PRIMATE SAFARI

12 days from GBP2,479 to GBP2,959 including flights+ Gorilla Permit US$500 paid UK
Tripcode: AYV

Countries Visited: Rwanda

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 5 reviews.

Dawn Baker

PRIMATE SAFARI

Written September 2011
Beautiful country and the gorillas are everything hoped for and more!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The gorillas are the highlight of this trip without question, but be prepared for some strenuous climbing if they decide to settle in a fairly inaccessible spot. The precious hour with the gorillas goes all too quickly but is one of the most magical experiences you will have.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was friendly and very knowledgeable about Rwanda’s history. He also made himself available on our free day in Kigali to show us where the banks/places of interest/souvenir shops, etc were.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure your arms and legs are covered for the gorilla trek and bring gloves and wear proper walking boots. How strenuous your trek is will depend on where the gorilla group is. The gorilla family I trekked was in a fairly inaccessible place and our climb was hard going. The stinging nettles will sting through thick clothing, and if it has rained recently expect to get covered in mud. But it is still great fun!

Also take extra memory cards and spare batteries for your camera as you will take loads of photos during the hour spent in the company of the mountain gorillas.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Rwanda is a beautifully green and mountainous country. It is also the cleanest country I have visited (not a bit of litter anywhere). There is a lot packed into this holiday so be prepared for early starts and little time for relaxation.

Rwanda is unfortunately famous for the genocide during the 1990s. This tragic part of the country’s history is handled in an open and respectful way and the visit to the genocide museum in Kigali was very moving.
The highlight of this holiday are the gorillas and they don’t disappoint! It is one of the most magical experiences to find yourself amongst these beautiful primates.
Stephen Anns

PRIMATE SAFARI

Written August 2010
A fantastic trip, enlightening, exciting and very rewarding. A great combination of unique landscape, fascinating wildlife and wonderful people
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The precious hour spent with the gorillas was obviously very special.
The extra visit we made (at request) to the Iby Iwacu Cultural Village was tremendous fun and a great insight into their heritage
What did you think of your group leader?
Our two drivers/guides, John & Innocent of J K Safaris, were both very friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and great fun
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't think about it, just go! Have an open mind and expect to be moved
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food was better than expected and the prices very reasonable. Accomodation was generally good, some being situated in wonderful locations, namely Akagera, Nyungwe and Gisenyi. However, some, despite having lovely presentation, could do with some improvements in staff service and room renovation. Hopefully that's work in progress. Also the hotel at Ruhengeri was very noisy at night.
The only real criticism is that it wasn't for long enough! The trip could easily be extended by 3 or 4 days. We would suggest stopping extra nights at Akagera, Nyungwe, Gisenyi or Ruhengeri to further explore those areas. Akagera N.P. is large enough to warrant more than one afternnon game drive. Gisenyi deserves at least a full day to enjoy it's wonderful ambience and the Volcanoes N.P. has opportunities for further activities eg trekking the foothills and visiting Diane Fossey's grave. Also, 2 options not included in the itinerary are a must. The cultural village of Iby Iwacu near Ruhengeri is a fantastic experience and includes optional drumming and dancing participation. The Murambi Genocide Memorial is harrowing but vital, gives a unique insight into the tragedy and leaves you with a special appreciation for the opportunity you have to see this country and it's people.
Stephen Arthurs

PRIMATE SAFARI

Written January 2010
Despite some early starts(!), this was a relaxing holiday in a beautiful country, with the opportunity to meet many local people, learn more about the history of the country & see a variety of wild animals in their natural habitat, both on safari & in the forests and mountains.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Whilst the advertised highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the time spent with the mountain gorillas, it would be impossible to visit Rwanda and not be inspired by the progress & reconciliation that is currently in evidence following events in recent years.
What did you think of your group leader?
Very friendly, helpful & organised.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take gloves and be prepared to cover up to protect against nettles when visiting the gorillas.
Rosemary Pritchard

PRIMATE SAFARI

Written October 2009
Rwanda is such a beautiful, green fertile country. It is well worth travelling round, as we did on this trip, and not just making a flying visit to see the gorillas as a lot of visitors do. It is very inspirational county, full of hope with everyone I spoke to saying " they are looking forward to the future" following the terrible genocide. They seem to have been able to come to terms with the past. It is also the cleanest country I have visited. I knew I has arrived somewhere special when my duty free bag (not the contents) was confiscated at the airport. The result is that you travel round a country that t is not marred by “plastic bag” trees. It would be great if the West could follow Rwanda’s lead on this issue.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Definitely the Rwandan people. The curiosity of the children, the ability to forgive, the friendliness and the pride of the people in their country was wonderful.

I had expected to be full of joy at seeing the gorillas - and I was - especially when Junior put on his "show" (beating chest, somersaults etc.) especially for us but the beauty of the country and the wonderful people came as a very special bonus.
What did you think of your group leader?
Ergide was very organised and the tour went like clockwork for which I commend him. I would like to praise the driver Berthe who was excellent and worked very hard (some long drives on rutted roads) which were tough for him but as the scenery was so great and we were so busy waving, the time just whizzed by.
However, Ergide gave very little information. If you asked an individual question, he answered it, he just gave minimal information to the group as a whole. For example, he gave us no details about the country etc. on our first day when we did the city tour. We passed the hotel de Milles Collines and I shouted " I think that is hotel Rwanda! He should have been telling us about the building we were passing, statistics about the people etc. Most of us relied on our guide books for information. It is not that he does not know it - it just need to be a little confident and also not allow certain members of a group to monopolise his attention and the front seat of the bus!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Yes, don’t have any plastic bags on view on arrival. We had an opportunity to visit an orphanage so any clothes etc are very welcome - age range children 4 to 15.
Bring the money visitors are wanting to exchange to Rwandan francs in large denominations as you get a much better exchange rate.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes. I felt pretty frustrated at the lack of time to enjoy walking in the beautiful country. I would have liked another day in the Parc de Volcanoes with the opportunity to walk. The problem is if you get to the gorillas and golden monkeys quickly, as I did by, about 11.00 am you are back at the hotel with the rest of the day in town. It seemed such a waste of time. I would have liked to spend longer in the park. I quite understand that you can only have an hour with the animals but can't we just walk?
I do think there should be grading done of the people's fitness abilities and or desire for walking. Some people may think it is great to take a quick stroll to the viewing - some like myself wanted to have more of a challenge. There is no opportunity for this. We seemed to be put in groups by age. Not always the older ones are the least fit or the ones wanting the stroll! Add the opportunity for an extra optional walk in - to Dian Fosey's grave for example. Then for the chimp trek give the option for a whole day or a half day.
Also when we visited Akagera National Park, the minibus was totally inadequate for the game viewing. This meant that after we had gone down to the lake to view the hippos, we had to come out of the park, drive on the road for two hours to re enter the park in the northern section. As you can imagine this clearly cut down on our viewing time. The company needs to organise 4 x 4 vehicles for the day in the park.
In my opinion a few tweaks to the tour – perhaps one day longer – a bit more flexibility re walking etc would make this a fabulous trip.
Ann Newton

PRIMATE SAFARI

Written October 2009
The most beautiful country I have ever visited. It was not just a holiday but a life experience. We saw so much in such a short time. The Rwandan people were so friendly. The views were spectacular - never a dull moment.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The gorialla trekking was un belivable. To be so close to such wonderful creatures was a privilege. It will be a day that will stay with me for ever. A dream come true.
What did you think of your group leader?
We had agreat relationship with Asheed, he did everything in his power to ensure we had a wonderful time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just enjoy the experience.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A big thank you for all the support exodus gave me prior to the holiday.