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
Email Liz Walton | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A superb safari led by an expert guide determined to meet all the various needs of our small group.
We booked our three day safari to Queen Elizabeth Park at the Gatatu office in Kabale, explaining to the Director, Richard, that each of us had different priorities, ranging from serious wildlife photography to extending knowledge of birds gained on many previous safaris to a botanist's interest in plants and a first encounter with African wildlife and birds. Quite a challenge we set them! Our guide, Shindishi George Mugabe, met the challenge beyond our expectations.
The vehicle was spacious and ideal for game viewing as we had 360 degree vision. Shindishi has the eyes of a hawk and spotted animals and birds which we would never have seen ourselves, including leopard on two occasions. He showed immense patience and courtesy throughout the trip and we had wonderful views of lions, elephants, hippos, buffalos, Ugandan kobs, waterbucks and warthogs. Our friend who had never done any bird watching in Africa totalled up over 70 birds she would now recognise.
We took the excellent boat trip on the Kasinga Channel from Mweya Lodge where we had adequate budget accommodation in the nearby hostel and very good meals in the main lodge. We thought this excellent value for money.
We would certainly recommend this company to anyone wishing to book a tailor made safari.
IT
Email Alex | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience with gatatu
After a few problems in the beginning of the first day the trip changed very fast into a great experience. We had a 5 day trip with gatatu to the Queen Elizabeth n.park, Kalinzu forest for chimpanzees, Biwindi forest to the Gorillas, and the last day to lake Bunyonyi. We visited the school, which they built with the money from the tours. Unfortunately the children were on vacation. Our guide and driver DEO was super friendly and very flexible! Also Richard was very friendly and answered to all of the million questions i had before we came to uganda! The prices of the tours are fair, the accommodations and the food were very good. I really enjoyed the time with them and i would book a tour with gatatu again! Many thanks to Richard and DEO for the short but very nice time in Uganda, looking forward to see you again!!!
DE
Email Angela and Volker | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful experience in Rwanda and Uganda with Gatatu Safaris
We went to Rwanda and Uganda for a private two people Safari (12 days). The communication with the company during the initial inquiry and ongoing preparation of our tailor-made tour war always quick and pleasant. All the luxury suggested accomodations were well managed, clean and breath taking. The driver (Steven) was very friendly, careful and always available when needed. We can highly recommend Richard and his team .
PR
Email Luis Lugo | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Jewels of Southwestern Uganda
My experience with Gatatu Safaris and Stephen (my guide) was extraordinary. We hit the main attractions in the region (Lake Mburu Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Gorilla trekking at Mugahinga, Lake Bunyonyi, etc.), staying at wonderful places and eating like kings. Stephen really made the difference, since he really went out of his way to make sure everything was perfect. I have traveled extensively in Africa, but this trip was one of my most pleasant experiences. I was very lucky to contact Gatatu Safaris and I recommend them without reservations. They know Uganda (and Rwanda) better than most companies and they give an excellent, incredible service. And they are not expensive.
Email Sarah C | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gatatu: gold star service
A tailor-made day trip to Lake Mburo in Nov '16 proved highly enjoyable - as always with Gatatu. Excellent planning + communication. We set off early from Kabale and reached Mbarara for breakfast at a well-chosen motel. The combination of local knowledge and intercultural skills guaranteed real insights into not just the flora + fauna of a lesser-known national park (beautiful landscape), but also into the Bugandan heritage. I just loved the Ankole cattle! This was my fifth trip with Gatatu and I took the best photographs to date. The zebras, especially, were stunning but I also got fab shots of Ugandan cranes for the first time. A 64 year old widow, I travel the world independently, but return again and again to Uganda because the experience is so authentic, moving and humbling.
PT
Email Joao Leonardo | 35-50 years of age
Perfect tour, great organization. Recommened!! 5 star company*****
We enjoyed very much our 6 day safari with Gatatu Safaris.
All was taken care off and we felt very welcome in Uganda.
Our guide/driver was a very nice, clam, and experienced person that took us to everywhere we agreed, we could see all we expected to see, and Richard is doing a great work helping kids from the region with his school.
Was a great experience in the last day to visit the school and be with the kids.
If we planning to do a safari i recommend Gatatu Safari.
Thank you Richard and Deo.
IN
Email Dhruv | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent time with Gatatu
Richard was great through the booking process. Steven, our driver/guide was excellent. He was accommodating to all our requests and showed us a really good time. Overall a very good experience. Id recommend using Gatatu and supporting local safari tour operators.
DE
Email Thieu-Duy Thai | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Gorilla Tracking Experience with having very flexible and helpful Tour Guides
After having some incidents with the booking agency, the tour operator intensively supported me in finding a solution and making the gorilla tracking tour take place.
The moutain gorilla tour has definitely been the absolute highlight of my two weeks tour in East Africa. In Uganda, I have met the friendliest people ever giving me a very warm welcome to their country Uganda.
Regarding the tour itself everything was very well organized and managed. If you are coming to meet a gorilla, look into his face you really see how they express their feelings and the moment you look into their eyes you become clear that the gorillas are very similar to us.
Knowing that they are an endangered species and there are only a few spots left where they still exist results in the fact that it is a MUST to visit those unique creatures.
I would like to thank Gatatu Safaris for making this experience possible and would highly recommend them at any time.
US
Email Greg | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great trek to Lake Bunyonyi
We really enjoyed a combination trekking (hiking) and canoeing on beautiful lake Bunyonyi. The views as you hike up the surrounding hills are amazing! Our guide was very good and gave us lots of information and local people, history and customs. The meal at the end of the day was very good too.
Email Susan White | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic experience with Gatatu
We went on an 8 day safari with Gatatu in November and have been left with wonderful memories. We were extremely well looked after by Jasper our guide who managed all aspects of our trip well and was very knowledgable about all the wildlife we encountered. The days spent on the chimpanzee habituation and gorilla trek were amazing and surpassed expectations. Also the option of visiting the school Richard supports is recommended - you will be treated like a visiting celebrity. The accommodations and meals are of a high standard. I can definitely recommend Gatatu Safaris.