Peter Amanya and our guide in the safari van
Buyaga Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2017)
- Member Of:
- UTB & AUTO MEMBER
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $450 to $1,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
_1518729865.gif "Buyaga Safaris")
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
US
Email Andrew & Joanie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Epic Journey to Uganda organized by an Extraordinary Tour Operator...
After considerable research on SafariBookings.com, we chose to book our Uganda safari with Buyaga Safaris, a local Ugandan tour operator headquartered in Kampala, Uganda. They offered many tours of differing lengths and most are highly customizable, an important factor in our decision.
We contacted Peter, the owner, and gave him our wish list of stops on our planned safari, including two separate days of gorilla tracking in Bwindi and two days of exploring Mabamba Swamp for shoebill storks. After several promptly prepared iterations, Peter was able to work out a 13-day Uganda safari starting and ending in Entebbe that covered everything we hoped for: Murchison Falls, Kibale for Chimpanzee tracking, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi for two days of gorilla tracking, Kisoro for Golden Monkey tracking, Lake Bunyoni and finally Mabamba Swamp for two days looking for shoebill storks.
Peter’s quote was very reasonable for two people considering it was inclusive of: private 4X4 Toyota van customized for safari viewing with pop-up top, dedicated driver/guide for the entire tour, non-alcoholic beverages throughout, all meals and lodging for 12 nights, all park fees, two different boat tours, a swamp walk, coffee experience, weaving experience and a banana experience not to be missed, permits for chimpanzee tracking (1 day), gorilla tracking (2 days) and golden monkey tracking (1 day) and two boat tours into Mabamba Swamp to search for shoebill storks. The only additional costs during the tour were for tips and personal items.
Overall, our safari experience was excellent and will provide countless memories for years to come. The comfort level (and price) hotels were all wonderful, with delicious food and generous portions. Most provided WIFI in common areas, reasonable laundry service, very comfortable accommodations. Many had marvelous views or were very close to the activities we had planned. It was refreshing to just show up and be greeted with a friendly smile, a cool glass of juice and be shown to your room. Ordering meals was easy as well. No forms to fill out or other registration formalities, since it was all done before we arrived. There was only one minor issue during our tour, and it was promptly resolved by Peter.
Eric, our driver for the tour, was top notch. Over 13 days and roughly 800 miles, he showed excellent driving skills, was patient, friendly and offered a lot of information. He kept us safe the entire time, so that we could thoroughly enjoy what Uganda has to offer. He even took us on an unscheduled late afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and we were rewarded with an exclusive encounter with a beautiful leopard that came within 20 meters of our vehicle. Magical, indeed.
There are many choices when it comes to picking a tour operator in Uganda. We chose Buyaga Safaris after reading over 80 reviews on SafariBookings.com, with all but one being 5-stars. We took a leap of faith based on those reviews and never regretted it from the moment Eric picked us up on the first day to when he dropped us off on the last day. If we ever find ourselves in need of another safari in Uganda, Buyaga Safaris will be our choice again!
Here is a link to a blog of our trip complete with many photos and videos:
https://ontheroadwithtallguyandjet.blog/2025/02/24/where-wild-turns-to-wonder/
Email Cass | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Got the job done
Accommodation was stunning! Tour guide always arrived on time and flexible when we were running slightly late haha. Car was comfortable and was no stress when we camp back from hikes muddy. Was able to stop along the way for toilet breaks or when we needed a cold coke. Had a great time exploring Uganda and seeing the incredible wildlife!
CZ
Email Ivan | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The operator you can rely on.
Buyaga Safaris delivers what they promised and on reasonable costs.
BR
Email Guilherme Valles | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Perfect tour with the Perfect safari company
My trip to Uganda was an unforgettable experience, thanks in large part to the exceptional service provided by Buyaga Safari. From the initial planning stages, Peter, the owner, was incredibly responsive and helpful. He promptly answered all my questions, offering valuable suggestions that helped me craft the perfect itinerary. I booked the 3-day tour, which included the highly anticipated gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. Both experiences were absolutely incredible, especially the gorilla trekking – I was able to get remarkably close to these magnificent creatures, a truly awe-inspiring moment.
Buyaga Safaris not only delivers an outstanding experience but also offers very competitive pricing compared to other safari companies in Uganda. This made the trip even more appealing.
However, the highlight of my journey was undoubtedly my guide, Osman. He was more than just a guide; he quickly became a friend. Osman is a knowledgeable, caring, and genuinely good-humored person. He enriched my understanding of Uganda by sharing insights into its history and culture, and we enjoyed many engaging conversations about everything from our families to the local people. He also knew when to allow for quiet moments of reflection during our drives. Osman’s presence truly elevated my trip, and I know it wouldn't have been the same without him. I left Uganda with cherished memories and a lifelong friend. I wholeheartedly recommend Buyaga Safari, especially if you have the good fortune to be guided by Osman.
US
Email Geoff O'Connor | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Extraordinary safari experience!!
I recently returned from an extraordinary 15 day adventure in Uganda with Buyaga Safaris. What a fantastic experience. Peter, the owner, planned my trip perfectly. He listened to my wishlist and made it happen. He was very prompt and flexible in all our communications and was determined to make my trip the best it could be. I opted for the mid level accommodations and was extremely happy with all my stays. I experienced some of the best views and nicest people I’ve encountered in my life. I requested several quotes and Buyaga’s was the best value for the money by far.
Some of the activities on the trip included trekking chimpanzees in the Kibale National Forest, safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, golden monkey trekking in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and safaris by land and lake in Lake Mburo National Park. We also did a variety of other amazing day hikes and activities along the way that made this one of the best experiences of my life.
I want to especially thank my exceptional guide and new close friend, Simpson. His experience, energy, great personality, driving skills, as well as seemingly knowing everyone where we traveled made Uganda feel like home and provided some special VIP treatment.
I highly recommend Buyaga Safaris!
PL
Email Zbigniew Kudas | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Attentive, flexible and thorough
Uganda gave us a unique, overwhelming experience. The country’s nature is very exotic and at the same time really diversified. People are very kind, with an easy smile. We did a 12 days tour round the country with BUYAGA Safaris and each day was different, from savanna, the Nile to waterfalls and tropical forests in the mountains. And visiting gorillas in the jungle was one in a lifetime experience.
We had the excellent guide, Azariah, who spent 20 years as a ranger in various national parks. Not only he had all the answers about the wildlife, animals and birds, but was able and willing to engage in conversations about the country itself, its people, customs, economy and culture. Azariah was really exceptional guide.
It was a private, mid-range tour and accommodation was generally good and very good, with one exception in the Kibale Forest National Park. Food was excellent everywhere.
We would strongly recommend BUYAGA as a tour operator!
AE
Email Katerina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable!
Our safari trip with Buyaga Safaris was absolutely amazing! From start to finish, every minute was filled with excitement. A huge thank you to our guide, Gavis, whose hospitality made this experience even more memorable. He kept us entertained during the long drives and always had snacks ready when we needed a little pick-me-up. He is such a kind soul and he treated us like queens.
We also want to express our gratitude to Peter, the organizer, who went above and beyond in assisting us. We had forgotten to apply for our visa at the last minute, but Peter stepped in and helped us sort it out so we could travel smoothly. Also his prompt responses to every inquiry were truly appreciated.
It’s rare to find such a dedicated team that truly cares about their guests, and Buyaga Safaris certainly delivered.
The gorilla and chimp trekking were absolutely out of this world! We got so lucky! getting up close with these incredible creatures was an experience we’ll never forget. We were able to capture some beautiful memories that will stay with us forever. It’s not every day you get to be that close to such rare and majestic animals! Definitely a highlight of our trip!
The lodges were just wow! Staying there was an experience in itself. You really feel like you’re immersed in the wild. At night, it was incredible to have animals come right up to your terrace to say hi. There’s something truly magical about watching the wildlife so close, yet from the comfort of your lodge. The whole setting made us feel like we were part of nature, not just observing it from a distance. It added such a unique and unforgettable touch to the trip.
Email Nick | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing tour experience!
We (couple) did a 9 day tour from Entebbe Airport, finishing in Kigali. I would highly recommend Buyaga Safaris as well as Uganda as a must visit country!
Anderson is a truly exceptional guide; hard working, knowledgeable and very friendly. One of the accommodation options did not meet our expectations (Kibale Forest Lodge), we told Anderson we were a little disappointed but it was ok for two nights. Without any prompting, he found an alternative option, told us the price difference and arranged for us to move hotels. He constantly checks in and worked hard to make sure we had a good time on our tour. We were interested to learn as much about the country as we could while we were there and Anderson was very knowledgeable about the history of his country, culture and almost as knowledgeable about all the animals as the local guides we used along the way.
Peter was very responsive and helpful arranging the tour and managing our booking.
The roads in Uganda are pretty good (except for getting to Bwindi) so the vans with the open top option is more than suitable for this tour. I dont think you need an operator that has the 4WD.
My only other tip is, for the Gorilla trek, to really insist that you only having similar levels of fitness in your group (I am not sure how much say you actually have with the rangers though). They will make sure everyone sees the gorillas, even if the person isnt really fit enough for the activity. One of the people in our group required an "african helicopter" (worth a google) to get out of the jungle and it probably meant we had to sit around for 2 hours as they cut down half the forest to carry this tourist out. We still had an amazing experience but it definitely wasnt ideal.
US
Email Jason | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Solo Gorilla Safari
The company was very good with communications both before and during the trip! I was picked up promptly on time to begin the journey! My guide/driver, Osmund was a young and friendly guy that took care of everything I needed! The trip went exactly as the itinerary stated! The gorillas and chimpanzee and Queen Elizabeth safaris were incredible!
Note this tour is not backpacker friendly and you will be staying in fancy accommodation and proper meals! Perhaps the company can offer the tour doing things more local with local accommodations and food to enhance the experience and safe money.
Overall, a great experience and I am glad I did this once in a lifetime trip!
Thank you Peter for arranging and Osmund for guiding!
Email Tim Bishop | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Superb: helpful and excellent value
Peter at Buyaga provided us with a brilliant service. He put together the perfect 4 day tour which we will never forget. Leopards, elephants, chimps, gorillas, hippos, lions: beyond amazing.
The service was lieterally door to door. The flights to and from Entebbe were perfect and the lodges were exceptional. The food at Aardvark was out of this world. Our on the ground guide Derek was fantastic and we felt in extremely safe hands.
Above all, the cost was remarkably modest.
This is a great operator whom we will certainly use again and have already recommended to many in UK