!
We booked a 6 days safari, including boat ride, game drive, hiking, animal tracking and more.
It all went as planned and requested, with no significant changes or extra charges.
The lodges/camps are really nice, some in the middle of the forest with monkeys flying on our heads.
Good locations and kind staff.
Pity the food is never African but tents to be international, even though really good.
Our driver was always punctual, kind and good at spotting animals.
He was always asking feedback about the lodges and activities and asking if we needed extra water or something else.
The communication with the company before leaving was good, quick and precise.
As a plus, I booked via bookmundi, which mean I could pay in euros in a very safe way!
Is was a amazing safary i really recomanded this campany.
Thank you for making my holiday very exciting!!!!
If you go in august like i did you will not see the big 5.
I saw monkeys zebra antilope and a few others.
No elephant no lions no rhino...no crocodile.
They said that in june direct after the raining season its the best time and the biggest chance to see all of the big 5
Our gorillas tracking 4 people group to Uganda went without any hitch thanks to excellent arrangements by Devine African Safaris.
Herbert the tour guide is an experienced professional with remarkable knowledge of wildlife and Uganda's history.
All the accommodations and meals were very good.
The cost charged was fair for the trip.
We will definitely go back to Uganda with them
Thanks to Devine for a wonderful day in the gorgeous Akagera National Park.
The lush green of this park and landscape is worth the day visit.
While I've been on more impressive safaris in South Africa and Zimbabwe, this is a great day visit from Kigali and I can definitely recommend Devine.
The open air car was such a great way to experience the park, with your head above the van and the wind blowing in your hair.
Our park guide Mary led us close to the elephants, so very thankful for that.
Devine was on time, safe and provided a friendly driver.
My trip was a bit pricey for the day-trip, but can recommend them.
My colleague and I booked a 2 day Gorillas Trekking Trip to Uganda Bwindi after a weeklong assignment in Rwanda.
We booked with Devine African Safaris recommended by Johansson, country manager Rwanda for host organization.
The trip from Kigali with guide William was interesting, through the beautiful green scenic countryside to Bwindi National Park in Uganda.
We had a great day trekking up the forest to wonderful encounter with Gorillas.
Five stars for a very well organized trip by Devine.
Everything was perfect, the driver Edson picked me up at 5 AM and off we went to Akagera National Park.
In the Park's visitor centre we took another guide on board, Gisele.
Both guides were very friendly and tried to show me the maximum.
I was travelling alone, but with Edson and Gisele I was in good and pleasant company.
Saw a lot of animals: zebras, giraffes, waterbuck, topi, elephant, hippo, buffalo, impalas...The park is beautiful, green and lush.
In the northern part, the concentration of animals was very high.
It felt like being in the Garden of Eden!
I warmly recommend this trip!
Very well organized, reliable, safe, perfect.
Devine African Safaris organized a fantastic 1 day gorilla tracking for my 4 friends and I during the second week of November.
Communication and payment with Nicholas was smooth, transfers from Kigali International Airport to our hotel, gorilla tracking and departure.
We did the gorilla tracking with Herbert our guide.
He was professional and knowledgeable about Volcanoes park.
We had a fantastic time with a family of mountain gorillas and we were left wowed by the experience.
I can recommend Devine African Safaris, a responsible trusted company
I spent 2 days with Devine Africa Safaris tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda with my friends.
Special thanks to Nicholas for planning and executing our journey without a hitch.
Boaz the tour guide was proffessional and knew everything about Rwanda and park animals.
We had amazing close encounters near Mountain Gorillas!
We had the hike of our lifetime and Devine African Safaris comes highly recommended
Devine African Safaris are the best, 3 days trip to Rwanda and Uganda was absolutely wonderful.
The vacation tour started in Kigali Genocide Memorial, place full of sad memories with Boaz the guide/driver.
Did not spoil our vacation mood, as soon after drove to Uganda, Luxurious Bunyonyi View Resort for the night.
Boaz wonderful and excellent company, kept interesting conversation flowing showing us different trees in the forest before getting to Gorillas.
My 2 friends and I could not believe the aweinspiring sight of Gorilla family.
1 hour passed very fast!
Thanks for spectacular awesome trip
We booked with Devine African Safaris a 2 day trip to Akagera National Park, Rwanda.
Upon my inquiry, Nicholas was quick to respond with detailed information and budget options.
Together we created a 2 day itinerary for a great price.
We were lucky that Herbert was our guide.
He is a remarkable individual who taught us so much about Rwanda, quite frank too about the dark history.
The safari vehicle was brand new and Herbert is a careful driver all through the trip.
The night at Akagera Game Lodge was wonderful after a morning game drive and afternoon boat safari in the park.
We saw many animals including elephnts, hippos, lions, zebras, warthogs, giraffe, Kudu, duicker and birds like pelicans, wild ducks and storks.
Our trip flowed flawlessly and I woul gladly book with Devine African Safaris again
My wife and I recently did a 3-day Gorilla Trek from Entebbe to Bwindi.
Nicholas was very attentive throughout the booking process and I felt very comfortable that everything was being managed by a top-notch professional.
We were picked up promptly at 7 am from our hotel by our guide-- William.
We spent the entire three days with him as he told us his story and shared more about the history to Uganda.
William was an excellent guide during our time there and he was gracious enough to let us see more of the beautiful country beyond the forest.
We stayed in the Batiga Lodge for two nights as part of our package.
It is an eco-lodge that supplies clean drinking water to the local community.
We were treated to excellent service throughout our stay by Edwin and the rest of the staff.
It was a breathtaking sight to see the view of Bwindi from our room and to hear a rainstorm form overhead.
The main attraction was the Gorilla Trek.
There aren't many words that I can describe our day.
First-- the trek was truly a trek that I found extremely demanding.
I'm in my late 30s and by all accounts physically fit, yet I found the hike up the mountain challenging.
Second-- please hire one of the local porters.
Not only does it help the community, but Amos was our sherpa up the mountain and he was there to support us when we needed it.
Once we arrived near the family that we were visiting, we felt safe with our guide and the journey lived up to the hype.
It is hard to imagine the level of intimacy that you feel when looking at these beautful creatures with no cage or boundry.
They invite you into their home to watch them live and it is truly amazing.
We are so pleased that we went with Devine African Safaris.
Everything was excellent from Nicholas, to our guide William, to our accomodations, to our incredible wildlife experience.
My sister and I recently booked an amazing trip to see the last of the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Uganda with an amazing guide Herbert.
We decided on Devine because Nicholas was not only prompt with his detailed responses but also had great advice like the cost of permits is significantly cheaper in Uganda than in Rwanda in addition to the many five star reviews.
The trip was remarkable filled with exciting activities and some quite sombre like the visit to the genocide memorial in Kigali.
Herbert was knowledgeable and took his time to explain the different attractions that we encountered, he was very motivated and enjoyed his job tremendously.
The trip highlight was trekking high and deep into the Bwindi forest with our guide Herbert and then coming face to face with the gorillas.
The 2 hours or so that we spent close to these wonderful creatures is unforgettable.
I am happy that Nicholas booked us nice accommodations just as he'd promised.
I was sad to leave and I wished that I had booked a longer trip
Our trip with Devine African Safaris was everything we could have hoped for.
The booking process was smoothly handled with Nicholas being extremely prompt and professional in his communication with us.
Payment via PesaPal was easy and secure.
The tour itself was amazing.
Our guide, Nick, was punctual, professional, and very knowledgeable about Rwandan history, cities and people.
He chaperoned us to our various activities (gorilla trekking and a hike up Mount Bisoke) which were both amazing experiences.
We were able to get less than 2m from a group of 20 gorillas!
Devine African Safaris was extremely accommodating because we actually added the hike to our itinerary last-minute, and they easily adjusted our tour to fit this in.
Nick was also happy to show us the local way of life and took us to a typical Rwandan restaurant - which included a dish with bananas and peanut sauce!
Overall, we had a fantastic time and were happy to support local Rwandan businesses promote their beautiful country.
Would highly recommend Devine African Safaris for your trip!
Excellent trip organized by Nicholas at Devine African Safaris.
We did a lot of research before picking Devine and they did not disappoint.
Ultimately, it's the guide that's the difference maker on these trips.
However, most guides are free lancers and would work with multiple companies.
So ultimately, in picking companies, you are just picking the coordinator.
In our case, the coordinator was Nicholas.
Nicholas was very responsive throughout the preparation stages.
Also he was very accommodating to our needs.
Nicholas bought us extra meals when needed, bug spray, etc.
all at the company's expense).
Nicholas also checked in everyday to make sure we were okay.
One quick shout out to our guide, Richard Tayebwa, who was fantastic.
Choose him if he's available.
My husband and I went to Africa for our honeymoon.
We visited Rwanda and Uganda with Devine African Safaris.
I was so excited to go on that trip since I have never been to Africa.
All my friends told me about how great Africa is and I couldn't wait to see for myself.
Devine African Safaris did not disappoint.
I saw the greatness of Africa through the amazing trip that Devine African Safaris organized for us.
Nicholas the director worked with to come up with a perfect itinerary.
Boaz was a perfect guide.
The man is knowledgeable about everything in East Africa.
He told us about the history, culture, and politics of the region.
We learnt a lot from him.
He was also so friendly and fun to be around that it made our honeymoon enjoyable.
He was also professional and he couldn't have given us better service.
After 10 days with Boaz, he had become a close friend.
We were sad to say good bye to him but we hope that we will see him on our next trip to Africa.
Devine African Safaris exceeded all my expectations.
We couldn't have chosen a better company.
Our honeymoon was a memorable experience because of Devine African Safaris.
Choosing Devine African Safaris was the best decision I made.
Boaz, my guide, picked me up from the Kigali international airport and transferred me to my Lemigo hotel.
The actual safari started the following day with our drive towards Bwindi forest- home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas.
Boaz was knowledgeable about the culture, flora and fauna in East Africa.
He was so easy to talk to that we became friends.
He also could not stop talking about his country, Uganda.
He told me about the people there, and the best sites to visit while I was there.
We also visited Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks which are lovely attractions with a wide variety of land & water animals as well as birds.
During our trip we stayed at lovely hotels booked by Devine African Safaris.
The hotels were comfortable and provided breakfast.
We were always on time, because of Boaz's excellent professionalism.
I couldn't be happier with the company's choice of hiring Boaz.
I highly recommend Devine African Safaris for any trip that you want to make.
I had a great experience with both Nicholas L., the Destination Expert, and Nicholas, the Tour Guide.
Nicholas L. did a great job working with me in creating my tour, and worked with me in making some final changes to the original itinerary.
After receiving the payment, he sent me a prompt invoice, and verify the same.
He was also in constant contact and helped me with a few issues that arose with one of the accommodations.
Nicholas, the Tour Guide, was also very professional.
He was always on time, operated safely, was pleasant to travel with, and was knowledgeable about the various wildlife, culture, and news.
I would definitely book with them again.
My friend Mary and I did the 5 days Ugandan Safari with Devine African Safaris.
We found Boaz waiting for us at Entebbe Airport, he was to be our great guide during the tour, he is not only experreinced but also great company to be with on tour.
Some of the nice highlights include a stop at the Equator point where we took nice pics before proceeding to Queen Elizabeth National park where we saw lions, elephants, zebras and giraffes at Kaisenyi Plains.
In the afternoon did a boat safari in Kazinga channel and saw hippos, strange water birds and many other animals on the banks of the channel.
Another great experience was tracking chimps at Kyambura.
These primates are habituated and were not alarmed when we got close to them.
There were other different monkeys in this place.
Lake Mburo Park was also very nice where we did a boat trip and got close to crocs and many water birds and animals.
We had an amazing time in Uganda and I highly recommend Devine African Safaris
I am in Dubai waiting for my connecting flight back home after doing the Gorillas Trekking in Bwindi and later participating in the Kigali Peace Marathon which was absolutely awesome.
We arrived in Kigali Rwanda On Wednesday afternoon where Nicholas had booked us in Lemigo hotel.
On the following day after breakfast Boaz our guide took us to the Sombre Genocide Museum which is a very touching place.
Afterwards he drove us towards the Rwanda Uganda border which we crossed in the afternoon to Uganda.
The drive was smooth and nice through the scenic undulating green hills.
We reached Bakiga Lodge late in the afternoon and it was a nice cosy place set in the edges of the forest.
After breakfast we had the most remarkable experience trekking after the moutain gorillas in the dense forest.
We trekked up the forest for almost 2 hours and then the encountered a family of these amazing creatures.
We stayed with them for about 2 hours just watching them go about their business!
Later in the afternoon we drove to Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort a beautiful lodge on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi On Saturday we drove back to Kigali in preparation for the the marathon.
We took part in the Peace Marathon which was well organized around the beautiful clean city and it was an amazing run.
We stopped over for 2 days in Nairobi Kenya to visit my brother and thank you Nicholas for advising us to get the East Africa Common Visa which allowed us free movement through Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.
This has been a very fulfilling experience which Devine African Safaris organized perfectly and I have full confidence and recommend them to all.
I came to Uganda as a volunteer for a NGO project in Kampla and met Nicholas through my friends who had come on Safari with his company.
He organized a nice itinerary where I got to experience the best of Uganda's parks and wildlife.
I We had Boaz as our guide and he proved to be a very knowledgeable and experienced guide.
He took us to Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi National Park.
The parks offered good variety where we enjoyed different experiences in each.
We got to see Chimpanzees, went on a boat ride a long Kazinga Channel and thn had a remarkable experience tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest.
Overall I rate the trip highly because we had very good experiences full of animal sighting in the parks, accommodations were top class, the vehicle was comfortable and the guide amazing.
Very good and professional company and I recommend them.
Our guide Herbert made all the difference during our 3 days safaris in Uganda.
He picked my colleague and I from our hotel in Kampala after our breakfast Fort Portal Mpanga Tea Estate where we spent the day hiking to the Fort Portal Crater Lake.
We spent our night at the rustic Kibale Forest camp where the following day had another wonderful day trekking in Kibale forest after Chimpanzees in the morning.
Later in the afternoon we drove towards Queen Elizabeth Park.
This Park has many different species of animals and we even had a boat ride in the channel full of hippos!
All through the trip, Herbert was patient, careful and attentive to all our needs.
The company had made good arrangements so that we were not rushed through and had ample time to savour the beautiful surroundings before heading back to our hotel in Kigali to wrap up our assignment.
My recent visit to Rwanda with my friend John for safari and gorilla trekking with Devine African Safaris was wonderful trip that I will remember for many years to come.
Nicholas was our contact person and he was so professional, prompt responses to emails, flexible and created an itinerary that suited our budget and places that we wanted to visit.
Boaz was a perfect guide during the trip, he is very experienced and an excellent guide; right driving skills and great at spotting game- lions, elephants, zebras, water-buck, hippos, giraffe, buffalo and eland.
I loved trekking up mountain to the Gorillas.
The elevation was steep but our reward of spending time with a family of mountain gorillas was worth the effort.
After the safari we had a free day in Kigali and where Nicholas organized for Boaz to take us to the Genocide Musuem and lunch at a local restaurant serving African dishes.
We enjoyed our time in Rwanda and we thank you Boaz and Nicholas for being excellent hosts.
We had a wonderful time going on Safari with our super guide Herbert who made a huge positive difference in our tour.
The director Nicholas helped us with the itinerary where he did very well.
The trip was well planned and we were given a sturdy reliable 4x4 vehicle.
Herbert knowledge of wildlife, birds and culture is vast from the way he answered our questions with detailed explanations.
We also liked our accommodations which served great food.
Very clean too and professional staff.
A great company fully worthy the five stars
I booked my safari to Uganda with Devine African Safaris and I am very grateful and appreciate that it was well organized by Nicholas who guided us in creating a wonderful itinerary and then assigned us Chris as our guide who turned out to be a fantastic inclusion for he added a lot of value to out trip.
I cannot possibly enumerate all the animals that we saw here but Chris is an excellent guide and took us to the spots where we could see the wildlife well without any interference.
We went to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Parks.
The highlight of our safari was the Gorilla trek though we also enjoyed the boat safari on Kazinga channel.
We had a lot fun on this adventure and we recommend Devine for they were great and one could not ask for more
My sister and I recently visited Uganda to see the mountain gorillas and the whole experience has been amazing.
We had a very close encounter with a family of Gorillas and everyone in our group agreed that this was one life changing moment.
Our guide Nicholas had advised us that we needed to be at-least 21 feet away but at times we found ourselves much more closer than that and we did not feel threatened as these calm creatures went on with their business and did not seem to mind us at all.
We also visited 2 other parks and tracked other wild animals like lions, elephants, hippos, zebra, giraffe, hyenas, antelopes making the safari a huge success.
In a nutshell Nicholas organized a fabulous tour and you should not hesitate to book your safari with this company
I booked my tour with Devine African Safaris and I could not be happier.
It was way cheaper going with a local operator than it would have been if I had used the international operators.
Chris our guide was knowledgeable and considerate, answered all our questions and listened to everything we requested for and just made it happen.
We enjoyed the parks in Rwanda including the amazing trek to the mountain gorillas.
Chris made a huge difference in our tour and we will leave Rwanda with a better appreciation of its culture, people, beauty and natural resources.
I recommend this wonderful company fully to all my mates.
We recently went on safari to Uganda and had a wonderful time.
We communicated with Nicholas who made the planing and payment process very smooth.
During the actual safari we went to Queen Elizabeth National park where we saw lots of animals like buffaloes, elephants, hippos, lions, giraffes, monkeys and lots of birds.
We then drove south and came to Bwindi.
We did the Gorilla trekking in search of the mountain gorillas.
We were quite lucky as the trackers located a family and communicate with our guides and we had ample time to marvel at the huge primates.
They go with their business without noticing our presence.
This is a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.
I am very grateful to Devine African Safaris for getting us to experience that great spectacle.
They are a great company and I fully recommend them
My husband and I recently did a Gorilla tracking and cultural vacation in Rwanda and Uganda.
We arrived in Kigali and then had a tour around the clean city.
We visited the genocide museum and some other cultural sites in Kigali before left Rwanda for Uganda.
We stayed in the lovely Mutanda Resort and it a very nice place by the shores of Lake Mutanda.
The Gorilla tracking adventure the following day was a one in a million experience.
We trekked high up the Mountain and one should be fit to enjoy this activity.
Our trackers led us to a family of Gorillas and we enjoyed the experience very much.
In the evening we had a fantastic evening entertained by a local dancing troop and served with traditional cuisines.
We had a fantastic trip and Chris is a wonderful guide who made our trip successful.
Our missionary work recently took us to Uganda and we decided to take a days safari to the parks and also try and visit the mountain gorillas.
We contacted Nicholas on very short notice and he was able to organize a fantastic safari to Kibale and Bwindi Parks.
Our guide Chris collected us from our guesthouse in Entebbe and took us for the African adventure.
We saw lots of animals including elephants, hippos, lions, zebras, giraffes and the most captivating moment with a mountain gorilla family.
Trekking after the gorillas is quite taxing due to the high altitude and it was raining however all that wore off when we cam to their nest.
This is a memory that I will carry for the rest of my life.
Thank you Devine African Safaris for organizing this great adventure on such short notice.
After our long flight from the US for my brother and I it was a delight to find Nicholas waiting for us at the airport in Uganda and transferred to our hotel for the much needed rest after introductions to our guide Simon.
The following day Simon came for us and took us to the JUNGLE for the real African adventure.
We visited 3 parks but engaged in so many activities that I cannot name them all here.
We went for a boat ride on Kazinga Channel, Chimps sanctuary and off course the game drives in Kibale and QE parks not forgetting the trip highlight of trekking after the gorillas in Bwindi.
Simon our guide was an awesome guide.
He gave us the a detailed account of Uganda, culture and so much more such that he made the tour a real life experience of sightseeing and also background behind it.
The Treks are well organized with the wardens only allowing a small number of trekkers at a time.
We came so close with a family of Gorillas and it is an unforgettable experience.
Devine Africa Safaris is great company and we are luck to have received their fantastic service.
I recommend them fully
We did the Gorillas Trip to Bwindi with Devine Africa Safaris and we got more than we bargained for literally.
The whole experience was second to none and we got it for a smaller cost than the quotes we had been given by international operators.
Nicholas is a smart and respectful gentleman who made our trip worthwhile.
He made everything easy for us and provided us with all the information that we needed; VISA information, packing list, vaccinations and park information so that by the time we were coming to Uganda we knew all what was required.
The pickup from the airport was on time and the punctuality continued all during the trip.
We had Chris as our guide and he was very good, made sure that we saw all the animals that we wanted, kept our date with the cultural dancers in Mutanda and he is a good orator who captivated us with great narrations.I will give Devine Africa Safaris top marks for delivering on their promise to showcase Uganda, coming up with a well organized and sequential itinerary and hosting us well.
Highly recommended!!
Devine were a great option and worked to our budget as we'd specified we wanted to do it in the most cost effective way possible.
The accommodation they booked was great, with fantastic food, our driver Herbert was fun and most importantly, a good safe driver, oh, and we also got a nice present from them as well.
They were also the best price for a budget but a long shot, which after looking at around 10 other operators, nobody got close.
Would recommend
We just came back from one of the most remarkable and memorable trips I have undertaken in recent memory.
Nicholas was a darling all the way up until the moment he packed us back on our plane back home.
We were impressed by Devine Africa Tours reviews and it being a local company run by locals.
Nicholas had prompt answers for all our questions, logical suggestions to enrich our itinerary and above all most reasonably priced for the same package.
We initially thought that we could get substandard service for paying less but far from it we were hosted in the same excellent lodges that we had been shown in the other packages.
Nicholas made our trip fun with excellent English and magical guiding skills.
He seemed to pull the animals from the ground and where we thought there was nothing, he ask us to look more keenly and we could see a lions or a leopard that could not see before.
I guess this comes with experience and passion for the job.
For those going to Uganda or Rwanda I highly recommend Devine Africa Safaris and you will get a wonderful experience.
I had the opportunity to visit Rwanda last December when I came with my family to visit my sister for the Christmas holidays ans we also decided to do do a Gorilla Trek as this has been one thing that I have been hoping to do for a long time.
My sister knew Nicholas and she helped arrange everything for us.
The experience is second to none.
The hike is a bit strenuous and it was raining but when we finally found a huge family of Gorillas all the strain was forgotten in an instant.
Such a lovely sight of a huge male, several females and babies just there eating leaves and kind of posing for the numerous photos that we took.
I am glad to have met this company because they charge very fairly in comparison to the international operators and are very skilled, well educated and informed making them perfect guides.
We had the most interesting time in Uganda with Devine African Tours.
This was our second trip with Devine Africa Tour, last time we only had 1 day for safari as we had come on business and had a very tight schedule.
This time we wanted to visit the famous mountain gorillas in Bwindi and a few parks in the process.
Nicholas made us a beautiful itinerary which took us to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi.
Spending time with Nicholas was quite something.
He is a great conversationalist and understand nature, conservation and culture and he loves sharing his knowledge.
We saw plenty of game and enjoyed the great Ugandan outdoors.
Gorillas tracking in Bwindi went on well, and we spent about 2 and half hours with a family of Gorillas.
Amazing stuff!
I recommend Devine Africa Safaris without any reservations
We've just completed the most wonderful adventure in Uganda game watching and trekking in search of the endangered mountain gorillas is Bwindi.
We began planning for this trip last year when our friends came back from Uganda and narrate how they had a great adventure.
We got in touch with Nicholas from Devine Africa Tours who had been their guide and started with the preparations.
Nicholas was flexible and allowed us to make changes in the itinerary and also we paid in 3 installments which worked really well for us.
We arrived in Entebbe - Uganda and found Mark from Devine Africa Safaris waiting for us and then our Ugandan Adventure began.
We visited 3 parks - Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and Bwindi.
Each park special in it's own way and with guidance from Mark we wre able to view abundant animals, birds and also experience the Ugandan culture first hand.
The gorilla habituation in Bwindi was special.
The wardens gave us a briefing and then we were put in groups of 8 and the trackers preceded us and notified the guides on the position of the families.
We spent 3 wonderful hours just watching the humble creatures paying around, eating leaves, resting and those are 3 magical hours that I will never forget.
Devine Africa Safaris make magic come true and I recommend them to anyone going to Uganda.
We found that Devine Africa Safaris have an organized system.
The guides were friendly and knowledgeable.
The trek is not easy due to the steep inclination of the hills, however the Bwindi Gorilla Trek turned out to be the experience of a lifetime.
Watching the gorillas from a close range was an amazing experience, them just going about their business without a care in the world.
Devine is highly recommended!
I went to Uganda with my fiancee for the Uganda Gorillas Trek with Devine Africa Safaris with guide Nicholas and he we had an amazing time.
Nicholas has mastered the art and science of handling safaris perfectly.
The booking and payment process had no issues and the safari was perfectly executed.
We made all the stops in our itinerary and the experience was much better than what we expected.
We had many remarkable moments during our safari like the boat ride on Kazinga channel cruising next to hippos and elephants, lions in TREES in Kaisenyi but nothing beats tracking the Gorillas in Bwindi.
Watching these magnificent animals in their families is an experience I will never forget.
Nicholas made our safari memorable.
Listening to his unending stories about Uganda's history, culture and nature was music to our ears.
We are definitely going to tell all our friends about the wonderful Nicholas and Devine Africa Safaris!
I booked a 5 day Safari including the famous Gorilla Trek to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park with Devine Africa Safaris.
I spoke with Nicholas about my Safari and he allayed all my fears and even helped in firming up my itinerary.
My tour began from Entebbe airport where our guide Chris picked me and drove us to our hotel in Entebbe.
The following morning we began our tour in earnest when we were picked from our hotel and driven westward to Kibale National Park in the foothills of Ruwenzori Mountains.
We had a great afternoon touring Magombe Swamps and got to see many water birds, hippos, monkeys and elephants.
We spent the night in the lovely Primate Lodge with very comfortable rooms and great food.
The following morning took us tracking chimps in Kibale and we saw a family of about 10 playing after which we were driven to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
We spent the night in Marafiki Safari Lodge which was also very good.
We woke up to a game drive in Kaisenyi plains and Chris was a master in spotting wildlife.
We saw 2 prides of lions, elephant herds, warthogs, bushbucks and many others.
We were then driven to Haven Lodge on the edge of Bwindi.
This was our last day on safari which took us for the gorilla habituation trek, after registration and briefing by the park rangers.
We trekked for about 2 hours and then came to a family of Mountain Gorillas.
These creatures are just amazing and we were awed by their nature.
Chis was an awesome guide during the whole of this safari and we had a fantastic time.
The whole experience with Devine African Safaris was amazing and I had such a wonderful time.
It was my first time visiting Rwanda and Uganda and no previous experience with tour operators in the region before, I was a bit worried to book a small independent tour operator.
But I guarantee there is nothing to worry about, choosing Devine African Safaris was an excellent decision!
Starting with Nicholas, who was very helpful and responsive during the booking process.
He provided me with all the information I needed and customized my trip according to my preferences and personal interests.
In the end I booked a 4 day trip ( 1 day trip to the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village and a 3 day, 2 night trip from Kigali to Uganda for the Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest).
Herbert (my driver) was exactly on time picking me up in Kigali.
He was a really friendly and informative guide and very knowledgeable of the region.
I felt very safe with him and there was always time along the way to stop the car for taking some nice pictures of the beautiful landscape of Rwanda and Uganda.
The accommodation and restaurants chosen by Devine Safaris were excellent.
I stayed at the Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, an eco-friendly lodge located in the southern area of Bwindi National Park.
The staff were pleasant, the food was excellent, and my room was comfortable.
Trekking the Gorillas was truly a memorable experience and can't be described in words.
All in all I would always choose Devine African Safaris again and can highly recommend them to anyone who is going to visit Rwanda or Uganda.
I definitely would love to go back some day in the future.
Thanks Devine African Safaris for a wonderful and unforgettable experience!
We booked a Gorillas Trekking safari with Devine Africa Safaris in Uganda and the experience has surpassed all our my expectations.
Nicholas handled everything so well, he was prompt to respond to all my emails and queries and helped us planning an excellent itinerary.
Our driver Chris was better than good, very knowledgeable, easy going and caring with very detailed and well thought out answers to our numerous questions about Uganda and the parks.
We saw so many animals and for each sighting we got a detailed narration about them.
Our accommodations were also very good and in the evenings we could be happy that we took the suggestions from Nicholas.
We had a very enjoyable time in Uganda and we recommend Devine African Safaris!
We went on a Gorillas trekking safari in Volcanoes park in Rwanda with our friends and we had an incredible experience.
We had James as our guide and he is an excellent guide with inexhaustible knowledgeable about the Gorillas, their behavior and also very good with the birds too.
He easily identified all the birds that we saw during the trip.
The trackers led us to a family of about 12 gorillas where we spent about two and half hours enjoying the wonderful experience, taking numerous photos of the family and it was just amazing.
We were very proud to be part of the conservation work as the permit fees are used to conserve this endangered species.
Devine Africa Safaris over delivered on the gorilla experience and are our new found friends.
A big thank you to the Devine African Safaris!
We will be back
When I together with my 2 sisters finally made the decision to do a gorilla trekking safari we started scouring the net for various options available.
We were keen on working directly with a local operator as they are the ones that take you on tour.
We sent out a number of inquiries to various operators and when we compared the various quotes Devine Africa Safaris was a clear favourite.
The bid from Nicholas was very detailed giving us the various budgetary options and even advice on how to link the destinations in sequence so as to maximize on the time we spent in the parks.
This was our very first time in Africa and we did not know what to expect, however Nicholas assured us we were in good hands.
When we finally came for the Safari we were very impressed with our guide Nixon, he was a perfect gentleman and also very well informed.
We had a great time in Bwindi tracking the mountain gorillas and spending about 3 hours so close to the amazing beasts.
We also visited other parks and even took a boat game tour down Kazinga channel which was another amazing experience.
We are happy that we went with Devine A. Safaris and recommend them to anyone thinking of doing a Gorilla Tracking Safari
My boyfriend and I enjoyed a Fantastic African Adventure in Rwanda and Uganda.
We ended up with a great itinerary thanks to Nicholas who helped us on putting the itinerary together staying at nice hotels and visiting parks packed full of wonderful flora and fauna.
Incidentally Nicholas was also our guide for the trip and he is an outstanding man; very thorough and attentive to detail and leaving nothing to chance.
He ensured that the vehicle was always clean, stocked with water and soft drinks but more importantly a very knowledgeable and excellent guide.
We managed to see so much game in all the parks we visited.
I loved this company and in the future when I have a family I hope to bring to them on Safari and my company of choice will be Devine Africa Safaris.
We just returned from a Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Devine Africa Safaris.
We opted for Uganda because the permits in Bwindi are considerably cheaper and we also wanted to combine the trek with a few days of Safari.
We visited Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and Bwindi National Parks where we saw lots of animals however the highliht of our tour was the Gorilla habituation trek in Bwindi.
We were well hosted by Devine African Safaris and they are absolutely a fantastic company to go on safari with
We booked a 4 day tour in Rwanda and Uganda tour with Devine Africa Safaris and it has been such a wonderful experience.
From our first contact Nicholas was absolutely fantastic and guided us through the booking and payment process.
We found waiting for us when we arrived in Kigali late in the night and he was there the next morning with our safari vehicle to take us to for the Gorilla trekking.
He was very knowledgeable with excellent humour and a great source of information.
Seeing the Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in their natural setting was a very beautiful experience.
We are very grateful to Devine African Safaris for giving us such a memorable experience.
We had the most wonderful safari and Gorilla trekking experience through Devine Africa Safaris.
The Company takes pride in personalizing the safari to the client and this is exactly what we got.
Nicholas was our first point of contact and he was very professional and responsive to all our enquiries.
Incidentally Nicholas was also our safari guide, he is an excellent driver, navigating the bumpy roads of the safari with great ease and confidence.
His expertise was significant in knowing where to identify and how close to approach all the game.
All the accommodations selected were on point, very clean with ensuite bathrooms and showers with heated water on request, and served delicious meals.
We were able to see elephants, buffalo, lions, rhinoceros, baboons, gazelles, wildebeest, giraffe and the highlight of the tour- Gorillas in Bwindi.
Devine Safaris put together a terrific trip for us at about 50% of the cost of U.S. based companies.
We were happy with our guide and all the accommodations.
We did the gorillas and golden monkeys in Rwanda; also gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda
Superb company, excellent people.
Nicholas was fabulous.
Right from the start, by understanding that some tourists might be somewhat reticent or even overwhelmed by the prospect of travelling to the center of Africa.
He communicates well and is proactive with his clients.
Any, and I do mean any questions are promptly addressed and very promptly responded to.
He is, as are many Ugandans, gentle, friendly and kind.
We took a 9 day safari to 4 National Parks.
Our driver and main man was William.
Again a very genuinely nice person who was a fantastic companion for my wife and myself over many miles.
He went out of his way (even at his own expense) to ensure we experienced everything we wanted to do and see.
And we did see everything.
One thing to keep in mind is that driving conditions in Uganda are unlike what many North Americans have experienced.
It is not a factor to take for granted.
I have driven in many countries for over 50 years and there is absolutely no way I could have driven as effectively or as professionally as William.
Asante.
The highlight, obviously, was seeing the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.
But this is not to minimise seeing hundreds of elephants, numerous lions, chimps, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, zebras, crocs, hyenas, monkeys, baboons, various ungulates and the elusive leopard.
We travelled in the latter part of January.
The weather was dry, not excessively hot nor were the insects much of an issue at all.
Nicholas has also endeavoured to secure relationships with hotels and lodges that ensure comfort and fine dining.
The lodges at Murchison River, Crater Lake, Bush Lodge and the Gorilla Safari Lodge were all pleasant surprises and good experiences.
All in all----the trip of a lifetime.
We toured Uganda in summer 2018 and the Safari Tour was absolutely amazing.
We started our tour in Queen Elizabeth NP where we viewed huge numbers of elephants, buffaloes and monkeys.
We were also lucky to view 2 prides of lions and a leopard.
Our next stop was Kibale NP that where we viewed Chimpanzees and very many hippos wallowing in Kazinga channel where we toured by boat.
We then drove to Bwindi NP and stayed at the Lake Mutanda Resort.
We spent close to 3 full hours with the Gorillas as the warders start the 4 hour count from the moment you spot the first night nest and thanks to our guides they spotted a family of 16 females under the protection of a gigantic silver-back.
It was an absolutely amazing experience with Devine African Safaris.
I visited Rwanda and it is such a beautiful country, so green with rolling hills.
Devine Africa Safaris arranged my tour and everything went so smoothly.
Nicholas put together a great itinerary where our tour started in Kigali with a visit to the Rwanda Genocide Memorial Museum, a very somber place.
Nicholas then drove us to Bwindi in Uganda in search of gorillas for the habituation tour.
Spent a good 4 hours in the forest trekking several families.
I was happy that Nicholas arranged for us to visit Rwanda and Uganda as we got to sample the best from the 2 countries for a budget that was lowest in comparison with the other tours operators that we spoke with.
Devine is a great company and I am very happy with them.
I took my girlfriend on the four days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari hosted by Devine Africa safaris in December.
Our guide Nicholas picked us from lemigo hotel in Kigali and drove us to volcanoes national Park where we arrived in the afternoon rested Abit and then went to musanze cave tour.
The second day was most exciting as we embarked on the gorilla trekking in search of the rare mountain gorillas.
We had a tour briefing by the park wardens and spent the rest of the day trekking.
Nicholas was very knowledgeable about all the best trails to follow and when we finally came to a family of habituated gorillas, it was worth the effort.
We spent the following day exploring the park and even saw the rare golden monkeys winding down at the grave of Diane fossey.
Nicholas I am coming back this November for Uganda tour that we talked about.
It has always been in my bucket list to visit the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda and early last year I decided to get this done.
I did not have prior experience with Tour operators from Africa so I went TripAdvisor where from the reviews I zeroed in on 3 operators with whom I made initial inquiries.
Nicholas of Devine Africa Safaris was pretty quick to share various options and their costs were reasonable and had a flexible payment plan.
He continued to impress and when I finally made the decision in April on it was a no brainer that I chose to go with Devine Africa Safaris.
The Safari in Rwanda was out of this world.
Well organized timely transfers, comfortable vehicles, great accommodations and great food.
I reserve special thanks for our guide Chris who went out his way to ensure that we had a great time viewing game and even when it came to the ultimate gorilla tracking we had very close encounters with the Gorillas.
I recommend Devine Africa Safaris for their professionalism and love of their work.
Thank you Nicholas.
We had a great X-mas and New Year holidays experience thanks to Devine African Safaris.
The Safari was action packed with lots of animals; birdlife, marine-life, cats, and off course primates.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience takes the prize for uniqueness and thrill.
I will never forget the 4 hours that we spent with the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Such interesting animals and it's a pity that only so few are left living freely in the world.
Thank you, Nicholas for putting together such a great itinerary and taking care of us during the safari.
We will be back next year for a different experience.
It was a wonderful experience.
Nice weather.
Friendly environment.
The staff are very friendly and welcoming.
I cannot wait to visit there again. . - Panyaste , Berlin Germany
We are now back home and I want to thank you for the wonderful time we had with your team during the 7 day Chimps, Water and Gorillas Safari with Devine African Safaris, we had such a wonderful experience.
Everything was flawlessly arranged, from the transfers, accommodation in and the game-drives/tracking sessions.
The number and variety of animals that we saw during the tour is incredible; Lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetah, chimps, hippos and lots of water birds.
We must have seen almost all the species of tropical wild game in the brochure.
Our last stop in the adventure was Bwindi which amazed us thanks to Devine Africa Safaris guide William.
He was patient with me despite me slowing our group of 5 and we managed to see 3 families of Silver-backs.
I give you five stars rating for effort and perfect delivery of the safari.
What a memorable experience!
My family has always wanted to do a Gorilla tour and when the time came, we embarked on getting a local tour agency to organize our tour in Uganda.
Devine African Safaris was recommended by our close family friends Joseph and Margret who used them in 2017 and had a great experience.
I must say that I was impressed with Nicholas from the on-set, he was very timely in his responses and offered invaluable advice in replying to our numerous emails as we planned out our itinerary.
His attention to detail is exemplary, and we were pleasantly surprised when we found him at Entebbe waiting to welcome us and even dropped us off at our hotel.
The Tour itself was an amazing experience; we started off at Kibale National Park where we had the amazing experience of visiting Magombe Swamp where we saw countless birds and even some rare monkeys.
The highlight of Kibale was, of course, tracking the Chimps in their funny groups.
Queen Elizabeth was great too.
We really enjoyed the boat ride on Kazinga channel, seeing the hippos so close and the herds of elephants by the banks.
The highlight of the whole safari was the 2 days we spent in Bwindi Impenetrable forest tracking the Gorillas.
I count myself lucky that our guide Busulwa was so knowledgeable on all the trees, birds, tracks and he, together with the wardens, led us to very close encounters.
They always knew where the Gorillas were.
We never imagined we could get so close wow!!
We will definitely be back and I recommend Devine Africa Safaris
Gorilla trekking has been something on our bucket list for a loooong time.
This outfit did a great job tracking the families before we set out to ensure we would find them.
We got much closer to the gorillas than we expected and the whole trip was terrific
It was really nice we enjoyed the canopy walk way and they provide good service to us thank you!
The reception was amazing and the guides
Beautiful park and well protected.
Its a pitty the park is not connected to any other and surounded by agriculture
During my tour with guests at Nyungwe National park it was great because we saw alot of species of birds and trees in nice environment plus monkeys and many more.
Canopy was great - easy hike on a trail, great views, monkeys/ birds, and of course the thrill!
Chimp trekking - shocked there aren't worse reviews.
It requires a 5am pick up, an hour of bad roads (total driving each way was 90 minutes) and a lot of off trail hiking (really just sliding up and down hill) for 20 minutes of seeing them from fairly far away because they are up in the trees.
If I had known it would be so time consuming and challenging, I wouldn't have gone and I'm an avid hiker.
I had a great porter but I thought the guide had unrealistic expectations for how fast tourists could hike - everyone on the trip fell at least once because it's uneven and muddy.
Altogether it was nearly 6 hours of driving/ hiking/ standing In the forest for the 20 minutes we saw them.
Of course some people may have better experiences but due to chimps moving so much/ so quickly, it makes it very challenging.
I had enjoyed the monkey treks much more.
Very nice place in Africa ...I didn't ever get a good moment like this.
Proud to visit Rwanda.
Proud to work with Jean Paul from Nile Tours and Travels .
The park is beautiful.
We chose the longer walk and would have probably preferred a shorter one in the morning and the aerial walkin the afternoon.
This was my second visit to Nyungwe National Park so clearly I think it's worth a visit but there are a few frustrations that let it down.
The first thing I want to say is DON'T BE CONNED INTO BOOKING IN ADVANCE (like I was!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
You actually can't book in advance!
I found a few companies who I thought were linked to the Park but they're just tour operators who take your money plus a 'small' (25%!
admin fee.
The Park do accept these payments but, as you can only book on the day, there's absolutely no need to do this.
You turn up at Uwinka Reception at (or before) 9am and book and pay for your trek.
They only accept card payments and at the time of writing you have to have a negative rapid antigen COVID test certificate which you can't get at reception (you can get them in Kitabi).
This booking process is, unsurprisingly, quite lengthy so don't expect a quick start.
There are a range of different hike options (Trip Advisor>Nyungwe National Park>Visit Website takes you to nyungweforest.com.
If you scroll down and click the 'Hiking in Nyungwe Forst' link you can see all the available treks).
I have done three of the trails so have had three different guides who have ranged from OK to indifferent to poor.
One did take time to talk to us and tell us what we were seeing but the other two mostly marched on ahead and hardly spoke to us.
On my first visit I did the Umuyove Trail in the morning and the Irebero Trail in the afternoon.
The advantage of this is that the two treks are quite different - the first one takes you down into the rainforest and past a waterfall with the possibility (but no guarantee) of seeing birds (unlikely) and monkeys (more likely); the second does include the forest but also takes you out at the top where you get views of Burundi and Lake Kivu.
You also get a break in the middle with a chance to rest and get some lunch.
The disadvantage is that most of the treks are the same price ($40, some are more) however long they are and there is no discount for booking two treks so this cost me $80.
This time I did the Imbaraga Trail which is 6 hours but still only costs $40.
My experience is that it's like doing the Umuyove Trail but for 6 hours instead of 3!
It's extremely tough.
You go steep down, down, down, then steeply up, up, up.
You see an awful lot of trees and vegetation but very little in the way of views.
There are some impressive waterfalls and we did see colobus monkeys very distantly but definitely don't do this if you want guaranteed monkey viewings.
It's good walk but I definitely think the Umuyove and Irebero option is better, it's just annoying about the cost.
Amazing.
Note that a negative PCR test is needed to enter.
The canopy bridge was beautiful.
Especially loved the chimpanzee trek.
Keep in mind they're fast so it can be a pretty intense vertical trek.
Walking sticks are complimentary.
Overall such a wonderful experience!
Definitely recommend !
A rainforest not to miss!
The climate is so cool with beautiful calls of endemics birds!
I can't forget the great experience of chimpanzee trekking!
Whatever you do, DO NOT miss the Canopy Bridge.
Worth the hike in and out.
A bit scary but you feel great having done it.
We thoroughly enjoyed our chimp trek - our guide Everest was great, and my porter Fabien took very good care of me.
Yes you have to get up early, ride on bumpy roads, and hike steep and slippery areas - but it was thrilling to see the chimps, and in a mountain rain forest!
We also enjoyed the canopy walk.
Rain scared others away, but it stopped and my husband and I were the only ones hiking.
The guide was excellent and seemed to know every bird, tree and plant.
This National Park in the southern region of Rwanda.
The drive into the park is pretty spectacular with monkeys darting across the road and stunning landscapes.
We participated in the Chimpanzee trekking which requires a very early start - our pick up from the hotel was at 5:00am.
We had an hour drive to the park with the last 30 minutes on an EXTREMELY bumpy road.
Our trek began at approximately 7:00am and was mostly down hill for the start.
The path was well marked and open however it had many visible roots, branches and leaves.
Within 30 minutes our rangers had found some chimps for us to watch.
We then followed them around in the forest through thick brush for about an hour and observed them up in the trees.
During this time our guide gave us many details about the forest and the chimp's behaviours.
Our climb out was mainly uphill and took approximately an hour.
It was quite strenuous.
Our other activity in the park was to the Canopy Walk.
We took the Igishigishigi trail which is approximately 2 hours - on the way it is all down hill.
The bridge is 70m high and 160m long broken into three sections.
Fantastic views over the rainforest.
Unfortunately the trek back was all uphill and very steep.
It took about an hour to climb back out.
Both guides we had were professional and very knowledgeable.
Various hiking routes, but always with lots of ups and downs, sometimes steep and slippery.
Guide always required
Phenomenal!
Most underrated spot on Rwanda....
I did the chimp trekking with the guide David and he was incredible.
Ten out of ten.
Beautiful park.
Driving true the park is beautiful.
With monkeys on the street and a maximum speed of 40 km/h you can take extra time to let it all get in.
In the forrest we did the canopy tour.
It'a a beautiful walk to the canopy and has some great viewingpoints.
The guides are great as well!
A must go in Rwanda.
Long trek to the waterfall but we'll worth it.
The canopy walk is a must.
We also trekked to see the chimps which was spectacular.
The landscape if breathtaking and the air is so clean, you feel your body using all of its senses to take it i n.
Nyungwe national Park is a forest park where it located in Southwest part of Rwanda near the border of Burundi.
This park is more famous because of it's wonderful atrractons that you find there like Canopy Walk, The Source of Nile River and more than 250 bird species, chimpanzees... and so many things that help it to becomes amazing.
Nyungwe is indeed spectacular.
For the forest lovers, you always get refreshed to be in a different world, Nyungwe.Whenever i visit, i get refreshed and get amazed by nature lovers along the trip.
Would indeed highly recommend it.
The Canopy Walkway is EXTREMELY well built.
Because you can't see all the way to the bottom, it is somehow less scary.
Our kids were fine.
We took a few deep breaths.
But then did it again.
The Ishigishigi Trail takes you to the Canopy Walkway, but it is a good 2 hours of steep up and down with a small family and involved some carrying on the way back.
We then saw monkeys near Gisakura with a guide.
It was 1 hour and $40 per adult.
But you don't pay to get in to the park and this is the equivalent.
We saw a few Colobus, and it was OK. Not sure we'd rush back to do it again though.
The staff at Nyungwe were great and went out of their way to be helpful.
Our Covid tests hadn't come through from RBC and the park staff chased them so we could go on the trails.
We booked online for the Canopy Walkway which was easy.
We broke din person at Gisakura for the monkeys, but this simple meant that they booked online for us.
Took a while!
The payment and registration process at the Uwinka reception center was quite smooth and timely.
The briefing process was quite informative and my designated guide was extremely friendly.
I had expected the wallk to be tideous as was mentioned during the briefing, but i was done in 40 minutes.
The views of the lush canopy of trees was breathtaking and the air extremely fresh.
I highly recommend the walk for anyone exploring Rwanda.
As part of a student travel group, we visited Nyungwe to learn more about the ecosystem, its conservation, and the animals here.
Our entire group of 16 people did the trek in different groups.
If you plan on doing the chimp trek, please be prepared and take time to do some hiking before the trip.
My group, which left at 7 AM, only walked about half an hour before seeing chimps and were in the forest for maybe 2 hours.
However, another group that left at 5 AM was in the forest for 7 hours total.
That being said, the experience is unlike anything else.
We got to see a small group of maybe 8 chimps for around an hour, with the alpha male sitting on the ground maybe 20 feet in front of us.
Our guide was friendly and helpful, encouraging us to move to spots where we could see better and taking pictures for us so that we could focus on watching the chimps.
The canopy walk was also great.
While I am not a fan of heights, I could appreciate how stable it was and what an excellent view of the forest it provided us with.
We started our canopy walk at 8 o'clock, with our amazing guide Shandak.
The canopy was beautiful, but it was our guide who made the trip unforgettable.
He seemed to know everything about the plants, flowers and animals.
He showed us different types of monkeys and squirrels on the way, he supported my mom on the slippery tracks (wear good shoes during rainy season) and he helped me cross the bridge and made my fear of hights dissappear!
We did the Canopy Trek one day and the Chimpanzee Trek is he next.
Both were excellent.
The guides were very good and the experiences were unforgettable.
We also appreciated the traditional dancers after the Chimpanzee Trek.
They were awesome.
Nice touch.
What a beautiful and unforgettable experience Early morning we drove thought the mountains and the tea fields The trek was short but intense, Chimp move so fast , the ranger team and our Guid Augustin were so well organized , I felt save and free, I saw beauties of the rain forest and discover wild life On Afternoon it was a monkeys trek , so pleasant too Highly recommend
We did a hike (the Umuyove (Mahogany) trail) of about 2,5 hours, which led us through the beautiful rainforest, with some gorgeous views and one waterfall (not so spectacular).
The hike was not difficult, sometimes a bit slippery and some ascensions, but we were lucky and had great weather the whole morning even though we came in the rainy season.
One thing to be aware of is that they no longer accept cash payments in any of Rwanda's three parks since June/July 2019.
We were not aware of this (and neither was the 11th edition of Lonely Planet East Africa), so we had some problems when we wanted to pay.
A creditcard plus verification is now needed.
They don't make exceptions, and there were some problems for other tourists that morning with making the creditcard payments too so we couldn't make use of the whole day.
The hiking trails generally cost $40 per person, no matter how many.
The canopy trail is an additional $60, so we didn't do that one.
Another thing our guidebook hadn't been updated on is that the Uwinka reception office (from which most trails start, although only two or three can be started if you don't have your own transport.
There may be a chance to ask them to bring you to a trailhead further on with their own jeeps but we heard from other visitors they wouldn't do this) does accept bookings and payments.
So you can book/pay at all three offices: Kitabi, Uwinka and Gisakura.
The website for online booking and payment is irembo.gov.rw.
The place was simply breathtaking, staff were welcoming, food was full of flavours and most of all the infinity pool that made it more worth the long drive.
love it
Went to see the mountain gorillas but actually went in via Uganda as the visa was much cheaper than on the Rwanda side.
Hard work to trek into the forest but certainly worth it to be up close and personal with these beautiful creatures!
Your looking for something which will give you a cool feel, relaxed and have a lovely moment with your loved one.
This is the place to be.
The landscape is lovely.
I have done a lot of safaris for my self and my clients, as i am a tour operator based in Uganda and Rwanda, but this place is epic.
The canopy walk is so lovely as it gives you a great moment to taste your inner soul.
You hike and sweep and enjoy the whole activity.
This is wonderful and one of its kind.
You want a package, just email me, am ready to serve as usual.
I went to the forest with them help if BB Travels and Jeffrey Travels.
The staff and rangers at the forest are knowledgeable and friendly.
The forest is immense with so many different animals and birds.
I especially enjoyed seeing for the first time in my life the Cinnamon chested bee eater, Red faced woodland wobbler - endemic, Regal sunbird - endemic, and African hill babbler.
Outstanding experience and wish I could have stayed longer.
and it was worth it.
A guide and 6 trackers helped us bushwack down 1200 feet to find the troop.
We watched for a generous hour, then the chimps were ready to leave trees for the day.
One ran up the hill past us only 10 feet away; a great experience to cap the trek.
Then we had to do the 1200 feet back up the hill and the trackers and guide helped tow us up the hill.
We were a group of 4 relatively fit 50-somethings, but not athletes.
The downhill was hard for a member with a bad knee, but we all made it!
The permit purchase and check-in process was byzantine: Go to Rwanda Development Board website and follow link to irembo website to purchase permit.
When we got to the ranger station before 5 pm prior day had to transcribe all the info into a handwritten logbook -- passport, birthdate, etc.
We did the chimp trekking and colobus trekking.
The rating is based on the beauty of the forest, the abundance of monkey and chimp sightings, and the trails.
Some of the trails had steps and benches.
Daniel happened to be our guide on both occasions and he was terrific.
He was also a maestro at taking pictures with our phones through the binoculars.
Visitors should be aware of a few things though: Chimp Trekking - Long day.
The terrain was dry and in some places steep.
However, the trek was worth the reward.
The trackers were amazing.
We found the chimps after about 45 minutes of walking and they were on the move.
The trackers kept on their heels and we saw them on the ground (one was even running).
They continued to track them until a resting spot and we stayed there for a good hour and watched them climb and eat.
There were several ant colonies.
Definitely tuck your pants into your socks.
The porters were valuable both with helping on steep areas, and also clearing ants from your shoes/clothes if needed.
Colobus - short hike, some through tea fields.
Markedly easier than chimps.
The trackers again were amazing finding and following the monkeys.
No porters needed.
Total trip was 3 hours.
Canopy tour was under maintenance, unfortunately.
This place is worth making time to visit.
The park has remarkable primary rainforest with a fascinating fauna.
Other reviews online have complained that the activities are very managed (hikes start 2 times per day and you need a guide).
We didn't find this onerous and some of the guides (especially Hope) are extremely knowledgeable.
They are managing the activities in this way because they want tourism to be economically and environmentally sustainable, which I respect.
We are hikers and enjoyed the trails.
The chimp tracking was a highlight, but note that, depending on where the chimpanzees happen to be, this may involve bushwhacking off trail on steep slopes.
It's not dangerous (you are in good hands with the trackers), but it is physically demanding.
I'd recommend boots with ankle support, though I managed OK wearing running shoes.
The effort was well worth it for us.
We spent three hours chasing chimps across the landscape, including long periods watching them from near the trees they were frolicking in.
An inspiring adventure!
Let me be very clear: the 2/5 grade is not on the forest itself, which is beautiful, but on the way activities are handled.
One month in advance we booked and payed 60$ for the canopy trail and just a few days before leaving we received an email saying that the canopy was closed due to maintenance (surprise!
), but that we could change our activity.
We then chose a coloured trail and discovered that the 20$ difference in price were lost.
The day after, we planned to trek the group of colobus monkeys close to Uwinka, but we have been told that the only group available was the one close to Gisakura.
We then payed 60$ per person for a trek that lasts no longer than 15 min, and we basically did not put a single feet inside the forest since the group stays on the trees at the edge of the forest.
I understand that there are fees to pay to preserve the forest, and that's good, but we ended up paying 120$ each + tips for just a couple of hours inside the park... Be very careful when you chose an activity, some might be great but some will deceive you.
We were here during the rain season, so obvious: we had rain!
Nevertheless I would recommend to visit Rwanda including this park in the rain season.
A big plus is that there are very few tourists.
So we had twice a guide for ourselves.
The canope walk is a must of course.
Strangely enough, the costs of a 1.5 hour walk is $60 per person and a 3.5 hour trail is $40.... Don't miss this park during your stay in Rwanda!
The Western province is scenic with the lush hills and tea plantations.
Nygunwe is a little gem in the heart of the province with mountain monkeys crossing the road and chimpanzees playing in the trees.
The canopy walk is also worth doing for those who are not afraid of heights.
I rate this park higher than Akagera because you are able to walk around and explore.
I had been interested in Nyungwe because of the opportunity to do a chimpanzee trek, and when I learned that the cost of gorilla trek permits in Volcanoes National Park is reduced by a third for all travelers including another national park for a few days in their itinerary, I was sold.
I am so very glad that we spent a few days in Nyungwe.
The landscape became more and more lovely as we drove from Kigali to Nyungwe NP.
During our time there, we did a chimpanzee trek, the guided canopy walk, a colobus monkey trek, and a visit to a nearby tea plantation (with an excellent opportunity to do some birding).
The chimpanizee trek is evidently always unpredictable in terms of length, difficulty, and opportunity to see some chimps, so I consider us lucky to have only had to hike for about 25 minutes down a slippery but manageable slope before first hearing--then seeing--a whole troop of chimps enjoying breakfast high in a ficus tree.
My husband, who is 73, found the porter's help invaluable in maneuvering the descent and eventual ascent.
The canopy walk was pleasant but disappointing in that we saw no birds or animals at all.
Still, it was great fun crossing the suspension bridges.
Our trek to see the colobus monkeys turned out to be only a short stroll adjacent to a tea plantation, since that's where one of the troops of these beautiful creatures had gathered that particular day.
Although none ever descended to ground level (not surprising since they are the most arboreal of African monkeys), we saw dozens upon dozens climbing in the trees--some sitting sedately, and others actively leaping from branch to branch.
A highlight for us was sighting a mother with a snow-white baby (they don't develop their black and white fur until they're older).
Mom sat stoically as her little one climbed over, under, and around her.
Do include a visit to a nearby tea plantation when you visit Nyungwe.
The gently rolling fields are beautiful and you'll have a chance to watch the farmers at work.
It seems that most people who travel to Rwanda do so to see the remarkable gorillas in VNP.
There is so much more to see and do in this beautiful country, and at a minimum, travelers should seriously consider visiting Nyungwe...and, once going there, don't just breeze in and out, as we saw some guests at our accommodation do.
Stay at least two days to enjoy some of the wonderful sights and experiences this area has to offer.
I have never been so excited and thrilled as i was during my visit to nyungwe it was amazing and i took a One hour and a half tour which was really rewarding!
This was amazing experience for me!
The activities on offer are amazing and visiting this pristine wilderness is something that will stay with you forever.
Our guides were friendly helpful and had a huge amount of knowledge to share.
There were so many highlights and no lowlights.
Couldn't find this under accommodation, so I'm putting it here.
We chose to stay here as it is the centre of Nyungwe where all the walks start from.
Unfortunately it was bucketing down and pitch dark when we arrived!
The hire tents are pitched on raised wooden platforms under canopies so do stay dry.
However it is an extremely long walk down a rough trail from the car park and from the visitor centre to get to them.
There is absolutely NO lighting whatsoever, so it's pitch dark and even with a torch it's a struggle at night.
Meals are available in the cafe...back up at the top, so there's a steep hike involved to get your meals; again in the dark if it's for dinner.
Lack of any external at all down by the tents means that getting out to the toilet and shower block is a hazardous experience as it involves going down more steps with no handrail.
Taking children to the toilet in the dark and pouring rain was not great!
The loos were clean, but as far as I could tell there were no functioning showers when we were there and no actual washrooms...only a cold tap outside.
They light a fire for you in the evening in the firepit if you wish.
I think you can cook on it if you want to!
Meals in the cafe are basic but perfectly good.
The tents are basic but roomy enough.
The mattresses are 'adequate' but could be thicker!!
We re seasoned campers but simple things like better (or any!
lighting and more functioning washrooms would be an an improvement.
Not sure I'd stay there again.
Be warned it's along drive from Nyungwe entrance to Uwinka.
Our primary goal in visiting the Nyungwe National Park was to see the chimpanzees and we were not disappointed.
We set out at dawn with one of the park guides and he quickly led us to a place where we could observe a troop of about a dozen, including the alpha male and several females with babies.
We could get fairly close and were about to get some good photographs.
We were told by the guide that we were very fortunate - it sometimes takes hours to locate a troop and doing so can involve traversing some steep and difficult terrain.
On the previous day we encountered the smaller mountain monkey - also fun to see.
We really enjoyed this park, but be forewarned that animal sightings are not guaranteed- the animals are in the wild and do as they please.
There are several trails of varying lengths and level of difficulty.
The descriptions and walking times given are realistic if you are fit.
It is mandatory to have a forest guide with you at all times.
We walked with Daniel, a park guide, who had a great experience of the forest and expertise in identifying the birds, as well as a good understanding of conservation, If you want an early start it is worth going to the ranger centre the day before to give your details and book in - this avoids queues early in the morning.
You can also do an excellent walk with almost guarantee sightings of chimps - do not expect a 'zoo view' as they are likely to be high in the trees and moving around.
Ground can be steep and slippery so best to wear decent hiking boots and accept the offer of a walking stick!
Everyone who can afford the 20USD should hire a porter - whether you really need a small bag carried or not, as this is a direct way of ensuring that the local community benefits.
The porters are local farmers who are in a cooperative, have some training in how to pull unfit tourists up steep slopes, and take it in turns so that they on average spend about one day a week as a porter.
They are also the forests ambassadors in the local community and keep an eye out for poaching or tree cutting.
Encourage the rest of your tour group to each hire a porter!
We had a great time doing a canopy walk and one of the trails (3.5hrs, umuyove trail).
Nice views and good experience of rainforest.
Next time I would just do a longer hike as I found the canopy walk overpriced and it is a shame you cannot combine the canopy walk with another trail (I.e.
you have to pay separately for both so $60 for canopy and $40 for nature walk despite the fact that the trail we did covered exactly the same route as canopy and trail was extended, it just didn't include going onto the canopy which is fun but can be missed).
If you don't fancy too long of a walk and something different, then do a canopy :) A few tips: -if you are a hiker and would like a day-long hike (6 or 8 hr trail as per picture), then definitely arrive the day earlier as they start long hikes at 8 or 9am -arrive earlier to register and pay or book online ((we paid on the day) -You have to be accompanied by a guide for all the hikes and even though they advertise walks at particular times, if they have a guide available (applicable to shorter I.e.
up to 3.5hr hikes only), then you don't have to wait.
-Not all hikes start from Uwinka Visitor Centre so allow enough time for registration and payment.
Canopy and Umuyove trail start from Uwinka, I'm not sure about the others.
-if you'd like value for money and fancy a hike, then choose one of the trails (nature walks) instead of a canopy walk -bring at least trainers but walking boots preferably if you do a longer trail as there is a lot of downhill and uphill (and if it rains, then it is very slippery and muddy).
And remember a raincoat :) -we heard that weekends are busy with locals so if you do a canopy, it might be worth pre booking online -We stayed in Kitabi EcoCenter which was 30minutes away from Uwinka Visitor Centre, conveniently located with spectacular view and good customer service (bucket showers though!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
I think cheaper alternative was KCCEM guesthouse.Great
We went to walk the canopy.
Frankly to high for me but my wife and son loved it.
The Park is so beautiful with some incredible views, and an excellent guide.
The canopy trail was a little short, so I added on another trail that is adjacent to it and had a nice hike overall, around 2.5-3 hours total.
Being afraid of heights I wasn't sure about the canopy walk, but it ended up being pretty cool and was very secure.
The Umoyove trail was a pretty easy hike overall, but you go down the first half and up the second half.
So, by the end it can be pretty tiring.
But, you get to see a small waterfall at the midway point, and maybe eat some fresh blackberries along the trail too.
I really got lucky and was able to view 3 different types of monkeys all on the hike, which the guide hadn't ever seen so many on a single hike.
He said on many hikes that you may not see any, or are lucky to see a single family.
So, be sure to keep your eyes open, listen for branches cracking in the distance and bring a pair of binoculars or a camera with a 50x zoom to get those who are in the distance.
You will also see gigantic redwoods with roots as thick as your body along the second trail, a few flowers but not many birds given how tall the trees are on the trail.
Note: ALL TOURS require a park ranger so you can't just show up and go on your own, you have to hire a paid ranger to escort you along the trails.
The Nyungwe Forest Canopy walk is not for the light headed!
It was a lovely adrenaline filled walk from canopy to canopy with a breath taking view of the forest.
This National Park is incredible, views of green mountains as far as the eye can see.
Hiking tracks are well signed and the park is clean with great facilities.
We only stayed for only one night in the end as we were sadly called away by family illness.
As it took us about 5 hours with stops to drive from Kigali, this was a bit of a shame.
However we did do the canopy walk which was scary but exciting for our grandchildren but not difficult to get to (if you discount the 200m climb back up).
Our guide Pascal was very informative and helpful to the children.
There would only have been one other walk suitable for the children anyway.
Although most of the walks are not far it is quite slow walking through the forest.
We saw blue monkeys and colobus monkeys out by the road.
If you want bird life you need to walk further into the forest and not have noisy children with you!
We stayed at Uwinka campsite (basic!
as it is the centre for most of the walks.
it's about another 45 mins from the park entrance to here.
Would have liked to go up to Gisakura to see the tea estate and walk to Nile source but trip was cut short.
Met some people who said the guest house here is very good.
Take hiking boots and good waterproofs.
It was unbelievably wet when we were there.
it's not called the rainforest for nothing Advice about paying for a trip if you haven't paid in advance.
The process is extraordinarily long, so get there in plenty of time (opens 9.00am)!
Passports are needed and if you are a Rwandan resident verification takes twice as long!
Everything has to be photographed, verified and entered on to their system...sometimes twice!
They use a laptop but the connection is extremely slow....the wifi comes and goes!
You can ONLY pay by card...no cash and bad luck if your card needs a OTP and your mobile doesn't work here!!
After all that they have to fill in all the details on a paper sheet....but hey, this is Africa!
Chimpanzee trekking.
Colobus monkeys.
Mountain monkeys.
Waterfall hiking.
This forest has it all ... so be sure to do it all!
Truly a spot to be treasured on this planet!
What a beautiful forest!
It's about 4 hours south of Kigali (and you can get there by renting a car, hiring a private driver, or taking an assortment of cheap buses), and there are many options for hiking in nature.
The prices vary, depending on if you're a citizen, a resident, or a non-resident.
The guided nature walk prices are reasonable, at $40/non-resident, $30/resident, and you can go on various trails throughout the day.
There are a lot of options here.
For example, there's a 10km hike that takes you to four waterfalls, and there are other hikes that are only a few kilometers.
For the chimp trek ($100 for non-residents, $60 for residents), it's highly advised to book ahead of time.
For the nature walks, though, you can show up the morning of (around 8:30 or 8:45, as the walks depart at 9am) and book on the spot.
Most nature walks, as well as the canopy tour, depart from the Uwinka Office, which is about 40 minutes' drive from Kitabi.
At $60/non-resident, $50/resident, I think the canopy walk is overpriced.
That said, I've also been lucky enough to do zip lines and the like in other countries, so this wasn't a particularly brand new or once in a lifetime experience.
Still, it was fun, and it offered a great vantage point to see the canopy and to see DRC in the not-too-far distance.
If you're interested in seeing monkeys (we saw many L'hoest monkeys on the side of the road while driving to the headquarters, and we saw a few blue monkeys while on our walk), or if you just like getting out in nature, breathing in the fresh air, and getting a little exercise, I highly recommend going to Nyungwe and booking at least a nature walk.
I visited with a few of my friends to do the canopy walk.
Although the walk itself was a little scary it was a good experience.
Our guide, Kristoff, was very knowledgeable and pointed out several animals on out hike.
Very glad we were able to visit the park
I planned to visit nyungwe primarily to see chimps but i found the info a bit confusing.
I hired a driver for 3 days to take me from kigali to gisakura, to kitabi, back to kigali.
His name is Jean-luc and he was excellent and helped with info and plans and phoning hotels.
I would definitely recommend him for trips in that and other areas (rushemajeanluc@gmail.com).
Although i am sure it is possible to do trips in nyungwe using public transport, I think it would be extremely tricky.
The main issue being that guides don't have their own transport so they rely on coming in your vehicle to the start points of the trips.
We arrived in gisakura at around 2pm, the park reception centre is about 2 mins drive East of the village.
There we booked a Colobus monkey trip for 3pm.
The park seems to prefer payment by card, as I think they use the irembo website to book trips.
The Colobus monkeys are very close to reception and it is probably possible to see them for free but the payment for trips does help the conservation of the forest so it seems worthwhile.
My guide, bosco, and the trackers were great, I was the only person on this tour, it wasn't rushed and we saw tonnes of monkeys.
I stayed overnight in gisakura.
The chimp trek starts at an eye watering 5am at gisakura park reception.
I booked my permit online at irembo, although i think they have a 15 permit allowance and there were only 8 on my tour so booking ahead may not always be necessary.
The start of the chimp trek was a 1.5 hours drive West, so staying overnight at uwinkwa or kitabi is not advised.
The trek was quite challenging as the chimps were on the move but we saw quite a few so was definitely worthwhile.
We walked for about 3 hours, getting back by about 11.
After this we drove along the forest road to kitabi, the road is great and we saw monkeys and a chimp along the way.
To sum up, booking ahead on the irembo website is the safest thing to do if you are worried that trips may be full (realistically only the chimp trek will get full) and getting a driver or hiring a car and driving yourself.
The forest is great and so are the staff.
We drove around and went to the canopy walk.
which was great but payment process was long, need to have a PoS machine and stock the 'canteen' better for the diverse range of people who visit.
I've been here for monkey trekking and the canopy walk.
The canopy walk does have a bit of a hike to it, so be prepared!
But it's totally worth it.
Try to be the first one!
your photos will be much better without the other people in it
I've just spent 5 nights there (at Giskura Guest House), walking the trails with a guide, birding, seeing a chameleon, having fantastic views of a range of monkey species (including the Uwinka megatroop of Angola Colobus), taking in the stunning scenery, admiring the ferns, lichens, strange plants and beautiful views.
I wish I could've been there for longer.
I would love to go back.
The place is just exceptional, and being very well cared for, from the Rwandan army soldiers on fire watch on vantage points along the trunk road through the park, through to the National Park staff.
Some of the trails could do with a bit of maintenance of hand rails or steps, but I had no problems getting around.
The diversity of the habitat and frequent steep slopes meant I could frequently see into the canopy of trees without looking up, or see the skies above, so - for birding at least - I didn't feel I needed to walk the Canopy Walkway, but I think that does a great job in getting people out into the forest.
I guess not everyone knows what to do with themselves in a vast, primal and unique forest.
I went chimp tracking too - that was a superb experience.
You'll need to pay for permits to visit the forest, but you'll be investing in nature conservation and sustainable development in this great country.
It is hard to get around the park without a vehicle (although motos would take you in, I'm sure).
In a word - go!
Nyungwe national park is an amazing example of highland rainforest and home to numerous primates including Chimpanzees, L'Hoest's Monkey, Blue Monkey, Golden Monkey and Colobus Monkey.
There are also numerous birds and over 75 types of mammals.
The hiking is great with several options for long (several day) or short (just a few hours) hikes.
There is also a very cool suspension walking bridge, the canopy walk suspended above the rainforest canopy which is great fun (but not for the faint of heart!)
I am always feel happy to visit Nyungwe National Park.
This is one of the oldest rain forest in Africa.
This time, I have enjoyed walking on canopy walk with better view of the forest.
I inhaled good pure oxygen as they are least air pollutants.
They will offer you a guide to tour your around the forest as you can not do it alone.
They had nice restaurant at the reception for African food, European food and Asian food.
The plate is on affordable price (3000 Frw in 2018).
you can have access to internet if you like to post your photo or to show your friends where you are.
You will need to start visiting in the morning if you will be coming back to Kigali where you can visit one of the museum in the southern province (King's Palace in Nyanza or Ethnographic museum in Huye).
I was enjoyed so much
Nyungwe Forest became a national park in 2005.
Nyungwe Forest National Park lies in the southwestern corner of Rwanda.
The nearest town is Cyangugu, 54 km away at the shore of the beautiful Lake Kivu.
Nyungwe Forest is an acclaimed chimpanzee trekking destination, but it's also home to East Africa's only Canopy Walkway.
Take another perspective into the untouched rainforest canopy, walking upon the wildlife and centuries old treetops.
And what a thrill it is!
Add to that the adrenaline kick of the 60 meters high canopy walkway, and well - you have the adventure to remember!
This forest also covers an area of over 1000 sq kilometers.
You can also find over 300 different bird species, many butterflies, orchids, 75 mammal species including the 13 primates, and there have also been the sightings of the golden monkeys.
After arriving in the Nyungwe Forest, your mind automatically deletes the wonderfully constructed road and other modern beautiful infrastructure of Rwanda and takes back into time of the real untouched Africa.
The park rangers are well trained and well versed to guide you through the whole of trekking.
The park has many gates, and different trekkings start from different gates.
The famous 'Canopy Walk' is from the entrance that is 30 minutes further ahead from the 1st gate, after the town.
The nature walk + bird watching and tea plantations are from the 1st gate, which is hardly 3-4 minutes drive from 'Nyungwe Top View Hotel'.
You often come across monkeys and a lot of butterflies, birds in the forest.
'Canopy Walk' is There are decent toilets at the reception of each gate.
Better use toilets before trekking.
Also use good trekking shoes as the trekking area is sometimes very slippery and dangerously narrow.
such a beautiful forest with so many nice birds, butterflies and monkeys....Canopy walk is too expensive: 60 USD and you will have to pay 40 USD additionally for going for a walk/hike....better go for 2 hikes as the second one is for free (stand: June 2018)
We really loved all about the park, we have seen multiple sides of the park with different activities.
All worth while, friendly and qualified guides.
beautiful scenery
Let me start by saying that I've been all over East African and this is one of the most impressive forests I've seen in the WORLD.
Sadly, the country's troubled past finished off the elephants and gorillas, but the park still has 13 species of primates (according to their site) and a few birds that are not reliable anywhere else in the world.
The park appears to be very well managed and infrastructure is excellent (4x4 not required).
We had a few issues with communication with the guides which I will explain.
We got a rental car (a saloon car which was fine) in Kigali because we wanted to make sure we limited time spent screwing around in the morning.
We did meet two French travelers who did their visit by bus (and opportunistic hitchhiking) and they were able to pull it off so you by no means need a car, we just wanted convenience (40 USD/d from Kigali Car Rentals).
Your guest house can also arrange motorbikes for you.
Our visit was highlighted by strange interactions with park staff.
At first, it was really straightforward - we agreed on what fees we were to pay, the meeting place for a guide and then we were set.
A guide is required to access any trail and the rates were actually not bad - 100 USD for three days including guiding (but not transportation).
I'd reserved a guy called Claver for two days, and a guy called Claude for the two days that Claver was not available (got their cell numbers from the internet).
Unfortunately, it all fell apart because Claver got sick so we had to improvise.
The first two days with Claude were BRILLIANT.
He got us the Lagden's Bushshrike on Karimanzovou trail and the Kivu Ground Thrush on the Isumo waterfall trail - two superb ticks.
For the remaining 4 days, we had to get other guides who proved to be almost useless.
First there was a guy called Daniel, who we were told was a good birder.
However, he refused to take us on a proper trail and took us instead along the main park road, where he pointed out very common birds and even failed to know the calls of some common species (eg Mountain Illadopsis) which we wasted time trying to figure out.
He then took us to a trail around a tea plantation which produced none of our targets.
Apparently, he had a bad leg which prevented him from taking us on proper trails, but this was not communicated to us until well into the day.
For the last 3 days, we requested a different guide.
I had been warned by a friend to avoid a guide called Vedaste at all costs but we were forced to try our luck with him as he was the only other bird guide.
To be fair, his knowledge of birds was decent but still failed to produce anything that we would not have found on our own.
The first problem was that he didn't want to hike long distances (we wanted to hike the Bigugu trail to the summit of the park's highest point).
We were told it was a distance of 14 km each way but in fact when we did it, it was 14 km round trip.
Shouldn't the park staff know information about their trails?
One person we called said we could arrange to camp up there, while another person said we could not.
So park information differed depending on who you asked.
All this discussion wasted time so in the end we did not camp, but that was ok.
I think Vedasted just was too lazy or unfit to do the climb (credit to him for doing it).
Another instance where communication was poor was when we first arrived and asked if we could camp in the park.
The answer was no, we had to go to the village, and that the best place was called Keza guest house.
We later found out that we had been lied to - that there is indeed camping available in the park (albeit prohibitively expensive) but that they wanted us to stay at Keza because one of the rangers there owns it.
Another complaint was that Vedaste wanted to meet in the village (for birding) at 6:30 am - which is insane.
We wanted 5:30 but had to compromise for 6:00.
sunrise is 5:45 and it takes 20-30 minutes to drive to the trail).
During the entire 3 days with Vedaste, his behaviour got shiftier and shiftier.
He kept asking us odd questions and to see our permits and passports multiple times.
It turned out he wanted my guide (who was from Kenya) to pay as well, even though it was agreed at reception that since he was my guide he would not have to pay.
So strangely, we paid for my guide for the final two-days' worth but in cash and obtained no receipt.
I was starting to make a scene about this when my guide had to take me aside and calm me down and explain that I better just pay the extra money to avoid further troubles (ie they could get us the pay for the whole 6 days for him - retroactively).
So I paid and we finished our last day, adding only one new mediocre bird (Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo).
We were keen to also hike the Rukuzi trail (as Dwarf Honeyguide had been seen there) but Vedaste more or less convinced us that Karamba was better.
We later realized his real motive for dissuading us from Rukuzi was because that is the main trail where chimps are seen (if we see them on our own it will prevent us from potentially paying for the guided chimp trek).
The takeaway here is that Nyungwe has only two good bird guides and their names are Claver and Claude.
Make sure you get one of them!
If you don't, be very insistent on what activities you want to do and don't let them influence your choice.
We were very unlucky that Claver was ill, because he is world-renowned.
Claude was top-class.
The rest of the park staff has serious issues with communication which they need to resolve.
First off, I would like to mention that you do not absolutely need a car to get around at the park.
It may be more convenient but not necessary.
We had Joseph from Gisakura Guest House reserve motos for us for the whole day (15,000 rfr per moto) and they will basically wait for you the whole day.
Just for a complete picture- we left from our guest house at 630 am.
Dropped off at Karamba Trail for birding.
Then they took us to Uwinka where we did canopy and two nature hikes (umuyove and buhoro).
They then took us back to our stay around 4 pm.
You may have to pay for another moto for your guide- this was our experience with the birding hike, not the other hikes though.
PERMITS: We bought ours at the RDB office in Kigali because we could use our credit card.
It's cash only once you reach Uwinka.
Also, wanted to spread the word that the $40 nature hike gives you access to all the nature hikes for the whole day and you can do as many as you want.
This was not made clear to us til we were already at the park.
TO THE PARK: Many tour groups and even the people at the RDB office told us we needed a car to get there but you can take a bus which will only set you back for 6000rfr (from Kigali- Nyabugogo bus station you can take the Omega bus to Rusizi) Also, if you're going during rainy season, try to squeeze most of your hikes in the morning because it will likely rain in the afternoon.
Bringing a long raincoat and rainpants would also be smart- you'll be glad you brought it because when it rains, it pours!
We did the Canopy Hike.
If you come during the rainy season (September - June), you will likely encounter muddy conditions.
So dress appropriately.
However, even if you forget something, the Park Office rents rain boots, rain jackets and rain pants.
For the cost of the canopy hike, the Park provides wooden hiking poles, which I found very helpful because the trail is not only muddy but steep.
The trail is lovely and we saw a family of blue monkeys and heard, but did not see, birds.
The total hike is about 3 kms.
The canopy part of the hike consists of 3 sections: a short section, the longest section, and a final short section.
The canopy bridge sways a lot and of course is very high.
Although I attempted to walk the canopy bridge and my guide was very encouraging, my acrophobia made me turn back.
Instead, I walked along a trail on the ground and crossed a lovely stable bridge before meeting up with the rest of my group who all had successfully walked across the canopy bridge.
At the beginning and end of the hike, there is a building with information about the flora and fauna of the park, as well as a tiny restaurant that prepares meals and sells snacks.
I loved Nyungwe.
On our way out of the park, we saw a troupe of colobus monkeys.
Stunning and breathtaking Views!
the air in the forest is quite good as well.
The canopy walk is amazing it is not too much just the right amount of walking!
We didn't do this through a tour company and at first it was a little confusing on how to get permits.
However, it is super easy once you know how.
You can book and pay beforehand online at the Rwandan government Irembo website.
There you can decide your activity, the most popular being the Chimp trek, canopy walk, Colobus monkeys trek and waterfall trek.
Its much easier than the previous method of paying on arrival with cash or card machine (when internet can be intermittent).
You will need a 4x4 car or a driver to get round to the different starter points.
We did the Chimp trek, Canopy walk and waterfall trek.
We recommend them all, they were all great.
The guides were all great.
The forest is beautiful, there are so many plant and animal species that are only found there and its an amazing experience just being amongst the nature there.
Our favourite was the canopy walk, (for those who don't like heights it is quite a challenge).
But is amazing views and definitely worth it.
Its quite an easy trek and was really fun.
You can do it at 8am or 3pm each day.
The waterfall trek was more challenging, it is quite steep but zigzags down, and then up 1 hour there and then 1 hour back.
But if you are used to hiking you should be fine.
The Chimps was also very good, but we only saw two males as because of the season and lack of food the group of females and babies were further away searching for food.
As we were with a group who could not do long treking we weren't able to trek too far so it was disappointing not to see more, but also amazing to see what we did.
You leave at 5am and trek in the jungle not on the beaten path so it can be more difficult but as with out group the rangers will make sure its not too difficult for your ability.
Watch out for the safari ants!
On the way we saw lots of different species of fauna and flora, lots of monkeys, colobos as well.
Definitely recommend!!
My tour company had arranged for me to do the chimpanzee trek in the morning and the canopy walk in the afternoon.
I found the chimpanzee trek very arduous, we were in the forest for about 4 hours.
Unfortunately they were always moving around and the terrain was very steep and slippery.
However the guides were excellent and very helpful.
The main problem I found was that as one of the unfitted members of the group of 7, i was always lagging a bit behind and as soon as I arrived at the position where the chimps were, they had moved on.
The photography problem was solved by the,guide who took my camera and got me some marvellous shots.
I counted the experience as one of my achievements!
Again I cannot praise the guide and porters too much for help they gave me.
After only 45 minutes rest it was off to the canopy walk, quite an easy pathway down but you have got to come back the same way!
The guide who was the brother of the chimp guide provided a very interesting commentary and the animal life and plant life.
The canopy walk is a marvellous feat of engineering and.a real exciting experience.
There was only 2 of us at this time so it was easy to take photos selfies etc.
I would imagine with a large group there may be waiting around as only a certain number of people are allowed on the walkway at a time.
The government of Rwanda is dedicated to protecting its natural resources and wildlife, which is noteworthy given the small size of the country (same as Albania or the U.S. state of Maryland).
Hiking is accomplished with well-trained guides.
We trekked chimpanzees, and it was a very memorable experience.
Remember to wear the correct clothing - hiking gear, to include gloves.
This is the Land of 1000 Hills!
this is a natural stunning forest and unique the trees are ancient and the honey from this forest is magnificient, walk the canopy there camp at Uwinka
Nyungwe is a contradiction for me.
I fully endorse other reviewers comments that this a stunningly beautiful forest, it truly is, but it suffers due to the lack of accommodation and resources in the general area.
We loved the forest and the guides are friendly and knowledgable, we would come again with other birding friends but would be way more prepared.
Notes for would be visitors.
Arrive the day before you want to trek, bird, or other...go the RDB office at Uwinka there and pay the day before if you haven't paid beforehand in Kigali.
We paid on the day, big mistake this took way too long, the RDB officer did not accept cash that day, he did have Credit card facilities though so no real drama once he got the internet going.
Paying the day before means you can skip most of the hoohaa and get on with your activity but be advised that you will most likely have to go there (Uwinka) for your guide to sign in and get his gear.
Bring your Rwanda ID card if you are a foreign resident, otherwise they will charge you as a foreign visitor even if you have the resident visa in your passport - NOT happy RDB !
Note - you pay full price for primate trekking, Canopy walk not matter how long you stay in the park, but then if you stayed an extra day for birding, your third day would be half price for birding or trekking.
We did birding as it a passion of ours, we saw 21 types of birds many of them endemic to the area which was fantastic, and this lets you walk the trails experience the forest, see birds, mammals of all types and generally be enthralled the magic of the Nyungwe.
IMPORTANT NOTES 6.
Pay the day before... see note 1 7.
The drive to Nyungwe is quite arduous highly recommend doing it in daylight, take your time and enjoy the scenery on the way.
We had many truck convoys to pass and it did take 4+ hours from Kigali.
There are also plenty of police on the road with speed cameras, so obey the speed limits.
Be prepared.....bring your drinks, water, food from Kigali or get it in Butare on the way to Nyungwe.
The small cafe at Uwinka has coffee, water, soft drinks, potato chips but that's about it.
They serve breakfast and lunch- we had lunch and it was good, very basic but good.
Accommodations options in the area are shockingly limited for a National Park.
Accom ranges from 1000+ USD a night ( seriously?
to $30 USD for camping.
This forest is roughly averaging 2000M altitude so temperature for camping is considered cool.
The local guest houses are spartan but close to the park.
There is Cyangugu which is a good 45 minutes drive in the dark from Uwinka.
I am not going to mention names but do your research, come prepared.
Bring everything and maybe the kitchen sink too if your going basic!.
Filled with stunning natural beauty, everyone should visit Nyungwe to see the chimps, walk the canopy, camp at Uwinka.
This is one of our all-time favorite places.
This is a great natural forest, very beautiful and unique.
The trees are ancient and the honey from this forest is magnificent!
I went (on separate days) to see the Chimpanzees and the Colobus Monkeys.
Both are highly recommended, but I will mention that the Colobus Monkeys were a lot more active and entertaining.
Just adorable!
Nyungwe Forest National Park is widely available to tourism...there are so many amazing things to do here so don't miss it.
It took most of the day to drive to Nyungwe from Kigali, which wasnt a great start.
However, the forest is huge and beautiful and it was worth effort to get there.
There are lots of mountain monkeys and Colobus monkeys.
The highlight however was the chimpanzee trek.
I visited this park in May 2017.
I found it very difficult to plan my trip in advance because information about the park was hard to find online.
We ended up going to the Rwanda Development Board (RBD) office in Kigali in advance to ask about permits and reservations.
I'm glad I was already in Kigali when planning this trip, otherwise I'm not sure what we would have done!
I'm sharing here pictures of the brochures they gave us, in the hopes that this will help others better plan their own trips!
We did the waterfall hike and the canopy walkway one day, and chimpanzee tracking a second day.
The waterfall hike was beautiful, but took several hours.
Our guide stopped frequently to show us local plants which was interesting, but did make the walk longer.
The canopy walk was relatively short, but our group was quite large so it was slow-going to get to/from the canopy.
The canopy itself was cool, although a bit frightening when multiple people were on the bridge at once because of the shaking the bridge did every time someone moved!
We had nice views from it, though, and saw monkeys below us in the treetops.
For the chimpanzee tracking, we met our guides as well as another couple at the ranger station, and then drove the guides in our own cars to a forest entry point close to where the chimps were.
I don't remember exactly how long it took to get there, but it was at least 30 minutes.
The other couple in our group failed to bring water, snacks, and petrol so we all had to stop so they could get supplies for the day.
Once we arrived at the entry point, we had to wait for the guides to make contact with the trackers in the forest.
After approximately 30 minutes we were on our way into the forest and the guides took us directly to where the chimps were.
We had great views of them, although it helped that we had binoculars, as they were quite high in the trees.
We spent several hours watching them and our guide was very knowledgable and shared lots of information with us about chimps.
After returning to our vehicles, the other couple in our group discovered their car would not start because the petrol they had purchased quickly was not the right kind so they got stuck.
It is therefore recommended to fill up before this trip, and have an extra can on hand as well!
One other recommendation is that we ended up purchasing our permits and paying for the guides/trails at ranger stations, and they do not accept US bills that are ripped, crumpled, too old, or defaced.
I almost couldn't pay for my chimp trek because some of the bills were considered unfit, but I was lucky to borrow from my friend.
Be sure to bring new and crisp USD with you!
Finally, I would not recommend chimp tracking and trying to drive back to Kigali on the same day.
We did so, because our group lingered over the chimps so we got a very late start on the drive back, and it was not great, as the drive is very long (approx 6 hours) and potentially dangerous in the dark.
Chimpanzee tracking: Fabulous but demanding treck off the beaten track.
Well worth the effort.
Tea plantation visit: Spent an hour walking around the fields with knowledgeable guide.
Interesting.
Waterfall hike: Enjoyable but few birds.
Easy treck.
For those sensitive to high altitude, bring necessary medication, it works wonders.
Amazing walk in the jungle and on the canopy.
Our guide 'Hope' was very good and informative.
The walk down was very easy but I struggled going back.
So a warning for any senior citizens wanting to tackle this trip.
I managed to walk back on very steep hilly terrain very slowly and it was well worth it.
I would do it again
The park is great if you have a car, tough if you don't (although heavy truck traffic on the main road is unpleasant).
Guides are required for all hikes.
If you love nature and especially if you're a birdwatcher, Claver Ntoyinkima was a fantastic guide - we've hiked all across the tropics and he was one of the friendliest, most patient, knowledgable and dedicated we've ever had.
Email the RDB about getting in contact with him WELL in advance, as he tends to book up quickly.
Platform camping at the uwinka center was great.
Waking up in the forest was so much nicer than driving 30 minutes in the dawn to reach a trail head.
They provide all the equipment you need, and the platform is covered in case of rain.
If you see the black and white colobus group, it is a great experience (however don't get your hopes up - the group can be elusive).
Chimping at Cyamudongo was very strenuous but the chimps gave us unbelievable looks in less than 90 minutes.
Claver can arrange a trip to Cyamudongo.
I read some of the other reviews of this park before I sat down to write my own and felt that in some ways they misrepresented this beautiful park.
I think to enjoy this place your expectations must be realistic.
Another writer wrote of not seeing any birds, my husband and I are birders and with the assistance of our guide we located at least 10 new life species for us including 2 that were endemic to Rwanda, so in my opinion you are going to get out of this park what you are willing to put into your visit.
We went on the chimpanzee trek.
It was arduous.
The chimps were up in the trees and not easy to see.
But the opportunity to trek in this dense forest, to see these animals living as they were born to do and not presented for our convenience was thrilling to me.
We also took the trek to the canopy walk.
This is a guided walk and along the way we learned about the local plants, saw mountain monkey, and a francolin and made friends with the other 2 chickens in our group who didn't like the swaying of the rope bridge!
A good afternoon in my book!
The equatorial forest is nice but has many twists and turns to get there.
Beautiful tea plantation along the way.
Saw some black monkey on the way, which was a treat!
Compared to the forest we used to travel through frequently in Southeast Asia, the Nyungwe National Forest is slightly more lush but may not be worth it based on my past experiences.
Could be just fine for those who have not experienced tropical forest.
If you have your own car, go!
If not, think twice.
Even though the park is huge, there's only two access points (Gisakura and Uwinka) and they're quite close to each other, which is hard to comprehend, since there would be many other towns scattered around the park.
Permits are cheap.
They make their money in a doubtful manner through transports that are required from your hotel to the starting points of the treks.
They'll charge officially at the visitor center between 120 and 150 dollars US just for the driver, which is, considering purchasing power, absolutely insane.
We managed to hassle it down to 80 which is still a royal salary in Rwanda when earned in a day.
We would have loved to stay longer than a day and to see more than the chimps, but it hurts giving away so much money to one or the regional, powerful men without getting a receipt... you see where it's going.
When we got our frequent flier ticket, the only dates of return available required we spend an extra 3 days in Rwanda, so our agent sent us through Butare and Nyungwe National Park.
This is a huge park, but features a walk with lots of colobus monkeys which takes about an hour.
Following that, there is only the Nyungwe Park.
We drove to the Uwinka Overlook ranger station and hired a ranger for the 2 hours trail to the hanging bridges which was supposed to feature birds and monkeys.
Nary a bird or a monkey appeared.
Although he hike is rated easy it was far from easy.
In fact, I would rate it 3-4+ difficult out of 5.
A very steep trail both up and down, with steep steps.
The only feature as the three hanging bridges.
We had done the hanging bridge bit many times in Costa Rica so this was boring.
We returned exhausted, and then drove to Kigali.. We wish we had never wasted our time there.
It's worth, at the most, a half day for the colobus monkey trail.
My wife and I were part of the Primates tour, and tracked golden and colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.
Each one was a special and memorable experience.
A must visit when in Rwanda.
We took the 6 mile waterfall hike.
Great guide, great scenery,great weather.
Make sure to arrange transportation to and from the area before you go.
We had to wait for a bus for over an hour after our hike.
Even as a basic budget traveller you can take a bus from Kigali (Nyabugogo) to Rusizi and ask them to stop for the guesthouse.
From there a small walk to the office and you can plan trekking, canopy, etc...
We spent the evening in Huye before taking a leisurely self drive to Nyungwe forest, the journey passes through picturesque rural villages before reaching the Eastern boundary of the forest.
The forest itself is beautiful and we did see several L'Hoest monkeys by the side of the road whilst driving through the park.
There are 3 reception centres Kitabi, Unwinka and Gisakura covering the 50km road which bisects the forest, each offering different trails, all treks are accompanied by an obligatory guide and depart at fixed times.
Please note that the Unwinka only accept cash, Gisakura accepts cards and cash.
Although the Unwinka centre appears new, sadly the high cost of trails does not translate into good facilities at the reception area.
The toilets were in a poor and dirty condition with no running water, one toilet each for men and women and outside urinals for men.
The cafe offered only snacks of crisps or bread and a limited selection of hot food, but we were advised this would take 30 minutes to prepare.
At Unwika we purchased permits $40 per person for the 1pm Umoyove trail, a 3.6km, 3.5 hour guided trail passing large mahogany trees, tree ferns and a waterfall.
We were accompanied by a third hiker who was undertaking the combined Umuyove trek $40 and the Igishigishigi trail/Canopy walk view $60, total cost $100, this is supposed to be a 2.4km walk over 90 minutes.
We were accompanied by two guides and expected the group to split at some stage, but to our surprise the Igishigishigi trail covers the same ground as the Umuyove trail for one hour sharing the same start and return route, with just an additional 5-10 minutes crossing on the canopy walk itself.
We followed our fellow walker for this short section on the ground as he completed the canopy walk.
The centre does not offer a discount for combined trails.
In terms of our Umuyove walk, the dense nature of the forest means that for the most part you see very little until you reach the occasional clearing where there are good views.
Generally the walk is quite repetitive, unfortunately we saw no primates during the trek and whilst we are pleased to have completed the walk, it only took just over 3 hours and it did not encourage us to complete further trails departing from Unwinka.
The canopy walk is available as a standalone trek $60 at 8am, 10am, 1pm and 3pm, both the 1pm and 3pm groups that we saw contained large 1numbers which will inevitably restrict the time available to spend on the canopy walk.
Two days later we visited Gisakura reception to purchase permits to see Angolan Colobus monkeys in a forest patch situated next to Gisakura Guesthouse, $60 per person starting at 8am, 10am, 1pm and 3pm.
Note the reception centre has very recently moved from the outskirts of the village to the edge of the National Park Forest, it is currently quite badly signposted.
Here there are clean toilets but no food or drink is available.
It is a short 5 minute drive back to the Guesthouse which marks the start of a short trail.
We walked in total no more than 100m into the forest where a group of around 12 Colobus monkeys were resting close to the path.
We were there around 1 hour but we were slightly disappointed that our guide did not take us deeper into the forest to spot other monkeys and birdlife.
The only other monkey we saw was a Mona monkey high up in the trees.
In terms of our overall thoughts, the costs are very high for the quality of trails on offer.
Although we are pleased to have had the experience, there's are very few concessions for the independent tourist to encourage greater numbers and visiting without your own transport is very difficult.
It s a must when you visit Rwanda to go to Nyungwe forest.
Place is unique,guides are professionnals... Canopy walkway top attraction Monkeys Hiking... Place to be and nit expensive.
We hiked the canopy walk and the chimpanzee trek.
We are both age 63 and in good shape.
Both hikes are challenging, especially the chimp trek.
Both hikes are ;initially downhill and then, obviously, uphill when you are coming back.
So going in is a challenge to the legs and coming out is a challenge to the lungs.
Both hikes are well worth it.
The canopy is safe, kind of a thrill actually with a wonderful view.
As to the other hike, it's amazing to see chimps that have always lived in the wild - nothing like zoo chimps.
Most of the time the chimps are up in the trees feeding.
If they come down to the ground, they are hard to see due to the terrain and foliage.
So it is not like the gorillas who sit there in plain view feeding near the ground.
I would bring binoculars to see the chimps.
When we drove to see the chimps, be advised the drive to the start of the hike took about 75 minutes, most of it on a very bumpy dirt road.
The chimps move around, so it could be different for you.
I think they've changes the meet up time in the morning.
It used to be 4:30am - but when we did it they told us to be in the parking lot ready to go at 6am.
Both hikes were on established trails.
And we have to mention the forest itself - absolutely stunning.
We were there in May and didn't really encounter many insects and the temperature was very comfortable.
Although pricey the campsite is beautifully located and allows you to spend a night in the pristine forest.
Campers should be aware that there are no self catering facilities.
The canteen serves good food at reasonable prices though.
Rates are quoted in USD but can be paid in RW francs.
I travelled here from Kigali as a solo female traveller and had no trouble getting there by public transport (3hours Kigali-Huye with Volcano Express bus service + 2 hours Huye-Uwinka with Alpha or Omega buses).
For travellers considering visiting for a short trip from Kigali, I would highly recommend this as a 2 night trip from the city and would suggest a round route of 2 nights at Uwinka plus 1 or 2 nights at Kibuye on Lake Kivu before returning to Kigali.
To get to Kibuye, take the bus from Uwinka to Buhinga and then change for the bus to Kibuye.
If you leave before noon you should not need to reserve a seat, otherwise ask at Uwinka to call the bus company to reserve a seat.
Nyungwe is simply breathtaking.
A large, ancient rainforest in the mountains brimming with different kind of primate species, among which chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
It's possible to track chimps, but be aware that this could entail a full day hike without guarantees (chimpanzees tends to move around fast in the forest).
The waterfall hike had some gorgeous views as we hiked through the rainforest however we failed to see many wildlife.
This was largely due to the heavy rain, which definitely put a damper on the trip.
I am still very glad I did the hike though!
You can easily get a bus from Huye/Kigali (operated by Omega or Alpha) and ask them to drop you off at Gisakura Visitor Centre.
This is important as the driver did not stop for us and we had to moto our way to the Gisakura Guest House and then another 25 min walk to the visitor centre.
$50 is steep for a trek through a rainforest but you have a guide, which doesn't seem all that necessary retrospectively.
I wasn't a big fan of our guide, as he seemed more focused on making money and completing the hike in a short time.
He spoke briefly about the plants and trees but he was soft spoken.
The whole hike took about 3h (we didn't stop a lot).
The bus back to Huye/Kigali is fairly easy to catch as long as you ask the guest house you're staying at to book you a spot on the returning bus.
We did a day trip but many opt for a night's stay somewhere.
There are other trips you can do like the Canopy walk (2h) and chimpanzee hikes but these are equally if not steeper cost-wise.
I enjoyed the hike but I would have enjoyed more if the weather was better, seen more wildlife and less hidden costs along the way.
We did the Canopy walk and the waterfall walk.
Both were excellent hikes.
Moderate with some tougher steps at the end of the waterfall hike.
Be prepared for the price of $60/per person each hike.
Some travelers arrived after long bus ride and not prepared for this price and only the waterfall location accepted credit cards.
Dress for rain and wet.
Also - waterfall start is far from the registration and they do not provide the transportation.
Going to Nyungwe Forest is quite expensive for someone on a budget like me.
When I came to Rwanda, I wanted to see the gorillas, but quickly changed my mind after realising that it is $750 just for the permit.
After knowing that, $90 to see the Chimpanzees doesn't sound so bad.
I was still a little reluctant about paying around $130 for 2 hikes.
But, it was totally worth it.
It was one of the most tranquil & amazing places I have ever been.
The chimpanzees will remain a highlight and an amazing memory for many years to come.
I hope to one day go back and do it again.
The guides were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about conservation.
Also, it is just so inspirational to see a small developing country like Rwanda caring so much for their environment.
When I learned what a great job they are doing with educating & including the surrounding communities, how large the forest is, how many people they employ, how much research is completed there, I realised that it was 100% worth every dollar I paid.
When I went, I saw the chimps and we wanted to do the waterfall hike, but unfortunately we did not get there before 9am.
We did another hike (not too sure of the name, but it went from Uwinkwa centre and it starts with an I) for $40 that was a bit too short.
They said it would take 3 hours, but we were back in an hour and a half.
I have some tips however: 1.
If you want to see the chimpanzees, you need to book, because they only take 8 people per day.
The number on Google is wrong - contact Julius Caesar (not kidding) on +250788317027 to secure your booking.
The chimpanzee hike leaves at 5am.
The waterfall hike leaves at 9am.
The card machines are temperamental.
You should definitely take cash with you to avoid panic.
I definitely recommend this place, but I suggest you really do your homework before going.
I booked us into Golden Monkey Hotel, which was much too far away and very noisy.
It put quite a damper on the experience.
I suggest you splash out and pay the extra bit for a decent guesthouse (or for camping) in the Forest.
Canopy walk was nice and relaxing, with some great views.
I liked the canopy bits a lot.
Went on a chimpanzee trek.
This was tough going, with some routes down the side of the banks of rainforest, definitely not for the infirm or unfit!
Chimpanzees were very cool though, and well worth the hard work to get there.
Also did a bird walk with a really knowledgable bird guide.
This was a much more relaxing wander with many stops to locate the birds of which there were a lot.
1st day I saw Chimps and then went to a different area of the park to see Colobus Monkeys.
Then went to another location to see Mona Monkey, Mountain Monkeys, Vervet and Baboons.
Amazing amount of primates.
The next day I did the Canopy and nature walk.
So beautiful and peaceful.
We went on a chimp trek, and saw chimps --and monkeys and birds as well.
Our guide was extremely helpful.
Do book directly with Nyungwe though and confirm before you travel to the park.
We booked with the Rwandan tourism bureau and somehow our reservation was lost.
They were able to accommodate us, as we went during the rainy season.
Treks leave around 6am and you must pay the day before.
Amongst the lusciously green and towering trees, appears a canopy walk 90 metres above the ground.
Overcome any fears of heights or bridges you have - the midpoint of this canopy provides you with a view like no other.
Nature at its best.
The biodiversty of the park is good for birding where sunbirds (blue-headed and double collared), ruwenzori turaco ,warbler and so on... On top of that the canopy walk
A beautiful park with several hikes to choose from.
We took the canopy walk where we could see above the tree tops.
I am usually afraid of heights, but the bridge is very narrow and the rails are high, with netting, so I felt like I was closed in and very safe.
We spotted many birds and blue monkeys.
Our guide was knowledgeable and personable.
We packed our lunch and ate it in the common area after our hike.
Tea, coffee, and other beverages are available.
The hike to the waterfall was amazing.
Fresh air, birds chirping, wind swooshing past the trees, oh how I wish to go back there again.
The guide was quite knowledgeable and took us through different aspects of the forest.
The waterfall trail is a must do if you are ever there.
It is quite relaxing being hit by the falls drops of showers.
Really gorgeous views.
Winding roads, lush green foliage, reminiscent of the smokey mountains in USA.Youo will see some monkeys and birds.
Recommend the canopy walk.
There are many hikes to take with a guide.
Really worth a visit.
When you see the surroundings you understand why Rwanda is called Land of a Thousand Hills.
One of the oldest rainforests in the world where you feel totally unstressed by other tourists, the park treks are well thought out and the guides so charming.
The waterfall known as Drowner of Elephants was lovely, but we didn't see any of the thousands of birds and that was a disappointment but I guess we weren't up early enough.
We saw only one monkey but apparently we weren't on the right hike.
The canopy walk was impressive if you like to see Man's supremacy over nature but I thought it unnecessary, the forest is just magnificent without it.
Needs at least three days to appreciate all it has to offer.
The park is beautiful with lots of activities that can be done.
There are many hikes you can plan with a guide which are very affordable even for a few days.
The canopy walk is a complete ripoff though and not worth the 60USD per person.
It is a ver easy walk and there isn't really anything to see.
We actually saw more (chimps and other monkeys) when we drove around then when we were doing the canopy walk.
Also, thinking about a family with let's see two kids, this would cost them 240USD.. way out of proportion for Rwanda and for what you get.
A gorgeous place to hike.
If you're looking for jungle scenery you will not be disappointed.
Tours are run on a scheduled basis... so see if you have any better luck getting in touch with someone at the park ahead of time to make sure you get there at a time that allows you to visit the trails you're interested in.
I too am used to walking for free or at least minimal fees.
The $60 US for the canopy walk & the same price for the colobus monkeys seemed steep but this is likely the bottom up price for maintenance of a national park, rangers, guides etc.
this is a country struggling to be strong & independent.
In the west we can subsidize with other sources of income, Rwanda cannot.
I did enjoy each activity although our group was so big it was difficult to hear the guide.
I spent 3 days in and around the Nyungwe Forest.
Itbis an amazing place.
A variety of different guided walks through the forest are offred at resonable prices.
Majestic tall ferns, welcome trees, healing plants.
Wonderful ancient forest with knowledgeable people, nice climate in October.
We did the canope with our 5 and 2 years old children.
the 2 years old was carried in a back pack but the 5 walked nicely and really had fun.
A really nice place to go ...
The visit of the canopy is an intense adventure A real cool trip recommened to all including families with kids
This one of oldest rainforest in Africa.
It is located in the South West of Rwanda.
I t has the source of river Nile and Congo, It has different fauna including 13 species of primates like chimpanzees and beautiful birds.
Also It has flora which mate it the best place to enjoy and have really good oxygen as there degree of air pollution seems to be zero.
I has main mountains to walk and canopy walk.
It is 4 - 5 hours of driven from Kigali or 2 hour from Huye (Butare).
I really like this forest was my best place
Nyungwe is very beautiful, and an extremely important bit of conservation in Rwanda's south west corner.
We stayed at Uwinka, the campsite which has recently been done up with wooden platforms.
The view across the forest is amazing from there.
The guided walks from Uwinka were also brilliant - we saw so much, and were lucky enough to even see chimps one afternoon.
Everest, our guide for two of our four walks was exceptional, and he talked to us about Rwanda and his life, not just the rainforest (which was also brililant).
Anyone staying at Uwinka should have a fantastic time, provided they bear in mind: i) it's not cheap (camping but especially the walks); ii) you have to take all the money you need for it (inc. meals) in cash (dollars ok); iii) the guides are somewhat rigid in when the walks leave, where they go and what they show you; iv) you know that if you want to go to walks further afield they may require you to drive, including with one of the guides in your car; v) you are aware that meals are best pre-ordered as they are cooked from scratch and can take 90 minutes (they're very tasty though!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Anyone bearing all this in mind and realising it is a conservation zone - so it's conservation driven not consumer!
will find they have a wonderful time.
Hopefully the RDB will reflect on their overcomplicated pricing structure at some point, and also that they need to communicate a few more details out about Uwinka before you drive several hours to get there.
An amazing place, with amazing people and wildlife though - I loved it!
Incredible location (especially the lowest spot with a good view on the forest)!
Staff is friendly and helpful.
Biggest drawback is the ridiculously steep price tag (30 USD is you bring your own tent).
This used to be 20 USD for residents (as mentioned by the Bradt guide) but this is no longer the case.
We walked the 3 hours trail to the Kamiranzovu waterfall with a specialized guide to talk us through the history of the Park.
It was wonderful and not as hard as I thought it could be.
Very quiet during the rainy season we did not see any other tourists!
We also did the quick canopy walk which was very exciting !
Although we did not see too many primates (again, its the rainy season) Highly recommend this area to visit!!
Both of our activities started at the Park HQs.
We hired a guide (think you must have a guide accompany you), and our morning hike was to see Angola Colobus monkeys.
Trackers out ahead of us had found the large troop and it was just a matter of hiking 90 minutes downhill to get to them.
Ended up seeing the colobus and mangabey monkeys at the same location - got to spent one hour with them.
We did not go on the longer chimpanzee hike.
And although they were not as close as the gorilla encounter, they probably came within 20 meters.
The afternoon hike was to the suspension bridges.
Again, much of the first half is downhill - and turns out a significant thunderstorm started just as we arrived at the bridges - so just a quick walk on them before heading back.
The uphill treks for both walks took time but were manageable for our group (with plenty of rest stops).
Also saw numerous L'Hoest monkeys along the very curvy roads (treacherous driving for lorries in pouring rain).
One of our goals was to see some of the forest birds - and while we did want see some of the endemic birds along route, the truth is we heard more than we saw but did have some obscured sightings of Handsome Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, Mountain Oriole and sunbirds.
In June 2016, We went early in the morning to visit the canopy walk.
5-6 hours from an early ride from Kigali, we arrived there at 10 am.
The guides were very informative and knowledgeable.
Amazing view above 80 meter trees and an amazing view of the flora and fauna.
This canopy bridge was designed and built by Canadian Engineers and they did a great job.
You will not regret your time here.
This year I am planning to go back for the Waterfalls and should be as fun as last time.
While reservations are helpful, we (and the French family of four who showed up and joined us) were able to pay on the spot for one of the scheduled canopy tour.
We had a helpful guide who knew and found lots of birds and other wildlife for us to view and photograph.
The tour goes down a bunch of steps from the ranger station and then winds its way through a dirt path that continues downhill until you reach the canopy walk.
The canopy consists of three separate parts, with the longest stretch in the middle.
You are high above the forest floor and there is some swinging movement of the canopy but you are able to hold on to cables on both sides so most people should be able to complete the walk.
While you get a great view over the mountain valley, there were only a few animals or birds that we saw while on the canopy, which surprised me.
Once back on the dirt path, it takes a little extra effort to climb back up hill and then up the steps back to the ranger station.
But worth it!!
Great opportunity to walk in an actual rainforest.
5/6 hour drive from Kigali on good roads.
There is a variety of walks for different abilities and fitness levels, which is good.
Quality of the guides is variable.
Taking a guide was in my opinion above average in cost, but you had to use them - you can't go on your own, which is a shame.
Worth visiting Murambi Genocide Memorial while you are in the area.
Nyungwe Rainforrest is certainly worthwhile a visit, although it is al long drive from Kigali (take at least 4 hours into account).
Canopy walk is nice and allows to experience the atmosphere and smell of the rain forrest.
Take some 1.5 hours into account with up's and down's.
Doable, also for the less trained among us.
There are several monkey tracks which are also nice, but rather costly with $ 90 per person.
These also require some endurance and walking skills.
The guides are knowledgeable and helpful.
Spent one morning doing the chimp trek and it was amazing.
We had also done the gorilla trek and it was fascinating to see the difference between the two.
The chimps are truly in a jungle setting and the chimps move very fast so it is important to be flexible as you really never know where the trackers will locate the chimps or how long or far you will need to hike.
We were lucky in that the group we were tracking crossed a small road so we were able to see and photograph clearly.
It is hard in the thick jungle to get good photographs when the chimps are high in the trees.
Our guide was great and we thoroughly enjoyed this.
Highly recommend.
I am used to walking freely in most places I visit, so for my wife and I to pay $60 for a 90 minute walk where all saw were two monkeys disappearing into the trees, it was a bit steep.
The forest is a wonderful environment, the trials are well maintained, and the routes make maximum use of the scenery and views.
However, it would have been better to have been able to follow the trails ourselves, with signposts being put in place (as is normal in most walking trails).
It was good to have a guide I suppose, but they dis not add too much to the experience, and the charges were completely out of proportion.
I can here on public transport.
It is totally doable.
I went on the canopy walk- which was ok, a little boring since all the ppl in my group just wanted to take pictures.
I also did the chimpanzee trek which was amazing.
You do need a vehicle to get to the chimp trail head, but you can rent a car locally.
The guy at the office helped me find some others renting a car and I was able to chip in with the cost and join them.
The chimps were worth it for sure.
I just stayed 2 nights in the park.
It was short but I was really happy that I went!!
We took the bus from Nyambugogo bus station in Kigali, which is a short taxi ride from town.
We went with bus company Impala, which was about 2,700RWF (US$3.30) per person, buses leave almost every hour of the day, we bought our tickets the day before and got the first two seats on the bus (a bit terrifying to sit in front).
We paid extra to store our packs in the back of the bus so we didn't have to have them on our laps the whole ride, it takes about 4-5 hours to reach Nyungwe because the buses go from Kigali to Huye to the DRC border.
We told the bus driver we wanted to get out at the Uwinka entrance to Nyungwe, he was unsure where it was, so I've attached a photo of the sign for the Uwinka entrance to show the bus driver, it is visible from the road.
When we got there, it was a very short walk up some stairs to where the guides will sort you out with lodging & food.
We arrived at 1pm and very hungry, so we ate at the only restaurant there.
The food was really good, it is the only food available there.
They had samosas for snacks, and a meal was only 3,000RWF, not including drinks.
They had a lot of vegan options for us.
On our last day, they ran out of bottled water, so people were having to buy apple juice to go on the hikes with, so I would bring some water with you in case.
After lunch, it was too late to go on a hike, so we read the informational displays, which are very well done.
We had our own tent, which we could put up for $30 a night per tent.
Other people rented very nice tents there for quite cheap, and those tents came with mattresses and sleeping bags.
The campsites are very nice, with raised platforms so you are off the ground, nice bathrooms, & Asieri (don't know how he spells it), the camp manager, starts a campfire every night to hang out around, and he will boil water so you can have a nice hot bath after a long day of hiking.
We had a beautiful family of blue monkeys hanging out in the trees right outside our tent, they didn't seem interested in us but we kept our tent zipped up any time we weren't around anyway.
The hike was lovely, we went with the popular 3.5 hour hike to a waterfall.
Our guide Samson made sure we didn't get our hopes up for animals because the guides are not trackers, if you want trackers you need to go to the other entrance to Nyungwe.
We still ended up seeing blue monkeys and colobus monkeys, and turaco birds, Samson was very good at listening for & spotting the animals.
The hike took about 3 hours, and we were going slow.
The people who went on the 6 hour hike finished in 4 hours, but they said they were going very fast.
Asieri helped us to catch a bus going to Kisenyi on the road, we literally just flagged down a passing bus going the direction we needed.
We had to stop at what Asieri called Junction and change buses there, but it went very smoothly, and we spent a few relaxing days by Lake Kivu.
The bus we caught was from the company Omega Car, which was exactly the same as Impala.
Today we managed to visit Nyungwe National Forest and it's Amazing view!
We have been here and we visited Canopy walk, chimpanzees, Monkeys it was good experience and we appreciated guiding services we did it just in one hour then on our way back we met 5 monkeys and it was nice to see how they pose for you to take them a picture!
Wonderful Creates!!!!!!!!
We did two short walks (with a child aged 4): one by the tea estate first watching monkeys and after that a beautiful walk in the forest.
The guide was very friendly and although his English was not fluent, he did a great job guiding us around the forest and telling us about flora and fauna.
We also saw beautiful birds on the walk.
Our second walk was the canopy walk - a good walk that ends by the canopy walk.
The canopy walk has breathtaking views over the forest - but not a place for people with fear of heights.
Both walks were a bit expensive considering how short they were (around 60-70 US dollars per person - the child was free of charge) and in comparison to the longer walks.
We drove all the way through the forest (from Gisakura to Huye) and met a lot of monkeys and there are some beautiful views of the forest along the way.
Stayed at Eagles Nest and also Gisakura Guest house and our group of 25 did chimp trekking and the canopy walk.
Both stunning.
Only snag was that the permits can be a bit of an administrative hassle, lots of chasing up if you are taking a large group as they made a few errors.
Isaiah at Eagles Nest is the man to know, he sorted out our taxis and gave loads of extra help.
We drove from Kigali to Nyungwe.
It is a scenic journey.
We loved the canopy though the swinging bit does not please everyone.
This the first is one of the oldest on the continent as it dates back from prior to the first glaciation.
The treks offered there are a good opportunity to discover the forest and the Nile sources.
Although the prices might be a bot overestimated (but as it is part of an effort to protect the natural heritage of Rwanda it can be understood).
Yo will have a chance to see the blooming fauna and flora of the place and maybe a few monkeys if you are lucky!
:) The guides are very professional, friendly and a good source of information.
If you plan on doing chimpanzee tracking I suggest you do the booking well in advance as most tour operators are taking a lot of the available spots...
We did a number of activities in the park.
The national park centre was excellent as was the guide they provided.
A guide is required for each activity but not really necessary apart from chimpanzee trekking.
However we didn't mind paying because the money goes to help Rwanda and provide employment and helps to protect the environment and wildlife
Went here with my teenage son and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
We had a private car that we drove from Kigali, so that made things easier.
We stayed at the Emeraude hotel on Lake Kivu, which was lovely, and then we drove into the park for our adventures.
The road from Kigali through the park is great, but all the side roads are not paved.... One day we did the waterfall walk and canopy walk with lunch at the forest lodge in between, which worked out well for timing.
Paid for the walks in Kigali in advance, but this wasn't necessary.
The waterfall walk was great--lots of up and down and a little slippery at the end, but oh so worth it!
The jungle is amazing, lots of birds and butterflies (and a beautiful waterfall), with a bonus of monkeys in the trees at the end.
The canopy walk is over very sturdy suspension bridges WAY up high over the jungle--incredible views!
If you don't have a private car you can probably arrange a safari company to do this.
On second day we went chimp trekking in the Cyamudongo section of the park.
Do NOT take your private car!
We hired a driver and a land cruiser (done at the Gisakura ranger post) and the $150 to do so was a bargain.
Took an hour to drive 11km!
Also, definitely get your permits in advance in Kigali.
We were greeted by a big male running past our group then spent an hour watching and hearing the chimps all around us.
It was certainly equal to gorilla trekking and the walking was far easier.
We hired the porters ($10 each for all day), which keeps them employed and not poaching like some of them used to do.
The benefit of going to this smaller part of the park is that the chimps are contained in a small area and you're very likely to see them.
Overall a magical experience
My family and I had quite a adventure here.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted in the parking lot by a troop of baboons!
The staff were doing their best to make sure that the humans and animals were safe and separate.
That didn't stop these primates from relaxing in other areas.
We enjoyed every moment!
I did the Canopi Walkway, the 3.5 hours trail and the Waterfall trail.
Amazing views, we saw lots of different plants, birds and animals.
Great for hikes and long walks.
However you have to pay a guide for each activities and it can be expensive (60 USD for the Canopi walk which is 2 hours but you spend like 5 mins on the bridge, 40 USD for trails and 50 USD for the waterfall - and these are not the most expensive activities).
Some guides are absolutely great (especially Christian and David).
We had another guide for the 3.5 h trail who barely spoke english and nothing else.
We really enjoyed our time in the park though.
Beautiful waterfalls :).
We took the canopy walk and enjoyed it very much.
There is a short but steep hike to the canopy, which is divided into 3 sections.
The canopy itself swings, which I found disconcerting, but the views are certainly worth it.
Once across, the walk back is again through the forest where we saw monkeys and beautiful African birds
A lot of the hikes / treks took longer than we thought they would.
We had planned to do 2 per day but that wasn't possible.
There are some shorter hikes/treks that you could do in the afternoon but I would plan an extra day or two here.
The canopy walk & the hike to see the closer group of colobus monkeys can be done in the afternoon (there is also a troop of 500 colobus monkeys that takes half a day to hike to).
We really wanted to do the waterfall hike - which is supposed to be wonderful but we ran out of time.
The chimpanzee trekking is so/so in Nyungwe.
It is much better in Kibale in Uganda.
I would spend your time doing some of the other hikes instead.
You need to be reasonably fit to do the longer hikes here.
You cannot hike in the forest without a guide and the treks are a bit pricey.
The different treks all run a very specific times during the day so make sure you find out the schedule ahead of time so you don't miss out.
The fauna was great but apparently we were the first people in 4 years NOT to see the chimpanzees.
We walked long distances.
The guides were great.
Recommend this park highly
This is a really lovely area of Rwanda with the contrast of tea plantations that you can walk around on your own with great views over Lake Kivu, and then the forest itself with guided walks.
The rain forest is breathtakingly beautiful!
We did the waterfall hike for $50 USD per person.
The hike us avout 3.5 hours.
Hiking is one of the activities I do back home because it's cheap and fun.
Spending $50 is a bit outrageous for a hike.
Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and fun.
My partner and I spent two wonderful days in Nyungwe.
We stayed at the Gisakura Guesthouse (basic accomodation but good and filling meals) and the manager Joseph went out of his way to help us explore the park in our budget (which was limited).
We rented a car for the drive to Nyungwe and the scenery maybe 20 minutes before entering the park and then throughout is breath taking.
So if you are on a car watch out for the rolling hills just before you enter the park because to me they were the most breathtaking Rwandan hills.
Then you enter the park and it's amazingly beautiful, dense and wild.
The fog that layers itself around the forest makes it look so mystical and pretty.
We did the canopy hike and so glad we did it early in the morning because he fog made it all the more gorgeous.
The guides are all government employees, highly trained and knowledgeable (they all must speak fluent English and French, and be university graduates) and are truly wonderful people.
After the canopy hike (which we hitch hiked to) we took moto taxis back to the guesthouse (you can arrange for it from Joseph) and it was a fun ride back and another great way to experience this place.
After a quick lunch we walked/took a moto taxi to do the waterfall hike.
We paid for the hike at a visitor center close to the hotel and then moto taxi to another spot to start the hike.
The hike starts and finishes at the Nyungwe Forest Lodge (the premier accommodation in the park).
The waterfall hike was superb.
It rained for the first 1 hour of the hike which made the forest even more beautiful I thought.
The waterfall itself was amazing and I think it's probably the closest I have been to a huge waterfall.
The area around it is worth taking a million photos.
The hike though is moderate-difficult depending on how comfortable you are with wet rocks and it takes around 4 hours both ways.
But totally worth it!
Since this hike ends at the Lodge we decided to treat ourself to a fancy dinner there which was so good.
And the staff made us feel so comfortable too (hot tea to warm ourselves and drinks).
We then had the staff call us a moto taxi after dinner to take us back to the guest house.
The ride was short 10 minutes but slightly scary as i was pitch black and it was just our moto taxis on the road.
We became friends with the moto taxi drivers as it was the same two guys and they were really flexible about waiting for us to take us to/from the hikes.
The next morning Joseph reserved two seats for us to take the local bus back to Kigali and the bus stops right outside the guest house (on Joseph's request) so it's super convenient and cheap!
We will go to the Virungas today for the gorilla trek that we will do tomorrow and I know people just travel to Rwanda as an aside or just to see the gorillas but Nyungwe is a place that you shouldn't miss.
And Rwanda in general too...such a wonderful country with so much to do, see and experience.
We were picked up from the airport by a driver and tour guide from Dac Tours and Travels.The drive despite being long was enjoyable and informative.The trek was good exercise for my boyfriend and I.We got in touch with nature,we bonded on a whole new level and the scenery was amazing.The weather of course is not what we experience back home but all in all it was worth it.We will for sure come back again
Went here with new friends a day after my arrival in Rwanda.
We hired a car and driver to travel the 5.5 hours from Kigali.
It was a new experience for me where we had to pay for each hike but it was very worth it.
They ranged from 50-90 USD.
Waterfall hike- 50 USD.
Nice 1.5 hour hike in with pretty good trail.
The waterfall was impressive.
It's wants too high or too big but instead of landing in a pool it hit a rock slab that threw the entire power of the stream back into the air.
It was one of the more impressive waterfalls I've seen.
Colobus monkeys 60USD.
They told us 100% chance that we would see them and they were right because about 6 of them were sitting on the side of the road when we pulled up.
Made me feel kind of dumb for spending the money but they were totally worth seeing.
They let us get pretty close and they were excellent to watch.
Such erratic and playful behavior.
Chimpanzees 90 USD- you need a 4x4 to get to them.
We had to pay our driver $100 to find one in town for us to borrow.
Just something to keep in mind.
Also you will probably have to carry the guide with you so have an extra seat.
That said it was a pretty strenuous hike cutting through side trails and running past ants.
A lot of fun really just getting to see them.
We found them pretty early.
And got to watch them in their natural environment for a while.
We weren't all that close.
Need a telephoto lens to get good pics.
Overall I thought it was worth it.
Between the Canopy Walk, a trek/visit to see the chimpanzees and other activities, this was a great place to spend a long weekend.
The only thing that was missing was a variety of wildlife that seem to have been wiped out years ago.
We were here for just one night and one morning trekking to find chimpanzees.
It was very slippery and wet (thunder all night before) and we only managed to see a couple of chimps from a distance, but was well worth it anyway.
Views spectacular, and you really feel miles away from anywhere, which is, obviously, a good thing!
I wish we had had the time to stay longer and explore.
We took the last bus on Friday starting in Kigali at 3 pm by Sotra Tours.
The bus ride is very inexpensive at 5230 RWF (maybe 7$?
and if you get on the bus in Kigali soon enough you will not have to sit in the aisle which makes the ride comfortable enough for the four to five hours it takes you to get there.
If like us you want to go camping the Uwinka Visitor Centre is highly recommended and by entering the park you can tell the bus driver to drop you off there which is no problem.
If arriving at night, please bring a flashlight - otherwise you won't find the spot.
From the visitor centre you have to descend a few hundred meters to the camping site.
There you have one shower (not always working, but they will at least hand you a bucket of water) and a toilet as well as a fireside und camping spots which possess of a roof and are placed on wooden platforms which keeps you safe from the rain.
There might also be a few of the blue monkeys around so keep you food safely stored - they like bananas!
You can rent a tent, mattresses and sleeping bags (in total 10,000 RWF) from the camp guy and they will make fire to keep you warm in the evening.
I found the sleeping bags to be warm enough but still you might wanna bring a warm sweatshirt or a jacket.
Per tent you pay 30$ for the night (residents get a discount).
In the morning we booked a 3,5 hour trip (for 40$) to the waterfall combining it with the one that brings you up to the canopy walkway.
Just tell the guides at the visitor centre they will be very helpful.
Our guide (Hope) spoke very good English and was able to provide information about the park and several plants and animals as well as trivia and overall it was very easy to spend the hours with him.
He guided us along the trail to the waterfall where we sat for a short break (you might want to bring water and a snack) before we started to hike back up to the visitor centre.
The trail was very beautiful offering a lot of spectacular views over the park as well as great flora and fauna (giant mahogony trees and farns, butterflies, a waterfall, lots of birds, blue monkeys).
There is list of different trails you can choose - according to your preferences, personal fitness and the time you want to spend.
The centre itself offers food (I think you need to tell them in the morning or so), drinks (coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, water) and a small exhibition about the park.
If you know when you want to go back and haven't booked the bus tickets in advance you can talk to the guides who are able to contact a bus agency which will make reservations for the bus.
Then you just wait at the right time at the side of the road for the bus to pick you up again.
The ride back may not be very comfortable as most of the comfortable seats will be taken by the other passengers who entered before.
Overall I highly recommend spending a day or two or three at Nyungwe National Park and booking a trail with a guide as well as camping which will give you the ultimate experience close to nature waking up to a spectacular view of the park!
Nyungwe National Park is a beautiful area.
The landscapes were very hazy while I was there but it kind of added to a majestic feeling to the area.
We were there to go on a Chimpanzee trek and to do some monkey trekking.
The area is very dense but very impressive.
Spent 2 days tracking chimpanzees and hiking in the rainforest.
Chimpanzee tracking is tough, wet and slippery, but well worth it.
The guide and porter are very well trained, so no stress.
One of the most beautiful hikes is the long hike down to the waterfall, which starts at the visitor centre, challenging but spectacular.
Well worth spending two days in this remote but beautiful location.
Spend a couple of days in the area, together with my family.
We chose the easier tracking, also to make sure my children ( still young) wouldn't get to tired.
It was a most enriching experience!
I would like to go back one day and try the option to spend one whole weekend in the park, sleeping in tents.
Beautiful mountain rainforest.
You can see chimps and other primates.
Canopy walk is worth a look.
Friendly and knowledgeable guides.
This is probably one of the most exciting and awesome things I have done in quite sometime, to be honest.
To be able to walk on a thin bridge, 200 feet in the sky, and be able to look down and to your side and see pure beauty.
It was just stunningly gorgeous.
The skyline, to see that you're up in the mountains, and then to look down and see a rain forest.
What else could one want?
Nyungwe is an incredible park on the western border of Rwanda with a large amount of activities for tourists including nature walks, a canopy walk, bird watching and intense hikes.
My favorite part of visiting Nyungwe was the nature walk to go see the chimpanzees.
After a few hours we were able to see them from just a few feet away.
They made sure to keep an eye on us and the energetic white and black Columbus monkeys in a nearby tree, but they were content with us watching them.
It was a great experience and I'd love to go again sometime in the next few years.
This was one of my favorite parks in Rwanda.
While I was there I went on a chimp tracking expedition.
This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
The hike out to the chimps was difficult so it is recommended that you train for the walk.
However, the hike was so worth it.
There were expert guides in the forest who follow the chimps around all day and know their location at all times.
We then arrived at the chimp location and was able to see them up in the trees.
The trackers were very patient with us and allowed us to stay with the chimps for hours and watch their activity in the tree tops.
The trackers were also very knowledgeable about the chimps.
Seeing chimps that close in the wild was an amazing experience.
Besides the chimps there are also many other amazing things to do in Nyungwe National park, including the canopy walk and some of the best hiking trails in the country.
I would absolutely recommend a visit to this park.
Nyungwe National Park was absolutely amazing!
I spent three days there and loved it!
My class and I met the director of this park.
He was very insightful and friendly.
He has done a phenomenal job managing Nyungwe.
I went on the canopy walk and the chimpanzee trek.
Both activities were stunning.
The canopy walk consists of three bridges that connect two towers in the jungle.
You have to hike about 30 minutes downhill to get to the canopy walk.
The canopy walk was not nearly as scary as it looked.
The bridges were sturdy.
You could not beat the views from the middle of the longest bridge.
The guide was very kind and knowledgeable about the bridges.
I would recommend this activity to everyone!
The chimpanzee trek was quite an experience.
I went on one of the harder hikes in the park.
We hiked about three or four hours to the chimps' location.
Then we spent a little over an hour watching them in a tree.
The guides and trackers were knowledgeable.
This hike was very challenging.
I would not recommend it for inexperienced hikers.
The views were stunning!
Be prepared for rain!
In addition, if it is raining the guides will not take you on the bird walk.
You can rent rain boots and ponchos to hike in from the park as well.
Walking sticks are provided for free.
I would recommend visiting this national park!
So many fun things to do, from chimpanzee tracking, to bird-watching, to a canopy walk.
It's an absolutely breath-taking forest, unlike anything I've ever seen.
We went on the chimpanzee tracking for which there are different length hikes for people of different skill levels, and then you work with the trackers until you find the chimpanzees.
Totally worth the hike to see a group of wild chimps!
Also the guides are extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and help you every step of the way.
I also would highly recommend the canopy walk, even if you have a fear of heights it's something you MUST do.
It's very safe yet extremely thrilling - you feel like you're on top of the world (which you are in a sense).
And on the way there and back you have the chance of seeing other wild animals too, which makes it even better!
Do be mindful that it's a rainforest and so don't be surprised if you get rained on a little during a hike, it doesn't usually last long, however activities like birding are hard to do if the weather is bad.
Easily one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, it was incredible.
The forest surrounded by tea fields and mist was too cool.
There was plenty to keep me busy from the thrilling canopy walk to the chimp hikes.
Be warned that if it is raining birding will most likes get cancelled.
I was also impressed by the high quality paved roads.
The National Park is a beautiful area on a 4 hours drive from Kigali, 2 hours from Butare/Huye.
We did the Canopy walk from Uwinka Visitors Centre.
It is a beautiful walk and easy when you can't do long and difficult paths.
But we found it a bit expensive for what you actually get.
When you don't have a car it is still possible to get to visitors centre by bus.
For your way back you might want to book you ticket in advance or go for the more adventurous way by waving down a car or hoping the bus has some seats left.
We didn't book in advance, but they told us that could pay by card.
You can only pay at the RDB office by card when you book in advance.
I had to do a 5hour roadtrip from Kigali and just hoped it was well worth it.
Indeed it was.
I met a Rwandan family who warmed up to me and made both the canopywalk and camping quite exciting.
I was scared but it didn't show or rather i didn't allow it stop me from braving up and enjoying myself while exploring my sense of adventure.
A lovely place to visit, lots of things for everyone.
A little expensive but if you think you are contributing to the protection of the forest, animals and jobs well worth it.
The canopy walk was expensive and would not do this if I went back but would recommend the Kamiranzovu walk just amazing rain forest and swamp there are looking to reintroduce elephants back to this area which will make it even more a must do.
Plenty of wildlife and incredible views.
There is also a trail system for long and/or short hikes.
I did the canopy which wasn't the right trek for me.
Look into all of them before choosing.
During a short trip to Rwanda I visited the Nyungwe forest.
Regardless of the qualities of the forest which in itself is very beautiful - I would not recommend visiting it and this is why: extremely expensive combined with BAD service.
Decided to combine 2 medium hikes.
One was said to take 3 hours and a half and the other was the canopy walk (1.5 hours) and we were told the 2 could be combined.
You pay the full price for each hike so...
I'd expect to get the full two hikes.
The first was 40 dollar, the canopy walk 60 dollar; Thats $100 indeed.
What did I get for this?
A 3 hour walk in a group of nearly 20 people and 1 (!!
guide; Out of the twenty people there were two who decided to hold a screaming contest for the ENTIRE trip without a single comment from the guide; This while you visit this forest to meet primates, obviously scared away by this level of noise!
There were 3 people in the group who wanted to do the canopy also.
At the end of the hike we were instructed towards the canopy (150 meter long or so) and walked it.
Apparently that's all we were getting for our $60.
Not a 1.5 hour additional hike.
Utter rip-off.
Visit Nyungwe?
But take one of the longer hikes (6 or 8 hours).
You'll also pay 40 dollar but you'll have a proper day out, a chance to see primates and birds and probably less other tourists ruining your trip by not keeping their mouths shut.
Okay, so Nyungwe National Park is a special place; it's one of few large tracts of mountain rainforest is Africa and it's home to chimps and some 12 other primate species.
BUT...it's a haul for a long weekend from Kigali (definitely not a weekend trip!
and the schedule of activities is so regimented that it's hard to get immersed in the feel of being in the park.
Given that the rains come pretty predictably every afternoon, one is limited to one morning activity per day, with the time prescribed by the park.
If doing a road trip around Rwanda it's no doubt worth a stop but otherwise might not be justified.
Great park to see Rwandan wildlife (mostly primates) and beautiful rolling mountains of rainforest.
The canopy walk is worth it (even if you're scared of heights!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Come prepared for mud, rain, and some insects.
Hills are steep.
You have to be in pretty decent shape to handle even the easiest hikes.
Visited nyungwe national forest for the 2nd time.
Indeed an awesome place with breathtaking views.
Luckily the weather was also too cool.
Enjoyed every bit of it.
My daughter and I paid $50 each to do the waterfall walk.
It rained half way through the walk (not unexpected) but when we arrived at the waterfall, the railing was broken so we could not use it.
We had to wade through flood water on our return, which was very dangerous and we could have been washed away.
This would have been fatal.
Our guide, who was very good, said it has been like this for a long time and encouraged us to complain as it is also dangerous for guides.
Why don't they use the walk costs to improve health and safety?
Apparently they have not public liability.
Shockingly beautiful, and like nothing I'd ever seen in East Africa.
I highly recommend this - great wildlife and biodiversity, and helpful, professional guides.
Go on the chimp trek!
we enjoyed with my colleagues last trip to Nyungwe National Forest, we walked on Canopy walk ans we saw Cimpanzs
The walks in Nyungwe are varied and interesting, but the pricing structure is a challenge!
All require a guide, and some advance booking for example chimp tracking, but we were able to book waterfall and colobus monkey tracking walking on the day, with the latter a great experience just off the track through tea plantations.
Try camping in this incredible forest full of primates.
Rangers can provide basic food, charcoal etc.
You'll remember waking up here for the rest of your life.
A Rwanda highlight.
I visited this National Park to track chimpanzees.It was a difficult task due to the terrain but the porters were excellent and I would urge everyone doing such a trek to hire a porter for assistance.The trek was well worth the effort when we finally got to the chimps and saw them feeding up in the trees .The atmosphere was incredible when they started to call out to other group members and the noise built up to a crescendo.They were also joined by some very agile monkeys so got double the value.Our guide was very knowledgable and friendly as were all the people I met on my stay in Rwanda.I also visited a waterfall in the forest the next day which initially was easier underfoot but became harder as we had to clamber over rocks and boulders as we got nearer to it.Again it was well worth the effort and our Guide was excellent.
Experience true Rwandese nature in Nyungwe National Parke.
Take a guide tour up to the waterfalls and don't forget to take a dive in the cold, I mean refreshing water... ;-)
Good tasting with nature feeling and deep impact with scimpanze and other various of monkeys.
Very easer wolking trail without any kind of difficult.
With limited time we chose the colobus walk...and weren't disappointed.
Guides well trained, and walks through tea plantations interesting before going into forest.
Make sure you have accommodation before you travel, its quite hard to find!
Also all guides and scouts need tips, apart from costs paid to the Parks for walk and guiding!
Absolutely loved the canopy walk and great hike it was.
The different tree species and thick forest makes the experience worth every bit.
Even the Air is different in Nyungwe.
I had an amazing time at Nyungwe, enjoying the canopy walk and the waterfall hike.
I choose to take the hike instead of seeing the chimps.
I will return to explore and observe more - chimps, monkeys, and birds in particular.
My spectacular trip included gorilla trekking and was perfectly arranged by Danny at Bizidanny Tours.
I cannot describe the beauty of this rainforest.
In the morning we hiked from our gorgeous hotel and spa, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, to the edge of this national park.
From there, our guide gave us tidbits of information about the plants, trees, and wildlife that we were seeing.
Our group consisted of approximately 10 hikers from around the world.
It was fascinating getting to know everyone.
Our guide gave us plenty of time as we hiked the 1 1/2 hours to the waterfall to chat with our fellow hikers.
The hike is not for people used to being on flat terrain, but it will not be difficult for experienced climbers.
When we finally got to the waterfall, we gasped at its beauty.
A bit further into the park was the canopy suspension bridge.
The bridge consists of three separate bridges, two shorter ones and one long one in the middle.
The bridge was funded by the USAID to encourage tourism in Rwanda.
From the top of the bridge visitors can view the upper canopy of the rainforest.
I highly recommend this national forest if anyone is visiting this area of Africa.
It is not to be missed.
This is a very special place with an amazing diversity of birds, plants and primates, many unique to the area.
I had the pleasure of two mornings bird watching with Vedaste an experienced and knowledgable guide.
We did the Mt Bigugu and Karamba trails.
Nyungwe is beautiful.
Unspoiled rain forest with a variety of birds and primates hidden within.
To justify the high cost of everything, one hopes that the fees are being used to protect and conserve this wilderness.
We drove our own vehicle to the park along with 2 other families with young children.
The highway passes directly through the Forest so one does not even have to get off the highway to experience some of its beauty.
There are often monkeys or baboons along the road.
The primary and secondary forests are also quite spectacular.
As we drove from the west, we passed the entrances for the two common hotels on this site.
More about one later... Our destination was the Canopy Walk, an elevated metal walkway designed and built with help from USAID.
On arrival at the office, we were glad that our Burundian 2 year visas allowed us to enter at the East Africa Community rate of $50/adult and $25/child above 7 years old.
Our 13 year old was charged the child rate.
Natural walking sticks were available for free at the center while rain jackets were available for a fee.
Bring your own water.
There is a small information center where you can read about the canopy walk and the Forest trees and wildlife (in at least 3 languages!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
A guide dressed in camo fatigues led us down an easy path to the base of the 3-part canopy walk.
In groups of 8 or so, we crossed the 40 meter, 90 meter, and 25 meter long sections.
There is a bit of swaying and movement of the bridges.
The height of the 90 meter section is reported to be 40 meters to the ground below.
There are some nice panoramic views from that middle section.
On reaching the far side, individuals are given the option of either going back across the canopy or passing through the valley floor.
The distance is approximately the same.
The walk back up is not technical but is somewhat strenuous.
There are occasional benches where one could pause.
Almost all of the school-aged children made the whole hike without problem.
The round trip is probably 2-3 hours including a short rest at the end of the canopy walk.
There is a picnic area at the station where we ate our lunches.
There were no obvious facilities for purchasing food or drink.
There are clean toilets at the office as well.
The wildlife viewing was not spectacular.
We saw a few birds in the distance and a few of the small monkeys in some dense canopy.
The big picture views of the forest are the memories that I have from that place.
On our drive out of the Forest, we stopped for a short break at the Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
You can read others' reviews of this 5 star location.
They allowed us to enter the lobby and we briefly enternained the idea of taking tea but the US $9 per person charge was beyond what we wanted to pay.
I'm not sure if that is only for a cup of tea or for the true English tea time with biscuits.
It is worthwhile to drive back to the Lodge to see the beauty of the tea fields and see the architecture of the place.
We also saw a small troop of monkeys in nearby trees.
There are many other hikes available in the Forest.
With our limited time and the presence of a bunch of kids, we felt like the Canopy Walk was a good choice.
All of the other hikes cost about the same amount- $50 per person.
Perhaps a longer hike with closer proximity to wildlife would be a good follow up.
We wanted to get a taste of the Nyungwe National Forest and decided to do the shortest trail, the Canopy walk.
This took us about two hours (going and coming back).
This short trail costs 60USD which seems a lot but is definitely worth it.
The guides are very friendly and helpful and are trying to give you as much information as they can about the forest and its fauna and flora.
The hanging bridge was truly amazing and gave us an extraordinary view.
It's located about 70m above the ground but seems a lot less because of all the high trees and bushes below you.
Attention: you can't pay by credit card, only cash, so be sure to bring a lot of Rwandan francs.
We did the canopy walk, and that is pretty cool.
Altough it's actualy just one canopy bridge divided in three parts it is nice.
We saw a lot of birds, monkeys and the like,altough we tought afterwards that the US$60,- per person was a bit steep.
But we had good guide and we took our time which made it a pretty cool
I last walked on the Nyungwe Canopy in 2012 and it was simply amazing,this time again?It is still excellent.The guides are great and knowledgable.My guide Christian Musafiri gave me a great insight about the forest.He even waited for me when i had failed to walk up the Uwinka Visitors center due to the steep slope.I will always do the canopy once i get to Nyungwe and will always recommend my clients there.
Unfortunately, we didn't have more time to explore this beautiful national park.
The trail to the waterfall was exceptional with many monkeys, butterflies, chameleons, thousands of ants coverings the trail for meters (don't even stop walking....!
and breathtaking views.
Don't miss this walk, even if it is tough at times.
The Canopy Walk, on the other hand, was interesting, too, but way to expensive, in comparison.
Bird watching is best in June, so save your money on that during the other months, birds ar everywhere anyway if you are observant and patient.
Hope to be back soon!
Nyungwe National Park is a gem in Africa.
While savannah tours and safaris are abundant in the region, there are very few locations where you can still see pristine and virgin Cloud Forest.
While larger forests exist in the southern tips of Uganda and in the Congo Basin, Rwanda provides a safe, organized, and well done environment in which to experience it.
There are some great hotels, including the Nyungwe Forest Lodge, that allows you to be up close with the forest from your room.
You can do a canopy walk that leaves you dangling above the trees with a full 360 of the forest that stretches for miles in all directions, and you can see the incredible biodiversity of fauna and flora that exists in the region.
A must for bird watchers.
Treks are not for the faint of heart, however unexperienced trekkers should not be discouraged.
It is completely doable, even if you do not have extensive experience in trekking, however it is physically tiring and water bottles, energy bars, and snacks are recommended as it is quite humid and dehydration should be kept in mind.
Children are able to be taken on these tours, especially the canopy walk.
More intense treks such as the chimp trek may be more difficult (especially if you need a permit to see the animals (investigate before going)).
We really had an amazing time in Nyungwe.
I was a bit concerned before we got there because there is really very little information regarding the hikes available and the times when the hikes leave on the internet.
I was given an email address by someone at the Rwanda Development Board to have my questions answered, and the person answering my emails consistently gave me inaccurate information.
Fortunately, when we showed up at the Gisakura office of the Park, the rangers were friendly and helpful.
With their assistance we were able to do 3 hikes during our time in the Park (Chimpanzee Tracking, the Isumo Trail, and the Canopy walk in Uwinka).
Chimpanzee tracking was amazing.
It starts early in the morning and (at least for us) involved a pretty difficult scramble off-trail up and down the hillside.
I thought it was worth it and absolutely worth the money.
Isumo Trail (waterfall trail).
We did this trail in the afternoon after chimpanzee tracking as they offer it at 9AM and 1PM.
This is really a beautiful trail.
One thing I would say is that the Park offers you the option of either walking through the tea fields to the trailhead, or having your driver drop you off at the trailhead.
I would 100% recommend walking through the tea fields.
They are beautiful and it is the easiest part of the hike.
Also, as a bonus we saw black and white colobus monkeys and a blue monkey in a patch of forest in the tea fields.
Canopy Walk - We basically did this trail because it was short and we didn't have much time.
It is also offered at 8am, 10am and maybe in the afternoon as well, so there are options.
It is a beautiful trail, but I do wish we had more time and could do one of the longer trails that takes you deeper into the Park.
The cost for the hikes does seem expensive, but I don't think this is a very large portion of the funding for the Park.
Also each of our three guides was extremely nice, very knowledgeable about the Park, and also very enthusiastic about conservation.
We did not camp (we stayed at the guesthouse), but when we were in Uwinka, our guide, Danny explained that the campground was being renovated and expressed hope that more people would camp in the park in the future.
I think that would be an amazing experience.
If I could suggest anything for this Park, it would be a much better web presence with accurate information that will allow tourists to plan their visits better.
This is a very hard trek, do not be mistaken.. but the guides and porters are very helpful, know their information and experience worthwhile once you have reached them.
Challenging roads under construction to access this remarkable, high altitude, original tropical rainforest.
A delight for its vegetation, birdlife, waterfall and primates.
Not surprising to have heavy rains - so be prepared.
A long way for day visits.
The luxury option for overnight stay - the Nyungwe Forest Lodge, with its small arc of villas on an old tea plantation on the NW edge of the Forest.
I went with a private driver from Kigali as I only had one free weekend and wanted to see as much as possible; both of the area and the drive up there.
I stayed at Nyungwe Forest Lodge which is fantastic (see separate review) but you can do this trip on the cheap too through camping, small lodges and other hotels.
Buses from Kigali also run into the area.
There are a variety of headquarters when you arrive and you need to know which one to go to in order to do the hike you want.
If doing the chimpanzee trekking, you must book in advance.
I booked and paid the day before but I was at the park during a the non-tourist season and I was the only one on the trek that morning (lucky me!
The park headquarters is the closest one to the Nyungwe Forest Lodge (5 minutes away).
I left the lodge at 4.45am and met my guide at the headquarters.
From there we drove about an hour to a trail leading into the forest.
It had rained the day before so the trails were very slippery and there was a lot of going up and down.
I often caught myself out of breath as I had forgotten about the altitude!
Later we met a tracker who hacked our way through the bush.
We got to about a half hour away from the chimpanzees (18 of them) when I decided to turn back.
I have an injured arm and we had to cross very slippery rocks covered in moss.
Had I not had the injury I would have gone forward but it wasn't worth the risk to me.
Plus I had 100% enjoyed my 5 hours in the forest and felt blessed to have been there alone.
The group size is 8 people so make sure you book for this trip in advance.
The cost is $90 and is well worth it.
The next day I did the canopy walk for $60.
The headquarters for this one are about 30 minutes from the Nyungwe Lodge.
Again I was the only one on the walk ... lucky, lucky me!
This time the trail was dry and much easier to walk.
This is listed as an easy trail but there is some up and down walking to be done.
The views from the canopy were amazing and I got up close to three monkeys.
On all hikes you will need a raincoat, water, and hiking shoes.
If doing a longer hike (like the chimps) take some snacks too.
All headquarters have toilets and they have food for sale.
Remember however that the Chimp HQ is closed at 5am so take your own food in!
All the guides/trekkers I had were knowledgeable and were genuinely nice people!
We went on a three and a half kilometre walk, in the rain and after a dramatic thunderstorm.
It was beautiful and our guide did a great job explaining about the biodiversity.
The canopy walk was fantastic, to be up that high, it is totally safe, although perhaps with a large group it could swing more.
It is quite expensive, but at the same time, the money goes to the park, and the fact that tourists are there protects it from poaching and encroaching, so the money is going to the right place.
We traveled from Kigali to spend one night at the Nyungwe Hill Top Hotel and squeezed in two excursions the next day before driving back to the city.
Two nights would have been better.
The first excursion was to find the Colabus monkeys.
This cost $60.
The walk to the monkeys took 10 minutes and we then met up with two trackers (trackers stay with the habituated monkeys so that they can always be found for us tourists).
We hung out with the monkeys for about an hour or so and walked back through the plantation.
We ended up tipping the trackers and the guide but came away feeling as though this was all too expensive for what we had experienced.
This wasn't the same feeling we had after the Canopy excursion.
They sweetly found a guide happy to leave an hour earlier (than 1pm - the times are 8am, 10am and 1pm).
We walked through the forest on a good path for about half an hour before arriving at the bridge and the guide stopped and talked about specific trees and was open to questions about anything.
He was guiding in both Kinyarwandan and English, because another family had joined us.
Crossing the bridge was great fun and we got to see a purple breasted sunbird.
We felt as though the cost of this excursion was worth every penny and although my legs suffered the next day, it was really enjoyable.
Tip: stretch before getting back in your car!)
We went on two hikes in Nyungwe and recommend both.
We stayed at Gisakura guesthouse, which is right at the starting point for the Waterfall hike, which was great.
It says it takes 4 hours, which is just about exactly what it took us.
If you have your own transport (or someone in your hiking group has transport and will take you) you can drive to the start, which we did (otherwise it is an hour walk to the start of the forest.
If you have time, this would be a neat walk through the Tea plantation.
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
We had one person in our group who was pretty slow, so it did end up taking 4 hours.
If you are a group of faster hikers, it would take less.
We enjoyed the slow pace because you can really have time to take photos and discover more of the diversity of life around you.
We didn't see much animal life, but there are plants growing on plants growing on plants.
The paths are well kept.
It is a moderate hike, with the first half primarily going down towards the water and eventual waterfall, and then the second half coming back up.
With a slow pace this is easily doable by anyone reasonably fit.
The forest is spectacular, with moss hanging on trees and a huge variety of plants.
The second hike we went on was the Canopy Walk/Igishigishigi Trail, including the tree fern loop.
At the start of this hike we were lucky enough to encounter a huge group of monkeys (can't remember the type), which the guide said was one of the largest groups in the forest.
They aren't always around there, so that just based on luck.
They were neat to see because the whole area of trees were shaking and shivering as monkeys dove from branch to branch with amazing leaping ability.
This hike was relatively easy and could be done almost anyone even if you are not that fit.
It was only about 2 hours long and still had some up and down, but not quite as much as the waterfall trail.
The canopy walk was really neat, a little scary for me, but totally worth it.
We saw a couple of neat birds on this trail as well, but still primarily plants life.
The start location for the canopy walk/Igishigishigi trail was about a 45 minute drive from Gisakura guesthouse.
If we had had more time we would have loved to do a couple more hikes in the forest.
Each trail costs around 50. to 60.
per person, so you do have to keep that in mind.
It is nice though, because by paying for a guide (and tipping him) you pay to help protect the forest and keep it completely free from litter and poachers.
We felt like the investment was worth it and it was nice to have a guide to ask questions to and to tell us more about what we were seeing.
Our guide, Hope, on the canopy walk, was particularly great and I was grateful for him as he helped me across the canopy walk by keeping me in conversation to distract my brain from the fact we were so far off the ground.
Nyungwe Forest is a must see in Rwanda!
I visited last week the canopy walkin Nyungwe National Park.
Its not far from the main road to rusizi.
In the forest, I liked the crossing on the Canopy which is linking 2 hills, I have been so scared but It have been one of the best experience I have got in the start 2015.
I thank RDB people who have helped me to cross this canopy.
Thank you
Visit Nyungwe National Park to see Chimps, Golden Monkeys and bird viewing!
More importantly to walk on the canopy walk-way amidst tall, thick natural forest.
It was a good and rewarding experience.
It was exciting passing by that Bridge since you are really higher seeing trees on the top and what i disliked was the less information for cummuter so that they can know the Bus schedules.
This is a park that is not to be missed.
The hikes offer unforgettable experiences depending on which animals you see.
I have to recommend the colobus monkeys.
If you do no other hikes, do this one.
They're amazing.
If you have the time and money, do everything they have to offer.
The guides are all friendly and extremely well educated.
Just be familiar with where each hike starts.
You have to provide your own transportation between the Visitor's Center and the hotels you might be staying in.
Also, you need a 4x4 to be able to see the chimpanzees, which we didn't realize (it said recommend, not required) and our driver only had a regular car, so we had to pay $150 to a driver who lost the other 2 vehicles he was following, delaying our arrival.
Otherwise, the waterfall hike is a great 4 hour work out.
The park wasn't that crowded when we were there, so we were the only 2 on some of the hikes, which made it even better.
Be aware that if you're a foreigner, the prices for the activities are in US$ and that's how you pay.
No credit cards.
Try and have exact change.
The permits/receipts are hand written, so arrive a little early and be advised that no one is in a hurry.
If you want snacks, there is a nice little cafeteria there.
Be sure to have sturdy shoes and clothes.
The guides will size you up to make sure you can do the hike.
But unless you're tracking a specific animal and a tracker is cutting through branches, you'll be on very nice trails.
The park is clean and well maintained and the visit was a highlight of my time in Rwanda.
Both my walks were enjoyable and we saw monkeys on both trips however the walks are overpriced for what you get.
The village stay at Banda village two hours walk from Uwinka is recommend, interesting to see village life and the cultural performance (see brochure on the park website under cultural tourism for details).
I visited Nyungwe in June 2014 and had a hard time finding the right information on transportation, how to get a chimp permit and just how the logistics worked once you got there.
Here's what I found.
We hired a driver from Kigali as the information on how to get around once you got to the park was sparse.
I'm glad we did.
The drive from the park office to the beginning of the chimp hike was about 1.5 hours and the drive from our hotel to the start of the canopy walk was about 30 minutes.
It also enabled us to drive to another hotel for a meal one night.
If you do take the bus, the hotel said they could book transport but it would be expensive.
It's a toss up but I liked the sure thing!
It also enabled us to stop along the way on the way to and from the forest if we saw something on the side of the road we wanted to photograph or visit.
We stayed at the Hill Top Hotel which was wonderful, I'll do a separate review on that.
Titus at the front desk was kind enough when I registered to book our chimp permits for the day we wanted.
When we arrived at the hotel around 6 he told us to go directly back to the park office as we needed to pay for and receive our permits before the office closed (it closed at 4:30 but they stayed open for us).
So we drove the short distance to the office, picked up and paid for our permits which you cannot do the morning of your trek.
We were then told to be back at that office at 5am for our trek and that the guide would need a ride with us...another reason to have your own vehicle and driver.
The next morning we were at the park office at 5, got organized and drove to the start of the trek about 1.5 hours away.
The trek itself lasted about 6 hours and depending on the day and where the chimps are can be an easy, moderate or difficult hike.
Ours was difficult!
It was about 2/5 hours on trails and about 3 hours through the jungle up and down, across, over, running through ants etc.
We saw chimps way up in the trees at about the 4.5 hour mark.
I'm so glad we did it, but it can be a very difficult hike depending where the chimps are that day.
It is much harder than gorilla trekking and more active once you find the chimps.
We were able to radio our drivers to come to a closer meeting spot at the end.
The next day we walked through the tea plantations which as noted in the guide books is just a short walk from the guest house or hotel.
Our driver walked with us and was able to translate and negotiate a tour for us at the tea factory which is just off the main road.
It was interesting and worth the visit.
You can walk there down the main road.
The next day we did the canopy walk in the morning and the waterfall walk in the afternoon.
Both were great.
Both have specific times of the day they are scheduled to leave.
For example, Canopy at 9, 11 and 1.
Waterfall at 9 and 1.
We just showed up for the canopy walk and got on, but we booked for the waterfall at the park office.
There are 2 park offices about 30 minutes drive apart.
Waterfall and Chimps leave from the one by the guesthouse and Canopy leaves from the other one.
The waterfall walk had the option to walk back to the park office or end at the Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
We chose the lodge as it was closer and we wanted to see it.
We called our driver to meet us there and ended up having a great dinner there.
It is about a 15 minute drive from the guest house and Hill top.
Friendly, helpful guide on one visit to the waterfalls, on the the chimpanzee walk a different guide was not so good .It is quite strenuous walking.in the forest but an amazing experience.
The noise of the forest is unforgettable.
This was my second visit to Nyungwe National Park and trekking to see the Chimpanzees.
The first was in the rain.
The downside was that it was very slippery and wet (of course!
the upside - the chimpanzees stayed in one place and we saw a nice big family together.
This time is was nice weather so they kept on moving.
We did a LOT of trekking as they kept on moving and only managed to really see 1 female in a tree.
The staff did their best to help us see more and before we left we saw a male, female and baby cross the path we were walking in.
Still worth it.
My only advise to fellow travellers is that if you are the last car and you are driving by yourself remember to tell the car in front to make sure you keep up and wait for you.
We were the last car and at one stage they lost us...
The source of the Nile?
Perhaps.
This national park is so lush, teeming with wildlife, and there seems to be a beautiful surprise around every turn.
Spend time hiking the trails, enjoying the various climate zones you encounter.
Nature at its best!
We are so glad we did the Canopy Tour!
Nacisse is extremely knowledgeable about the birds, the plants, and other wildlife, making it a very educational experience.
The best part was the walk across the canopy bridge - a bit scary, but very worth the effort!
Amazing views!
The park drive is also beautiful!
We saw monkeys along the side of the road!
The experience with the canopy walk is just incredible.
And the primates + birds!
Remarkable Rwanda...
We visited Nyungwe to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Having met the knowledgeable and friendly staff, we set off in cars to the location.
The rain forest was so dense!
You eed to wear sturdy walking shoes and long trousers and a long sleeved top as you actually pass through the rainforest foliage off the beaten track following the guides as they lead you to the best locations to view the chimps, guided by their hard-working trackers.
It took some time to locate the chimps, but patience paid off as we started to hear their calls all around us and shortly later spotted two chimps cross the path we had just come along!
Shortly afterwards, we were guided in to the rainforest and soon spotted chimps sitting in the trees, eating their breakfast- not just one chimp but a group of chimps including an entertaining and acrobatic young one!
We stood speechless, transfixed by these close relatives of humans going about their daily business in the sanctuary of their natural habitat.
The cost for this priceless experience was 90 US dollars each, but so worth it!
An unforgettable experience.
The density and size of the trees is amazing.
It is truly worth going to the forest, the road on its own is worth the trip !
I visited this Park, Last week on 21st May 2014.
I was a very interesting trip.
I was in a team of scientist who are interested in protecting the environment.
I like many birds that are there and also monkeys.
I also like so much the canopy walk...I was my first to pass through a canopy.
I liked also the water fall.
The park is beautiful, and the flora is incredible.
We went on the canopy walk trek, and got an opportunity to se the rainforest from above.
The drawback of the trip was that the wildlife wasn't really there.
On the other hand you could see a lot of primates on the trip to and from the park
Nyungwe bird walk We are avid birders and keen to see some of the 300 birds that are supposed to live in the Nuyngwe Rainforest.
A permit and a guide is needed to enter into the forest.
We picked up our guide at the parks board and he was a very pleasant guy called Proteous.
He was keen to find out what kind of birds we were looking for and tailored the day accordingly.
We were keen to see the Rift Valley endemics if at all possible.
Proteous was very knowledgable and identified a lot by call as the jungle is really thick and it is very difficult to spot without a guide.
I would not suggest going without a guide, even if it was allowed.
We went to two different trails and saw a reasonable number of birds.
Unfortunately, it rained during the walk and this certainly did not assist matters.
It was also very overcast during the day and no sun can out at all.
Made photography very difficult.
Being at the end of March we also missed out on a lot of migratory birds which was a pity.
Obviously best to come in July/August in the long dry season when the migrants are around.
Nevertheless, we saw a good selection of birds, about 15 endemics and a bunch of other ones.
We were lucky to see the greater blue, Ruwenzori and greater black Turaco.
Not the most rare birds, but spectacularly beautiful!
A good attraction, but rather do it in the dry season when the migrants are in town.
Another brilliant trip, the area is stunningly beautiful, roads excellent on the whole and everyone very friendly and helpful.
So much to see, lots of wildlife.
Had a guided walk, well worth it as guide very knowledgeable and he pointed out many plants we would have walked past.
Would love to go back here . . Also passed UNHCR Refugee camp for people from DRC which was a bit of a shock, and had a puncture in the middle of nowhere.
This could have been disastrous for 2 60+ women, but a couple of boys glided out of the bush and set to with great skill and enthusiasm, they kept getting phone calls from someone who was clearly saying lunch is in the dog if you are not back soon, but they persevered and sorted us out before disappearing back into the bush having reluctantly ish accepted PS5 each for their efforts.
I went to Nyungwe during late Jan-early Feb.
It was low season, and thus a great opportunity to go on hikes and activities with smaller groups that feel more personalized.
At the same time, there's still plenty of international visitors to meet on your hikes.
The park guides are impressively expert about the forest and friendly--one of them still remembered my name when I joined him for another hike two days later.
I definitely encourage you to spend the mere 10 USD for the services of a porter, who is likely a former poacher now serving the parks and whose family is needy.
The porter may not only carry your belongings, but also help you if you have difficulty on parts of the walk.
Be forewarned: the chimps trek meets at 5 AM, so you will be waking by 3 AM to be all ready and have traveled to the site by then.
It's worth it, though!
I agree with G W that the waterfall hike, which is strangely less touted by tour companies, is a must-see.
It was my favorite hike/activity of the four that I did.
I had Claude for a guide, too, and he is super great!!!)
...it was a half day adventure into this real African montane forestn with its vast of species ranging from; velvet monkeys, and rare bird species of Africa.
i got an opportunity to view the rare blue crested species of the birds!
i was just at natural peace with the montane mixture of voices of different species !
it was a rare opportunity within a vey short time of day.
i hope to arrange a personal trip just for wildlife in Rwanda!
it was all in totall amazent!!!!!
Nyungwe National Park is a must-see for tourists to Rwanda.
You can either book an all inclusive package from Kigali or go independently, which is much cheaper.
There is a bus that runs between Kigali and Gisakura (the village right outside the park).
Only choice for budget travellers seems to be Gisakura Guesthouse.
Trip can be done without your own vehicle although not as easily - park rangers can arrange for motos to pick you up from the guesthouse and bring you to the visitor's centre in the park for 5000rwf.
Park highlights: CHIMPANZEES: Chimp tracking is run out of the ranger station next to Gisakura Guesthouse.
They offer several permits a day for 90USD (includes guide) and a 4-wheel drive car rental and driver for 150USD a day.The chimps are actually found in Cyamdongo, a sister forest to Nyungwe that's about an hour away by car (road conditions can be bad).
Our guide was excellent and very knowledgeable.
He was very helpful and eager to answer any questions.
Tips: Bring raingear and a sweater (can be chilly).
Our hike proceeded despite pouring rain and thunder.
Binoculars can be helpful, as the chimps live high in the trees and you can't see them very well from the ground.
Be aware that chimps don't always stick to the main trail so you will have to trek off-path through untouched rainforest, which can be physically demanding.
WALK: The canopy walk starts with a 30-minute hike from the Uwinka Visitors Centre inside the park.
The visitor's centre offers decent bathroom facilities and a cafe.
The canopy walk is 50 meters above the ground and offers spectacular views of the valley below.
Really enjoyable - unless of course you're afraid of heights.
There's also a bunch of hikes - they all require a guide and a payment of 50USD or more.
The park is definitely worth a visit, unfortunately all the activities are really expensive.
We live about 45 minutes away from the national park in Kamembe.
We have driven through it, or rather been driven through it, at break neck speed on the bus from Kigali and although I have noticed the beauty of the national park and even seen the odd monkey I am usually more concerned with hanging onto my breakfast than appreciating the awesome rain forest.
Although getting your head around organising a trip here is not straight forward it is so worth the effort.
I would heartily recommend taking the waterfall trek.
It only required us to hire transport to the centre and then our guide, Claude, did the rest.
Breathtaking scenery and the waterfall in the rainforest was stunning.
This park is full of potential but it still lacks the necessary infrastructure to allow independent travelers to move within the park.
We just made it to the gate but rain and the prospect of being stuck without a ride back made us stay and do a guided forest tour.
It was a nice walk but no primates are on that side.
We did watch a troop of baboons from their little restaurant.
Really watch this place - they are building a backpackers hostel at the entrance which will really bring economic activity to the residents there.
They are still shy, however, and when I asked to take a picture of a beautiful girl carrying wood she said no.
I respected that.
We spent two days and one night in Nyungwe National Park.
Began with a tour of the tea plantation and processing plant known to our guide, and then three fabulous meals, beautiful swimming pool, and quiet, serene grounds in the middle of a tea plantation.
I'm talking about the Nyungwe Lodge, the best $500 a night you'll ever spend.
This lodge defines good service.
We did two three hour hikes and it was a very nice experience and definitely not too strenuous.
There are other hikes that require more physical perseverance for those that are into that.
The landscape is really pretty and we did see some primates, which was fun.
The groups are pretty small in size too so you don't feel like your queuing walking through the rain forest.
A great experience!
Went yesterday and have to say...
So glad we went and will remember it forever.
There is quite a hike back, but don't well worth it!,
For something completey different visit Nyungwe National Forest.
I do not remember the exact date I was there, probably late early 2012, but it still deserves a positive review.An enormous amount of interesting bird species, but several species of monkeys as well and you can hear the chimps calling from as far as 3 km.
There are several different trips to undertake, including the birdwalk (a guide is essential), a chimp hike or cross the newly constructed hanging bridge.
There a a few places to stay overnight.
We decided to go for the tea plantation which was an economic choice, but good enough for 1 night, friendly staff and a beautiful location on the hills.
From there to the park's entrance is only a short ride.
Bring some rain gear, cause the place is a RAIN forest !
It is a big, mostly primary forest south in the country.
Interesting place to make long, guided walks.
Lots of birds.
Even a flying squirrel near the canapee walk!
Also a big family of black and white colobus monkey's.
Sadly we had no time to look for chimps.
The guides are good, dedicated and kind.
Better stay for several days around to see all of it.
If you like nature and hiking this is a place for you.
If you dont - find canopy walk and just get scared.
Not a must see, but still very interesting.
Waterfalls track.
Starts nearby Gisakura guest house.
We were enjoying very very much.
Unbelievably beautiful Rainforest.
A lot of birds around.
Walk takes approx.
4 hours, price 50$ per person.
You feel like you are Tarzan in wild jungles: wield life around, you can see some animals, birds and other habitants of forest, also amazing waterfall.
Very very pleasant walk.
I really loved it.
Rwanda is known for Gorilla Trekking in Volcano National Park, but I highly recommend visiting Nyungwe Forest during your stay.
The rainforest is breathtaking, a beautiful scenic drive down a well paved road, excellent selection of hikes and accommodations to choose from, and can be combined with a trip to Butare and related sights for a quick weekend getaway.
We did the waterfall trail (beautiful, definitely recommended) which was not too difficult and a good length (10.4 km), and the canopy trail which is pricey, but worth it for the view and experience.
We decided against any chimp or monkey trekking, since you had to wake up insanely early and we wanted a more relaxing getaway, but other visitors commented that they had a great time and really enjoyed the experience.
You must go to this National Park if you're in Rwanda!
My boyfriend and I were in Rwanda volunteering and we decided to go to the forest on a weekend off.
The trip was amazing!
We were a little dissapointed because we were told that we were not going ot be able to go chimpanzee trekking, so we recovered by going to see the collobus monkey colony, and the canopy walk, and i am so happy that we did.
We were able to get much closer to the collobus monkeys than we ever would with the chimps.
The canopy walk was unbelievably gorgeous, and our guide was very helpful, and informative.
Even though I am terrified of heights, I managed to do this and I was so happy that I did.
It was a great journey, and the park staff was very helpful.
A piece of advice though: If you're planning on hiring a driver, MAKE SURE you get a car with 4 wheel drive.
We spoke with a fellow volunteer before we booked, and she said that the roads were so bad that she was sick for a full day following her trip because of the motion.
Also, the car became stuck several times while driving.
When we went, we had an SUV and didn't have any problems at all.
It seems that the majority of visitors jet into Kigali, are whisked to Volcano National Park (PNV), and then spend the majority of their time there, going on one, two and sometimes even three subsequent gorilla treks.
While seeing the gorillas is indeed amazing (and recommended!
), don't miss the chance to visit Nyungwe Park in the southwest part of Rwanda.
It is amazing.
There is a huge diversity of birds and monkeys, the treks are wonderful and varied (e.g., colobus monkey trek, waterfall trek, canopy walk, trek, chimpanzee trek).
The muzungu tourist crowd is also much diminished, meaning more opportunity to directly interact with the informative guides.
The canopy walk is an experience in itself (in fact, our guide told us that the majority of visitors who get weak-kneed and turn back once they glimpse the canopy walk and how high it is above the ground are Americans!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Fortunately, there is a bypass so that if a sudden fear of heights comes over you, you can still rejoin your group.
We spent Christmas here, and were very impressed with the park.
The info center is great and we learned a lot - mostly about what a big freakin deal Nyungwe is in the scheme of African ecosystems.
It was gorgeous, lots of monkeys, well organized, and a GREAT guide.
The canopy is a bit over rated, if you ask me.
I wish we'd spent the money on a longer hike - either chimps or waterfalls.
But, the place is gorgeous, special, and important, and I'm very glad we went.
Take time to do the hikes.
I wish we'd done more.
It is worth visit once in Rwanda.
It is very beautiful and clean.
lots if trecking and trail courses to enjoy.
i took chimphanzi and waterfall trecking courses.
the reservation before the day of chimphanzi tracking is essential.
but the cost is much expensive.
for foreigners, have to pay 90 dollars per person.
One thing must know good body condition is required.
it is very tough to give through the course.
waterfall trecking was with satisfactory both cost and tracking.
I had always seen canopy walks in Movies and Brazilian Jungles or in the Amazons and wondered what it looked like in real life.The chance came in when Rwanda developed the great canopy walk in Nyungwe forest National Park.
I decided to save my money and travel to Rwanda with most especially visiting Nynugwe forest canopy walk.the road was tarmacked taking us 5-hrs of drive time getting to Nyungwe to Gisakura guest house where i slept with rains and along freezing night.
The next morning after my breakfast,i was given a ride to Uwinka visitors center by the Uwinka Project manager for the start of the Canopy tour at 8-am.
The walk down from the visitors offices was 2500 descending down into the valley 204meters on a mainly slipperly ground but with a walking stick for protection.
It was a great moment walking especially during the last 25meters on the wobbling canopy to hike back to the visitor's center.many primates sighted during the walk and birds.
My only plea to the Rwandan Authority is to reduce the Entry permit from 60US Dollars to a more affordable fee as it seems expensive for the East African Residents I would recommend any one travelling to Rwanda to add on their itinerary the Nyungwe forest Canopy walk.
I would highly recommend adding this to any Rwandan itinirary(offcourse if you have the time).
It is however very expensive.
you will see from my previous posts also that accommodation is severely limited and pricey.
The hikes start from about USD40 per person, canopy hike another USD60, chimps, monkey treks etc etc.
And its very far to get to.
At least 6-10 hours from Gisenyi, 4-6 hours from Kigali.
This part is so not Rwanda.
it was fantastic to not see a constant flow of people after almost a week in this highly populated country.
The forests and the road through it is absolutely amazingly pretty.
Its insane to see this much uninhabitated land in Rwanda.
I would strongly suggest you go to see this piece of paridise.
Two hours' hiking on a well-maintained trail, 200m drop, well-informed guide Julius Caesar, who has a degree in environmental chemistry; lots of giant begonias, amazing mahogany trees; a refreshingly clear waterfall at the end--and lovely temperature!
We'd love to return for birdwatching.
Amazing experience.
Lots that I learn't about the culture and heritage.
Understood a lot after reading and being told.
Dance was fantastic.
Very friendly people.
Very good English speaking
A lovely cultural village in the vicinity of volcanoes national park.
Staffed by former poachers and well worth a visit to relax, have fun, and understand more about Rwanda's proud cultural history.
I found myself shedding a tear when reading the testimonies of former poachers.
This village plays a massive part in the conservation of the gorillas and any support provided is much appreciated.
We visited the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village as part of a two-day visit to the Volcanoes National Park area.
This experience provides a taste of various Rwandan cultural experiences -- grinding grain in a traditional manner, a brief history of Rwanda, cultural drumming/dancing, Banana beer making, a traditional wedding ceremony and so on.
The dancers/presenters are members of the surrounding community.
It's a bit hokey at times and a bit touristy but the kids loved it and the singing/dancing/drumming was very good.
The presenters made an earnest effort to share everything about their given stations.
Overall, it's a good stop along our itinerary in this part of Rwanda and a fun use of a couple hours.
This experience reminded me of a colonial recreation village in the US.
I appreciate that the village wants to convey its cultural history, and the villagers jobs are to be actors in this process.
I know that my entry fee supports the community, so I was happy to visit.
The performances and demonstrations were, in my opinion, a little hokey.
Kids would probably love it.
But might be scared by some of the tribal Dancing, screaming, and general carrying on.
This was such a fun part of the trip!
It's a great cultural tour by former poachers that now support the community.
You learn about the past and present of the village.
There's also chances to participate in cultural dances, shoot a bow and arrow, drink homemade beer, and meet some of the great people there.
highly recommended.
Now called gorilla guardian village.
The staff was so enthusiastic and friendly.
The cultural details were ok.
The people providing the demonstrations were the best I have every seen!
Sincere friendly and informative and talented The music and singing they performed was phenomenal.
I am trying to get a recording if I can
Such an amazing cultural experience.
Loved learning about Rwanda.
The music and dancing is very entertaining.
Really enjoyed the interactive experience!
Highly recommend.
We arrived at the village without really knowing exactly what to expect and were immediately greeted with an extremely energetic welcome dance.
We proceeded to have a guide around the various aspects of the village including traditional life.
We got to try our hand at archery (sadly not naturally gifted at this!
As well as trying some (very strong!
Banana beer.
We then witnessed a traditional wedding ceremony and dance - which we took part in.
And finally we got to play at being king and queen.
Overall very enjoyable.
There were four in our group, and another group of six.
We were shown around by a guide.
An interesting cultural experience.
Our visit to the cultural village was exceptionally enlightening in learning of the local culture and also the gift of Mr. Barora Leonidas' energy.
We had such an enjoyable time and learned much in the process.
Took my teen here for some great learning and entertainment.
We were the only ones there so got lots of attention.
The singing and dancing was wonderful.
We had a local gal go through each of the huts to show us the different ways Rwandans live and to explain that they were eliminating poaching in the jungle by selling crafts and having the cultural center for the former poachers to earn money other ways.
Enthusiastic singing and dancing, some of the explanations were very good, others touching only the surface
Was a very interesting visit to a poachers village that now protects the forrest.
We learned about local customs and crafts made in the village.
They were very interactive with our family and had us participate in local dance and cultural activities.
Of course, this is totally aimed at tourists, but the hour spent here was so much fun and it gives you a good overview of Rwandan historical culture.
It also supports local craftspeople and local economy.
You can buy handmade souvenirs and even try some banana beer!
Don't miss it!
Our guide took us here after the golden monkey tour.
It was great.
Everyone at the village is involved and wants you to have a nice experience.
Educational, fun, helping the local community.
Take the time and just do it !!
I cannot believe my travel agent didn't put this on my travel agenda.
It was a last minute, this place has good reviews, I should check it out.
Oh my this is a MUST DO!!!
I learned so much and was entertained and why does everyone is Rwanda treat visitors like a cross between the Queen of England and Beyonce.
I felt so welcome every single place I went.
I was there during Covid and the covid protocols might be a hassle but it was so incredibly safe and comfortable there and people compiled and I never felt one second unsafe but some of the activities are modified.
Even with the modified activities here, no banana beer tasting, it was SO MUCH FUN and educational.
I would have missed out on so much history and understanding of Rwanda itself and their conservation efforts if I had not made this visit.
Highest recommendation.
Ask you travel agent to include it!!!!!
We learned about the local culture and had a lot of fun doing it.
Got to take part in a mock wedding procession.
The staff were a lot of fun.
during our stay at le bambou gorilla lodge, we got time to visit iby'iwacu culture village and learnt more about the rwandese culture
Would highly recommend this experience for children, as well as for getting a base understanding of local traditions and customs.
It's incredible what the community has built, and part of a larger theme of Rwanda creating jobs and opportunities for those who previously poached in the region.
That said, we were the only ones at the exhibit at the time and felt some of the presentation was very colonial and uncomfortable.
Given that our three children were not allowed in to the Virunga National Park, we were on the lookout for an alternative activity.
The area is very much focused on the gorillas, their conservation, etc.
and for that reason, an alternative activity was surprisingly difficult to uncover, but what a gem we found!
Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village was well-organised and interactive.The guides succeeded in engaging (completely!
our travel-weary pre-teens and all of us came away having learned a lot about Rwanda, the area and its people.
Very interesting cultural village.
It's an excellent experience and a way to support the local community.
This village tour tells the story of a young man who had the vision to help families stop poaching in the forest to sustain their families.
He convince them that tourists would be interested in learning about their culture and they could sustain their families by sharing various and interesting parts of Rwandan life.
From blacksmithing to making banana beer to grinding flour, herbal medicine and more.
You are then given a historical lesson and my husband and I got to be King and Queen for the experience.
We witnessed a traditiona wedding ceremony that is still typical for weddings today.
The drumming and dancing was fantastic.
It was a joy to support this organization and know that we were contributing to the vision of community involvement in conservation and sustaining the environment of the precious mountain gorillas.
This spot portrays the past and some of the traditions of the people of Rwanda.
It teaches how the people have learned to respect wildlife and discourage poaching.
You will be asked to join in on some of the displays and try your hand at some of the old-time activities.
Drummers and dancers will perform some of the traditional ceremonies such as weddings.
Definitely take the time to visit the cultural village and support the local people.
It was an excellent experience and try the Banana Beer!
Had the best time here.
Well worth a visit.
The guide took us around and answered all our questions, he was very helpful and wanted to help us learn all we could.
The dancing was great.
And I was Queen Mother for a day.
I loved it.
I am the type of traveler that avoids inauthentic tourist traps typically disguised as cultural experiences.
This was different.
An inspiring story of a young man who became a leader in conservation by finding new ways for poachers to earn a living the cultural village is a must visit.
You will leave not only smarter but inspired to drive positive change in the world.
This was in no way a scam to take tourists money but rather an example of how a young brave mind can change the world and old minds can change as well with education and innovative solutions.
The place offers valuable insight into how Rwanda was before the colonialists, and the guides are fun and informative.
I didn't have high expectations coming in here but form the moment you step around the corner you are welcomed!
You are taken for walks around each tent which tells you all about how and why they did the things they did and you can see people acting them out.
At the end they preform you and dress you up.
It made my heart really happy.
Please make sure you tip them as they are really passionate about what they do
This was just a quick visit to learn about the history and culture of the area.
And all the funds benefit the community.
It did change its name to the Gorilla Guardians Village.
After we got over the surprise welcome, we thoroughly enjoyed the tour and experiences at the Cultural Village.
All the activities were very well done.
It's a great way to interact and learn about the culture in the area.
We were entertained, shown how the pygmies here came to be, how they lived, dressed in Queen and King attire and when it started to rain, they came to cover us with umbrellas.
It was highly entertaining, as well as supporting the village people.
This is the most fun - outside of the exhilaration of gorilla tracking - that I have had in 3 weeks of Uganda/Rwanda travel.
My face hurts from smiling.
This is the village of ex-poachers, they previous stealing the gorillas due to poverty, they now stopped poaching, as they found different way to make living by running this culture village and also sending their young men to get in involved with gorilla conservation.
Please come and visit them.
They are so happy to see you and perform for you.
I love Rwanda !
My family was so happy to meet such nice people!
Everything was great!
The show, the dance, the history and the palace, the wedding and the music It was a great experiences for the kids... probably the only one the kids can enjoy there...
It was amazing here, my clients wanted to experience a day tour to know more about Rwanda Culture, we always did this as part of our gorilla bookings, but this this for them they were only interested in a day cultural tour.
We drove to this place, the way they were welcomed, made it all, they really enjoyed the place, you want t be treated or feel like a king in a life time, visit this place, it gives you a great cultural insight.
It always advisable to visit it after your gorilla trekking than staying bored at the lodge.
Talk to your consult and let him make the evening more fun since its a short drive and price friendly.
Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris, made this great experience come true.
It was so much fun for the client, it rapped it all to their interest.
I worry about places like this being tourist traps, but this really wasn't at all.
The concept is inspirational, it is well done and you can see that the people working there are really proud of what they are doing.
I learnt a lot, smiled so much and such a fantastic time.
More concepts like this should be introduced around the world.
I typically don't much enjoy these artificial recreations of heritage villages, but this one was a lot of fun.
The natives clearly enjoyed showing us around and putting on their dance show.
I even got to play some drums myself ...
Worth it!
Exceptionally nice people who will spend the time to teach you about their history and culture.
They all seem like lovely people so I really wanted to like the place, but the way it was organised with weird storytelling felt a bit in your face and awkward.
The banana beer tasting ($5) was cool and the marriage ceremony they make you to go through was funny.
The guy playing music is amazing.
Great fun for the whole family whilst being a really great cause to support.What they're doing to convert poachers into farmers is terrific.Drumming and dancing,archery,wedding and cultural lessons are among the numerous thought provoking and entertaining activities.The old man is the life and soul of this place and it is worth travelling to Rwanda just to meet him.
The Iby'lwacu Cultural Village should be visited by anyone coming to the Volcanoes National Park.
Not only showcases the village the Rwandan culture, way of living, how to make crafts and traditional dances.
What made it really special for me is that it was established to combat poaching by offering previous poachers an alternative way of making a living.
Having said that, the people working at the Iby'lwacu Cultural Village are ex-poachers and other unprivileged people from the surrounding village.
Visiting the Iby'lwacu Cultural Village is not only very interesting and informative but definitely a project every Volcanoes National Park Tourist should support!
Initially, I wasn't sure what the culture village was all about but our great guide Innocent explained all the different huts to us and explained how the culture village came about.
Mist of the people working there are ex-poachers or people with no specific skills.
Edwin and his team taught these people various skills in order to offer them an alternative job to poaching.
At the end, we were given an amazing dance performance, a traditional dance for weddings we were told.
It was truly amazing and was very impressed.
This culture village is a great way to have an insight into the cultural history of Rwanda and a great programme to support.
This the additional activity after your Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, best way to be in touch with Rwandan Culture.
I went just a few days ago and learned a lot about Rwandan culture and was very happy with my experience as it's a beautiful project employing and empowering the community and providing alternatives from poaching.
I also loved the dances and had fun during my visit.
i like their show about Rwandan culture so much more entrained the do in they culture wish you ll go check
This centre was a great way to learn about the traditional Rwandan culture.
Well done displays.
The interactive parts were hilarious.
Fantastic dancers and drummers.
Highly recommend checking this out if you are in the area.
You are taken on a tour through Rwandan history in particular the history of changes from people poaching to conservation, many of the people in the centre are reformed poachers.
Interesting sections including the medicine man and banana beer making and the marriage ceremony dancing and singing.
A nice experience to taste the culture of Rwanda.
The place offer traditional dances and showcases the marriage traditions and milk production as well as different music and folkloric arts.
Really enjoyed this.
Learnt heaps about local traditions in a fun and friendly way.
Lovely location as well.
A visit to the cultural village gives a glimpse of a community that was active in poaching activities.
The presentations at the cultural Centre are educational in terms of traditional life in the village.
The community structure, traditional medicine, dancing, archery, and the shift from poaching to a conservation attitude is well presented.
The town surrounding Volcanoes National Park where you can see the gorillas has worked to stop poaching and help the community.
If visiting the gorillas in Rwanda, you also MUST visit this cultural village.
You will learn so much.
The volunteers are so friendly and helpful.
When we went, my sister and I were the only ones there and they did it all for us.
It is free but you should definitely leave a tip for the workers and a donation to the village!
It all goes to help the community and to protect the national park and gorillas.
I would love to help more.
Support this amazing effort!
Our safari guide planned our trip here.
You should request it if doing a safari and visiting the gorillas in Rwanda!
If you are around visit.You will understand the local culture better.The people here are good in telling us their way of life earliar.They offer cheap accommodation here.A local dance show for you also.
I was running late due to Africa time (When your guide picks you up at a different time to what he says!
: ) ) I was on my own, but I was put with a fun German couple I'd met when we'd seen the Golden Monkeys.
The various little huts really explained the culture and the Medicine Man was very funny (He's also the man at the Blacksmiths!
The dressing up as King, Queen and console was a bit of fun which we were more bemused about, but it was part of the show.
The dancers & musicians were great.
I'd recommend going if you want to learn about the original Rwanda culture.
An interesting and educational visit depicting the results of efforts to eliminate poaching in the Volcanoes National Park.
Numerous aspects of local culture were demonstrated and some involved participation by visitors.
Most do a day visit en route to the gorilla trek but we stayed overnight and recommended it as you get deeper insights to the village way of life and it's a quiet place to rest recharge amid beautiful setting.
Proceeds support locals who used to be poachers, now in tourism as alternative.
There are about 8 traditional huts and the service is well thought out In the day you witness and participate in traditional dance , showcase of farming, medicine healer, making of banana wine, life of royalty and walk to nearby village.
What we loved most was the interaction at night where apart from singing and dancing you can ask the villagers any questions or vice versa They were so curious about our lives - when we do, marriage practices in our country which was great exchange for everyone.
Dinner was simple but still delightful - boiled vegetables and tea Breakfast comes with eggs bread and cassava The Hot water and pressure was even better than hotels we stayed in and they clean up each time you use the bathroom They provide Hot water bottles and rechargeable lights in the evenings.
Truly highly recommended to stay overnight vs a short day visit in contributing to this meaningful project and a cultural exchange for all.
Founded by a native Rwandan Game Warden who was appalled by the facts underlying the apprehension of poachers trying to sell a young gorilla for $2000, this center is dedicated to improving the lives of and turning former poachers into dedicated conservationists.
In the process they educate tourists about the history and culture of Rwanda through various performances and demonstrations of several crafts.
I particularly enjoyed the presentations of the medicine man and the banana beer makers.
Despite being skeptical about it initially (I don't like touristy shows), I warmed up to it and am actually glad we visited this place.
It is well worth it, as you get a very comprehensive overview of the ancient Rwandan culture.
If you can bear the king/queen show (the palace is nice and the cultural bit about the King's consort very interesting), the rest of the tour is really interesting and engaging.
Good hands on experience of the various aspect of a Rwandan village life.
For me, the most invigorating part of this tour was the singing and dancing towards the end.
It was very heart warming, very authentic sounding.
I am a fan of African music, and I found the music really high quality and the dancing really authentic.
This in of itself is worth the visit, as sadly we didn't get to see much of this elsewhere in Rwanda.
The performers seemed really enthusiastic and played there hearts out.
We left them a good tip as it seems this is a great way to sustaIn the local culture while providing livelihood to the folks there who in the past would sometime puruse undesirables activities such as poaching or illegal logging/charcoal making.
I totally loved this cultural village, which gives a perfect overview of Rwanda's culture and tradition.
The guides took all the time in the world to guide us through this open air museum, which accommodates some very local and interesting stories.
I can only give one recommendation: go and see for yourself.
Entry is $ 20 per person, but I found it worth every cent.
We loved the experience.
People are really friendly and they explain some of their customs.
Dancers were so vivid.
People were pretty friendly.
Innocent, the guide gave us a detailed information which helped us to understand some key facts of their culture.
I really liked the fact this initiative was created in order to give the community a sustainable alternative to avoid deforestation.
Money goes directly to the community
You must visit if you have a spare few hours.
Whilst the King & Queen ceremony is a little cheesy the rest of the village is very interesting with the highlight being the traditional singing and dancing, Most imortantly the income they generate from visitors gives the villagers a sustainable alternative to their previous lives as poachers so please don't hesitate in paying the entry fee, tip generously and buy some curios as well.
We just completed our trip through beautiful Uganda.
We did a 9 day Safari to Muchurshin Falls NP, Nile River Cruise, Queen Elizabeth NP, Chimp Tracking, and Gorilla Tracking.
Katona Tours had very good communication pre trip, upon arrival our guide Chris took over and delivered a fantastic trip.
He was very kind and knowledgeable.
Chris went above and beyond expectations he knows many of the guides along the way and especially inside the parks.
Because of this he was able to get us very close to see lions and cougars where several people were not able to see them.
Katona Tours arranged a great trip for us and hopefully we will be able to go to Uganda and use them again.
The only complaint I would have is the vehicle desperately needs upgraded.
No AC, Power Windows broken, and the very worst is the vehicle needs NEW SHOCKS!
Please Jackie get these things fixed and I will remove this.
The ride is horrible!
Dispite the poor quality I will still give 5 star mostly because of Chris our guide!
Katana Tours was extremely helpful & communicative every step of the way.
On short notice they were able to secure my gorilla permit, provide me with round trip transfer from Kigali, and even provided lunch on the return trip.
The driver was professional, safe, and friendly.
Katana Tours makes the entire process seamless and easy so you don't need to worry about a thing.
I had several questions along the way, and always received a timeless helpful response.
They check in to make sure all your documents are in order, that your pickup location & time are confirmed, and followed up to ensure you enjoyed your trip and all went smoothly.
I would recommend this for anyone looking for an easy way to see the gorillas (or any other tour Katana offers).
Helpful note: as of January 2023, Volcanos National Park requires a negative PCR test within 72 hours of your visit.
While this is not required anywhere else in Rwanda, it is for visiting the national parks and the gorillas.
Policies continue to change, but keep this in mind when planning your visit.
Katana can update you if this policy changes.
There was only one place in Kigali that does these tests.
The entire process was very fast, it cost $50 USD or 50,000 RWF.
You can access your results usually within 12 to 24 hours on their website.
Print a copy of the results and a copy of your passport to give to your driver who will submit it to the park the day of the tour.
Pickup from Kigali is early (4:30a) to ensure you get to the park on time.
At the park the rangers will split everyone into groups of 7 to be paired with guides and trackers to find your assigned gorilla family.
Your driver will bring you to the hike starting point, and will pick you up from the hike end point.
The vehicle was very comfortable and clean.
I did the 1 day trek, and I was back at my hotel by 4:30pm, a total of 12 hours.
Timing can vary depending how long it takes to locate the gorilla family (and if you experience traffic, but there are very few vehicles on the road between the 2 points).
There are many operators offering this service, but Katana came with a lot of positive reviews and offered the one day trek.
They provided exactly what I needed and I recommend them to anyone.
The experience on the gorilla tour in the Impenetrable Forest with Katona tours was incredible..we got close up to the gorillas with the support of the forest guides.
Our tour included a day bird watching with Kenneth our guide from Katona who is very knowledgeable about the forest birds.
We also saw Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and baboons.
We were upgraded to the beautiful Bakiga Lodge which has spectacular views.
We just completed our tour starting in Rwanda, visiting Genocide Memorial before being transferred to Uganda to visit the gorilla's in Bwindi.
We really wanted to see both attractions, but with the permits being cheaper in Uganda it ended up more cost effective for us.
Our guide Kenneth was great, waited for us outside the airport and taught us so much about Rwanda and Uganda along the way.
We stopped at a local place Kenneth knew for lunch and it was delicious!
Kenneth was previously a gorilla ranger so he knew about the different groups and was an asset to have.
Seeing the scenery along the way was fantastic.
Jackie was also very helpful during the booking progress and made sure everything ran smoothly.
She even organised us a free upgrade, thank you Jackie that was brilliant!
The border crossing does take a considerable amount of time and this was the only downfall, but the tour still outweighed this, giving us a great chance to see both countries.
Katona was fantastic and I would book with them again.
I had such a great experience doing the 2 day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour.
Valens was my driver/guide and he's very friendly and a very safe driver.
Katona Tours was always on top of everything needed, like the PCR test requirement in order to enter Volcanoes.
Before I went to the Genocide Museum, I was taken to a testing site which was so much more convenient than having to get there on my own before the tour.
The price was very reasonable, Jackie always responded promptly when I reached out on WhatsApp, and if I'm ever back in Rwanda or Uganda I'll definitely reach out to Katona Tours again.
Don't get me wrong, this was an amazing experience.
I can't really give more than 3/5 because this is advertised falsely: it's not a two day gorilla trek, it's one day of transportation and one day of trekking.
You get ONE HOUR with the gorillas.
I guess I didn't read the description well enough, but the headline is still false in my opinion.
Be sure to bring proper gear because it rains a lot and the forest is very thick (I feel like I wasn't really briefed on this, but I enjoyed the challenge.
Others might not.
In any case, my guide Chris the gorilla boy was great; such a humble, friendly and knowledgeable person.
The communication from Katona was swift.
The lodge where I stayed was very cool with a fireplace, good food and friendly staff.
Amazing tour with an amazing guide Ceaser I was very well taken care of and had a super fantastic time!
It was one of the best travel experiences I have ever had.
I organized my trip from Chile communicating with Katona Tours by WhatsApp.
The attention was excellent, fast and always willing to offer me the best options in quality, price and destinations.
My tour was for 7 days between Rwanda and Uganda.
Day 1-2: I met my excellent and highly recommended guide Cris (Cris Gorilla Boy).
The first day we went to the genocide memorial in Kigali (Rwanda) then we left for Uganda in a very comfortable 4x4 van.
We crossed the border without any problems and headed to Bwindi National Park to see Mountain Gorillas.
Cris during the tour of about 5 h explained me everything, showed me the scenery and told me anecdotes.
It was very entertaining.
I paid the cheapest accommodation but thanks to Ketona and Cris they upgraded me to some amazing cabins (see pictures) next to a local village.
The food was amazing and the service was even better.
The next day early in the morning we went to see the gorillas with a group of 6 people and the experience was magical and unique.
Day 3-4: We headed to Queen Elizabeth Park for two exciting days of safari.
We arrived at the park and the whole safari was together with Cris touring the majestic savannah of Uganda.
It was a 4 hour tour where I saw a lot of animals.
Cris is known all over the world so he had a network of contacts with other guides who would let him know where we could see animals.
It was very exciting.
At nightfall we went looking for elephants and arrived at our hotel.
Which was wonderful because they were fully equipped tents with beds and everything we needed.
I slept very close to hippos and buffaloes, a unique experience.
The next day we went to continue our safari and returned to the hotel.
Day 5: The next destination was to go to see chimpanzees in a wonderful reserve, one of the best forests I've ever been, with bird sounds everywhere and various species of birds and vegetation.
We were accompanied by a guide, who was explaining everything about the site and the characteristics of chimpanzees, biology, ecology and conservation.
It was very entertaining and after about 2 hours we found them.
After several photos we left for Kigali.
Day 6-7: Already in Kigali after a quiet trip between Uganda and Rwanda I stayed in a very comfortable hotel in the city with good food, where I could rest and recover energy.
The next day Cris picked me up and we started our last stretch to Akagera National Park.
During the tour Cris was explaining me everything and to my surprise on my last night of the tour they put me up in a better hotel than I had paid for, right next to the entrance of the park.
The safari was with Cris in his 4x4 was incredible all day safari from 6 am to 6 pm.
With an incredible boat ride where I saw a lot of animals.
Then we returned to Kigali (3 hours) and I was dropped off at my hotel which had cancelled my reservation but Cris was wonderful and took me to find another hotel.
Overall the experience was unique and I recommend it to everyone who can do it.
Ketona and Cris are the best.
Be sure to plan your trip with them, you will enjoy it 100%.
Had the most beautiful experience booked through Katona tours.
I went for the 1-day trip to visit the Mountain Gorillas from Kigali to the Volcanoes park.
Valens, the amazing driver and great company was supportive, clear in communication and always on time.
He picked me up at 4:30 from my accommodation and we drove to the park HQ for registration.
The gorilla trip itself with guide Emmanuel was the most incredible experience I have ever had!
We went in a small group and trekked a family of 20 gorillas.
It was simply amazing and almost unreal.
After the trekking, Valens picked me up and we had a great lunch together before making our way back to Kigali.
He held me company as I was on a solo trip and told me a lot of great things about Rwanda and the gorillas.
Also a massive thank you to Jackie for her support and quick responses.
Without a doubt I recommend this trip and booking with Katona in general, I will do everything I can to do this trip again.
Our family of four adults just returned from a nine-day tour of Kigali and Uganda with Katona Tours, and we cannot praise the experience enough!
Jackie, who runs the show, was a pleasure to deal with.
All questions were answered promptly and to the point.
I will also point our her patience, since I bombarded her with emails, and we had to delay our trip by a year due to Covid.
The accommodations she booked for us were very good and often in breathtakingly beautiful locations.
Our guide-driver, Kenneth, was fantastic.
He is kind, extremely knowledgeable and bent over backwards to optimize our experience.
A former ranger himself, he is well known among the ranger and tracking crowd, and made great efforts to make sure we were assigned top-notch staff to accompany us during our gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking in Bwindi, Kibale and Mgahinga parks, respectively.
While in the Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks, he went far beyond the call of duty to make sure we had a rich variety of encounters with the many forms of wildlife.
We also appreciated his recommendation of a community tour to get a better sense of life in rural Uganda.
Uganda is an exceptionally beautiful country with so much to see and do.
We cannot recommend it enough as a destination, and encourage everyone to experience it through Katona Tours.
Had the most awesome experience.
Starting with the driver who picked me up from my hotel and drove me from Rwanda to Uganda.
The hotel accommodations provided there in Uganda was so beautiful and breathtaking, I wish I could've stayed there longer than a day.
The trekking to see the gorillas was so amazing.
The guides, the trackers and the supporters were so helpful.
I hired a helper for $20 and I'm so thankful I did.
The trail was so wet I kept slipping, but my helper was there to help keep me standing as I moved along.
On the return back up the mountain it was great to have that extra push on my back to help me up the hill.
Going down and slipping was one thing but going back up was a whole other challenge for me.
Thankful for the helper and the other guards who were very patient with me as I took multiple breaks to rest for a few seconds to lower my heart rate, catch my breath as I climbed back up.
The gorillas were so much fun to watch in their element.
The baby was hilarious to watch playfully.
After a long wait due to covid restrictions we finally we able to go to our gorilla trek in late July.
The wait was worth it.
Jacqueline was great to work with and was very patient during our rescheduling.
Our driver Kenneth was prompt and very knowledge.
He made arrangements for us to see a wonderful gorilla family only an hour hike.
The accommodations were great, clean with outstanding service.
Would highly recommend Katona
Just finished 5 days tour in Uganda to Bwindi national park, Bunyonyi lake and Mgahinga national park with the gorilla boy (Chris!
that made our trip exceptional and flawless.
Chris and the team made our dream come true, and made sure that everything goes according to plan.
I was travelling to Kigali for work, but I also wanted to experience the country.
Upon doing my research, I stumbled across Katona tours and travel.
When doing the booking, I would recommend every at least European person to just trust the process.
Pretty much everything was handled on WhatsApp, which made the contact really easy.
The journey itself was wonderful and I had such an amazing experience, which I will always remember.
My drivers, Adam and Daniel were extremely kind, happy and cool.
I would recommend this journey to everyone looking for an authentic, but super impressive experience.
Thank you for giving me this exclusive memory!!
*Please just wear hiking equipment, other than sneakers and jeans.
Quite an easy fix actually...
Can't express how amazing the tour was.
The itinerary was perfect for us (thank you Jackie) and the accomodation was great too.
Caesar, as a guide was professional, but moreso made our trip.
His knowledge and expertise was exceptional and we are happy we were able to share such amazing memories with him.
We can't wait to come back!
Thank you Katona Tours for making this last minute trip a experience of a lifetime.
I had the best tour guide ever in Chris the gorilla boy Ngabilano who was a wealth of knowledge in the field and the history of Uganda and Rwanda.
If you're reading this and thinking about trekking with Katona do it you won't regret it.
Excellent service and incredible experience.
Jackie was always accessible and prompt in communication as we arranged a 6-day Uganda trip only about one week in advance.
Our guide Ceasar was hugely knowledgeable about all of the parks we visited and had answers to all of our questions about the many animals we saw (including the full Big 5 + giraffes!
), having worked for five years as a national park ranger.
We absolutely recommend Katona for anyone considering a trip with them.
We spent 2 days trekking in Bwindi Uganda with Kenny as our guide.
We were picked up in Kampala for a long drive to the national park.
We stayed at Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge witch was an amazing place.
Definitely 5 stars.
Our guide Kenny was amazing.
Very knowledgeable with 20 years working as a ranger in national parks.
Katona Tours arranged everything and every step of the process was well planned.
Each day with the Gorillas was different.
1 day the Gorillas we're laying around and we watched them rest and the kids play.
The 2nd day we saw a different group with 2 silverbacks that was on the move and we covered a lot of territory as they foraged on the move.
Both days were amazing.
I highly recommend Katona Tours, Kenny and Kiho Lodge.
We booked a ten day safari with Katona Tours and everything was far better than we had even hoped for.
Our guide, Kennith, waws amazing!
His encyclopedic knowledge of all things Uganda was impressive to say the least.
He went out of his way on several occasions to insure that we had the best possible experience.
We were mere feet from the gorillas and chimpanzees!
The lady in the office, Jacqueline, was exceptional, going so far as responding to messages in a very timely manner even though they were from ten time zones away so often in the middle of the night.
She was able to roll with all the questions and changes in our itinerary with no problem.
I would highly recommend this company.
I just cannot say enough good things.
Getting up close and personal to the Gorillas to a point.
Kenneth was very helpful and friendly!
Katona tour was very cooperative with my situation!
I would recommend highly recommend them!
I had an awesome experience with Katona Tours for a one day gorilla trek in Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park and one day safari in Akagera National Park.
Jackie was so quick to respond and helpful with all my questions and Kenneth my guide was really great and knowledgeable.
Kenneth previously worked as a park ranger with gorillas in Uganda so you likely won't find a better guide for gorilla trekking anywhere.
He provided me with a ton of knowledge about gorillas, Rwanda, and East Africa both before and after my trek.
I tracked the Kwitonda gorilla group at Kenneth's recommendation and they were a unique and rewarding group to track that offered just the right amount of challenge to get to.
I had an amazing time viewing the gorillas as the pictures show.
Then the next day we went to the other end of Rwanda to see Akagera National Park where I saw lots of elephants, giraffes, zebra, and much more.
It was a truly unforgettable experience throughout both of my tours with Katona.
I could never imagined a more perfect experience!
Celebrating my 60th Birthday trekking for Gorillas was monumental.
Our time trekking Volacanoes National Park to spend time with an amazing family of Gorillas was SURREAL and EM0TIONAL: majestic, powerful and gorgeous specimens.
Katona Tours (Jacqueline) made this experince happen thru great communication and molding the tour to our needs.
Every step of the way from providing pickup service from Kigali to our road journey and lodge stay.
The assistance and direction of Kenneth one of our guides was priceless.
Kenneth was forthcoming with great historical, cultural and geographical information that gave our group of 3 a much clearer respect for our surroundings.
The kindness and service at our Lodge created an environment that allowed us to not focus on anything but our intended experiences.
Our trekking guide Dr G created a very safe and actully fun trek up the mountain.
We were instructed on the respect/protocals for existing in the Gorillas habitat and felt very much a part of their daily experice.
Thank You Katona Tour and Travel!
I took a last minute 1-day tour to Lake Mburo with Katona tours.
Jackie, head of Katona was expedient and responsive by email and gave a detailed review of the potential itinerary and costs.
Payment was easy online (worth noting that this incurs a ~4% additional charge though).
My guide, Paul, was very knowledgeable, especially about birdlife.
He was also professional and attentive from first to last.
We saw some superb fauna including abundant zebra, warthogs, and giraffe.
Mburo park itself was not busy and so we were able to enjoy things peacefully, especially at watering holes where we saw hippo, waterbuck, and topi.
The lunch was superb.
The afternoon boatride around the lake itself was excellent.
A different guide was on the boat, who works for the park authorities rather than Karona, who gave really useful information and was also attentive.
Around the lake we saw sandpipers, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Fish Eagles, crocodiles, babboons, warthog, and waterbuck.
The hippos were magnificent in the lake itself and very vocal, which was great!
Thanks Jackie, Paul, and team!
It's worth being aware of approximate timings if going from Kampala: 6am hotel pick up, 10.30am arrive at the national park, 11am-1pm game drive, 1-2pm lunch, 2-4pm Lake Mburo cruise, 4-9pm travel back to Kampala.
So it is a long day and you'll need to ensure you have breakfast/dinner sorted either side (not provided by Katona).
Experience of a lifetime I truly enjoyed the gorilla trek experience and the lodge we stayed in which was Rushaga Gorilla lodge was one in a kind!
The views and the room totally surpassed my expectations and it felt luxurious in that kind of experience.
The drive from entebbe to rushaga was a good 23 hours but our driver, Mr Kenneth was a big expert not only in driving but also about gorillas and gave us a lot of information and the drive did not feel tiring at all.
We saw a family of 6 gorillas and the rangers were really helpful so we all get an equal opportunity to click pictures and view the gorillas.
Even at the lodge the staff were all so friendly and chatty did not feel bored at all.
The next day I had to reach kampala early and Mr Kenneth did a good job reaching us on time.
I have never met Jackie but I already see a friend in her.
She is so helpful and kind and when booking she even spoke to my mom really well and helped us make a good decision.
Even when it came to changing dates for the permit she was very patient and assisting.
I felt very warm and touched by the planning and services of Katona.
Feels like a family in Uganda now!!
Trekking in Uganda is cheaper than Rwanda and safer than Congo so I chose to do this In Uganda.
I booked the trek through Katona Tours and Travel who purchased a permit for me.
Then, I was put in a group of 5 with other tourists.
The locals greeted us with a traditional dance where I joined in - I loved the dance!
We were then given a briefing by the ranger who shared the family of gorillas we will be spending time with.
I felt safe because we had park rangers and armed rangers who were very helpful.
We set off on foot to trek, it takes a good level of fitness to trek in the park but it is possible.
There is also a stretcher at an additional cost where you can be carried by the local workers.
It took 2 hours to reach the gorilla family and approx.
2 hours to return to the starting point including rests and a lunch break (time taken can vary).
Once you finish the trek, there is a graduation ceremony and you will receive a certificate!
I did a lot of research prior to my trip to Uganda as it was the first time I would be travelling solo to a new continent - Africa.
I chose to travel with Katona Tours and Travel after reading many positive reviews.
The driver, Kenneth was very knowledgeable about the history, wildlife and culture of Uganda.
I would highly recommend requesting Kenneth as your driver if you are planning a trip.
Katona Tours and Travel provided me with different itineraries and answered questions promptly.
I first chose the budget stay itinerary then after deciding to stretch my budget, I went for the mid range (there is also an option for luxury stay at a higher price).
The cost included both gorilla and chimpanzee permit, full board accommodation (meals included), bottled water, full-time English speaking guide/driver, airport transfer, park entry fees and the cost of activities I took part in for example the Launch cruise on Kazinga Channel and the game drive.
Visas, drinks, tips, laundry, PCR test fee, telephone, personal insurance and personal purchases are excluded from the cost of the tour package.
Overall, it was a great experience and I will definitely be returning to visit other areas of Uganda with Katona Tours and Travel!
Katana helped in organizing a highlights tour of Uganda, from Kampala to Murchisson Falls, Kibale Forest (Chimpanzee tracking), Biwindi Forest (Gorilla Trekking), Mount Muhavura, Lake Bunyonyi, ... Everything went perfect & on schedule, they even helped me after I had lost my luggage in an international flight transfer.
The tour gave me a great overview of Uganda, a beautiful, diverse and most welcoming country where you could spend weeks visiting and getting to know its culture.
Special kudos to my guide Kenneth who's been amazing, he knows his country upside down and was giving all of the great tips I could have wished for.
For everything, the great moments of joy and memories, thanks a lot to Katona Tours.
Jackie from Katona tours did an excellent job communicating, arranging and accommodating our needs.
We spent 2 nights at the Best Western Premier Garden Hotel in Entebbe on our own (great staff, super location, local market, walk to Lake Victoria restaurants, very safe) then flew to Bwindi where Kenneth picked us up.
Jackie arranged for us to stay at The Sanctuary Gorilla Camp even though it was not one of the companies they usually work with.
It was excellent by the way) Next day we were blown away by our amazing gorilla trek, where we spent an hour up close and personal with about 20 gorillas from our designated gorilla family.
Words cannot describe this experience, it was so amazing, almost spiritual, but definitely something we will never forget.
After another night at The Sanctuary (best masseuse on staff there, I forget her name, but best ever!
Next morning we flew back to Entebbe and then on to Nairobi to join our safari.
Everything seemed seamless, despite all the challenges.
It was Soooo worth it and our favorite day out of our 3 week trip!
Thank you Jackie, Kenneth and the wonderful Ugandan people.
We asked Katona Tours to organize a customized to fit our needs round trip from Entebbe with Rwenzori trekking, Gorillas, small safari and other activities.
We are absolutely pleased with the quality of the organization by Jackie: from transportation and meals to hotels/lodges and activities.
Would like to specially note the help of our guide Heidi who supported us through out the trip - helping with local SIM-card and communication with locals, driving carefully and along the best scenery routes with interesting comments on the way (regarding wildlife and birds, local traditions and culture etc.
and help at the stops.
Even later when the trip with Katona tours ended and we had some days for self-organized activities, Heidi helped us to organize fast PCR testing to save time before the flight.
The experience with Katona tours is highly recommended and it's also good value for money compared to some other companies.
Thanks again to Jackie and Heidi from Katona tours.
Lana & Vladimir.
I traveled to Uganda with my friend August 2021.
We are two women and felt perfectly safe at all times.
Kenneth Muhindi was our fantastic guide!
He knew everyone and made sure we had rangers/guides that were experts that would trek at our speed.
Jackie of Katona Tours was excellent and made great suggestions for lodges.
She took care of everything for us.
She responded promptly to all my hundreds of questions!
I was a little nervous wiring the funds but Katona Tours is definitely a legitimate and well run local Ugandan company.
We chose the first class lodges and they we absolutely beautiful and spotless clean with excellent food choices.
The Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, and Chimpanzees in the mountain forests were amazing to see close up and an unforgettable experience.
We always felt safe.
We also saw zebras, a lioness with two cubs, leopard, giraffes, warthogs, water Buffalo, hippos, elephants, baboons, many species of beautiful monkeys, birds and crocodiles.
The Land Cruiser was comfortable with the bumpy roads.
Kenneth was an excellent driver.
He worked in the various parks for 15 years so he knew exactly where to find the various animals.
He also showed us the different villages.
Feel free to contact me with questions...
We are 2 female friends in our 50s and we had an outstanding experience in Uganda trekking gorillas, golden Monkeys, and chimpanzees in the mountain forests and well as sightseeing game drives on the savannas sighting zebras, lions, leopard, giraffes, warthogs, water Buffalo, hippos, elephants, baboons, and several species of monkeys, birds and reptiles.
We spent 12 days with our tour guide Kenneth Muhindi.
He picked us up from the airport at 11:30 pm, took us to our hotel in Entebbe.
The next day we drove 6 hours driving west toward the mountains where we spent many hours in the Land Cruiser safari vehicle navigating Uganda's narrow bumpy unpaved roads.
Kenneth was an excellent tour guide with 15 years experience as a professional game ranger in the forests.
He knows where the animals arms he knows the other rangers you trek with.
He made sure we were paired with wonderful rangers and porters to make our treks perfect for us.
Each day he made sure we were comfortable and on time for the various activities.
He accommodated our requests and gave good suggestions.
Kenneth is a great driver and made us feel safe at all times.
He is well respected among the other guides.
When we encountered them, they were always friendly and complimentary of him.
I advise anyone going on this trip to pack light.
Our Hotels provided free or inexpensive laundry service.
Stay hydrated.
Bring a small light backpack for the actual trek.
Prepackaged snacks come in handy and are nice to share with porters and guides.
When trekking hire a porter.
Price is $15 usd plus tip.
Tip at least that much or more.
They are worth it and will make your trek much better.
Tip all the people on the trek (the ranger, the trackers, porters and armed guards) and any other service people.
Kenneth found the local forex places with the best exchange rates and changed our dollars for Ugandan shillings in small denominations.
At the time we went, 10,000 Ugandan shillings = about $3.
Clothing: comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dirty, hiking boots and socks, loose light hiking pants with pockets (not yoga pants or jeans) long sleeve and short sleeve shirts a light hooded waterproof jacket that fits in small backpack for quick rainfall events.
Weather is generally pleasant but can be chilly at night in mountains and warm on a sunny day.
Bring a pack or 2 of hand wipes for quick clean ups in the dusty terrain.
Kenneth has spray sanitizer in the vehicle at all times.
At the end, lighten your load and make room for souvenirs by giving your unused items to the local staff and guides.
We gave away shampoo, lotions, conditioner, snacks, hand wipes, clothing, socks, shoes, even the small trek backpack ... all kinds of things that they can use and we can easily replace at home.
It was very appreciated.
After two years of Covid interrupted planning my wife and I finally made it to Uganda.
It was all that could be expected and more.
The credit goes to Katona Travel.
Jackie, who runs the company responded to every email I sent her in prompt fashion.
She made sure all our needs were met, and anticipated things that we didn't think of.
For example we travelled with medication that needed refrigeration.
She made sure all the lodges we visited could either store it or provide us with a mini fridge.
As far as the lodges she picked she couldn't do better.
The worst one was good, the best one was absolutely incredible.
The safari vehicle she provided was like a tank with out a gun.
Believe me you will appreciate it when you get on some of those unsaved mountain roads.
When we were in country, she phoned us twice to make sure everything was running smoothly.
Our trip went without a hitch, and for those of you have travelled you know there will always be at least one hitch.. Unto our guide, Caesar.
Everyone who travels knows the importance of a good guide.
We got one.
Caesar is knowledgeable, entertaining and super fun to be with.
The three of us got along like best buds for nine days.
Plus I think Caesar knows half of Uganda.
Often, we would hear Caesar talking in a language we didn't understand to someone , then hear a laugh and suddenly we were in front of a line or getting an incredible view of something.
Overall I can't recommend Katona enough.
If anyone reading this has a question, feel free to contact me, I'll get back to you
We have booked a 12 days trip at the company Katona Tours and don't regret it at all!
We had the great support of Jackie to create a personalized itinerary fitting to what we wanted to see.
We booked the trip only few weeks before flying but she was available through messages and phone at any time to answer all our questions (and we had a lot!!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
On arrival and during the trip, she checked regularly that we were doing fine!
At arrival in Entebbe, we met with our guide Kenneth.
He is probably the person who made this trip so special to us.
He is an experienced guide who was a Rangers in different parks for 12 years in his previous life.
He knows so much about his country, the wildlife and nature in general.
He was always on time, driving very carefully, wearing masks and sanitize his hands all the time.
We felt really safe.
He has a great network basically at all the places we went.
He got good information on where to spot which animal and useful information that we would never get as tourist.
He supported us getting to ATM, pharmacy, doing the PCR test.
We are very grateful to had him as a guide.
Regarding the lodge, we took the middle range option.
All Lodges were very good.
Food was great, bed and room Comfortable and clean.
We have been doing safari in different parks : Murchison, Queen Elisabeth, Lake Mburo.
We have done as well the chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking.
All this trip will remain beautiful memories !!
We would highly recommend Katona Tours and would not hesitate to use it for our future trips.
If you get the chance to request Kenneth as a guide, don't hesitate you will not regret it.
Katona was amazing to plan our trip to Uganda post-Covid.
We spent a week travelling all around Uganda with one of my friend and Jackie helped us planning this really well!
We got quite lucky to see everything we wanted to see!
Kenneth, our guide, was really knowledgeable and nice with you.
It was lots of drive to cover the plan but that was planned and hotels were quite comfortable even though we chose the cheap option .
Thanks Katona for the trip!
So my husband and I decided to visit Uganda this week from the USA for the gorilla tracking .I started arranging the trip two months ago a little nervous due to the COVID-19 restrictions.Jackie did such a wonderful job reassuring me and communicating with me all the way through the process and even days after the tour she continued to stay in touch with me to see if I needed anything.
Mr. Kenneth Mohindi was our driver and guide.
He was so knowledgeable about everything in Uganda and he made our experience unforgettable.
Please use their service as they are truly wonderful and native Ugandan.
We had an amazing 11 day safari with Katona tours.
From when i started planning this trip with Jackie over 1 year ago, she was very responsive and helpful in answering my emails and handling all my requests prior to travel.
We landed in Entebbe Airport on 9th and were met by our guide Kenneth and headed to Murchisson Falls National Park for a 3 night stay, Queen Elizabeth National Park for 2 nights and finally did the Gorilla trek in Bwindi staying at Rushaga Gorilla lodge.
We added a day in Entebbe to visit Mabamba for a shoebill tour which also turned out to be a great idea, saw the shoebill for the first time.
The whole trip was flawless and Ken was very knowledgeable and all the accommodation facilities were really nice more than we expected.
Our experience was incredible and i would travel again with Katona tours.
Do not hesitate to contact them for a memorable travel experience.
Jackie and Valens from Katona Tours made our 2-weeks trip in Rwanda unforgettable :) We visited almost all the parts of the country and saw all the most interesting things you can find there, including chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest, kayaking on Kivu lake, gorillas in Volcanoes park, safari in Akagera park.
In was really amazing.
I'd like to say special thanks to Jackie for being very flexible in resolving our problems during the trip.
Everything was organised on a very high level.
I strongly recommend Katona Tours.
Katona tours provided the perfect organization of our tour in Rwanda during the pandemics.
The company arranged excellent logistics and we felt comfortable.
We've visited 5 Volcanos Park meeting the gorilla's family in the mountain jungles, looked for the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Park, and did Akagera safari with walking hippos.
The beautiful 3-days kayaking tour on the Kivu lake was unforgettable: with monkeys jumping in kayaks, swimming cows, and overnight stay on the island.
The journey was completely safe and well-organized.
Thanks to our driver Valens for his care and skillful riding.
I plan to return and travel with Katona tours in Uganda and Congo.
My partner and I could not speak more highly of the Katona Tour and Travel company!
We originally contacted them for a single day gorilla trek experience, but they ended up helping us organize a full 4 days in Rwanda!
The staff and driver were so accommodating, friendly, quick to respond, and knowledgeable about the area.
We spent the first day gorilla trekking, then drove south to Lake Kivu for a day of biking, and then continued down to Nyungwe National park for some amazing nature hikes and tea plantation tour.
The accommodations they selected for us were some of the best stays of our lives!
It was so effortless, as everything from meals to activites was organized for us we were able to relax and enjoy beautiful Rwanda.
Would HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for an adventure of a lifetime - whether you already have an itinerary in mind or you would like them to sculpt one for you.
I organised this a short notice and was lucky that the team at Katona was flexible to my requests.
All in all, an excellent holiday.
We had limited free time and definitely wanted to see the mountain gorillas while we were in Rwanda.
After learning of the large price differential between trekking in Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, we decided to save a bit of cash (while still being safe) and seek out a one day trek to Uganda.
Katona Tours & Travel offered the least expensive option for us.
I didn't find many reviews on the one day experience, so I wasn't sure what to expect.
Our day went as follows.
Our driver, Valens, picked us up from our hotel at 4 a.m. and we drove about 3 hours to the country line where we followed a multi-step process to cross the border.
It was a bit confusing, but everyone was friendly and told us what to do.
It took about 20 minutes total.
Then we drove to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The absolute worst part of the trip was the drive from the highway to the National Park on an unpaved, rutted road.
Valens was a terrific driver and did all he could to spare us the bumps on the road, but they were unavoidable.
The drive from the highway to the National Park took at least 30 minutes.
When we arrive to the National Park, Valens transferred us over to the park representatives and we started our trek.
My companion hired a porter who promised to carry her stuff and push/pull her as necessary.
I went without a porter.
At the end, we were both happy with our decisions.
We are active middle aged women in average shape.
The trek wasn't terribly difficult although it was steep from time to time.
The terrain was uneven, and there were many prickly plants and branches.
It wasn't terrible, but I definitely recommend thick pants and long-sleeve shirts.
We hiked 5.5 miles to see the gorillas, which took about 4 hours.
We spent an hour with the gorillas and saw most of the family group - I think we missed seeing one female.
The one issue we had was arriving at high noon - the gorillas were retreating into the bushes for cover from the sun.
But the gorilla minders cleared the way for us to follow them.
It was really amazing how close we got to the gorillas and how they just stared at us, and even brushed right by us.
We jumped the fence near where the gorillas were after our hour was up and hiked back towards the Visitor's Center on easier terrain.
We were asked if we had lunches, but we only had snacks, so we stopped briefly to have those.
We walked about 2 more hours, and then reached a road where our driver could meet us.
Once we got back into the car, we drove over the rutted, unpaved road again, and then back to the the Uganda border.
Then we drove a little while in Rwanda.
At 4 p.m. we stopped for lunch at a cafe that catered to tourists.
The meal was long overdue, so it was fine for us.
We arrived back at our hotel around 7 p.m.
It was definitely a long day, but a definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
We thought Katona Tours did a good job with communicating with us, and we really appreciated our driver Valens.
I recommend this experience, although I think it would be better spread out over 2-3 days if you have the time.
**Gorilla photography advice at the end** The most agreeable part of trip with Katona was my guide, Caesar.
He is truly an intelligent, patient man and a very friendly character.
There was absolutely nothing at any point that was less than professional about the service he provided.
He is also a wealth of information and is an excellent resource if you are considering further trips into the region.
If you choose to travel with Katona I highly recommend that you request Caesar as your guide.
My dealings with the office were a little more complex.
There were a few things but the most important one came with the portion of the tour booked into the Virunga National Park in the DRC.
Katona confirmed and sold me a tour upon which I booked my flight.
It was after this that I received an email from Katona that started off with 'As you know' and proceeded to tell me that things had changed in the park after closure/reopening due to an abduction that happened sometime earlier.
Gorilla treks in the DRC were now scheduled only on certain days and were accompanied by military escort.
As a result, the gorilla trek as sold to me could not take place.
I sent a quick email to the Virunga office and confirmed that this new schedule been the situation since reopening.
So, the issue I have with 'As you know' is that no.
I shouldn't know.
The operator who sells the tour should know.
Katona had sold the tour without verifying anything with the Virunga office first.
Katona has a habit of forwarding replies from their supplier when responding and in one such email contained the booking query with the Virunga office.
It was made after my tour was confirmed.
As a result, my tour had to be reworked within the context of my flight and I did not get to do a gorilla trek in the DRC.
One thing that is very important to note here regarding tours to the DRC is that you can book them directly with the Virunga National Park office yourself at a savings over what a Ugandan or Rwandan tour operator will charge.
A Ugandan or Rwandan's services end with dropping you off at the Virunga NP office.
They take no part in your tour after that point unless you are continuing your tour with them after visiting the DRC.
The only benefit you are receiving by booking tours in the Virunga NP in the DRC through a Ugandan or Rwandan operator is convenience.
In my case I would have been much better informed had I gone to the Virunga office direct.
Another small issue with my Katona experience is that in booking mid-level accommodations I found them to be lower on the ladder than other Rwandan/Ugandan operator's mid-level offerings - particularly for the low season.
All of this said I cannot recommend against using Katona.
In the end they still delivered an excellent guide, a capable vehicle, reasonable accommodations and I still had a great time.
I did become quite ill at one point during my trip and they did show a lot of concern in that scenario too.
I would book with Katona again, but I would proceed somewhat more cautiously than previously.
**Gorilla photography** The two treks I did on this tour were #s 10 and 11.
While photographing gorillas I have always found the 70-200 lenses to be my best option.
I carry a standard zoom as well, but it typically sees little use.
It can get very, very dark under the canopy and especially so if it is cloudy so if you do bring the aforementioned 70-200 (or similar) zoom an F/2.8 is your best bet.
On this trip I did hit ISO 12800 on several occasions @ F/2.8 1/60.
It can get dark.
You're not always going to see those conditions, but it is entirely likely that you will.
A body that handles high ISO well is going to be a big plus.
No tripods or flash allowed.
Thanks for reading.
From the minute we were picked up to when we were dropped off we had the most fantastic time, perfection.
Uganda is a diverse and beautiful country, not a holiday destination I have thought of before but it is wonderful.
We had an amazing time trekking gorillas in the bwindi forest, as well as safari and chimp trekking in Lake M'buro and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Jackie arranged the trip to meet all of our needs with minimal notice.
Our driver/guide throughout, Heidy, was very friendly, provided great service and was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and history of both Uganda and Rwanda.
Highly recommend Katona Tours and Heidy Garry and Ruth
I organised a history tour together with the gorillas with Katona Tours.
We did several of the historical sites in Rwanda as well as going in to Uganda to do a gorilla trek.
Many people go to this part of the world just to do safari but Katona is more than capable of organising other tours for you.
Kenneth really knew his history and this was clear right from the beginning when he gave me a 45 minute briefing on the history of the genocide before we visited the memorial.
He was a great tour guide and really knew his stuff and had an amazing web of connections all around the areas we visited.
Katona organised an excellent tour for me and the message is that they can do a lot more than safari.
Make sure you see the history of the area as well as the nature.
We have just finished an incredible 4 days touring Southern Uganda with Richard from Katona tours.
We cannot rate him or the company highly enough.
We contacted them via Facebook messenger only a few weeks before our holiday and they were very responsive and helpful.
On arrival in Kampala Richard picked us up exactly on time and was so friendly and helpful throughout our trip.
Despite the long drives he was always smiling and full of energy.
We did the budget option but the accommodation and meals were excellent!
The gorilla trekking, safari drives, boat tour and chimp trekking were all very fun and well organised.
We have no reservations about recommending this tour company and Richard in particular for any Ugandan holidays you have planned!
Had a great tour seeing gorillas in Uganda and hiking Nyiragongo.
I contacted Jackie only a week prior to my trip to Kigali and she found exactly what I was looking for.
My driver/guide throughout, Heidy, provided great service and was very accommodating.
In addition, Heidy knew a lot of the local people at the hotels and attractions that made it a lot easier and convenient.
Hotels and lodges were top notch.
Highly recommend Katona Tours.
Big thanks to Jackie and Heidy!
Overall, all on the 4 day tour went fine and all involved were good and flexible.
Especially Innocence on the village walk was very informative, that was very much enjoyed The Da Vinci Lodge was accommodating with extremely service minded staff.
I truly cant describe how thankful I am for Katona, Jackie, and Paul.
After arriving in Kigali, and discovering my original tour company was a scam, Jackie put together a 7 day tour for me, and included everything I had originally wanted on my 10 day itinerary.
At such short notice, it was incredible she pulled this off.
I was also incredibly lucky with the guide who showed up to pick me up.
Paul was called upon at the last minute as well and dropped everything.
A wonderful guide, with as great a sense of adventure anyone can have, and with the drive for customer satisfaction you won't find anywhere else.
I truly can't put into words how lucky I was in the end, so I'm not going to try to :) The first highlight was the gorilla trekking in Uganda which was in short, fantastic.
I would recommend it to anyone scared away by the price tag, as there is nothing to be scared of across the border.
They allow 7 meters and we only hiked for about 90 minutes.
Special bonus from when one grabbed and pulled at my leg!
The second highlight was climbing mount Nyiragongo.
If you are considering doing it, then do it.
If you don't know what it is, look it up, consider it, and then do it.
There is nothing quite like peering into what you always imagined volcanoes to look like as a kid.
The climb is moderately difficult, but they allow you plenty of time, and once you get to the top it becomes so worth it.
Once again, I would not be concerned with safety in the congo.
You are properly escorted almost immediately from the border crossing, and even so, the people were lovely.
Of course there was more in my 7 days than just these two.
But I think this will take up enough space on TA.
In short, if you are considering Katona, you should be comfortable knowing that everything is going to work out great.
The guides will take care of you (You can always request Paul, if thats a thing), everything will be sorted, and you will be in good hands.
Happy Adventuring!
When we were in queen Elizabeth national Park we expected to see more animals, we only saw a leopard (very near), a group of 3 lions far, some antilopes and hippopotamus; not much fun there.
However the cruise in the boat (lake George) was really good, the guide is funny and explain well too.
The hotels and lodges where also great places, good food, comfortable rooms and nature.
The only issue was the energy (lights) in some places.
Also we went to bwindi impenetrable national Park, maybe one of the best things we've done in our lifes, less than 2mts with gorillas.
Finally the driver, Shafiq, was pretty good and polite but not very talkative.
Thanks.
Hope u to have a great experience as we had
We had a great time on a two day safari tour of Murchinson Falls!
Our guide, Caesar, made sure we that we saw many animals and made us laugh with his humor.
He also was an excellent and safe driver.
We went on a boat ride where we saw crocodiles, waterbucks, warthogs, baboons and hippos.
Ceasar took us on a game drive where we saw giraffes, lions, elephants, many deer like animals, and monkeys.
Then on the way back we got super close to rhinos.
We will be going again but next time we want to spend three days instead of two.
We booked a 2 day gorilla tour with Katona tours and found them to be excellent!
I contacted Jackie about 6 months before our tour and she was so helpful with answering all our questions, providing detailed information, and ensuring our gorilla permits.
Our tour ran very smoothly - we wish we had booked for a longer stay!
Our guide Valens was great, he made us feel very comfortable, was always on time, and happy to go out of his way to accommodate extra stops if we asked.
Jackie was kind enough to check in on us during our tour.
The tour itself is amazing, the lodge we stayed at was incredible and the gorillas are definitely a once in a lifetime, must see experience!
My father and I signed up for the two day tour to trek and see the gorillas.
Due to poor planning on my part, I booked the trip to depart a day earlier than I should have.
When we landed in Rwanda, our driver Kenneth picked us up at 3am, drove us straight to the forest happily letting us sleep on the way there.
After providing breakfast we took off on the hike and after about 2 hours came upon a family of gorillas.
Both my father and I were in awe of these creatures.
It was an experience unlike anything I ever imagined.
We saw a big father, 3 females, one juvenile, and one baby.
After trekking back down, our driver Kenneth drove us to our hotel.
Yes, due to our poor planning Kenneth put in a 16 hour day and not only didn't complain but was so pleasant and engaging for the entire trip!
I highly recommend this trip and company to anyone going gorilla trekking!
Thank you guys for making our trip so memorable and for allowing us to trek even though we screwed up the dates.
There are many good experiences through out with Katona tours.
But for me the highlight was getting to have Kenneth as my driver/ guide.
Planning the trip went very well.
I have contacted numerous companies for gorilla trekking but Katona was the only company who reply fast and through WhatsApp.
Planning went smooth with Jackie and she was always available to talk and answer my questions.
She was also willing to tailor the way I want the tour to be.
I forgot informing the flight details to come pick me up at the airport but it was done perfectly regardless of my last minutes notice.
I was greeted by Kenneth by his hand written welcome note at the airport.
He explained so well about the genocide memorial and the history.
But what I was so impressed was the knowledge he has for national parks and for animals.
He was working as park rangers for 12 years and he has so much stories to share.
The ride was supposedly long but thank to him and his stories it didn't feel that long.
He was always willing to do beyond and very attentive.
Gorilla trekking itself went incredible and I am still amazed and still find it hard to process the fact I saw gorillas!
I am so happy that I took a tour with Katona and I'd recommend to everyone.
My husband and I traveled to Africa for our honeymoon in late November of this year.
To kick things off, we landed in Rwanda and traveled to Uganda with Katona Tours for our two-day gorilla trekking experience.
What an excellent start to our trip!
From the very beginning, when I was looking to book a tour, Jackie was responsive and helpful and she maintained this same level service throughout the entire trip.
We even had some questions about a visa mix-up when we landed in Rwanda and she responded promptly to help us.
Our tour guide was also fantastic and very accommodating.
We had a 4 hour drive from Kigali to our lodge in Uganda and he took care of us the entire way -- from stopping for a delicious lunch to patiently waiting and helping us sort out our visa mix-up at the Ugandan border to driving carefully through flooding roads and heavy fog.
We stayed at the Rushaga Gorilla lodge, which was also incredible.
Such friendly staff, a welcoming atmosphere and clean rooms.
Not to mention, Bwindi National Forest is filled with so much beauty.
We were provided with all the food and water needed to depart on our gorilla trek the next day, and what a life-changing experience that was!
We trekked the Busingye gorilla family and saw 1 silverback and 1 very small baby, which were the highlights.
It was an incredible experience to trek through the thick forest and brush and all of a sudden come upon these majestic creatures.
We felt safe the entire time and the guides were very knowledgable.
I would absolutely recommend Katona Tours to anyone looking for a wonderful gorilla trekking experience.
Amazing experience!
Very flexible schedule that can be altered at your wish.
Jackie was very professional and accommodating.
Humphrey was outstanding driver and very knowledgeable guide.
We were able to see Big 5, lots of chimpanzees, hippos as welcome committee at the Bush lodge and elephants walking in for dinner time.
Unforgettable experience and would definitely recommend!!!
We booked the gorilla trekking at Katona Tours and Travel.
The communication with Jackie has always been on time, professional and perfect.
We got picked up from our driver Kenneth Muhindi at our hotel at Kabale in the morning.
He took us to Bwindi Impenetrable NP (ca.
5-2hrs drive and we've been lucky - Kenneth was able to show us two handsome francolin (Pternistis nobilis) !!
and brought us back afterwards.
Kenneth is a very professional driver.
You can feel that he's driving for a long time and we felt 100% safe with him.
Moreover, he knows so much not only about the Gorillas for he was working at Bwindi more than ten years but also about all other NP in Uganda and Ruanda, with it's wildlife and nature.
Actually his knowledge and all the information he gave us was enormous.
We visited the Gorilla family with the two Silverbacks, a several females and babies which was awesome!
We will come back for sure and we'd do the Gorillas again.
This was such an impressive experience!
We'd like to book with Katona Tours and Travel again and can highly recommend it.
We've been around Uganda for more than five months and Katona Tours and Travel was the most reliable and most professional tour company we travelled with.
Our 6 days trip in Rwanda and Uganda with Katona tour was perfect.
Organizing with Jackie was a breeze she let us all the liberty to organize our trip as we pleased while giving great advice and taking care of everything that went over my head.
She is always so fast to answer.
Kenneth was our amazing driver, he went out of his way to pick us up at the airport at 1:30am, his car is reliable well maintained and great for both watching wildlife in safari and crazy muddy tracks around bwindi.
Kenneth in his prior career was a ranger in Uganda bwindi, QE and mt gahinga national parks he knows everybody it seems.
It really helps when it came time to be assigned to our preferred gorilla family for tracking and to find the Ishasha tree climbing lions.
If you are a birder you have to request him !
he seems to have eagle vision and knows all the birds.
We met other tourists that hired a driver and a guide, well Kenneth is both in one, not only he knows his wildlife but also all the history and customs around.
That you want a fully organized package or a looser structure that you can adjust as you go (what we did) we strongly recommend working with Katona and Kenneth.
Of all the company I contacted they were close to the cheapest, they gave realistic feedback so i could adjust my expectation on my itinerary proposal (but did not push me toward any of their partnership 'because they know better' as some other tried to) and communication and paypal payment was easy.
I had a great time going around Uganda with Haidy.
He was really friendly and Jackie was very attentive making sure things were going well on the trip.
I would definitely recommend using them.
Had nice accommodation and the chimps and gorillas were amazing to see
We had an amazing time Gorilla Trekking with Katona Tours yesterday.
We live in Rwanda and as it is cheaper to visit the gorillas in Uganda, Jackie arranged a 1 day trip for us to and from Uganda to visit the Gorillas in Magahinga Gorilla Park.
We woke up at 4am and were back in Kigali on the same at at 5pm- super easy and comfortable!
Jackie was great a communicating and made sure that we were all set throughout the process.
The gorilla trekking was incredible, really a once in a life experience and we saw many members of the gorilla family we tracked.
After we were done in the park, we drove back to Rwanda and were given a delicious hot lunch at a nice restaurant.
All in all, amazing experience and would definitely recommend speaking with Jackie and using Katona Tours for your gorilla adventures.
She also gave us the best price i was able to find when comparing other agencies.
I booked this three night, four day trip less than a week in advance recently.
Jackie was very helpful responding quickly by email to help tailor-make the trip to fit my schedule and interests.
Shafiq was my guide and an excellent driver over sometimes tricky roads.
He was also very knowledgeable about the wildlife we saw on the game drive and whilst we were out driving.
He made sure I had everything I needed and I also appreciated Jackie checking in by phone each day to see how things were going.
We saw all kinds of wildlife on the morning game drive and Nile boat trip.
I hiked to the top of Murchison Falls and was also lucky to see many chimpanzees in Budongo Forest and several rhinos in my the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
The guides and rangers were careful to keep us all at a respectful distance from the animals and only to have around an hour in their presence.
I would highly recommend Katona Tours.
Thank you for a great experience!
Valence my guide was amazing and Jacquie the organizer very professional.
She organized my trip last minute.
I literally contacted her 24h before my departure.
I was a bit stressed and worried to go there alone but I have no regrets.
I had a tour of Kigali city, genocide memorial, a tour in a local village where I experienced a local wedding ceremony and all Rwandese traditions (so much fun, sweet people), then I stopped in a lodge facing the jungle in Uganda, it was amazing.
The view is spectacular.
Early morning trek in Bwindi was a real experience, so much fun and so well organized.
We saw maybe 10 gorillas that day.
So lucky !
I wish I could have stayed longer coz I was short on time and we did all of that in 2 days.
I definitely recommend you Katona tour, best team ever 
I booked the 2 day gorilla trek tour in Uganda, with pick-up in Kigali and return the next day.
The service was impeccable from beginnning to end.
This was one of the more affordable options I could find for doing the gorilla trek.
I wuld certainly recommend staying at least one night in Uganda rather than doing it all in one day as it is quite a lengthy (but beautiful) drive.
My driver, Elias, was fantastic, a lot of fun and always had my best interest's at heart.
When I was getting an unfair price at a money exchange on the border, he stepped in and made them give my money back and found me a better rate.
Jackie was extremely responsive through the emails and even phoned twice during the trip to ensure everything was going ok.
The lodge we stayed in was incredible; Rushaga Gorilla Camp.
To be honest, it was far in excess of what I needed.
The area was beautiful and I went for a stroll into the village and met some of the lovely local people.
The next moring we did the trek and it was a wonderful experience to see the gorillas.
Do bring some money with you though, as it is customary to tip the rangers who stay with the gorillas all day protecting them, as well as the rangers who guide you on the trek.
All in all, I had a fantastic experiencve with Katona Tours and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
I booked the trip a night before on WhatsApp.
They were professional and courteous.
When booking the TRIP, I didn't even realise it was a private tour which was a wonderful surprise when the driver arrived.
He took me round Kigali, First to the genocide museum, then the convention centre, to Kimironko Market, to Inema Arts centre and finally to the Nyamata memorial.
As it was a private trip, I could determine how long I wanted to spend in each location which was an added bonus.
I highly recommend them.
I spent 9 days with Katona Tours traveling through Rwanda and Uganda back in June of this year.
I went with my partner and another couple with a primary goal of seeing the gorillas.
We were all very impressed with Katona and the level of professionalism that everyone showed throughout the process.
Leading up to the trip, Jackie was very helpful and easy to communicate with.
It really took the ease off knowing that she was there to answer all of our questions.
The trip itself was amazing, thanks in large part to our amazing guide, Ceasar.
Ceasar was very professional, a great conversationalist and an all around good guy.
It would not have been the same without him by our side.
I would not hesitate to recommend Katona Tours to anyone.
Thanks to them for a trip of a lifetime!
Our trip was a group of 9 people and, thanks to Katona Tours & Travel, our journey went like a hitch.
Special thanks to Jackie, she is a great organizer.
The drivers and guides Richard & Shafick are excellent professionals and very kind and funny guys.
You are in our hearts, friends!
Uganda are bountiful country!!!
It was very organized trip.
Guide Siza was knowledgeable and hard working Accommodated my special requests and went long way to find animals.
Trip was very detailed and showed me what ever was promised Thank you Katona for helping me out and giving me the best possible service Raj
My wife and I planned a last minute trip to track Gorillas in the Bwindi impenetrable forest.
From the first communication with Jackie until everything was great.
I would also say that our driver Elias was amazing.
My wife suffers from a knee problem and Elias was able to arrange an easier trek for us.
Jackie was continuously in touch with us through the trip to ensure that we are having a great time and also helped us with a refund as the Hotel gave us a room in a lower category.
We would definitely recommend Karona Tours and Jackie for a great experience all the way from a pick up from Kigali to Bwindi and back.
It was an amazing trip.
I went with my mother for her 66th birthday and we opted for two days of trekking.
The first day was a strenuous 3-hour hike up a mountain during a thunderstorm, but we were rewarded with incredibly close encounters.
The next day we opted for a shorter hike but the experience was just as good.
Jackie's care and concern was top notch.
She phoned us each day to ensure all was on track.
Our driver was excellent, always early and very helpful to set us up on the correct trek each day.
I highly recommend going through Katona Tours and Travel.
My wife an I went on the 1 day trip from Kigali to Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
To start off, the booking and communication with Jackie was very quick and efficient.
She was super helpful and a great communicator.
Our driver Elias picked us up from our hotel in Kigali early in the morning and was perfectly on time at 4am.
We cannot say enough great things about Elias.
He made our trip AMAZING!
He was so friendly, so fun, very informative, very knowledgeable, and always kept a big smile on his face.
He was so fun to hang out with on our long drive, it felt like we had our own little tour of Rwanda and Uganda.
After the trek he took us to a local place in Uganda for an authentic African lunch.
By the time we returned to our hotel in Kigali after the tour it felt like we were family.
I highly recommend asking for Elias as your driver.
The drive from Kigali to the park was roughly 3 hours, and it was a really cool drive.
A lot of it is through the beautiful Rwanda and Uganda mountain countryside so its quite breathtaking.
Crossing the border was easy.
They just check your passports and give you a stamp, it takes about 10 minutes.
Once we reached the base camp where the trekking starts, Jerome and Silver from the Uganda Wildlife Authority introduce you and give a briefing of the days activities.
The same 2 guys were our guides for the trek in the mountains.
Big shout out to Jerome and Silver, they were awesome.
Super friendly, very informative, amazing guides through the mountains.
You'll also have an armed guard with you so they really make you feel safe for anyone who is a little scared.
It took us about an hour to find the families and I cannot express enough how kind and gentle these beautiful creatures are.
We found a big family with 3 HUGE male silverbacks, 2 females, a couple teens, and 3 babies.
We were able to hang out with them for an hour and I would say we were only a bout 10 feet away from them.
It was CRAZY!!
The babies and teens were running around playing with each other the whole time while the big parents we lounging next to them.
We even got to see a mother nursing her baby.
I heard a lot of people say Bwindi is where you must go for Gorilla experiences, but i totally disagree.
We had a wonderful and very close encounter with a big family of Silverbacks at Mgahinga, and its much closer to Kigali.
I highly recommend booking this trip with Katona Tours.
Get ready for the hike of a lifetime!!
Side Note: Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries on earth.
Just seeing the beautiful countryside alone was worth the trip
Everything from the kommunication with Jackie before we left Sweden until the moment we had to say good bye to our driver Elias after 3 Days worked perfect.
Elias took very good care of us, and gave us a stressless and fantastic tour.
The gorilla trekking from Buhoma was magic and everyone involved did a great job.
The hour we had with the gorillas went by very quickly.
Some roads we went on to get there were bad, but no one is to blame for that (we have now learnt what free African massage is) Our days at Lake Bunyonyi were also great.
We can highly recomend this 3-day-tour with Katona, and if you get Elias as your driver you will be very well looked after.
It was sort of a last minute decision to do the gorilla trekking and while most of the agencies replied that permits are sold out for the dates we wanted, Jackie managed to arrange them for us.
Jackie was always very responsive to all our emails and requests, and followed up on our trip daily - called us to make sure that everything is going well and as expected.
She also helped me to get reimbursement from Transferwise (service I used to pay for the tour and who did not explicitly state all the fees hence Jackie received less than expected).
She was also very kind and was fine that we pay the difference to the driver.
As for our tour guide and driver Elias.
He is a great driver and tour guide!
He was informative, friendly, and funny.
He really made an effort to get to know us and what we wanted to do, and encouraged us to make stops for the photos whenever we wanted.
Also in case there is a chance of a rain during the tour - then he's definitely your driver - he'll make sure you won't get stuck on the muddy roads (on our way he even helped one of the other drivers when they got stuck with their jeep).
Our tour's starting point was from Kabale and it took around 2.5 hours to reach Buhoma (with great rainforest scenery on the way).
Gorilla trekking Our trekking point was Buhoma and we trekked the Katwe gorillas family that had a recent newborn (yey!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
In total the trekking was around 4-5 hours, but not in a very fast pace.
After having reached gorillas family we were allowed to spend with them 1 hour.
Definitely pay extra $$ for a porter.
It is worth the money and helps the local students not only financially, but also gives them opportunity to see gorillas, too.
They hold your backpack and help you when you need help.
Buhoma community walk We did the walk the day before the gorilla trekking to stretch our legs :) It was around 2-3 hours, but not very tiring.
It's nice to have some smaller bills to buy some souvenirs on the way (there will be plenty of opportunities).
We had an interesting walk visiting the local coffee maker (who shows how coffee is brewed), Batwa community with a small performance on their traditions, local Banana brewery that produces beer and gin (with tasting), and the final was visit to women's center who are making various crafts from colorful fabrics (another great opportunity for souvenirs).
Overnight stay We stayed at the Buhoma community rest camp - run by local community.
We stayed in a cabin with a stunning view of the rainforest, also the dining area had the same view.
During the night though it can get a bit chilly, so it was a very considerate touch to find a rubber hot water bottle in bed before going to sleep :)
Went Gorilla Trekking from Kigali to Bwindi and it was a great experience.
Jackie was always response and super accommodating.
My driver Elias went above and beyond.
He drove me overnight to Bwindi and Kigali and we returned the next day.
Drove 10 hours in a 24 hour time span.
Can't get much better than that.
Would highly recommend this company.
Working with Jackie and Elias was seamless.
We wanted to go gorilla trekking for a day in Uganda on a late notice, but all the permits were booked.
Jackie was amazing and managed to find us two permits for the dates that we wanted.
Although there were some small issues (not her fault!
), we did get to have an amazing once in a lifetime experience going trekking to see Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.
The driver Richard, that got us to the park and back, and helped us with the activtiy, was super friendly, kind, and helpful, on top of being a great driver.
I would highly recommend Katona Tours, Jackie has been super responsive with all our requests and was very arranging even when things were complicated.
The experience started with the excellent service received by Jackie.
She always returns emails within a day or sooner.
I had so many questions but each one was answered in a timely and efficient manner.
When I researched trips I only looked for 3 or 4 and once I found Katona I didn't look any further.
The company provides excellent value for money and once I read the reviews I was relieved to have found such and excellent company so quickly.
One of many reasons I selected Katona was because of the rapid reply to my requests for information.
The day of the trip our driver picked us up at our Hotel and our adventure began.
We stayed for 3 days at Nyungwe Hill Top and 3 days at Da Vinci Gorilla lodge.
They were both excellent value for money and had excellent and attentive staff.
I will review these separately.
We were able to spend time with the Chimps, Gorillas, and Golden Monkeys.
Due to timing we were able to add another nature hike and were able to see four additional types of monkeys.
Our driver was flexible and always willing to slow down for photo opportunities and to stop for coffee when requested.
All of our activities exceeded expectations and Jackie even checked in with us a few times during the trip.
If you are looking for a company to book an adventure with, look no further.
This company has the additional benefit of being locally owned and operated so the revenue stays in Africa.
I will post photos and video once the review is up.
Look no further, you won't regret it.
When we go back, we will definitely book with Katona Tours.
What an amazing trip!
We did a 4 day tour to see the Gorillas and Chimpanzees with pickup in Kigali and drop off in Entebbe.
Our driver was Elias who was the real superstar of our trip.
He arrived at our hotel an hour early for pickup just in case we wanted to leave earlier.
He was amazing at explaining everything we will be doing that day and was always happy and polite which made us very happy.
We met his whole family on the way and they made us feel like family also, a special mention goes to his mother-in-law who gave us enough papaya to eat for a month :-D On our gorilla trip there was a particular group my wife and I wanted to see and he pulled out all the stops pleading to the gorilla guides to give us that particular group.
He got us the group we asked for and we saw 3 silverbacks, females, juvaniles and a baby, an amazing experience.
On our chimpanzee tour the next day in the afternoon we were lucky enough to spend an hour (maybe a little longer) with a troop of 25 chimpanzees, some of them coming as close as 1m away.
Again, an amazing hard to describe experience.
Every accommodation was better than we could of hoped for, spectacular view, great food and the kindest, most caring staff we have ever came across.
Me and my wife do not usually book multi-day tours and prefer to do things ourselves as our plans change a lot and we worry we will miss something.
We were maybe not the easiest clients as more than once we heard about things that were not in the tour, such as seeing the Shoebills in Mabamba swamp near Entebbe.
Elias and Jackie did everything to get us there in our limited time to see them.
Before we arrived Jackie in the office was very prompt to reply to our e-mails and she was always there to help with anything we needed.
Everything was very professional.
Do not hesitate to book your tour with Katona tours.
We came for the Gorillas and the Chimps but we have left Uganda with a friend for life in Elias.
Thanks for the memories, It was the perfect start to our honeymoon.
Nick and Lauren
I've taken tours with Katona twice now.
The first time by myself in Uganda, and the second time with colleagues in Rwanda.
Jackie is an amazing coordinator to work with!
Quick responses, reliable, and will go out of her way to ensure you have a good time.
She even remembered me from my first trip two years ago and provided a small discount for being a repeat customer!
Katona consistently gives the best rate and value (I reached out to 6-7 different companies to compare), and I would definitely recommend!
I had one of the best times in Uganda thanks to Katona Tours!
It was such an eye opening experience to gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Definitely something people need to experience at least once.
It is a difficult trek, most people can do it but some people may require more time then others.
Just make sure you bring extra water and dress accordingly.
Definitely pay extra $$ for a porter.
It is so worth the money.
They hold your backpack and help you when you need help.
Katona Tour went out of their way for us.
One of the lodges didn't provide us lunch on the last day when they were suppose to.
So they told our amazing guide Elias to take us to a lunch spot in town that was paid for by Katona Tours.
They also proceeded to call us at the end of tour to see how everything was.
It was a great trip!
As for our tour guide Elias.
He was a great driver and tour guide!
He was informative, friendly, and funny.
He really made an effort to get to know us and what we wanted to do, so we frequently made stops whenever we liked.
Katona tours was organized and everything went accordingly.
We took the trekking tour coming from Kigali to the Ngohenga National Park and spent 4 to 5 hours trekking.
The car trip took about 3 to 4 hours including crossing the border.
Drive was phenomenal, considerate, prompt and friendly.
The tour was excellent we were able to see the Gorillas for an hour and enjoyed the strenuous exercise too.
I highly recommend this!!
Jackie answered all our questions within record time, adapted the tour to our wishes and also checked in with us several times during the tour.
Everything was perfectly well organised, I can only recommend her and her company!
I had an excellent experience.
Jackie was very responsive and easy to work with.
Elias, the driver, was very professional and was on time, made sure I knew what was going on, and was very helpful.
The trip was incredible!
Jackie was a great contact.
She was responsive and she delivered EXACTLY as she promised.
No glitches and the description of everything was exactly what we received.
Jackie is also a good source for everything Rwanda and Ugabda, if you want to make it a destination.
We visited Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ugabda and although the Safari in Uganda is not the Serengeti it was much cheaper, prettier and not far off.
Uganda was our favorite country and we felt safe the entire time.
We are a family of 6 and everyone loved the gorilla experience the most!
The hike to the gorillas was easy and not an uphill.
The area is beautiful and the village below is a worthwhile destination.
We had 2 guides with guns and 2 porters and the gorillas were located by a team of 6 and they too had guns (to protect from wild animal encounters, which we didn't have).
We had an excellent driver Robert who had looked after the two of us throughout the 3 days of complex itinerary involving climbing the highest peak in Rwanda followed by a Gorilla trek in Uganda before returning back to Rwanda again to continue with our journey.
Robert's assessment of the timing was spot on all the time for each activity and everything went on like clock work.
We never once felt rushed.
Thanks for he great experience!
We did a Gorilla trekking in Uganda - it was amazing!!!
Mgahinga national park is very recommendable!!
Our driver Elias picked us up in Kigali, Ruanda, and drove us to our Lodge in Uganda and the next day to the starting point for the trekking.
After it, he drove us back to Kigali.
Elias was the best!!
Ask for Elias when you need a very friendly, openminded and funny driver :-) on top of that, his English was perfect!
I had a very good experience with Katona tours.
Jackie was very responsive to all of my emails, and setting up the tour was very easy.
I was a little nervous about wiring a large sum of money to book the tour, but there were no problems.
All of the elements of the tour were exactly as we discussed, and the experience was great.
I was picked up early from my hotel in Kigali, I drove with my guide Robert into Uganda.
We went straight to the park after crossing the border to track gorillas, and then he took me to the lodge (the Mount Gahinga Lodge) where I had a delicious hot lunch and a complementary massage.
The food, drink and service at the lodge were really incredible (seriously good food).
The next day I tracked the Golden monkeys on the Ugandan side, returned to the lodge for a hot shower, and then back to Rwanda to catch my flight home.
We were supposed to go to the market in Kigali prior to my flight, however the drive back from Uganda took a very long time so we had to go straight to the airport.
The trackers, rangers and porters for both the gorilla trek and the golden monkey trek that I did were lovely and very kind, as were all the staff at the lodge where I stayed (the Mount Gahinga Lodge).
A few notes: bring plenty of cash for tips.
There were more trackers (5) and rangers (2) than I expected on the gorilla tour.
Similarly, there were more staff at the lodge (where the took very good care of me) than I expected.
Everyone is very kind and helpful, so be sure to bring some extra $$ to support them.
There was nowhere to get money, and unfortunately I had to tip some folks in Rwandan money because it was all I had left.
I didn't realize that because I bought a single entry visa at the airport in Kigali, that I would need to get another visa when I returned to Rwanda from Uganda.
Luckily my guide helped me out, as they only accept US dollars at the border and I was out of dollars and had no way to get more (see above about tipping).
If you get an East Africa Visa this is not an issue.
Because I came straight from Kigali to the gorilla trek, I did not have a lunch packed.
Luckily, we found the gorillas very quickly and I was able to have a hot lunch at the lodge.
However, if we had tracked for a long time I would have been very hungry after getting picked up a 4 am and having only a granola bar for breakfast.
I thought we might stop on the way to the gorillas for a coffee or breakfast or opportunity for me to get some snacks, but that was not the case.
Be sure to hack with the tour operator about those meals, as you will be hiking and will need fuel!
Go see the Golden Monkeys!
I really loved this experience-completely different than the gorillas and really fun and interesting.
Bring a lunch.
We had an amazing time!
Gorilla trekking is worth every penny and Katona tours is the best way to do it!
I was uncertain about it as my husband and I discovered I'm pregnant prior to the trip.
Jackie was incredible and made sure things were as easy and stress as possible on me and the baby!
I was 10 weeks pregnant during our trek.
It's a challenge but everyone was more than accommodating to let me set the pace.
We were completed cared for on our trip there, trip back, trek, and lunch.
It was absolutely perfect!
I would recommend Katona tours to anyone!
Ceasur the driver was very good and was great company throughout.
Knew his way around the parks too.
Accommodation was great but highlight was gorillas which is a must
It was a great experience from the moment I contacted Jackie to book my tour.
Katona tours made is so easy to get all that is needed for my gorilla/chimpanzees trekking from Kigali to Uganda.
Elias was just helpful, informative, kind and a skillful driver throughout the trip.
He made sure I was comfortable and all my needs were met.
He goes beyond what is expected in every way helping me repair my broken hiking shoe, getting a SIM card, stopping for pictures along the way, just everything I needed he was there to help.
I will return in the future, thank you for making this adventure so easy for me.
My gf and I had an amazing experience with Katona Tours.
The service was professional and attentive.
Jackie was also very responsive to any questions we had before and during our trip.
In addition, I had inquired with over 20+ tour operators and Katona tours were among the Top 3 best Quality/Price company to provided me with a quote.
You just can't go wrong!
Our Guide/Driver Elias was the perfect guide for our 4 day adventure.
Patient, kind and friendly.
He was willing to do anything to make sure we had a great time.
Make the stops whenever we wanted.
Our trip was definitely memorable thanks Katona Tours.
Thanks guys!
From the very first email I knew I was in safe hands.
This is an extremely professional company.
No question was to minor and every request was answered promptly thanks to Jackie who was an absolute star.
I used Katona for the one day gorilla trek in Uganda, followed by the Dian Fossey trek the next day.
As a solo traveler I had my reservations but that was soon laid to rest when Elias turned up in Kigali at the start of my trip and who would be my designated driver for the next three days.
What a nicely turned out gentleman Elias turned out to be.
Caring, friendly and an excellent driver.
Probably his best virtue though was patience as he was constantly having to wait for me.
By the end of the tour we were just a couple of really good buddies on a road trip and you can't ask for much more than that, except maybe the shirt on his back which I really admired and which he quite literally gave me on my specific request.
So, to my good friend Elias from Kampala and Jackie, thanks for a wonderful three days.
Amazing!!!!
The comtact with the Gorillaz is incredible.
Elias is the best Guide in the world.
If you Go to this trip...
Call to Elias.
I recomend!!
I had contacted 28 tour companies in regards to doing the silver back gorillas from Rwanda.
Katona tours were one of three companies that were kind enough to mention that if I was to cross over to the Uganda side from Rwanda it would cost less.
I didn't know this and I thought it was very kind to enlighten me of this.
Jackie responded through email swiftly and did not hesitate to answer ALL of my questions throughly.
I told her what I wanted to do and how long I had and she organized it all for me.
My flight arrived into Rwanda at 5.30am and Elias was there waiting for me and off we began.
Everything was organized, paid and moved so perfectly.
Elias was so kind and funny so please ask for Elias to be your driver.
I had taken donations of toys with me (I wish I had taken a lot more) and Elias helped me distribute these to children on the streets along our journey.
My tour was three days and two nights.
It consisted of the genocide museum, silver back gorillas, golden monkeys and Ibyi wacu.
I can't recommend Katona, Jackie and Elias enough!
TIP: if you are going to do the gorillas in Uganda on arrival into Rwanda airport get the East African visa to save trouble crossing borders and save 20 USD overall.
I booked a gorilla tour rather last minute with Katona Tours for early March, when I was finishing up a month working in Rwanda.
Valens picked me up from Kigali and we had a very easy (though slow/safe) drive to the border.
I had been worried about crossing the border, but had no issues, and Jackie was very responsive via whatsapp and phone to my questions.
From the border it was a very close drive to the hotel.
The next morning we went straight to the park, which was not very far.
We had a lucky day and the gorillas were actually quite close to the park entrance, so we got to them in thirty minutes!
Seeing the gorillas up close in person was an unbelievable experience, and Katona Tours made it very easy!
Though it is still pricey, it was definitely worth it!
The drive back was also very easy and Valens was great company and very safe.
I would just recommend going with a group as it was a lot of time by yourself (since the part with the gorillas is only one hour).
A soon as I knew I was going to Africa the first thing I researched was going on a Mountain Gorilla Trek.
This is something I've been wanting to do and the opportunity came.
I found Katona Tours via google and from the moment I emailed them the service was exceptional.
I was dealing with Jackie via email and she was very informative about what tours they offered.
Jackie was very prompt with replying to my emails (and there were a lot as I was asking a lot of questions).
We decided to do the 1 day trek through Mgahinga Park Uganda.
It was advised that we were going to be picked up at 4:30am, however on the day our driver (Elias) was 30 min early.
This didn't bother us at all.
Please be mindful if you choose this tour the drive from Kigali to Uganda is around 3 hours.
My sister in law and I pretty much slept most of the way to Uganda and my husband stayed awake and saw the beauty of Rwanda at sunrise.
Once we got to the Uganda boarder Elias was very good in instructing us on where we needed to go and do.
From the boarder it was another 30-45min to the park.
Once we arrived there were porters waiting for us to walk us to the briefing point.
Elias also came with us to the briefing point.
Once we got to the briefing point, we met out tour guides and they brief us on everything we needed to know.
Then the fun began.
We trekked for around 2 hours before we saw the gorillas.
The guides were amazing and answered every question we had.
We were lucky enough to see all eight gorillas which included two, two year old babies.
Seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat is an experience I will never forget.
Some people say that this is an expensive tour, however it was worth every dollar.
I give full credit to Elias for driving for 6 hours a day.
He ensured we had a great time and even bought us some snacks on the drive back to the Kigali.
I would highly recommend Katona Tours and Elias as a driver.
Thank you so much for an incredible experience From, Andrea, Ben & Mim
My skepticism began when I hadn't heard from anyone at Katona since they confirmed they received my payment a few months before my gorilla trek.
24 hours before the trek I had to reach out to them to confirm our early pickup time and it's a good thing I did, because despite having already provided my hotel information they didn't know where I was staying.
We confirmed a 4am pick up at 9pm the night before the trek.
We sat outside of our hotel from 4am until 5:50am waiting to be picked up.
Emails to Jackie, multiple WhatsApp messages and calls to Jackie and Elias, a Facebook message and a Skype message all went completely unanswered.
Nobody from the company reached out to me once and I couldn't get in contact with anyone.
We were convinced we weren't trekking until a van pulled up honking its horn almost 2 hours late.
Upon arrival there wasn't much apologizing, just excuses about blocked roads that didn't add up.
I understand the roads in Africa can be unpredictable but for nobody to inform us of what was happening was unacceptable.
The entire experience from there was just uncomfortable around Elias.
He frequently mentioned how we should be tipping everyone during this trek.
He argued with us about his arrival time - he tried to convince us he was only 1 hour late when it was just under 2 hours.
He also slept the majority of the ride to and from the park.
I also felt like there was very little information provided by the company on what to expect.
For example, we didn't realize there would be no food provided until after the trek which was about 1:30pm in my case (keep in mind the day was supposed to start at 4am).
I also didn't even realize we'd be crossing the border into Uganda and was never told to bring my passport, which we almost left behind at the hotel for safekeeping (good thing we didn't).
The trekking itself was great, but the tour company is not with you at all during this time and has no influence on the gorilla trek at all.
They are just a transportation service to and from the National Park.
I spent a month in Kigali for work and was eager to see the gorillas, but less eager to pay $1500 for a Rwandan gorilla permit.
I decided to go to Uganda to see them, but was nervous about the arrangements, especially as there is currently somewhat of an ongoing dispute at the Rwanda-Uganda border (as I found out, this doesn't affect foreigners crossing).
I found Katona on Google and checked Tripadvisor and got in touch with Jackie by Whatsapp.
I was amazed how quickly things could be set up.
Within a few hours, I had a confirmed reservation to go see the gorillas less than a week later.
I was offered easy options to pay either by Paypal or via a money transfer agent in Kigali; I chose Paypal since I was at work and did not want to have to head to the bank to get cash and then figure out how to send it.
On the day before I saw the gorillas, Elias, my guide from Katona picked me up at my hotel.
He arrived 30 minutes early in a comfortable Land Cruiser.
I was traveling solo, and he made me feel really comfortable.
I appreciated that he explained that since I was traveling by myself, things could go at my pace, and if I wanted to stop anywhere along the way he was happy to.
The trip into Uganda was smooth, with Elias helping navigate the many stops required for formalities at the border.
I was brought to my mid range lodge which was great - very nice room, great views, excellent food, and by chance, a great group of other guests to have dinner and spend the evening with.
The next morning, Elias brought me to the gorilla briefing area, where I was assigned to a trekking group.
I won't go into too much detail here, since you probably already know how this works if you're reading about the gorilla trekking experience.
The day was everything it was promised to be... the most difficult hike I've ever been on but an amazing opportunity to see these animals from mere feet away.
Three days later, I'm still slightly sore, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
The trip back was equally smooth.
Right after trekking, Jackie (the owner or manager) called Elias and spoke to me on the phone to make sure everything went perfectly.
I was eager to get back to Kigali and Elias made that happen expediently.
Overall, while there are lots of companies offering similar Ugandan gorilla trek experiences from Kigali, and they are very hard to tell apart on the Internet, but personal service is everything and I couldn't have asked for more from Jackie and Elias.
Additionally, in a region where responsiveness is sometimes an issue, I would highly recommend working with Katona and getting in touch with them via Whatsapp, because I got nearly instant responses to all my questions.
I went on a gorilla tracking tour with Katona and had the best time!
My driver Elias was really great and helped me through every stage of the trip.
We drove from Kigali to Bwindi Forest in Uganda.
The drive was great and went through The Switzerland of Africa with stunning views.
I stayed at Bakiga Lodge which was so nice and Elias even arranged for me to come back after the gorilla tracking even if I had checked out to freshen up and have lunch.
Hiking through the Bwindi Forest and seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat is an experience I will never forget.
I can highly recommend travelling with Katana and if you do, ask to have Elias as a guide, he will make sure you have the best time and are well looked after!
The gorilla trek experience has been on my bucket list for awhile and although it's a pricey excursion it is worth every dollar!
Katona Tours was great at organizing the perfect 2-day tour in Uganda for me, which I squeezed in on the back of a work trip.
I trekked about two hours into the Bwindi forest and then spent an hour with a group of 9 silverback gorillas!
I did the mid-range tour which was fine if you are a low maintenance traveler like me.
Elias was a stellar local guide.
He was fun, a good driver and when we arrived back in Kigali well ahead of my departing flight, he took me to the hotel Des Milles Collins, where Hotel Rwanda was set, for a nice meal and drinks to relax instead of sitting in the airport for hours which was such a nice gesture!
I highly recommend this amazing experience and Katona was great at customizing a tour that fit my travel needs!
The Gorilla Habituation Experience is a truly amazing experience which I can only recommend to everyone who is fascinated by those animals.
Jackie from Katona Tours made this trip possible and helped me planning.
She responded quickly to all my questions and was flexible in agreeing on pick-up and drop-off place.
My driver Elias did an excellent job getting me there under difficult road conditions and provided very good service!
Thank you!
I had to go to Kigali for a business event in August 2018.
My ambition was to make an additional private 3 days tour.
I wanted to get as much impression from Ruanda (culture, landscape, wildlife) as possible, but with a limited budget.
I contacted several local tour providers and received a variety of offers.
Most offers included Gorilla Trekking and therefor exceeded my budget.
Kantona Tours offered a 3 days Akagera National Park tour with a pricing within my budget.
I had some further mail contacts with Jackie from Kantona, who was extremely responsive.
She asked me to transfer a deposit (30 %) to a Bank in Uganda.
With some discomfort I transferred the money and prayed to God.
Jackie confirmed the receipt immediately and we scheduled the pick-up from my hotel.
In Ruanda the driver (SORRY, forgot his name) picked me up as agreed and we really had a great tour.
We had permanent conversations and I really learned a lot about Ruanda.
Thanks again for his patient explanations.
The game drives in Akagera (1 boat, 1 car) also were an fabulous experience.On the whole, the tour completely my expectations.
I can highly recommend Kantona Tours.
Thomas
Jackie was very responsive and everything was well organized.
She helped us with our gorilla trekking permits and itinerary planning.
Caesar was a very skillful driver and gave us useful advice.
He knows the area very well.
Highly recommend for those who are visiting!
An absolutely amazing experience start to finish.
Jackie, who helped me book and manage the tour was super responsive and helpful, no matter what time zone I was in.
The experience itself was breathtaking.
Fun hike through the jungle to find the gorillas.
Then got to hang out with a huge family of silverbacks, babies, and mothers, all hanging out munching away.
I was so close to them, and the rangers were super helpful about positioning me in places where I could see through the undergrowth to get good pictures and looks at them.
And then when I had to take a 3 hour drive back to Kigali, my driver, Elias turned that experience from a 3-hour slog, to a super fun cultural experience.
He was incredibly friendly and accomodating, answering all my multitude of questions about the country, and then took me to a super traditional Rwandan restaurant for lunch.
I'd definitely recommend requesting him, and definitely recommend Katona Tours.
Jackie was very helpful in arranging transport and permits from Rwanda to gorilla trekking in Uganda and back again.
It was pleasant to deal with Katona in arranging this amazing experience.
My driver Elias was also very friendly and efficient as well.
I can certainly recommend Katona Tours.
I did a Gorilla Tour with Katona Tours to Bwindi Forest/Uganda.
Everything was perfectly organised, payment and communiction with Jackie, pick up in Kigali, the drive to Uganda and back, the visit to the Gorillas.
My driver Elias was the best.
He always made sure I had a great time, save driving, stunning views and experiences.
He took good care of me also during the Gorilla tour preparation in Bwindi so I got a perfect group.
I came to stay in the Rushaga Gorilla Camp which was really nice and clean and perfectly located.
I highly recommend Elias as a driver and guide as he knows the area very well and can give you deep insides into the Ugandan society.
Hiked Mt Bisoke after driving from Kigali.
Very early morning departure with multiple pick-ups and our wonderful driver (Elias) was perfectly on time.
Very muddy hike during the rain season, would highly recommend getting a walking stick for the way down.
I never use them but was grateful when one of the guards accompanying us found a branch to help me hike downhill.
For a minimal fee, people will wash your hiking boots after you come down and the local shop has beers and soft drinks for sale.
Free, delicious coffee at the park entrance and Elias stopped us at a good diner place on the way back.
Bring snacks and plenty of water for the hike up and a dry t-shirt if you plan to hang out at the summit because it gets quite cold and windy.
Overall, great company with fantastic organization and very responsive via emails and WhatsApp (they check on you over the course of the day to make sure everything is going smoothly!)
I had an AMAZING time at Mgahinga - all thanks to Jackie and her team at Katona Tours.
They were highly professional, obtained a permit very quickly for me (after booking only four weeks in advance), and did everything to accommodate my weekend schedule in Kigali.
Elias was an excellent driver and tour guide.
I can't speak more highly of my experience, and I would happily recommend Jackie and her team's service to anyone interested in gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda.
This was the second time I had used Katona Tours and Travel for Gorilla Trekking.
They say its a once in a lifetime experience so if that's the case its probably worth doing more than once if you have the chance!
1st trip was Gorilla trekking on the Uganda side and the second with a larger group of colleagues was in Rwanda.
Both trips were exceptionally well handled by the team at Katona.
Our transfers were friendly and we got a full run down on culture and history of these amazing countries.
Highly recommend this team for competitive pricing, professionalism and to ensure you have an amazing experience.
The Katona team did a fantastic job in helping me secure a gorilla trekking permit from the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA).
I'd tried securing permit directly from UWA several times without success - their communication was pretty unclear - but once I got in contact with Katona and provided the details they were able to pick up the permit immediately after receiving the transfer.
They even sent one of their reps to hand me the permit directly at the bus station I was traveling through.
We researched and asked for proposals from a number of tour companies and from day one Jackie and Katona tours stood out from the others.
We did not regret our choice at all.
Jackie was always super fast to reply and patient with our questions and requests.
After all our planning and worrying, once we arrived in Kigali, Caesar was waiting for us and took care of all the details for the rest of our trip.
Caesar was a very good driver on some very bad roads.
We really enjoyed his company and good nature.
Having a driver/guide like him really added to our enjoyment and knowledge.
We had a great time seeing the Gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla Park and the Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.
I would not hesitate to use Jackie and Katona Tours again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a worry free African vacation
Jackie replied with a few hours with an itinerary and budget that fit our unique desires and dates.
Elirus was a skillful driver and friendly guide.
The 7-hour gorilla trek was more strenuous than our 63-year-old bodies were expecting, but memories of the huge silverback and baby gorilla on its mother back were well worth the sore muscles.
The only hassle was the lack of a credit card payment option.
We just arrived home this minute from a 17 day trip to Uganda and Rwanda that Katona Tours planned for us.
At first, we were planning on organizing and completing this tour ourselves.
Are we ever thrilled that we booked with Katona!!
Jackie was wonderful all the time leading up to our tours...addressing all of our questions and concerns immediately and planning the very best tour we could have asked for!
Caesar, our tour guide was, without a doubt the greatest tour guide anyone could have asked for.
His expertise on the Uganda culture, the parks and animals was second to none!
We immediately felt comfortable with Caesar and we left at the end of our tour feeling he was a great friend.
He put up with all of the silly inquiries our famly of 6 could throw out there!
Never once did we lack confidence in his abilty to provide us with the best possible experiences!
Every day we found ourselves saying that we would not have had the same great experiences without him!
I highly recommend Katona and Caesar for anyone who is planning a trip to Uganda or Rwanda...YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!
Thank you so much for making our dream trip a reality!!
I've contacted Jackie months before our trip to Uganda.
From the first moment she was very responsive and gave me all the info I needed for our first trip to Africa.
She recommended lodges, hotels and gorilla permits.
She took really good care of us during our stay at Uganda.
Denis - our driver - was really helpful and gave us many information for Uganda.
The car was excellent and he helped us in any he could during the 3 days of our trip.
Jackie was amazing and patient with me when planning our tour of Rwanda!
Even when there was a small issue with one of our hotel rooms- she came to the rescue and within an hour , the issue was resolved.
Our guide Ceasar was amazing as well!
We arranged to have him pick us up in Kisoro, Uganda and help us cross the border into Rwanda.
He was waiting for us and the crossing went extremely smooth!
He is So well educated and a really nice guy.
He was focused on ensuring that we had an amazing adventure!
I highly recommend Katona Tours!!!
My Mum and I did a 3 day tour with Katona in August.
Our quide was Elias and he was fantastic everything was so professional and he bent over backwards to accommodate our every need.
Thank you very much for making our trip a fantastic and memorable one and hopefully we will be back to Africa to see more of this wonderful country.
Was picked up in Uganda and quick trip for gorilla trek in Rwanda arranged without hassle.
The driver Ceaser was excellent one of the best I have had.
We had a good tour in Rwanda.
Elias was prompt, professional, friendly, and polite.
The hotels where we stayed were terrific.
And, of course, the nature was fantastic!
We loved our trip.
Jackie helped to customize the itinerary for our needs and was prompt over email. . One clarification.
At least for our tour, Elias (who was terrific!
functioned more like a driver than a guide in the sense that (i) the national parks require tours to be guided by their own employees and (ii) Elias did not do much animal-specific guiding during our long car rides.
To make the experience even better, I think that Katona Tours might consider supplying Elias with nature books (birds of rwanda, mountain gorillas) so that we could have enjoyed during the long car rides.
And, I would have loved Elias to do more guiding during our drives -- telling us about the ecology, history, politics, economics, etc.
of Rwanda.
But, all of the above is in the context of a 5-star review.
It was a great trip, and Katona Tours did well.
I had originally booked 6 nights in Virunga National Park, but when that had to be cancelled, I turned to Katona Tours for a last minute alternate tour of Rwanda.
Jackie must be one of the hardest working people in the travel industry.
She was incredibly quick at responding to all my emails with detailed itinerary suggestions and options.
I wired a 40% deposit and delivered the balance to my driver in USD cash when I arrived.
My driver Caesar was very knowledgeable about the local cultures, animals, even construction techniques.
He was pleasant, personable, had a great sense of humor, and was very easy to get along with.
The accommodation was very good for the price, but next time I will pay the few hundred more to get midrange instead of budget hotels.
From the early stages of planning this trip Jackie was extremely helpful and quick to reply.
We had a great trip to Rwanda, chimp trekking and doing the canopy walk and our tour guide Cissor only made the experience ten times easier and more comfortable.
There was never a moment of doubt and our itinerary was well thought through with great structure.
I thoroughly recommend Katona tours as they ensure packages that are suited to your needs whilst providing the best experience possible for you.
We booked a 3-day gorilla trek with Katona via Entebbe to Bwindi.
It was such a great experience!
Yes, it was a timely drive down to Bwindi due to road conditions, but it was nice day drive to catch up on jet lag and rest some.
We also got an incredible view into the culture and every day lives of different areas in Uganda.
Everything went so smoothly from the start.
Jackie was always very quick to respond to emails and helped tailor our trip to our wants/budget.
Our lodging at Rushaga Gorilla Camp was incredible!
Last but not least, our guide Peter definitely made the trip.
He taught us so much about the country, the culture, and had great stories from his time being a park guide in Queen Elizabeth.
This trip was a short addition to our time in Africa but one that will always be remembered!
Definitely would travel with Katona.
Big thanks to Jackie and Peter!!
We booked a 2 day trip from Kigali Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Park for a Gorilla trek and after the trek back to Kigali airport to catch our evening flight.
As you can understand it was a riscky endeavor, but we choosed the best partners for this fantastic adventure !!
Elias was so much involved in keeping us happy and he was so good in giving us details about everything we asked that our time spent there went finished very fast.
The Gorilla trekking was great and the forest guides were much better than we expected.
We had very good views of a Gorilla family including a silver back.
The only thing which was not perfect was some other tourists which were clearly not quite fit for this trek and they ended up by being carried on their back by the guides...
This can happen maybe, nut after this to give a total tip of 3$ to means to be lacking humanism...
Jackie and Caesar gave a wonderful tour of Uganda and Rwanda and I would highly recommend using them.
The booking agent Jackie was always very fast in replying to my numerous emails as I worked to determine where I wanted to go and what to see.
In addition to providing a cost-effective tour hitting on the sights of interest to me, she was also great in that I was planning my trip last minute but she was still able to arrange everything.
Every couple days during the tour she would call to verify that everything was going well.
My tour guide Caesar was very pleasant, knowledgeable and simply a really good and kind person.
If I had any small request or wanted to stop somewhere that wasn't planned, he was always willing to accommodate.
During the trip he was often commenting with knowledge of what we were seeing and he was great at finding animals at Queen Elizabeth Park.
His knowledge helped me understand both the culture and the environment (landscape, animals).
If I go back to Uganda or Rwanda I will definitely use Katona tours with Caesar.
I booked with katona a three day Gorilla Trek in Uganda.
It was one of the greatest things that I have ever done and it was planned perfect by Katona.
I want to thanks specialy to Elias, my guide, who was friendley and helpfull all the time.
I will came back for sure in the future to do the Gorilla Trek and the election of the agency and guide will be the same!
Good luck!
Me and my partner booked our chimpanzee trek in the Kibale National Forest, Uganda with Katona.
Jackie was really helpful and very fast at replying.
Our driver Ben was a really lovely guy, very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife we drove passed!
He was an ex-ranger and had so many interesting stories to tell on our long drives!
I would recommend Katona!
I used katona tour for gorilla trip she replied really fast with lots of helpful informations and options for different budget level.
I would also highly recommend driver ceasar.
He is very considerate, sweet and knowledgeable about Uganda culture, history , and tourist information.
I'm very satisfied with katona experience and would recommend it t anyone!
I booked a last minute trip to Uganda and Rwanda, and having emailed a few companies went with Katona as they offered a good price and had good reviews.
I travelled from Kampala to Bwindi for gorilla tracking, and then on to Kigale.
Communication with the manager Jackie was fast and my guide Caesar was really friendly and a great driver.
I would recommend this company.
We had an amazing, comfortable and memorable five-day tour in Uganda, thanks to Ceasar and Jackie from Katona.
Jackie responded promptly and professionally to my questions, working with me to find options that would fit our budget.
They gave great lodging choices - especially at Bush Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, everything exceeded my expectations for a budget option.
They even had a gentle hippo visiting the dining area every evening.
Ceasar drove smoothly and safely, and we had fun, informative conversations.
He carefully planned details like breakfast time, departure time, and whether we would take packed lunch so that our tour or game drive would be optimally timed, while allowing us flexibility.
On the day of the gorilla trek in Bwindi, he helped us secure a nearby gorilla family and even borrowed two trekking sticks from a nearby hotel for us.
On our last day, driving from Queen Elizabeth to Kigali airport, he managed to stop at Lake Bunyonyi for lunch, arrive at the Genocide Memorial before closing, and help us run an errand downtown - and we hadn't even woken up early!
Since we visited Queen Elizabeth during the dry season, when the animals congregate around water boies, Ceasar worked extra hard.
During the morning game drive, he read the body language of the kob, the presence of birds, and tracks on the ground to infer whether larger predators were nearby.
We saw lions with cubs, elephants, buffalo, water buck, warthogs and smaller animals.
Having worked in the park for years, Ceasar had interesting tidbits about every animal.
Though we never met Jackie as she's based in Kampala, she called to check in most days of our tour.
The folks at Katona are conscientious, responsible and warm.
I will book with them again if I return to Uganda.
I had a great experience with Katona tours.
Jackie even helped with my accommodation when I was basically stranded at the airport.
The driver, Peter, was extremely friendly and helpful.
The lodge was clean and cozy, and the trek was absolutely beautiful.
Professional and excellent service all around.
Would definitely go again and recommend to anyone who is interested.
We had a one week trek to see gorillas in Uganda and Congo, and it was really breathtaking!
It is a unique experience and everything went really fine thanks to the team.
Our guide (Ceasar) for the week was really friendly and efficient.
If we had small requests, he was always trying to fulfil them.
Jackie (with whom we booked the tour) was kindly phoning regularly to inquire whether everything was fine.
It was like being with two more friends.
Definitively something to try!
We had a 5-days Gorilla tracking with Katona (one in Uganda and one in DRC).
It was absolutely amazing.
Very well organized with excellent guides (Ceasar and Chibe).
Jackie was very helpful through the whole process, accommodating all our needs.
We felt safe everywhere, just wish we had an extra day in Goma to climb the volcano.
I cannot day enough great things about this tour company.
Right from the start Jackie took our requirements and she came up with the perfect itinerary for us, making sure we took in all the sights we wanted to.
Nothing was a hassle!
She made payment easy and provided us with an in-depth itinerary about our tour and even called straight after our trip to ensure we were happy.
Now on to our tour guide.
Martin, what an epic guy.
He was so knowledgeable about the local area and about wildlife in the local area.
Again nothing was a hassle, we stopped for photos and for a great lunch.
Martin spent his time with us and it was great to chat to him about his life in Uganda and Rwanda.
The drive was epic between Rwanda and Uganda, so many hills and farms to talk about.
Martin was the perfect gentleman, I would not hesitate to recommend Martin or Katona tours for your Gorilla experience.
Nor would I hesitate to recommend them also for touring other sights in Uganda!
We've learnt so much from Martin about Uganda it seems we have to come back!!!
Amazing time!
Ahmed was our guide and he is a wonderful guide!
He was prompt, kind, was a great source of information, and had such eclectic and fun taste in music.
The vehicle was comfortable and the 10 hour drive out to see the gorillas and back felt like no time at all cruising in the van!
The attractions we had experienced were life changing!
They were spectacular!
I highly recommend!
fantastic.
TLDR: Book your tour with Kingfisher.
There's nobody out here doing what they do, as well as they do.
This is the company to work with in Rwanda.
Period.
Ninah and Jimmy are my team.
If you're lucky enough to work with either one of them, you'll count your blessings like I have.
When I wanted to come to Africa I consulted an online group of experienced (mostly solo female travelers if I'm right) travelers, and their number one safari recommendation was Kingfisher in Kigali.
They were right.
When other visitors were trying to navigate payments or passport clearances at entrances to parks or museums, I sailed through because Jimym and Kingfisher already did it for me.
Let me break it down, because I'm sitting in Kigali getting ready to go home and I want to cry, it's been so amazing (Shut up, I'm not crying *you're* crying!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Guide - Listen.
Your guide makes this trip - and your travel company chooses your guide.
You need one, honestly.
I read that before I came here but didn't understand.
When you book, you're assigned a driver/guide and I had no idea how influential this person is to your trip.
In my case, Ninah had connections with an incredibly experienced guide who made this trip super special.
He will for you too 9as will many others in Rwanda - the guide job is well sought after and the quality of guides is high)- he loves his country and educating people who come to visit.
Booking - I booked a customized, 11-day tour of Rwanda through Kingfisher.
Ninah, who was my initial contact and trip planner, not only helped me determine which elements of Rwanda most interested me, but then set it all up for me.
I liked Ninah so much it was an easy yes to finalize the trip.
Accommodation - Perfect for me and exactly what I wanted.
Now, this depends on what kind of trip you want and where you want to stay (which you will determine with Ninah or your trip advisor).
For me, I still can't believe I was able to stay in these incredible boutique hotels and keep the trip in budget.
I've never in my life been asked to plant a tree at my hotel for posterity or had someone remove my nasty, muddy boots and socks and massage my feet - only to hand me mango juice and ask me about my day while my boots magically reappear clean at my door later that day (Five Volcanoes) or heard hippos and baboons from my bed (Ruzizi Tented Lodge).
Adventures (all planned, scheduled, and recommended by Kingfisher) Kigali Genocide Museum: Please go.
It's beautiful.
Ninah suggested it, and I'd been wanting to go.
It's very well done and I'm happy to know that most all clients go here Question Coffee : Go here.
Drink.
Support women.
Support the economy of Rwanda.
Enjoy.
Canoeing: (Walter was amazing!
He's so knowledgeable about birds, Rwandan ecoculture, and African wildlife/plants.
it was a great trip, highly recommend) Hiking/Walking: Pax has several shout-outs on here, and I agree.
Great hike, great information, the boat ride back to our car was gorgeous.
Bring cash to grab a soda or beer on the ride back and enjoy the views.
Gorrilla Trekking: No brainer.
If it's in your budget.
Do it.
My guide, Jimmy, knew all the other guides and like literally everyone else, so I met tons of new people and had an excellent experience.
Golden Monkeys: Also a no-brainer.
They're so cute.
Ditto the Guide info above Safari: My guide (Jimmy) is so knowledgeable about birds, mammals, trees, Rwanda, etc, every single question I through out at him he would be puling out a book to show me the spelling of a species of bird, or telling me the gestation period of a crocodile.
We saw all the animals I'd hoped to see and then some.
Day drive, night drive, do them both, Boat Ride (in Akagera): We went at sunset and saw tons of hippos, birds, and crocodiles.
Great information and a fun tour from Innocent.
Handspun Hope Tour: My only regret is that I wasn't here for several more days.
Google it, it's a beautiful organization run from women and for women.
the tour was lovely and I only wish I'd had more time to just enjoy the company of the women who work at Handspun Hope, Confession: I have one more tour tomorrow, and it's one I've been very excited to do.
But I won't be able to shout that out here although I know I'll like it (literally nothing yet has disappointed me).
We are doing a market tour with a cooking class.
Do it, I have a feeling it will be amazing.
Btw I'm technically traveling at the beginning of rainy season.
It seems like more of a Hawaii rainy season.
A little rain, it stops, a little more, it stops, etc.
Most places have steeply discounted rates, consider coming in the rainy season.
Really great experience with Pax, kayaking on lake Kivu.
He was an excellent guide and was great to have such experience when kayaking around the lake.
Also great to learn so much about Rwanda in general.
Being on the lake is a great experience and had a beautiful morning with super weather.
Would recommend to anyone looking to do a tour in Rwanda and Pax is a brilliant guide!
I have to say, Kingfisher was wonderful - i booked them for my trip to Lake Kivu in Rwanda and our guide Pax was wonderful - he took us kayaking and night fishing, which I HIGHLY recommend doing.
I wish I had used them for the entire trip (I had booked the gorillas with a different company, which was also great, but now I understand that Kingfisher can do it all).
Pax is a rock-climber, so if you are adventurous and want to do some adventure travel, ask for him!
He was patient and super helpful, gave us a tour of Kigali and took me shopping, and found all the best coffee spots.
Would definitely work with the company again.
We booked a 4 days trip to Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu and Kigali with Kingfisher Journeys in November 2022 with a group of friends.
From the beginning, the company (Ninah) has been very reactive and flexible, adapting the program and suggestions to our wishes and replying to any of our requests within few hours (if not minutes!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
The whole trip was then exactly how we wanted it to be and we enjoyed every minute of it.
We also spent wonderful time with our driver (Tito) and guide (Pax) who were very knowledgeable, communicative and friendly.
We would definitely recommend Kingfisher Journeys to any person wishing to visit Rwanda.
We booked with Kingfisher Journeys for two outings: kayaking on Lake Kivu near Kibuye and canoeing down the Mukungwa River near Musanze.
Our guides, Pax and Walter, were great!
Walter is a wonderful birder, and we saw many different bird species.
They provided the boats, paddles/oars, and life vests.
They were well-trained and very safe.
The equipment was high-quality.
Don't forget your binoculars and cameras!
Perfect city, safe, clean and peaceful.
We loved being in Kigali cause it was such a restful experience , the people were kind and helpful as well.
Our experience was great overall .
100% recommend and will return soon .
The food at Kingfisher was great we ordered 2Rabbits and Fish , French fries 
Canoe tour of Mukungwa River was the highlight of our trip.
It was Beautiful, relaxing, and informative.
The guides were incredible, and we were able to see many local villages and lots of birds.
I would recommend this trip to anyone traveling to Rwanda!
Thank you for making this such a wonderful experience.
Kayak tour on Lake Kivu: Amazing area of Rwanda and so peaceful to see from the kayaks!
2 guides (Pats & Walter) are great, and we had a lovely time on the beautiful lake paddling and camping, and on the interesting coffee washing tour on the island!
Would recommend!
Only suggestion to Kingfisher- for the amount we paid, we would have preferred slightly better hospitality in terms of catering.
The meals could be more substantial and more interesting (local foods would be amazing !/from locals offering that service nearby).
It Would have been nice to feel the boat had been pushed out in terms of the catering comfort, due to expectations from the price!
We had a great time anyway though so thanks to all the team:)
I was part of a group of 4 women.
We did a sunset kayak on lake Kivu which was really lovely.
Our instructors were knowledgeable about plants and wildlife and fun to be with.
3 of us also went canoeing in Canadian canoes down the northern Nile - we had the same instructors and really enjoyed our time.
We went through a small rapid, saw an amazing number of birds (all of which our instructors identified) and a brilliant view of the crops and irrigation systems as well as large groups of interested children.
I would recommend the company and their activities to anyone.
Highlight of my visit to Rwanda so far.
Our guide was brilliant.
The views were stunning.
Loved every minute of it.
loved Wandering down the river seeing the locals farming and seeing the variety of birds was beautiful.
Really nice trip in canoe in a beautiful landscape viewing the 6 volcanoes, many birds and flowing with the river.
Our guides were very good.
The kids were so happy about this beautiful adventure!
Thank you...
We had a wonderful, sunny morning canoe tour in rainy season.
Our guide knows a lot about birds and we had a surprising meeting with 7 grey-crowned cranes.
Also enjoyed seeing a spoonbill, kingfishers, sunbirds, vultures and kites, many weaverbirds.
Elois is a nice interactive man who shared his passion for nature and canoeing.
Had the best experience with Kingfisher Journeys- we booked a canoe trip.
The views were gorgeous and the tour guides were great at identifying bird life.
We were a group of 10 with age range from 10-55 y/o and this trip appropriate for all ages.
Not to be missed.
The canoe trip was excellentt.
The sound of the sevaral birds along he river combined with the easy paddling was hypnotizing.
We have lived in Rwanda for over a decade and Kingfisher is one of the best things to happen to the country.
DO NOT VISIT RWANDA without experiencing one of their trips!
It was great to be out on the river - peaceful view of the valleys, farms and people.
The birdlife was also fantastic and unphased by our paddle through.
the team supporting us was helpful, friendly and organised.
Couldn't have asked for much more.
Had a great time standup paddleboarding on Lake Kivu with Yves.
He was the perfect balance of friendly and professional.
Easy to book and connect at the hotel too.
Well recommended!
Highly recommend Kingfisher.
Our two guides (Gratien and Yves) were everything an ideal guide should be: capable, knowledgeable, responsive, flexible, communicative . . . . the list could go on.
Best of all though they were warm and personable--I felt a genuine connection with them during our four days on Lake Kivu and I hope to stay in touch.
They speak French and English both and definitely know how to tailor a trip to suit the customers' specific needs/desires (we were a large group and they managed fantastically).
Blessings Kingfisher!
Went on a four day kayaking trip on lake Kivu.
We started Kibogoro to Gisenyi.
Gratien and Yeves were our guides, and they were amazing!
They did a great job leading us and were very knowledgeable.
They strove to make genuine connections with us and were consistently concerned for our safety and well being.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and would absolutely recommend them to others!
It was a great way to experience the beauty of Rwanda.
Great 4 day kayaking trip across lake Kivu!
The guides were very knowledgeable about the area and willing to be flexible on the itinerary to meet the needs of our group.
Our guides, Gracien and Yves, were very well trained in water safety and rescue procedures.
Despite having a large group, they managed the trip very well and we felt very comfortable on the water knowing the training our guides had under their belts.
Thanks to Kingfisher Journeys for the trip of a life time!!
Great trip!
Four days total on Kivu with my best friends and two great guides.
Couldn't ask for a better trip.
Gratien and Yves (our guides) were extremely personable and spoke fantastic English and French.
They had the perfect balance of caution and mindfulness for our group and laid back easygoingness ( : The trip itself was awesome.
The islands are great for exploring, tree jumping, etc.
Definitely be sure to swing by Napoleon if you're around.
Climb to the top and see the bats.
Also, if you want a really unique experience and don't mind waking a bit early, get out on the water before the sunrise and experience the silent tranquility of a sleeping Rwanda.
The water was glass.
Definitely recommend Kingfisher.
I had a fantastic adventure with Kingfisher Journeys!
My friends and I did a 4 day kayak trip across Lake Kivu with our two guides from Kingfisher, camping on islands along the way.
Kingfisher Journeys outfitted our group of seven with kayaks for the trip.
Amazing experience all around!
Our guides Gratien and Yves were knowledgeable and fun to hang out with.
We went on a 4 day 3 night trek from Kumbya to Gesenyi in lake Kivu with a group of 9 people -- and it was one of my favorite treks I've done in Rwanda (and I've lived in country 2 years)!
We camped on islands each night, exploring others along the way -- including exploring Napoleon island home of thousands of fruit bats, and finding and jumping from overhang trees and rocks for fun.
Our two guides, Grastien and Eve were fantastic.
They were a ton a fun, very knowledgeable in leading kayacking, cooking food, and education on wildlife and landmarks in the lake.
They also had a great balence in keeping us safe and letting us ( ans often joining) in goofing off and having the freedom to have fun along the way.
They were extremely personable and became good friends I'll definitely continue to keep up with.
I can't say enough about both of them.
If you'd like to experience the unique lake Kivu, make new friends, and have a blast, check out Kingfisher Journeys kayacking trips!
We went down the Mukunga river eith Eloe.
What a great experience it was.
Eloe started with a short briefing and once you get the hang of it (we did never went canoeing before).
You go between the field and you'll see a lot of birds and you'll be easily in contact with the people.
Who are loving it to see you toil your way and are trying to support you.
Afterwards we received the picture Eloe took.
A nice extra touch.
I'll be honest: canoeing wasn't at the top of my to-do list, but it *was* on my friend's.
And I'm so grateful for that because this has been one of my favorite experiences in Rwanda!
After 6 years of traveling here, I have never experienced a more peaceful, fun activity.
Eloi is great, and was a great guide.
I highly recommend this, and honestly, it makes me want to book the Lake trip too.
Our Canoeing trip in Muzanze was incredibly enjoyable and peaceful.
I would recommend this to anyone who'd like to discover the stunning valley of the Mukungwa river.
Meandered 6 miles down the murky Mukungwa River.
The current was swift.
The muddy waters snaked past irrigated plots of sugar cane, yams, maize.
The stream was lined with papyrus, bamboo and eucalyptus.
A variety of long legged birds (herons, igrets, hammerheads and storks) stalked the shore looking for grub.
Weavers darted about as well as kingfishers.
Old men fished with bamboo rods for tilapia hoping to catch an evening meal.
A couple of women were washing clothes.Teens harvested grasses with machetes for their cows sequester at home.
Boys and girls gnawed on sugar cane.
All paused to stare at the musungu paddling by.
A few said good morning.
Most were silent.
A couple of show offs plunged in the river emerging exuberantly.
Fresh accurately describes Lawal, my guide.
His love of water is as radiant as his smile.
His enthusiasm is infectious.
He shines with joy.
His knowledge of birds sharp as is his eye.
Absolutely loved every minute of our canoe trip on Lake Ruhondo.
The views were stunning, the guides were so much fun and the service from Kingfisher was fantastic.
Don't miss out on this great experience :) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED :) Whooop!
Canoeing Mbirurume river was a great trip to do in Rwanda.
Everything was taken care of, the food was excellent, the equipment in very good shape and the guides fantastic.
The camping spot is very nice in a rather remote part of the country.
And canoeing was just fun.
It's a very fair value for the money and I can only recommend Mbirurume trip.
Absolutely loved the 2 day canoeing trip!
Was a stunning location and such a fun activity!
I thought it the guides were truly amazing - super organised, knew 100% what they were doing, made me feel safe and well taken care of but also had the most fun with them.
Can't recommend this enough.
Just an incredible experience.
We did the brand new 2-day camping/canoeing trip on the Mbirurume river.
To get to the point, DO IT!
It was one of my favorite trips I've done in Rwanda, and I've done quite a few.
It's really off-the-beaten-path and unique.
It's a part of Rwanda most people haven't seen.
Can't recommend enough!
We got picked up by the awesome team in Kigali and drove to the campsite on Saturday (stopping for a nice, hearty lunch).
The campsite was in one of the most remote areas of Rwanda I've ever been to.
It was stunning in its beauty and tranquility.
We got there early enough to hike around the area a bit, and then the team made us a nice dinner and we sat around the fire.
The next morning we had a nice breakfast before setting off the begin the trip.
The views on the ride are incredible, and once you are in the water they don't stop.
They gave us some tips on canoeing that were very useful even for those of us who had canoed before.
We canoed for a few hours before stopping for lunch and setting up a little rope swing to cool off in the river.
Then we finished up our trip and were picked up and driven back to Kigali.
It was so beautiful and relaxing, yet adventurous.
The river is so much fun to paddle down and there is no shortage of children greeting you as you cruise along.
The team just made the trip so easy and comfortable and fun for us.
Thanks to Eloi, Yves, and Dan for the amazing experience.
I will surely be back again!
Don't Leave Rwanda without Kingfisher Journeys.
We've now done the following with them: standup and paddle on Kivu (and kayaking); canoeing on Ruhundo; twice on the Mkugwa.
Each experience was unforgettable for all of us aged 8 - 50.
The team is professional and amazing!
Eloa and Yves are amazing - so friendly and accessible with tremendous knowledge of the birdlife.
Our family with kids ages 9, 11, 13 had the best weekend hosted by Kingfisher Journeys!
We started out kayaking and stand up paddling on Lake Kivu which was such a special way to see Giseyni, the birdlife and the surrounding areas from the water,.
The next day we took a boat on Lake Ruhondo to an island where we hiked along the water's edge and had a very intimate view of local community life as well as incredible and rare birds, and a sighting of a hawk who hunted a frog in front of us!
We hiked to a boat which met us with canoes and we then canoed across the Twin Lakes with dramatic views of volcanoes and a picnic on top of a private island!
Our last day in the area we enjoyed a village bike ride with Team Rwanda, another excellent way to see farmland, and village life all hosted by extremely patient and knowledgeable guides Eloi and Yves from Kingfisher Journey..
I highly recommend planning any of their ourdoor activities on your next visit to Rwanda!
An exhilarating worthwhile experience.
Please do this when in Rwanda.
Staff are very professional & knowledgeable.
My wife is terrified by water bodies yet l, Yves, our guide managed to reassure her that she's completely safe.
One of the best experiences out there.
KIngfisher Journeys made our trip to Rwanda an excellent vacation!
The itinerary was perfectly arranged, the friendly staff and guides were professional and knowledgeable, and the activities made for great adventures.
The canoe trip was a particular highlight with a backdrop of lovely scenery!
Just back from Rwanda and had a great trip, I highly recommend the canoe trip on the Mukungwa River with Kingfisher Journeys, they were great, since I was a solo traveler the guide was in another canoe and took great photos of me.
Saw many different species of birds, also the local children swimming were fun to watch.
Great fun!
We enjoyed canoeing on the river in Musanze a lot!
Wonderful activity in Musanze and great for bird watching (crane, spoonbill and lots of other beautiful birds).
Our guide Eloi was the best!
He was knowledgeable about the birdlife, local farming and other tourism activities in Rwanda.
The trip itself was well coordinated and a fun afternoon out on the water surrounded by nature.
Would definitely suggest doing the canoe trip!
We were a group of 11 people.
Kids from 9 to 16 years old.
Great service, great communication beforehand.
The activity is good fun.
Don't except a shot of adrenaline.
It's relax with only 2 small rapids.
We had an amazing experience canoeing down the river.
It was so beautiful and relaxing and fascinating to see life of locals along the river.
Our guide Eve was brilliant!
This was my second time going on a canoe trip along River Mkungwa.
It was beautiful and serene - it felt like I was a part of the surrounding nature; gorgeous cranes, cattle egrets, weaverbirds, and even an otter!
The company staff are very professional and knowledgeable about the environment and are very kind.
I had my lunch and juice in the canoe in the middle of the trip and it was such an amazing experience!
I HIGHLY recommend canoeing on River Mkungwa and kayaking on Lake Kivu.
I have done all these trips and I am looking forward to some more!
Amazing experience worth doing with amazing guide (Eloi).
The community on the banks is amicable and busy in their daily routine( fishing, planting, swimming..etc)
We signed up for river trip about 15 hours before the scheduled departure.
Unfortunately when we arrived we were told that the river was too low to run.
While we understand that the water depends on the operators of the hydroelectric dam, and this is mentioned on the website, if this is an important factor for you be aware that you may be paddling on a lake instead.
Other than this issue everything went smoothly and the we enjoyed the experience.
I did the sunset kayaking trip on Lake Kivu with Kingfisher Journeys and HIGHLY recommend it!
Firstly, the lake is so beautiful, especially at sunset.
The company was very easy to book with and communicative.
The guide, Willy, was fantastic and really took care of me.
He explained everything we were seeing and taking photos.
We even got to meet some of the guys on the fishing boats.
The trip was a lot of fun and I would love to do it again.
Would recommend to all my family and friends.
Had a great afternoon kayaking along the shores of Lake Kivu around Gisenyi.
We also had time to visit a small island, which was a perfect location for a swim in the lake.
Did the haf-day Lake Kivu kayak with a friend yesterday morning and really recommend it!
They were supposed to be closed that day but Steve and Willy accommodated for us anyway.
We got out on the Lake at 07.30am and Willy took us around the Lake.
The weather was beautiful, the kayaks were in great condition, and Willy was a great guide.
Really knowledgeable, friendly guy.
If you're ever in Rubavu, do this.
Michael & Mads
the only kayak company to offer you a full package of congo nile trail but done in the lake.
From Rubavu to Karongi and further south to Nyamasheke.
We thoroughly enjoyed our half day kayaking trip on Lake Kivu and would highly recommend it.
It was so easy to book through Kingfisher and they were great responding to queries.
Also excellent value for money.
The guide was superb and led the trip at a pretty easy relaxing pace and had excellent knowledge of the local birds and history of the area.
It was surprising just how much distance we covered in the time and with only moderate effort.
The stopover at the hot springs was great, although with the water at over 45 degrees it was literally a toe in and out!
You will get wet so recommend wearing swimmers.
The weather can also change pretty rapidly so make sure you put plenty of sunblock on.
Excellent way to explore this are of Rwanda.
We were particularly impressed at Kingfisher's ability to organise this at extremely short notice (thanks Sharon and Sandrine).
The route is very well devised, mostly on flat water through farmland but with a short stretch of relatively simple rapids.
Plenty of bird life, a very close encounter with an otter and lots of swimming children trying to keep up with the canoe.
My friend and I spent a morning kayaking Lake Kivu with Kingfisher.
I only wish we had more time because it was a beautiful experience.
The weather was lovely, it was a Sunday so the locals were out in the plenty playing in the water and waving to us as we rowed by, and we had an amazing guide who made the day even more enjoyable.
Eloi was exceedingly kind and easy-going.
He was great to talk to and we learned so much about the area and the birds!
He is quite the ornithologist.
If you go, I recommend staying at Inzu Lodge and having a meal at Paradis Malahide.
Eloi joined us for lunch there and it was wonderful.
I can't recommend Kingfisher enough!
Green Hills tour company arranged this for us with Kingfisher.
A beautiful activity to do on a spare morning or afternoon in Musanze when visiting Volcano National Park.
Unfortunately Kingfisher car broke down so we had to reschedule our Canoe for the next day but it was not problem for us!
The guide was extremely knowledgable of all the wildlife and crops as we cruised down the river.
Would highly recommend!
We've just had a truly memorable experience with Gracien, who was so helpful!
When I was struggling a bit, he tied my kayak onto his and got me back.
He was so knowledgeable and funny too.
The kayaks were great and the views breathtaking.
Recommended totally for a really memorable experience!
Our group of guides managed three groups of 20 people really well - taking us on a beautiful hike from Musanze with views over the volcano.
A lovely way to spend a day in Rwanda!
An excellent afternoon out on the lake.
From the time we met with Elois our guide, we were cared for in a fantastic way.
Once in the lake we far exceed our expectations in terms of how far we could safely row.
We got to witness the beauty of the sunset from the water as well as the memorable sight of the fishermen heading out to their locations for the night.
Elois was really a superb trainer and guide.
Cannot recommend highly enough.
Fantastic
A great outdoor activity near Musanze.
The canoe trip on the river is peaceful,safe and the scenery is gorgeous.
Steve, the manager,is easily accessible and provides quick answers to messages.
Eloi,our guide,picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel.
He is also very professional and friendly.
The trip was excellent.
Very relaxing and I was able to learn a lot about the birds that live close to the river.
If you have some extra time in Muzanze I would definitely recommend this trip!
We were a group of 8, and had a great (and exhausting!
time with Francis and Gratien!
Went out to Napoleon Island, hiked, had lunch, and came back.
Had an amazing kayak trip onto lake kivu in the afternoon and early evening to watch the bird life, visit the hot springs and watch the fishermen sing their way into the lake.
We got so interested chatting about the land and the lake that we nearly missed the fishermen paddling out.
Fab trip brilliantly tailored to my abilities in a sea kayak.
Amazing g scenery and knowledgeable guide.
I thought that doing the canoeing trip in Musanze during the rainy season would affect our experience, but it made it all the more unpredictable and enjoyable!
This trip is great for those who enjoy relaxed adventures.
Sandrine is a wonderful guide that made our group feel confident and comfortable on the river.
Kingfisher Journeys was a great way to celebrate my friend's birthday!
And a mention to Steve, for being so friendly and helpful throughout our trip planning!
By far the best way to explore Lake Kivu.
I suggest mountain biking 3 days from Gisenyi to Kibuye and then seakayaking back 3 days for an epic six day adventure.
We just completed the round trip.
Kingfisher did a fantastic job of getting 6 kayaks together for my group, not an easy task in a land without seakayaks.
Thanks Steve for making this happen.
I did the two day trip with Kingfishers Journeys.
As a women traveling alone, I was nervous.
However, I felt safe the entire time with my guide.
Lake Kivu is very easy to kayak on so if you aren't too experienced, you shouldn't need to worry.
Would definitely recommend this to a friend!
Definitely plan a kayaking trip if you're staying in Gisenyi or Kibuye!
It was a great, if not only, way to really see more of the lake.
During my experience, the guide didn't say much unless he was prompted, so don't be afraid to ask questions.
If you're in Gisenyi, you can bring a little money to enter the hot springs.
Kayaking and paddle boarding on Lake Kivu were the highlights of my time in Gisenyi!
My guide was very experienced and accommodated the activities to my skill level.
Highly recommended!
We spent three hours with Sandrine as our guide, peacefully canoeing the Ruhondo river.
She made everything easy and explained about the local culture as we passed the fields filled with villagers working and waving to us.
We are bird enthusiasts: she made sure we could stop and view them while she demonstrated good knowledge of the different types.
This is mainly a very easy paddle and float, (one can swim along the way); a couple of sections pose a slight challenge but our Sandrine made sure all was fine.
I highly recommend this excursion.
If you are in Rwanda I highly recommend these guys.
Friendly and professional.
An authentic experience .
Thanks Eloi , Ives and Rashid :)
Kayaking on Lake Kivu with Kingfisher Journeys was the highlight of our stay in Gisenyi.
It's a wonderful way of seeing birds( pied and Pygmy kingfishers, hamerkops in abundance, cormorants, sunbirds, grey and dwarf herons and even a fish eagle calling ) and meeting local people swimming or washing or fishing as you come around the corner.
Gracien was a wonderful guide- took us through the safety aspect clearly and calmly, gave us technical advice which worked and was a happy easy companion.
We kayaked to the peninsula , ate sweet local bananas there and returned to Paradis Malahid for a cold beer and a good lunch overlooking the lake.
Great fun, good views, good exercise.
I have missed kayaking since moving overseas.
Going on a two day trip with Kingfisher was a great opportunity to get my kayaking fix.
The equipment was in great shape, the guide was very kind and helpful, and the hotel for the overnight was very nice.
Felt like I was staying at a friends' cabin for the weekend.
Did a great side trip to see the hydroplant in a small community and really enjoyed the hiking after sitting all day!
The paddling was at my own pace and I was able to explore the shoreline quite a bit.
I would absolutely do it again and would recommend anyone who wants to get out on the water to do this trip!
Thanks Kingfisher for a fantastic experience!
I was deadly afraid of falling in.
Coming from a Caribbean island with clear blue water I refrain from swimming in lakes and rivers.
So needless to say I was scared to death, but my guide, Sandrine, gave me a good peptalk and off we went.
The trip was smooth and the scenery was amazing.
I loved it so much that I took my SO for a second round.
I definitely advice to do this at the end of the rain season.
The visibility is great then and the volcanos make for great background pics.
A friend and I had an amazing weekend.
Day one was rough because of some wind/waves (prepare for that in dry season, and leave early before the wind picks up) but there would have been a rescue boat available had things really gotten too choppy.
We continued by kayak, which ended up just fine.
Day two: early-ish start after a good night's sleep, wind in our backs so full-speed ahead with a view of Nyiragongo volcano in the distance.
We had a fantastic time and Francis was a great guide: good company, calm, caring and always there when you need him, whether for kayak tips or to practice Swahili.
Packed lunch was super tasty and the guesthouse Kingfisher booked us in was welcoming and beautifully located right on the lake.
Great weekend away (do the 4-day trip if you're up for it!
), recommended.
We did a day trip of it-- left Kigali in the morning (3hr drive), started the tour around 11:30am and finished up by 3pm before heading back to Kigali.
It was a great experience and the guide was informative.
They were nice and packed us bread, bananas, and water for the trip.
recommendation: you could definitely pack your own lunch and then eat on this lovely island they take you to)
Was in Gisenyi for a couple of days and am so glad I decided to do a kayaking trip with Kingfisher Journeys.
It was the offseason, so it ended up being just me and the guide, but we had a great time.
It was a half day trip (which was enough for me), so we spent about 3 hours out on the water, then went out again at sundown to watch the fishermen go out at sea.
Highly recommend if you're looking for something to do that's a bit more active in Gisenyi.
It was a beautiful experience.
Sandrine, the Canoeing guide, is really nice and has a lot of experience.
I made the trip alone, but I had a very pleasant time.
They can pick you up and drop you off where you want and the price is very accessible and if you are a volunteer in some organization, you can get a discount.
I really recommend this experience!!
The canoeing trip in Musanze is a really pleasant trip in itself but such a fantastic way to see something different in Rwanda.
a must do activity for everyone in the area!
Steve and the Kingfisher crew are well equipped to take care of clients on amazing water based trips through beautiful scenery.
We had a great time, thanks!!
Big thank you to Gratin who took me and a friend paddle boarding today.
He was helpful friendly and flexible.
We met at Discover Rwanda Hostel and walked to the lake where he gave us a quick lesson and from there took us out on the water.
It was my first time and he was so encouraging and fun to be around.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys water activities!
We really enjoyed our paddle with Sandrine amid stunning views of the volcanoes in northern Rwanda.
We recommend this for anyone who wants to see beautiful Rwanda, many types of birds, and many of the people who live and farm along the river.
We highly recommend!
A friend and I did an open-water swim and needed a support kayak in case of difficulties and to shield us from boats.
Whilst this is not normally what Kingfisher do Steve was incredibly accomodating and helpful to us.
He went above and beyond demonstrating his great knowledge of the lake to make it possible.
On the day itself, Gratien, who was our guide in the kayak was incredibly friendly and helpful and we really feel he knew exactly what he was doing.
And he took some great pictures.
Couldn't have been a better experience for us.
Just a shame that we weren't able to do one of the actual tours as we didn't have time.
Would recommend for the great overall quality of service.
I spend half a day on the lake.
It was easy to book online at Kingfishers Journeys webpage, the excellent guide told stories about the attractions on the way and Rwanda in general.
It was a really good way to see the lake, the attractions on the shore as well as the outstanding landscape.
My boyfriend and I had a fabulous time kayaking with Kingfisher on Lake Kivu!
This is such a fun excursion to do if you're in the area or if you're staying in Kigali.
Our tour included beautiful views of the coastline from the water, circles around beautiful islands, hot springs and foot massages, a fishery, and of course, delicious bananas.
The equipment is all very nice and new and the guide (Bastien) was extremely helpful, friendly, and went above and beyond expectations for us.
I would definitely recommend Kingfisher for a fun and professional activity to do on the beautiful Lake Kivu.
Had a great time with Sandrine guiding our team on the river in Musanze !
Definitely to add to your list when coming to Rwanda.
Beautiful scenary, many birds around, sharing smiles with local kids trying to catch up with us all the way down.
Relaxing and fun !
Incredible experience!
So many birds!
What a great way to see the all the crops and farming outside Musanze and get a feel for life in the valley.
It was a delightful paddle down a gentle stretch river that required only basic canooing skills.
Sandrine (our guide) was delightful, well informed and well trained and made safety a priority.
Would recommend to anyone with a spare half day in Musanze.
Our canoe experience in the river in Musanze was excellent!
We saw lots of birds, and local people, and just enjoyed a lot canoeing down the river.
At some point there was a big storm, with lots of rain, that added more adventure!
We had to stop for a while, but after that we continued.
Sandrine, the guide, was very good.
She is very experienced, knows every single spot of the river, and also how to deal with people.
Many local kids of the area know her!
Also, the logistics of everything were great.
Very well organized.
For sure I'll come back!
Thanks to Francis, our Guide, the half day Trip on Lake Kivu was a great experience.
I remember also with pleasure the Hot Springs we visited during the tour.
To be continued and strongly recommended
Instead of just relaxing in the lodge, we thoroughly enjoyed 3 hours canoeing in calm water, with just one minor rapid and one tree trunk obstacle.
Our guides Sandrine and Teste conveniently met us at the Murabura hotel in Musanze and drove us to the river.
After a thorough briefing, we launched into the water, under the watchful eyes of the local kids who enthusiastically followed us all the way.
This new canoeing adventure is clearly an attraction for the local community as well.
Sandrine explained a lot about nature, so that we can now even distinguish bamboo from sugar cane .
Teste reliably helped with all the logistics along the way.
A great activity to experience Rwandan nature and cutlture beyond the gorillas!
My girlfriend and I met our guide, Gratian at a lovely restaurant he had recommended, and he drove us up to the hotel launch point 15 minutes outside of town.
He provided us with 2 bananas and a big bottle of water, and we got out onto the water.
The views from the lake were beautiful and it was a very nice and relaxing way to see some great views of the lake.
Gratian was a great guide, full of interesting information and also took many photos of us in kayaks, which he sent to us over What's App later that day.
Definitely would recommend.
And if you buy online, make sure to use the student discount (they have other discounts as well) which cut 40% off the price.
August 2016, 26 years old
Canoeing along the river is an amazing experience!
The views were awesome, especially during the sunset.
It was also very fun!
My collegue and I were beginners and quite slow, but Sandrine and Steve were very patient and taught us how to do it better :) I strongly recommend it!
I would recommend this trip to anyone visiting Musanze who wants a new experience.
We went one morning and spent a very exciting but relaxing time paddling down the beautiful river spotting pied kingfishers and egrets along the way.
It was very picturesque and the trip was well organised with all safety equipment in good condition and well trained guides who knew the river well.
We were on the river for approx.
3 hours.
Its a nice active way to spend a morning or afternoon and a great alternative to gorilla trekking.
I booked a full day kayak trip on Lake Kivu out of gisenyi at the last minute and they fully accommodated my spot.
They ensured that I could get a gluten free lunch that was taken on the trip.
Steve is an incredibly enthusiastic and engaged owner who really aims to make sure you have the best possible experience.
There are generous discounts for nearly everyone!
Basically you just have to be breathing to get a discount!
Francis was a great guide who was constantly checking to make sure I was happy and okay.
He took safety and comfort levels very seriously.
The lake was a bit choppy but was always checking and assessing.
And a great conversationalist too!
I can't recommend this company enough!
Kingfisher Journeys was excellent and accommodated us on very short notice for an afternoon out paddling around Gisenyi.
Their gear is top-notch but even better is their customer service.
Francis, our guide, was incredibly knowledgable, friendly but also was happy to let us just relax and enjoy the water during our few hours out on the boat.
Definitely recommend booking a trip with them!
We hope to join them soon for one of their longer overnight expeditions.
I spent two days kayaking with kingfisher journeys.
I had a really great time.
I was concerned that I would find it hard because it was my first time kayaking, I however found it a lot easier than expected and Steve was so attentive and helpful.
I really enjoyed the peace of the lake, enjoying the sun and watching the wonderful birds.
It was also lovely to talk to the locals as we slowly sailed past on our kayaks.
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone coming to Rwanda.
fantastic.
TLDR: Book your tour with Kingfisher.
There's nobody out here doing what they do, as well as they do.
This is the company to work with in Rwanda.
Period.
Ninah and Jimmy are my team.
If you're lucky enough to work with either one of them, you'll count your blessings like I have.
When I wanted to come to Africa I consulted an online group of experienced (mostly solo female travelers if I'm right) travelers, and their number one safari recommendation was Kingfisher in Kigali.
They were right.
When other visitors were trying to navigate payments or passport clearances at entrances to parks or museums, I sailed through because Jimym and Kingfisher already did it for me.
Let me break it down, because I'm sitting in Kigali getting ready to go home and I want to cry, it's been so amazing (Shut up, I'm not crying *you're* crying!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Guide - Listen.
Your guide makes this trip - and your travel company chooses your guide.
You need one, honestly.
I read that before I came here but didn't understand.
When you book, you're assigned a driver/guide and I had no idea how influential this person is to your trip.
In my case, Ninah had connections with an incredibly experienced guide who made this trip super special.
He will for you too 9as will many others in Rwanda - the guide job is well sought after and the quality of guides is high)- he loves his country and educating people who come to visit.
Booking - I booked a customized, 11-day tour of Rwanda through Kingfisher.
Ninah, who was my initial contact and trip planner, not only helped me determine which elements of Rwanda most interested me, but then set it all up for me.
I liked Ninah so much it was an easy yes to finalize the trip.
Accommodation - Perfect for me and exactly what I wanted.
Now, this depends on what kind of trip you want and where you want to stay (which you will determine with Ninah or your trip advisor).
For me, I still can't believe I was able to stay in these incredible boutique hotels and keep the trip in budget.
I've never in my life been asked to plant a tree at my hotel for posterity or had someone remove my nasty, muddy boots and socks and massage my feet - only to hand me mango juice and ask me about my day while my boots magically reappear clean at my door later that day (Five Volcanoes) or heard hippos and baboons from my bed (Ruzizi Tented Lodge).
Adventures (all planned, scheduled, and recommended by Kingfisher) Kigali Genocide Museum: Please go.
It's beautiful.
Ninah suggested it, and I'd been wanting to go.
It's very well done and I'm happy to know that most all clients go here Question Coffee : Go here.
Drink.
Support women.
Support the economy of Rwanda.
Enjoy.
Canoeing: (Walter was amazing!
He's so knowledgeable about birds, Rwandan ecoculture, and African wildlife/plants.
it was a great trip, highly recommend) Hiking/Walking: Pax has several shout-outs on here, and I agree.
Great hike, great information, the boat ride back to our car was gorgeous.
Bring cash to grab a soda or beer on the ride back and enjoy the views.
Gorrilla Trekking: No brainer.
If it's in your budget.
Do it.
My guide, Jimmy, knew all the other guides and like literally everyone else, so I met tons of new people and had an excellent experience.
Golden Monkeys: Also a no-brainer.
They're so cute.
Ditto the Guide info above Safari: My guide (Jimmy) is so knowledgeable about birds, mammals, trees, Rwanda, etc, every single question I through out at him he would be puling out a book to show me the spelling of a species of bird, or telling me the gestation period of a crocodile.
We saw all the animals I'd hoped to see and then some.
Day drive, night drive, do them both, Boat Ride (in Akagera): We went at sunset and saw tons of hippos, birds, and crocodiles.
Great information and a fun tour from Innocent.
Handspun Hope Tour: My only regret is that I wasn't here for several more days.
Google it, it's a beautiful organization run from women and for women.
the tour was lovely and I only wish I'd had more time to just enjoy the company of the women who work at Handspun Hope, Confession: I have one more tour tomorrow, and it's one I've been very excited to do.
But I won't be able to shout that out here although I know I'll like it (literally nothing yet has disappointed me).
We are doing a market tour with a cooking class.
Do it, I have a feeling it will be amazing.
Btw I'm technically traveling at the beginning of rainy season.
It seems like more of a Hawaii rainy season.
A little rain, it stops, a little more, it stops, etc.
Most places have steeply discounted rates, consider coming in the rainy season.
The canoe trip was excellentt.
The sound of the sevaral birds along he river combined with the easy paddling was hypnotizing.
It was great to be out on the river - peaceful view of the valleys, farms and people.
The birdlife was also fantastic and unphased by our paddle through.
the team supporting us was helpful, friendly and organised.
Couldn't have asked for much more.
We went on a 4 day 3 night trek from Kumbya to Gesenyi in lake Kivu with a group of 9 people -- and it was one of my favorite treks I've done in Rwanda (and I've lived in country 2 years)!
We camped on islands each night, exploring others along the way -- including exploring Napoleon island home of thousands of fruit bats, and finding and jumping from overhang trees and rocks for fun.
Our two guides, Grastien and Eve were fantastic.
They were a ton a fun, very knowledgeable in leading kayacking, cooking food, and education on wildlife and landmarks in the lake.
They also had a great balence in keeping us safe and letting us ( ans often joining) in goofing off and having the freedom to have fun along the way.
They were extremely personable and became good friends I'll definitely continue to keep up with.
I can't say enough about both of them.
If you'd like to experience the unique lake Kivu, make new friends, and have a blast, check out Kingfisher Journeys kayacking trips!
Our Canoeing trip in Muzanze was incredibly enjoyable and peaceful.
I would recommend this to anyone who'd like to discover the stunning valley of the Mukungwa river.
Absolutely loved the 2 day canoeing trip!
Was a stunning location and such a fun activity!
I thought it the guides were truly amazing - super organised, knew 100% what they were doing, made me feel safe and well taken care of but also had the most fun with them.
Can't recommend this enough.
Just an incredible experience.
We did the brand new 2-day camping/canoeing trip on the Mbirurume river.
To get to the point, DO IT!
It was one of my favorite trips I've done in Rwanda, and I've done quite a few.
It's really off-the-beaten-path and unique.
It's a part of Rwanda most people haven't seen.
Can't recommend enough!
We got picked up by the awesome team in Kigali and drove to the campsite on Saturday (stopping for a nice, hearty lunch).
The campsite was in one of the most remote areas of Rwanda I've ever been to.
It was stunning in its beauty and tranquility.
We got there early enough to hike around the area a bit, and then the team made us a nice dinner and we sat around the fire.
The next morning we had a nice breakfast before setting off the begin the trip.
The views on the ride are incredible, and once you are in the water they don't stop.
They gave us some tips on canoeing that were very useful even for those of us who had canoed before.
We canoed for a few hours before stopping for lunch and setting up a little rope swing to cool off in the river.
Then we finished up our trip and were picked up and driven back to Kigali.
It was so beautiful and relaxing, yet adventurous.
The river is so much fun to paddle down and there is no shortage of children greeting you as you cruise along.
The team just made the trip so easy and comfortable and fun for us.
Thanks to Eloi, Yves, and Dan for the amazing experience.
I will surely be back again!
Don't Leave Rwanda without Kingfisher Journeys.
We've now done the following with them: standup and paddle on Kivu (and kayaking); canoeing on Ruhundo; twice on the Mkugwa.
Each experience was unforgettable for all of us aged 8 - 50.
The team is professional and amazing!
Eloa and Yves are amazing - so friendly and accessible with tremendous knowledge of the birdlife.
An exhilarating worthwhile experience.
Please do this when in Rwanda.
Staff are very professional & knowledgeable.
My wife is terrified by water bodies yet l, Yves, our guide managed to reassure her that she's completely safe.
One of the best experiences out there.
KIngfisher Journeys made our trip to Rwanda an excellent vacation!
The itinerary was perfectly arranged, the friendly staff and guides were professional and knowledgeable, and the activities made for great adventures.
The canoe trip was a particular highlight with a backdrop of lovely scenery!
We enjoyed canoeing on the river in Musanze a lot!
Wonderful activity in Musanze and great for bird watching (crane, spoonbill and lots of other beautiful birds).
Amazing experience worth doing with amazing guide (Eloi).
The community on the banks is amicable and busy in their daily routine( fishing, planting, swimming..etc)
Had a great afternoon kayaking along the shores of Lake Kivu around Gisenyi.
We also had time to visit a small island, which was a perfect location for a swim in the lake.
the only kayak company to offer you a full package of congo nile trail but done in the lake.
From Rubavu to Karongi and further south to Nyamasheke.
We thoroughly enjoyed our half day kayaking trip on Lake Kivu and would highly recommend it.
It was so easy to book through Kingfisher and they were great responding to queries.
Also excellent value for money.
The guide was superb and led the trip at a pretty easy relaxing pace and had excellent knowledge of the local birds and history of the area.
It was surprising just how much distance we covered in the time and with only moderate effort.
The stopover at the hot springs was great, although with the water at over 45 degrees it was literally a toe in and out!
You will get wet so recommend wearing swimmers.
The weather can also change pretty rapidly so make sure you put plenty of sunblock on.
Excellent way to explore this are of Rwanda.
We were particularly impressed at Kingfisher's ability to organise this at extremely short notice (thanks Sharon and Sandrine).
The route is very well devised, mostly on flat water through farmland but with a short stretch of relatively simple rapids.
Plenty of bird life, a very close encounter with an otter and lots of swimming children trying to keep up with the canoe.
My friend and I spent a morning kayaking Lake Kivu with Kingfisher.
I only wish we had more time because it was a beautiful experience.
The weather was lovely, it was a Sunday so the locals were out in the plenty playing in the water and waving to us as we rowed by, and we had an amazing guide who made the day even more enjoyable.
Eloi was exceedingly kind and easy-going.
He was great to talk to and we learned so much about the area and the birds!
He is quite the ornithologist.
If you go, I recommend staying at Inzu Lodge and having a meal at Paradis Malahide.
Eloi joined us for lunch there and it was wonderful.
I can't recommend Kingfisher enough!
My brother and I spent two days with Kingfisher.
We went kayaking one day and canoeing another.
They were extremely reliable and timely.
We had a great experience with them.
I would highly recommend exploring beautiful Rwanda with them.
Our guide was Garcien, he was the best!
I will be definitely going back for future trips with them.
A not to miss experience!
Beautiful and very green landscapes, learn about agriculture, bird watching, fresh swimming, some emotions with 2 small rapids!
And very nice and helpful guides!
Booked the Mukungwa canoeing trip at the last minute.
The team was very accommodating and facilitated the trip even when we had a bunch of luggage.
The canoeing trip was quite serene and the birds along the river are incredible!
Eloi was a great guide.
We did one day kayak trip in Kibuye with our guide Eloi, he was so friendly and we had a really good time !
We had lunch on the Peace Island where we were all alone and it was wonderful !
At the end of the day my friend and I were tired so he kindly helped us by pulling us after his kayak !
There is just a little negative point, the bottle of waters are very small (50cl) for the hole day, but we didn't brought ours because in the description email they mentioned that water was included during the day.
The trip was there for you to make of it what you might.
It could be made as exciting, fast and as skilful as one wanted, or it could be taken as a slow and gentle drift down river, enjoying the landscape, birds and passing exchanges with onlookers.
We enjoyed a bit of both.
Our guide was very professional and engaging.
Highly recommended.
A very nice way to experience the nature and meet friendly locals.
We saw a lot o birds and exchanged greeting with a number of people working the fields.
The exciting parts consist of one very short, but rather powerful, rapid and a shorter stretch with fast flowing water.
The security is excellent.
Helmets are provided for the short rapid and there is back up help on land for the fast flowing stretch.
Our guide was very professional, knowledgeable and nice.
This adventure with Kingfisher Journeys was an unforgettable experience.
Although it started raining halfway through, the guides wanted to make us as comfortable as possible.
We all drank coffee inside a house of a coffee farm until the rain passed.
It was magical to see everything clear up and it didn't affect the rest of our day at all.
It was a great day on the water and we finished the tour by having a picnic on an island.
I strongly recommend a 1,5-2h sunset trip on Lake Kivu.
The pace is adjusted to your experience level, the guide was kind and helpful.
Not to mention the views which were just amazing.
Ask the guide to pass through the Hot Springs.
My friends and I all thoroughly enjoyed our canoe trip with Gratien as our trip leader.
The views were gorgeous and you are able to see many birds along the way.
This is a great way to view the hills and valleys around Musanze!
We did the canoe trip with the guide Willy, he was very helpful and nice and the trip was fun.
The scenery is beautiful and there are a lot of cool birds.
We recommend the experience!
For all fans of water sports this is a great opportunity to explore the Rwandan countryside.
You see a lot of birds close to the water, and you are directly going through the fields seeing the local farmers working, surrounded by the mountains, the volcanoes as background.
Everything was safe, Eloi our guide was giving instructions, some helpers were present to give a hand at difficult passages, but actually the path is rather on an easy difficulty level.
I also rented the water-proof camera, which is nice to make a lot of interesting pictures from the countryside.
I've kayaked lake Kivu twice now with Kingfisher journeys and on both occasions the service was great and the experience amazing!
Booking is easy and flexible, the staff are competent, professional and friendly.
Highly recommend them!
A must to do when you stay in Gisenye.
Except that it is a nice group activity it gives you also a total different view on the area around the lake.
The sun set is amazing when you in the middle of Lake Kivu.
To book this trip is so easy and simple!
Just go on the website and check out the different activities.
I also can recommend the Canoe Trip on Musanze river.
My husband and I had considered trekking the Congo Nile Trail but when we came across Kingfisher Journeys, we became excited about the idea of kayaking from Gisenyi to Kibuye!
The only issue was that we had decided this fairly last minute so we got in touch with Steve from Kingfisher Journeys who organised our trip even at this late notice!
A few days later we headed out on our 3-day kayaking adventure with our guide Gratien.
The first day was fairly easy going and we stayed in a guesthouse with other kayakers heading in the opposite direction to us (Kibuye to Gisenyi) and their guide Yves who was also great.
This lured us into a false sense of security - day 2 was much harder due to distance and some winds but Gratien gave us the motivation we needed to reach the beautiful island we were camping on.
Day 3 we visited islands covered in monkeys and bats which were just amazing.
It was a magical experience and Gratien was an amazing guide, I don't eat meat and I'm gluten intolerant but that absolutely wasn't a problem and Gratien ensured that I had more than enough food to eat to keep me sustained on our epic trip!
Had a great tour with Yves on a Lake Kivu kayaking trip.
A great way to get a different perspective on the beautiful scenery around Lake Kivu.
Looking forward to seeing the pictures that Yves took on the trip.
Beautiful scenery, relaxed pace and great team.
Enjoyable half day of paddling with local flavour.
Well organised.
This is one of the things you have to do when you are visiting this part of Rwanda!
Fantastic scenery totally professional and super nice guide, and a tripcYou never forget.
The birds, the fishermen, the nature and the vibe around it will stay in your soul!
What a wonderful experience!
Sabrine, our Guide was well spoken and punctual.
She was very experienced,having done her training in Australia, and being a local Rwandan she really made our experience valuable with local knowledge.
There was good birding on the banks of the river and you can expect to pass local farmers and fishermen on the route.
Everyone waves and seems quite interested as to the whole canoe excursion.
You don't need experience for the trip but there is one part that you will get a little wet.
Lots of fun.
A fantastic way to see Musanze and more of Rwandan life.
Very relaxing kayak with a great host.
Excellent for bird spotting too.
This was definitely a highlight of our trip!
The scenery was stunning, and the trip was so easy to organise we felt so relaxed and cared for.
Our guide was great, super knowledgeable and we had a great time hanging out.
The lunch was also delish and we were really glad we added it on!
Our only regret is that we did a half day instead of a full, could have stayed out on the lake all day!
We fell in twice but canoeing was a great experience!
This is also a must for bird watchers.
Would definitely recommend!
I rarely write reviews, but in this situation, I couldn't help myself.
What a wonderful company!
Yves guided me (just me!
for two days in the sun and pouring rain (my choice on the rain, not his!
along the coast, early in the morning at sunrise (again my choice), around tiny and big islands!
Everything about the trip was wonderful - birds, otters, nature, coffee tour, yummy food!
The guesthouse we went to was cute, small, and comfy.
Yves was such good company!
Great to talk to, wonderful insights, always felt safe, plan to stay in touch with him :) I recommend this trip to anyone!
Murakose cyane!
Amazing time!
I would definitely recommend this to anyone coming to Rwanda.
The setting of the canoe trip was absolutely gorgeous the whole way.
Our guide / the staff were so helpful and flexible.
Great value for money.
Must do for anyone in the country!
We had very good communication online as well as by phone with the Kingfisher Journeys company.
Rushya was waiting for us and the kayaks were ready to go, and we waited 15 min extra for 2 others to arrive but went ahead onto the lake as the sunset doesn't wait.
Rushya took great effort to explain many facts about Lake Kivu, the communities and their activities and the special scenery we passed while kayaking on the lake.
Unfortunately, there were too many clouds to see the beautiful sunset.
We particular enjoyed the fishingboats going out at sunset, a magical and extraordinary sight.
Such a great opportunity, very beautiful scenery and friendly guides.
You get to see 5 mountains clearly if the weather is permitting.
I did the full 4 days/3 nights Ginsenyi to Kabule.
I was a little concerned about the amount of daily paddling since I turned 66 during the trip, however it was definetely manageable and I could have gone further each day if neccessary.
Enjoyed the relaxed, no rushing pace of the 4 days as well as the guest houses and camping.
The guest house the first day was basic but more than adequate for my needs.
We chose the less expensive option the second night which was quite nice, although the more expensive resort type hotel did look enticing.
Camping the last night was great, enjoyed being right on the lake for both sunset and sunrise, very peaceful.
Awoke to the sound of the fishermen singing as they headed out in the early morning.
I recommend this trip as a great way to see Lake Kivu from a different vantage point and to get a better sense of how the local people live on the Lake.
Thanks so much to Gratien who took us out on Lac Kivu for a very special sunset kayak.
I was initially hesitant about kayaking, having not really done it before, and not wanting to get wet.
I ended up loving it.
The sunset on the lake was spectacular but the best bit was seeing the fishermen row out for the night on their beautiful boats singing and whistling songs to help them row in unison.
We had another lovely kayak the next morning, and had enjoyed a short but peaceful canoe down the river at Musanze the day before, seeing many species of beautiful birds, and then having a perfect cappuccino at Crema coffee collective.
Thanks to Steve for organising our short but amazing experience.
We had a little under two days to have fun in Rwanda after 5 days of work in Kigali and Steve organised everything for us perfectly.
We packed in a canoe trip on the Mukungwa river, and two kayaking trips on Lake Kivu as well as having time to watch the Tour du Rwanda cycling race.
Kingfisher provided a car and driver so we travelled in comfort and got back to the airport in good time for our flight on Saturday evening.
The river trip is super easy and Eloi our friendly guide was knowledgeable about the birds and the people and villages we saw along the way.
It is just wonderful to float down (and occasionally paddle!
the calm river, taking the time to soak up the views and the wonderful birds that flitted everywhere.
The highlight of the trip was going out on Lake Kivu at about 5pm, so we were at the mouth of the bay as the fishing boats were heading out for a night of fishing on the lake.
They chanted and sang and thumped their oars to a rhythm as they paddled hard to get their heavy boats out onto the lake.
The sun was setting and there was a beautiful pink light over it all.
We could paddle our kayaks up quite close to the boats and watch them working.
Our guide Gratien was really friendly and helpful and he showed us where we could swim by a little island.
Thanks Kingfisher team!
Another great experience with you all!
I had a fantastic weekend thanks to Kingfisher journeys.
Our guide was so professional and helpful.
The scenery was wonderful and relaxing.
This trip can be great for families and friends also.
Willie our guide was charming and knowledgeable.
The kayaks were well maintained.
Book the 3 hours in the morning, it's calm.
The afternoon can bring winds and make the activity less enjoyable.
There is the opportunity to have a massage or sit in some hot springs.
Take some money and allow extra time and indulge.
We were tight for time and regretted it.
We also visited a new hotel called Kivu Paradise, next time we'll stay there it's lovely.
I had a fantastic and idyllic trip kayaking down lake Kivu for 3 days.
I would highly recommend Kingfisher's professional setup that still manages to keep a strong sense of adventure.
Our family with 2 young children had lots of fun canoeing on River Mukungwa near Musanze.
Beautiful scenery.
It was our first time canoeing and the children were well looked after and instructed by the guides.
Looking forward to kayaking on Kivu next!
Highly recommended.
Wonderfull kayaking in the morning and again in the evening at Lake Kivu.
We would like to book again
Did the half day kayaking on a Sat AM and then half day mountain biking on Sun AM from Gisenyi - both were great and totally worth it.
Kayaking on Kivu is beautiful and not too strenuous; Gracien was also a great host.
Mountain biking was actually through Rwandan Adventures (different co) but booked via Kingfisher.
Unfortunately our designated guide was sick but Kasunga stepped in and led us on a scenic but grueling ride up the winding roads of the Congo-Nile trail.
Did a full 5+ hrs for a generous half-day, definitely enjoyed the downhill trails on the way back.
Probably good to bring a snack; water is provided) Bit pricey in Rwanda but few/no alternatives and would both recommend and do it again.
What a lovely trip.
Great guide.
Very knowledgeable and friendly.
Great fun and amazing scenery.
Has to be done while in Ruhengeri.
We had the three days kayaking trip form Gisenyi to Kibuye.
We were three friends traveling together and we had the best time.
The scenery was amazing, the guides were nice and helpful and it is such a fun way to discover the country.
I would highly recommend doing a multiple-days trip rather than a single day, you het to see way more, enjoy more and have the time to appreciate the scenery and encounter with the locals.
There is a possibility to spend a night camping on an island and that was clearly the highlight of our trip.
Our firm engaged Kingfisher to take staff on several activities.
I went on a fantastic Mountain biking trip that showed me many different sides of Rwanda.
We biked up to a volcano to take in the beautiful scenery.
On the way there, we passed through villages and got a taste of local life and commerce.
We also visited a micro hydropower plant and saw development firsthand.
Our guides were experienced and professional--I can't recommend them more highly!
Through the organization that I work for (Dalberg Advisors), I had a chance to experience what Kingfisher Journeys has to offer in terms of recreational activities.
One word: amazing!
We did the morning 3 hour Kayak trip and really enjoyed it.
The kayaks were in good condition and the guide friendly, knowledgable and chilled.
He took great photographs of us on the water.
The conditions were perfect.
Not too hot or too cold, no wind sunny day.
The stop off at the hot spring was fun including the foot massage.
Warning up front on the costs to visit the hot springs would have been good.
Most enjoyable and highly recommended activity even for the not so fit like me.
I used Kingfisher journeys to book a safari in Akagera national park, canoeing in Musanze and a trek up Mt.
Bisoke when my partner came to visit.
The director, Steve, was very helpful at answering my questions and the field staff/guides were outstanding.
Did I mention that Kingfisher is great for those who want to come back from an adventure with money in their bank account?
Had a great time kayaking near Musanze with our 4 kids, age 5-12 and parents 60+...all of us loved it and could keep up very well.
It took about 3 hours, scenery fantastic, lots of birds and lots of spectators along the shore :) definitely recommended for all ages!
The kayaking trip was well organised.
Thanks to Yves my guide for the day was professional, a good guy to have a conversation with as he was conversant with most topics from the history of the lake, community, politics.
Looking forward to doing a different trip in 2019. thatnks
The trip was well organised and the communication with Steve was very professional and timely.
Paddling time in a very comfortable pace was 4-5 hours.
Given the rough weather conditions, a spraydeck would have been helpful.
We took one break each way and were offered bananas and cookies.
Our guide was friendly.
The Rushel Lodge was excellent and good value (credit cards accepted).
We would have loved to stay longer.
On the way back we paddled along a fish farm and went into the local hot springs.
Overall, we thought the pricing is very much at the upper end for this trip.
The lunch package of 10 dollars per person for one vegetarian sandwich was very expensive and also not needed as this is a half day trip for kayakers who are not beginners (we are not kayakers, but do canoeing with very little kayaking experience).
For beginners this trip is not suitable.
The canoe day trip is a lovely way to see some of the country side and communities along Mukungwa River in Rwanda.
I wish it were longer!
The company was very very responsive to my questions and last minute booking.
My guide was knowledgeable and easy to talk to and generally a fun guy.
The canoe ride was a good mix of mini-adventure (one small rapid and narrow passage through bamboo) and peaceful bobbing along the current.
Not a hard paddle AT ALL - don't worry.
Additional suggestion: I took a local bus from Kigali and back the same day.
Highly suggest this option - was very safe and easy).
ps Got picked up at local coffee shop (Crema) - that place had some really yummy food and coffee.
Nice little craft shop out back.
Also suggest checking out Jane Goodall exhibit - association office is close by Crema.
Sandrine was an amazing guide and worked out a great place to meet us before canoeing in Musanze.
She was very knowledgeable, and we enjoyed being accompanied by her.
The canoeing was so peaceful and enjoyable.
I highly recommend Kingfisher!
My colleague and I did the day trip, and wished we had opted for the multi-day trip!
Everything was well organized and everyone at Kingfisher was extremely responsive and attentive.
The equipment is in good shape, which contributes to a good paddling experience.
The views were great and the water was calm.
We also got a delicious lunch, which we later found out was from Calafia (an amazing restaurant in Gisenyi), so that was a nice touch!
I think the only thing that could've been better is if we had stopped at a different island for lunch.
The one we stopped at was, not particularly scenic and not very shady.
It was within sight of a seemingly bigger (and more shady) island so I would have preferred that we pushed on to that island instead.
I would definitely do a tour with these guys again.
My sister and I had so much fun on Mukungwa river.
We had no experience in kayaking before but our guide Eloi helps us feel safe and enjoy the activity.
It's an amazing way to discover Rwanda's country side, all the kids, farmers, birds along the river...volcanoes and mountains... You should try without any hesitation.
Thank you for this unforgettable experience.
Marie
A little Ballade on Kivu lake from 4:30pm to 6pm.
We had a beautifully calm lake, fishermen coming out to reach their night fishing stations.
We came across a good 5 to 8 of their boats.
A few stopped and we had great banter with them !
Sunset pictures taken.
Great guide who knew his business- I had never ever done any kayak but I loved it!
Definitely a highlight of our little tour of Rwanda.
I am really happy that I did the canoe trip on the Musanze river.
Eloi, the guide, is really amazing and he knows a lot about the river and all the animals there.
The trip was so much fun and absolutely beautiful.
I would highly recommend to do the canoe trip!!
Two of us did a one-day trip.
There were two others who also joined.
The equipment, guide and lunch were all excellent.
I can't think of a better way to get the mind off of work and daily stresses.
Don't forget to reapply sunscreen!!
We chose the 2 hour sunset kayaking on Lake Kivu.
Our guide was very good at explaining to total beginners how to kayak, so we felt safe and confident.
The Lake was beautiful, as was the sunset.
The highlight was the fact that local fishermen were heading out to their night fishing so we were on the water with them: enchanting.
One recommendation: have footwear that doesn't matter if it gets wet: you have to stand in the water to get into your kayak.
Very relaxing, winding canoes through a small river.
The staff were patient and helpful, even getting me in and out of the boat.
I would definitely do it again!
Worth the money and trip to Musanze.
We were a school group of 12 persons from the UK.
This was a fantastic experience; very professional and skilled guides, great briefing, top quality equipment and a range of exciting sites.
A superb additon to any visit to Lake Kivu.
Sandrine did a great job of taking us down the river.
She was very informative and even taught us the best way to paddle in certain areas.
I would definitely suggest!
It wasn't too long, but we were able to see some beautiful views as we went down the river and it was so neat to be able to say that we canoed down a river in Africa!!
Definitely encourage you to partake in this excursion!
Canoeing downstream on the river, so very easy paddling, although our steering was a little hit and miss at times.
The river was quite full and we had an exciting trip down some short rapids.
We saw storks, ibis, weaver birds and bee hives.
Our guide was excellent, we all really enjoyed the canoe trip.
Thank you
A really lovely break inbetween visiting gorilla family groups and hiking mount Bisoke.
The river is peaceful and calm, and my guide was very professional and friendly.
It was really interesting to have her commentary as we passed various agriculture, fishing, bee hives and people along the river bank.
I'm a solo traveler, and felt completely at ease throughout.
A great afternoon and an experience I would highly recommend.
Nice place to spend time and weekend with friends or couple.
I most like the sunset on the lake, so beautifull.
We booked to do the sunset kayak from Gisenyi and we had such a fantastic evening paddle.
We saw a beautiful sunset as we were paddling out over the mountains and on the way back in the traditional fishing boats came past us, singing and waving.
It was great.
Really good guide and all four of us had a great time.
Thank you
If you're looking for an enjoyable way to experience Lake Kivu, I highly recommend booking a kayak tour with Kingfisher Journeys.
They offer hourly rentals, as well as half-day, full-day and evening tours (with a guide), with prices starting around $40 depending on which tour you choose (and depending on your residency).
The company is professional and quick to respond to emails; the kayaks are high-quality; and the guide we had was excellent.
He was really knowledgeable about the area, the volcanoes that surround the lake, good restaurants in Gisenyi, and more.
What a treat!
No complaints at all--had a great time doing the half-day (morning) kayak tour from about 8am to 11:30am.
Be sure to wear sunscreen, since even in the morning, the sun can be pretty strong.
I did a half day kayaking tour of Lake Kivu.
The kayaks were nice and stable, even for inexperienced paddlers.
My guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area.
I learned lots about the birds that we saw around the lake.
Lovely, relaxing experience.
I stumbled across another traveler who had met Steve, of Kingfisher Journeys, who was getting a group together to help train Alois, a new kayaking guide, in the finer points of paddling, safety procedures and customer service.
Our job was to act out scenarios that a guide may face during a trip, as we purposely rolled kayaks, faked a heart attack and otherwise caused havoc.
It's clear that Steve takes a lot of pride in his work and wants to put the best product out there for his clients.
So not only was the quality training evident, but a very enjoyable time is assured.
And Alois is well on his way to being a great guide!
We were able to go canoeing on Lake Kivu for free while Steve trained one of his staff Eloi.
It was really good fun exploring the lake and interesting to see them practice the safety side of things (broken bones to heart attacks) as we were the test dummies.
They knew what they were doing and I would 100% recommend.
Wonderful evening, paddling on Kivu lake.
the weather had been rainy during the afternoon, but the company told the evening would be nice.
they were right: the canoe trip was a very exciting event, around small islands and along the coast, with a superb sunset.
the guide, Francis, spoke excellent French (which was good, since my English is poor) and had many things to tell about the surroundings.
He was very careful about security and comfort.
Two days later, we had a walking trip around the beautiful Ruhondo lake, with guide Eloi.
Again, the guide was excellent, knowing perfectly the contry.
We met local people, could see beautiful birds and finished with a lunch in a lovely hotel near the lake.
The company was very professional, with quick answers to question, and the generous offer to replace canoe trip by walking, since other people in the group were afraid by the weather.
I encourage everybody wishing to spend pleasant time in Northern Kivu to hav a look at Kingfisher activities.
Kingfisher Journey's customer service is excellent.
Not only were emails responded to quickly and helpfully but when (with huge regret) we had to cancel our kayaking plans, the company kindly refunded the full fee (even though this goes against their own booking conditions).
We look forward to returning to Rwanda next year, when I hope we can rebook with Kingfisher Journeys
This was an amazing day out with walking, a boat trip, good food, and a fantastic variety of birds.
I was very lucky to be the first person to do this walk accompanied by a friendly young Rwandan guide who was full of good information about the lake, the people and the birds we saw.
The scenery is absolutely fabulous, with the reflections on the water, the green hills around and the 6 volcanoes towering ahead of us.
We saw a huge variety of birds, and just walked at a good pace along an easy grassy path most of the way, then a bit of a scramble over some volcanic rocks (old lava flow), past an underground stream that bubbled out into the lake, and through a section of high and dense bamboo and shrubbery.
We stopped to chat to some friendly children, watched villagers loading boats, cutting grass and washing clothes... all the normal daily life, and miles away from the nearest road.
There was only the sound of birds and the wind in the trees.
We finished with a ride in a canoe with two local men paddling to get us to a little restaurant - again just the sound of the paddles in the water and the beauty of the volcanoes and clouds reflecting in the lake.
Steve and his team went way beyond my expectations to organise this as I didn't have much time or the energy to walk up to the top of a volcano.
I felt very safe (I was on my own).
It was a wonderful way to experience daily life and the beauty of Rwanda, while also getting a good hike (about 12 km) and a lovely brochettes and beer lunch at the end of it!
We absolutely loved our experience with Sandrene and this company.
On time, well prepared, gave clear directions and so enjoyable!
Thank you.
I canoed about 20 KM to and from Cyimbili in a 1 day.
I had limited time and had to change my trip last minute, but they were super accommodating and made it an easy adjustment.
I had a great day on the water.
We stopped at hot springs, islands, paddled by the beautiful rolling hills and coffee plantations of Rwanda, then stopped had a delicious lunch at Cyimbili Coffee Plantation.
Gratien was a great guide, his company and encouragement made the experience even more memorable.
Looking forward to a future trip if I return to Rwanda!
Also, don't forget sunscreen!
We went on Kingfisher's afternoon canoe trip near Musanze.
A fantastic trip.
Loi was a great guide, fun and knowledgable about all the birdlife that surrounds you as you canoe.
Loved getting to spend time in the countryside, and meeting lots of the local children as you canoe around.
Thanks so much Kingfisher, we'll definitely be back for another adventure.
Had a great care ride with our guide Eloi- the countryside is gorgeous and you are paddling amongst the fields where people are working with birds all around, and kids jumping in the water and waving.
There is one set of just exciting enough rapids and a narrow channel which also made for some comic moments but otherwise paddling is easy.
Highly recommended
We have done a few of the Kingfisher activities and we have loved all of them.
Paddling into the sunset on lake Kivu and canoeing close to Muzanse was a lot of fun.
We are looking forward to the next adventure with the Kingfisher team!
With a group of 6 ( 4 adults , 2 children 13/15 ) we did a morning river canoe trip.
It was a fantastic experience with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, volcanoes and birds.
The kids really enjoyed the  self canoeing  with some challenges.
Our guide Eloi was great!
He knew a lot about the nature and people around us!
We also appreciate very much that he took photos from us which we got a view days later per mail.
Thank you so much !!
We organised a one day twin lakes bike tour from Musanze with kingfisher journeys.
The actual tour was provided by Rwandan Adventures with an excellent guide, Olivier.
We cycled about 30km over about 5 hours, so it wasn't super taxing, but we went through beautiful agricultural areas before getting a boat across lake Ruhondo to an island for lunch.
It was my husband's birthday and they had kindly organised a cake for him which was a nice surprise.
After lunch we got the boat back to the mainland and went up a big hill for a view of the second lake.
Overall lovely day out!
A friend living in Rubavu recommended us this tour and we weren't disappointed.
We went as a family (two adults, kids aged 9 and 12), and were really impressed by the efficient organisation of the tour: timely and safe transport, life vests and helmets provided, possibility to rent a waterproof camera, good communication along the way, two guides assuring everyone's safety.
The boat meanders through the fields below the main kigali road covered in flocks of birds, past bamboo forest, through a class A rapid, and a narrow bamboo canal with fast flowing waters... 10 km in all, just long enough to continue enjoying it and not get tired.
Our kids loved it too, and held their own in the canoe with us.
We've lived ten years in Rubavu, my husband is from this region and this is the best local tour we've ever come across, a whole new perspective on Musanze.
I really recommend it!
Four friends and I did the late afternoon session and it was one of the most amazing activities we've done during our whole Rwandan trip.
Some of us who cannot swim were extremely nervous at the start but our guide, Gracien, was so reassuring and a great instructor.
I would thoroughly recommend the Kingfisher Journeys kayaking experience for the breathtaking views and the sheer fun of being out on the water!
We really enjoyed our canoe trip near Musanze.
We weren't very skilled (!
but still had a great time, and the views make it really worthwhile.
The booking website is easy to use.
Recommended!
Our guide was Gratien for a 2 person afternoon kayak + sunset tour.
We had a small amount of difficulty finding the meeting point, Paradis Malhide, but as soon we we arrived we had the most amazing time!
Gratien pointed out many birds including the Fish Eagle, African Eagle, Kingfisher, two species of Cormorants, and the Red Headed Bishop!
He made sure we also got a great view of the volcano and since it was Saturday, we got to hear many weddings taking place along the beautiful shore!
Just as the sun was beginning to set and the fisherman about to set out on their uniquely structured boats, it began to rain and we quickly paddled to shore to watch the sunset and fishing take place from there.
Without us inquiring at all, within 4 hours Kingfisher Journeys had already refunded our sunset addition, despite our complete satisfaction with our day.
Getting on Lake Kive is a MUST DO to fully take in the landscape.
We were both young and reasonably fit, and could probably have done a full day or multi-day trip no problem, but were happy with our half day that resulted in slightly sore arms!
The guide brought waterbottles so we did not need ours - We wore a swimsuit under shorts and a t-shirt and it was appropriate, but we brought more conservative/night time clothes to change into after - Dinner at the Paradis Malhide afterwords was spectacular, especially the Tilapia!
** If you work for a NGO you may be eligible for a discount!
The evening paddle on Kivu was straight out of a watercolor painting - it was a gorgeous evening with Francis as a superb guide.
I highly recommend it - relaxing with a little bit of effort, high quality equipment, and perfect timing and location.
We watched the fishing boats going out just was we came back in.
All in all, highly recommend Kingfisher!
We had a fantastic time canoeing on Mukungwa river, we did the afternoon trip and had beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and volcanoes and saw lots of bird life.
Thanks so much!
My guide was Graciene for a solo kayaking trip from Gisenyi on Lake Kivu in late May,2018.
Excellent relaxing trip with informative guide.
Since I was alone he tailored it to my needs as well as giving suggestions on where to go.
I highly recommend!
The 2 day round trip to Cyimbili was wonderful.
The trip was well organized and the owner was very responsive as I planned my visit.
Francois, the guide, was highly knowledgeable, a great guide and a convivial travel companion.
I wish I had the time for more days paddling on the lake.
I stopped the night at La SIlene - a good value local motel with clean rooms and friendly staff - where the Kingfisher river cruise begins and ends.
After a comfortable night and good dinner I was ready for some adventure .... having been recommended to me I was really looking forward to experiencing the local countryside.
I thoroughly enjoyed the ride down river assisted and educated about the bird life by Eloa, a knowledgeable and friendly guide.
The water level cruise through fields was a great opportunity to take in local farming, exchange a few shouted hellos and pleasantries and get up close with the colourful birds.
A great way to spend an afternoon even in the rain.#
My wife and I went on two adventures with Kingfisher Journeys last month.
We first went on the kayaking sunset tour on Lake Kivu.
Our guide, Francis, was very personable and flexible.
We were scheduled for a morning tour but had to postpone due to heavy rain.
He patiently waited it out with us for 30 minutes and offered to reschedule for the evening tour.
We enjoyed his immense knowledge and insights on Rwanda and his home, Gisenyi.
The tour was beautiful and peaceful, providing views back onto the coast that we couldn't have seen from anywhere else.
Francis even took pictures of us which were emailed later.
A great addition!
We also went on a canoe trip in Musanze with our guide Eloi.
He is equally as knowledgeable a guide and made us feel comfortable as amateurs (my first time canoeing).
Meandering along the river we spotted different birds, plenty of children wanting to say hello and adults busy farming and fishing.
We got so comfortable by the end we were gondoliers.
There were even a couple of unexpected adventures along the way.
Overall, the trip planning process with Steve, Francis and Eloi was really easy and both trips very well organized and executed.
The equipment used was also very high end and in great condition.
We highly recommend these tours as fun and active additions to any Rwanda trip.
I've done this trip twice now with Kingfisher, once in Jan 2017 and once today with my partner.
Really lovely morning out with always a great guide.
Highly recommended, views on the water are lovely.
We loved our experience with Kingfisher Journeys!
Communication and booking were quick and hassle free.
The paddleboarding experience takes place at the Serena Hotels private beach.
They provided life jackets and the instructors were hilarious and made our first time paddleboarding a blast.
It was also our first time canoeing (two girls), so we were worried it would be hard.
But we had a wonderful guide (Eloi), who taught us the basics and was knowledgeable about the different birds we encountered during our 3 hour canoe trip.
Bring the sunscreen with you, a hat would also be nice- the sun is brutal.
To get to musanze from gisenyi, you can take the Ritco bus for 1300 rfr.
Steve will organize to have you picked up at the Musanze bus station.
Highly highly recommend this company!
They also run 4day kayaking trips to the smaller islands on Lake Kivu- I will have to come back for that :)!
The 2 hour journey to Musanze is worth it !
Fantastic way to see the river valley, beautiful scenic views including volcanoes and local farmers & fishers who all wave greetings as you float by.
Our instructor & tour guide Sandrine was brilliant with her 4 novices & we felt like pros by the end of the trip.
She was patient, encouraging & we felt in safe hands the whole way.The whole experience was first class and great fun.
The best morning ever on the river.
Thank you Kingfisher Journeys - we will do it again.
I had an outstanding trip on Lake Kivu with Francis.
I just signed up for a half day plus the sunset tour since I was limited on time, but I really wish I'd been able to do more.
Francis is an excellent guide who pointed out different bird species to me and explained some of the cultural things we saw along our way.
He's a great conversationalist who seems able to talk knowledgeably about any subject!
I really enjoyed spending a few hours on the water with him.
Sadly the weather didn't cooperate with sunset plans, but Francis was very communicative about that possibility.
And when I got back to town, the money had already been refunded to my account without my even having to ask!
I am so impressed that Kingfisher Journeys is such a young company and yet they were so responsive and professional every step of the way.
If you are in Gisenyi (or Kibuye!
), definitely take advantage of this opportunity to see Lake Kivu up close while learning about life along the shoreline.
And treat yourself to some sambaza at the end!
great little trip out on Lake Kivu with our guide.
well organised and no hassle.
thanks.
we will be back.
Thank you Kingfisher Journeys, my family had a fab adventure on the river with you, thank you for a lovely New Year adventure, good for all ages and abilities and languages, I look forward to returning to Rwanda and trying out one of your other adventures
We did the 2-day kayaking trip on Lake Kivu.
It was easy to book and well organised.
Our guide, Francis, was very friendly and knowledgeable.
He was happy to go at our place but also suggested an interesting route.
We'd definitely recommend Kingfisher Journeys.
Great fun, nice guides, beautiful scenery!
Went for kayaking, canoeing and peddle boarding all in one day.
Was fun for both me, who loves water and sports, and my boyfriend, who's just getting to like those kind of things.
Had a great, well organised 2 day kayaking trip on Lake Kivu.
Steve and Gratian were both really helpful in the booking process and Gratian was a very helpful and friendly guide.
Would recommend Kingfisher Journeys to anyone in the area keen to explore via the water.
Thanks to all the team
We did a 4 day trip south from Gisenyi and had a great time.
Equipment was all good quality.
Our guide, Francis, was exceptional.
He made the trip very interesting by explaining all of the activity that we saw on the shoreline and he was a font of knowledge about Rwandan customs and culture.
I feel that I now know the country so much better.
The scenery is spectacular, particularly the islands around Kibuye.
The distance each day were the right balance between challenging and fun, but needed some level of physical fitness.
There was a good emphasis on safety.
Accommodation (needs to be booked separately) was simple, but comfortable.
The Cymbili Guest House and Anastasia's good Rwandan cooking was a great place to stay.
We have done several kayaking tours in different parts of the world and this was as good as the best.
We ended up with a great feeling of being physically tired but mentally rested and refreshed.
Steve, Sandrine and the team were very professional.
The way in which the team introduced everyone and respected the community is great.
Those that enjoy birdwatching and enjoying some adventure this is a must to do in Rwanda, some of the only non hippo and croc waters to be able to canoe in.
Safe enjoyable experience
The Kingfisher staff and equipment where all excellent.
The staff gave great instructions and were always on hand to help at various points on the trip as well as the guides that were with us the whole time.
This excellent service combined with the beautiful scenery, made for a wonderful team building experience for our students.
Kingfisher canoes were also excellent at working to our time table, which meant we did 3 trips with them (in groups of 12 to 14 students/teachers) over the course of two days.
Had a great time canoeing in Musanze with Eloi and Steve.
Both were really friendly and helpful, collected us and dropped us back at our hotel.
The canoeing is calm and relaxing with beautiful scenery.
Would and will recommend it to anyone and everyone of all ages!
We booked the Kivu and Musanze trips during our stay and had great service from Steve, who was very helpful during the booking process.
The sunset kayak was very beautiful (although due to the cloud not much of a sunset!
), but the views across the lake were stunning and our guide was good fun and full of information.
We would have liked to have seen and spoken to the fishermen, but otherwise the trip was good fun.
The Musanze canoe trip was beautiful, we had perfect weather and got to see a slice of rural life in Rwanda.
It's a shame that we didn't speak to many locals a bit more interaction would have been great, especially as the length of the trip was long, but after a day trekking, it was a good value activity to do.
Having kayaked at home in UK and abroad, this was one of the best run trips.
Really good quality equipment, fluent English speaking guide, mellow paddling and a flexible itinerary for the group skill level.
Will do a longer one next time.
Thanks
We went out for an evening kayak paddle.
The guide was good and easy to chat with.
We were able to see the sunset and the volcano in Congo.
We stopped to chat with some fishing boats and got some information about the local flora and fauna.
My only suggestion would be that the sunset trip leave a little earlier this time of the year as the time the sun went down cut our trip a little short.
I would definitely use Kingfished again and plan on booking a multiple day trip in the future.
This was a perfect half day trip.
We came to Musanze from Kigali and returned the same day by bus.
Meeting up with the group was easy and our instructor was informative and organized.
This is a great way to see the countryside and the mountains.
I really liked that our guide took pictures throughout the trip so we didn't have to take our phones on the water.
All round, highly recommend Kingfisher Journeys and this sightseeing trip.
I had a great time, the guide Eloi and organising the trip with Steve was well prepared and very reliable and friendly.
I felt safe all the time and took some beautiful pictures.
I can highly recommend booking a tour with Kingfisher.
Thank you very much!
We picked to go Kayaking as our last activities in Rwanda, and we are so glad we saved the best for last!
We were a team of 5 and Steve was very accommodating to help us all get onto the water and finding an extra boat for us.
He was also able to arrange a trip from Karongi as this was better suited for us!
Once we were on the water, Francis was an amazing guide and instructor, who was supportive the who way!
He also had excellent knowledge of the area.
He also had a waterproof camera and took some wonderful photos of us Kayaking!
We took the two day kayaking tour and we'd defiantly recommenced it for experienced kayakers, and recommend the shorter tours for those less able or confident.
It was hard work, but staying on the private island over night was wonderful.
Camping was wonderful and the meal that was made for us filled out huge appetite from all the paddling.
The staff we so amazingly friendly and would reccomend King Fisher to anyone wanting to see a slice of Rwanda from it's largest lake!
We had a sunny day and a great trip.
We can highly recommend this tour.
Many thanks to the Kingfisher team:
We enjoyed the trip very much with Sandrine and her motivated and professional team.
The experience was very nice, from the booking over the phone to the pick-up at the hotel, the professional gear and the boat trip on the river.
Living in Rwanda now for several years, we saw almost everything in the country.
This experience is really a hidden gemstone.
My friend and I arrived in Gisenyi with no specific plan.
Whilst having a delicious cup of African coffee, we found out about Kingfisher Journeys but didn't think we'd be able to book something last minute.
Following a call with Steve, the director, and a couple of whatsapp messages, we had booked a half day kayaking the following day.
Steve could not have been any more helpful.
And he was doing all of this whilst outside Rwanda!
The following day we were greeted by Gratien, our happy guide.
We entered the water and had the most incredible adventure; visiting a private island, learning about the local birds, resting our feet in a hot spring whilst having a chat with some of the locals and finally heading further out to have a glimpse of DRC.
Throughout the session, Gratien told us loads of interesting facts and stories.
You could tell he loves his job and his smile and passion was very infectious!
Even when my arm muscles were aching, I wanted to keep going.
We had to leave the following morning, otherwise we would have been back the next day!
If you're in Rwanda, make sure you spend some time in Gisenyi and book a kayaking adventure with Kingfisher Journeys for a memory you will not forget!
Canoeing along the winding river in Musanze was a fantastic way to spend the morning.
Sandrine was brilliant in every way and my partner and I had a lot of fun.
Although trekking in the Virungas is enjoyable it is also insanely expensive, so we were delighted when we discovered Kingfisher Journeys as a great way to see more of the area!
Three friends friends and I went canoeing on a Tuesday morning in between school terms.
We really enjoyed this activity.
Sandrine, our tour guide, was nice and personable.
Because the Rwandan president was going to be in Musanze speaking, they picked us up at our hotel in Musanze at 7:30 and drove us to the river.
There were 6 of us total on the trip, plus Sandrine, and we had a very nice and relaxing morning canoeing down the river.
She gave a brief overview of the trip and some safety precautions, but since we all had been canoeing before, she didn't belabor the point.
Overall, we were on the water for about 2.5 hours.
The winding nature of the river meant one friend and I ended up in the reeds more times than not, but no one was injured.
There was also a very small, short rapid that was fun, and one canoe flipped, which was hilarious for everyone watching.
We enjoyed chatting with each other, the other couple on the trip, and Sandrine.
And also calling out greetings to the children and local Rwandans working by the river.
It was an enjoyable and chill morning activity.
Sandrine and another staff members took photos of us at several points during the trip and emailed them to us.
They then dropped us off back in Musanze around 12.
A woman in our group is already planning to bring her parents back and do this trip again next year.
My husband and I had a great afternoon canoeing near Musanze, with fantastic views of the countryside.
Our guide, Sabrine, was friendly and helpful.
The equipment (life jackets, helmets, paddles) was clean and in good condition.
We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel, which was very convenient!
A gentle meander in the canoes through lovely scenery with views of the volcanoes and many beautiful birds.
We are tour operators who were recently in Rwanda on the usual catch-up to review the existing and experience the new.
I was referred to Steve by another tour operator (it's great how they work together!
and Steve very graciously hosted us on a Lake Kivu evening kayak to see the fishermen and then on the Musanze canoe trip.
Both are excellent additions to a Rwanda trip and highly recommended.
Really passionate operators are a rarity in Rwanda and should be supported wherever possible.
Steve is one operator who desperately wants to provide a long-term, sustainable business for his employees to manage and own, long after he has left.
And he has passionately trained and up-skilled his guides to provide safe, enjoyable and great-value experiences.
Thank you to Francis and Sandrine for great trips.
We spent an amazing afternoon with Sandrine from Kingfisher Journeys canoeing along the river in the foothills of the volcanoes.
Saw many birds including; Ibis, Egrit, Weaver birds and of course, a Kingfisher.
It was fun and a brilliant way to see rural Rwanda.
I recommend this activity to anyone who has a day and wants something different.
Spent a lovely afternoon canoeing in Musanze with Sandrine as our guide.
It was both leisurely and exciting with the two smaller rapids.
If youre in Musanze for a day or two highly recommend this.
A great way to see a different part of Musanze.
It was a lot of fun to see how all the kids knew Sandrine and am looking forward to doing other adventures with Kingfisher Journeys!
Canoeing with Kingfisher Journeys was an absolutely wonderful experience - I would definitely do it again and recommend it to any visitors in Musanze!
The views are incredible and Sandrine, the guide, was fantastic.
It is a relaxing half day experience and a great complement or alternative to some of the other activities in the area.
Great half day activity to add to gorilla trip.
Friendly staff good views of volcanoes!
Fun afternoon
A wonderful experience--our second time canoeing in Musanze with Sandrine.
We recommend it and will do it again with future guests.
The view of the volcanoes while canoeing is stunning, and it's fascinating to see all the bird life, crops, and local residents farming during the easy paddle.
My girlfriend and I were recommended to Kingfisher by a friend who lives in Kigali.
We're so glad she told us about it because it was exactly what we were looking for as an alternative/compliment to the gorilla treks!
We had a relaxing and entertaining paddle that snaked through the local farmland.
Sandra (our guide) is incredible, the equipment is top-notch, and the viewpoint they provide to Rwanda is refreshing.
Absolutely recommend!
if you're looking for action, probably this is not the activity you want.
It was a nice relaxing morning in the river, where you can puddle slowly to enjoy the scenery.
No experience needed.
Headed down to Musanze with my crew and booked a canoe trip.
Sandrine, our canoe guide, was really nice and she taught us a lot of neat tricks!
Loved the small rapids and the sights of the mountains at a distance.
The terrain was simply magnificent and paddling downstream was a very enjoyable treat.
We attracted a lot of passer by attention and seeing them come to watch us at the rapids and the local kids joining us for a swim was a nice experience!
Definitely doing that again!!
In a place where the main attraction is gorilla trekking its great that this experience is also available.
Equipment is good, and Sandrine was very clear with her instructions and advice.
The trip was approx 3 hours and is a splendid way to see some beautiful countryside.
9 of us took the trip, all pretty much novices, and none of us ended up swimming!
We were advised not to bother taking shoes, but i would recommend some wet shoes if you have them as its a bit slippy and stoney at the exit point.
You could potentially do this on the same day as gorillas, but unless you have boundless energy you might be better doing them on separate days as both are pretty physical.
Pick up was from a hotel in town, which was convenient.
My wife and I had heard great feedback and been meaning for some time to do this canoeing adventure with Kingfisher Tours in Musanze.
Well, we were not disappointed and unreservedly recommend it, if you wish for a relaxing and great day out with spectacular views of Rwandan river wildlife, lush farmland and impressive mountains/volcanoes.
The welcome by the locals along the river was also truly amazing and special.
Our guide, Sandrine, was brilliant and patient with us all.
The trip was well organized with excellent equipment.
In short, a unique way to spend a day in Rwanda!
We spent 6 hours in total with Francis.
He is engaging, helpful and kind.
We truly enjoyed our day with him, what an incredible ambassador for Rwanda.
Steve, who does the organizing, will get back to you immediately.
He is professional and flexible (I messed up my date of booking and he arranged for a day earlier with very little notice).
Myself, my wife and my two teenaged daughters had a great day.
Going back out for a short while to see the local fisherman get ready for their night of fishing as the sun sets as a beautiful thing to do.
Very highly recommended...and bring your sunblock, if you haven't done a lot of kayaking, like us, you might find that you can even burn the back of your hands!
I had the chance to do this three-hour canoe paddle with Steve this past weekend.
It was a great way to see the lush farm land in the mountains of Rwanda.
In addition to the spectacular river wildlife, much of the journey ambles through fields of potato, sugar cane, and bean plants.
One can track the vistas of the nearby volcanoes in various spots along the way and see plenty of kingfishers, weaver birds (and weaver bird nests), and ibises along the way.
Steve was a great guide--knowledgeable about the area and wildlife and a lifetime of adventure trip leading experience.
Although the paddling was mostly in flatwater, there is one Class II rapid to play in and other parts of the river in which the flow picks up a bit.
To my knowledge, Kingfisher Journeys is the only canoe and kayak company in Rwanda, and Steve is doing a great job to try and extend this kind of travel experience for the country.
I look forward to a kayak trip with Kingfisher on Lake Kivu during a future trip.
We took our three children canoeing down the river near Musanze with Kingfisher Journeys and cannot recommend it highly enough!
What a fantastic day out!
The company is super professional, well-organised and confidence-inspiring with excellent new equipment, proper life jackets and highly skilled guides.
The river is pretty calm for most of the journey (a three hour trip in total), but in the parts where it was rougher the guide was extremely attentive about stopping so the younger children could walk along the banks for that part of the river and miss the rapids!
The views over the volcanoes and surrounding countryside are absolutely beautiful we loved spotting all the bird life along the banks: egrets, weaver birds, kingfishers, ibis, and the occasional heron.
We strongly recommend this to any families looking for a different way to spend a day in Rwanda.
We've lived in Rwanda for three years now and I can honestly say that our day spent canoeing on the river near Musanze with Kingfisher Journeys was one of the best days here yet!
We took our three children and were accompanied by Steve, who was an excellent, patient and calm guide (even in the moments when the river became a bit faster and a little more skill was needed!
It gave us a totally different perspective of Rwanda as we paddled through beautiful quiet countryside, overlooked only by the volcanoes and distant hills, spotting kingfishers, ibis, weaver birds, egrets and the occasional heron.
We looked out for otters too, but I think our noisy children might have scared them away!
I particularly appreciated the way that Kingfisher Journeys works with the local communities along the river so that there are helpful hands along the way at points where the canoes need to be manoeuvred over log bridges or the river becomes shallow.
All in all, excellently managed, extremely professional, safe and a brilliant family day out.
I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Canoeing in Musanze is a wonderful way to see a slice of rural Rwandan life.
Meandering along the river, through fields with the mountains alongside and birds flying past - it's a really beautiful part of the world.
I was a little cautious when the idea of canoeing was first suggested, as I had never done it before and I am not a strong swimmer.
But I was in excellent hands with Sandrine - she was a patient and reassuring teacher.
She had all the required safety gear and the equipment was modern.
I highly recommend this trip, especially as a relaxing afternoon activity for those who have done the gorilla trek in the morning.
Gratien, of Kingfisher Journeys, was so professional and so observant of every detail of our full days kayaking along the shores of Lake Kivu ... it allowed us to really relax and enjoy every moment.
It was a pleasure to see my three teenagers,(18,16 and 14) have a laugh with him, and invite him to kayak on the south coast of Ireland !
If my kids all say someone is good, then they must be 'good' Well done Gratien and well done Kingfisher.
Oh btw, do go for that fifth kayak ... in case we come back!
John, West Cork, Ireland
I travelled to Rwanda & DRC with my family last month and I have to say the whole experience was brilliant.
We saw gorillas and climbed volcanoes yet our kayak on lake Kivu was a real highlight for me.
Gratien our wonderful instructor took us out for a wonderful day exploring the lakes inlets.
Although we were all hot and sweaty by the end, the food on the island and the overall good conversation and fun times really left me wanting more.
Gratien himself with his near perfect English and wide eyed smile was always great to keep in touch and contacted us later to go back out on the lake for paddle boarding.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, don't give it a miss.
...From the water!
this was an exceptional way to see the country.
It was lovely and our guide Gratien was courteous, knowledgeable and safety-minded.
Even though we had a rainy day - it was so peaceful and calm on the lake!
it was simply lovely.
Lake Kivu is STUNNING and this is the perfect way to explore.
We went kayaking for the morning.
You can look up to the hills of Rwanda and we even saw the volcano.
The pace isn't too strenuous.
It was an enjoyable morning!
They also take pictures and email them so I'm looking forward to this!
My friends and I had a brilliant afternoon (about 3 hours) kayaking around the beautiful Lake Kivu with our guide, Francis.
Francis was a fantastic guide - as well as being very likeable and great to spend time with, he enabled us to tailor the tour to our own preferences and was very knowledgeable about the area.
We also added on the sunset kayaking, and watching the sun go down while the fishermen went out to the lake, singing, was very special.
I would highly recommend this tour, it was one of our highlights of our trip to Rwanda and a great way to see the lake.
Steve (the owner) was also very helpful in helping us organise the trip, and concerned that we had a great time.
Canoeing near Musanze was a fantastic, relaxing experience.
Sandrine was a wonderful guide, very patient and skilled.
We loved the beautiful scenery, all of the birds, and even the kids who would swim after us or jump off the bridge to splash us as we went by.
Overall, a completely enjoyable experience for novices or experienced canoers.
Highly recommended.
We did a half day kayak trip on Lake Kivu and it was a phenomenal morning.
Gratien was our guide and he was incredible - very friendly, tailored the day to what we wanted to do, and explained a lot of history and context, providing great local knowledge.
Even if you are a beginning kayaker (which I would put my wife and I at), it's a very manageable trip.
Would highly recommend - was the best thing we did during our time at Lake Kivu.
Very last minute, my dad and I decided to go kayaking on Lake Kivu on our last day in Gisenyi.
This was no problem at all for our guide Gratien.
It was a wonderful experience and a beautiful way to explore the lake!
We could watch the fishermen from upclose in the kayaks, which was really cool and the sunset wasn't too bad either.
;) The view in combination with our guide made it an unforgetable experience!
To celebrate a friend's birthday , we went on a canoe ride with Kingfisher journeys in Musanze.
What a great experience we have had !
The guide was helpful!
the organizer was very concerned about our safety and well being.
we went through two small and easy rapids but overall it was a very easy ride!
The locals were greeting us along the river and we could observe a lot of different kind of birds.
I will definitely do this again and will bring binoculars!
All families with teen-age children would love to do that.
It may be a little too long a ride (about 3 hours) for younger children ..The company has even helmets if people requires it for younger children but it is really safe!!
Honesty first!
I was petrified to get in a canoe anywhere.. Let alone in Africa being 10,000 miles from home!
I don't know how to swim... (was almost drown when i was young) and therefore the thought of getting into a little skinny canoe with my plus-sized body.. well.. there are no words for my level of fear.
But everyone else was going and i didn't want to miss going with them.
Steve and Becky and Sandrine were so reassuring.. Steve asking me just to not panic IF something did happen.. What a guy!
He did calm my nerves.
Well...
I did make it in and out a couple of times.
The first time was the hardest.. and then later down river we had to lift the canoes over a footbridge.
Steve helped me in and out then, too!
The first time was most difficult.. but THEN we were on the river.
What a fantastic time we had... Four boats staying together as we paddled, floated, laughed and simply took in the beauty of sitting on the water inbetween the reeds along the way..
SO many different speciies of birds... and the kids that chased us along the banks were just delightful...
It was a beautiful day in so many ways.. All the colors of green on the hillsides.. the sweet potato, corn and bean fields we floated past, all so incredibly restful.
The stillness was serene!
I think we traveled about 10 miles!
or was it 10K?
If you are thinking of going but a little nervous.. take it from me.. YOU WILL LOVE IT AND WANT TO TURN AROUND AND DO IT AGAIN.
Thanks, Kingfisher for a fantastic Rwandan memory floating down the river near Musanze !
oh..and I'm 63)
We were collected from our hotel in Musanze by our friendly driver and Sandrine our guide and driven to a quiet spot on the river bank to launch the canoes.
The equipment was modern and they had all the required safety gear and equipment.
Sandrine was friendly, helpful, and gave clear instructions.
We drifted/paddled down a quiet river.
It would be good to have map) The birds were everywhere and locals called greetings from their farm work.
The river passed through scenery you only get from a canoe with the volcanoes as a backdrop.
We had a good experience and would recommend this for something slightly different and a great way to absorb the local wildlife.
This is a great way to see the big beautiful Lake Kivu.
There are many offerings of different trips.
Long, short, overnight, sunset paddles.
I would love to do them all.
Steve and his staff are great and make sure you are safe.
We had a great time canoeing - our guide Sandrine was fantastic and so patient when showing us how to paddle and steer the canoe.
The scenery was stunning and gave us a completely different perspective than what we're normally used to in this area.
I live in Rwanda, and would definitely do this with friends as a fun day trip because it's different to all the other tourist attractions and is relaxing but also at times a bit challenging!
Musanze is only a 2 hour drive from Kigali so it's a great opportunity to escape the city if you only have a day to get away.
This is a Totally fun and different activity compared to other recreational options in Rwanda we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
Ours was a half day tour and our guide Gratien was incredibly accommodating - seeing as it was on Christmas day!
For somebody that can't swim, I felt completely safe - though I would recommend setting off early morning when the water is a lot calmer.
Had a great time with our person and very profisonal guide.
Relax paddeling with soms adventure and stunning scenery!
This was amazing!
The tour guide was friendly and competent, and great at communicating.
We live in Rwanda, and we enjoyed ii, but it would definitely be great for tourists as well.
There were a lot of beautiful birds (which the tour guide knew the names of).
It's very calm and beautiful, with one small set of rapids which we found fun, but could be skipped if you were nervous.
It's a great way to see the Rwandan countryside.
Our whole family went (seven of us) and it took about three hours with stopping so some could do the rapids again.
We stayed in by Lake Kiva for a few days, it's a beautiful area.
Our kayak trip with Kingfisher Journeys was the best way to be out on the water, we followed the shore and stopped to see things.
The modern sea kayaks are easy and efficient to use, you can cover a good distance comfortably without too much effort.
Francis, our guide, knew the area very well and tailored the trip to suit us.
We had a great time rowing on the river.
There was lots of bird and fish life.
The only thing missing was a snack would have been nice on the canoe.
The scenery is great and you have a lot of freedom.
It was a scenic and serene experience spending the morning on lake kivu in a kayak.
Francis was an awesome guide.
His candid conversation about the area, fishing, agriculture and general developments made me feel the energy of rwanda throughout the tour.
It's a beautiful way to start a day.
On a more personal note, at some point I was fighting the wind trying to go one way and it pushing me another.
I'm initial response was to pedal faster and harder.
And then I remembered the the zen saying that u shouldn't try to steer a river.
So I took a break , absorbed the scene and let the wind pass & carried on after that having greater sense of peace and humility after that 
I went out with Francis earlier this week for a morning kayak trip.
The scenery was truly gorgeous and Francis was a great guide!
Definitely a great way to experience Lake Kivu!
A wonderful day spent kayaking on Lake Kivu.
We started our day at Gisenyi, with a useful refresher from our guide Francis on how to kayak.
We then went into the tranquil waters of Lake Kivu and did a fantastic slow and steady kayak for a few hours, stopping by local hot springs and for lunch on our own island!
Francis was brilliant throughout, answering all my questions on the local culture, way of life and about neighbouring DRC (which we weren't visiting).
Everything was in our own time but really well guided and looked after throughout.
Thanks!
It was very easy to organise (Steve replied straight away to our questions on WhatsApp) and very convenient.
Sandrine picked us up at our hotel in Musanze & looked after us all day.
We saw many kingfishers, enjoyed the peace of the landscape and laughed at the children who came to spy on us.
We had a wonderful trip.
Thank you!
Three of us stayed at the Paradise Malahide hotel which was great with excellent food then met Steve and Graciane there for the tour.
The kayaks were great and we had expert encouragement.
It was quite energetic- about 15km each day.
Very nice stops on the coffee islands with good packed lunch.
The lake is so beautiful and we swam in the cool clear water safely.
We stayed overnight in a very simple tranquil coffee plantation, then learnt from a v good tour of the plantation culminating in watching our own coffee being ground and roast traditionally - really delicious!
All in all it was a beautiful peaceful retreat - with a brief stop in at hot springs on the way back.....
Myself and a friend went on a beautiful 3 hour canoe trip down a small Musanze river.
It was beautiful!
Our guide, Sandrine, was knowledgeable, skilled, and professional.
We greeted children cutting cow grass, we watched weaver birds build nests on the side of tall reeds on the river bank, we bought sugar cane growing beside the river, peeled it, and ate it as we watched three different volcanoes move in and out of the clouds.
It was lovely!
The day started with a drizzle, and stopped as we got in the water.
As the morning wore on, the sun came out and I was thankful I'd applied sunscreen!
What a fantastic experience canoeing on the river mukungwa.
I really loved it, i was abit anxious about it but Sandrine our guide showed us all the techniques and always waited for us when we struggled which happened a few times.
Going through the rapids was so much fun too.
I really would recommend it as an afternoon activity right after the gorillas.
Well organised, fun, great way to see the countryside - definitely recommend for both tourists or locals!
We had a great day on the river with our guide Sandrine.
She knew what she was doing, I felt safe all the time, and she was very friendly and interesting to talk with.
I really enjoyed watching the scenery, the birds and the locals.
The river was gentle and calm except for one rapid, but it was not very difficult.
We even got helmets for that rapid, which shows how serious this company is.
Good quality canoes imported from England made the paddling easy.
The manager kept us informed and it was easy to book on the website.
We got picked up and dropped off at our hotel, the driver spoke english and was very friendly and interesting to talk with.
I am so glad I did this trip, will definitively recommend it to everyone going to Rwanda.
Excellent trips.
Super friends and experienced staff.
Definitely recommend it and especially adding on the fishing boats in the evening.
Lovely memories.
Wow what a fabulous day with Kingfisher journeys.
Very informative and attentive guides, stunning scenery and a wonderful way of appreciating and experiencing the lake.
Would highly recommend it.
A brilliant start to my holiday in Rwanda.
Nice guide and good kayaks, you get a nice view of the Lake and the hills!
Was a very fun trip for one afternoon
Organized by people who know what they're doing, this canoe trip takes you through the regional countryside.
Great way to spend a morning or afternoon!
Sandrine is kind an knowledgeable.
On the one small rapid, we did somehow manage to flip our boat and get wet!
Only added to the fun though.
We did the full day (8 a.m. - after sunset) kayaking tour launching very conveniently from the beach of our beautiful accommodation Paradis Malahide.
Francis, our guide, stopped by the night before to confirm details for the next day.
He then waited for us at 8 a.m. with all equipment and gave us a professional kayaking and safety briefing.
We can only echoe all the compliments from the other reviews.
Above all, we highly appreciated Francis being super attentive throughout the day.
He is a proud ambassador of his country, readily sharing his wealth of knowledge.
We have learned so much from him ... even how to get back into the kayak after a refreshing jump into the water .
What an amazing day!!
We came to Rwanda to see the gorillas but there is so much more to this beautiful country.
I went on a kayaking trip near Musanze in July 2016.
Really such a great experience, a great way to see the country side of Rwanda, interact with locals as you paddle through beautiful landscapes.
If you are a bird person, most definitely a great way to see lots of different types of birds.
Something a little different you can do in the afternoon after your gorilla trek.
Above all, amazing staff!
:) Recommend embarking on this journey to anyone!!
The experience is really great.
The service, both before the actual activity (kayaking on beautiful Lake Kivu) and during it, is really perfect.
I was assisted not only concerning the booking of the kayaking itself, but Kingfisher (it's founder and administrator) also helps you if you need to find an accommodation to be able to start the activity at best early in the morning.
He really did not mind interacting with me and answering my multiple questions!
There are a few trained kayaking guides.
The one in charge of my kayaking has been not only fully professionally trained, but also friendly and has provided a real quality experience and time.
I have to say that I enjoyed his company as an integral part of my experience.
I would really suggest this activity to anybody that wants some relax while enjoying a beautiful landscape.
With the discounts for volunteers and students, it becomes a real must go.
We booked a half day kayaking tour on kivu lake in Ruanda we spent a great afternoon on the lake seeing a beautiful landscape fisher boots hot springs and a romantic sunset!
Every time again
Two days of kayaking on Lake Kivu with local guide, Francis, and company owner, Steve.
Equipment was in very good condition, scenery was stunning, and Francis was an excellent guide.
Water got quite choppy (as all expanses of open water will), which was a fun challenge for an intermediate paddler.
I never felt unsafe though as Francis and Steve were constantly monitoring the conditions and had plans ready had the water become too rough.
The size of the lake is pretty immense and we paddled past numerous islands and villages before eventually reaching our stop for the night: an uninhabited island!
If one is looking for a complete change of scenery from European town living, nothing feels quite as good as setting up a tent by a lake in the middle of nowhere.
We had a fantastic afternoon exploring the small island, before heading back out on the water at sunset to follow a local fishing party.
On clear, perfectly flat water, with the sun dropping in the sky, paddling out with the fishermen was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of my life.
Slept well in the tent (all camping gear provided), before breaking camp and starting the trip back.
Hadn't quite appreciated how hard I'd worked on Day 1 and so the shoulders were somewhat tired for the trip back.
Made it back to Bethany for lunch and a well-earned local beer on the terrace by the lake.
I would thoroughly recommend this trip for anyone who is a hardy, outdoor type who is looking for much more than just the standard hotel holiday experience.
Would still recommend for any traveller although a day trip would be more appropriate for the less experienced paddler.
The trip was awesome!
Steve met us at the hotel and helped us get all the equipment together.
We set off round the shores of lake kivu at a steady pace.
The views were stunning and the birds flying right by the boats was really great.
Steve had a great knowledge and answered all questions and pointed out interesting things along the way.
The high light for me was the evening ride when the sun was setting and all the boats were going out to fish!
It really was great.
Steve was also great with Nici who got a bit panicked when the waves got a bit more choppy.
He was very calm and handled the situation very well.
Thanks Steve and Kingfisher Kayaks- great trip!
I had lots of fun kayaking around the bays and islands on Lake Kivu with Kingfisher Journeys.
Francis was a great instructor and guide.
Good value for money.
I'd highly recommend this company to anyone.
We spent a perfect day on the water with Kingfisher journeys.
The whole trip was very well organized.
Steve, the English owner of the company, sent us all necessary information by email, recommended as a nice hotel near the lake (Paradise Malahide) and called us one day before the trip.
We met our Rwandan guides in the morning at the Paradise Malahide.
They gave us a superb instruction how to kajak (one of us was a beginner).
Both guides knew English and French very well.
We had interessting talks and good fun on the water.
We stoped at a hot spring (we got a agreeable foot massage from locals for a small tipp), at a fishfarm, at a bird's tree and at a fisherboat's place.
The lunch, that organized Kingfisher journeys, was delicious.
The highlight of the day was the sunset tour in the evening.
We paddeled side by side with the local fishermen who sang great songs to motivate themselves for their night on the water.
We enjoyed the day very much.
The tour was very well adjusted to our level of Kayaking and the guides were great!
My friend and I were looking for something to do in Gisenyi besides lay by the water for the weekend.
We were fortunate enough to get the last 2 spots on the 2-day kayaking trip from Gisenyi to Cymbili and then back the next day.
Everything was absolutely incredible, even though it was rainy/cloudy our first day on the water.
Francis was so helpful and so funny.
He kept his own with 4 girls in their 20s haha..it was great.
The first day we took a pretty slow pace just talking with each other, while Francis pointed out a few places he wanted us to see.
We arrived in Cymbili around 2:30 (we left at 9:30 and stopped for lunch for about an hour).
We relaxed, had a wonderful dinner, and were in bed early ready to start back in the morning.
Francis let us decide when to go back, and we picked earlier, as we all had buses to catch, but we definitely could've taken our time in the morning and on the water if we had wanted to.
We left at 8:30 and arrived back in Gisenyi around 12.
Would recommend the trip to anyone and everyone!
That being said, we were all young and in good shape, so the 10k each way was totally fine) Wish I was in Rwanda long enough to go on another Kingfisher trip!!!
We had just finished an exhausting couple of weeks and needed a way to relax.
Kingfisher Journeys, and our guide Francis gave us just that.
Rather than embark on a full on excursion he was happy to take us out at a slow pace.
We spent the morning exploring all the bays and islands near our hotel, watched kingfishers (obviously) fishing, and because it was a Sunday, eavesdropped on some church services/lovely singing coming from the churches along the shore.
In the evening we went out again to watch a magical sunset, which capped off a fantastic day.
There is really no better way of seeing this part of Rwanda, than being out on the water.
What was really amazing was that there was no-one else out there with us!
This little company is doing an excellent, pioneering job.
We had a great couple of days on Lake Kivu with Steve and Francis.
They were great fun and we all felt very secure under their guidance and leadership.
We set off from Bethany in Kibuye on calm water.
We were given a full briefing and throughout the trip, they informed us and updated us with their plans, which had to be fluid due to the threat of storms.
It really was stunning to see the country from the lake level and it was lovely to 'pop in' on the lakeside fishing villages.
A storm threatened as we approached the island but fortunately we made it and set up camp without the skies pouring.
Steve and Francis are 'environmentally aware' and conscious of the impact on the island, which was reassuring and gives me hope that they will be visiting for many years to come.
Before helping to cook over the campfire, we headed out into the sunset to watch the local fishermen at work.
Without a doubt, a memory to last a lifetime, along with my trip out in a local, hollowed out tree trunk with the night guard.... much to the amusement of the rest of the group.
After a good night's sleep under canvas, we enjoyed our porridge and then set off back to Kibuye.
Despite a downpour, it didn't dampen our spirits and we managed to make it back to Bethany in record time and enjoyed a late lunch with spectacular views from the shoreside.
A highly recommended trip for the adventurous, with rewarding views and memories to dine out on for years to come.
You must try the kayaking with Kingfisher journeys, it was fun, exciting and really really cool.
The guides were professional, engaging, patient and reassuring.
I would recommend them to any one at any time!
It was my first experience and simply loved it!!!
Great time, great guide.
It is actually quite tiring so make sure you bring water and lots of sunblock.
Very peaceful on the water.
Kingfisher tours is perfect is you are looking for a way to get out of town and onto the water.
You are provided with all the equipment you would need and before you start the guide, Francis, will go over the basics with you if you like.
Then, you spend the next 5-6 hours kayaking to various points of interest on the lake (gas extraction rigs, hot springs, fish farms, and a private island for lunch).
You are also able to set your own pace.
Despite not knowing swimming, the guide Francis assured me that I need no training or experience for kayaking.
The lake was a bit wavy on the day and maintaining balance was difficult.
But with all the help from Francis, I was able to kayak.
And it felt great, all by yourself in this Great Lake that can be compared to a sea.
Great experience.... One of the few things to do in Gisenyi...
Kayaking on the shores of Lake Kivu is a unique way to experience the beautiful landscapes and see the hills and fishermen's villages from another perspective.
Kingfisher Journey's were extremely flexible with our dates and times of the tour, and the tour guides were very friendly and technically skilled to teach us how to kayak and enjoy hours under the sun on the water.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see more of the area, if you want to try something new or if you would a nice workout!
I went for a kayak tour with Kingfisher on Lake Kivu and it was so beautiful.
Francis the guide was so helpful and made the experience really pleasant.
The views were utterly stunning, and just sitting on the water being rocked back and forth in the boat while looking out over all the activities on the lakeside was so relaxing.
This is a must do!
I had the pleasure of meeting Steven during my stay in Gisenyi.
He asked if I would be interested in going out on the water for the day with him and his guides and assist him while he evaluated their ability to problem solve and deal with the unexpected.
Being a kayaking enthusiast at home, I was immediately interested.
I had my friend with me, who can't swim and who had never been kayaking so I was interested in how they would incorporate him into the day.
They did the on land orientation and taught him how to hold the paddle and how to paddle properly.
Once on the water, we went through a number of emergency scenarios: heart attack, injuries, panicking individuals, stranded against windy rocky shores, broken paddles, etc.
It's not every day you get to fake a heart attack and flip your kayak on purpose, it was a fun way to experience the beauty of the lake while doing something productive.
Steven observed how his guides reacted and response to each scenario and then talked through the scenario with them, what they could have done better, what they did well, what they were thinking and what made them decide to do one thing versus another.
After all of our practice time was up we were caught by the rain, Steven used this real life (and very frequent situation) example as another training forum for his staff.
He took control of the situation but continued to talk them through what was happening and why he was making the decisions he was making.
When the storm got to the point where Steven felt it was unsafe for us to continue our journey home, we took shelter at a local home along the shore.
Much to our delight there were several guava trees in the yard and we ate our fill of the delicious, fresh fruit while we waited for the weather to allow us to continue the journey.
On the way back we stopped at the hot springs, not much to look at but still a part of the Rwandan experience, as the waters are treasured by the locals.
The views on the lake are breathtaking, gives you a new perspective of the villages and surrounding hillside.
The water is clean and crisp if you decide to take a dip.
My friend also enjoyed himself immensely.
At first he was a little apprehensive of the whole idea, since he doesn't swim and the lake is very deep, but once he got comfortable with paddling his face lit up.
Steven and the guides were so helpful to him and did a great job giving him a wonderful first kayaking experience.
He felt so comfortable on and in the water with them that he even got out of his kayak, in a place he couldn't stand, to take part in one of the scenarios!
We both had an amazing time out on the water and I don't think either of us will ever forget our time out on the lake with the Kingfisher Journeys staff!
Thank you Steven!
I hope to return one day and take a few days on the water, with less emergencies ;) .
I did a hike along the Congo Nile Trail that was guided by Fred and organised by Francis.
And if was just a great experience!
Both of them came to meet me at the hotel I stayed in Rubona and we discussed the detail beforehand.
The hike was just beautiful, though at times a bit strenous and sweaty.
Lot's of kids and other people to greet, the rolling landscape with is coffee and cassava plantations and veggie gardens is lovely, good for birding also, if you are interested.
Fred is a perfect guide, knowledgeable and always encouraging to go further despite being exhausted at some point.
Francis, too, did all he could to make this an unforgettable experience, especially as tourists are a rare sight in Rwanda these days and lockdown measures require a fair amount of logistics.
Well done!
I did the 2 day Congo-Nile-Trail from Gisenyi to Kibuye with a guide.
I organised everything with Francis only a few days ahead via Mail/WhatsApp.
Organisation was perfect (delivered the bike the evening before the start to the guesthouse) and my guide (Cesar) was really friendly and helpful during the whole trip.
The bike was better than expected (Scott-Fully with Fox suspension) and Kinunu Lodge (overnight stay) was also great.
Concerning the payment options mentioned in other reviews: Yes, of course it would be great to pay with a credit card, but I think the problem lies also with the Rwandan banks.
I'm not sure if banknotes more than 5.000 RWF don't exist but the ATMs only give you 5.000 RWF bills.
This is EXTREMLY inconvenient if you have to withdraw larger amounts (like 170 EUR or 200 USD) because the bills don't even fit in your wallet anymore.
The mentioned restrictions for withdrawals/amount per day are also a joke.
But that is not the fault of the company.
Very good communication, very kind and helpful.
The chain of one of the bikes broke, we called Francis and they brought another bike by motorcycle, thanks again Francis!
Kind regards from Belgium
Hiking the Congo Nile Trail from Gisenyi to Kibuye was definetly my highlight of Rwanda and one of the most amazing things I experienced so far.
The landscape and nature at Lake Kivu is simply beautiful and Fred taught me a lot about culture, agriculture and politics in his country.
We had really nice conversations during these four days and hiked paths off the main trails.
I totally recommend doing the Congo Nile Trail with a local as it is a different and more valuable experience than going by yourselves.
Fred and Francis are very nice people, always trying to help, and I'll definitely come back to see them again.
All the best to you guys!
We did a one day biking trip on the Congo-Nile trail, and really enjoyed it.
We booked it very last-minute, but everything was arranged perfectly.
Francis and two of his friends picked us up from the hotel in Rubuna, we cycled for about 4 hours to Nkora where we were picked up by a boat that brought us back.
We were in doubt if we wanted a guide, but very happy we chose this option.
Thanks!
To go on the Congo Nile Trail from Gisenyi to Kibuye by bike we rented the mountain bikes for the two day trip from Go Gisenyi Tours.
The communication beforehand was very convenient, all our questions were answered and he gave us a reasonable price for the bikes and the transport from Kibuye to Gisenyi.
The conditions of the bikes were ok (but soon at least the brakes and the tires should be replaced I suggest) and a spare tube, repair tools and the map of the Congo Nile trail was provided.
We had an awesome trip along lake Kivu and would choose Go Gisenyi Tour for our next trip as well.
My husband and I have just finished the Congo Nile Trail.
We were very happy with Francis with sending emails back and forwards quickly.
The guide we had was Fred and he was great ,always full of information and we could have a good laugh with him.
The views are amazing.
You probably need to have a bit of fitness as it can get tough going up and down hills.
Go Gisenyi was a good price.
Thanks again Francis and Fred
Francis and Fred were awesome to deal with!
I booked pretty last minute but they were super flexible with me.
They picked me up from the hotel and then Fred took me off on the hike for the next few days.
He was brilliant.
I was going to do it alone and I'm so glad I didn't.
Instead of sticking to the road we took lots of shortcuts through plantations and villages that I imagine I wouldn't have experienced without him.
I'm so grateful for him helping me in some of the more difficult areas too - he was great.
I would recommend taking healthy snacks with you as there is nothing along the way.
Also someone suggested buying a bottle of blow bubbles with you as a fun way to interact with the kids.
This was the best thing I did.
It can be quite confronting having them constantly running up and asking for money, but playing with them and letting them blow bubbles was really fun.
Note: some of them had never seen that before so they were nervous at first but then they got into it.
Overall - a brilliant hike and great experience from GoGisenyi - so thankyou!
We did the half day coffee tour with Fred.
Such a pleasant way to spend the morning - a relaxed boat ride on the lake to the coffee plantation, followed by a very comprehensive tour on the entire coffee making process.
You get to pound and roast some beans and then enjoy a cup of what you've made.
We loved chatting with Fred about Rwanda.
Definitely worth doing!
Joined a tour group from Dubai for 2 days of the Congo Nile Trek and evening boat trip in Gisenyi and a final day tour of Kigali.
The trek was fairly easy, on dirt roads winding through villages and farms with beautiful views of the lake, with a final boat trip to take us to our hotel stop for the night.
Our guide explained village and farm life, and knew some welcome short cuts towards the end of the day.
Francis (and Freddy on the hike) were really helpful and friendly, had well organised everything and I'd recommend them (and Gsenyi) to friends and family.
Francis is incredible!
We had two days at Lake Kivu and he suggested tours that were right up our alley.
We did a coffee plantation tour and a one day hike along the Congo Nile Trail.
Francis is an incredibly reliable and informative guide and was super personable.
We were so lucky to have stumbled upon Go Gisenyi Tours and would highly recommend them anytime you are in the area!
Thank you Francis!
My husband and I did a 2 day hike on the Congo Nile Trail, starting in Gisenyi with an overnight at the very basic Cyimbiri guesthouse, right on Lake Kivu.
The hiking was fairly rigorous but fun.
There were beautiful views of hills and farms along the way, and we got a good glimpse of village life.
Children enjoyed calling to us and following us while we walked.
Our guide, Freddy, shared lots of interesting information about Rwandan life, and led us on several shortcuts through the farms.
Francis organized things well.
After our second day, 3-hour walk, we stopped for lunch at another guesthouse, then took a boat back across the lake to Gisenyi.
I would recommend Go Gisenyi Tours for an active adventure and view of village life in the Lake Kivu region.
Francis was very kind and reachable.
He rented us 2 bikes in good state, and was okay that we do our 2 days excursion without a guide -which he can provide if you prefer- He was also flexible about the return of the bikes.
Moreover it was a pretty cheap alternative compared to the other bigger companies on this small market.
Organization of the whole trip was very smooth and easy.
Francis provided all necessary informations, answered all open questions very quickly and arranged our extra wishes (waking pole, transport, adjustments to the hike).
Fred was an excellent guide with detailed knowledge about the area and the local life.
We had an amazing time (and also luck with the weather) tracking through beautiful sceneries and villages.
Anyone visiting the lake kivu region should not miss at least a part of the Congo Nile Track.
And for us GoGisenyi was the perfect company to explore this little paradise
We wanted to make a three days hike on the Congo Nile Trail and we contacted several tour operators.
Francis was very responsive and offered a three days tour which means that we needed a transport from some point of the trail to Kibuye (normally it is four days).
Furthermore, I wanted my big backpack to be transported from Gisenyi to Kibuye.
Since Francis was more flexible with the three days than other operators I decided to do it with Go Gisenyi.
Francis offered (as all tour operators) a reduction for my son who is a foreign resident in Rwanda.
Overall it was a good decision to do the hike with Go Gisenyi, because it was easy to organize with them and we had a good time with Fred who was our guide on the tour.
Fred speaks quite good English (which is not common in Rwanda), knows a lot about his and the neighbour countries, tells you many things about life in Rwanda etc.
Really recommendable!
But, nevertheless, there are some areas of improvement: 1) You have to pay cash or via a Rwanda bank account.
Since the tours are quite expensive, you need lot of cash which has to be organized (ATM cash withdrawal is often limited to the equivalent of 100 US $).
Credit card payment would be helpful.
2) Communication about food during the hike is unclear.
Since all other operators offer lunch, we assumed that we get lunch during the day.
But we learnt that it is not included, i.e.
we had to buy something on the way (which means amadasi in a kind of bakery; nothing else is available).
This should be clearly communicated, so you can take a lunchbox with you.
3) One day before our tour my son asked Francis whether they can also transport his backpack with the car which should us meet at some point on day 3.
The answer was yes, but the next day, just when we started, Francis informed me that the transport of the second backpack is 60 US$ (which corresponds exactly to the reduction he provided to my son being a foreign resident).
I really was not happy, but what should I do just before the hike starting.....
Francis is great!
He took the time to listen what type of experience we wanted and recommended us a very nice trail from Gisenyi to Musasa, and the go up to Knomero and go back to Gisenyi by the main road crossing Gishwati Forest and very beautiful tea plantations.
He contacted all the guest houses and provided us the necessary tools to have a safetly trail.
The bikes are very good quality.
Ve were very lucky to find him.
Florencia and Noelle from Chile.
We booked a 4-day hiking on the Congo Nile trail only a day before start.
Francis and Fred were very kind and provided all essential informations before the start of our trek.
Hiking itself was a bit tiring (because of the sun), otherwise it was a great experience after all.
Fred told us all the neccesary (and un-neccesary ) informations about the local life, answered all our questions, etc.
Eventhough it was a bit tiring trek, at the end we were all happy to reach the Karongi.
The whole trek is not cheap, but experience is what it counts at the end and it is definitely worth it.
About Fred...he is a cool guy over there.
Curious about our country as we were about his.
Explained and organised everything (buying food and drink during the day where possible).
And yes, we thought it was a joke when he said we have to cross the river-but not over the bridge.
Incredible experience with GoGisenyi.
Francis was very communicative and responded very quickly to my questions before the ride.
Cesar my guide was amazing.
Very helpful, knowledgeable of the area, conversational, and genuinely cares about his work and making sure his clients have the best possible experience.
The Congo Nile trail is beautiful and just the right amount of challenging to make it rewarding.
October was a beautiful month there although I hear t can rain a lot during that time.
Rafiki came highly recommended to me by a friend who has traveled with Rafiki along the Congo Trail twice and Rafiki did not disappoint.
First, I was arriving at midnight in Kigali and Rafiki was able to provide transportation for me to get from Kigali to Gisenyi that night which was hugely accommodating.
Rafiki set up my accommodations at Discover Rwanda Beach hotel which was right on the lake and a perfect place to come back to each night.
Rafiki set up 2 days of activities - we biked the Congo Nile Trail on the first day and hiked through mountains, banana plantations and local villages the second day.
He was friendly and knowledgeable and I very much enjoyed spending time with him as I was solo traveling.
He's also a fairly good photographer!
And, he has a beautiful restaurant on the lake with delicious food and ambiance where we enjoyed dinner on our last evening.
I highly recommend booking a tour with Rafiki as he understands what travelers are looking for and is extremely accommodating and responsive as I was planning my visit from abroad.
If I ever return to Rwanda, I'll be sure to contact Rafiki again!
It was an amazing experience with my super guide Fred, 3 days from Kibuye to Gisenyi.
The views are just breathtaking, on the way many beautiful local villages and nice people !
The 2 nights were really nice with very good local food !
I highly recommend !
I booked a 3 day tour with Francis, and overall had a good experience.
Here my overall experience...
I was booking these activities last minute while in Rwanda, so I reached out and Francis and staff were very responsive, replying to my emails within a very short time.
And, along the route he was flexible when I wanted to change plans slightly due to weather and remaining daylight.
Francis is pretty new at tours overall, so he is learning what different tourists expect, so I think his services will improve with more experience.
In 3 days I was able to do a lot of things, but I think I should have taken more time to really make sure the details of what was planned were what I wanted, not what was assumed I wanted.
Overall the price was reasonable for all the activities in those 3 days.
Tea Factory Tour - Very informative and interesting to see how the tea comes in leaf form and finishes as bagged product.
Plus the factory smelled awesome.
Nyungwe Canopy Tour & Hike - The canopy tour was great, and we added on hiking on another trail to the end of the canopy hike for a total of about 3 hours of hiking.
Fortunately I got to see 3 types of monkeys on the hike even!
Lake Kivu Boat Ride - The original boat ride that was scheduled was a little short, but he was flexible when I asked to make it a little longer to see more of the lake and houses along it.
Inzu Lodge (Gisenyi) - This overnight stay was great.
Highly recommended.
I also requested a stop at the King Palace Museum, but was instead taken to the national heritage museum.
When I asked if we could go to the Kings Palace, he obliged and we went there just before closing time and got a last minute tour.
The negatives: Bike Tour of Gisenyi - This overall was very disappointing.
You are taken to the genocide memorial, a special needs school, and to the town beach.
Not recommended.
The most interesting part was visiting the busy Congo border (although I wish that the guards would have allowed pictures) and the only thing worth seeing separately in Gisenyi.
The second border crossing (less busy) wasn't very interesting either.
Habimana Gervais Gisakura Guest House (near Nyungwe) - Don't stay here.
See my review of this for details.
Driving - We got to and from Kigali in record time, but the driving at times was like being in a formula 1 race in the mountains.
Bring your motion sickness pills if needed.
Other Thoughts: Payment - Being outside the USA, I wasn't able to authorize a bank transfer for payment, so instead I had to withdraw enough cash out of ATMs over the course of a few days (due to per-day limits at each ATM).
I recommended he find a way to take paypal payments or other options in the future.
Meals - It wasn't clearly defined which meals were included or not included along the way.
I think breakfast was included, and I got a sandwich one day too.
Other than that I paid for meals separately.
At times I did sense some hesitation when the planned activities weren't aligned with my original request.
But, in the end I did end up going where I wanted so overall it was a successful journey to the South of Rwanda.
I had read lots of reviews about the Congo nile trail so i thought i would have a go at walking some of it in the limited time i had available.
My hostel phoned Go Gisenyi and 5 minutes later Gretian appeared at my hostel to talk through various options!
I chose to walk for 2 days, getting a boat back from Kinunu on the second day (but the plan was flexible if i wanted to stay there overnight).
The next day i met my brilliant guide Evariste.
He never rushed me, pointed out lots of interesting things, be it birds and plants, to community projects, and gave me a deeper insight into rwandan life.
He also carried my lunch, which was very tasty.
One of the highlights was meeting his family in one of the local villages.
I could not have asked for a better guide.
very friendly and easy to get on with.
Even with ATMs not working and a boat engine issue Go Gisenyi made sure my trip went smoothly.
I would whole heartedly recommend then.
We rented two bicycles from GoGisenyi Tours to go from Gisenyi to Kibuye in 3 days.
The daily rate for the bikes and the price for picking them up at Kibuye were a lot cheaper than the ones other companies had offered us.
The organizer Francis brought us the bikes (and included helmets) directly to our hotel in Gisenyi.
His English is excellent.
We took the 2 day MTB tour from Gisenyi to Kabuye along the Congo Nile Trail.
The trip was excellent.
Francis the owner of Go Gisenyi was superb and very attentive to our needs before during and after the trip.
The route was challenging even for experienced MTB riders with very little flat and very varied route surface which included grass, path and steep rocky terrain.
It is said that Rwanda is a country of 1000 hills - I felt I climbed at least half of them!
When booking Francis answered emails very quickly and was very flexible offering us the option of riding the 100K in 2 or 3 days as we wished.
The bikes were excellent quality, he allowed us to modify them (using our own pedals) and he was very punctual and was charming.
We needed to carry our own gear as the guides took food and water.
We set off with a guide called Fred who couldn't have been more helpful and a mechanic who was also happy to push up hills when needed.
On the second morning when we had breakfast he serviced and cleaned each bike to ensure they were in perfect order after a punishing day on the trail.
The lodge we stayed in was much better than we expected and the food excellent.
They even washed my cycling shorts overnight.
The terrain on Day 2 was different to day one (more rolling than steep).
At the end of day 2 a private boat was waiting for us and took us back to Gisenyi.
On our return Francis was there to meet us, dealt with all the bikes and drove us back to our hotel.
This was a superb trip but the route was harder than expected and needed a reasonable amount of fitness and off road technique.
My wife cycles regularly in the UK but not off road, she enjoyed the trip although found some parts very challenging.
Go Gisenyi is a new company and Francis is very keen to ensure that his standards are very high.
I would have no reservations in recommending this company to anyone.
I would recommend EVERYONE take a Go-Gisenyi tour.
We chose Francis & his tours because he was offering tours that were very unique and different to the other tour companies.
They are truly community based tours - Francis grew up in the area and runs his tours in a way that builds real relationships with the local people, where money spent goes directly back into the local economy, all the while connecting travelers with unique, real experiences.
We did the Congo Nile 4 day hike & The fisherman experience - both were INCREDIBLE.
Francis's brother, Freddy, was our guide for the Congo Nile and he was fantastic.
He guided us through beautiful fishing villages, mountain communities and was alway so gracious, informative, and did everything with a wonderful sense of humour.
We enjoyed every day with him.
The fisherman experience was probably the highlight of our trip.
The time we spent on the fishing boat was so much more than just a tour - we felt totally a part of the action, and it was one an absolutely incredible craft to witness up close.
Gisenyi is a magic place - everyone should pass through during their time in Rwanda, and give Francis a call.
I'm not ever a person who usually does tours - I usually prefer to travel solo and find my own way.
But there are some beautiful places & people that Francis can connect you with, that you would not find on your own.
He's a warm, wonderful person and we hope to be back in Gisenyi soon.
While most people who go to Rwanda confine their visit to Kigali and the gorillas in Volcanoes NP - there are other, additional places to explore and things to do.
The Congo - Nile trail along the shore of beautiful Lake Kivu is one.
If you are interested in hiking (or dirt biking) and rural African culture, there is no one better to go with than Go Gisenyi Tours.
They are knowledgeable, friendly, flexible and fun.
Bring you shoes, your toothbrush and maybe a bathing suit for a dip in Lake Kivu.
It's a beautiful experience.
Karibuni.
I couldn't be happier about my trip with Go Gisenyi.
I told Francis that I had only two days in Gisenyi and what kind of activities I would like to try.
He tailored a half day hike along the Congo-Nile trail, stand-up paddle boarding, and city walking tour for me at a very affordable price.
During these trips, my guide Fred told me many things about Rwanda and Gisenyi, what life is like, education, the president, local dishes, religion and more.
I feel like I've had a crash course on Rwanda while enjoying the beautiful scenery and meeting the friendly locals.
Thank you Go Gisenyi!
See you next time!
Fantastic two day cycle along the Congo Nile Trail with Francis.
I had limited time in Rwanda and wanted to fit in a two day cycle.
Francis was able to tailor the trip to my needs, including picking me up from Kigali very early in the morning.
The cycle was definitely the highlight of my trip.
Francis is highly trustworthy, professional and reliable.
In addition he is a great person to cycle with and will give you true insight into Rwanda.
I will be recommending Go Gisenyi Tours and Francis to anyone I know visiting Rwanda!!
Wonderful hiking days with very different welcoming guest houses.
Fred from Go Gisenyi Tours was a great guide.
What a beautiful experience.
We booked this trip last minute and contacted Francis, enthusiastic, young owner of 'Go Gisenyi Tours' only a couple of days prior to the start of our hike.
Francis was recommended by fellow travelers and rightly so: super easy to communicate with, very dedicated and accomodating and within two days we were hitting the trail.
We hiked from Gisenyi to Rubengera, a beautiful 4-day stretch of the CNT.
Our excellent tour guide was Fred, Francis' brother and we had a great time with him.
If you hike/bike the CNT yourself without a guide, you will mostly follow the dirt road (and the official trail).
This is easily doable since it is most of the time well marked (note: a couple of junctions are missing signs) but for hikers not very exciting.
We had decided to go with a guide since we prefer to take small local footpaths, like to have a translator so that we're able to communicate with people and learn about local industries and culture.
Fred proved of indispensable value: most of the time we followed local small walking trails and we visited a.o.
a local church, saw how charcoal was made, cassava roots grinded and fisher boats were sealed; and visited a coffee washing station and a little coffee plantation.
The scenery is breathtaking, accommodation more than adequate ((Kinunu guesthouse really nice) and food delicious (if you want snacks like nuts, bars or chocolate, you should buy them in Gisenyi since there is hardly anything available on the way).
The hike was absolutely delightful and our favorite part of our Rwanda trip: thank you Fred and Francis!
Lake Kivu is one of the Great African Lakes that lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
It is part of the Albertine Rift.
Lake Kivu provides its water to the great Ruzizi River that flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika.
It has a surface area of 2,700 sq.
km, with a maximum width of 48 km and a length of 89 km.
It is a lifeline of Gisenyi town.
On the Rwandese side, the lake forms many spectacular sandy beaches.
Rubavu Public Beach is one of the most famous ones among others.
some locals claim Lake Kivu now has bilharzia in it and we have to take Bilharzia pills before a dip into the lake.
Unfortunately it was foggy the day we've visited so we couldn't see very well all around the Lake but the atmosphere and the landscape were beautiful.
Experiencing boat ride in this great lake is indeed great.
Many islands, spectacular views, birding and fishing experiences are awesome
After going through reviews on boat trips in Kibuye, We decided to take our chances and engaged Claude.
We made our booking over the phone-where he also took the liberty to explain the different tours he offers.He actually gave us a discount!
He was punctual and took us to 3 main islands which are: Monkey, Napoleon and Peace.
He would explain the history behind each of the islands in detail.
He helped us to hike Napoleon Island and we managed to capture the beautiful views of Lake Kivu.
He also showed us around the beautiful town of Kibuye and went with us to different hotels for lunch and dinner.
I recommend Claude to anyone who will visit Kibuye.
He is very honest, professional and a very good communicator.
Here's his number: +250 789 085 982.
I went on a great, 3 hour, boat trip with Claude, would definitely recommend anyone (also solo, female travelers) to go on a boat trip with him!
+250789085982, Kibuye) He is very good at making the boat ride as pleasant as possible and thinks along with the planning or any restrictions you might have.
The volcanic islands you can visit are tiny but stunning, you can see many birds, but also monkeys.
Furthermore, there are some interesting social - historical stories about Lake Kivu that Claude can explain very well.
He is a well educated, friendly, happy, young man who has knowledge on geography, history and African languages.
I had a great time, and wish Claude the best for the future!
John is 27, a really nice local guy who takes you on a 3-4 hours boat trip.
We really enjoyed ourselves.
We even spent more time after the trip in the nearby beach bar to hear something about the ruandan culture.
His English is really good and he has a lot of information to give.
We can really recommend him!
And he had student pricing!
Phone number: 00250784666529 Prices around 30.000 RWF for all three islands, with sun protection
After reading the reviews here, we decided to hit Claude up on his phone.
It was easy to arrange a tour with him for the next day in the morning.
We did three islands (monkey island, Napoleon island and peace island).
Claude knew a lot about the lake, its history and the country in general.
The islands were so beautiful, we hiked to the top of Napoleon island where you enjoy a breathtaking view over the whole region, went swimming in the lake and even saw a monkey!
We thought it was reasonably priced and very well organised, he knows what he's doing.
I really recommend doing a lake Kivu tour if you're in the region and do it with Claude, he's a genuinely nice guy and very knowledgeable.
Here's his number: +250 789 085 982
Great morning boat ride to pass a couple of hours.
Go directly to the boat operators vs. booking through the hotel to save $150 on the rental.
We spent a gorgeous half day on Claude's boat going around the islands off the shore of Kibuye on Lake Kivu.
Claude was very knowledgeable about the lake's history, flora and fauna and took us to the top of an island hill with incredible views.
Claude could read our group's mood perfectly and adjusted his tour based on when we wanted to relax and take in the view or pepper him with questions.
Highly recommend!
Claude: +250789085982
Was there almost the whole day and I experienced the boat trip and it was so amazing and unforgettable it's a piece of heaven we visited the small beautiful islands: girls island, Bonaparte island, Mukundu island etc
It feels weird to say this was one of the highlights of my trip, but hopefully you understand what I mean.
I learned so much, experienced deep emotions and felt a connection to Rwanda's past and present.
The lake is breath taking, with great view.
Lots of islands, pathed with bats.
I recommend it for relaxation and great feel
From Kibuye (Karongi) you can take boat trips on Lake Kivu to nearby islands: Napoleon Island with its colony of fruit bats and Amahoro Island, which became popular locally for the sundowner bar set up on the island seasonally!
It's also possible to visit Kibuye's genocide memorial church, with brightly coloured stained-glass windows, in a quiet location on a hill above Lake Kivu.
Despite a tragic history, it's a place for peaceful contemplation.
A very nice experience visiting some of the many islands surrounding Kibuye, which have no secrets for Claude!
He will tell you everything about the country, its history, it's specialties, its customs, its industry,...
It seems recommended to leave early in order to see the monkeys.
If you bring bananas, hide them from the guide and driver!
Climb Napoleon's hat and watch the bats, take a relaxing bath on peace highland, observe local plantations, take a discrete look at Claire's socks,... Claude can also take you to Kibuye, having lunch in a local buffet, visiting the market,.. To reach him:+250 789 085 982
We wanted a boat tour of the lake from Kibuye to several of the islands.
Claude had been reviewed by a few people and I called him.
We set a time and he even cam, via motorbike, to our hotel to guide us to the boat.
He is extremely knowledgable and shared a lot of interesting history and facts.
He took us by several islands, and also three where we were able to walk/hike them.
We visited Monkey Island, Bat Island and Christmas Island.
From the top of Bat Island we saw a swimming sheep.
Quite extraordinary.
Claude is very reasonably priced and speaks English well.
I highly recommend him and it is a lovely way to spend half a day.
Claude's # +250 789 085 982
Visit Lake Kivu more time on my life and find very warm welcoming with amazing overview.
Last time hike through Congo Nile Trail and was one of the most beautiful experience in my life.
We spent two days in lake Kivu.
Firts days just relaxing and second one did a boat ride.
Saw bats, blue monkeys and swim cows.
Lake Kivu is an awesome place to relax and regroup yourself after some busy days.
It's a happy place.
Paradis Lodge is a great place with individual chalets.
Food in restaurant is good.
We also enjoyed the cultural dancers that entertained us during the evening.
I visited lake Kivu with a friend in February.
It was an incredibly tranquil spot.
We stayed on the waters edge in a charming hotel, Malahide, were the staff were friendly.
We went on a day long kayak trip and went to the hot springs, saw the fish farm and saw the famous fishing boats.
We had a very nice guide with us .
We were lucky that our guesthouse contacted Claude to take us on a beautiful boat ride around the islands of Lake Kivu.
The next day he took us on a little walking tour around the town of Kibuye.
It was interesting to see how the people lived and how he was sponsoring kids to get a proper education.
You can get hold of Claude on telephone number: +250 789 085 982
I loved being at Lake Kivu as it is the most beautiful lake I have seen.
Nestled in the mountains.
Great islands to visit.
Boating on the lake is calm and peaceful.
If you're looking for a place to get away from Kigali and enjoy some relative peace and quiet, I highly recommend spending a few days and nights near Lake Kivu.
You can stay in Gisenyi or Kabuye, at any number of guesthouses, hotels, and a few Airbnb options.
Best of all, you can enjoy a boat ride or a bit of kayaking on the lake--perfect for birders, especially.
We spent a wonderful afternoon boating around the lake, stopping to see monkeys, bats, gardens and also had a short walk to the top of the bat island for an excellent 365 degree view.
Our guide was a nice local man called Claude.
He not only quoted us a fair price (unlike many guides associated with hotels), he was prompt, polite and very knowledgeable, answering all of our questions.
It's a great activity to spend an afternoon and I would gladly recommend Claude.
You can contact him on the number below
I boat ride out to the islands of Lake Kivu is a must do if your in Kabuye.
We were able to feed the monkeys on one island, see the bats on another and check out amazing views across the lake.
We saw otters and eagles and visited a farming island which was interesting.
Around Kabuye you'll be approached by numerous boat captains who offer the same tour and various prices.
After meeting a few we found and used Claude.
He was great; he was very knowledgeable able the lake and animals, he was very friendly and made sure that we had a great time and he didn't try charge us a high price but offered a fair price right from the start.
Tge ambient was good and reception pretty quicker than the usual.it is a place to be when you want to get away from the troubles and worries of modern civilizations.
There is a small hot spring on one side of lake Kivu which is near Gisenyi, right across from many of the hotels along the lakeside.
It is very rudimentary, with cement bags stacked around the pools to make them deep enough.
The hot spring feeds both pools that have been created, one of the springs is extremely hot, the other is very hot still but bearable.
Locals go here, and they play music over loud speakers.
There are local people there who will give you a massage for cheap.
I recommend going in the morning or evening when the sun isn't beating down to make the experience better.
Upon reading the review and recommendation of previous reviewer Scullyster, I called his cell number and contacted Choban for a cruise of the lake.
Things were pretty much as described and on point as previous reviews.
I think one big reason to come to Kibuye is to take on such a boat cruise, otherwise there isn't much to do around town.
Choban was cordial and helpful as a boat captain.
I had quite an enjoyable time visiting the 2 islands, Neapolitan and Monkey.
I do want to point out though, that the fee I paid (and what he asked for), was not what the previous reviewer indicated.
He now charges 1500 RWF per hour, and when we returned he told me we had gone over the two hour mark and therefore I owed him a sum of 4000 RWF.
The fact is we were barely over two hours and not even quite at 2.5 but I didn't want to nickel and dime with him.
I was going to tip him that much anyway, so I just gave him what he asked and that's it.
Just wanted to point this out so other fellow travelers be aware.
Overall was a good experience.
Anybody traveling to Rwanda should definitely include Kibuye and surely a boat ride on Kivu Lake.
Having spent 3 nights around the lake, a boat ride was the only thing my fiancee and I would have regretted to not having done.
There are so many boat taxi , our captain was Bosco and he was really helpful and funny:)
When I arrived in Kibuye & was walking to my hotel, a young man named Choban approached me & told me to call him for a boat ride.
The next day I just happened to run into Choban again and decided to take the boat ride with him.
As a woman traveling alone, I was a bit nervous, but I'm so glad I took the trip with Choban.
His motor boat was outfitted with life vests.
It was covered to keep the sun off.
Even though the boat could have held at least 10-12 people, I was the only passenger.
For 19,000 francs (about $21), we were gone for about 2 hours.
First, we went to Monkey Island, where 4 monkeys live & where we took a short hike to the top of the hill on the island, while a monkey hiked with us.
Choban pointed out Cow Island, so named because of the infamous swimming cows, and Napoleon Island, so named because it resembles Napolean's hat.
Then, we boated to Peace Island, where we hiked around the perimeter & Choban photographed me with Napolean's hat in the background so that it appeared in the photo that the island hat was on my head.
As we boated on beautiful Lake Kivu, he pointed out, & told stories about, other islands, including the island in the distance belonging to Democratic Republic of Congo.
Choban's English is good & he was an informative & interesting guide & eager to take photos of me.
His phone # is 250787040518.
What a fun & memorable afternoon I had boating with Choban on beautiful Lake Kivu!
We went to Lake Kivu to stay overnight after our hike to see the Gorillas in Ruhengeri.
It was the best place to relax afterwards.
We had a boat tour with Shima of Ames Boat Tours whilst there and he was very knowledgeable about the lake and it's history.
It was interesting seeing the community work and live there.
The place is also very clean.
The road is nice and beautiful, tea plantations and ladies carrying any and everything on their heads.
The vast and beautiful lake is good for a swim or a boat ride.
You must eat with your fingers a tilapia, grilled and fresh from the lake.
Resorts are very reasonably priced and some are downright devine.
Streets are super clean and safe!
Beaches are also clean (we actually saw locals cleaning the beach one morning) and nice to take a walk on.
Depending on where you swim it's good to know if it's a good spot to leave you're stuff on the beach while you swim.
I've heard people warn us to not leave our things lying around on the public beach area.
We swam there however and had no problem as someone was watching our stuff for us.
Lots of nice activities to do on and around the lake.
It's a beautiful spot worth visiting!
There's plenty of things to do: kayaking, boat tours, lounging at the beach, etc.
And you can do it from Gisenyi, Kibuye, or Kamembe.
The lake is so big that at times it seems like a sea.
It is a dynamic sight because of small hills in and around it.
We travelled to Lake Kivu from Kigali in the morning and returned late afternoon.
We went there by local bus and back by private taxi.
The lake was a lovely surprise.
Our taxi driver advised us not to go to any of the hotels in the area, since these were too expensive according to him.
He took us to a local place, that was very cheap.
We bought fresh fish (tilapia) for our lunch from one of the women selling them on the premises.
While we took a leisurely boat ride, they cooked it for us.
It was very delicious, eaten while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Definitely a must visit if you're in Rwanda.
The lake is safe to swim in - we were at Kibuye and took boat trips out to the islands to see colonies of bats and then swim in the clear waters.
There are fishermen on the lake with interesting boats to look at and they are good to chat to.
Further north at Gisenyi there are kayaking places; none such at Kibuye sadly.
I went on a Day Trip of Lake Kivu on 06th January 2018 with a friend.
a great experience to have.
I was very very impressed.
It's large like a sea.
very calm water.
but i wear a life jacket.
We went on a day trip from Kigali (3hr car ride each way) organised by Satguru travel agency.
Time spent mainly at Serena Hotel beach.
Good day but there needs to be more clarity between the hotel/Satguru and clients as to what is involved.
Light breakfast turned out to be just a drink - there was confusion as to whether we should pay for use of the beach.
Average lake depth is almost 800ft.
with no visibility.
Depending on where you stay there is little to do other than a boat ride and looking at the lake.
No beach.
Very relaxing environment, good for a weekend away Boat ride to the nearby islands were great, which included a hike to the peak of them
Very pretty lake, with many islands and small fishing boats.
Many kingfishers and cormorants, plus some birds of prey.
Went to the bat island and saw loads of bats flying around overhead.
Also went to one of the inhabited islands and wandered around speaking to the locals, where we were invited to the local nursery, school and hospital.
Headed up to the Northern part of the lake which was also nice.
Nice to see and get relax We can get kivu from Kigali by 3 hrs road journey Road id good Boating as per our requirements we can use how ever we need.. 2 hrs for 25000 RWF we paid.
I stayed in Kibuye and took a half-day boat ride to 'chapeau de Napoleon' island.
The views are lovely and the temperature was perfect for a refreshing dip in the lake.
Very picturesque and peacefully quiet,
I am glad to see the beautiful fishing boat and see different kinds of fishing method.
There are small two hot-spring nearby, admission fee is needed.
One deaf woman stationed at the hotspring will offer you massage with the mud.
The fisherman village are charming and beautiful, worth to spend a day here.
A 4 hour road trip from Kigali took me to Rubavu (previously known as Gisenyi).
One could see Goma (DRC) from Rubavu and Bukavo (DRC) from Cyangugu on the far southern part of the Lake.
I prefer Rubavo/Gisenyi.
The lake is very serene, boat rides and swimming is done here.
I enjoyed the ambiance of Inzozi Beach hotel which was nicely built.
I went to both Gisenyi and Kibuye to spend a weekend on Lake Kivu.
If you only have time for one, go to Gisenyi - there's more to do there.
I spent a day at Lake Kivu in November 2015 and had a wonderful time.
The lake is huge.
I especially enjoyed the small, sardine like fish that seemed to be a specialty of the restaurant by the Lake side.
This place is perfect, quiet, peaceful, and so, so beautiful.
Beach areas, restaurants (and hotels if you feel like staying, boat rides, views of the Congo.
Definitely worth going to.
A tranquil area where you can have lunch and enjoy the views of the lake and surrounding hills.
There aren't many things to do but worth a visit if you have time on your hand.
We visited Lake Kivu from Gysenyi (Rwanda) side.
You can find public and private beaches.
During the week, on the public beach there are not many people taking a bath, so you can enjoy it like a private one.
You can have a boat trip on the lake from the hulk.
Serena beach is very nice, you can enjoy there a glass of fresh drink on the terrace of the hotel.
Here you can rent surfing equipment and kayak/canoe.
Definitely recommended for those who want a relaxing experience in Rwanda.
We drove the full length of lake Kivu - the road is currently under construction and is impassible wthout a 4x4 as there are large pools of water.
It was definitely worth a look and amazingly large.
Lake Kivu is probably the safest lake in Africa.
With crystal clear, deep blue waters and no hippos or crocs, you can swim and explore, discover and now you can also journey in modern sea kayaks along its verdant shores.
And sea kayaking has to be the best way to see Lake Kivu!
it is an awesome place to visit, you can swim in the lake and have a boat ride within the lake it good for a family visit where children can enjoy the small beach and warm water
We went there as a couple for a few days (but also great place to stay as a family).
We stayed in the beautifully decorated African Bungalows at the Waterfront Resort at Lake Kivu.
The staff is very friendly and helpful.
I would definitely recommend this place!
It is very relaxing and inspiring!
this place is on the border of D R Congo & Rwanda.
around 4 hour journey from Kigali, went there just to experience the countryside of Rwanda.
this fresh water lake is huge and like a sea
Gorgeous lake and wonderful experience.One really cannot believe that Gisenyi is just across the border from Goma.
Recommend visiting Paradis Malahide, a wonderful spot on the water with great food.
Rwanda is one of the cleanest countries in Africa.
It is very safe too.
You can walk at the beach and no one bothers you.
Very relaxing.
There is not a lot of variety for food but fish is fresh and made delicious.
There are a lot of ways to enjoy Lake Kivu, we mainly experienced it by hiking the Congo Nile Trail along the lake from Gisenyi/Rubavu to Kibuye, but before hiking the trail we also did a Traditional Night Fishing Experience in Rubona (outside Rubavu).
First of all, Night Fishing Experience was arranged through the RDB tourism office (i emailed a few weeks in advance, our guide for the experience (who was also our wonderful guide for the congo nile trail) came to Paradis Malahide where we were staying and then we walked just down the street to where the boats dock.
The night fishing experience, I will way, was not a good one, but there are aspects of it that are really cool and with a little knowledge, you could have a good experience, for sure.
We did come away with an incredible story and a totally authentic experience.
The ride out on the lake (the first Hour, i'd say) are great.
If you could hire the fisherman to just take you out on the lake and then return you to sure without the actual fishing part, that might be ideal.
The two boats on the outside of the center boat have men rowing in unison by whistling and singing to keep in sync.
It is amazing how strong and hardworking these guys are!
They have some fun with it as well, throwing up oars occasionally.
Once they get out on the lake, they put the nets out and extend the boats to spread the nets as it gets dark.
Then they light the gas lanterns to attract the fish to the nets.
Gas lanterns pump out black smoke that you cannot get away from because you are on a boat.
If you are at all sensitive to breathing massive amounts of smoke, you will start to feel a bit ill.
If you are female, be aware that you will be the only female on board and they will not have though about what to do when you need to use the restroom.
Prepare to use the plastic contain used to bale the water from the boat while the men turn their backs and move to the other end of the boat.
It will get chilly at night, so take warm clothing and waterproof jackets and rain pants in case a storm blows in, as happened to us.
The waves get a bit choppy if that happens, so be prepared that you may get seasick, which has never happened to me before, but in combination with the smoke fumes, both of us became quite ill. Our wonderful guide tried to hold a piece of plastic over us the whole time and did all he could to keep our experience on the pleasant side, but soon I was vomiting into the same container I had just used to urinate in!
We were out on the boats from at 5:30pm to 12:30am, even though we were told we'd be back around 10pm....but the fish weren't coming to the nets because of the storm, so we had to stay out later.
It was a grueling night, but the fishermen do this EVERY night no matter the weather.
They work SO hard.
After they took up the nets and got a measly amount of fish because of the storm, they rowed us back to Paradis Malahide.
We tipped our guide and fisherman (it wasn't anyone's fault our experience wasn't good.
they don't control the weather or our sea sickness and they are just trying to make a living).
If you want to have some experience with traditional night fishing, here are some tips: See if they will just take you out on the water and bring you back before they do their fishing for the night.
OR, just stay at Paradis Malahide or one of the other nearby hotels and walk down to where the boats take off and watch them leave.
The boys of the night fishermen all come see their dads off each night, until they grow old enough to join the ranks of the fishermen.
If you really want to go out for the night fishing experience, perhaps bring a mask so you don't have to inhale the fumes, and check the weather to see if there is a storm brewing.
Also, eat dinner before you go because there won't be anything for you to eat while you are out there.
As far as shoes go, you need rain boots, not waterproof hiking boots.
Maybe pick some up in Gisenyi beforehand and then donate them to the fisherman afterwards if you don't want to keep them.
Your feet will be in 6+ inches of water at times in the boat.
Be prepared that no accommodations/changes are going to be made just because there is a tourist along with them.
It will be an authentic experience, for certain.
They are kind and when we saw them the next day at the market/boat dock they shook our hands and were very friendly.
We watched them go out the next night, but we were very glad to this time be on land!
An excellent place to relax after a Gorilla trck, Serena is most expensive but is on the lake with its own beach and food is excellent.
We travelled with a driver and 4x4 from Bizidanny in Kigaki, very helpful and informative
felt lost in nature when I sat on sand near lake, beautiful so see such scenary, seems endless water and on one side you can see a number of mountains covered with mist even on a sunny day.
Best time to go there is winter/rainy season.
I went a bit late which was start of their summers Best way is to have a 4 X 4 else if like cheap option u can choose Bug services, which are very safe and reliable.
Also visit DRC border which is nearby from Serena hotel.
I forgot to tell earlier that I spend most of my day in serena private beach, which can be used by peoples who visit serena for lunch/drinks.
If you have time you can also plan the island visit in middle of lake.
Overall it was awesome.
Booked a two day gorilla trek in Bwindi from Kigali with Grace, who was super helpful in helping me understand options.
We had a terrific driver, Abdulah, who made the whole process super smooth, from the border crossing, to helping us find a gorilla family we could get to quickly (so we could get back to Kigali for our flight that evening), and even was able to find a different loge we could shower at after our gorilla trek (to help us get back on time).
The lodge we stayed the night at had beautiful views of surrounding area.
Overall, would use this company again for future tours in the area!
My wife and I had organised a 10 day tour in Rwanda, to fully explore this beautiful country.
The organisation helped us managing all to our needs.
Upon arrival, our guide Elisa travelled with us for 10 days, and briefed us about all necessary information needed, as well as about the Rwandees and Ugandan daily life and culture.
We had multiple highlights during our trip, the Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking, Akagera National park, the colourful people and scenery, and Lake Kivu, just to name a few.
I would highly recommend this organisation to anyone!
We did gorilla trekking and chimp trekking we didn't have much time so bonita and grace sorted what we need and liased with us on budget, we went with mid range accommodation which worked well, I'm coeliac and managed to stay well most of the way round with Gluten free options available with the places being small they were able to cater for my needs.
The organisation worked well one accommodation changed without notice but that didn't really bother us, our guide was ok not very talkative but did the driving and got us places safe and found us toilets etc when we needed them.
He was more of a driver rather than getting to know us ect.
Rwanda Tours did the job in a good budget for us
This group was great value for money.
Communicative, clear, and thoughtful.
Some small hiccups with the transportation, but they proactively thought of a solution.
In a country (i.e., Rwanda) that has a lot of expensive tour operators, they were just right in terms of cost and value.
Would use it again.
Our booking started in August 2019, to do our trip in April 2020 which due to COVID, got cancelled.
I had already paid a deposit, so Explore Rwanda Tours kept that until we were able to make our trip.
Over the next 2.5 years I was in contact with Bonita and Grace so when we were able to book again, it was done quickly.
They chose a lovely lodge for us to stay in in Bwindi - Buhoma Haven Lodge.
The staff were very friendly and the food was delicious.
On the day of our gorilla trek we were up early to get to the right part of Bwindi National Park.
Once there we met our guide and started trekking.
It didn't take long to find the Mukiza gorilla family who we then spent the next hour with.
It was both amazing and surreal to be so close.
It has been my husband's dream for many years, so he was in his element.
Our driver Elisa who we spent 3 days with, was great.
He was friendly, great to talk to, he stopped whenever we wanted to take photos of the scenery and he did some fantastic driving where it was very tricky in places!
I would highly recommend Explore Rwanda Tours - the booking process was easy, price was great, lovely lodge, nice driver and most importantly, we got to see gorillas!
Thanks so much!
In connection with my visit to Rwanda for work, I also booked a 2-days game-drive trip to Akagera National Park in November 2022.
3 Friends of mine spontaneously decided to join me on my first day, which was really last minute also for Sandra, my contact at Explore Rwanda Tours.
Everything was no problem at all though and the 2 Vincents (our very nice drivers) met us at our hotel.
A perfect 2 days for me for sure and I can highly recommend Explore Rwanda Tours to anyone visiting this beautiful country.
All the questions I had before arriving in Rwanda were professionally addressed and nothing was left to coincidence.
The Vincents were very kind, professional and very knowledgeable too so we learned a lot about the country, its people, flora and fauna from them as well.
I hope to be back soon again and will for sure be in touch with them for my next trip.
For anyone trying to organize a trip in this country, at Explore Rwanda Tours you will be in good hands.
We had an wonderful 4 day visit to Akagera, tailored to our requirements.
Our driver/guide was knowledgable, friendly, and took care of us throughout the trip.
We were slightly concerned that the company is based in Uganda, but everything went smoothly.
We stayed in the lodge, which was very comfortable, with friendly and helpful staff.
Explore Rwanda are efficient, helpful, and provided us an excellent service.
We contacted Grace to tailor an itinerary for our trip to Rwanda.
She sent us a proposal with different altenatives budget-wise.
She was quick to make the adjustments we required and followed up with us during our trip.
Elisa our driver was the best.
He hired local guides who would help us with our bird watching even if this was not the topic of the outing.
We had a great time in the national parks (Akagera, Nyungwe and Volcanoes).
He was on time and was always there when the activities ended.
This ws a trip to remember in a great country, thanks to the people of Explore Rwanda Tours.
Did a wonderful safari through Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania with this tour company.
They were responsive to all my questions beforehand and were able to tweak and change the itinerary per request to suit what we needed.
Our drivers/tour guides were absolutely lovely and very knowledgeable.
We saw so many beautiful animals everywhere, The people at the tour company checked in on us every single day while we were on safari to see if everything was going well.
High recommend this company!
As a wildlife enthusiast who runs a wildlife travel company, I tried Explore Rwanda as our travel partners for the first time.
They organised our Gorilla, Golden Monkey and Chimpanzee treks across Volcanoes NP and Nyungwe, as well as stay in Kigali and transport through the trip.
The entire experience of watching these beautiful creatures in their habitat was surreal.
Grace deserves a special mention for being patient and available for all the changes in itinerary before the trip as well problem solving during.
Our driver, Vincent, was clearly an expert for this route and he drove us safely, while sharing a number of interesting tidbits about Rwanda, Uganda, DRC, the forests, the people, culture, et all.
Our car broke down once, but a replacement arrived within a half hour, and we were again on our way.
Overall, service quality wise, this was a splendid experience!
This safari was amazing!
We saw lot of animals in the park.
The safari was very well organised by sandra ( she send us all informations that we need.
And we had a exceptionnel driver (Vincent )so Nice and helpful And excellent guide too .
We will recommanded 100%
It was certainly one of the most incredible experiences I have had in my life.
The whole day was perfectly organized and my guide was the best travel companion I could wish for
It was an amazing adventure, the most memorable moment in my life ever!.
The cost are good in comparison to the another tourists agencies.
The meals are good, the accommodation are really nice, bigs, cleans, safe.
The road to arrive there (From Entebee to Bwindi National Natural Park) has some points that they are under construction and it takes longer (8 hours) to arrive to the park, but it was worth it because to see so close to you gorillas (and for sure the silverback male) it's a wonderful experience.
The agency is so good (Explore Ruanda Tour) the agent Grace is so kind, and the guide Elisa is always ready to serve people in order the tourists can be comfortable.
Thanks!
Very professional tour operator, which inquires about its clients' satisfaction during the whole stay.
Many thanks Grace.
The lodges in the mountain/by the lake and the gorilla safari were an awesome experience.
Special thanks to our guide, Haruna, very efficient and kind.
He made our stay unforgettable!
We visited Rwanda on a 9 day tour.
Our driver/guide Fiston is absolutely the best.
We went to Volcanoes Natl.park trekked the gorillas and the golden monkeys .
The gorillas were the absolute highlight!
Next off to Nyungwe NatlPark to trek the chimpanzee and tea plantation .
So much fun.
Lastly to Akagera Natl.Park.
We were lucky enough to get to see the big 5 all in one day plus a lot of other animals.
We stayed in the mid range hotels and were very happy.
Everything with food and lodging was fantastic!.
We were very happy with the way it was set up, but not quite informed of how long it would take to get from place to place.
Probably should have added one or two more days for traveling.
Fiston was so helpful and knowledgeable.
I would recommend this to anyone!
David is an absolutely fantastic guide, and is incredibly knowledgeable about not only the chimpanzees, but also the surrounding land and people.
We had a blast tracking the chimpanzees through the forest, and were able to see them.
It was a truly magical day.
We also had an amazing time with our drive, Habat!
He had the most positive attitude and was so awesome to spend time with!
Highly recommend this company!
My fiance and I had the pleasure of doing the Nyungwe chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk.
It was amazing and Vincent was a great safe driver for us.
My highlight was the Inyambo cows
Our entire team loved spending time with Explore Rwanda Tours team, and truly a big cheer and thank you to Habat and Bosco for being incredibly knowledgeable, having the best vibes and energy EVER, getting us everywhere we needed to safely and for their flexibility with coordinating two groups simultaneously.
We loved our tour and treks with the chimpanzees, the canopy walk and the waterfall hikes.
An unforgettable experience!!!
Eddie, our tour guide, was a great guide and the tour was great.
Everything was very well organised.
Very happy
My partner and I had an amazing three-day trip to Akagera National Park with the most perfect guide and driver Aboubakar, or Abu in short.
Abu has made this trip to be the most joyful, precious, and unforgettable experience for us.
Abu is professional, skilled, funny, kind, full of information, attentive, and always on time - making him the most perfect, competent, and knowledgeable guide there is.
We would recommend him to anyone, as we are sure he will make everyone's experience as good as ours.
The trip included a full-day game drive, a boat cruise, and a hike outside the borders of the park.
Abu went out of his way to make sure we saw as many animals as possible, as close as possible - while of course always keeping everyone's safety in mind.
We have seen elephants, a lion, leopards, water buffaloes, giraffes, lots of zebras, impalas, baboons, hippos, crocodiles - and many more!
We are still reminiscing all these moments with great joy and will continue to do so.
Abu, our dear friend, thank you for everything and we hope to meet again!
If we had to pick one downside; we would switch up the 'walk the line'-hike for something else like another game drive.
We expected a walk where we could still spot some animals from outside of the park - but in reality it is more of an intense climb for 2,5 hours.
Still nice views and a good workout - but not exactly what we expected.
Thank you Sandra for always being easy to reach for questions about our trip and making sure everything was planned perfectly.
We had a great 2 full days in Akagera National Park which included a hike just outside the park, a lot of game driving, and a boat cruise.
There was a minor hiccup in the planned tour which required a little re-working but it was all handled well and worked out perfectly in the end.
Our first day consisted of the hike and a game drive which covered both the bushier southern end of the park and the more open grasslands at the north.
We stopped at the Akagera Game Lodge for lunch which was awesome.
They had a nice menu and our lunches were super delish.
We stayed at the Karenge Bush Camp that night which was a total gem!
It was much more than what we expected from a budget camp.
We had more game driving to do the next day as we worked our way back down to Lake Ihema for an afternoon cruise.
The cruise was excellent as it allowed us to view an impressive amount of bird life and also to watch some mammals from the water.
Grace was our main contact and was very friendly, helpful, and quick to respond.
Our tour guide, Bosco, was excellent.
He was very knowledgeable, funny, and friendly and was very familiar with the park.
He did his best to give us an awesome experience with tons of wildlife viewing and we had a lot of fun with him too.
Highly recommended!!!
Had a wonderful time with Akagera National Park Safaris!
They were well organized - even though there was a booking problem for accommodation, they handled it quickly and even managed to give us an incredible upgrade, that blew our minds!
The team is very adaptable: They were able to pick us up from our desired location, our driver was very kind and the tours we enjoyed on our safari were incredible and well planned.
All included into a affordable price.
Easy communication through WhatsApp.
Would definitely recommend!
We've just had two amazing weeks in beautiful Rwanda.
All thanks to Explore Rwanda Tours.
It was the first time we used a local company to organize our vacation and we do not regret it.
Our excellent and knowledgeable driver, Vincent, drove us safely and comfortable to Uyungwe, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes and Akagera no matter quality of roads or density of traffic.
He also helped us with everything we wished, from finding Coke Zero in Musanze to arrange, on a very short notice, a change to the itinerary.
We also have to mention Grace at the office who in front of our journey patiently set up and tweaked our itinerary every time we changed our minds or just wanted to add stuff.
The result was a journey packed with fantastic activities and experiences, just like we wanted.
She also kept checking on us during the trip making us feeling apriciated.
We recently returned from a three-day, gorilla-trekking excursion (Kahuzi-Biega National Park) through Rwanda and into the DRC that was organized by Explore Rwanda Tours.
We have nothing but absolutely positive comments to say about this company.
Not only was the price were were quoted both fair and affordable, but the main reason we chose to go with them is due to the excellent communication we received.
Our initial communication was with Bonita, who worked quickly to put together an itinerary and quote for us, as well as assist us in having all of the information necessary for the trip.
As our arrival date approached, all of our communication was done through Grace.
We have visited over 70 countries and booked tours with countless tour companies, and we can honestly say that Grace is probably the best agent we have ever dealt with.
She communicated with us every step of the way, checking in on us as we arrived at each place in our itinerary, then calling us after our gorilla trek to ask how everything went.
We felt like we always knew what was going on, which is something that most tour companies lack.
Thanks to Grace, we also felt safe and secure every step of the way.
As for the gorilla trek experience, it was AMAZING!
One of the top adventures we have ever been on and a must for every traveler.
We arrived in Kigali, then drove several hours to Bukavu, DRC, where we stayed one night.
Once we arrived, the guides at Kahuzi-Biega knew how to make us feel welcome and safe.
One of the guides took my wife's phone to get the close-up shots that have made our fellow travelers jealous when we show them the photos.
After the excursion, we drove across the border to stay in Rwanda then drove back to Kigali the next day.
Originally, we were supposed to stay two nights in Bukavu, but we liked having our second night in a more quiet, resort-type location and would recommend the same for others.
Our drivers and guides who helped us get to and from the gorilla trek were also amazing!
They were easy to talk to while also giving us time to rest along the way.
We would absolutely book with this company again, and we will encourage all of our traveling friends to do the same.
I want to tell you about a wonderful trip that I made in this month of July, and that I use the services of the company EXPLORE RWANDA TOURS.
To use the services of this company to make this trip, help me to meet and live an unforgettable experience with the Gorillas.
I have done other Safaris, but this company and its staff like Bonita, and Grace were always up to date step by step from the planning, arrival and each day of the safari, attending every moment to all the details to achieve what it was, and it was great .
I also want to especially acknowledge Elisa, who was much more than a guide, since he asked us things simply to know us more and to please us, so that every day we could see all the beauty and attractiveness of both the Gorillas and the Safaris that he himself took us.
Doing a Safari is not difficult, but doing a Safari that meets expectations and even more, is not easy and this can only be achieved with professionalism, dedication and this is what this great team of EXPLORE RWANDA TOURS did, I do not know simply to recommend their services widely but to thank Bonita, Grace so much and especially Elisa, that is a very nice person and make possible to do this safari which I will remember all my life.
This is a great company to use for travel in Rwanda and Uganda.
The booking process was handled extremely efficiently.
Grace is an amazing person who took care of the minutest of details and kept track of me when I was on the road to make sure I was safe and comfortable.
The drivers/guides on both my trips (Vincent and Lorand) were excellent, friendly, and enthusiastic.
The trips (4 days and 2 days) were well organized, the guides were flexible, obliging, and fun people to have on your tour.
Thanks much for making it such a great trip!
We are a Swedish couple who went for a five nights-six days safari with Expore Rwanda Tours the first week of July.
We had a great experience and the company certainly lived up to their promises.
Our driver Vincent was-apart from being a very nice person-very flexible and shared some good information about Rwanda.
The lodging was very good and we had overall wonderful experiences.
Foremost of course the close encounter with the mountain gorillas and also the less famous Golden Monkeys.
We also spend a very interesting day at Lake Kivu and dipped our feet in the hot springs there.
Also got to see a lot of the colorful and very beautiful countryside of Rwanda.
We highly recommend Expolre Rwanda Tours
We had a great time on this trip, it was well organized, the driver arrived punctually, and all formalities were taken care of very efficiently.
Our guide went out of his way to make sure we saw the maximum number of animals, and was very chatty and personable, as was the driver.
Sandra at Explore Rwanda was very friendly and very efficient, keeping in touch at all times to check everything was OK. We were very happy with our experience and I would warmly recommend.
Really words won't be enough to express the true feelings, we came as strangers but we are back as a family and friends for a life.
My experience with Rwanda explore tour was above the expectations starting from the sweetest ever Ms. Grace who was patient with me to finalize my itinerary till our coolest guide Mr. Habat who we enjoyed 7 days trip with as he made our days awesome and unforgettable.
Thank you from the heart guys and it won't be the last.
We had a great trip with the tour company, we did a 3 day tour in Kigali and to the Volcanoes National Park to do a gorilla trek.
The company was very responsive in organising and booking the trip, responding quickly to queries.
Vincent, our tour guide, was also good at communicating and picked us up on time and took us on a tour of Kigali.
We would have liked to have had a bit more information from the guide on Rwanda and the sights we saw, our communication was a bit difficult at times.
But he was a very safe driver and took us to Volcanoes National Park without any issues.
The lodge we stayed in was nice and up to the expectations and the planning on the day of the gorilla trek went smoothly.
It would have been helpful to get some more information on the options for the gorilla trek before the day, as we were asked to choose but did not have any knowledge of the difference in the routes.
The gorilla trekking experience itself was amazing and the opportunity of a lifetime.
We ended up not staying 2 nights in Volcanoes National Park as it was raining and there was nothing to do so we went back to Kigali one night early, we appreciated the flexibility of Vincent in the change of plans.
My girlfriend and I went on our first safari with Explore Rwanda Tours.
Our guide was Bosco who was an amazing tour guide, if you are lucky enough to get him then you are guaranteed a brilliant time.
He was highly knowledgeable, extremely helpful, and just an overall great guy.
The tour was well organized and we were constantly looked after.
I would highly recommend using this company, we found it a brilliant experience that I would definitely do again.
Thank you Bosco and Explore Rwanda Tours!
I highly recommend our guide Vincent!
Explore rwanda we're very raspberries and put together an amazing tour.
Vincent was our personal guide taking us around and a great joy to have with us!
We asked for a full itinerary and really got fond of value for our dollars spent!
We saw elephants, crocodiles rhino's, hippos and mountain gorilla's in 2 days!
The cultural experiences ended up being a real highlight.
I was nervous going in , but found that the Rwandans were eager to share and brought beauty and energy to the experience!
The accommodations were far beyond my expectations, I found it difficult to find good options online so was very very happy with the local knowledge that came with our tour!
I have travelled extensively, and this trip rates as one of the best trips of my life.
From the start of the process, which included my interactions booking the trip with Bonita, to the very end of the trip where my extraordinary driver and my guide, Elisa, delivrered me safely to my guest house, things ran seemlessly and as promised.
I felt cared for and I felt as is all of the staff - from the trackers , to the park guide, to the porters, to the hotel staff, were invested in provding me with an unforgettalbe experience.
The park staff had a well thought out process for separating the trekkers by age and by ability.
My group was fortunate in that our trekkers located a family of gorillas.
Even if that had not been the case, the travel through the mountainous villages, farmland, and towns was an adventure unto itself and would have been worth making this journey to Uganda.
I felt as is I really saw the country.
As beautiful as this country is, in the end, it is the people that make the ultimate difference in how a journey lives in your memory.
To all of the staff that I encountered with Explore Rwanda Tours, but most especially to Bonita and to Elisa, you will certainly live in my memory forever.
Thank you for everything that you did to make this trip extraordinary.
I won't forget you.
Explore Rwanda Tours made our trip to Africa incredible.
We experienced challenge after challenge to get this trip scheduled due to COVID-19 and the tour company was incredibly accommodating.
We had to reschedule everything three times and each time, they were gracious and friendly.
We had a very smooth entrance into the country with knowledgeable and nice guides at every step.
Our primary guide (Eddie) was everything you could want in a guide through totally foreign crazy city streets, vast savannah, and jungles.
He made great suggestions and expertly carted us to all sorts of urban and animal adventures.
We spent a day with chimpanzees and other creatures of the jungle.
We always felt safe and the hiking was just the right amount of intensity.
Our day trip to spend time with gorillas as absolutely breath-taking.
It really was an adventure of a lifetime.
Once again, the guides were friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable and after a bit of rigorous hiking, we were able to spend two hours observing a family of gorillas.
So cool!
Our entire trip lasted 10 day (two of which were travel).
We stayed in unique boutique-y lodges along the way and the service and food were really impressive and unique.
I think we over-prepared a bit after having read all sorts of reviews and advice so we had a good idea of what to expect and what to pack.
I was really grateful for waterproof hiking boots.
There were far fewer mosquitos than I expected and most of the places we stayed had netting around the beds so this wasn't an issue.
I was impressed with all of the delicious produce essentially lining every street (bananas, pineapple, jackfruit, tomatoes, mangos.
I do like nice wine and it took me a while to figure out that the type of wine I like generally comes from South Africa so I needed to specify this when ordering.
My husband says that to date, this is the best trip he has every experienced.
We were enchanted with the animals, landscape, and culture and our guide, along with this tour company, made it all possible.
Explore Rwanda Tours made my stay in Rwanda truly amazing.
They honour of their way to ensure you have an unforgettable experience in an unforgettable country.
Special thanks to Bonita for arranging everything and certainly to Habat for being the best driver and guide I've had
Me and my husband had an organized trip to Rwanda.
Everything was great.
What made the trip excellent having guide like HABAT, if I can give him more than 5 stars I will do !
I did the three-day Dian Fossey Camp/Gorilla Trek, with Bosco as my ERT Guide.
First, Bosco was phenomenal, personable, knowledgable, pleasant, funny and very kind, consider yourself blessed if you get Bosco, and I hope the others are as wonderful.
There were some hiccups with my PCR test (you must have a PCR to see the gorillas) but that was because mine was 4 days old by the time I went on the gorilla trek, but it worked to my advantage (just make sure you are tested within three days, and if not, you can get tested on site if you're doing multiple days and gorillas are NOT your first day trek ($50)).
I chose the budget option and stayed at Muhabura Hotel, which isn't fancy but I absolutely loved.
Great breakfast and dinner and bar and Theo was fantastic - also, it's where Dian Fossey stayed whenever she was staying in the town and you can still stay in her room (#12).
Bosco was timely, knowledgeable, got me where I needed to be exactly when I needed to be there.
The hikes were amazing, with the gorilla trek being a dream come true.
I was within ten feet of the silverback even closer to the family, including a 6-month old, and at the end two of the family passed within two feet of me.
Utterly amazing, and the park guides and trackers were equally amazing.
With the $1500 permits, even the budget tours are pricy (and PLEASE tip your ERT guide, your trek guides, porters and others - it isn't much and is a large part of their income) but you're not going to find a more budget-friendly company, and the very second you see the gorillas you'll realize it's worth twice that much.
My partner and I have just finished an incredible two week tour of Rwanda with Explore Rwanda Tours.
We visited Kigali, Nungwe National Park for the rainforest and chimp trekking, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park for the gorillas and golden monkeys and finally Akagera National Park.
Firstly, Bonita was amazing at communicating with me when organising the trip.
She was quick to reply and happy to make amendments if we needed them.
Explore Rwanda was great value for money in comparison to other companies I approached.
All the way through the trip Bonita kept in touch to make sure everything was going well.
Secondly our guide Bosco was the best guide we could've asked for.
He made our trip really special.
He is knowledgable and passionate about his country.
He helped us organise our covid tests and we never had to worry about a thing.
He was always on time and has a kind manner.
Rwanda is a beautiful country with incredible wildlife.
It was so safe and clean, I would recommend visiting Rwanda now whilst there are still relatively few tourists.
If you do, be sure to go with Explore Rwanda and Bosco as your guide!
Bonita helped us organize a memorable trip to see the gorillas in Virunga.
The whole planning process went smoothly and they were very flexible even with our tight schedule.
The drivers, Habat and Moses, were also great and we felt safe the whole trip!
I had booked this trip some time in May.
We were going to Masai Mara and had decided to visit Rwanda Gorillas and Golden Monkey.
Working with Bonita of Explore Rwanda Tour was a pleasure.
We settled on three days trip to Volcanoes National Park to trek for Gorillas and Golden Monkey.
Vincent our driver picked us from Marriott and we were driven to 5 Volcanoes Hotel.
It's a nice property and we were lucky to be upgraded to their presidential suit.
Both days trekking was awesome.
Vincent was very helpful and knowledgeable.
Our trekking was well organized and we had great encounters with Gorillas and Golden Monkey.
I will definitely recommend them.
I just returned from my trip to Rwanda.
It was fantastic!
Traveling during corona times can be trying and tiresome.
Explore Rwanda made it easy.
Bosco picked me up at the designated hotel 24 hours after my quarantine and test results were in.
He took over any worries about the hotel reservations, covid retesting schedule and all activities with ease.
He switched around the program a little so I just had to retest once instead of twice.
That was great and saved me some money as well.
He was very knowledgeable about all the activities I had planned.
Traveling alone, it was just the two of us and we talked a lot.
It was so interesting hearing about Rwanda's history and the National parks' animals.
All activities went smooth and gave ample travel time to the next destination.
I felt like I was visiting with a friend.
Not only did I see an absolutely beautiful country but learned a lot about it as well.
I'll miss Rwanda - but I'll be visiting again.
Thank you Bosco and Bonita for all your planning and hard work.
Here is a picture of Bosco hard at work finding animals in Akagera National Park.
Above and Beyond: He had my camera since he is a better photographer than I am.
He got some great pictures for me!
I had arranged the Rwanda part of our trip (the other part being a safari in Tanzania) with Explore Rwanda Tours, communicating with Bonita all throughout the last year up to our departure.
She is a great communicator, always keeping me informed about what was going on in Rwanda, as to the COVID situation.
We left our deposit money with them last year, and so all we had to do was get her the rest of the money for this year's trip a few weeks ahead of time.
Bonita arranged the driver, the lodge that we stayed at up in Volcanoes Nat'l Park, the gorilla trek permit cost, the 2 treks--gorilla and golden monkey.
She was excellent in getting back to me quickly when I had questions, via email.
And while there in Rwanda, we talked by Whatsapp.
She would fill us in on the next activity and always asked how everything as going on the trip.
we totally relied on her to get us to a facility within 3 days of going to Tanzania for another PCR COVID test.
Luckily, there was a hospital on the way to the park and we dropped by to get our tests there.
Rwanda is very organized about COVID results--you put in your passport number and it takes you to your results pages, which is cumulative.
Our driver and guide was Vincent and he spent most of the next 4 days with us.
Good communicator, a sense of humor, always on time, up for doing odd things (like getting up and dancing at the Gorilla Guardians show with their dancers, along with my husband).
He also went out of his way the first day because one of our group was looking for Pepto-Bismol and another was looking for hearing aid batteries.
Vincent took us to 3 pharmacies in Kigali before we gave up on those items.
Both Vincent and Bonita went out of our way for us all.
Most amazing trip!!
we were 8 days in Uganda.. Haruna our driver and guide Plus Bonita, are the best to arrange a trip for you in east africa... 300% recomended!
was everything excellent, flexible and welcome.. this is by far the agency you have to take.. an always ask for Haruna as Guide and Bonita to arrange the trip!
Very nice experience.
Very well organized.
Champanzee was really worth the trek !
Vincent is the best driver of Rwanda !
If you are not sure whose services to use while in Rwanda, I highly recommend Explore Rwanda Tours.
Before my trip, I contacted several agencies, but Explore Rwanda Tours' prompt and polite answer(s) assured me that I would have a great and safe trip.
And I did!
They were flexible with my trip days and my requests.
First, I booked them for 3 days, but then I extended the trip to 6 days.
I kept adding more and more requests and they accommodated all.
Bonita replied within minutes!
Bosco - my driver and guide - was knowledgeable and flexible.
I appreciated that he recommended and never instructed.
He truly watched out for my interests.
Because of work, I needed internet connection, and Bosco provided a router in the car while we were driving from one location to the next.
As a solo female traveler, I felt safe under the care of Explore Rwanda Tours.
Excellent service!
I sent my the number of days I had to spend in Rwanda and they made a complete package.
Didn't have to think about anything, not even the Covid tests.
Rwanda is a very expensive country (mainly because of all the permits), but payment in terms wasn't a problem.
The accomodations are very good as well.
Couldn't do King's Palace because of the cerfew and the big animals were very shy (or too lazy to show up) in Akagera, but can't blame anyone for that.
Nice driver (Baptiste) and good care from Bonita who checks in regularly to ask if anything is okay.
I can only recommend this!
Fabulous 3 days in Rwanda.
I got supported all the way by Bonita.
she quickly answered my inquiry, provided me with various options, revised my travel plan and hotel selection.
Kabiyza the driver and guide was friendly and helping us getting the most from our short trip.
Seeing Gorilla in their natural habitat is just awesome.
I can only recommend this amazing experience.
I had the most amazing 5 day trip in Uganda organized by the extremely helpful and efficient Bonita, and guided by the wonderful man, Haruna.
As a solo female traveler, I was impressed by the quick response to all of my queries, and the extra effort both individuals took to ensure that my trip was well planned, comfortable, gave me a taste of the real Uganda and fun!
The choice of lodges were simply breathtaking and exceeded my expectations.
I highly recommend this company if you plan to explore Uganda.
Both individuals made my trip an experience I will never forget!
We went on a 2-day (overnight) trip to Nyungwe National Park, stopping at the King's Palace Museum, the Butare Museum and the Gisakura Tea Estate along the route there and back.
Overall, we enjoyed the experience, and got a full itinerary of activities, with logistical matters (e.g.
booking chimpanzee permits, entry fees, guides, meals, etc.
handled efficiently by Explore RwandaTours.
The process of providing the quote was expedient and Bonita was very communicative throughout.
The driver was professional and polite.
In terms of the itinerary, we had quite a number of activities packed into 2 days, with the majority being planned for the first day.
Overall, I'd recommend Explore RwandaTours for a smooth and stress-free planning experience.
In the future, we'd suggest the outings be equally spread over two days, as we fell short on time to fit them all in one day, and also since it turns out there's time to do so as long as the tour has a punctual start (unfortunately our pick up was a bit behind schedule on Day 1).
This would have allowed our museum visits to be more leisurely.
Would also recommend travelers make sure to do the Gisakura tea estate tour on a business day, so you can visit the factory, as we would have loved to see it and try some tea but it was closed for the holiday.
An excellent trip from end to end.
The tour itself was fully exhilarating and enjoyable.
Got to see as promised, Gorillas and family in their natural habitat.
The agent who organised everything made it all very easy and our driver was an absolute gentleman who looked after us very well.
Much better value than any other providers.
I would 100% recommend.
Thanks you very much Explore RwandaTours!
We Had the best time
My two friends and I visited Rwanda and it was quite an interesting trip...we had all the comfort we needed.
The hotel rooms had a conducive environment and perfect services.
We visited the national park and had a great time.
I would definitely recommend anyone.
Thanks to Bonita and Explore Rwanda Tours for arranging the details or our trip, and to the drivers and guide for their efforts.
I just finished a 5 day/4 night private Rwanda tour booked by Bonita from RwandaTours and operated by Nziza Safaris with Vincent as my guide.
What a truly spectacular experience-- one of the most memorable trips of my life.
Initially, we had planned a 6 day/5 night safari, but flight delays meant we had to shorten by a day.
This was no problem and they managed to accommodate everything by simply compressing the itinerary a bit.
We saw Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Baboons, and some of the most beautiful landscapes with fascinating people.
I cannot recommend Rwanda and RwandaTours enough.
They will be able to customize a great package for you and see all the highlights of Rwanda.
I can't wait to come back!
Travelling in COVID is certainly daunting, but I would highly recommend Rwanda for travel ASAP-- I have never felt safer from COVID.
I visited at the start of September in the midst of heightened COVID precautions.
Upon arrival in Rwanda, I quarantined at Des Milles Collines (a very nice hotel) for 24 hours and was tested for COVID in the hotel.
I also needed a test pre-arrival which I was able to get in the Frankfurt Airport.
The 24 hour quarantine was easy and seamless and they have a doctor come and test you in your room.
You also need a test before departure, but the guide can easily coordinate this.
Rwanda has handled COVID very well.
Their case numbers are quite low and they have done over half a million tests.
Pre-Covid, you may have needed to jostle for space in packed Gorilla treks of 8-10 people, my gorilla trek was only 3 people so there were plenty of opportunities for perfect photos and we were assigned a great group of gorillas.
I was alone with the guide for the golden monkeys trek instead of in a full group.
The Rwandan population is much more disciplined about wearing masks than Canada or the USA.
In the national parks, everyone must wear a mask to prevent spreading infection to gorillas and everyone must be tested and pass a temperature screen.
You don't need to worry about social distancing at accommodations as most are quite empty (in Volcanoes park at Le Bambou, I was the only guest in a 24 cabin lodge).
While certainly travel during COVID can be daunting, I believe now is the time to go!
Moreover, these communities need our tourism dollars to survive and the lack of tourists is hurting them.
Be safe and get tested before you visit and take good health insurance, but I would not hesitate to take the trip of a lifetime and visit Rwanda.
This is a special country and tourists will certainly come back in droves in due course.
However, I cannot think of a better time to experience it and see wildlife all alone while valuably supporting local communities and tourism who need our money more than ever.
A friend and I did a 6-day trip in Rwanda and we visited the Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu and the Nyungwe National Park.
Explore Rwanda Tours was one of 6-7 operators that sent me a quote for this trip.
We decided on this company because of the good communication we had with them, the good reviews on TA plus because of the price (only one operator was cheaper but I could not find any reviews about this operator).
We enjoyed that trip and also the fact that Bonita checked every day via Whatsapp if everything is okay.
When I visit Uganda and the DRC and the near future, I will definitely consider to book again via Explore Rwanda Tours.
My husband booked our Feb 2020 Three Night stay at the Kimbumba Tent Camp online, from our home in Kauai, Hawaii.
Bonita did a great job of answering all of his questions (he's an Engineer... so you can be sure there were many).
Erisa arrived (an hour early) with a freshly washed vehicle to pick us up at our hotel in Rwanda.
A very safe driver who shared valuable information with us along the way to the DRC Border crossing.
After our adventure in the Congo, Erisa delivered us to our hotel in Kabale, Uganda.
Tressor (we called him Treasure before we knew how to spell his name) was our Tour Guide.
Turns out that he truly is a Treasure.
Extremely professional and capable, he's a real can do kind of guy.
Someone we will be friends with forever!
David assisted with the driving, shopping, and luggage.
The Lodge is well designed with fire pits and a huge dining room serving Great food at every meal... but the best part was the luxury of finding HOT water bottles between the bed sheets on a cold night!
Our Tent was spacious and comfortable.
Augustine gave a fabulous briefing before (and de-briefing after) our Gorilla Trek, as well as a hike to the cave and a visit to a local church.
I felt perfectly safe staying at the camp over night while my husband hiked to the Lava Lake with Tressor.
There were so many additional friendly staff at the lodge...
Thank you all!!
And special thanks to the Park Rangers for escorting us safely through DRC.
I bought a bag of the Coffee grown in DRC and it was GOOD!
Excellent trip all around !
Gorillas in the morning mist, the comforts of Kimbumba Tent Camp at night and adventurous over night at Nyiragongo Volcano (don't under estimate the hike up and down the volcano though!!
rwanda_destinations_reviews(trip_advisor) ).
Bonita, Tresor and Erisa from Explore Rwanda Tours had it all dialed in !!
In Feb 2020, this company coordinated our (wife and I) DR Congo 3-day leg into/at/out of Virunga National Park as part of a 4 week adventure in East Africa.
Our contact who is in Kigali was Bonita, and the company is apparently owned by a German fellow in Germany.
I couldn't have asked for better communications in English, nor a more responsive and flexible person to work with.
She was able to answer our questions and supply information I wouldn't have thought to ask as part of her forward approach to putting our trip together.
All permits were included and our guide helped ease the need for an international yellow fever card rather than yellow fever proof of vaccination my wife had.
Beware.
We had to wire about 1/2 the cost of the trip in US $ to them, which was a bit of a fuss - but we got past that (correspondent bank issues).
We took $ for the balance and handed that over to the driver when he picked us up in Volcanoes NP, Rwanda.
He took us to the border at Goma, then handed us over to our Congolese driver and the guide.
The ride into the lodge was an experience, accompanied by about 14 soldiers armed with AK47s.
We stayed 2 nights at Mikeno Lodge, and couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised by the relaxed sophistication of this operation.
We've been in several (lots) of jungle (tropical rain-forest, off grid) lodges in South America, Asia and Africa, and I'd have to say this was the most pleasant all-around experience we've had.
Food, lodging, service - the whole ball of wax.
Thanks to Bonita and Explore Rwanda Tours for arranging the details or our trip, and to the drivers and guide for their efforts.
We had an organized and amazing 4-day experience in Western Rwanda and Southwest Uganda.
The main goal of the trip was to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenatrable National Park, in Uganda.
The first morning, Elisa picked us up from our hotel in Kigali, and drove us all day to Uganda, and then further to the park.
He helped us find places to take photos along the way, to get food, and to find an ATM for money whenever we needed.
In the park as we drove, we got to see monkeys, beautiful scenery, and a taste for how the local communities work the hillsides.
The gorilla trek itself was perfect.
We saw them in Uganda to keep our budget down, but in the end, the rangers and area of Bwindi gave us a great memory.
Didn't take too long to find the gorillas, and we got so close!
After the gorilla trek, we were sweaty and tired, but Elisa convinced us to see the local community walk and take a short tour of the local hospital.
Both extremely eye-opening.
That, with two-nights a the luxury lodge, Silverback Lodge, we took another day long drive to our next stop.
We headed out back to Rwanda, and stayed on the edge of Lake Kivu, to see a nice little coast line in the middle of east africa.
Was great weather, and very relaxing for a short stay.
Would have stayed a second night to reduce all the driving we did!
Finally, we headed back from Lake Kivu to Kigali to fly out and end our trip.
Each time, Elisa would pick us up whenever we wanted to work our schedule.
He would help line up tours, and translate for us if needed.
He always helped answer our questions about the countries and help with our experience.
Bonita was so nice to work with over email.
I had her answer a whole slew of questions, and run maybe 10 different schedule options for me with different prices until we got exactly what I wanted.
Make the planning part of the trip very easy.
I definitely appreciated this.
If I had to change anything, I would try to reduce the average driving time per day, but that was my fault as I wanted to cram as much in as possible into a short trip.
Would definitely recommend Explore Rwanda Tours to my friends and family.
We had an excellent organized trip, thank you very much Bonita.
Stephen, our guide in Uganda has been one of the best with excellent Knowledge of the Fauna and Flora in all visited parks.
The choice of lodges couldn't be better.
For any further trip in an offered country by Rwanda Explore Tours we have found our operator yet.
The trip was very well organized.
Elisa, the driver, was really nice and provided interesting facts about Ruanda and DRC.
Furthermore, he was very flexible picking me up when my travel schedule changed.
Visiting the gorillas was amazing.
I had the opportunity to spend some time with them, get more insight about their lives, and I had a guide who was also a very talented photographer.
All in all a carefree and interesting trip.
Thank you.
We visited the Gorillas staying at Kibumba lodge and also climbed the volcano.
The experience was so intense and beautiful in ALL the ways.
Explore rwanda tours has facilitated everything.
We never had an unsafe feeling and would recommend everyone.
Bear in mind that climbing the volcano requires a good general physical condition :) but it is SO worth the climb.
For people who visit through Kigali and go straight to Virunga in Congo and dont plan to stay longer then 3 days in Rwanda I would advise to take a transit visa which is cheaper than the 30 days normal tourist visa.
Thanks a lot Rwandatours.
On a whim I booked them after searching the internet and I have to say I had a great time.
This was low drama and easy.
Elisa, our driver, was perfect: informative when appropriate, quiet also.
:) we saw great parts of Kigali, had two fun drives, and the gorilla trek was amazing!!
And way less than other tour services.
The hotel they put us up in was nice.
It was not five star but it was modern, safe, with a staff so friendly and hospitable.
The food was simple and authentic.
Bonita who booked the trip responded immediately to WhatsApp and was always available.
Seeing the gorillas was a dream come true.
Rwanda Is clean, and it's people happy and welcome.
Really really nice.
From the start Bonita was extremely responsive and quick to lay me up a tailored and detailed itinerary for exactly what I wanted to experience, within my budget.
We did Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Park transferring from Kigali.
Our driver Rauben was an hour early to pick us up and was exceptional and very informative the entire time we were with him, both on nature, culture and local history which really gave us a fuller understanding of where we were from the start.
The gorilla tracking in Bwindi was highly organised and extremely safe and fruitful.
We spent about an hour within a few meters of a Silverback, but felt entirely safe with the experienced informative guides.
We stayed at Buhoma Haven Lodge, the mid range accoms set in the mountains with a perfect view every morning, perfect service and great food.
Our driver Rauben was in call at all times if we wanted to do anything outside the itinerary during our time there and got us back to Kigali very satisfied.
Pretty ideal experience.
Even though booked last minute the company was very helpful in organising an individual tour.
The guide was very kind and knowledgable about Rwandan history and the country.
I can only recommend to book a tour with them.
I used Explore Rwanda Tours for transportation and visa assitance from Kigali to Goma, DRC including an overnight volcano trip.
The upfront administration and logistics leading into the trip were professional and flawless.
The trip itself was similarly thoroughly planned and executed.
I would definitely recommend the company and would certainly use them again myself.
The travel agent that helped us plan our trip to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya was Bonita.
She was very attentive, with very prompt and precise responses.
She even inquired multiple times during the trip on how we were doing, and she was always helpful and open to rearranging our itinerary based on things we saw that could be interesting.
Her plan included in Uganda, the Kibale National Park for Chimpanzees, the Queen Elizabeth Park for other wildlife; in Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park for Gorillas, Kigali for the genocide Memorial Museum and others; and in Kenya, the Masai Mara for big cats, giraffes, elephants, hippos, etc.
Our drivers/guides were great.
For Uganda and Rwanda, Haruna was our driver.
He was was extremely patient, attentive and friendly.
He was always happy to stop on the picturesque roads to take pictures.
He also took us to the market in Kigali and was always attentive of our security, even walking with us through the market, or take us to stores, restaurants, or cultural centers.
He was great!
Omondi also did a great job in Kenya for a Masai Mara safari.
He paired up with a Masai person, who helped us find lions and other animals during the game drives.
Event though, we were not supposed to do a game drive on the arrival day to the camp, Omondi suggested to do a game drive in the afternoon, and we saw a lot of wildlife on the first day.
This helped a lot because the following days, animals dispersed due to rain; we still saw other animals with the help of our Masai friend.
Omondi also had great driving skills!
Overall, it was a great eye opening experience, and Bonita, Haruna and Omondi did a great job in showing us around!
I just returned from this incredible experience of visiting Kigali, Volcano National Park for Mountain Gorilla Trekking x 2 and Golden Monkeys x 1 I used Explore Rwanda Tours primarily as my transportation source as I booked my own hotels (Kigali Serena Hotel and One and Only Gorilla Nest) and Trekking permits on my own.
So my review is focused only on that aspect.
Sulaiman was my driver for my 5 days in Rwanda and during that time was my right hand man.
He not only drove me to all of my destinations on time but provided me with a wealth of information about the people of Rwanda and the important local sites to visit.
From the time he picked me up at the airport to the time he dropped me off 4 days later we squeezed in a whole bunch of activities all at his suggestion.
It was great.
I highly recommend Explore Rwanda Tours and in particular Sulaiman as a valuable resource should you be going to that region.
The only thing I would recommend to the company is to update their vehicles.
Best trip I ever took.
We have a great travel around Rwanda with Rauben who took us from the airport and we went with a great drive from the border of Rwanda to Tanzania to visit Akagera National Park to the border between Rwanda and RDC and Uganda to visit Kivu and Volcanos national park with an stop in Kigali Memorial of Genocide.
The times where very well plan by Bonita and her team as well as the hotels, also the drive and responsibility of Rauben it was so good and safe I suggest Rauben to request him as your lead driver.
Our overall was great in particular since we where able to see the landscape and the life of rural communities, to taste new fruits as tomato fruit and to share with the local communities and of course to be with the Gorillas and other animals in the safari.
Just came back from a tour to Virunga Nationalpark in DRC and Volcanoes-Park in Rwanda planned and executed by Explore RwandaTours.
Bonita and her Team at the office, our guides Haruna (in Rwanda) and Tresor (DRC) did an incredible job.
Everything went extremely well, also the teams flexibility to our wishes and needs (flight was cancelled, so we were 1 day late and everything had to be adjusted) was enormous.
Thank you so much!
Would choose Explore RwandaTours next time again and can highly recommend them!
I wanted to visit Africa for a long time, after some research I decided to start with Rwanda to see gorillas and chimpanzees, hike a volcano and just see the country in general.
Bonita was a really fast and helpful to respond after I described to her what I wanted to do and sent me some suggested tours.
In the end I decided to go to Bwindi (Uganda) for Gorilla trekking and do the rest in Rwanda.
As discussed I got picked up at Kigali airport by the first hotel and then met my driver Elisa the next morning.
Big thanks to him for being a great driver and very knowledgeable during the tour!
For sure the highlight was Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi.
But also hiking Mount Bisoke in volcano national park was great, despite all the mud.
Also the elevation wasn't an issue.
Lake Kivu is a really beautiful place and probably more so if you're there during the dry season.
The last major stop was Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking and doing the canopy walk.
Of the three forests (Bwindi, Volcano National Park, Nyungwe) I have to say that this one was my favorite one, such a beautiful place!
Regarding accommodations, I decided for the budget version.
So most was as expected, very simple but fine.
Highlights were the Ichumbi gorilla lodge in Bwindi and Le Palme Beach Resort at lake Kivu, which I don't consider budget accommodations.
I decided to pay the first half using Pesapal and the second half to pay in cash.
No issues with both options.
Maybe the one negative thing was, that everything was fairly rushed.
In hindsight, one more day/night around Bwindi would have been great and also at Nyungwe, maybe doing there one of the longer hikes through the forest.
Not sure if I would have decided to choose it, but I would have really appreciated suggestions to spent more time at certain locations, so that not everything feels so rushed.
My wife had a burning desire to visit Uganda and Rwanda for our honeymoon- as a regular in Africa they were some of the few places she hadn't seen.
I was rather less keen (this would be my first trip to the Continent) but rapidly realised my mistake in arriving at Entebbe.
Our trip was magical - very comfortable hotels, an impeccably thought out itinerary, excellent food everywhere and lovely scenery and activities.
Haruna and Bonita took huge care to make sure things worked out well and also amended our plans as the trip went along to ensure we didn't have unbearably long drives or late arrivals at hotels.
Haruna was an excellent guide as well - we really enjoyed his company (thank you!
Uganda is one of the prettiest places I have ever visited - every corner another wow view.
All in all highly recommended!
Our 10 day honeymoon around uganda and Rwanda with Haruna was absolutely fantastic - a once in a lifetime trip.
All was organised beautifully, and there was great flexibility when plans Needed to be changed last minute.
Am already recommending friends to visit these beautiful countries, which exceeded all expectations and would without doubt say to make the trip with both Haruna and Bonita.
My wife and I booked a two day tour from Kigali and to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to go gorilla trekking.
The company was very easy to coordinate the logistics and payment with and were on time when picking us up.
Our guide, Haruna, was amazing.
Very friendly and knowledgeable about Rwanda and Uganda.
We felt very safe and comfortable over the long journeys, not to mention they helped coordinate the right gorilla trek and we had that amazing experience.
There is no reason to look to any other touring company when searching for these experiences, we highly recommend.
2 night experience.
Started with Genocide memorial in Kigali before heading out around noon.. 4 hour ride with excellent lunch stop.
Lodge was excellent.
Added Batwa experience including visit to school and orphanage.
Very worthwhile.
This Trek in Virunga Park in the DRC was an incredible experience extremely well organized by Bonita and the members of her staff.
The guides, drivers and rangers made it very easy to travel safely between Rwanda and the DRC and the accommodations in Kibumba tented camp were very good, including a hot water bottle bed warmer in the beds every evening.
Bonita, Abdullah, Tresor, Jean Didier and Bizi, you made what I like to call the difference that makes the difference in this adventure.
Kudos to all.
We spent 6 days on a safari through Rwanda with our guide Elisa.
During those six days we visited Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe National Park, as we had already been to Volcanoes National Park a few weeks before.
We spent the first three days in Akagera.
The company chose a great hotel (Akagera Game Lodge).
The game drives were impressive, especially when the weather was good.
Our car had a pop-up roof which is great for spotting and photographing animals.
On the third day we transferred to Lake Kivu.
The lake is impressive, but as our only activity there was a short boat ride and the transfer takes very long, that's the part I would skip the next time.
Generally, you have to be aware of the fact that transfers in Rwanda take extremely long because the country is mountainous.
We spent the last days in Nyungwe National Park where we went chimpanzee-trekking and visited the canopy walk.
Both activities are recommendable.
All in all, I can recommend booking a trip with Explore Rwanda Tours.
Their choice of hotels is good and our guide was really nice and friendly.
However, I would recommend skipping the stay at Lake Kivu if you are not visiting Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe (then it would just be a stop on the way).
If you have more time, I'd recommend visiting Uganda too.
I didn't the tour with the gorilas it was a great experience, all the guides, all the drivers and all the rangers, friendly, polite and always asking if I was ok.
So I recommend !
My friend and I just finished the very well organised explore Rwanda tour.
We loved the itinerary and stayed in absolutely incredible accommodation.
The tour included hikes with the amazing mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
We saw beautiful parts of Uganda including murchinson falls and crater lakes.
For game drives the van turns into a safari vehicle and we were lucky to see many animals including the rare tree lions.
Luckily, our driver Elisa was just as keen as we were to see the animals.
We explored the smaller towns that would be difficult to drive yourself around and crossed the border to Rwanda for the end of the tour.
Expect some long driving days and bumpy roads but the drives are quite scenic.
Each night we stayed in lovely lodges with fantastic service and delicious three course meals.
Definitely would recommend this trip, we were very impressed and loved our 9 days!
We did a 10 day tour through Rwanda and Uganda for our honeymoon through Explore Rwanda tours.
Firstly the organisation of the trip through Bonita was great.
She is quick to respond to emails and happily obliged to changes.
She also worked hard to make the itinerary that I wanted work in the amount of days we had available.
Our drive and guide, Haruna was by far the best guide we have ever had (and we have had many)!
He was very flexible and helpful but also left us to our own devices when able.
He is a friendly guide with so much knowledge on both Rwanda, Uganda, safari animals and anything else you might ask him.
He was also very keen to make sure our trip was as special as possible.
Overall a chilled yet amazing guide and I would recommend travelling with him to anyone.
For our trip, we visited Kigali, trekked Mt Bisoke in Rwanda then gorilla trekking, Murchison Falls and NP then white water rafting on the Nile in Uganda.
I suggest in this short a trip it is too far to drive (2 days) for Murchison Falls but this was my suggestion not the company's.
Explore Rwanda Tours was the only tour company, offering two days weekend tour for Gorilla Tracking.
It was well thought and organized.
We started in Kigali with a short visit at the local market and then I had the special wish to see the Rwandan Art Museum- very recommended!
From there; Issa - the excellent driver, drove me safe to the Bwindi National Park in Uganda.
As we understood each other perfectely, he and his colleague explained a lot about the country, the agriculture etc.
We exchanged our experiences and compared life as I know it from Zambia and Namibia.
Safely arrived in Bwindi, we stayed in a very nice lodge called Silverback Lodge.
The next morning the Gorrilla Tracking tour started with local rangers from the Bwindi village.
It was an impressing and touching experience.
After this tour at the rain forest, my disagreement increased with the arrogant and selfish country leaders, who are destroying the nature world wide.
We have to thank each staff member of the Bwindi NP, who are ensuring, that the Gorillas, who are sharing 96% of our DNA and might are the core stone of all humans, will hopefully stay and live there for the next 100 years.
After the Gorilla Tracking tour, Issa and his colleague were waiting for me.
We had a good drive back to Kigali.
I learned a lot during the weekend!
I am very much recommending Explore Rwanda Tours.
You can contact Bonita, who is an excellent advisor for the tour.
And with Issa as driver, you will be safe, for sure.
We travelled in Uganda and Rwanda for 10 days in the begining of September 2019.
We first received an offer from Bonita when i wrote in Virunga website asking for quatation for DCR.
Then we included in our program Rwanda also.
after everything was finalized we heard that there is Ebola in places we planed to visit in Congo and decided not to go there this time.
Bonita changed the iteniary to include Uganda instead and was open to all the requests i have asked.
The final result was what i asked and even cheaper than the first one.
Bonita is something speacial.
you get her feedback minutes after you send her email or whatsup or messanger and she was always there for us, thinking about all the small details and trying to make everything in order for us to be happy.
During the tour she was there all the time trying to make sure that everything is going well.
And there was Elisa Kyagaba, our guide and driver.
When i red tripadviser before our departure i saw comments about Elisa and asked Bonita to send him with us.
And we were not disappointed - Elisa is exellent driver and guide and he did his utmost in order for us to fullfil our programs in full.
He know both countries very well from all aspects - geographically , historically and the rest .
We managed to see all the planned atractions even if it meant to arrive late in the Lodge or to wake up at 4AM for the Chimps trekking.
So i highly recommend Explore Rwanda Tours in general and Bonita and Elisa in special.
Thank you both
My experience with Explore Rwanda was flawless from beginning to end.
Bonita was incredibly efficient, accommodating and patient, answering all of my mindless questions from the get-go.
She truly set my mind at ease.
My driver Haruna really set the tone of the trip, however.
I felt like I was travelling with a friend; he took me under my wing and gave me a taste of Rwandan/Ugandan hospitality.
I spent two days between the two countries, visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi and the drive there and back, instead of a chore, became part of the exciting journey.
I couldn't recommend Explore Rwanda Tours highly enough; I certainly won't be using anyone else when I return (someday)!!!
From the beginning by connecting via email all the way to getting dropped off at our onward destination, our experience with Explore Rwanda Tours was great.
It was exceptionally well arranged, with a wonderful guide Stephen and the most immaculately beautiful lodge with extraordinary staff (Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge).
Communication from the beginning was excellent, payment was easy, and our guide was so interested in wildlife and was willing to share a lot of great Ugandan insights with us.
And can I mention again how great the lodge was?
We stopped at excellent restaurants and were able to pop into the Dian Fossey Center quickly, which was a bonus.
My only suggestion for improvement was our vehicle (a 7-person Toyota van), which had seen a lot of tours in its day.
Wasn't a huge deal for us though.
Meals were excellent and we absolutely loved the gorilla trek.
I know it costs a pretty penny to go trekking, but wow, that is an experience we will never forget.
Would do it again without question, and would call Explore Rwanda Tours again to make it happen!
We made a nine-day trip and it was better than we had expected (in spite of my problems with a knee).
The communication with the agency was fast and efficient and we got what we wanted.
The driver Haruna was very reliable and helpful, able to respond to all possible unexpected situation that occurred and providing us with everything we could need so we could enjoy our trip to Rwanda to the maximum.
We thank everybody a lot.
I wanted to say that Explore Rwanda Tours was the greatest tour operator i could find.
I spent 2 weeks between Rwanda and Congo and was not disappointed at all.
My guide Tom in Rwanda took such good care of me and showed me some amazing museums and villages.
He got me across the border to Congo in Goma to meet with Rock, my guide in Virunga Congo.
Rock was just a gem!
I was so happy to meet him and spend quite a bit of time with him touring Virunga, sitting with the gorillas, and hiking the volcano.
It was an amazing experience for me and one i will never forget.
I was a solo traveler looking for adventure and it was delivered.
I ended my trip in Bukavo with Safari another guide and visited lowland gorillas.
I am just floored at the amazing experience and the attention to detail and communication by Bonita.
I am already planning to be back within the year.
Thank you all for this experience.
Sonya (nyc).. xo
In June I experienced my first trip to Rwanda and Uganda.
While most people plan these kind of trips well in advance, I began planning the trip less than 2 months ahead of time.
I read several reviews and sent out several emails to different gorilla trekking operators.
I ended up selecting Explore Rwanda tours and it was great!
Bonita made several adjustments to the itinerary to get exactly what we were looking for.
I was trying to see as much as possible in a 4-5 day itinerary as it wasn't much more than the 3 day gorilla trekking tour.
I wanted budget places, but not tents and hot water was a must.
She answered emails as well as texts and even phone calls via WhatsApp.
Once we arrived in Kigali, our driver and guide, Elisa, was there even before the time arranged for pickup.
He pointed out the sights as we went drove and shared information on the country.
He spoke English very well.
He made sure our belongings were always safe when we were in the towns.
When we got into the parks, he was as always on the lookout for the animals.
The gorilla trekking is done with the Uganda wildlife association, but he was there where we came out, so we were able to go early to the next park.
The gorilla trekking was amazing.
He was careful with driving on the unpaved roads.
He would talk to other drivers to see if they had spotted anything we hadn't seen.
He was patient even during my shopping experience (it takes me a while to make up my mind) and if the shopkeepers were too aggressive, he would talk to them to give us some space.
The van we had was a pop top, and we could look as long or as short as we wanted.
We saw all of the animals in the parks including 2 lions and got fairly close to forest elephants and a group of giraffes.
Two of the three lodges had absolutely gorgeous views and all had good food and service.
We really felt like a VIP.
The company also operates in Uganda under Achieve Global Safaris.
When we arrived in Kampala, I had the privilege of meeting Bonita and the owner or manager in person at the office.
She for feedback on the lodges.
I will have separate reviews for each of them).
I would definitely use them again for gorilla trekking and safari in Eastern Africa.
I intended to go this trip one year ago.
Finally I go there!
In 13days, I took the Nyiragongo volcano hiking tour, we are really lucky, we saw the really really clear lava lake without any fog!!
What 's more we met the eruption of the volume around lava lake.
I did three times gorilla trekking in Virunga NP( D.R.Congo), Bwindi NP( Uganda) and Volcanoes NP ( Rwanda); also I did one time golden monkey trekking and chimpanzee trekking.
Also, I did the culture and natural trekking in Nyungwe.
About the Gorilla trekking, absolutely as you headed about that it is really expensive,( especially in Ruanda) but everything is totally worth!
Also, three times is not enough I think, because the tour is really amazing!
Also, about Congo, you may hear lots of bed things about it, but they are not true!
Congo is one of the best places that I have been.
Bonita organized the Mikeno Mist 5 days trip to Virunga for me.
I'm more then welcome to recommend Explore Rwanda to everyone.
The whole team with Bonita and the guides Abdullah and Tresor did a great job.
Thank you to be able to visit the Gorillas and the Nyiragongo vulcano in DRC.
I always felt save during that trip!
I had just a 4 days off for my Eid holiday, so I contacted Bonita at Explore Rwanda Tours at the last minute to do the Eastern Lowland Gorilla Tracking Experience.
My guide, Haruna, was there waiting for me at the airport.
It was kind of late in the day when I arrived, but we had some time to stop at the Genocide Memorial in Kigali before heading off to Serena Hotel for the night.
The hotel is fabulous and the buffet was delicious.
In the morning we set off to the Congo border.
The drive was beautiful as we headed to Bukavu, passing through the Nyungwe Forest where we spied loads of Angolan Colobus monkeys.
Haruna was a great driver and I felt very safe as we travelled along the winding roads of the forest in the rain.
We stopped for a nice lunch and a short rest along the way.
At the Rwanda/Congo border, another very professional guide met me and took me to my hotel on the other side.
In the morning, we headed off to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
There were only 3 of us on this trek.
We had a very thorough briefing by the park rangers and learned about the gorillas we would see.
It only took us about one hour to reach them, and we got a full hour to observe and photograph them.
Our guides and the staff at Kahuzi-Biega National Park were exceptional, and I would have loved to spend more time there.
The next day, I met back up with Haruna, and we headed back to Kigali.
We stopped at another very sobering genocide memorial and had time to stop at the palace.
I was a little bit concerned because my flight wasn't until almost 2am, and we were due to arrive in Kigali by 7pm.
I was soooo happy Haruna didn't just dump me off at the airport.
Instead we had a lovely dinner together, and had a nice chat before going to the airport in time for my flight.
I really enjoyed my time in Rwanda and the DRC.
The people were super friendly and they have very good infrastructure in Rwanda.
Bonita did a great job arranging everything for me at such such notice, and Haruna was a great companion!
I highly recommend him as a guide, and hope to see him again in the future!
Bonita did an excellent job arranging for my driver, driver, to pick me up in Kigali and facilitating my transportation to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda to see the gorillas.
The day after I had the chance to meet the gorillas and the famous Silverback and my dream came true.
Haruna, ma guide and driver, was amazing of flexibility and managed to adapt the trip to my expectation and my strict timing.
He gave to my trip a very positive energy and gave me great information and advice.
The second day, I had the chance to do a boat trip on the Lake Kivu and to see on my way back to the airport the Presidential Palace and Museum in Kigali.
Thanks to Haruna, all of that has been possible in 2 days.
All our accommodations were very comfortable !
The trip has definitely exceeded my expectations.
I absolutely recommend Explore RwandaTours to everyone.
I organized with Explore Rwanda Tours an amazing tour to explore the beautiful Rwanda.
Bonita offered me a great support to organize a 5-day-program with everything I could wish, answering promptly to all my emails: thank you so much!
The accomodations chosen were amazing.
The driver, Erisa, did a wonderful job: he is not only a careful driver, but a very good guide too and a very kind person and he answered all my questions: I absolutely recommend him!
Everything was even better then expected: thank you so much :) Just one issue, actually an important one: it is not possible to pay by credit card on the spot.
I was in Rwanda since one month when I made the tour and it is quite an expensive country, so as you can imagine a 5-day-tour could be expensive and it is not easy to have cash such a sum or to withdraw it (due to limits), so I was quite worried.
They allowed me to pay the balance online via pesapal; the surcharge considerable increased the price.
This is a suggestion: it would be really helpful (and necessary, I would say) to allow people to pay on the spot by credit card.
Thank you so much for this great experience, Elisa
We had such an amazing time in Rwanda, one of the most beautiful countries we have ever been to.
We did just over a week with Jean Marie as our guide.
Everything was well planned out and executed and we were at ease and stress free the entire time, free to enjoy our activities knowing everything was being taken care of in the background.
We visited Akagera, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe, each so beautiful in its own way.
Jean Marie gave us such a great background on the country, its people, nature- and our 101 questions everyday.
I cant say enough about how great the trip was, and I think in large part it was due to this wonderful tour company and our excellent guide.
I cannot recommend this company highly enough!
This is my second trip with A Step Into Nature Tours and they always deliver.
My most recent trip was a one day gorilla trek experience which was incredibly well organized.
Ms. Lilian was especially helpful when it came to navigating COVID-19 restrictions on this trip.
She answered my numerous questions, and was very responsive.
Our tour guides/drivers (Tito and Ciprian) have been outstanding, friendly, and very helpful every time.
Next time I am back in Kigali and have the opportunity for tourism, I will definitely be back with A Step Into Nature!
My colleagues and I come to Kigali often for work.
We always use Lilianne and this company almost every time.
They go above and beyond and tailor the experience to however budget or luxury you want it to be.
They are always kind, flexible and make every experience truly special.
Over the last three years have done: chimpanzee trekking/ Nyungwe, twin Lakes, Akagera national Park and most recently the incredible gorilla trekking experience.
This is once in a lifetime experience and truly incredible.
The drivers are also always wonderful, conversational and helpful!
I cannot recommend this company enough!
Liliane especially is the best!
It was around 3.5-4 hours each way to Huye District where the coffee plantation was, but the drive pleasant.
I enjoyed seeing the countryside, the towns, the schoolchildren walking by the road, the vistas, the farms.
Very peaceful and lots to look at.
Once we arrived at the plantation, I met with the owner and chatted a bit, then he introduced me to Eric, who would be my guide.
Eric gave me a great summary of our stops on the tour, and then we departed, along with his sister Olive, out onto the road and then up the hill to where the coffee grows.
It was about a half hour hike before the tour itself began.
For me and anyone else not exactly in shape, it might be strenuous.
The tour itself was extremely informative and thorough, covering everything from the history of coffee to the botanical side of it to step by step explanations of each part of the agricultural process.
We would hike, then stop at designated points where Eric and Olive would launch into well prepared explanations of the harvesting process, fertilization, preventing pests, etc.. At the top of the hill, a fire was already prepared and waiting for us to roast the dried beans Eric and Olive had brought along.
They had me help roast the beans over the fire, then I watched them grind it with a mortar and pestle.
Once it was brewed, I got to taste the freshest coffee I've ever had!
It was wonderful!
There were a couple other stops, where we saw the place where the farmers washed and dried the beans, and some various other machinery involved in the process.
Along the way, we walked through the farming village around the plantation, which was its own novel experience.
So peaceful.
Eric and Olive were GREAT guides!
So enthusiastic and so informed!
They also have a habit of spontaneously breaking out into song and dance (totally serious, this happened like 3-4 times lol).
The only negative to this tour is that it's so far from Kigali, but it's a great way to see the country if you don't mind the drive!
Rwanda turned out to be the highlight of my 4.5 month trip through western and eastern Europe.
I was traveling from Tbilisi Georgia to Morocco and picked Rwanda as a place to stop and take a 10 day break.
I had no plans other than to just hang out.
I had no idea Rwanda offered gorilla treking tours until after I arrived and looked for things to do.
After looking at several tour company offerings I liked the primate tour that A Step Into Nature offered the best.
I worked with Lillian.
She was very nice and went out of her way to help me.
I was in between their regularly scheduled tours so they set me up with my own private tour.
I was able to negotiate a price that we were both happy with.
I aske her where I could grab lunch.
She walked me to a place a few doors down.
It was a cafeteria type of place.
She walked me down the line and explained what each food was.
So nice of her.
Lillian and Abbey took me on the tour.
It took a day or so to get to the gorillas.
I was handed off to a group of other tourists and several guides.
They walked us up a hill, into the jungle where we were handed off to another group of guides.
These men would take us to the gorillas.
My god, it did not disappoint.
We saw several gorillas and got very close to them.
One large male gorilla walked right towards me.
I was sitting on the ground and avoided eye contact.
He continued pass me.
I could not have asked for a better experience.
One of the highlights of my life.
Lillian asked me if I liked to go camping and I said yes.
A day later we drove to a very large lake.
We took a small boat, piloted by two young men and Lillian and a girlfriend of her's came along.
I had no idea what to expect.
We pulled ashore at an island.
No camp sites, no running water and no toilets.
We pitched 3 tents, I had my own.
That night I sat arond the fire with the 2 men and we shared a bottle of hooch I had brought.
We talked and I felt like I got close to them.
In the morning we packed up camp and we stopped at another island where a monkey came down to the boat and we gave him bananas.
Then off we went to another island.
I should point out there were no jet skis or speed boats in this huge lake.
Very few boats in fact.
And no ariplanes flew overhead.
It was wonderful, beautiful and quiet.
Absolutely stunning.
The second island was called Bat Island.
As we walked through a grove of short trees I heard chirping.
Hanging from all the trees where hundreds of bats.
They were disturbed by us and many took to the air.
That camping trip was only 1 night, but I loved it.
It was another highlight for me.
I love to tell people about it.
You can tell from this long review that I loved this tour.
I was well taken care of by Lillian and Abbey.
I highly recommend them.
I didn't even mention how we stopped along the road to get some skewers of barbecued goat.
And how a bird came swooping down from behind me and grabbed the goat out of my hand.
What a smart bird.
I loved this tour.
As you can tell I love reliving it.
peace out, Greg S. from Los Angeles, CA I took this trip in August.
2018.
We were impressed by the level of service delivery by A step into Nature Tours .
From the first email to Lillian until our last day in Rwanda with Tito as our driver to Kibuye and Nyungwe.He was friendly , professional and informed .
Well done Tito and ASIN Team
We can highly recommend traveling Uganda and Rwanda with A Step Into Nature.
Everything worked smoothly and we had lovely guides both for the gorilla trekking and the Congo Nile Trail.
Lilian was always quick to reply, super helpful and flexibel when it came to finding the best options for us.
Having limited time in Rwanda, I wanted to find a reliable, experienced compnay that could maximise a chance for a 1-day visit to Akagera National Park from Kigali.
I could not have found better than A Step Into Nature Tours.
My driver Tito arrived right on time at my guest house, and having previously worked in the Park himself, was the perfect guide, being very knowledgable about where to find and identify animals.
The tour bus was very comfortable, and A Step Into Nature Tours even honoured to take me alone on the tour, when a group of others who had booked for the journey cancelled at very short notice.
I can thoroughly recommend, and if returning to Rwanda, will hope to book on to another A Step Into Nature Tours adventure.
We had to the must wonderful experience with our guide and driver, Jean de Dieu Nshuti, who we hired through A Step into Nature Tours, in our one day tour of Akagera National Park.
He was so knowledgeable, professional, friendly and a good laugh (not to mention a brilliant photographer).
He was very good at spotting various species from distances while navigating his way through the Park, whereas the jeep was very comfortable and its open roof and large windows ideal for game drive.
Generally, a visit to Akagera should be a highlight for anyone visiting Rwanda, with its many different species roaming, swimming and flying freely.
A day trip from Kigali is very much feasible with an early morning start, as it is under a three hours drive away.
Some of the species are more active during the night hours, but there is still plenty to see during the day time.
After several hours of searching online, my girlfriend and I decided to book a one-day trip to Akagera National Park with A Step Into Nature.
The main deciding factor was reading all the reviews here on TripAdvisor.
And although the reviews set a high expectation, A Step Into Nature certainly did not disappoint.
When I e-mailed them to get information, Lillian responded within minutes to my e-mails with the most helpful information.
It was also a great help that she came to our hotel the same day in person just to complete the booking.
On safari day, they were exactly on time in the morning to pick us up from the hotel.
While on the way to the park, they knew when to talk with us, and when to give us space.
The safari itself was nothing short of fascinating.
Although we couldn't see all the species in Akagera, our guides tried their best, and we could feel that they really cared about us having the best time.
For instance; while chatting on the way to the park, I told them that I have a deep appreciation for elephants that started from a very early age.
After hearing that, they wanted to make sure that I saw an elephant during the safari.
And while nearing the end of the trip, Lillian spotted an elephant napping in the shade of a tree (which none of us was able to spot), and when she pointed it out to us, I could watch the enormous elephant wake up and shoo a warthog away, which is a sight that will be ingrained in my mind forever.
After seeing the elephant, our guides pulled up and stopped the car just so we could watch it as long as we liked and get the best possible view.
Once again, thank you.
We planned a trip with A Step Into Nature through the Belgium organisation AfriGuideMe.
We arrived late in Kigali, but we got a warm welcomed pick up who got us to our Hotel.
The day after we met our driver Godfrey.
A very nice man who loves making jokes.
He guided us over the border Rwanda/Uganda and got us safely to our lodge at Bwindi.
During the drive we had a lot of questions and Godfrey gave us a good insight of the local culture and also the cuisine.
He took us to the best local restaurants where he likes to eat.
He dropped us at the start of the Congo Nile Trail.
There we met our guide Ferdinant, who guided us during our 4 day trek.
The trek was beautiful with very little tourist.
Ferdinant is a walking African bird encyclopedia and he spots every bird!
You can ask him any question.
He took us through beautiful shortcuts where no cars can drive (there are very little anyways).
The shortcuts are tough and steep.
The last day the hike already ended after 1,5 hour and we asked if we could hike a bit longer which was no problem and the extra 3,5 hours was different scenery as the days before but equally beautiful.
In Kibuye there was a change in our itinerary but they didn't inform us, so we waited for our guide who was going to take us Island hoping in the morning, but he didn't show up.
In the end we still did the island hopping in the morning the next day so it all worked out.
During the trip I was in contact with the Lilian the supervisor through Whatsapp.
I would recommend A step Into Nature.
Thank you for the smooth trip!
Four of us set out on an adventure to Akagera Park.
A Step Into Nature company was nothing but professional and fantastic from our first email exchange to the drop off at the hotel.
Lillian responded to my inquiry email within minutes.
She was beyond accommodating and kind.
I had to stay at work little late (still feel bad for keeping her so late on a Friday) and she met me at my hotel to settle the payment.
After that she stayed in touch ensuring we knew the pick up schedule and were satisfied after the trip.
Tito was our driver and if you are going to Akagera, ask for him - he is an experienced driver and spent years working in the park.
He's also an excellent driver, funny, polite, and knew exactly when it was time to chat and when it was time to let us nap - I can't speak highly enough of him.
I am already planning additional trips in Rwanda and will be only using A Step Into Nature their customer service is superb and their prices are very reasonable.
First time in Rwanda and four of us spent a little less than a week split between Kigale, Akagera park, and Nyungwe park.
A Step Into Nature helped us organize and guided us on both park trips.
They are super competent and low stress.
It was a pleasure dealing with the reservations manager (Lillian Komuhangwe), and our driver (Izra), who is extremely competent, well informed, and a great traveling companion.
Nyungwe was totally wonderful.
We focused on hiking, which we loved.
The chimp tracking is a really special experience, but, echoing what others on Trip Advisor say, note that you may be bushwhacking off trail on steep slopes (depending on where the chimps are.
It's not dangerous (you are in good hands with the trackers), but it is hard work.
Would strongly recommend ankle support (though I managed it in trainers).
We spent three hours chasing the chimps around the landscape and it was a really inspiring experience.
Akagera is also a really interesting park well worth a visit.
The boat ride, which Lillian talked us into, was a highlight.
Very cool to be on the water with hippos and crocs.
You'll see lots of great birds.
A Step Into Nature was incredibly accommodating.
Lillian at the office was excellent at communicating with me via email, and answered all my questions clearly.
I was only in Rwanda for a few days, and she managed to put together a tailored, two-day tour that ticked off most of my wish-list.
My tour guide Izra was absolutely excellent, very friendly and knowledgeable.
He even organised an impromptu ride on a moto bike taxi for me after I mentioned how I'd wanted to ride one in Kigali.
I can't recommend this company highly enough.
3 of us (1 a recent resident of Kigali, 2 tourists) had a 1.5 day Akagera tour with A Step Into Nature (ASIN).
From my first contact with this tour operator by email several months before arriving in Kigali, until the farewell from our driver and guide Claude, ASIN was superbly professional in all interactions and service delivery.
First, they accommodated our unusually-sized group with a 1.5 day tour, and adjusted dates at my request several times.
Second, they provided a solid and roomy vehicle, always fully stocked with bottled water (in my experience with other tour operators in the area, you can't always count on them to provide water!
), ventilated or cooled at our request throughout the time we were with them.
They were present, waiting pleasantly and courteously, and on time for every rendezvous during the tour.
This much is solid basic best practice, but you can't always count on it.
hit all the marks in this regard.
Where they went beyond is in providing a very personable, knowledgeable, and impeccably professional guide/driver.
One example (of many!
): at a roadside stop one of our party saw an unusual tree and asked what the name of it was; Claude didn't know the answer on the spot, but somehow he managed to connect with his home base and get us an answer within the hour.
It would have been so easy to just let it slide, but his follow-through speaks volumes about his dedication to customer satisfaction.
And finally, our coordinator with ASIN, Lillian, went above and beyond in helping us pay for and arrange yellow fever vaccinations while we were in Akagera; when we returned to Kigali she was there waiting with our receipts which saved us a big chunk of time spent with bureaucrats.
If there was a sixth star available to award ASIN as part of this review, I would do award it without hesitation.
They know their business and they behave with a very high level of professionalism.
I recommend them without hesitation.
I took the one day safari into the park.
It was awesome.
Lillian went our of her way to help me get the trip set up, make my payment and even gave me a refund.
Tito was a terrific guide-we got to see an elephant up close and personal but safely!
It is with great pleasure that I write a review for A Step Into Nature Tours and their wonderful team.
My wife and I had a wonderful time on this trip and can say without hesitation that Lake Mutanda/Mulehe in Uganda, is one of the most beautiful mountain surrounded lakes we have ever been to.
Of course, the gorilla trek was surreal and one of the coolest excursions we ever been part of as well.
With that being said, Lillian and Godfrey were fabulous!
Lillian set the tone with her flexibility, patience and well-communicated guidance before the trip.
In fact, Lillian made sure to meet us upon our arrival and was as sweet in person as she was over email/phone.
All of the excursions and lodges set up were amazing and wonderful food.
Godfrey was a pleasure to spend our entire 3 night 4 day journey with.
He is very knowledgeable, friendly and made sure that we were always taken care of.
In fact, the highlight of our trip was solely due to Godfrey bringing us to a local school to donate some pens we brought with us.
Little did we know that he had set up (with a local principal) an entire 10-minute musical/dance performance from these unbelievably talented and cute children from a local elementary school.
It was a moment my wife and I will never forget and it was all because of Godfrey!
Needless to say, we decided to switch an excursion last minute and Godfrey and Lillian both were understanding and flexible.
We capped the entire trip off with a dinner in Rwanda where Lillian came by to send us off, well beyond anything we would ever expect.
This trip is superb and this tour operator is top notch.
Feel confident that you will get #1 experience when working with this group.
Best, Jake & Emily
My one day trip with Tito was great, he was early to meet me at my hotel in Kigali and stopped along the way to get water since I didn't bring enough.
We had a great time driving around and he taught me many interesting facts and was a fun person to talk to.
Overall great trip!
'A Step Into Nature' organized for us, a group of 12 people, a 3 day trip in Akagera National park.
I truly mean what I write now: This organization is really professional, and delivered outstanding quality.
The contact before our trip was really professional.
We where in contact with Janvier and Lillian.
They answered quick and correct.
It was immediatelly clear this organzation knows what tourists like, and that they want to give the customer the best possible experience.
We where picked up (perfectly on time) by drivers/guides Abbey and Tito.
Also Lillian joined the trip.
She was the tour guide/responsible.
As mentionned, she was really helpfull during the preparation of the trip, and organized all kind of practicalities during the trip itself.
We where also very satisfied with our drivers/guides.
They drove good and calm.
We where really at ease.
Further, they had a lot of knowlege of the park, the animals and the country of Rwanda as a whole.
They spoke both good English and French.
Also Lillian did an amazing job.
Everything that was planned was well prepared.
Further, she really thought along with us when making practical decisions, which made her really helpful during the trip as well!
I can really recommend this organization.
Thank you so much ' A step into Nature tours'!!!
I booked one-day tour to Akagera National Park with A step into Nature on 12th November and my trip took place on 14th Nov.
The Staff came to my hotel to collect the money as my card did not work in Kigali for wire transfer.
It was so convenient.
The driver's name Abbey and he was kind and friendly.
I joined with 3 other tourists for a safari car trip.
Pick up time was 5:20, it takes 2 hours to arrive the registration point as you will pay full fee here for the driver.
The place is nice, a lot of birds singing in the morning, i felt so amused!
We met a lot wild animals, they said there are big five that you can see: lion, leppard, giraffe, elephant and hippo.
I saw, sadly could not see lion and leopard but my friend who went here 2 days before me, he saw the leopard.
Lunch is self-prepared, I asked the hotel to pack quite a lot of breakfast so it was enough for even lunch.
I really enjoyed the experience, I wish the national park will have new way for tourists to walk more... because most of the time I spent was in the car.
There are only 2 stops: the Hippoes beach and the picnic point or the end point.
I did the 1-day tour to Akagera Park and it was absolutely amazing!
We saw zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and much much more.
Our driver Tito was really knowledgeable about all the animals and very good at spotting them.
Our Jeep had a roof that opened up so we could see very well.
Everything went seamlessly including setting up the tour.
And all of that at a very affordable price.
I did a lot of shopping around and most operators asked for a much higher price.
The best part, the company is run by all Rwandans so you're really contributing to the local economy.
Can't recommend highly enough!
Amazing 6 day trip to Uganda with my husband and a friend, taking in gorillas at Mgahinga Gorillas National Park, safari game drives and a boat ride in Queen Elizabeth National Park and chimps at Kayumbura Gorge.
Door to door service, fantastic accommodation and great company!
Plus a few extras, like my husband's birthday cake at a viewpoint overlooking the crater lakes!
No problems at all and good value for money.
This was our second trip with this company and can absolutely recommend them.
In every way this trip exceeded our expectations and we will dine out on wonderful memories for a very long time!
Thank you Lillian!
Janvier and his team helped curate an amazing trekking experience for us in Uganda.
Permits to trek gorillas in Uganda are significantly cheaper than in Rwanda.
If you are concerned about the logistics of getting there, let Janvier help you figure it out.
He arranged for our hotel and transport to and from the trekking site.
Our driver and guide, Godfrey and Lilian were so much fun.
They were helpful and took care of everything for us.
The trekking experience was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime privilege.
I booked and prepaid a gorilla tour through Janvier but since my plans changed canceled the tour about a week before we were set to go.
I did not expect it but was offered a full refund of the prepayment (that was supposed for the national park/gorilla license).
Practically, however, I did not pass by Kigali on my way out of the country which made refunding quite difficult and took several months.
That being said, Janvier did everything in his capacity to get me my money back (minus some bank fees) and I can only recommend him and the company as an honest partner to make your holiday as hassle free as possible.
Janvier was an excellent host and a very knowledgeable tour guide of the Akagera park and its animals.
We learned so much about the wildlife and the park and even about Rwandans in general.
I am glad we stay for the 2 day tour - since we saw so many more animals and had the experience of staying at the Akagera lodge.
At the lodge, baboons clambered over the roof tops and we received fantastic service and delicious food and, in general, felt pampered.
All in all it was an incredible experience that we will savour in our memories.
I feel so fortunate to have found Janvier and A Step Into Nature Tours.
He is such a fantastic, amiable, and knowledgable guide.
He did so much to make it an enjoyable and memorable experience.
He went out of his way to find all the amazing animals that the park has to offer.
But, even if we hadn't seen any, it still would have been a great experience because of Janvier's jovial company.
Our two day tour involved a game drive and a boat tour on the first day, as well as a longer game drive on the second day.
We saw lions, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, all in abundance, and many more beautiful animals and landscapes.
We spent the night at Akagera Game Lodge which was a very comfortable experience with beautiful views and excellent food.
Janvier also provides a more affordable experience than many of his competitors.
I cannot recommend Janvier and his company highly enough.
Well worth the money.
A very memorable experience and highlight of my time in Rwanda!
A Step Into Nature has made my experience this summer in Rwanda extremely memorable!
The manager, Janvier, understood my student budget and restrictions, and provided us a helpful package deal that made our weekends so amazing.
In the trips themselves, whether it be to Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park and Lake Kivu, Janvier was not only a fantastic guide but a fun spirit, and made sure we were always comfortable and enjoying ourselves.
Definitely use A Step Into Nature for your East African travels!
Our trip to Akagera park was fantastic!
The safari truck was very clean, comfortable and provided the best way to see the animals.
The guides were knowledgable and friendly.
We saw zebras, impalas, giraffes, lions, hippos and more!
The price point is perfect for young travellers, a great value for your money.
It was also nice to meet other travellers.
What a fantastic day!
Finding Janvier and his company - A Step into Nature - was a pleasant surprise during my visit to Kigali earlier this month.
As a solo traveller, I was a bit nervous joining their day trip to Akagera National Park but it was a great experience.
Janvier was very professional and extremely accommodating and it was a really lovely group.
A Step into Nature provided excellent service which was affordable and great value for money .
The cars were very comfortable and our safety was assured by Janvier who is very experienced at doing this and simply a fantastic guide.
I would definitely patronise them again and I highly recommend you contact Janvier next time you are in Kigali and want to do the tourist trail.
A Step Into Nature and Janvier are the BEST tour guides in Rwanda.
I've gone on two trips with them to Akagera and Nyungwe/Lake Kivu and both were incredible.
Janvier organizes everything so that your trip is perfect.
He brings bottled water, picks you up right on time, and is willing to adapt to make your trip great.
This past weekend, he negotiated a boat ride for us on Lake Kivu, took us to a little store outside of Nyungwe that sells honey, and stopped on the side of the road to get some sugar cane for us to taste.
And I haven't even mentioned the actual sights yet!
Janvier will make sure you see the animals or landscapes you want to see.
He also will give you a list of things to bring with you - whether it's hiking shoes, sandwiches for lunch, or a raincoat.
Janvier provides insight into the country, telling you about towns, history, and other facts as you drive around.
He speaks great English and French and is fun to be with.
His prices are affordable and you are supporting a local business.
I cannot say enough positive things about Janvier and A Step Into Nature!