Encounter Africa Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- Association of Uganda Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $300 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Dora Shu | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and reliable tour operator in Uganda - highly recommended!
I went to a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda in mid Dec 2016 with three friends. Prior to our trip we looked up infos on internet and contacted five different tour operators in Uganda. Among them Encounter Afirca Safaris was the most efficient and professional. They did not only respond our enquiry immediately but also suggested us a tailor-made itinerary, which includes the main activities/places we are interested.
Besides, they are honest with their price. They gave us the clear breakdown of each parts of the travel cost and allowed us to choose which option (budget, mid-range, luxury) according to our budget.
During the preparation period they provided us sufficient info for visa, vaccination, activities on spot and packing. So we were fully prepared for our trip.
Upon arrival we were greeted by Chris (the organiser) and our English-speaking guide/driver Joseph. Both of them were very friendly and kind so that we felt comfortable with Uganda right away.
During our 10-day trip, we have not only experienced the most amazing and loving gorillas (I consider thie encounter as one of the most moving experience in my life), but also seen the rarely-spotted tree-climbing lions 3 times!
Accommodation condition could be tough in Uganda compared to Kenya. Despite we also experienced incidents such as black-out, lack of hot shower etc. Thanks to Encounter Africa Safaris' prompt reaction and efficient arrangement, all the unforeseen and unpleasant situations were solved right away. At the end we came back home safe with lot of sweat memory.
Therefore, I and my friends would like to recommend this professional and reliable tour operator to all people who are interested in gorilla trekking and tree-climbing lions (only in Uganda!). For me the tour in Uganda was definitely worthy and unforgettable. If you are an animal-lover, it is a MUST destination, and you won't regret it!
DE
Email Teresa | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi
We went for 4 days to Uganda for Gorilla Tracking. It was amazing. Our guide / driver Joseph was very good. He knew a lot about Uganda history, nature and the Gorillas. Clean and nice car and gave us very good recommendation for hotels. We stayed on night in Birds Nest at Lake Bunyioni- it was amazing.
I can really recommend Encounter Africa Safaris.
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Email Toddy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Once in a lifetime
Encounter Africa went above and beyond all expectations. Joseph, our driver, picked us up from the airport at 1am and had so much energy and excitement, we knew we were about to have an incredible week. By the end of the week, Joseph was family. He always went above and beyond making sure our experience was a 5-star experience.
The chimp trek: This was a great experience because we had an experienced ranger who knew where to find the chimps on the ground. We were the only group that found chimps on the ground, everyone else only saw the chimps high in the trees. I would recommend spending $70 more to have a full day of habituation with the chimps. You end up paying $220 for the permit instead of $150. Once we finished the chimp trek, we were off to see the Wetlands near our lodge. This is a local non-profit that is protecting the wetlands from being developed into farmland. On this walk, you will see a wide range of birds and monkeys. If you are lucky you might even see some chimps.
The gorilla trek: Incredible. I know many people that have done gorilla treks and they end up walking all day and end up having to follow the gorillas as they move. I think our group was very lucky because we found the gorillas fast. The gorillas didn't really move once we found them, so we spent an hour with them and it was pure magic. We started walking at 9am and were done by 11am. Just know, the gorilla trek is at a higher altitude, so walking up a mountain suddenly becomes hard because you are trying to find your breath.
The lodges:
Kibale Forest Camp was a beautiful lodge with a nice atmosphere. The food was good and the staff was incredibly nice. They have a short 15-minute hike on the property, but if you go slow you will see different types of monkeys.
Broadbill Forest Camp was all about the view. Our tent had an insane patio looking out into the jungle. The food was good and the staff was amazing. The chameleon walk is a very slow paced walk that they offer where you look for the three-horned chameleon. The bathroom was a bit rustic and the tents have velcro doors. Overall, the people and the view are what make this lodge a comfortable place to stay.
Encounter Africa provides a unique experience because you are helping the local communities. Your money isn't being spent on a westerners investment property, it is being spent on small local businesses that ultimately contribute to providing good jobs to the surrounding communities. I highly recommend you use Encounter Africa for any of your Uganda/Rwanda travel plans. I know we will :-)
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Email Marisa | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One in a lifetime experience!
I wanted to see both chimpanzees and gorillas, and this trip was just what I was looking for! Our driver Tolbert was great and really added to our trip. I had several questions prior to my trip, and they were all answered promptly. I recommend this tour company to anyone who is wanting to do a chimpanzee or gorilla trek!
Email Curtis | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent time organized at the last minute by the patient chris and guided brilliantly by blackie.
We were in Uganda and decided to go on safari at the last moment which chris arranged without a problem. He was very patient whilst I attempted to get money from home to pay in a way that saved us a fair bit taking it all in his stride. Our guide blackie(I know) was brilliant with his knowledge of the area and easy charm. I recommend this to anybody..
Email Joanne skinner | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Most amazing day and I would like to do it again with them Patrick our driver was the best
Encounter safaris were fantastic with communicating with me and my friend they had every thing we wanted to do and more there for us they sent us emails and when we arrived paper copy of our itinerary. The service that they provided was amazing and the driver Patrick was so full of knowledge and taught us a lot about his beautiful country ... thank you Patrick for making this trip one to remember and I know that we will see you again soon as we wouldnt use any one else but this amazing company!!!
Email Monika | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Encounters with gorillas a must
Our tour which covered both Uganda and Rwanda, was quite big - 14 days which dragged on with little to do. The highlights were definitely the gorilla and chimpanzee encounters. I wouldn't recommend the national parks in Uganda as very little to see. Make sure your tour guide is experienced and has knowledge of the area and animal tracking.
Email Kimberleigh | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible experience!
Our experience with Encounter Safari's was incredible! The communication was top-notch, the service was excellent, our driver Tophil was so knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to others.
Email Jessie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
"Rainy season" Uganda
A friend and I traveled to Uganda and used Encounter Africa Safaris to book a 3-day gorilla trek. Even before our arrival in Uganda, I felt encouraged to book with Encounter because of their prompt and friendly responses to my booking and all of my questions. In Uganda, they showed up on time the day of pick-up and our guide (Patrick) was very kind and personable our entire ride to Bwindi. We had a stopover at the equator for experiments and breakfast and we had a wonderful lunch further on the way to Bwindi. Patrick always made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed at our accommodation. The food and lodging was exactly as described and were decent for the price we paid. The gorilla trekking experience was beyond words and something we won't soon forget. Overall, this company made our trip very comfortable and enjoyable. I would book with them again in the future.
BE
Email Jasper | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing experience!
Went on a combined gorilla trek and Safari with Encounter Africa Safaris. Had an amazing time, excellent lodges to spend the evenings and nights, great food. Our guide (Patrick) was wonderful, he taught us so much about the local wildlife and even knew to attract a passing Hyena by mimicking its cries. We even did an extra little game drive on our way back because the permit still was active for some hours. One of the best experiences i've had in my life.