On a sunset game drive in Hwange NP, Zimbabwe
Nziza Hospitality
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2016)
- Member Of:
- Connections & XO Private
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $500 to $2,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Sally Rutherford | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Nziza delivered the trip of a lifetime: epic gorilla and chimp trekking in magical Uganda!
From the smiling face waiting to greet me in person on the apron when I touched down at Entebbe airport to the thoughtfully constructed itinerary that immersed me in the magic and beauty of Uganda, Nziza Hospitality blew me away. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and every single member of the Nziza team was responsive and generous with their knowledge, time and warmth. Bernard and his team on the ground went to great lengths to uncover my interests and priorities, and to tailor my trip so that every box was ticked. The result was a richly layered travel experience that surpassed all my expectations.
ISLAND IN THE NILE
I started with an indulgent and restful couple of days at Lemala Wildwaters Lodge close to Jinja. A favourite with Instagram ‘influenstars’, Wildwaters is a gorgeous boutique lodge situated on Kalagala Island in the Nile River.
I’ve previously rafted this section of the Nile and I was filled with residual adrenaline just watching the churning rapids that swirl around the lodge. Paradoxically, I also found the roar of the waters provided the most soothing white noise imaginable, and slept like a log every night. Admittedly, the luxury of my stand-alone timber suite may well have contributed to that too.
The food at Wildwaters is exceptional, and the open-walled dining area has views of the Nile in every direction. I loved choosing my view to match my mood – breakfast overlooking the serene upstream channels with local villagers heading out in their canoes to fish; lunch beside the pool with Hypoxia Rapid thundering past; and dinner with flashes of lightening reflecting off the white water.
THE ROAD WELL-TRAVELLED
From there it was back to Entebbe’s Boma Hotel before the early-morning departure for Murchison Falls National Park. Our driver and guide for our Nziza Uganda Meander was Mustafa “Steffi” Kiika. Even though it’s a long drive, the time isn’t wasted. Travelling by 4x4 gives you the best perspective of daily life for Ugandans. The route takes you through countless towns, farms and rural villages, and Steffi was not just excellent company, he was a font of knowledge who added enormous value to the trip. We were travelling in rainy season, and Steffi handled the challenging conditions on the dirt roads with supreme competence. (I’m an enthusiastic novice birder, and Steffi was great at pointing out new sightings along the road.)
MURCHISON FALLS
Our first destination was the extraordinarily luxurious Nile Safari Lodge, just minutes from the entrance gate to Murchison Falls National Park. The problem with staying here is you feel completely torn when it’s time to head out on a game-viewing drive in the park: surely you don’t have to leave this seductively tranquil eco-lodge perched over the banks of the Victoria Nile for even a minute?
Of course, a hyena with a bloody muzzle dashing in front of our vehicle within two minutes of us entering the park changed my mind pretty smartly, and set us up for a glorious morning of wildlife sightings. To give context, the classic movie ‘African Queen’ was filmed on location at Murchison Falls. Again Steffi’s keen eye can be credited for manoeuvring us into position to catch young lions on the hunt. The afternoon’s Nile River boat cruise to the base of the Murchison Falls also delivered incredible game and bird viewing, culminating in the whirlpool at the base of the Murchison Falls (also known as Kabalega Falls).
THE CHIMPS OF KIBALE FOREST
Next stop on our itinerary was Kyaninga Lodge, our base for chimp-tracking in Kibale Forest. Lovely Kyaninga Lodge is perched on the rim of a pristine crater lake (an afternoon swim here in geothermal warmed waters was a balm for my soul), and the Kyaninga Lodge team does exceptional work in the local community.
The biggest surprise was how breathtaking I found the chimpanzee-tracking experience in Kibale National Park. Steffi cleverly engineered that our group was assigned to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guide, Jen Muthahinga. I felt that we won the jackpot here, as Jen maximized every second of our time with the Efuzi chimp family. Her knowledge of the chimps was incredible, and she repeatedly got us into position so that our entire hour was totally interactive. (Tourist interaction with primates is subject to a one-hour time limit so as not to stress the animals.) While the guides are strict about ensuring we maintain the required distance from the primates, the chimps themselves don’t always obey the rules: Efuzi, the alpha chimp, even brushed my legs more than once as I stood frozen in awe.
GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI
After that it was time to head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track the Mishaya group of critically endangered mountain gorillas. The forest itself is magnificent: you hike up steep slopes under the dense canopy of ancient trees thickly intertwined with vines. I chose to use a porter – the local communities depend on the largesse of travellers to provide work – and Deus Twinamakisto’s steady hand was an enormous help as we crossed rushing streams, areas of thick mud and treacherously deep layers of leaf litter that seemed to want to suck in your feet. We hiked for about an hour to find ‘our’ gorillas, who clearly had eaten their fill and were extraordinarily relaxed and sleepy.
My supremely comfy base was Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. It’s hard to encapsulate just how lovely Clouds is, but know that when you go to bed and your toes touch a toasty hot-water bottle tucked between the crisp cotton sheets, you are somewhere that understands how to cosset their guests. I stayed in one of their eight private guest cottages. My cottage was surrounded by lush gardens, with floor-to-ceiling windows, comfy linen-covered armchairs in the living room, and a roaring fire in the double-sided fireplace that separates the bedroom and living room. I was coddled by a delightful private butler, who took care of every whim and whisked my muddied trekking gear and boots to be freshly laundered that night. It was a little chilly to savour a gin-and-tonic on the veranda of the central lodge area, so I settled into a deep armchair in front of one of the roaring fireplaces to put my feet up after the day’s trekking and soak up the magnificent views out towards the Virunga volcanoes. Again, the food was scrumptious. I particularly loved the salads using freshly picked produce from Clouds’ huge vegetable garden.
ONE LAST BUCKET-LIST SURPRISE
All too soon my 12-day Uganda adventure was up, and Steffi was putting us onto Bar Aviation’s small Cessna Caravan for the hop back to Entebbe. Again, Nziza’s delightful team met us off the plane to whisk us to Hotel No. 5 where we were to relax until it was time for the flight home. But there was no time to feel sad that the journey was over. Nziza Hospitality had one more delightful trick up their sleeve!
Somehow they’d overheard me say that I was sorry I hadn’t ever seen a shoebill, and immediately after lunch they surprised us with a boat trip to Mabamba Swamp, across Lake Victoria. In this Ramsar-listed bird area we quickly found a prehistoric-looking young shoebill – a fascinating and fulfilling end to a superb and utterly magical trip. Thank you, Nziza Hospitality!
US
Email Stephanie Woolfork | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Absolutely “fantastic” with a strong dose of “wonderful”!
Our experience in Tanzania was transcendent!
It was a beautiful cultural endeavor that involved land, sea and all points in between. We spent a day at sea exploring the Indian Ocean on The Safari Blue, visited a sand bar for respite and photos, and enjoyed unlimited fresh seafood on a private island, followed by exploration of a gorgeous lagoon. It was simply amazing — a life-changing experience.
But wait, there was more! The next day we visited a local spice market for natural herbs, medicines and fruit, followed by a tour of the city and a uniquely curated photo shoot with Masai warriors on the beach. The beauty and majesty of our party against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean was awe inspiring. From there, we took a quick ferry to The Rock Restaurant for dinner. It was not only a scrumptious dinner, but the view was absolutely spectacular!
Our final day was spent enjoying the simple pleasures of beautiful Tanzania. We visited a turtle sanctuary to feed, swim and interact with these gentle creatures. We also returned to the city to shop, eat lunch and further explore the nooks and crannies of Zanzibar with its formidable, powerful and ornately designed architecture, especially the doors.
My party of nine ranged in age from 10 years old to 53. We each left Tanzania refreshed, impressed and incredibly grateful for the experiences that Nziza Hospitality created for us. I would absolutely work with them again and very much look forward to my next adventure. I know Bernard and his team will make it incredibly special.
US
Email Dr Manish Patel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most amazing trip
Bernard and his time were amazing!!! It was a trip of lifetime. Everything was planned to perfection. It totally exceeded our high expectations.
The credit goes to Bernard and his team for planning a wonderful trip. They communicated perfectly. Everything was seamless.
Bernard is a true gentleman. We are already looking at another trip with him. I can’t state enough if you are going to Africa the only was to plan it is with Bernard and his team!!! You won’t regret it.
Full of heart, kindness and goes above and beyond for his clients.
Bernard of Nziza Hospitality is gem of a
person and an asset to luxury travel. He has tremendous knowledge about the region and is able to create the most bespoke itineraries. He’s with you every step of the way and no request is too big or small. Logistics are handled on the ground seamlessly. He is always working behind the scenes to make sure everything is perfect and expectations are met with before they are even voiced! I cannot imagine working with anyone else for luxury Africa tours!
US
Email Ben Thomas | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My wife and I felt like royalty at every stage, stop and moment of our journey.
Nziza created a truely luxurious experience for us. The trip was entirely care-free; they thought of everything. If I had known that this type of high-end, five-star, white-glove experience was as affordable as our experience turned out to be, I would have begun using Nziza years ago.
US
Email Sybil Crum | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service delivered with impeccable hospitality!
I visited Tanzania with my husband, 10-year old son (his first BIG trip), sister, and a group of friends. We spent four days exploring and learning about local culture, arts, politics and experiencing the local food. It was an AMAZING ADVENTURE thanks to Bernard and Ali! They ensured we were treated like family — curated special experiences, offered suggestions, and made us feel like we were an extension of their own tribe. We adored them!!!
US
Email Lexie Trott | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Went out of his way to provide an out of this world and personalized experience
Nziza Hospitality was an amazing company to work with to provide us a trip of a lifetime. Bernard and his team took careful time planning each and every small detail of our trip in order to make it spectacular. We always had someone to pick us up, answer any question, to resolve any issues we came across, and to help us through any travel customs. All of the hotels we stayed at were magical and many gave us the opportunity to immerse ourself into the African culture. The hotels they booked for us were not only gorgeous, but had a staff that was there to make sure all of our needs were met and were some of the kindest people I met. I have absolutely zero complaints about this trip and hope to return some day! There is no other company I would trust to put together a unique itinerary and guide me through my trip than Nziza Hospitality.
Email Lawrence Anamwene | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS!
I live in Kenya and have been to over 10 African countries doing safaris, but Uganda exceeded my expectations.
It is the only country where you can literary see all the primates under one roof the chimps, Gorillas not forgetting the big five, a boat ride in the Nile the Murchison falls, birdlife, the culture was amazing our guide Mustafa aka “Stephy” the bird spotter who could spot a bird more than a hundred meters away give you the name description and why it is found in that area, the vast Knowledge about the country, wildlife, conservation only to name but a few.
I would say this was and still is a safari of a lifetime which was well organized by “NZINZA HOSPIALITY” end of March from the 25th for a nine days safari.
Clean well-maintained vehicles, professionalism at its top most notch, attention to details, services offered right from the first to the last day they walk the talk and make sure that they deliver what they promised, I would highly recommend them to anyone wishing to do a safari in UGANDA and East Africa as a whole
Email Phanuel Rariw | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Exceptionally Magnificent!! Everything planned seamlessly to the last last detail.
This was arguably one of the best safaris have attended. Nziza hospitality walked with me every step of the journey from the start to the end. I'm glad to have worked with Nziza Hospitality on this trip. They captured my preferences so well and curated an itinerary that not only met my expectations but exceeded with miles. From the start of our conversation on this safari i already felt that i was working with an institution that values me as a client. When i landed at the Airport the staffs that met me were so welcoming and warmly and i felt at home instantly despite being in a foreign country.
Uganda is such a beautiful country and am delighted to have visited and i have no doubt in my mind that i will be coming back soon rather than later. I was privileged to visit Murchison Falls National Park, Kabale Forest National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The three destinations are quite unique and each accords you a unique experience which then when fused together, you get the complete African Safari Experience.
Murchison park ushered me in to the African savanna grassland type of environment with wildlife sprawled all over, elephants, Giraffes, bushbucks, buffalos and the highlight was watching the lions kill a buffalo.
We tracked the chimps in Kabale Forest and there are no words to explain the experience of watching the chimps go about their lives as if we weren't in their space. it was so beautiful.
They call in Bwindi Impenetrable not just for the sake, it is indeed impenetrable. We were here for Gorilla Trekking. In the entire world, you get to see Gorillas in their Natural habitat only in Bwindi in Uganda, Volcanoe park in Rwanda and The Virunga in Congo. This was the raw authentic trek that you cant get anywhere else. its physically demanding but when you get to the gorillas you instantly realize it was worth every sweat. Just magical!!!!
During the course of my 9 day safari, i stayed at The Boma in Entebbe, Nile River Safari Lodge in Murchison, Kyaninga Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Hotel No 5 in Entebbe. I had the best experience at all the hotels, the staffs were very warmly and hospitable ensuring that our stay was perfect. The food was great and the lodge managers hosted us so well.
I want to thank Nziza hospitality for putting this together and ensuring we have the best guide....."Steffy" who accompanied us throughout the safari. on top of his guiding skills, Steffy ensured we were comfortable and well taken care of all through.
I look forward to coming back!!!......once again thank you very much Nziza Hospitality. This was a great life changing experience.
AE
Email Tom Kolder | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful bespoke service
Myself, my wife and our 4 y/o son decided to organise a last-minute holiday in Rwanda.
As it was the first Africa and safari experience for my wife and son, it was important to me to find a place that is friendly, welcoming and not too large as to avoid lengthy drives with a youngster - Rwanda fitted that bill and Nziza was the right agency to help make it a great experience for all.
They organised a hassle-free pickup from the airport and from day 1 we had our very attentive personal driver, Walter, to look after us. He was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. It was great to have the same person do the trip with us including the two days of game drive in Akagera Park. We had a fantastic time and will surely be back !