Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris
Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris
Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris
5
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Full view
About
Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris Ltd, a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, is one of the few accredited Tour Operator by the Uganda Ministry of Trade and Tourism. We have been in operation since 2005. We delight in providing the most affordable luxury, mid-range and low budget safaris & tour packages to individuals and small groups/ families without any discrimination. Our major purpose is that as many as possible will visit and enjoy the unique beauty of Uganda and Rwanda with a professional and knowledgeable tour guide, through a fast, honest and professional booking service, at the best affordable price possible. So, talk to us today! We will most likely be of more help than you expect - be it gorilla tracking safaris, Rwanda wildlife and game viewing safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and bird-watching packaged tours, culture, white-water rafting, mountain climbing, name it.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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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.
Popular mentions
5.0
434 reviews
Excellent
389
Very good
29
Average
11
Poor
3
Terrible
2
r0thenv
Newport News, VA4 contributions
Jan 2020
In January, we toured with Gorillas & Wildlife Tours through Rwanda and Uganda. All our initial interaction and planning was done with Ivan. He did an outstanding job of quickly answering our questions, providing an itinerary, and giving lots of information. We did a custom trip, so we gave him the areas and activities that we wanted to do and he set it up. He was good at giving options and made us feel totally at ease with all that we wanted to do.
Upon arrival in Kigali, we were promptly picked up by Ahmed (our guide and now our friend). Ahmed is very polite, respectful, and always on time. We came to find out after a couple days with him that he has a wonderful sense of humor too.
Through our trip we visited the numerous national parks. We included two gorilla treks, a chimp trek, hiked Volcano Bisoke, trekked for monkeys (golden, colobus, red tailed, blue, etc.), numerous game drives, a walk with rhinos, a cultural tour, and an overnight trip to Ngamba Island (for rescued chimps). All if it was amazing!
Both these countries are very clean, the people are overly nice and respectful, and the food was outstanding (and always plenty of it)! We did moderately priced lodging which was wonderful. Most lodges that we stayed at were relatively small and at times, we were the only guests there. Every lodge that we stayed at had a wonderful staff. These folks will do anything to make sure your stay is wonderful. I can't say enough about that.
If you are planning a trip to Rwanda/Uganda, definitely get with Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris. Our trip greatly exceeded our expectations. Yours will too.
I'm unsure how Ahmed navigated all the roads on our trip....but he was spot on. GoogleMaps can learn from him in these two countries. We also learned that he is a keen negotiator for perfectly ripe jack-fruit! That was the best!
Thank you again to both Ahmed and Ivan! You guys put on a first class tour!
Upon arrival in Kigali, we were promptly picked up by Ahmed (our guide and now our friend). Ahmed is very polite, respectful, and always on time. We came to find out after a couple days with him that he has a wonderful sense of humor too.
Through our trip we visited the numerous national parks. We included two gorilla treks, a chimp trek, hiked Volcano Bisoke, trekked for monkeys (golden, colobus, red tailed, blue, etc.), numerous game drives, a walk with rhinos, a cultural tour, and an overnight trip to Ngamba Island (for rescued chimps). All if it was amazing!
Both these countries are very clean, the people are overly nice and respectful, and the food was outstanding (and always plenty of it)! We did moderately priced lodging which was wonderful. Most lodges that we stayed at were relatively small and at times, we were the only guests there. Every lodge that we stayed at had a wonderful staff. These folks will do anything to make sure your stay is wonderful. I can't say enough about that.
If you are planning a trip to Rwanda/Uganda, definitely get with Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris. Our trip greatly exceeded our expectations. Yours will too.
I'm unsure how Ahmed navigated all the roads on our trip....but he was spot on. GoogleMaps can learn from him in these two countries. We also learned that he is a keen negotiator for perfectly ripe jack-fruit! That was the best!
Thank you again to both Ahmed and Ivan! You guys put on a first class tour!
Written February 17, 2020
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.
Thank you so much for the feedback, really appreciated.
I am so glad all went well with you.
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wander7498
1 contribution
Jan 2020
This January I was on an 18 day trip to Rwanda and Uganda with Gorillas and Wildlife Tours. It was a wonderful trip and exceeded my expectations. A few of the highlights were gorillas treks in both countries, golden monkey and chimpanzee treks, walking to see rhinos and spending a night and learning about chimpanzees on an island in Lake Victoria. Our guide was Ahmed who was a fantastic driver on some pretty bumpy dusty roads. He always made sure that everything ran smoothly and that we had the best opportunities to see animals on our game drives and all of our tours. Ahmed gave us an excellent perspective on life in Uganda, where he lived, and became more then a guide, he became a friend. Our 18 day trip was customized with the help of Ivan who quickly answered any questions we had, and arranged our lodging. We were very impressed with our lodging and food, and again it was better then expected. If you want to visit beautiful scenic countries, see and take a boat ride on the Nile, meet some of the friendliest people ever, and visit the world’s best area to interact with primates, especially gorillas, Gorillas and Wildlife Tours would provide you with outstanding service. Don’t wait, see the Mt.Gorillas, which will be an experience you won’t forget. The trip price was not budget and gorilla trekking is not cheap, but our tour price was better than any other tour with comparable activities.
Written February 16, 2020
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.
Hi Wander7498,
Thank you so much for reviewing the trip, I wish it was even longer!
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
becy_m
Melbourne, Australia263 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We did a 7 day tour including chimp trekking, game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP and gorilla trekking.
Booking (through Ivan) was super easy. He was helpful, answering all my questions and tailoring our tour to what we wanted!
Our actual tour (with Richard) was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
All the lodges/locations, exceeded our expectations. Very clean, comfortable, friendly staff and delicious food. We had elected a budget option (in permanent tents) and were always impressed with the facilities and locations! Good pace of tour - lots of activities, time to relax and a few days with driving to a new location.
I would definitely recommend Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris to anyone and will definitely use them again if I return to Uganda!
Booking (through Ivan) was super easy. He was helpful, answering all my questions and tailoring our tour to what we wanted!
Our actual tour (with Richard) was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
All the lodges/locations, exceeded our expectations. Very clean, comfortable, friendly staff and delicious food. We had elected a budget option (in permanent tents) and were always impressed with the facilities and locations! Good pace of tour - lots of activities, time to relax and a few days with driving to a new location.
I would definitely recommend Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris to anyone and will definitely use them again if I return to Uganda!
Written January 8, 2020
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.
Thank you Becy for helping us understand how we organized and delivered your trip. We have even developed more tour itineraries this year so that we have more choice options for our clients. We look forward to organizing more greater and better safaris this year for all those you will recommend but you are also welcome back of course.
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shaun
2 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
We initially booked our trip in 2019 for late 2020, and due to Covid, we obviously couldn't then make that trip.
Ivan contacted us as the world prepared to go into lockdown, and we rescheduled for late 2021, with Ivan rescheduling our gorilla tracking permits.
We went on the 12 days gorillas and wildlife safaris, driving from Entebbe to Murchison Falls, then down the country, both tracking chimps & gorillas, going on multiple game drives, river cruises and community walks. Our driver Francis was excellent at spotting animals in the parks, extremely knowledgable, informative, and really efficient with time keeping and making sure we were clear what we were doing, where we were going, and comfortable both with our activities, and in general throughout the trip.
We were very lucky in that we saw almost every animal there is to see in uganda, and the gorilla and chimp experiences were mind blowing.
All in all, I would recommend this tour, and Uganda in general, to anybody that wants to come to Africa and have a magical experience
Ivan contacted us as the world prepared to go into lockdown, and we rescheduled for late 2021, with Ivan rescheduling our gorilla tracking permits.
We went on the 12 days gorillas and wildlife safaris, driving from Entebbe to Murchison Falls, then down the country, both tracking chimps & gorillas, going on multiple game drives, river cruises and community walks. Our driver Francis was excellent at spotting animals in the parks, extremely knowledgable, informative, and really efficient with time keeping and making sure we were clear what we were doing, where we were going, and comfortable both with our activities, and in general throughout the trip.
We were very lucky in that we saw almost every animal there is to see in uganda, and the gorilla and chimp experiences were mind blowing.
All in all, I would recommend this tour, and Uganda in general, to anybody that wants to come to Africa and have a magical experience
Written November 29, 2021
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.
chianesec
London, UK22 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Experienced a 6 day tour which will be an unforgettable experience. From initially booking with Ivan, who was very quick in responding and helpful with questions. I travelled on my own and had the best driver Kassim. Felt completely safe, he was very professional and great company not to forget his great driving in very challenging roads.
The hotel options where perfect and surprisingly good standards. The itinerary covered exactly what I wanted to experience.
Would highly recommend them and Kassim. I will certainly be visiting again.
Thank you
The hotel options where perfect and surprisingly good standards. The itinerary covered exactly what I wanted to experience.
Would highly recommend them and Kassim. I will certainly be visiting again.
Thank you
Written February 26, 2020
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.
Thank you Carmen for having chosen to go with us on this tour. We are so glad that Ivan and Kasim put in their best to ensure an unforgettable tour experience for you.
We can't wait to have another much better vacation arranged for you very soon!
Written February 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jacqueline P
New York City, NY96 contributions
Sep 2021
We had a really great guide named Francis. He was genuinely nice and helpful. He took us to a local restaurant and treated us to their local cuisine called "rolex". This was amazing because I had mentioned that I love to taste the local food when I travel. He also on different occasions went out of his way to buy us corn on the cob from the locals.
He arranged a Gorilla and Chimpanzee trek. I was scared due to my knee and back issues but he told me they would try to find the closest family for me. And while the Gorilla trek was challenging for me, it was an amazing experience. He also arranged a very nice boat ride.
We had long car rides (up to 8 hours 1/2) and was mindful in asking what kind of music we like. I admit I was a fan of his 90's R & B as well as his reggae. He was very helpful in arranging COVID tests for us. We had someone travel to meet us en route and they tested us inside the car (it was raining).
Unfortunately the bridge was under repair during our duration, and we had to take the community ferry a few times. There was a long wait (up to 3 hours) since there was only 1 ferry. However, Francis knew how to work the local crowd and arrange priority for us.
He arranged a Gorilla and Chimpanzee trek. I was scared due to my knee and back issues but he told me they would try to find the closest family for me. And while the Gorilla trek was challenging for me, it was an amazing experience. He also arranged a very nice boat ride.
We had long car rides (up to 8 hours 1/2) and was mindful in asking what kind of music we like. I admit I was a fan of his 90's R & B as well as his reggae. He was very helpful in arranging COVID tests for us. We had someone travel to meet us en route and they tested us inside the car (it was raining).
Unfortunately the bridge was under repair during our duration, and we had to take the community ferry a few times. There was a long wait (up to 3 hours) since there was only 1 ferry. However, Francis knew how to work the local crowd and arrange priority for us.
Written September 15, 2021
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.
Abby
Wake Forest, NC11 contributions
Feb 2020
My husband and I went on Gorillas & Wildlife Safari's 4 day/ 3 night trip. We first went to the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi National Park to see the mountain gorillas and then to Queen Elizabeth National Park to see more animals as well as a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. Our guide, Francis was terrific - very knowledgeable and an excellent driver. He spotted a lion in a tree in the Ishasha Section when no one else had seen one in a few days! He also was able to spot many other animals and birds. Ivan was very helpful in planning our trip and very responsive whenever we emailed with any questions. The highlight for us was seeing the mountain gorillas! What an amazing experience not to be missed. We also enjoyed the Buhoma village tour and the inspirational work being done by Ride 4 A Woman (this is definitely worth seeing). The Kazinga Channel boat ride was also a highlight. Spectacular place to see birds, hippos, crocodiles and more! Francis took us to a terrific restaurant on the way to Bwindi for authentic African food. On the way back, we stopped for a delicious snack of grilled goat on a stick and roasted banana. What an experience!! We chose the budget accommodations which were great for us. Loved the Buhoma Community Rest Camp - money goes back into the community. We stayed in a basic camp in Queen Elizabeth which may be too rustic for some, but we loved it. Heard the sounds of hippos throughout the night - amazing!! We highly recommend Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris!
Written March 8, 2020
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.
Ashley P
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Friends
We had an excellent experience working with Gorilla & Wildlife Safari. We booked our trip very last minute and their team was quick and prompt at answering all of our questions and ironing out the details over a phone call and through WhatsApp. We were picked up from Kampala by our driver Kasim who was great!!! He was an excellent and super safe driver. He was very knowledgeable about the area and on the game drive he knew so much information about all the animals!! I would definitely recommend working with this company and request Kasim!
Written January 18, 2020
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.
Thank you, and we will definitely keep giving the best to all you recommend us to.
Written January 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer J
New York City, NY36 contributions
Jan 2020
We went on the 6 day safari to Riwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We absolutely loved our time in Uganda. Our guide Francis, aka Frank, was great. He was extremely knowledgeable and made sure to add in some extra special things like taking us to eat at a local restaurant and even somehow convinced a local lady to let me tie her baby on my back ;-). Each destination is so unique and exciting. Our favorite was seeing the gorillas, but everything was awesome.
Written February 27, 2020
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.
Thank you Jennifer J. We are so glad to have had a great time with you on this 6 days safari.
Written March 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Frances M
1 contribution
Aug 2023
This was the worst tour we have ever taken. We booked with Gaster Mawejje the Safaris Reservations Officer at Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris; paid over $11,000 and did not get what we paid for. Our driver did not speak much English and got lost twice. His vehicle was 10 - 15 years old and in terrible shape. It took twice as long (4 hours) to get from the airport to our accommodations the first day and almost twice as long (1 1/2 hours) to get to the check point for our gorilla trek. We were half an hour late, missed the orientation and the rest of the group left without us. It took 8 hours instead of 4 hours to get from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth Park. We arrived hot and dirty because there was no air conditioning; and sore from being bounced all over because the shock absorbers were broken. Upon check in at Mweya we found out we were booked into a room with no air conditioning! We paid the tour operator for a superior room and were booked into a classic. The inside room temperature was 85 degrees F! Also we had to pay for a safari from Mweya. Our driver never showed up to take us to the airfield for our flight back to Entebbe. Upon arrival in Entebbe we found out that our reservation for a day room at Protea was canceled and not paid; although we paid Gaster for the cost of the day room. We sent numerous emails and What's Ap messages to Gaster during our tour, with little to no response. I asked for a refund after the tour because we had to pay again for the day room in Entebbe and game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park; as well as for a refund of $750 for the gorilla permits that we were charged because Gaster made a mistake and booked the permits for the wrong date. Since then we have been ghosted! There are many tour operators that offer gorilla trekking tours. We thought that by booking with a local company, we would be supporting the local economy. But instead, we were taken advantage of financially.
Written August 24, 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.
Dear Frances,
I am sorry you read about a horrible tour experience you had in Uganda. We have never had a tour with you. Everything you say is in Uganda, but we as a company don't have you anywhere as our customer. We don't have any email, or any communication showing that you went with us. Gaster last worked as a reservations officer here in 2018! We don't have your tour anywhere. I hope you get this resolved with Gaster or the proper tour agency you used. Best wishes.
Written August 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Has anyone done the gorilla trek in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda? I was wondering how hard the trek is to see the gorilla family there or whether it is worth trying to swap to Rwanda.
Written January 26, 2020
I was wondering who to get travel insurance with. It seems most Australian travel insurers do not cover travel in the parts of Uganda where you go to see the gorillas. Would really appreciate some advice
Written January 13, 2020
I used Allianz. They only asked for the countries - Uganda and Rwanda. No further questions. Ugandan gorillas are in Bwindi, which is the safest part of the country. No Ebola, no political unrest: just friendly people and stunning landscapes.
Written January 22, 2020
Is it best to get uganda shilling or usd, just realised i cant get the uganda shilling till im out there or will usd be ok?
Written December 12, 2019
I didn’t get any Ugandan money, just USD. I did have Rwandan money, though. It really depends on how much time you spend in each country and where.
Written December 13, 2019
Do I need to get leech socks for my trek?
Written November 13, 2019
Yes, we highly recommend them for the gorilla trek please.
Written November 14, 2019
What currency do you need to take to Uganda? For tipping and general day to day stuff?
Written June 21, 2019
The USD is generally accepted but also the Uganda shillings are welcome more so for tips equivalent to $10 and below.
Written June 21, 2019
I'm considering the 3 day Uganda Bwindi Gorilla habituation experience & want to know what level of fitness I'll require? I'm 52, not very fit, I have a knee injury & high blood pressure - am I crazy to even consider doing this?
Written June 11, 2019
Hi I managed it ok and I’m 51 - there was a lady that was on it older then me and had just had a shoulder operation- hire a porter and advise your situation so they give you an easier trek - the trek is hard cause of the vegetation that yuh might have to climb through but the rangers stop and give you breaks when you need it they are really understanding. The gorilla trek in Rwanda was much easier vegetation but muddy when I went - it is more expensive but was a better experience - hope that helps
Written June 14, 2019
Alastair
South Wingfield, United Kingdom
Can solo travellers do this without being charged double?
Written May 16, 2019
Solo travelers are very welcome and we have several trips with only one person on the vehicle. Of course the transfer costs are born only by one person in this case and this would cost more than when you are more persons on tour.
Written May 16, 2019
Could you please provide details of the operator you used and could you comment on the quality of the accommodation that was available.
I will be taking my son and two grand sons with me and I don't like roughing it.
Thank you
Noel
Written March 3, 2019
Sorry for the delay in responding. I chose medium quality accommodation and it was absolutely fine - some were log cabins and some tents, but all with bathroom en suite. The food was really good and plentiful!
Written June 9, 2019
Would you recommend 2 days gorilla trekking in Uganda or do you feel 1 day is enough, or is gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda worth considering?
Written February 10, 2019
Gorilla trekking is amazing and I would highly recommend it but one day in the same place would definitely be enough. We did gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda. Of the two, Rwanda was definitely my preference. It is an easier trek and you can see the gorillas much better because the undergrowth is not as dense. It is however much more expensive in Rwanda so if cost is a major consideration then Uganda would still be worth considering.
Written February 17, 2019
Can children do the gorilla trekking? I have a 13 and a 14 year old...both very fit.
Written February 3, 2019
Our guide told us that they do have a age limit. Please research before booking. It does sound great even if they have to wait a year or so.
Written February 15, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.