Wilbur Begumisa the founder and managing director
Gorilla Trek Africa
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2004)
- Member Of:
- NU & AUTO
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $80 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Chirag & Hemal | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Horrible
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 naïve 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.
US
Email Trulie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A 14 day Magical Adventure with Gorilla Trek Africa
What an amazing adventure Gorilla Trek Africa provided for myself and my friend and travel partner. We are two middle-age women that took a 14-day trip around Uganda in August. The main focus for our trip to Uganda was experience the mountain gorillas, but it ended up being so much more. Definitely a trip in a lifetime.
There are many companies to choose from when traveling to Uganda, but I would highly recommend Gorilla Trek Africa for several reasons. In our travels we were able to see many tour companies along the way and we are so grateful for choosing GTA and the personal service they provided. We were not crammed in a vehicle with people we did not know, rather had a private tour. The main reasons I would recommend Gorilla Trek Africa 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 times with many questions and every single time our emails and calls were quickly and happily returned. Nelson is wonderful, but it was nice to have William as the United States Representative to be able to call and talk to without the language and time difference. After completing the trip and 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, gorilla and chimpanzee permits and so many small details I would not have even thought of. Gorilla Trek Africa took care 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 I will have a lifetime of fond and happy memories is because of our personal guide, Elvis. He was professional, fun and easy to be with and had an amazing ability to find wildlife. You will find that many tour companies will provide visitors with a driver while Elvis was a genuine tour guide. He was incredibly knowledgeable, and we learned about Ugandan history, politics, social issues, and the communities. On our safaris, Elvis would share facts and information about all the animals, birds and fauna on the safaris. I also want to point out that Elvis is an amazingly skilled driver. This is no small thing in Uganda. Our trip involved many long drives that included congested (crazy) urban streets and treacherous mountain roads. Not once was I nervous or worried, he handled each environment skillfully. Elvis has a passion for wildlife, Uganda and for providing amazing service to his clients!
I look through my pictures of the trip almost every day. On our gorilla treks we saw several Silver Backs and babies. During our safaris 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.
I am very appreciative of the service and care that we received by Gorilla Trek Africa.
My recommendations: Besides my main suggestion to definitely book with Gorilla Trek Africa, 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
US
Email Kelly | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip EVER!!
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!!
DE
Email Christian | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Perfect in every 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.
DK
Email Anne | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
1 day gorilla trek in Rwanda
We did a 1 day gorilla trek with a city tour of Kigali and the Genocide Memorial the day before the trek. Everything was very well organised and our driver showed a lot of knowledge about the area, which he shared with us during the trip. All communication with the office before travelling was fast and to the point and everything went smoothly when we arrived in Rwanda.
The gorilla trek was an absolutely amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone. We got so close to them that we could have reached out and touched them if allowed. The big silverback passed us by at a distance of 2 meters, it was such a fantastic experience!
Rwanda is a very nice country to visit, very lush and beautiful with hills everywhere. The visit to the genocide memorial was a humbling and special experience and you can’t tell that this country went through hell only 20 years ago. I will recommend a visit to the country and especially seeing the gorillas to everyone.
CA
Email Darryl | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Close Encounters with Gorillas
We had booked a 5 day tour with Gorilla Trek to see Chimpanzees in Uganda and Gorillas in Rwanda. First off was meeting our Guide, Moses in Kigali. he drove us into Uganda to Kabale Forest where we stayed at Primate Lodge. Next day we were with a Ugandan ranger, who guided us to the chimpanzees which were at that time climbing high into the canopy. Later in the day, they came down where we were able to follow them to a new site. Their calls are loud and spine-tingling. We had good views of them and returned to the lodge to find another chimp grazing right there. Next day was a drive into Rwanda to le Bamboo lodge. Bright and early we were trekking up a volcano (10,000 feet), taking us over 3 hours of walking up the mountain, where we found the Gorilla family of Mufunza, an enormous silverback. We spent time with them, while they grazed, babies played, and they just relaxed at times just 5 feet away. Mufunza did 2 bluff charges to assert his dominance, which were breathtaking. A great experience. Final day, we did a morning hike to see Golden Monkeys, which we found on the forest floor eating bamboo shoots. Cute monkeys, and a nice short day after the big Gorilla experience (though you wish you could go again). Finally, it was back to Kigali to fly out again. Well run tour by a respected and solid company. Recommend Gorilla Trek Africa to others who consider seeing Mountain Gorillas.
CH
Email Raina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
GTA - Rwanda - Uganda - Outstanding
I booked a six day gorilla trekking experience with Gorilla Trek Africa. 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).
CH
Email Daniel | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
2-Days Gorilla-Trekking
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.
US
Email Michael Pare | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing 'Bucket List' Adventure
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.
SG
Email Debaditya | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Tour Company, Great Guide, Wonderful Visit to Akagera and Gorillas
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.