Senior Consultant Winnie on safari
Makario Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2019)
- Member Of:
- RTTA, RDB & TRIPADVISER
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $1,200 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CH
Email Caroline | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime experience!
We did a 6-day tour with Makario Safaris, with Jean-Marie as our guide. Makario Safaris was extremely flexible with the planning to create the best experience based on our travel requirements (we had a late flight on our last day, so they suggested changing our itinerary to do things in the reverse order than planned) and what we wanted to see. Jean-Marie was an amazing guide - friendly, knowledgeable, and very passionate about biodiversity and Rwanda. He knew all of the wildlife and how to spot them. We didn't have to worry about anything on our trip because everything was planned so well, yet still flexible in case plans changed or the weather was bad. We paid a very fair price for our whole trip, very good food and hotels. Our trip to Rwanda was an unforgettable experience for our first time in Africa. We highly recommend Makario Safaris and also Jean-Marie as a guide!
Email Atkinson Helena | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent service
I appreciated the quick responses and good value for money snd good communication. My guide Godfrey (911) was also really good
HU
Email Eszter Tanacs | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour operators were nice and helpful.
When we organised the trip, our correspondent was correct and flexible. The drivers were also nice and helpful, and really tried to make the most of our trip. We saw a lot of animals (rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, lots of birds, antelopes, etc). The hotels, restaurants, boat trip included were all fine.
However, our car broke down as soon as we arrived to the National park and we had to wait hours for replacement in a camping. When we got a replacement car, which we had to use for the rest of the safari, its roof was not working properly and it was smaller, so one of us had to sit in the middle (not ideal for seeing things). Its back door was regularly stuck so at the end of the trip we almost couldn't get our luggage out. I think a safari firm should either have working cars, or a working emergency plan for such cases (and possibly both).
Email Sarah Bekessy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
unforgettable day
Such a professional and thoughtful business - even though my booking was so last minute. John was the most fantastic driver and had an incredible knack finding rare and unique animals. And he is a fun and engaging conversationalist! I really recommend a trip to Akagera... it was breathtaking and incredible
thank you!
US
Email Chris Wild | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jean-Claude is the best!
My 16-year old daughter and I had the pleasure of experiencing a 4-day 3 night Rwanda adventure with Makario Safaris and it was wonderful. We did 1.5 days in Akagera National Park, visited Lake Kivu, and did the rainforest canopy walk and primate trek in Nyungwe National Park. To hit all of these places in this short amount of time requires a considerable amount of driving, but our guide Jean-Claude was top notch and an excellent driver. The fact that the landscape is simply amazing makes the experience of getting from place to place all the better. The Makario team was super communicative/responsive and provided options and pricing based on the preferences I provided. The trip was seamless, from when Jean-Claude picked us up until he dropped us off. Can't say enough good things about him. We only wish the trip cold have been longer!
CH
Email Debby | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great gorilla tour
Attention to detail. It was a seamless, well organized experience.
Godfrey was an excellent driver and made sure that I was well looked after.
The experience was one of the best in my life.
HU
Email Andras Baldi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We had three great days in Akagera NP with Makario.
The organisation, emailing, burocracy went well from the Makario side, quick replies, adapting the program to our requests, ideas. We were transfered from Kigali airport to Akagera, then in the NP to various sites. Drivers drove as we requested, not at a usual speed, stopping at all small creatures. What I may note is the age of the cars - one even went wrong - weak engine and some problem with the roof of it to keep open.
US
Email KCT | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Reliable, professional and responsive.
Mwaka Utanje promptly responded to my initial query, and quickly provided very a clear and detailed plan for my Gorilla Trek. Everything was very well organized and worked out exactly as planned. I also appreciated Mwaka's input and answers to my many questions through the planning stages of my trip, including accommodating special requests. The drivers/guides were also really excellent. Both Moses and Hamadi were punctual, very professional, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Altogether, good value, utterly dependable, professional and well organized to the last detail. I will call on Makario Safaris and Mwaka Utanje in particular again.
BM
Email Natalie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Godfrey worked very hard to show us as much as possible in Akagera within a very tight time frame.
I had exceptional service from the start which includes Mwaka Utanje who was very responsive and patient with a slow international wire transfer payment. Godfrey picked us up punctually at KCC at 5 am (he was there early) and was a great timekeeper the whole day, but did not have much of a chance to share his knowledge of the animals with us. We had stops for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast was delicious even if slightly slower than expected because we all wanted to enjoy a Rwandan coffee! Safari in Akagera was exceptional. We saw far more than I expected, but it felt a little rushed. We were covering so much territory in one day it was only when the pride of lions surrounded us (!) that we took time to sit and watch the animals for a good long time. Lake Ihema boat safari with Innocent was also very memorable. Car was in good condition and Godfrey drove very well on unexpectedly congested roads back into Kigali. I recommend Makario Safaris!
Email George | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Efficient communicator and well organised.
A well organised trip provided by Makario, with Mwaka being very supportive over email. Transport was good and on time, our driver Vincent was very personable, taught us all about the park, its history and also a large part about Rwanda as we were picked up from Kigali which was about 2 hours from the Park itself. We had a stop off point for breakfast and also one for lunch. The food was also very good. Overall as someone that has never been on a safari before, I felt very well looked after and safe. We also saw pretty much every animal possible! Would definitely recommend.