Gorillas & Masai Mara: Safari Holiday, Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 127 reviews.

Eric Scott

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written September 2012
A fantastic trip even better than expected in most respects. This was down to the itinerary, Moses and the crew, and our travelling companions.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Spending an hour with the mountain gorillas - incredible! Seeing them so close and watching their behaviour we could see how much like humans they are.
But the following come a close second:
How the people of Rwanda are putting the genocide behind them and rebuilding their relationships with each other in order to move forward to a better future.
Seeing the great wildebeest migration from a balloon over the Masai Mara.
Sightings of leopard, lions, cheetahs and a huge range of other wildlife in magnificent scenery.
What did you think of your group leader?
Moses was a very good leader. He was well-informed and informative, friendly and helpful, and his sense of humour helped create the sort of atmospehere that made the trip so good.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The advice on tipping on the Exodus trip notes was unclear and, once briefed by Moses in Nairobi, turned out to be misleading. As a result we took far too much cash.
The optional excursions as set out in the trip notes and final joining instructions were also misleading. We were looking forward to being able to cycle through Hells Gate National Park, do the Crater Lake walk, and see the golden monkeys at Ruhengeri. But none of these were feasible in terms of time within the very tight schedule of the overall trip. The reference to such optional excursions created an impression of more free time available and of 'other exciting things to do' than was the reality. We came armed with loads of US$ ready to pay for these optional excursions so in the end this contributed to us carrying far too much money with us.
We understand that Exodus will be amending the details of the trip and relevant trip notes. But we would advise potential travellers to check to ensure the information provided by Exodus reflects their own expectations.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There were so many highlights in this trip. None of our 'criticisms' take away from the fact that overall we had fantastic experience. Being part of such a wonderful group of fellow travellers enhanced our experience - fun and laughter, extra eyes for wildlife spotting and sharing of photos afterwards.
Hugh Cullen

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written September 2012
An excellent trip which explored 3 countrys with lots of wildlife and contact with local people.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
My first close up sighting of a mountain Gorilla.
What did you think of your group leader?
An excellant leader who cared about us and our experience.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I travelled on a reverse itenary which sufferes some disadvantages over the forward trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The effect of altitude (The Gorilla's can be at at 9,000 ft) can be considerable on the reverse itenary as there is little time to adjust before the trek. Watch currency rates as moving from Uganda to Kenya or Rwuanda and getting the rate wrong at an ATM or street trader can be expensive. Be prepared for 3,000 Km of often rough roads in a lorry.
Kath Morgan

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written September 2012
A fantastic journey across East Africa experiencing different landscapes and activities with likeminded companions.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
In Kenya the hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara was incredible and more than lived up to expectation and i really thought it would be difficult to beat. Moving into Uganda i braved the white water rafting which was exhilarating beyond belief, but nothing quite prepared me for how gulpingly moving the encounter with the mountain gorilla's would be. Without doubt it was the highlight of my African adventure and the memory will stay with me forever.
What did you think of your group leader?
Clara was very sweet and really knew her facts about the birds and wildlife, though sometimes the delivery of the information could have been clearer. Personally i would rather be informed at the start of the day facts about the wildlife rather than summarising at the end when i was tired and wanting to unwind.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for some long drives on very bumpy roads, but enjoy the passing scenery and villages as you journey on. The balloon ride is a must and well worth the money in my opinion. How often do you get an opportunity like that!!
Claire Plater

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written September 2012
What a fantastic trip! Brilliant crew, awesome group of people and excellent sights and sounds throughout.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being up close and personal with the Gorillas.
What did you think of your group leader?
Fantastic, She did a great job as did all the crew.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Beware some of the optional activities are not actually possible in the time you have, we saved money for an some optional extras but when we got to those areas were told it was not possible in the time there was ever with this trip so we could have done the Hot air balloon trip after all which we were a little disappointed to have missed :-(
Cathryn Davies

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written August 2012
Just a great two weeks!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
- The hot air balloon over the Masai Mara and seeing the migration
- The gorillas in Rwanda
- Lots of laughs with the group!
- Seeing real life in Africa
What did you think of your group leader?
Often and his team were fabulous. They kept us well informed, well fed, entertained and were there for us 24/7 no matter what.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Using cards can be a problem so bring lots of US $ just in case as they can be kept safely on the truck.
Bring things to do on the long truck drives.
Bring lots of different padlocks (sizes / with and without keys)!
Bring a sense of humour - you will have to camp (possibly in the rain), use disgusting toilets, fight to get to the lockers....... but its all worth it!!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'm just very sad that its all over!!!
ANNE MARIE MC DONAGH

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written August 2012
If your looking for adventure rather than a restful holiday this is the one. On the go from start to finish.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There are so many 'Wow's' in this trip it would be hard to choose one but seeing the Great Migration was a particular awesome moment for me....very emotional!
What did you think of your group leader?
Often was simply the best....helpful knowledgable funny affectionate...he is just a great guy to have around ...such a genuine nice guy.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for lots of long drives in the truck...sometimes it feels like your living half your life in the truck ...but the end result is always worth it....take your ipod a good book anything to entertain yourself with or simply take in the African day to day life as you travel along.
Wear shoes not flip flops to the orphange its a fair walk with lots of negotiations up and down hill.
Get a good zoom camera..you will need it to get close up pictures
Take clothes for both hot and cold weather....the climate is very changeable
Mastercard can be a problem outside kenya so get visa ...or you will struggle to get money
Is there anything else you would like to add?
would definitely recommend this trip for people who dont mind long drives. Not a good trip if your looking for a restful holiday. Its an early start everyday with long drives.
Katie Nugent
GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written August 2012
Right, so this a trip for some serious animal lovers, game parks make up a majority of the tour and so anyone hoping for a glimpse into the more cultural anthropological elements of a trip to this part of the world should look for something else. There is also ALOT of driving so be prepared. That said was simply one of the best things I have ever done. It was my first trip away alone and was extremely nervous but was blessed with a fantastic group of people who I hope I'll know for a long time and an overall experience unparelled to much of the travelling I have done. The vistas are stunning, the animals plentiful, the tour guide and ensemble amazing creating a truely memorable few weeks.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Without a doubt the most inspirational moment was seeing the gorillas. Nothing quite preapres you for the first flash of silverback that you see and the subsequent family of gorillas that you get to spend time with. I cannot stress enough how quickly the time goes, we blinked and they said we had 8 minutes left. Take photos but make sure you give yourself some time to simply enjoy this utterly mindblowing experience.
What did you think of your group leader?
Ahhhh there are simple not enough superlatives for Often.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't go on this if you are not into animals, I didn't fully engage with the trip notes so was a little surprised by the number of game drives ( my group will smile at this)!
Do not take Mastercard!! If you need cash or in fact anything in Rwanda only visa debit will suffice.
Avoid the orphanage/ old women morning and stay chilling at the lake was an uncomfortable waste of time
In terms of cash to pay for extras really you'll just be buying drinks, snacks and souveniers I took $500 and was fine
Bring a headtorch
They have these foam mattresses to sleep on, I invested in a self inflating jobbie and it was a waste of money
Download a white noise app in case of noisy neighbours, amazing!
Bring a travel pillow for the bus it was invaluable
There is a really mixed bag of accommodation you are in a little tent for six nights and wasn't as heinous and I thought it would be for those fellow non- campers out there.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Not entirely sure what else to add other than this was 2 unforgettable weeks. It is making me sad writing about it all as a mere memory now as know that unique time in those amazing places won't be relived. It was a once in a lifetime trip beautifully organised and lead that simply left you wanting more ( although think I might give game drives a rest, for a bit!)