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 Chris. (South Africa) | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Safari through Uganda and Rwanda
We wisely decided to make use of Encounter Africa Safaris rather than doing a self drive safari. Planning the trip and choosing accommodation was made easy because of their recommendations. Tolbert, our guide, was extremely well organised and his ability to plan ahead made for a relaxed and very enjoyable experience. The choice of lodges proofed to be good. At times a local ranger or tour operator was used to add value to our experience.
Thank you for an experience amongst the gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys which we will never forget.
US
Email Ramon | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience!
I decided at the very last minute to look into a Gorilla trek and I'm glad I did...it was incredible! Tolbert and the team could not have done a better job, they are responsive, quick, attentive, knowledgeable and they got everything together...it was just amazing!
US
Email Jennifer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Service and Personal Connection!
I was apprehensive about booking such an expensive trip with a company halfway across the world, but let me say that this company provided the most amazing customer service ever! I am so happy I booked with Encounter Africa Safaris!!!
My driver, Emma (short for Emmanuel), made sure that I was content, happy and that I was enjoying my stay. Emma went about and beyond to even help me purchase a Rwandan cell phone and do a currency exchange at a good rate. Emma drove very cautiously and I never felt unsafe on this journey. As a single woman traveling alone, that was very important to me. Emma made sure when I got back to the city that I was settled in and even dropped me off at the Genocide Center after my trip. He waited until he was sure I was set with my admission and audio tour rental at his discounted rate. Emma was very eager to learn about Florida where I live and was equally as enthusiastic in sharing with me all about Rwanda and Uganda. We had a lot of great conversation. When my safari trip ended, I felt that I had made a friend in the process.
The lodge Encounter Africa Safari selected was the best of the best! I highly, highly recommended the Le Bambou Lodge at the base of the National Park. I reviewed this lodge on TripAdvisor with more detail.
Chris, the travel consultant for EAS, was very helpful through the process and even made a few personal phone calls before I left the US and while on my safari tour to ensure that I was satisfied with my trip and that everything was going well.
This team was very professional. I would most certainly use them again.
20-35 years of age
Film Crew Fixer Services- Excellent Experience
I engaged Encounter Africa Safaris to help has arrange various services, including media permits, kit bond (for customs clearance), ground transportation and security for a television shoot in the Kampala area.
Right from pre-production, Chris in the office was very helpful in providing information on what permits we would need and the process to obtain these. Communication was very clear and Chris responded to my emails quickly and was always available on the phone.
Once our shoot started, the crew were met at the airport by Paul and Tolbert who cleared the kit through customs and drove the team to the hotel. Throughout the shoot they were very helpful and flexible, which is key as a shooting schedule is always changing!
I massively recommend Encounter Africa Safaris if you need a fixer in Uganda, my experience with them was consistently professional and efficient!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Really wanted to like them, left some things lacking
I went on a 3 day Rwanda gorilla trek with Encounter Africa. While I really want to like them, there are a few things that were lacking.
Pros:
1. The driver was nice and friendly. He also spoke good English and very helpful.
2. The car was good and comfortable for the two of us.
3. Accommodations were but clean, safe and hotel staff was friendly.
4. Price: The price was fair.
Cons:
1. Communication troubles: Not sure what it was but the office was extremely responsive at first via email which I why I wanted to go with them initially. But then fell radio silent. So I followed up on skype and had some challenges getting a hold of them. They said that there were issues with their email, so may that is fixed?
2. Quoted a price, and then told us that they didn't have any more availability at the lodging and then wanted put us in a lower quality hotel. Ended up paying the original price for a lower quality hotel. The hotel was fine, but the experience of that change was frustrating.
3. Finally, the biggest issue was that the driver was 2 hours late for the initial airport pickup! This was extremely inconvenient because we did not have Rwanda phones and had no way of contacting the driver. For a minute, I thought we had been completely scammed. He came in the end, but this resulted in us driving back in the hills in dark, getting to the hotel extremely late, and missing a proper dinner (that we had paid for in our room/board).
However, what frustrated me most was they claimed that it was the Uganda / Rwanda time difference that caused the delay. However, Uganda time is 1 hour ahead, so of anything, they would have arrived an hour later rather than 2 hours late. When I mentioned this to them, they then said that it was because they had to pick up the permits. If that were the real reason, then tell the truth the first time. Do not lie or try to pull one on me.
So all in all, I'm mixed on this group. While the rest of the experience itself was incredible (highly recommend the gorilla trek to anyone), there were logistical things that were a lacking and the lying about being 2 hours late was a huge detractor.
AE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
What a wonderful experience!
We had such an amazing trip! Our lovely driver Tolbat was so informative and friendly, we had such a lovely drive out to the Lake, followed by a life changing encounter with the incredible Gorillas. So glad we found this company to facilitate this beautiful experience! Thank you so much!
US
Email Michelle H. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An adventure of a lifetime
The service, provided by Encounter Africa and specifically Tolbert, the guide was phenomenal. He knew what he was talking about and helped easily navigate all of the local areas we visited, Bwindi, Kabale and Jinga. Patient with endless questions great with special requests a trooper of a guide. Expert at showing what a beautiful country Uganda is. The places I stayed worked with Tolbert and were friendly and helpful. Home a day and I already want to visit again. Next time I want to introduce my grown children as well. I would absolutely book the trek through Encounter Africa. There is so much raw beauty in Uganda. The land, animals and people provide a mesmerizing adventure. Their country is a gem and Encounter Africa helps make sure the navigation is easy and that you truly get the most possible from your time there!
EE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience in seeing Mountain Gorillas
We really loved the tour of Gorilla tracking, especially enjoyed having it during low rainy season. It gave a truly memorable experience tracking the mountain gorillas on 6 hour route up the mountains with pouring rain - someone might say that it doesn't seem an enjoyable trip but that's what made the tracking really memorable for us. When you finally reach the gorillas, all soaked with rain and tired, you are just blown away of the sight. We managed to see a family of 12 with young babies and teenagers:)
I really recommend on taking the time to visit the gorillas and Encounter Africa Safaris made the trip even more memorable taking care of us on throughout the whole week-end.
KW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Adventure
From the outset, communication with Encounter Africa was superb. They were extremely accommodating with our requirements and created a perfect package for our needs.
Once we arrived at the airport, our driver was there to meet us and we didn't have to worry about a thing. Communication was excellent at all times and when it came to safaris he was fantastically knowledgeable about all forms of wildlife.
The accommodation chosen for us was lovely, the vehicle was comfortable and the adventures we had were awesome. Thank you once again!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Gorilla Trekking =)
The booking was unproblematically, they answered fastly every question we had. They were very customer-oriented and they considered all our wishes regarding accomodation and others.
The guide was always on time and well organized. He had good knowledge about the animals we saw. He was very attentive regarding pee breaks and photo stops.
All in all we had an amazing trip.