16 independent reviews for Gorilla and game safari in Uganda
Reviews for Gorilla and game safari in Uganda
Vassia Kyriakopoulou review 23 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting and interacting with local people along the way including the Batwa tribe in Bwindi.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure to have enough time to enjoy each region and not rush the journey.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Lifechanging and unique.Shelly Blancq review 10 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything- the itinerary was amazing, our guide is now a friend and Uganda could not have been more beautiful.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If possible, do the 15 day tour so you can get the most out of Uganda.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Out of the dozens of trips in my life, this one was the best.Edward Fritz review 5 Feb 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The entire Gorilla experience! From the breathtaking views driving up to Bwindi, to settling into your amazing room at Rushage Gorilla lodge, to the anticipation of the gorilla tracking and finally the realization of coming face-to-face with a gorilla family. An experience and adventure of a life time.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
While my focus was the gorilla tracking, the entire trip opened my eyes to all that Uganda has to offer and dispelled my prior misconceptions. With the help and assistance of my truly amazing guide, George, I’m a better person after this experience.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Without a doubt. One of the principal goals of the operator is to not only talk about socially responsible travel but to practice it at every opportunity. I had daily opportunities to met and spend time with community representatives who opened my eyes to how each of us in our own way can mark a change in the lives of others. Fantastic opportunity.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
If your considering taking this adventure, DO IT. You won’t regret it and you’ll be a better person for it.Naheed Finch review 7 Sep 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were so many of them. Watching great migration, lion cubs being looked after in the family, leopards, cheetah cubs being mischievous and trekking chimpanzees. But most memorable will be the kindness and care shown to my husband, Peter when he needed medical care in Uganda, he was treated as a family member by staff (Jackson and Geoffrey) and not as a client. They did not have to stay overnight in the emergency rooms but they did to support us and to make sure Peter got the treatment. We will always be grateful to them.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make the trip to not only see the animals but also to experience the culture and hospitality of people of Uganda.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe we did. Jackson had made sure that we stayed in camps which are eco friendly. Visiting he Bigodi swamp community and small towns, all benefited the local people and supported conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a great holiday in every sense. Seeing nature in its element was a reminder of how we should cherish it. I am planning to return in 2022 to do the Gorilla Trekking which I could not this year. Jackson, Geoffrey and Allan, made the safari perfect. Will be recommending the agency to my friends and family.Monika Wood review 2 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Most memorable for us was the happiness and friendliness of the people in general and the Pygmies in the Bwindi National Park in particular. During our entire trip we never felt threatened, unsafe or in any way uncomfortable. A wonderful country with wonderful people. Sticking out for me is with what dedication the teams in Bwindi lead us, who come to visit from foreign countries, through dense forest to see the mountain gorillas. The terrain is unexpectedly tough, what ever you read about it upfront. But these guys - the rangers and porters - give you all the support you need and they do it happily. Impressive!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
When I read the reviews I had seen some comments about being prepared for long hours in the car. We didn't give those comments too much notice - until we experienced for ourselves the sometimes strenuous and exhausting road trips from one place to the next. We had underestimated that. Our advice would be to, if possible and time allows for it, plan in a rest day just to enjoy the place where you are and gather the appetite for the next adventure. If we'd do it again we would stay at Ndali Lodge for an extra breather day. Another tip is concerning the Whitewater Rafting: sun protection is essential !!!! Not only sun cream of high factor but a t-shirt that covers the shoulders. You are exposed to the sun for long hours.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All three. The operators agency is local and he and his people are doing a fantastic job. There is plenty of opportunity to meet local people, not just during organised community walks. Buy your bananas and pineapple off the women who have their stands by the road. The women are happy if you do. The fees you pay for permits directly support the conservation efforts.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our goal was to get an idea about Uganda, it's people, scenery and - of course - see the Chimpanzees and Gorillas. We have absolutely met that goal and will always have fond memories of our time there.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you Monika and Rob Wood for taking time to give us feedback and the travel tips mentioned. This will help us improve our itinerary for a better
holiday experience in future.
Jackson
Steve Papania review 22 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
THE GORILLAS!!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Stay local at the community center3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A+Angela Reader review 29 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Gorilla trekking2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need good walking boots3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It was wonderful doing village tours we were so inspired by Ride for women in Bwindi4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The most amazing experience we have all had. Jackson was the most efficient co ordinator and Alex the best guide ever.Giselle Hagenmayer review 26 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of the Uganda Gorilla trip was being ferried up the vertical incline of the mountainside by the 12 porters it took. Definitely the scariest thing I had ever done in my long life! Even scarier was coming down the same vertical incline. It took a lot of determination to do it a second time. The porters worked incredibly hard for 6 hours. Both times I did get to see the gorillas for the allotted hour. The other National Parks were also great and my driver/guide was super nice and knowledgeable.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you want to see the gorillas on your own power you better be in fantastic physical shape!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. I especially loved visiting a local community school and making a donation directly to the director of that school.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great.Sharra review 26 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every day there was a new highlight. Walking through the forest and getting the first glimpse of a silverback gorilla was surreal. I was a little surprised by all the wildlife we got to see throughout our travels. The gorillas were absolutely magical, but it was also so special to see chimps, lions, elephants, hippos, and more; we even saw a leopard.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for some long travel days; though the countryside and villages you get to see along the way keeps it interesting.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We had locals guiding our treks, day tours, and at the lodges where we stayed.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Magic. We found the people to be incredibly welcoming, friendly and happy. Using a Ugandan tour company, with a local guide for the duration of our tour, was a great way to learn more about the country.Joubert Krige review 5 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Coming face to face with gorillas was an unforgetable moment, along with chimpanzees, tree climbing lions and the shoebill.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to spend long hours on rough roads. I would not recommend going to Jinja with the traffic through Kampala being as bad as it is. Rather go to Murchinson Falls. You will see a big part of the country and not only animals, there is quite a bit of cultural activities included which is quite interesting.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes, most of our accommodation was at lodges which is community owned. The use of solar energy at lodges was fairly common. All national parks supported conservation and the positive impact was already visible.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Victoria Lloyd-Gent review 4 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Like most people seeing the mountain gorillas was a dream come true. Utterly thrilling. But the holiday we built around the gorilla tracking brought so many wonderful and unexpected delights that we fell in love with Uganda; other highlights were meeting local people and guides, taking in the astonishingly luscious green landscapes, the food, the Nile Special, seeing a leopard and crazy amounts of wildlife was more than I could have ever bargained for.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take time to prepare properly and follow the guidance notes. You'll enjoy it more the more comfortable you are. Consider internal flights if you don't want long days bouncing around a 4x4 - great way to see the country but if you're short of time maybe fly. A neck pillow helps on long journeys. The tour company were first class. Perfect holiday itinerary for our 10 day tour, amazing service, amazing accommodation. Great to have the local knowledge. Take more than you think you need for tips for gorilla trek. There are trackers, porters, guides, army guys who really appreciate (but don't expect) tips. They work hard to protect the wildlife and you. Snack bars good to take. Mozzie repellant clothes, bands spray all essential. Anti bacteria hand gel, wet wipes and tissues essential. Borrow the walking sticks for the trek you'll need it. Wear sunblock for white water rafting, it's s long few hours exposed to the sun (but amazing fun!). Consider consecutive day gorilla trek or 4 the habituation if you feel an hour isn't enough for lifetime dream. Porters are local people who will directly benefit by working with you on your trek. Don't feel funny about hiring one, it's a great way to meet someone from the local village, directly support them and it's good fun too. And it makes the walk a lot easier!!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Amazing local community projects, providing jobs and income for local people. Great way to find out more about the country, wildlife, way of life, local food etc. We were amazed and delighted at the level of respect and protection afforded to precious wildlife. So pleased to see it first hand and be able to contribute and support. I shouldn't have been surprised but I was. A huge relief and a massive privilege to be so close to so much wildlife. Wonderful to know that all the excellent protection work has meant gorilla numbers have grown by about 150 in 5yrs.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
First class service from Responsible Travel and the tour company.Lea Newnham review 24 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all memorable. Every day bought something new.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Try and book through a local company that has an ecological and ethical charter.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope it did. We used water purifying tablets when we could, and bought large bottles of water and decanted into our small daily flasks when purification not possible,We used local people & locally run hotels for all our services, we donated to local schools and made sure we praised every effort that had good environmental outcomes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was brilliant. A lot of the credit would go to having our safe, empathetic, politically and culturally aware driver guide Faruk. His kindness to the local people, his genuine love of his country and his guiding advice truly made our holiday memorable.Surie Dobie review 10 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I enjoyed every part of the journey but if I must highlight some, it would be visiting the Chimpanzees and of course the wonderful encounter with the Gorillas. In Bigodi we interacted with some of the local people. That was so informative and wonderful. We saw a gentleman making beer, gin and a juice from bananas all by hand. We visited a lady who showed us the whole coffee making process - all by hand- from the tree to enjoying a cup of the freshly ground coffee. This was to me personally a moving experience to see what can be done without modern equipment. The medicine man and the basket making ladies was also so informative and interesting. At Jinja we did white river rafting on the Nile. Absolutely exhilarating. The wonderful bird live in Uganda is another awesome experience. I can go on and on but let me end by saying everything was awesome!!!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go with an open mind and learn from people who do things totally differently. Enjoy the re connection with the earthiness of the place and the wonderful people. Enjoy the local foods. Don't compare this holiday to others. It is totally different. Enjoy it too the full.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Everywhere we went we used local guides and paid conservation fees that goes directly to conservation and local communities. These kind of trips really benefit the local communities and of course conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
What a professional touring company. Dependable, punctual, helpful, going the extra mile to make sure you see and do as much as possible in the time available. Thank you for introducing us to them. They were wonderful. We chose the comfort accommodation choice and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and service we received. I would rate my holiday as one of the most amazing I have ever had.Stunning and amazing.Mandy Williams-Ellis review 19 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole holiday was memorable but the gorilla and chimpanzee encounters were definitely the most exciting and extraordinary.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take all the advice that the tour operator offers you, relax and enjoy.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The holiday obviously benefitted locals involved in tourism most. The community walks where we leant more about local ways of life and saw life up close were simple and were of benefit to the local community. They were interesting and seemed to reinforce pride in local ways and traditions. The gorilla and chimpanzee tracking helps to preserve and conserve the groups of chimps and gorillas which are now protected in their natural rain forest environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was better than we had imagined. We were well looked after by Primate World Safaris. We felt safe, saw and experienced a variety of environments and wildlife. Our guide/driver was informative and good company.George Gay review 30 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The two trekking experiences - chimpanzee and gorilla - were by far the most memorable. Memories that will last forever.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that the sightings of the big five are just not as often as neighbouring countries - there is no Serengeti equivalent. Additionally for they who are of advanced years or not in peak condition physically it should be made aware to such travellers that the gorilla trek can be VERY taxing.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To a degree. Visits to local communities were infrequent - a visit to the medicine man was the only specifically aimed at local enterprises. The inclusion of porters on the primate treks benefited they who were chosen to assist with backpacks.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a holiday I shall not forget. I went primarily to see the big primates and the sightings far surpassed expectation.Maria Papalouka review 25 Dec 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Gorilla tracking and Chimpanzee habituation2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You have to do it. Uganda is the perfect place to be if you want to track primates.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a great time. It was a dream that came true. The tracking of these gorgeous animals was once in a lifetime experience. But also I met friendly smiling people everywhere. Local food is not bad at all also. Good services: accommodation and transportation. Great scenery especially Lake Bunyoni and Bwindi forest. Rafting at the White Nile was fun. Kampala was a chaos, traffic jam that you cannot imagine.Holiday Reviews
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