Our Guide meets some of our clients
Mushra Travel Agency
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2015)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $35 to $600 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Awesome - Exceeded my expectations. Great tour guides. Very Efficient Planning.
The tour was amazing. Well organised. They even sent Sandra from Kampala to meet me at the airport in Kigali.
Could not have wished for a better tour. Everything went to plan and Michael (the boss) was always checking up to see that everything was in order. Had 2 great guides - Martin and Abel - thank you all for such a great adventure in Uganda & Rwanda.
DE
Email Karolin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable, simply excellent !
Communication before the trip was professional, easy and fast, even special requests were accommodated due to Mushra's great flexibility.
I chose the 7 day Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Viewing Safari, the tour exceeded my expectations. My guide, Martin, made this a very memorable experience with his in depth knowledge of Ugandan culture and wildlife as well as his good humour. The accommodation and food choices throughout the tour were excellent providing unbeatable value for money !
If you are looking for an authentic and unforgettable tour of Uganda, Mushra is the team to go with !
US
Email Rick | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very responsive and helpful
I had a last minute trip to organize over the weekend. Michael was quick to respond to my inquiry and organize a trip to Kibale and permits all in a short time, with good communication on email and WhatsApp and personal attention to making sure everything was organized.
US
Email Yolanda | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Saw everything I wanted to see
I just went on a 7 day tour and absolutely loved Uganda and I saw everything I wanted to see during my tour. My only issues were the lack of communication, responses were very slow at times which made it difficult when I’m in another country trying to organize the rest of my travels. I had signed up for a group tour being a solo female traveler, I was told I would join in on a group that was already happening when I got there so it was important I got there on a scheduled date. I kept asking Michael for the copy of the itinerary for the day by day schedule since mine was modified but I never received it. When I landed the ladies who picked me up were very nice but they told me I was signed up for an individual tour and the printed itinerary they handed me was not the places I wanted. I sent Michael a message and he assured me it was a group tour and I would meet them at Murchison falls and he said the ladies confused the itinerary and gave me someone else’s. The ladies told me to be ready at 10:30am the next day to start the tour, Michael had sent me a few messages right before I went to bed and apparently I somehow missed the one that said meet at 8:30 the next morning, so the next day Michael told me they were waiting for me since 8am. I had just landed the night before after a 27 hour flight, had he sent me the itinerary I asked for several times for scheduling and times there wouldn’t have been any issues on timing. After days of riding solo in the car with I asked Michael what happened to the group, He said they changed flights or something and explained the tour must have continued which I agree 100% but I was never told and just left to wonder my driver didn’t tell me anything either. He did upgrade my rooms which I did appreciate, the lodges were all very nice. On my last day on the way back to kampala I was asked to pay for my lunch although it was noted on my itinerary so I thought it was included. I hope that with better communication I can do another tour with them in the future because they were all prompt when I got there and my driver was always on schedule and very knowledgeable
Email SDS | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful itinerary for family of 4 to do the gorilla trek and QEP safari in Uganda
Had a number of conversations with the owner Michael during planning stage and after. Very helpful and provided useful voice of experience. Making a bank transfer in USD to a company in Uganda was slightly unusual as my preference is to pay by credit card for added protection, but it was totally fine and we had our 4 gorilla permits for the day requested, did chimp trekking, boat trip and safari in QEP. A truly wonderful and amazing trip.
We were met by both Ben and Michael at Kigali airport and dropped off by Ben at Kigali Airport. Hotels were as notified by Michael and excursions as agreed and planned. Ben is a great guide. Michael kindly came along from Kampala and stayed 2 days. Michael helped me get a good rate to convert my GBP to USD for local spending. The highlight has to be the gorilla trek. It was not easy, approx 2.5 hours to the family through thick undulating jungle. But the 1 hour with the gorilla family made the money and energy all worth it. An amazing experience to see an endangered species in their natural surroundings from only 2-3 metres distance. It was exhilarating but not dangerous.
Not everything was perfect. Some Hotel service can be more hit and miss than in the West. Estimating road journey timings will be approximations as weather, border control busyness and night time can all have impact. Bwindi forest is reached by a single lane winding road up a mountain, but absolutely necessary if you want to see mountain gorillas!
I made my own itinerary of key items to cover during the trip, received a competitive quote from Michael and crucially had my 4 gorilla trekking permits confirmed before I had paid any money. This was done some months in advance. I would have no hestitation to say Michael of Mushra will do his best to deliver a great Africa holiday experience.
DE
Email Rebecca | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Safari experience
Absolutely wonderful trip! The tour was from beginning to end very well organized. The company always replied very fast and the informations were reliable. We saw a lot of the country and could enjoy the wildlife. Two unforgettable moments were meeting a rhino while trekking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and spending time with the chimps in Kigale. They are really worth the visit.
In compare the trip was quite cheap but the accommodations were all very fine with really nice food. Best price- performance ratio.
Our guide, Jonan, was extremely friendly and funny, we head a really good time. He was always there for explanations and made everything possible. No wish was unfulfilled.
Thanks again for such a good time!
Email Amy | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tour cancelled half way through; disgraceful communication throughout
We booked two tours with Mushra: 6 days in Uganda (2 people) and 7 days in Tanzania (3 people) in September / October. Big mistake.
There were so many issues and disappointments it’s difficult to wrap up into a review. To try and keep it simple, I’ve tried to focus on the key areas. Tanzania was the ultimate disaster where we were left fearing for our safety as a result of Mushra’s actions.
The individuals within our group have travelled extensively across the globe for 15 years and never encountered anything like the horrible experience we had with Mushra. We do not recommend their services to anyone.
Communication - things were going well throughout the sales process and all our queries were answered very quickly. However as soon as we paid the money (~USD8000) all communication stopped. To the point where we were unsure if the company really existed and if tours would go ahead. None of our final questions were answered and there was no recognition of final logistical information like pick up locations.
Uganda - although we were told we had the top female guide in the country we struggled the entire trip from a continued lack of communication from both Mushra and the guide (Safinah). Multiple activities had been promised to us as part of the itinerary we paid for but were not included in the itinerary Safinah had been given to deliver (Batwe/pygmies cultural tour, three game drives). When we asked for these things to be corrected we were made to feel that we were being demanding and difficult - when actually all we were doing was politely asking to get what we paid for. This caused us anxiety on a daily basis. In addition, Safinah lacked charisma and energy, it felt she was in a rush to get everywhere so she could hang out with the other guides. On one occasion she dropped us off at a random table in the middle of nowhere to have our picnic lunch. After unpacking our food she said she had to get petrol - over two hours later she finally returned, surprised that we were eager to go do something with our day. These things might sound relatively petty as complaints but they are simply scratching the surface of an overall 6 day experience.
Tanzania - the tour started incredibly well. We were having an amazing time. Our guide was fantastic, teaching us lots about the country and wildlife, we received unexpected accommodation upgrades and were having fabulous game drives. We thought Michael must be putting in extra effort to improve things after our poor Ugandan experience. However, this all came crashing down on the fourth night when we received a visit from the local tour manager. Turns out his small company had partnered with Mushra to deliver our safari tour. Yet, despite us having paid Mushra USD5400 for this component of the trip, the partner company had not received any compensation. Everything was being paid for out of their pocket and his funds had come to an end. He could not afford to continue our tour and Mushra were not sending any money through. Putting aside the fact it was a poor business decision on the Tanzanian partners behalf to commence a service that had no deposit paid, the unwillingness of Mushra to pay the money ultimately compromised our trip and the tour was cancelled by Michael half way through. At this time things really heated up. We received a text from Michael saying the tour had been cancelled - he did not apologise at any point or help us get back to Arusha. The Tanzanian tour manager then created a very distressing situation for us, we were taken to a private location and an attempt was made to coerce us into paying him in lieu of the payment he had not received from Mushra. The way this whole scenario played out was exceptionally threatening and we feared for our safety. With the help of a third party we did manage to get out of the situation and return to Arusha on our own account. At this point we are still fighting for a refund from Mushra of the services not received - however none of this will be taken by us, we have committed to giving this to the Tanzanian company in compensation for their loss. Ultimately we will have lost out on both the experience and expense of half of our trip - all because of Michael and Mushra’s actions.
As mentioned above, we recognise this is a long story with many elements that may make us seem difficult customers. All we can do to mitigate for this is suggest you look at our other reviews and contact us for more information - nothing of this sort has ever happened to us before. Unfortunately it really tainted our overall trip.
We also suspect Michael Ahabwe (the owner of Mushra) will dispute our review. However we have proof of everything that took place and are happy to share more information directly with travellers.
We do not recommend Mushra.
US
Email Fran | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A positive Review with Reservation
My original planned trip was a 12 day tour (as seen on the website) with a maximum of 6 people. I planned a second 3 day tour at the end after some volunteer work to visit the Mountain Gorillas a 2nd time. I ended up with a 9 day tour and then a 4 day tour. Due to illness of others who were supposed to be part of my group, I was on the tour alone at NO extra expense. I had initially asked what would happen if there weren't others signed up for my tour and been told there would be no additional charge and that the trip would still go. The positive pieces include my guide, Wyclef, who guided me on both tours and was knowledgeable, funny, and an excellent driver. The time spent in the National Parks was excellent and I saw all the animals I had hoped for. My reservation in recommending Mushra Travel Agency is in the communication with Michael. Before leaving the U.S., I tried for 2 weeks to get in touch with Michael by whatsapp and by phone. I had no response until the day before I left. At that point I had become quite anxious. The itinerary online and what was given to me on arrival was different and if I hadn't pointed out the change from 10 days to 9 days (which meant one of the parks had been excluded), it would not have been mentioned. (No idea what happened to the 12 day or even the 11 day that was listed online and that I thought I was to be on) That park was added to my 2nd tour at no additional charge. During the trip I attempted to communicate with Michael about changes and payments several times and went days without a response. The price is great for the Mushra trips, the guides are great......Michael's communication needs to greatly improve before I recommend Mushra Travel Agency,.
Email Renee | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Easy, cheap and organised
Really can't fault my experience with Mushra. Cheap and affordable way to see the gorillas, and experience Uganda
NZ
Email Susan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Totally let down, simply heartbroken
Consider very carefully before booking with Mushra Travel, NOT a trustworthy company.
My husband and I travelled to Uganda in October , our itinerary was changed, we weren’t told. We booked as a group, Michael told us 4 other couples were aLready booked on our tour, but we were on our own, not bad you say, but we like to meet people. The tour went reasonably well, although our guide wasnt really interested in us and only did what he really needed to do.
Our last day was to see the gorillas, they messed up our permits even though we booked and paid 10 months in advance. We had to change our flights and extend the holiday by 2 days for them to sort new permits. Our driver repeatedly tried to get cash from us to pay for petrol as he said Michael was not sending him money. Then to end the holiday on a high at 8.30pm on our last night, travelling back to Kampala we were pulled over by armed police who told us they were repossessing the vehicle (and our suitcases) as Michael hadn’t paid the lease. The repossession company turned up and we were faced with 3 men and the police telling us we would not be let go until Michael paid up. Michael would not answer our calls or theirs, what a nightmare!
It’s hard to believe this feedback, especially as most people seem to have nothing but praise for Michael. Micheal promised us a refund of our additional expenses incurred due to their cock ups but we have been home for 2 months and no refund has been received, despite numerous messages being sent. I’m not surprised!
Reply from Mushra Travel Agency
Posted on Jan 8, 2019Hello Susan,
Thank you for the review.
As you mentioned, the gorilla trekking permits issue was resolved and you trekked. Our company does not have control about how permits are issued or assigned. Our interest is usually to get out clients trek as we did for you. We are glad you mentioned that.
As you might be aware, the company has no control over taxation or law enforcement. It is unfortunate that you were pulled over yet it is a general operation procedure that vehicles with tourists are not pulled over. But in a country eaten up by corruption and extortion , anything can happen. We did follow this up and we believe the same might happen to other companies or clients. Our team did all it took and made sure you arrived at the hotel safely.
It would be very nice if you mentioned that we have been in touch with you about your payment which was taken off our bank account. We have no control of how banks settle payment. It would be out of order for us to authorize more payment. The payment was authorized by Michael to cover up for the inconvenience you went through. We still believe it was a positive gesture and we are confident you will receive your payment if your haven't.
Mushra Travel Agency