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
Email Megan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Mind Blowingly Beautiful Tour of Uganda!
Wow! This was my first time doing any sort of safari package and I had no idea what to expect. From my very first emails with Encounter Africa's staff, I was impressed. They were very accommodating and the activities, driving routes, food and lodgings that they have organized for their guests were all amazing.
Of special note was our fantastic tour guide Hannington; he was fun, informative, and extremely reliable and professional. I imagine having a full time guide with you for five days could end up feeling awkward... but Hannington was an instant friend and made the whole experience unforgettable.
In our particular safari, we hiked with both the mountain gorillas and the chimpanzees, and, obviously, this was a once in a lifetime sort of opportunity. So incredible. But what surprised me was how extraordinary just the drive through the villages and mountains was as well. Not too mention the friendliness and service from EVERYONE we met along the way. All in all, it was a beautiful experience.
Thank you for sharing your country with us!
US
Email Tamara x 5 | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Plan your trip, then sit back and enjoy!
After reading other reviews, Encounter Africa Safaris was one of three companies that I inquired with to put together a custom tour for 5 friends. They were the first to respond, were very professional, and addressed each of my requests. They also did a very good job of matching my requests with available activities and accommodations. Although I never met Chris in person, he was very good at taking care of the details from the office. Tolbert was our driver/guide and hero in Uganda. He was very perceptive and did a great job anticipating our needs, accommodating our requests, and keeping us on track. He was informative, sincere, and a fun member of our group! Abdul took care of our transportation needs in Rwanda. We had a special request to visit an area well off the beaten tourist track. Having never been there, Abdul even made the special effort to scout it out in advance of our arrival! He was sweet and had a soft paternal, protective presence. Our itinerary did have a couple of small glitches, one from our group's side, and one from a miscommunication on the company's side. The beauty of it is that Encounter Africa quickly remedied these things before they ever became an issue, making for a very enjoyable and nearly seamless trip. I definitely recommend them and will use them again next time!
Email Joanna Cary | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Incredible Ugandan adventure - 6 day tour with Encounter Africa
I was organising a solo tour of Uganda and spent a long time researching online for potential tour companies. I settled on Encounter Africa after reading many positive reviews and in the end I couldn't have been happier. It felt like a bit of a gamble paying a lot of money for a gorilla permit and the tour company fees on the back of internet reviews, so it was a big relief to find my guide Hannington waiting for my at the Kihihi airstrip. From that moment, there was no stress whatsoever as Hannington was the perfect guide and driver and took care of everything. Each day was marvellous - with particular highlights being the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. The accommodation was all fabulous. I booked 'mid-range' and most of the places were small eco-lodge style places with personal service and all included meals. The food was consistently outstanding. I stayed at Buhoma Haven Lodge (incredible views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest), Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge (incredible views of Queen Elizabeth National Park) and Mountains of the Moon. Mountains of the Moon was a big hotel and completely different style to the other accommodation. I only stayed there as the usual place Encounter books was full. Although it was a good hotel, it lacked the intimacy and personalised attention of the other places. I found Encounter to be highly professional - Chris was always very prompt and helpful when responding to emails and Hannington was always punctual and responsive and everything ran like clock-work. Hannington made sure that I got on the morning chimpanzee trek, was a very safe driver and ensured I had the trip of a lifetime.
US
Email Hetty | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The guide and other workers were awesome and patient
We are deaf and we had guide use gestures and paper and pen method to communicate with us. Highly recommend people to book with your company.
Great
Great experience with Encounter Africa Safaris, Simon (the guide) did a great job, I will recomend it!
US
Email Sarah | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything as planned!
Communication was always very prompt and clear. I just did the gorilla trek, so other than transfers to my camp, the park, and the airstrip, I did not have much of a "safari" tour. My guide was fine. Not very interested in engaging with me directly, but he was polite and did the job without any problems along the way. I would recommend Encounter safaris.
ES
Email Martin Forman | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Can't ask for more or better
My wife and I spent 13 days around Uganda. Ambroise from African Encounter Safari was our driver and guide. He was not only nice and friendly but he was very knowledgeable about his countrie's history and fauna. He was not only concern for our well being but also made sure anything we might need was taken care of and we had only to worry to enjoy everything else. We set up our tour and hotels before arriving to Uganda but his suggestions for activities were often better options than ours inicial Plans. Overall it was a great experience and we feel lucky we got ambroise to become part of our trip and everlasting memories. Always greatful.
Memorable gorilla encounter!
The communication with the office was fantastic - chris answered all questions and we were able to receive the most affordable quote we found, with transparent and accurate billing break downs. Our guide, Rodgers, was professional and brought a positive manner to our trip. He, along with the whole encounter africa operation, ensured our trip was smooth and memorable. We had an awesome encounter with the gorillas in bwindi impenetrable rain forest! The accommodation was also great and the transfers could not be faulted. Would highly recommend A++
TW
Email Allan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfect budget choice, all staff are professional and everything is wonderful
When we searched the internet for the Gorilla trekking tour, Encounter Africa Safaris had the lowest price. We though the staff may be unprofessional, the hotels may be shitty, and the vehicle may let us very uncomfortable on the bump roads. But it turns out everything is perfect ! The 4x4 van we took was quite comfortable, and the hotel was also very nice! More like a resort with independent cabin and a wonderful view with balcony, much better than we expected with the price. For the staff, Chris, the person who contacted us, was responsive and professional, we settled our itinerary in one day. Simon, our driver and guide, was very passionate, not just a guide, but more like a friend, shared everything about Uganda and local culture, we really had a good time with him. So if you are looking for a cheap but reliable and quality tour, I will recommend Encounter Africa Safaris.
CA
Email Nancy Burkholder | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
THE BEST TRIP EVER!
THE BEST POSSIBLE TRIP EVER
My 28 year old daughter and I just came back from the 5 day gorilla and Chimpanzee trek last week.
Every minute of this adventure was absolutely incredible! We saw and learned about so many things I never knew went on in the world or even existed. The land, the people and the animals of this incredible land are so beautiful.
The drive to the Forest from Entebbe is a must! There is so much to see that Westerners will probably never experience otherwise.
The hospitality at every stop and the lodges is beyond belief! You are mad to feel at home in this extraordinary land and you do. The food is fantastic everywhere you go.
The Gorillas and Chimps are even grander than you could imagine and well worth every second of the brutal mountain jungle hike!
We had the most incredible driver/guide for the 5 days. Hannington was not only very knowledgeable in all aspects of the culture, land and animals but was also the most incredible driver I have ever met (and you will want a superb driver for this trip)! Hannington knows many languages extensively and easily converses with his clients as well as any of the local people in all the areas we visited. He seems to be very well liked by all. Although he made our trip very fun and kept our anticipation up for each new days adventure, he also was very professional in every respect. He ensured our safety and enjoyment at all times.
Thank you to this great company for making so many wonderful memories for the rest of our lives!