Typical Ugandan operator by Richard Tusasibwe
Gatatu Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2011)
- Tour Types:
- Budget & mid-range tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $65 to $710 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Excellent!
Richard is a fantastic guy & helped us have the most amazing experience meeting the gorillas. I Would definitely recommend to all
DE
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
very reliable trip organization with highly competent guide
In organizing our tour the communication with Gatatu was very effektiv. Richard responded very fast and flexible to my special questions. He tried to keep in contact with me and thus I was never unsure, wether e erythind will work well.
And so it did. Our guide was well in time in Mutukula zo pick us up at the Tanzanian boarder. Kenneth, the guide again proved to be very competent in explaining us the coutry, it's nature and animals. This was the second trip i made with Kenneth + Gatatu and again all our experiences were positiv! I can also recommend the Fort Murchison Hotel , which Gatatu had selected for us: clean, good service, well tasting food and a beautifull site!
Reply from Gatatu Safaris
Posted on Dec 14, 2015Looking forward to have you next year 2016
CY
Email Marcos | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Value for money
My experience with Gatatu Safaris was a short one as I hired one of their cars and a driver to get from Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali, about a 3 hour drive. There is not much to say about the ride, which was uneventful, but I feel that I must say something about the money I paid for it. Huge difference!! Out of the four quotes I received, the one from Gatatu was four times cheaper than the most expensive one and 3 times cheaper than the second most expensive. I would certainly recommend using their services as it looks like this is a very reasonable company trying to make a living and not trying to rip off ignorant tourists.
Reply from Gatatu Safaris
Posted on Sep 18, 2015Thank you Marcos. It was great inquiring and having you on this ride from Lake bunyonyi to Kigali City, I am very sure that you really enjoyed.
Email Emma | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gorilla trekking - Bwindi
Richard organised my Gorilla permit for me and I had a driver from Gatatu Safaris for the day of my safari. Richard responded to all emails promptly and was very accommodating to budget and dates. My driver Dale was friendly and safe. I would, and have, recommended Gatatu to friends. I paid for my permit via a bank deposit, Richard acknowledged the money was received and arranged my permit with no problems.
IL
Email Angel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I got a very good service from Gatatu (Richard) that managed my Safari at QENP. I strongly recommend
I got a very good service from Gatatu (Richard) that managed my Safari at QENP. I strongly recommend
DK
Email Jens M | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
It was a nice tour, even there was some small problems/misunderstanding with the accommodation. There was also problems with the walk in the forrest, or actually problems with the road. So do not go for a walk in the forrest in the rain seaso!! The national park even charge you before you going for the forrest, even you cant go to! But all in all it was a great tour & a nice driver/guide...
Reply from Gatatu Safaris
Posted on Dec 14, 2015Thanks for the review, I think we agreed that you will be staying in bush lodge which i believe you did, I am so sorry that you really missed forest walk because of the poor roads leading to the forest, this is good in dry season to have a walk. Please see you again!
Email Malcolm | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gorilla Trip
For those that follow and may be looking for an operator to take them to the gorillas.
Toured with Gatatu Safari Tours who are 100 metres down the end of the road from Kabale Backpackers. Low Season permit was $350, $100 for transport and $50 to stay near the park for one night. Left Kabale at 4pm and arrived at the Wild Olives guesthouse at 6.00pm. Basic but clean and comfortable and perfect for the one night. Meals included. Left for the park at 7.20am for 8.30am briefing. Only 2 people on the trek so I think getting a permit at short notice is not an issue right now. I arranged on the Thursday for a Saturday trek. Trek was pretty tough on the legs but well worth it and got very close to the gorillas. An hour with the gorillas and 3.5 hours all up. Very safe driver and happy to stop for photos along the way. These guys were a lot cheaper than another well known operator in town and are a very good choice for your trek. Definitely recommend that you check them out. They even thru in a return trip to the lake for petrol money which was a very nice touch.
Email Stephen Boyle | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great value tour of Uganda's highlights, perfect gorilla experience and blissful Lake Bunyonyi .
This is a Ugandan led tour and its USP is the connection you get with the country through the planned itinerary and the links to local communities that Gatatu offers as part of your experience. This is a budget option that offers real value for money. The accommodation we had was very decent quality, particularly at QE National Park and the Entusi Lodge at Lake Bunyonyi which is as near to an earthly paradise as I've ever encountered. You rough it a little up in the mountains visiting a local community but the rooms there are clean and comfortable and the climate is cool and sleeping is easy. We were well fed and had no problems at all with stomach upsets! Gatatu's foresight in that department was much appreciated. Our driver Stefan was brilliant. His driving was excellent, safe and thoughtful, he was a great guide and a really enjoyable companion. Always willing to answer questions about the wildlife and all aspects of Ugandan life, especially music which is a big passion of mine ( I now have 8GB of Ugandan and other African sounds which I'm gradually working my through). The pace of the tour and its variety were spot on. Not too much but lots to keep you fascinated and delighted. The highlights for me were the cruise along the Kizenga Channel, with a dazzling variety of animals and birds, and above all an amazing encounter with the gorillas in Bwindi INP. We were exceptionally fortunate in meeting them, just the 2 of us, after only 30 minutes trekking. It was a remarkable and deeply moving experience for which I am truly grateful to Richard and his colleagues. The big surprise of the tour for me was Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and which I intend to revisit soon. Finally its important to remember that Gatatu is a Ugandan business. Your money benefits local workers and businesses and helps Richard and his colleagues to support a school for poor families in in his local town of Kabale. If you want a really Ugandan experience of the wildlife and landscapes of this beautiful country Gatatu is a great choice.
Perfect. Efficient, reliable, punctual and friendly!
I booked a permit to see the mountain gorillas at Mgahinga N.P. with Gatatu Safaris and everything was sorted out for me with real professionalism and the staff demonstrated experience and understanding of clients' requirements. Richard, the tour operator, was patient with my requests for a safe, reliable driver and of course a gorilla tracking permit which was obtained at short notice. Stephen, the driver, was punctual and friendly, getting me to and from the park safely. Most impressive of all was the attention Gatatu paid to the client. I met with both Richard and Stephen several times before the trip to ensure everything was planned to perfection. I'd recommend Gatatu to anyone wanting to see the incredible gorillas in Uganda.
Exciting, tailor-made experiences - the real Uganda!
1) the Bunyonyi photography trek
This was a short, morning trip to 5 locations: beauty spots overlooking the stunning Lake Bunyonyi. A perfect contrast to the bustle of downtown Kabale. Stunning panoramas which I will enjoy sharing with my photography club back in London.
The driver, Stephen, proved very careful, knowledgeable and sensitive to my needs eg coffee!