Experience Happy Escapes
Santaviva
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $75 to $3,100 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Detail orientated adventure with great memories to cherish
I wanted gorillas. Ever since I knew about Rwanda gorilla tours I wanted one. I asked for a quote and Ivan called me and informed me of the price difference between the Ugandan and Rwandan gorilla permit. So Uganda it was.
Ivan advised on the best airport to fly into (kigali), helped with my visa issue, and introduced me in his gentle way to his corner of Africa. I loved that our stopover in Kisoro was his family’s holiday home. Steeped in personal historical anecdotes was what I really wanted in a guide, he gave me an authentic taste of Uganda. Also he quickly got to know what I needed (assistance with walking / hiking, getting key shots for my travel photography) and applied it to each day.
I don’t normal self fund my travels so being on a budget away from work travels was such a wonderful eye opener. Every accommodation excelled in cleanliness, service including and especially Ivan’s own hotel.
In total we spent five days together; gorillas, lake bunyoni (please do two days here on your travels), batwa tour, lake kivu. I was saddened to leave Ivan when he dropped me off in kigali. He really does care about the delivery of his service and personalised my tour every step of the way.
Africa is not cheap (in comparison to say SE Asia, India etc) but Ivan made it as efficient as possible without losing my need for a personal tour. I can’t recommend enough.
TW
Email Chung | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing host and tour arrangement
I stayed at Motel Santaviva for 4 days and did Gorilla trekking. Ivan was an amazing and warm host. He provided helpful tourist information and transportation for me. The price of tour is also affordable since in am a solo traveler. The gorilla tour was really well arranged even I booked it just two days before. Thanks for Ivan. I really have had great time during gorilla trekking and my stay at Kisoro. Highly recommended if you are going to visit Uganda.
Email Benji | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great value and Great Service
Ivan at Santaviva did a great job organising things and the driver Moses was excellent. They helped me book Bwindi gorilla trekking at a very affordable price.
Email Karobwa | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Efficient and comfortable
Santaviva was absolutely amazing and exactly what we needed for our group. They communicated well, were punctual, and generally helpful. The activities organised ensured everyone in our diverse family group had so much fun - kids, adults alike. Our group included an elderly person and our host ensured she was always comfortable.
Email Emmanuel Rwabose | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ivan was an absolutely fantastic host/guide and gave us an experience beyond our expectations,
Ivan's communication was great, timely and useful. His staff's service was both respectful and accommodating. The tour was absolutely fantastic, packing a wide variety of activities into a few short days without leaving us tired or overwhelmed. Great value for money.
Email Julian | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazingly helpful and welcoming
Originally booked a1 day gorilla trek with Santaviva through a well known website, but despite/because of the attraction of being able to cancel without charge up to two days before the trek, this doesn’t work. The local operator needs to secure and buy your gorilla pass in advance. So ended up cancelling and going back to organise the whole trip through Ian at Santabriva. This was a very good decision. Ivan is an excellent host, great communication and could not be more helpful. I highly recommend him.
The motel is clean and comfortable, the staff are kind and the food is great. I really enjoyed my stay (2 nights) and would recommend this to anyone not looking for 5* luxury gorilla trekking.
Kisoro is very conveniently placed to access South Bwindi and the morning drive into the mountains was spectacular.
DE
Email Sonja und Stefan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ivan is very friendly, reliable and correct!
We are two German bicyclists and have been traveling for ten months. Looking for a way to visit the gorillas we got Ivan’s contact. Everything went perfect. Very friendly, reliable and correct. We enjoyed some days in the Motel Santaviva, which we consider a great mix of African guest house and western style hostel. The same with Ivan. He is an authentic African, who knows very well what western tourists like and need. He needs at least two days to get gorilla permits, if available. But he offers way more than gorilla tracking, for example coffee experiences, nature walks, biking, Vulcano hikes and so on. No problem to spend a couple of days in Kisoro. Highly recommended!!!
Most reliable operator in Uganda
I have been backpacking through Uganda for two weeks and Ivan has been an amazing help in every possible way. He organized the gorilla trek for me and also proposed many other good things. His motel is a great play to stay for a few days and he will make sure you are not getting bored or hungry. highly recommend! Thanks again!
DE
Email Markus | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great place to stay in Kisoro and exceptional hospitality by the owner
We stayed for two nights in Motel Santaviva in Kisoro. The rooms are very nice and there are several options to sit together in the inner courtyard of the motel or in front of the motel. We had breakfast and dinner at the motel and both were delicious for a very fair price.
Really outstanding is the hospitality and openess of Ivan, the owner of the place. During our 1 1/2 days he showed us the caldera overlooking the city, took us to the local market and accompanied us to a boat trip on Lake Mutanda. He provided us with much information about the area and its people and was just a great guide for the area.
Highly reommended for a stay in Kisoro!
TW
Email Lee | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great
Spend 5 days with Ivan . Great person with good passion shown the town very well to traveler. Enjoy the view just few hours hike with Ivan .