50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible 5-day Gorilla/Chimpanzee/Safari tour in Uganda
My husband and I just returned from a 5-day Gorilla/Chimpanzee/Safari tour in Uganda with our own driver and guide, Emma. I honestly cannot say enough good things about Prime Uganda!! From start to finish, choosing our activities, payment and booking process was seamless.
Cate was always prompt, helpful, organized and detailed in every communication. Cate also advised me on tipping when I asked, because it is always hard to know if tips are appropriate for certain services. As for accommodations, do not rule out the budget ones! We loved Pumba Cottages, and Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort – both budget places with excellent service, amazing views and food.
Emma was always on time, sweet, kind, considerate and so knowledgeable about everything, from the Ugandan culture, education, farming, to the animals and birds we saw. He had our itinerary, and always knew exactly where we were going and the timeline. We would go over our plan for the next day, either at dinner or breakfast. He always made sure we had plenty of water, and even stopped along the road to buy sweet bananas and bananas for us to try. He drove really long hours some days, and never once complained. He went out of his way to find the animals we really wanted to see, and sometimes we ate breakfast, lunch and/or dinner with him (he never invited himself, but we let him know he was always welcome to join us). It was like visiting with a friend!
I have severe asthma on inclines, and Emma made sure that the person assigning groups at Bwindi for the gorillas, knew I needed to be in a slow group. We were assigned to the closest Gorilla group and it was a huge weight off my shoulders that I was physically able to get to the Gorillas.
This was really a once in a lifetime trip for us, and we are so thankful that we chose Prime to make it happen for us!
Our itinerary:
1st day - drive from Entebbe to our first lodge, Pumba Cottages. Lunch near the Equator. Game drive before dinner.
2nd day – Chimpanzee tracking in the morning, lunch overlooking the Kazinga Channel, Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. Afternoon game drive and return to Pumba cottages for dinner.
3rd day – head towards Bwindi, stopping in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth Park to see the tree climbing lions. Arrived at Haven Lodge Buhoma.
4th days – Gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Ate packed lunch from the lodge. Shop in the local village for gifts and souvenirs. Drive to Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort. Boat trip around the lake (we chose to walk around the island looking for wildlife instead).
5th day – Drive back across Uganda to Entebbe. Amazing countryside!! Stopped for lunch and gifts on the way.
We booked hotels near the airport for our first night and last night which were not included in the Prime tour, but Cate gave us recommendations.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful, beautiful, amazing experience, Martin was fantastic!
I was part of a small group that went gorilla trekking. Everything was explained in detail to us throughout the whole experience. Chigo tours provided us with a wonderful experience! Martin was very knowledgeable, not only regarding the gorilla trekking adventure, but also regarding the villages, people, and markets we passed along the way. Our hotel that was chosen for our overnight stay was beautiful, the food was delicious, rooms were above expectations and comfort, and staff were very accommodating. I would definitely book again with chigo tours and specifically request Martin
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very flexible
Superb staff and too friendly
Helpful in all ways
Professional yet flexible
Economic yet comfortable
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Family Trip in Kenya
This family Kenyan tour experience will remain as the most adventurous in our lifetime. The trip was much more than just about the wild animals. This Kenyan tour operator exactly fitted our trip to what we needed. We had the top notch accommodation with the best facilities than we expected. What was available was exactly what we needed. We highly recommend Gates Adventure Safaris.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jackson! Jackson. Jackson! He belongs on a race course!
Mr. Ben was amazing. He and Raegan made sure I made it to their office on time. Mr. Ben got me back to langata safely. Mr. Jackson was professional. A sweet heart. Kind spirited and amazing driver who went beyond the call to ensure that everything was perfect for us! His driving had me worried but it’s like that in the USA. He did great!!!!!! I loved the tour and I got to see the Big 5! Please hug Jackson from Ruthie MacIII.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
One of the most authentic experiences we have ever had
We booked a 4-day safari with Best Memory Safaris and before we arrived to Kenya we already knew that we were in good hands. Isaac was extremely responsive and very precise in every answer he gave us about our future trip to the savannah. He was the only tour operator (we messaged many) who was not trying to push us to buy the tour from him at all cost – but he made sure that his offer suits our interest and needs. Nowadays it is quite rare to see such attitude in the service sector unfortunately. Isaac is truly customer centric and this is what made us decide to take on his tour, which turned out to be one of our most memorable experiences.
Our driver was Saidi M. Harusi - an extremely kind, funny and genuine tour guide who knows a lot about the wild animals - we just couldn't have wished for a better one. He is very respectful towards both animals and people; and this respect is reflected in every story he tells about the wildlife in Kenya - as well as in the way he is treating his Clients and the people he meets during the tour daily. He is the type of person who truly cares of other people's wellbeing (both in his private and professional life) and during our 4 days trip he made sure that we are having an unforgettable experience. He was all the time very flexible whenever we needed a break - or wanted to watch the animals a little longer. He would go an extra mile (literally!) for his Clients when it comes to finding wild animals and would show them from as close as possible (but from a safe distance & without disturbing those wild beauties), which is truly a euphoric experience for travellers who go on a safari for the first time. Moreover, he is just as happy to see the animals as his Clients - which is really heartwarming to see. He is an incredibly jolly man whose positive attitude is contagious; and you can feel that he is not bored neither of his job nor the travellers. I can say that we have learnt a lot from him - and not only about the animals, but some valuable life lessons as well. We were truly sad to say good bye to him after our journey ended – we can not thank him enough for these wonderful days out in the savannah!
We also very loved the lodge where we have stayed during this trip – it was beautiful with a very close view on the wild animals passing by. The staff of our accommodation was providing an excellent service and the food was delicious.
Thank you very much, Isaac and Saidi, for everything – we will be back!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
They delivered beyond my expectations I had no disappointments in my vacation
It’s well organized
All went as planned.
I would highly recommend them.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Impeccable service unforgettable trip
My friend recommended Gilmag safaris since she had travelled with them. Gilmag was fantastic from start to finish. They tailor made an itinerary that fitted well with our budget and time. Our emails were responded to on time in professional and friendly manner.
Our guide Chris was fabulous. We visited ngorongoro, ndutu, Serengeti and ndutu. We saw all the big big 5 and many more. We would like to thank the team at Gilmag for making our African dream trip a reality. Gilmag is well organized and reliable. Unlike other companies that insist on full payment before start of the safari, Gilmag offers a choice of paying by instalments and even clearing balance upon arrival. We highly recommend Gilmag to anyone wishing to travel to Africa.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience regarding trekking (Mount Kenya) and Safari in Samburu Park !
It was the first time for me in Kenya and what a trip!!!
First, trekking on Mount Kenya. I lovely enjoyed landscape and vegetation during this trekking ! No real difficulty expect the altitude that makes breath more complicated.
And then, safari in Samburu Park, which is the nearest park from Mount Kenya (this choice allowed us not to have a long transfer between the Mount Kenya and the national park). What a back to childhood ! Seeing all those animals see that rocked my childhood imagination was amazing! And our guide, Matthias, is realy an expert in his job ! Thanks to him !
So if I had to summarize my trip in one word, I would say "Wow!".
Thanks a lot Peter for all ! It was a real pleasure !
See you soon
Véro
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Attention to every detail from pickup to drop off.
First time in Nairobi and Masai Mara for 3 day trip and turned out to be the best experience of lifetime. Geophrey from Kenan travels organized a great trip and was in constant communication with all updates. Picked an excellent safari camp in Mara eden safari camp and the best Masai guide anyone can wish for in Moses. Would definitely recommend Kenan to others for a true African experience and use them again in my future adventures. Thanks Geophrey.