At Kubwa Five Safaris Offices
Kubwa Five Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2018)
- Member Of:
- APTA, AUTO, UTB, ESTOA & AUWOTT
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email Esteban C | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kubwa Five Safaris is an excelent option for your safari, just watch out during booking and planning
KUBWA5 Safari Holiday Review
We booked our honeymoon safari in Uganda and Tanzania with KUBWA5 this year. Our trip lasted a little less two weeks and included several parks in both countries. Overall, the experience with them was great. Since a safari holiday has many components, I’ll try to review each part separately.
My main disclaimer is that this was our first safari, so we don’t have a direct reference to compare it with. With that said, here is our experience.
Value for Money – 4.5/5
Overall, we believe KUBWA5 offers very good value for money. When planning the trip we compared several safari operators, and many alternatives we found online were significantly more expensive for very similar itineraries.
Even though we experienced some setbacks during the booking and planning stages, mainly due to pricing and itinerary mistakes that required adjustments (including a flight change on our side), the overall safari experience itself was excellent. Once the trip started, the logistics, guides, vehicles, wildlife experiences, and overall organization were outstanding, and they made our honeymoon truly memorable.
For that reason we would still rate the overall value for money at 4.5/5. The only reason it is not a full 5/5 is because of the issues during booking and planning, which required extra attention from our side. However, during the trip itself everything worked smoothly.
Booking – 2.5/5
This was the main low point of the experience.
We decided to go with KUBWA5 after doing some research. Our main reasons were that they are a local company in Uganda (our main destination), they had good reviews, and their price was competitive.
We spent several months between our first quotation and the final version of the itinerary. During that time we asked for different options regarding destinations and plans. If you’re spending $20k+ on a trip, I think that’s fairly reasonable.
When we were finally happy with the quote and itinerary—and only after paying an $8,000 USD deposit—they realized they had made a mistake in the pricing and that the trip had been underquoted by nearly $12,000 USD.
That’s obviously a lot of money for a mistake. We even considered canceling everything, but we eventually decided to adjust the trip by changing some dates and hotels so we could stay closer to our original budget while still traveling with KUBWA5.
Our advice: double-check and confirm all pricing carefully before paying the deposit.
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Planning – 2.5/5
KUBWA5 are very flexible during the planning stage. They send a comprehensive PDF for every quote detailing the itinerary, planning, and budget. We actually used that document as a reference even during our trip.
They are very open to adjusting the itinerary and usually respond relatively quickly to requests or changes.
However, mistakes can happen. For example, our initial itinerary included leaving a hotel at 2 a.m., which turned out to be unrealistic for that location. Because of this we had to adjust several parts of the itinerary, which forced us to change one of our flights and cancel our final airport transfer.
Some of these planning adjustments also ended up costing us extra money, particularly when we had to modify flight arrangements after the itinerary changed.
These were manageable issues, but my recommendation is to carefully review every step of the itinerary and confirm travel times beforehand. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request changes—they are very open to making adjustments.
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Logistics – 5/5
After the initial challenges during booking and planning, I have to say that the trip itself ran perfectly.
From the moment we landed until the end of our honeymoon, everything worked smoothly. Everyone was aware it was our honeymoon and we received many thoughtful touches along the way.
Every transfer was on time and well organized. We had several domestic flights during the trip, and KUBWA5 kept us updated with schedules and made sure everything was coordinated.
Once the trip started, the logistics were flawless.
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Hotel Selection – 4/5
Hotels in Uganda and Tanzania usually fall into luxury or mid-range categories.
With luxury properties you will generally have a great experience. However, be careful with hotels labeled “mid-range,” because the quality can vary a lot. Some mid-range lodges were excellent, while others were a bit below our expectations despite having the same classification.
Overall we enjoyed most of the hotels, but I recommend double-checking specific properties beforehand if you want to avoid surprises.
Hotel staff in both Uganda and Tanzania were consistently excellent. Everyone was polite, attentive, and many places added small details to celebrate our honeymoon regardless of whether the hotel was luxury or mid-range.
I also recommend bringing some local currency for tips, which is appreciated by staff.
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Guides – 5/5
The guides were the absolute highlight of our trip.
You should know that on safari you spend a lot of time with your guide, both during game drives and while traveling between destinations.
Our guide in Uganda, Charles (@kimbugwe.charles on Instagram), was fantastic. He made sure we were always happy and safe. He’s a great driver and incredibly knowledgeable about Uganda—animals, parks, culture, and local life.
He made sure we saw all the animals we hoped to see during game drives. He is also very well connected, which helped with different activities and arrangements during the trip. He even organized a picnic for us, bought us fresh fruit, and took us to some great places for shopping.
In Tanzania we had Bakari, another exceptional guide. He is an extremely talented tracker and driver. He always seemed to know where to go during game drives so we would be in the right place at the right time.
He knows the parks very well and always made sure we felt safe and were enjoying the experience.
I can’t stress enough how important a good guide is during a safari. Charles and Bakari are a big reason why our trip was so memorable.
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Vehicles – 4.5/5
Vehicles are another important factor during a safari because you spend a lot of time in them.
KUBWA5 vehicles were excellent. We booked a private tour, so we had the vehicle to ourselves. They were large and comfortable, with fresh drinks and charging ports available.
The cars were in very good condition, which is important considering the long distances and rough terrain. It’s actually common to see safari vehicles with mechanical problems, but ours performed very well.
We were never completely sure if the air conditioning worked, but honestly we never needed it.
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Wildlife & Parks – 6/5
The wildlife experience was outstanding and a huge part of that was thanks to our guides.
Thanks to Charles in Uganda and Bakari in Tanzania, we were able to see the Big Five, which was one of our goals for this trip. Charles even managed to spot a leopard, which we know can be very difficult to find.
The gorilla trekking experience in Uganda was one of the main reasons for our trip and it completely lived up to expectations. Charles helped ensure we had a great local guide and we were lucky to visit an amazing gorilla family. It was truly one of the highlights of our honeymoon.
In Tanzania, Bakari made sure we saw all the big cats. We saw lions, leopards, and cheetahs—including an incredible moment watching cheetahs hunting and lions eating.
From our experience, Tanzania is particularly good for big cats, especially in the Serengeti, where animals are easier to spot because of the open landscape. If you want the classic safari experience with lots of wildlife sightings, Serengeti is hard to beat.
Safaris in Uganda feel a bit different, but in a very special way. The highlights there are gorillas and chimpanzees, which are unique wildlife experiences. We also saw elephants and hippos very close, especially around River Station.
We also highly recommend doing a boat safari on the Nile in Uganda, which gives you a completely different perspective and great views of wildlife along the riverbanks.
Overall, the wildlife experiences far exceeded our expectations.
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Food – 4/5
Overall the food was good, although the quality varied depending on the hotel.
Most lodges offer international-style cuisine, but there are usually local dishes available as well, which we recommend trying.
Because game drives can last many hours, sometimes meals are packed for you to eat on the go, which is a normal part of the safari experience.
Overall the food was enjoyable and there were always good options available.
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Safety – 5/5
Safety was something we wondered about before traveling, but throughout the entire trip we always felt very safe.
This applied everywhere: in the hotels, during game drives, on the road, and while visiting parks. Our guides were excellent drivers and very attentive.
We also always felt comfortable regarding wildlife and general security.
Some lodges even escort guests to their rooms at night to make sure no animals are nearby, which shows how seriously safety is taken.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we had an amazing honeymoon safari with KUBWA5.
I would recommend booking with them, but I strongly suggest paying close attention during the booking and planning process, double-checking pricing, itineraries, and hotel selections beforehand.
Once the trip began, everything ran smoothly. The logistics, vehicles, wildlife experiences, and especially the guides made this a truly unforgettable trip.
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Email EMANUEL VIGHI | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
PERFECT
The journey begins even before we leave: together with the entire team, we planned our itinerary based on our needs, booking all gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey permits in advance. During the organization process, they provided prompt and precise responses and paid great attention to every detail, from activities to accommodations. Throughout our trip, the driver was always punctual, precise, and always ready to accommodate our requests and resolve any unforeseen issues (because yes, during a two-week road trip in Uganda, unexpected things can happen).
An incredible trip, made possible by their organization.
Truly satisfied.
(automatic translation from Italian)
EG
Email Jesse | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable Safari Journey With Kubwa Five Safaris.
Our group of seven friends had a wonderful safari experience with Kubwa Five Safaris. Eric and Gift were exceptional guides who made the journey comfortable informative and enjoyable for everyone They were friendly patient and always attentive to small details that made the trip feel special The entire adventure was well organized and relaxed allowing us to enjoy every moment together while creating memories we will always appreciate.
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Email Stefan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very professional tour operator, great safari with excellent guide
Kubwa is based in Uganda so I was a bit uncertain how well they would know the southern Tanzanian parks, but they gave us very good and specific advise and helped us create a very good, customized itinerary.
Communication was generally very good, although at one point there was a delay in their responses, which I think was because they were very busy at the time. They were very flexible and updated the quotation multiple times as we fine tuned the plan together. We asked multiple operators for quotations and Kubwa was competitive on price and were the ones who gave us the best advise and thus gave us the best impression so we chose them.
Everything worked exactly as planned, and our guide Davis was exceptionally good. We've been on many safaris and we must say that Davis is at the very top of the range of guides we've had. His animal spotting was out of this world, and his instincts on where to find animals was amazing. When you book with Kubwa you will most likely get a different guide than we did, but considering how positive everyone is when reviewing Kubwa, it seems to me they have a very good network of guides they work with across all countries.
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Email Caro | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
It was a really good and professional service
We had an incredible safari experience in Ruanda and Uganda. From the very beginning, the service was extremely professional, well organized, and reliable. Communication before and during the trip was clear and prompt, which made us feel well taken care of at all times.
The guides were highly knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate about wildlife, nature and the county itself. Every detail of the itinerary was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Overall, this safari exceeded our expectations in every way. We felt safe, comfortable, and truly welcomed throughout the journey. I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a high-quality, professionally run safari experience in Rwanda and Uganda.
Email Sara | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Truly Memorable and Well-Organised Safari
We had an amazing experience with Kubwa Five Safari for or Safari in Kenya and Uganda, and could not recommend them highly enough. From start to finish, we felt well supported and genuinely cared for. The entire trip was great fun and very well organised, which allowed us to relax and fully enjoy the experience.
The guides, Eric (Kenya) and Mustafah (Uganda) and were extremely knowledgeable, professional and always willing to help. They went above and beyond to ensure we had the best possible experience, sharing their expertise and doing their absolute best to help us see as much wildlife as possible. Their passion and understanding of the environment really enhanced the trip.
Overall, this safari was unforgettable. The company’s attention to detail, friendly approach and commitment to giving guests the best experience made it truly special. We would happily travel with them again and would recommend them to anyone looking for a memorable and well-run safari experience.
Email Kevin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and warm.
We truly enjoyed our private safari in Kenya and Uganda with Kubwa Five Safari. From start to finish, the experience exceeded our expectations.
Our drivers and guides, Erik in Kenya and Mustafa in Uganda, went above and beyond to show us as many animals as possible. Both were proactive, knowledgeable, and incredibly warm, which made us feel safe, comfortable, and welcome at all times.
The trip itself did not disappoint. Communication with the company via WhatsApp was excellent—quick, clear, and reassuring—so we always felt well taken care of throughout the journey.
The itinerary was perfectly balanced, combining incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and meaningful interactions with local communities. The absolute highlights were trekking with the chimpanzees and gorillas—an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We highly recommend Kubwa Five Safari to anyone looking for a well-organized, personal, and truly memorable safari adventure.
Perfect !
The experience with Kubwa5 was incredible; from the pick-up to the various activities, everything was perfect. A huge thank you to my guide Mustafah; I highly recommend him.
(automatic translation from French)
Email Courtney | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Mustafah is a beautiful person with a direct connection with nature,animals,and people. Total Pro!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing Safari With Kubwa 5 & Guide Mustafah
My safari with Kubwa 5 Safaris was the highlight of my month in Uganda. My guide, Mustafah, made the entire trip unforgettable—patient, funny, calm, and incredibly knowledgeable. He kept me safe and created the most relaxed, enjoyable experience.
Murchison Falls was stunning, Pakuba Lodge was peaceful and full of wildlife, and at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary he handed me off to a trusted ranger for an amazing rhino-tracking walk.
If you’re planning on safari, request Mustafah and Kubwa 5. Truly exceptional.
Email Jon | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kubwa Five Safaris gave us an amazing, worry-free safari experience we’ll remember forever.
We had an incredible experience with Kubwa Five Safaris from start to finish. Our multi-country itinerary through Kenya and Uganda was complex, yet everything ran smoothly thanks to their excellent planning, attention to detail, and responsive communication throughout the trip.
The accommodations were eco-friendly but comfortable, the food consistently delicious, and our guides knowledgeable and personable. We especially appreciated how easily we could reach the Kubwa Five team on WhatsApp and their quick responses made the entire experience feel safe and well-supported.
There were a few small bumps along the way, as can happen on a long safari, but nothing that took away from the overall experience. The only real suggestion we’d make to future travelers would be to skip the Maasai “cultural event” stop, which felt more like a tourist cash grab than an authentic experience. In contrast, the Ugandan cultural visits, were absolutely wonderful, heartfelt, and meaningful.
Overall, Kubwa Five Safaris offered fantastic value, excellent organization, and warm personal service. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone planning a safari in East Africa.