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.

Peter Fuller-Thompson

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA - Best two weeks imaginable!

Written July 2011
An absolutely amazing two weeks, three countries with seventeen other people. I've come away with a ton of memories, and many many new friends.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Sitting perhaps 6ft from the silverback from the Amahoro group, watching him sleepily eat bamboo completly unfazed by a group of muzungu's clicking away.
Going to the orphanage at Lake Bunyoni, and playing with all the kids. Well worth going for.

What did you think of your group leader?
Chris was a LEGEND! A great mix of stories, experience and ability to know when to be hands on, and hands off. He's a true credit to Exodus.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do the reverse route. It builds up perfectly to the Masai Mara at the end we thought!
Orphanage, hot air balloon.. Do the lot. It adds up to an amazing holiday.
The fleece for the truck is spot on, and bring (an English) sense of humour, good books or card games.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Best holiday ever. Exodus blew me away!
Sarah Leibert

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written July 2011
The reverse route for the AYU trip was majestic. We did the reverse because we wanted to make sure we were able to see the gorillas at our best (not tired or potentially sick by the end of the trip). This proved to be a GREAT decision. Although I was not tired or sick by the end, I felt that seeing the gorillas first and then the small scale safaris was a great preview to the epic Masai Mara!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were many inspirational moments on this trip. The lion cubs snuggling with their mama and the stalking and almost kill were amazing. Being out in the wilderness, in the fresh air, with nothing to worry about other than what was going to amaze me next was relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. Visiting with the children at the school/orphanage was excellent. The beautiful walk up the scenic Uganda mountains and meeting Theresa, the 70 year old woman working the potato fields, while chatting away with our guides was a good way to enjoy the morning. Visiting with the children was inspiring. As a teacher in America, I often take the materials I have for granted. Seeing what these teachers have done for these students puts things in a very different light. I can't wait to bring back their stories to my students. We've set up pen pals!
What did you think of your group leader?
Chris....what can I say. Professional, organized, knowledgable, hard working, and funny! My favorite part of the day was always Chris's "talk" at dinner...."Right, so here's the plan for tomorrow". Something very special about Chris was his clear respect for his co-workers. He constantly gave props to our driver Francis and our chef Jonas. He is humble.

Francis....you can always expect a smile out of Francis. He is a great pool player! Francis is a good driver and always knew exactly where he was going. We were never lost and got everywhere on time! It took him a few days to warm up and chat with the group, but he always had some fun things to say! Also very knowledgable about his home country of Kenya!

Jonas....one of the most caring and respectful people. There were a few food allergies or dietary needs on our trip. Jonas never made anyone go hungry! He was well aware of all of people's needs on the trip. When he noticed I was eating less of the meat (even though I am not a vegetarian), he let me know he made extra vegetarian food that night so I could have some.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
1. Gorilla Trek: Long pants is a must, BUT long pants with something over them or some extra protection is better. There are prickly plants that had my legs stinging for the rest of the day! There are also these EVIL ants that crawl up your pant legs and bit any skin they find! Tucking your pants in or wearing leggings under your pants would help!

2. It gets VERY cold in the morning and at night...bring something warm.

3. Bring an extra battery or two for your cameras. Although there are places to charge, we had a few people who got stuck with out a battery through out the trip.

4. Head torch is a must. There are many nights where you will need it to fend off wild animals on your way to the bathroom :).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was a trip of a life time. I can not wait to share my stories with my friends and family. I can't wait to convince others to visit. I have made many new friends and learned so much more than I had expected. What beautiful countries and an amazing way to see them.
Anthea Mouser

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written July 2011
DEFINITELY DO THIS TRIP !! Absolutely brilliant, if you love wildlife and east african culture I would recommend this trip, if this is your first east african trip it is a must. Wonderful people and wildlife in 3 beautiful countries and you get to go to the fabulous masai mara on your first few days, also to Lake Nakuru with the Rhino's and flamingoes. Across into Uganda where it is more lush and green then Kenya where we stayed at Lake Bunyonyi and visited a childrens Orphanage run by Crystal - Loving Hearts Helping Hands - this was amazing and the walk up to this is lovely, gets you out of breath but the guy who took us stops frequently for everyone. The nature walk at Lake Mburo was really good and we needed a good walk by this time after sitting in the overland vehicle, the Ranger who took us was really informative. Then onward into Rwanda and Ruhengeri where we trekked the fabulous gorillas.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The absolute ultimate part of this trip for me was the visit to the Gorillas, I was in the group who visited the Bwenge group of gorillas - there was the Silverback and 5 females and 5 young. The 3 month old baby with her mother was amazing and there were 2 youngsters age 2 and 3 who were very close less than 1 metre at times just looking us in the eyes with not a care in the world!! I also loved the masai mara where we saw many lions, 1 lioness with a fresh kill of wildebeest we could hear her ripping off the rump she was so enjoying! Also we came across a cheetah under a small bush which was fabulous, the leopard was being elusive so didn't see that but we were so lucky to see elephants, hyena, 3 males lions together, zebra, wildebeest aplenty, buffalo, giraffe. Also waving at the children along the road and through the towns and villages was fab, in Rwanda it was the thumbs up to the children! Also the orphanage was amazing for me - playing football with the children, we sat in class and watched them doing their numbers and then they did some dancing for us and made us have a go too - they are brilliant dancers even the little ones, put us to shame!! I also took lots of pens and paper and I bought a football from a supermarket in Uganda for the children - they loved it and the teachers really appreciated the paper and pens for them.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Emias was very funny and a great and lovely guy, he is from Zimbabwe. He kept us informed of the plans for the day ahead, whilst we were having dinner each evening he gave us a talk about the next morning and day plans. Nothing was too much trouble and he brought a great vibe to the whole group. We also had Leo our Chef who cooked some lovely food, pork chops, an array of vegetables, freshly made lasagne was gorgeous, chicken, pasta, rice potatoes etc. There was cooked breakfast most mornings along with cereal and toast. I don't think anyone was allowed time to get hungry as they fed us so well - definitely no losing weight on this trip! We also had Francis who was co-driver and helped set up tents etc - he was quieter at first but came out of his shell and is a fab funny guy too. They really made the trip even better with their banter and jokes.
The one thing I would say is that when we were travelling through towns and villages is that they didn't really tell us about the area or where we were or the fact that for example it was a big tea growing area made famous by Brooke Bond etc (one of my fellow travellers told us that), it is a bit difficult as its a sizeable truck and only one of the guys sits in the main part of the truck with us at the front, we asked some questions whilst travelling along here and there but not everyone could hear - so it's swings and roundabouts.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Ah yes, I would take some travel toilet roll, some of the campsites tend to run out, they provide a stack of it on the vehicle at the start but it soon runs out. Some toilets are holes in the ground but they are inside a small toilet block usually. Also we stop for the proper toilets pretty frequently and along the road now and then and use the 'Bush Toilets' which is quite fun sometimes trying to find a suitable bush to hide behind!! Take a shower whenever they are available as a couple of camp sites (Lake Mburo) were yuk so go with the wet wipes there, but we weren't away from a place where you wouldn't have a shower for more than 1 nite. Some of them were literally a dribble and either cold or lukewarm but better than nothing. Take plenty of memory card of course and batteries you can charge up on the vehicle maximum 6 plug holes (3 pin) but there was usually plenty room for everyone to do theirs at some point in the day. Plenty mosquito spray goes without saying really, I only got 2 bites but I did cover up in the evenings and my room mate Bridget and I sprayed our tent lots - so much that we were like children 1 night as we got the giggles with inhaling it by accident - but it was very funny!!! When you do the trek up to the gorillas definitely wear gardening gloves, I did on the way up but on the way down I took them off as my hands were too hot but I caught my hand on a prickly plant and I now have a rash on both hands which is so itchy and is taking a while to get rid of. Remember to take enough money to cover the tips for the guys who look after you, £75 dollars is enough for this. I spent approx £400 - depends if you like buying from the craft shops like I did! Oh yes and some antibacterial gel is a must. Although it says pack light I could have taken a few more bits of clothing, gives you room to take home presents anyway!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Erm, well I went on an overland trip with 17 other travellers who were all really nice people, we had some good chats about everything and what we had seen and done that day, some of the guys went in some great coffee shops too. You can buy a tshirt which says which gorilla group you tracked which is a fab momento. I shared my tent room with Bridget who I'd never met before and we got on really well, if you're a single traveller don't worry as everyone just mingles along and chats, you're all there to enjoy the trip so like minded people. You can wander around Kigali without bother, Kampala in Uganda was different though - I wandered down the street in the town on my own whilst the others went to the coffee shop and I felt a little intimidated/uneasy so turned around and ventured back to the vehicle, you'll probably be fine but as a red head and being very fair I sort of stand out in Africa! I would this trip again tomorrow it is so fabulous - words don't do it justice but you will really enjoy this trip if you do it - NOW GO AND BOOK IT OR YOU WILL REGRET IT!!!
HELEN JONES

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written July 2011
Fantastic, amazing holiday completely exceeded all my expectations. Enjoyed every day of it!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were a few Gorillas (obvious!) when a mother gorilla comes and stands 1m away nothing else can beat it! Fantastic scenery along the way each country so different. Masai Mara was superb wilderbeest migration was well under way! Seeing my first zebra and elephant! Could go on!
What did you think of your group leader?
Often was superb great sense of humour, good knowledge and cared well for the group. Works extremely hard and is passionate about his job.
Bernard is like masterchef there is nothing that man cant cook- have to say he looked after me very well the only vegetarian out of a group of 13 made dishes for the' special one' including stuffed peppers, fish dishes, different vegetables was fantastic!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take plenty of toilet roll and hand sanitiser, toilets are good all along the way but dont have loo paper.
Take plenty of warm clothing evenings temperature drops off need a fleece at least.
Wear suncream the sun is hot!
Take any adventure offered in Jinja and do the hot air balloon opportuinty of a lifetime
Garry Kennedy

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written July 2011
Can see why people fall in love with Africa and never want to leave. First time in Africa and did the trip from Kenya to Rwanda. Always something new to see along the way. Okay, at times there were long periods on the bus travelling from area to area but you can let the landscapes and people entertain and amaze you along the way. Be prepared to wave a lot. Safaris, early morning ballon trip over the Masai Mara, white water rafting down the Nile and gorillas. Magic!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Loved the early morning ballon trip over the Masai Mara (you must do this). Taking off at sunrise. Looking out over the plains with giraffes, elephants, hyena, zebra etc. Landing and breakfasting amongst wildebeest and zebra. Then safari through empty park.
The gorilla trip was incredible. A bit of a trek through the jungle and then your with the gorilla troupe. Our guide Francois was brillant. His prep talk about the gorillas was hilarious especially about their 'jiggy jiggy' sex life. He taught us gorilla language. I couldn't believe how close we were to the gorillas. They didn't seem to mind our presence. They were gentle but you could sense their strength. You are only allowed an hour with the gorillas but it was an hour you will always treasure.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader was Ameous (hope that's right), who was great. He was always on hand to help and answer any questions no matter how ludicrous. On occasion he had to think on his feet as situations arose but was very adept at handling and smoothing things over. His colleagues Francois (assistant) and Leo (cook) were both fantastic as well. Francois's handling of the tricky road conditions at times was brillant. Leo's cooking was exemplary and kept us all well fed with great meals. They all worked together as a great team.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If possible get in the showers early. Be prepared for Lake Mbaru! Avoid the tourist traps at the first stop at the Rift Vally in Kenya. Better buying souvenirs from the Masai. Be prepared to haggle within reason. Do the ballon trip. Visit the orphange at Lake Buyonyi. Didn't go to Jinga other than quick stop for cash but told it was a great place for a walkaround. Very laid back.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Hope you have a wonderful time as I did. As I've said above it's a magical place. So much to do and see. The Exodus crew were fantastic. Highlight was the gorillas.
Lynn Curran

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written July 2011
An amazing experience with great food, good company and some of the most beautiful scenery and sights you can imagine
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being so close to the Gorillas was almost unbelievable and visiting the school in Uganda - which I nearly didn't do- was very moving. Visiting the Masai village was interesting, if a bit hardsell, but chatting to some of them as we walked back to camp was really interesting too.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was extremely well organised but also very very laid back. He knew exactly how to deal with people and how to keep everyone content and happy. It was the first time he had worked with the other 2 crew too but they were a great team and all lovely people
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Ask questions before you go particularly if this is the first time you have done this sort of holiday. One negative I had was in the online information provided beforehand and we had to make a few phone calls to London office to clarify things. They were very helpful once to you spoke to them. Problem is that kit lists etc are generalised and not geared to specific holidays locations.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This really was a fantastic holiday which I would strongly recommend. I'm not sure if we were just lucky with our guides and also with the other people on our bus but we had a ball from start to finish even when there was no water in the showers and the long drop toilet wasn't such a long drop any more!!
My only complaint would be that I had specifically said (twice) while booking that of the three of us going,my daughter and myself were to share and the third would be a single male but this was not noted and when we got to Africa they had assumed we were a couple and the only single space was sharing with a female . At the end of the day that didn't really matter but it was a bit annoying when it wasn't what we had planned and had specifically asked not to happen.
Kevin Anderson

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Written June 2011
Amazing experience. We were extremely lucky on our game drives in the Masai Mara seeing more in two days than I have seen in several other safaris combined. The mountain gorillas however were the clear highlights, nothing could compare to that. The scenery is outstanding, Rwanda in particular is stunning, rolling hills, steep winding roads, so that even travelling days are not to be missed and there is always something to see. It's a well paced trip, not too long is spent driving, there are a good few easy days and rest allowed, with strong trip highlights at each end of the two weeks.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The time spent with the mountain gorillas. We trekked for almost two hours as they fed then kept moving so that we caught tantalising glimpses before coming across a clearing. We watched as the silverback (Charles) speed up a tree. The rest of his family followed and we stood below slighly disappointed that we did not get to see them up close. Finally they came down and moved directly in front of us, the silverback in the lead. His family gathered around him and sudddenly the group was only feet away from us, the young playing, mothers cuddling the younger siblings and to cap it all the silverback then made a display of his strength to put a younger member in his place. He beat his chest then charged at the younger gorilla in a tree, bending the small tree over and then shaking it madly. Satisfied he had made his point he abruptly stopped then lay down. It was truly amazing even if sl;ightly scary to see. The guides had warned us it was about to happen they read the situation perfectly. The hour with the gorillas flew by.
What did you think of your group leader?
Chris was excellent. Cool, relaxed, knowledgeable and always in control. He allowed everyone to relax on the trip, gave excellent advice and clear instructions. His casual approach makes it really feel like a lesiurely trip, he looked out for everyone, took care of any problems and was very perceptive. This is a full service trip and Chris and his colleagues are the reason why it is worth booking if you want a holiday expereince which also allows you to simply chill out.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I have been on many trips but this one stands out. It really is something special and I am so glad that I did it. If thinking about this trip I would strongly urge you to book and guarantee you will neither regret nor forget this one.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just book it !