Gorilla Expeditions - Day Tours
Gorilla Expeditions - Day Tours
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Gorilla Expeditions organizes day tours to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. We can pick you from different locations within Kigali, Butare, Gisenyi and Ruhengeri. Our trips are for travelers from 15+years.
Kigali, Rwanda
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Gorilla Expeditions - Day Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
22 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Carles J
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
an unforgettable experience with active african vacation! Haddy's attention was really good and the management of both the rental car to tour the entire country and the permits to see gorillas and chimpanzees was very professional. Very happy to have trusted her since the management and treatment have been magnificent and she has helped me tour this incredible country and be able to enjoy the incredible experiences of having gorillas and chimpanzees just a couple of meters away.
eternally grateful!
eternally grateful!
Written February 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil N
6 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We had the most amazing time on our trip to Rwanda. Our experience trekking with Gorillas and exploring the Dian Fossey museum was an absolute highlight! Rwanda is the most incredible country!! We are grateful to Active African Vacations and our amazing tour guide Godwin for providing such a fantastic time! Thank you Haddy and team
Written December 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian M
8 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
I have just spent for 4 wonderful days travelling in Rwanda with our guide Billy Ssali of Gorilla Expeditions.com.
Billy has taken care of every detail and provided us with a trip of a lifetime.
From the first email sent to Billy he has been in touch answering all my questions, obtaining our permit to view the gorillas and every detail of the trip. He has accomodated our wishes totally, even when we asked for a change in itinerary that added alot of extra driving and organizing for hiim.
We visited several genocide sites that are very shocking but also,very important to visit to understand the horrendous history that the people of this country have witnessed and still suffer from. The Kigali memorial site is very informative but much more realistic are Nyamata and Natamara churches, just outside Kigali. Mulambi genocide site is a longer drive but very worth the visit to truly feel the unbeliecable horror that occured at this school. Here more than 50,000 people were murdered. Many are in mass graves but also many corpses, including babies, are preserved and able to be viewed.
A trip to view the GORILLAS in Volcanoes National Park is a must and another unforgettable experience. An early morning hike with guides and trackers,into the thick bamboo leads you to find one of the many gorilla families living in these mountains.
Once you find them is is hard to believe where you are. Obseving these magnificent animals from a few meters is surreal. We had very close but friendly encounters as a silverback walked in front of us and a mom and baby came within inches.
We travelled hear during the unfortunate ebolla outbreak in Western Africa. Rwanda and East Africa in general has not been affected. I would strongly advise people to use Gorilla Expeditions for this truly unforgettable trip.
Billy has taken care of every detail and provided us with a trip of a lifetime.
From the first email sent to Billy he has been in touch answering all my questions, obtaining our permit to view the gorillas and every detail of the trip. He has accomodated our wishes totally, even when we asked for a change in itinerary that added alot of extra driving and organizing for hiim.
We visited several genocide sites that are very shocking but also,very important to visit to understand the horrendous history that the people of this country have witnessed and still suffer from. The Kigali memorial site is very informative but much more realistic are Nyamata and Natamara churches, just outside Kigali. Mulambi genocide site is a longer drive but very worth the visit to truly feel the unbeliecable horror that occured at this school. Here more than 50,000 people were murdered. Many are in mass graves but also many corpses, including babies, are preserved and able to be viewed.
A trip to view the GORILLAS in Volcanoes National Park is a must and another unforgettable experience. An early morning hike with guides and trackers,into the thick bamboo leads you to find one of the many gorilla families living in these mountains.
Once you find them is is hard to believe where you are. Obseving these magnificent animals from a few meters is surreal. We had very close but friendly encounters as a silverback walked in front of us and a mom and baby came within inches.
We travelled hear during the unfortunate ebolla outbreak in Western Africa. Rwanda and East Africa in general has not been affected. I would strongly advise people to use Gorilla Expeditions for this truly unforgettable trip.
Written October 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MSU
Yakima, WA15 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
My son and I were in Kigali and had one free day for travel. Godfrey (Gorrilla Expeditions) arranged for government park passes and travel from our hotel in Kigali. His communications were prompt and responsive. Our driver, Jackson, picked us us promptly at 0430 and we traveled to the park. Once in the park we were assigned guides (and a gorilla family).
The hike was mildly strenuous (altitude 2500-3500m) over well established but sometimes muddy, slippery, jungle trails....... where there was no trail the guide made one with his machete ! Ankle supporting boots with gaiters are a MUST.
The gorilla viewing was an amazing experience unlike any we have ever had. 2 - 4 meter proximity to gorillas was common with occasional very close encounters as the gorilla's moved about. We never felt threatened.
The park guides were informative and helpful. Locals act as sherpa's....... it is not absolutely necessary but it is a source of local income and we found our sherpa very attentive and helpful. I would recommend it - the locals help protect the gorilla population and will take some great pictures for you.
We stopped at a local market on the way home and found some nice local crafts.
Overall...... a fabulous experience. 5 stars here, no question
The hike was mildly strenuous (altitude 2500-3500m) over well established but sometimes muddy, slippery, jungle trails....... where there was no trail the guide made one with his machete ! Ankle supporting boots with gaiters are a MUST.
The gorilla viewing was an amazing experience unlike any we have ever had. 2 - 4 meter proximity to gorillas was common with occasional very close encounters as the gorilla's moved about. We never felt threatened.
The park guides were informative and helpful. Locals act as sherpa's....... it is not absolutely necessary but it is a source of local income and we found our sherpa very attentive and helpful. I would recommend it - the locals help protect the gorilla population and will take some great pictures for you.
We stopped at a local market on the way home and found some nice local crafts.
Overall...... a fabulous experience. 5 stars here, no question
Written October 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BindH
Brisbane, Australia130 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
We have just returned from an amazing 6 day trip through Rwanda with the highlight our Gorilla trek at Volcanoes National Park where we were able to spend a precious hour watching the Gorillas. We were fortunate to visit a Gorilla family with two Silverbacks, some juveniles, two babies and a couple of Mothers and at various times during the hour we were within metres of the Gorillas as they moved past us in search of bamboo to eat. It was a truly humbling experience and one we will never forget. We visited the Golden Monkeys on the previous day and this was also a great experience and worth spending the extra time and money in the area if you are making the effort to travel to Rwanda. Our trip was organised by Danny at Bizidanny Tours and we cannot speak more highly of his company which organised our entire trip and accommodation. Jeremiah our guide was marvellous and told us much of the history of Rwanda and if you are going to Rwanda it is definately worth spending a few extra days to see as much of the country as possible. Danny at Bizidanny was quick with replying to my many emails, followed through with all our questions and I would have no hesitation in using them again if we were to travel to Rwanda. It was a truly incredible trip and if you are thinking of going just do it!
Written November 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
madge63
Redondo Beach, CA7 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
We booked an extension on our Abercrombie and Kent safari to gorilla trek in Rwanda. We were advised that Thousand Hills Expedition would be taking the lead in Rwanda. We couldn't have had a better experience. Lynn, our guide and Clemens, our driver were not only professional and very, very knowledgeable but were also great people. We spend a wonderful five days with them as they guided us through our various activities always taking care of us. The gorilla trekking was an adventure of a lifetime and Rwanda is a wonderful country, Highly recommend doing this incredible adventure.
Written July 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SergioAAG
Mexico City, Mexico14 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
May seem like spam that this company has so many different websites and listings in tripadvisor, but I still went ahead and booked a 2-day Gorilla trekking trip with them in Rwanda, and have no regrets! They say their main office is in Uganda, but also do trips in Rwanda, so no problem there. For me it was basically a private tour of the city and a group tour with the Gorillas. When booking, I paid half of the total price in advance and the other half in person (got money from a local ATM). Before flying into Rwamda, I called ahead to make sure they will be waiting for me at the airport (I had trouble in the past with that), and they reassured to me they will be there, and they were! We left around noon from the airport and we did a quick tour of the city. Visited the genocide Memorial and one the buildings where a military massacre happened. Then we headed to the national park (about 1.5 hrs away from the city). We arrived at evening and checked into my hotel (private room, dinner included). Next morning I had breakfast at the hotel (included) and we went to join the group to start the trekking. After it, my driver was waiting for me to take me back to city in order for me to take my flight out of Rwanda. My driver (can't remember the name) was always polite and very attentive. Drove carefully and stopped at certain points (on request) so I could get down and take some pictures. Very trusting company. Recommended!
Written July 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulG05495
Champlain, NY4 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Walking with the gorillas and monkeys was the most incredible experience. Godfrey and the team from Active African Vacations made it memorable by taking the worry and hassle out of a trip to Volcanos National Park. Our guide, Jackson, met us at the airport and safely drove us to the park. He worked with the national park guides to get us a gorilla family that we could reach within one hour. He patiently waited as we shopped the curio shops and took us to a cultural village tour that was a great experience as well. The next day we went monkey trekking which was also incredible . With gorillas and monkeys right next to you there are no words to describe this trip. On the way back to Kigali Jackson took us to the market where handicrafts were a fraction of the cost of the tourist curio shop. He held all our treasures as we shopped until we dropped. It was the trip of a lifetime. I highly recommend Active African Vacations to coordinate your gorilla trekking trip.
Written October 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalya S
Novosibirsk, Russia70 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
My trip (2 nights Queen Elizabeth Park and 2 nights Impenetrable forest Bwindi) was organized by ACTIVE AFRICAN VACATIONS! I so appreciate Billy, who provided an excellent service since meeting at the airport! Billy is very professional guide and driver, always tried to help me, and i saw even more than i planned! As a result, I saw: lions were lying on the trees (Billy took lunch box and i spent 1 hour near the lions!!!), the mountain gorillas and other animals! Emotion from this trip are only positive! I will recommend my nearest and dearest service ACTIVE AFRICAN VACATIONS!
Written April 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LivinginCanada
Toronto13 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
Visiting 'our' family of gorillas was truly amazing. They were so relaxed as they rolled around, wrestled with each other, chewed on grass and slept while we stood in awe. Thank goodness too for our porters who helped us negotiate the steep climb up the outside and down into the crater. Quite a hike but soooo worth it.
Our trip was organized with Gorilla Expeditions and Jackson was our wonderful guide. We highly recommend him, and Billy too who was our contact throughout. Thanks guys for making the trip so successful. You were so helpful and efficient.
Our trip was organized with Gorilla Expeditions and Jackson was our wonderful guide. We highly recommend him, and Billy too who was our contact throughout. Thanks guys for making the trip so successful. You were so helpful and efficient.
Written February 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Здравствуйте.как можно бюджетно посмотреть этот замечательный парк?
Written January 1, 2020
Hello, i cant find the expedition prices, not even on the website
can anyone help?
Written August 10, 2017
Usually no companies will be listing prices online for this type of tours. You will have to contact them directly by email to get a quote. I can tell you that the gorilla trekking permit alone was $750 USD in August 2016.
Written August 10, 2017
Hi Natalya,
I'm trying to find more information about Active African Vacations with Billy. We are booking him to be our driver in Rwanda in June. I'm wondering how you paid for your services with him. We were asked to do a bank transfer and it has me nervous. Is this what everyone else is doing?
Written January 28, 2016
TDLR;
How are people sending payment when using Active African Vacations?
I'm planning a trip to Rwanada and I plan to book a driver only through Active African Vacations. I'm speaking with Billy, who i believe is based out of Uganda. We are using their driver services and not booking a full out tour as we're planning this ourselves. He said they can also buy our permits in advanced as I'm having a hard time getting through to Rwanda permits office. I'm being asked to wire transfer $1500 + $30 for fees. I understand this is pretty common for tours but i havent been able to find anything about active african vacations.
Written January 25, 2016
I too was uncomfortable with this but went ahead and followed the instructions. No problems encountered , however I called my credit card company and requested a new card shortly thereafter to avoid any later fraud issues
Written January 26, 2016
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