Samuel representing us at the WTM London Expo 2015
Prime Safaris & Tours
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- AUTO, ATO, UTB, UWA & UCF
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $180 to $800 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Cheryl | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
15 Day Uganda & Rwanda Safari
My husband and I booked a private 15 days Uganda and Rwanda tour with Prime Safaris after reading excellent reviews of the company and having Cate finalise an itinerary that would showcase both wildlife and landscapes.
The entire trip went very smoothly; our driver guide Denis was very professional and made sure that all our expectations were met, if not surpassed. The mostly luxury accommodation was perfect for our needs and we thoroughly enjoyed each day's sights and activities.
Having visited many other countries in Africa we arrived in Uganda/Rwanda thinking that we would see some different landscapes and learn more about the people, culture and history of those not- so- visited countries. We took the view that any amazing wildlife sightings (especially our favourites the big cats) would be 'icing on the cake'. As it turned out, we had many fantastic sightings of lions and leopards throughout Uganda, we saw even more lions in the fabulous Akajera NP in Rwanda, and the mountain gorilla experience in Bwindi NP was just incredible.
We are fortunate to travel several times a year and have visited countless countries and all continents. This safari experience would definitely be in our top five trips of all time.
We rarely return to one country as there is always a new place to visit, but we will definitely return to Uganda to experience more of the east and north-east and to revisit the wonderful Murchison Falls NP. We hope to do this in the next two years, once again utilising the services of Prime Safaris and especially Cate and Denis.
tour operator need to be much more organized with info before the trip
The trip itself was excellent . The guides were terrific , accommodations were great and they were very accommodating. Scenery was great, bikes were good and itinerary was well planned .
However the details of the countries really started in Uganda . Needed info on Rwanda as well .
Communication from Canada wasn’t great,. I need to ask many questions. Lists and details needed to be sent out automatically ahead of time .
I would definite recommend Prime
Safaris
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Email Andrea Mc | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible 5-day Gorilla/Chimpanzee/Safari tour in Uganda
My husband and I just returned from a 5-day Gorilla/Chimpanzee/Safari tour in Uganda with our own driver and guide, Emma. I honestly cannot say enough good things about Prime Uganda!! From start to finish, choosing our activities, payment and booking process was seamless.
Cate was always prompt, helpful, organized and detailed in every communication. Cate also advised me on tipping when I asked, because it is always hard to know if tips are appropriate for certain services. As for accommodations, do not rule out the budget ones! We loved Pumba Cottages, and Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort – both budget places with excellent service, amazing views and food.
Emma was always on time, sweet, kind, considerate and so knowledgeable about everything, from the Ugandan culture, education, farming, to the animals and birds we saw. He had our itinerary, and always knew exactly where we were going and the timeline. We would go over our plan for the next day, either at dinner or breakfast. He always made sure we had plenty of water, and even stopped along the road to buy sweet bananas and bananas for us to try. He drove really long hours some days, and never once complained. He went out of his way to find the animals we really wanted to see, and sometimes we ate breakfast, lunch and/or dinner with him (he never invited himself, but we let him know he was always welcome to join us). It was like visiting with a friend!
I have severe asthma on inclines, and Emma made sure that the person assigning groups at Bwindi for the gorillas, knew I needed to be in a slow group. We were assigned to the closest Gorilla group and it was a huge weight off my shoulders that I was physically able to get to the Gorillas.
This was really a once in a lifetime trip for us, and we are so thankful that we chose Prime to make it happen for us!
Our itinerary:
1st day - drive from Entebbe to our first lodge, Pumba Cottages. Lunch near the Equator. Game drive before dinner.
2nd day – Chimpanzee tracking in the morning, lunch overlooking the Kazinga Channel, Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. Afternoon game drive and return to Pumba cottages for dinner.
3rd day – head towards Bwindi, stopping in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth Park to see the tree climbing lions. Arrived at Haven Lodge Buhoma.
4th days – Gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Ate packed lunch from the lodge. Shop in the local village for gifts and souvenirs. Drive to Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort. Boat trip around the lake (we chose to walk around the island looking for wildlife instead).
5th day – Drive back across Uganda to Entebbe. Amazing countryside!! Stopped for lunch and gifts on the way.
We booked hotels near the airport for our first night and last night which were not included in the Prime tour, but Cate gave us recommendations.
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Email Martin Ducha | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent Agency, Excellent Trip, Excellent UGANDA
We were 2 couples (27-45 years old Europeans) visiting Uganda for the first time. We had 10 days at our disposition which we wanted to spend out there in real Uganda, to see nature, people, real Africa. Prime Safaris came best out of the app. 10 agencies I spoke to. Best in the meaning of price vs. quality (and references), we chose the midrange package (services).
The communication with the agency was excellent, Cate is a perfect person to establish the objectives and all special wishes. The itinerary proposed by her has fulfilled all of our expectations.
At the airport, we were welcomed by our guide Robert together with the trainee Herman. During the whole trip, these 2 guys took excellent care of us and we felt very safe. Zero incidents recorded were thanks to them and also thanks to Uganda, whose people pleasantly surprised us a lot.
And when there was a need to "adjust" something in the itinerary (accommodation, queues, resto, special requests, etc), Robert was there to help you out and to make your wishes come true (or close to it). We were an excellent team!
We've done and seen all kinds of activities (Murchinsons Falls, Queen Elisabeth NP, chimps, mountain gorillas, Lake Bunyonyi, etc.).
In the last evening, upon our return to Entebbe, we met Cate and her husband (and Prime's CEO) Samuel. They are very nice persons and we exchanged lots of ideas about our trip and Eastern Africa generally, as we seriously think about coming back to this beautiful part of the world. And, of course, we would use Prime Safaris as our Nr. 1 choice of an agency.
Everything fantastic, we returned to Europe full of positive thoughts, great experiences and 2000+ photos.
Email Graham | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream come true
Before the trip had even started the correspondence with Cate (prime safaris) was very good. Attention to detail was excellent. This put our minds at ease. From the moment we arrived in Entebbe everything ran smoothly. We did a 16 day customised safari, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. It was quick but this is what we wanted. We stayed in luxury accommodation which I have to say was incredible.... prime Safaris did an amazing job booking the locations. The lodges and camps actually became one of the highlights. There were many things that made our lives so easy from gorilla permits x2, chimpanzees x1, national park permits etc. This was all taken care off. Thank you again Prime Safaris.
We ended up with 3 local guide/drivers. Trevor in Uganda and Rwanda was a legend. Nothing was ever to much for him and he went out of his way to help. Very professional. Willie was our guide/driver in Kenya. He was fantastic, Also went out of his way to help make sure we saw the big 5. Gerry in Tanzania was also good, nothing was ever a problem. In fact all three drivers were great and would highly recommend.
Lastly if you are thinking of going to this region I would 100% use a company.
I have no hesitation recommending Prime Safaris!
I can highly recommend - was great from beginning until end.
Everything went well, the staff is super friendly and helpful, the price is great, the accommodation and programme were amazing. I have done a lot of safaris in the past and this was one of my best. from experience, i know it is not a given that everything works out so well. Thanks a lot, Cate, Emma & Rest !!!!
Email Rose | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best experience!!! Gorillas - AMAZING!
We had a group of 4 do the 4 day safari in moderate accommodation, this covered QE Park, Chimp Trekking and Gorilla Trekking.
We had such an incredible time! Our driver Jack was excellent, so knowledgeable and really friendly.
The Gorilla and Chimp trekking experinces were insane - so incredible to be close to these animals. All guides were super friendly and their knowledge was incredible.
The accommodation was excellent, we picked the moderate/budget option and the places we stayed were beyond. Particularly the Park View Lodge and Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort - both exceptional, clean and very good staff.
Prime Uganda Safaris provided a great service, everything ran perfectly, was on time and exceeded our expectations and the staff were amazing. Thanks so much for a very memorable experience, sad to leave Uganda!! :)
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Email Kelly Lewis | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience of my life! Thank you Prime Uganda Safari! :)
Africa was incredible. I spent 3 weeks in 3 countries, yet I must say Uganda was my favorite. This country offers experiences that travelers cannot get anywhere else! And there is no better way to see and experience this wonderous country than through Prime Safari Uganda Tours! From the moment I contacted them for a quote to the end of my trip when I had the opportunity to meet everyone at the office, I felt as if I found my second family! And my tour guide Denis (my adopted nephew!) was phenomenal in EVERY WAY!!! I traveled alone but I felt safe and well cared for the entire time. Denis was meticulous in handling every detail, he anticipated all my needs before I could even think to ask. His knowledge of the geography, the animals, people and culture were limitless! I have never experienced a vacation like this and I have to say it is all due to the wonderful, professional and caring people at Prime Uganda Safari and I cannot wait to go back. I highly recommend this company for ALL your safari travels in East Africa. You will not be disappointed!
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Email Robert | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Stephen, an extremely knowledgeable guide led us on our 4-day gorilla safari and lifetime dream.
We were picked up at our hotel in Kampala at 6 AM, which began our 4-Day Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari. For close to 8 hours we traveled towards our first days destination of Queen Elizabeth NP, passing through towns and villages loaded with views of people, housing, agriculture and businesses. Our first glances at the beauty of Uganda. Arrived at our lodging for a lunch stop before taking a late afternoon cruise on Kazinga Channel, where we were treated to sightings of elephants, hippos, buffalo, birds and more. Returned to lodging for a delicious dinner and some discussion with Stephen, our guide, about what tomorrow would bring.
Day 2 had us driving through the Queen Elizabeth NP in the morning where we spotted our first of many lions, lots of zebra and giraffes also. The afternoon had us driving to Bwindi Impenetrable NP where we will view the gorillas tomorrow.
Day 3, Gorilla Trekking! Started, by meeting at NP headquarters for the Bwindi region, to learn about the gorillas and what Uganda is doing to help protect these amazing primates. A successful trek into the mountain forest, as we viewed a family of 7 gorillas both in trees and on the ground. With a successful viewing, it made the climb out of the forest, we are at approximately 9,000 feet up, a little easier. Ending our trek, we then heading for Lake Bunyonyi and our last night out. What was unexpected about our lodging was that we would be having to travel to our lodging by boat. We would be lodging on an island on the lake.
Day 4, we were to meet Stephen for our journey back to Kampala. First, however, we took a boat tour around a part of the lake viewing other islands and learning a little history regarding a couple of Islands. Heading to Kampala and being dropped off at our hotel to complete 4 wonder out days.
We felt lucky to have Stephen as our guide. He was so knowledgeable, having spent some years working both in Queen Elizabeth NP and at Bwindi NP. He was an important part in making to Safari successful. We would surely request Stephen again should we journey to Uganda for another safari someday.
We knew nothing about Prime Safari when we started searching for an Uganda Gorilla safari, but our feeling is this; We Chose Well!
ES
Email Josefa Gonzalez Raya | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing!
It was in Christmas Eve when we started to think about the new year’s resolution. What to do? What to improve? What to avoid? When suddenly Jordi came with a very good idea…
What about living one of the best experiences of our life? I was curious… what .. what? What is your next year’s resolution.
Then he told me. We are going to see Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Uganda. We must start looking for the best Safari Company in Uganda to help us to prepare our Safari there and to give us the opportunity to be with our very close ancestors.
I started then looking for references in Google trying to see which the best safari company in Uganda was. I suddenly came across Prime Safaris & Tours. From the very beginning I felt the best company to travel with.
During the preparation of the trip, we received the worse possible announcement: all permits for Gorillas are already booked, so it is not possible to have permits for your selected day. We were really sad, then I said to the responsible of Prime Safaris; Cate, Gorillas are the highlight of our trip, we can not go to Uganda and don’t track Gorillas. Cate started working and working, trying different combinations, different countries until she got our permits. It was fantastic.
Yes, if you are thinking in doing a Safari in Uganda, don’t hesitate and contact them.
1. Because they are very kind people, they give you all the support you need during the preparation of your trip.
2. Because they have the best guides. Ours, Joseph, was an excellent guide, a better driver and the best person.
3. Because they care about their country, they support orphans and schools with their earnings.
For these 3 reasons, if you want to have an unforgettable experience in Uganda, let Prime Safaris to lead it.