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
ID
Email Nadia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Efficient 2D1N Trip
Overall, an efficient 2D1N trip covering two neighboring countries. We chose to do the gorilla trekking in Uganda since it is a more affordable option, but still manage to city tour Rwanda's capital city. Would highly recommend to those people who do not have much time.
Abdul was our guide for the trip and he was very attentive. The day we had to drive cross country from Kigali to Bwindi National Park (7 hours drive), the border happened to be close for 2-3 hours. So Abdul took the initiative to phone his colleague to drive another car to the other side of the border.
After clearing custom at Rwandan side, we left our car behind and walk 100 meter to Ugandan customer. Upon clearing Ugandan custom, we took the other car driven by his colleague to continue our drive. His colleague would then wait to get our original car. It was such a thoughtful way in making sure we would not waste time getting stuck at the custom.
On the day of our trek, Abdul ensured that we were assigned to the right gorilla family. We were initially concerned as the average return trip takes around 8-10 hours. In order to catch our flight, we have to complete the trekking within 4-5 hours max. Abdul helped us communicate to the rangers to assign us to the gorilla family closest in distance to the main road in order to avoid taking the risk missing our flights.
Thank you for the hospitality, Encounter Africa Safaris.
Regards,
Josh & Nadia
Email Caleb | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gorilla trekking with Encounter African Safaris
The Safari met nearly all of my expectations. The traveling went smoothly, the company was amazing, and the gorilla experience was astonishing! I of course only wish we could spend more time with the gorillas. I definitely recommend going gorilla trekking with Encounter African Safaris company. This truly was a once in a life time, must do experience.
QA
Email Detlef | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Muddy shoes, wet clothes, happy Gorillas and Humans.
We called in 2 days before the Safari and had about 2 hours later a friendly guy in our hotel to finish up the booking. We were picked up in the morning exactly on time (not so common in Africa) and had a pleasant drive to our destination. Nice hotel and next day a super great experience to see the Gorillas in the mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable forest. It was raining, muddy and we got really wet, still smiling. A must ONCE in a lifetime. Next day our driver Steven brought us home safely in the wild traffic of Uganda. Thank you Steven and team.
Email Toby | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Efficiently arranged gorilla permits
Efficiently arranged gorilla permits for us. Replied to emails within minutes or hours with excellent English. Offered for us to pick them up from their office or drop to our campsite. Recommendaled to reduce the anxiety of arranging gorilla permits!
SE
Email Nadinne Witenheim | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great arranged gorilla trekking certificates!
We had a great experience and everything worked perfectly with Encounter Africa Safaris.
We had booked the Gorilla trekking certificates and Patrick delivered the certificates to our lodge just as we had agreed.
Everything was great, felt safe and very good!
Email Amy | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trip of a lifetime! Exceeded expectations.
This was the first safari trip we had done - first trip to Uganda and encounter helped us experience the beautify of the country in a responsible way. The pre-travel communications with Patrick were always detailed and contained a useful packing list / guides to the country and etiquette - and also noted that their guides could help us find responsible charitable organisations if we wanted to bring over books / children's clothes etc. Once landing in Uganda, our guide Ambrose immediately made sure our journey was exceptional - whether that was accounting for our poor timekeeping to keep us on time or going out of his way to help us learn more about local communities / other topics we expressed an interest in. I would definitely recommend Ambrose as a guide, we missed him once we left!
Other things: all of the lodges were excellent with great views. We were asked about our dietary requirements in advance and it was easy to choose vegetarian options. The van was clean and spacious and had a full conversion to safari roof what we could both stand up in - which is more than we could say for some other cars we saw in the parks
Email MBS | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Highly recommend.
Pre trip planning was excellent. Highly responsive to any request. Booking process seamless. Trip was fantastic. Highly recommend.
exceed edit all expectations
excellent and friendly driver who was funny, knowledgeable and helpful
lodge was lovely and staff very kind, with excellent food and attention
trek was amazing, we saw an entire family of gorillas, including an infant !
driver knew how to expedite border crossings
awesome trip, will recommend to anyone and everyone!
US
Email Hayley | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gorilla Habituation Experience with Elias
We were picked up by our amazing guide Elias. He was incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. We traveled about 9 hours to the Rushaga Gorilla Lodge. We were happy to have great meals with Elias while he gave us further insight into the gorilla trek. He took us to the trailhead to begin our journey to visit with a gorilla family that they have been working with for around a year and a half. We were in great hands with a group of five people including a guide, two trackers, a researcher and a soldier. The hike was arduous, but absolutely worth it! We were able to observe a family of eight gorillas for around three hours, following them through the forest, watching them eat and play. It was incredible! We were beyond impressed with our experience and would highly recommend this program to other travelers. Uganda is such a special place with lovely people!
DO
Email Armando Medina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great!
It was what i was expected. Great experience, good service!
