Our Company Photo
Golden Rwanda Safaris
- Offices In:
-
Congo (DRC)
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- ASTA, APTA, RTTA, Tripadvisor & VISIT RWANDA
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $750 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
IT
Email Anna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A highly professional and genuinely attentive tour operator that listens to its clients and turns th
We chose Golden Rwanda Safaris to organize our trip to Rwanda, and we could not have made a better choice.
From our very first contact, Frank listened carefully to our requests and created a trip that perfectly matched our needs. He followed our instructions in every detail and personalized the itinerary according to our wishes. The result was an amazing 11-day journey, during which we traveled across Rwanda from Kigali to the northern part of the country and discovered many different aspects of it.
All the accommodations recommended to us were of an excellent standard, and we felt very comfortable in every one of them. The guide chosen by Frank was also exceptional—we were truly lucky. Always available, knowledgeable, kind, and attentive, she made every day even more enjoyable.
The trip was filled with unforgettable experiences. We went on a spectacular safari, during which we were fortunate enough to see many animals and almost all of the Big Five, as well as enjoying a boat excursion on the lake. What we particularly appreciated was that the journey went far beyond the usual tourist experiences. We visited villages, took part in traditional dances, wore traditional clothing, and had the opportunity to learn more about the country’s culture and traditions.
We also learned a great deal about Rwanda’s history, from the monarchy and the darkest periods of its past to the country’s remarkable rebirth. This allowed us to return home with a much deeper understanding of Rwanda than we could have gained from a standard organized tour.
Another aspect we greatly appreciated was the availability and speed with which Frank helped us obtain the permit to visit Five Volcanoes National Park, even though we had made the request at relatively short notice, after already organizing the gorilla trekking experience. During the trek, Frank and his team were also extremely thorough in communicating our preferences and wishes to the trackers and everyone involved, while fully understanding that, since gorillas are wild animals, these requests could not be guaranteed. We appreciated this attention to detail enormously.
Overall, what impressed us most was the care with which every detail was organized and, above all, the genuine ability to listen to the client. Throughout the entire trip, we felt supported, heard, and well looked after, without ever feeling that we were simply following a standard itinerary.
We wholeheartedly recommend Golden Rwanda Safaris to anyone wishing to visit Rwanda. It is an extremely professional, knowledgeable, and attentive company, and it played a fundamental role in making our trip an experience we will remember forever.
Heartfelt thanks to Frank, our guide, and the entire team for these unforgettable 11 days in one of the most beautiful countries we have ever visited.
NL
Email Michael | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Time of my life!
I was looking for an operator and there was able to provide me an itinerary to see the highlights of Rwanda. After some research online, I ended up with Golden Rwanda Expeditions. Frank responded quickly on my request and assisted with all the questions I had. In the end they made a well balanced itinerary in which I first saw chimpanzees then had some time to relax and to finish with the Gorillas. All the accommodations met expectations and my driver Rando what’s the best. From the moment of arrival till the day I left, he took very well care of me. We had a lot of fun listening to music, we stopped at great places for lunch or coffee and even spend time playing billiard. I will definitely reach out to Frank again for future trips in Africa! Thank you very much.
Email Tammy H | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Unforgettable Experience in Rwanda
Our trip to Rwanda for gorilla and golden monkey trekking was absolutely incredible and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seeing the mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat was something we will never forget and easily one of the highlights of our travels.
We also did the golden monkey trek, which was a completely different but equally fun experience. The guides and trackers were knowledgeable and professional, and we felt well taken care of throughout both treks.
Frank, the owner, did an amazing job with every detail of our trip. Everything was so well organized from beginning to end, which allowed us to simply relax and enjoy the experience.
A special thank you to Taufique, our guide throughout the trip. He took such great care of us and made sure we had everything we needed along the way. His knowledge, kindness, and attention to detail made our time in Rwanda even more special.
Rwanda is a beautiful country, and this was an adventure we will always remember.
Fantastic !
We had an absolutely wonderful trip! Everything was perfect: the choice of accommodations, the tours, etc. … Our driver-guide, Patrick, was very friendly, but also very professional and fascinating. The highlight was, of course, meeting the gorillas—what an emotional experience! The organization was flawless, and being in a group of nine made the experience even more intense.
Thank you to Golden Safaris and Franck for making this experience possible for us.
Email Chris | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful 2-week experience in Rwanda - Gorillas, Safari, Beaches, Museums and More
This was an amazing experience from start to finish. I booked a 14-day experience through Golden Rwanda Tours which included chimpanzee, gorilla and golden monkey trekking, a 5-day safari as well as visits to the Dian Fossey, Richard Kandt, King's Palace and Genocide museums. Frank, the tour company owner, provided excellent communication in the months leading up to the trip and handled all of the logistics (lodging, transportation, meals, permits, airport pickup and drop off). My tour guide, Muhammed, was very knowledgeable about the history of the region, identifying antelope and bird species during my safari and introducing me to various cultural experiences such as visiting a local women's center and the Kigali market.
The monkey, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking excursions were handled by local guides. A word of caution, be mindful of your fitness level. These can be grueling hikes across Rwanda's hilly terrain so make every effort to build your strength and cardio before you arrive. All in all, this was an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. The food, lodging and overall hospitality were all top notch. I highly recommend Golden Rwanda Tours.
Email Lucinda | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Perfect Itinerary and Excellent Guide
We loved the itinerary, it felt like there were the right amount of rest points and busy periods. The accommodation we stayed in was midrange but felt like the highest luxury, we were welcomed by everyone with genuine warmth. Eric, our guide, was knowledgeable, considerate, always fully engaged and such a top guy. Good value for money, we had two gorilla trips. Communication during the trip was first rate. Only negative is that we had to wait many weeks for replies to our emails during the period between booking and departure, which was stressful as one of our trip members had to be changed. Overall we loved the , it was the most memorable and special experience my husband and I have had together. It was the perfect blend of nature and Rwandan culture in high definition. Thank you again Golden Rwanda Safaris!
CA
Email Joanne | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I am unable to give GRS a 10/5 rating...5 was the max...they deserve much more than a 5/5
I am not sure where to begin describing my short trip to Rwanda to experience Kigali, learn more about the genocide and trek to the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. This tour company is the one you want to book with! They use Rwandan tour guides who know the country, its history and all things Rwandan. Rando Charifu was my tour guide. I have been solo touring for years now and this rates as one of the best experiences I have ever had. Sitting in the front seat, running conversations about a myriad topics - Rando was outstanding.
A woman you say, travelling solo in an SUV with almost 30 year old male? I would do it again and highly recommend it! I could see (no sitting in the back seat) and he took care of all the details. Frank owns this tour company and I had the honour of meeting him the day I left. We had a great conversation about so many things. His communication during the year of planning, notes on what to pack were well timed, written and clear. The lodgings, the tours, the food, the people - so memorable! Coffee tasting (like wine tasting), a single mothers' non-profit art council, the rolling hills, the great food choices.
If you want ROI for your Rwandan adventure - GRS should be your choice of companies. The safety in this country is top notch, and I have been to many African countries. It has everything you want in an African adventure with safaris for the Big 5, gorillas, monkeys and more.
I learned more about the genocide and its atrocities. What it did though, and I spoke to a number of Rwandans, is made Rwanda what it is today - a vibrant tourist site with so much to offer.
So many choices in tour companies, so many decisions to make. Do your research but I stake my reputation on this outstanding company.
Email Victor | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Our 13-day journey was negotiated by our group leaders and Mr. Frank Benoit Kanymutara, owner of GRS
Our group of 12 was made up of 8 people from California and a family of 4 from Australia. Our group of 8 arrived in Kigali on June 24th and were greeted and picked up by our two driver-guides, Messrs. Taufique ("Mr. T") and Sufiane. The two SUVs they brought to pick us up were impressive. We stayed at the Governor's Residence for the first two nights where we were treated with amazing meals in this luxurious private compound.
Our 13-day adventure was negotiated by our group leaders John and Stacy and Mr. Frank Benoit Kanymutara, the founder and owner of GRS. In our itinerary, they were able to include: a visit to the Genocide Memorial in Kigali, time in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park.
The visit to the Genocide Memorial in Kigali provided a sobering perspective on what this country has been through in its recent past. Our time in Nyungwe Forest National Park, a well preserved rainforest where we trekked in search of chimpanzees and other wildlife, also provided opportunities to hike on or zipline above the forest canopy. In Volcanoes National Park, while our main objectives were trekking mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on Mt. Bisoke, we also visited the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, saw and shopped for local crafts at the women-run Gorilla Guardians Village; and also visited the women-owned Virunga Mountain Spirits where we sampled their locally sourced creations. Finally on our itinerary, we travelled to Akagera National Park in search of the big five game animals, the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo.
We were able do all this with the careful and thoughtful curation of our tour operator, GRS. Our accomodations at each venue were top notch: Governor's Residence in Kigali; Munanzi Eco Lodge in the middle of the Nyungwe National Forest; Cleo Hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu; Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel in Kinigi; Karenge Bush Camp and Ruzizi Tented Lodge in Akagera National Park. Our driver-guides made sure that our meals were plan ahead of our arrivals at each hotel. There was always a large menu to choose from and also catered to our vegetarians and gluten free companions. The staff at each accommodation were above-and beyond helpful and welcoming.
Our driver-guides, Mr. T and Sufiane were amazing with keeping our group well-fed, well-hydrated and on-time to our appointed excursions. In addition, some of us had some personal needs along the way that each handled with discretion. Sometimes we needed more local currency, and Mr. T and Sufiane always found the safest banking places. I personally needed an asthma inhaler and Sufiane took me to a pharmacy upon our return to Kigali. These two gentlemen could not do enough for us. They were our eyes and ears to our beautiful Rwanda experience.
For all that we were able to do, our money was well spent.
Email Natalie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A fantastic trip in a beautiful country, Rwanda!
My travel experience with Golden Rwanda Safaris was exceptional.
My friends Stacy and John planned the whole trip, and chose Golden Rwanda after looking at cost and responsive communication from Frank, the tour owner. The planning process with Frank went well and he was able to create a trip that included everything they wanted. This trip couldn't have been better and how lucky was I to be included!
Toufique and Sufiani were our tour guides. They were both warm, friendly, knowledgeable and considerate to everyone's needs. There were 12 people in our group and Toufique and Sufiani drove us across the country all the while teaching us about the history, the animals and about everyday life in Rwanda.
Of course the many animal encounters were the most amazing experiences of this trip, but that coupled with the top notch accommodations, food and hospitality was truly exceptional!
Traveling with Golden Rwanda gave me a deeper appreciation for the country, its beauty, its people, and it remarkable commitment to conservation.
I recommend Golden Rwanda Safaris without hesitation!
Thank you Frank, Taufique and Sufiani!
Email Robert Chasen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent 12 day sojourn in Rwanda
I found Golden Rwanda through Safari Bookings, and had a very good experience working with Frank to tailor the itinerary, and then had an amazing trip with Rando as my guide and driver. My trip included Chimp trekking in Nyungwe National Park in the south; two relaxing stops along Lake Kivu in the west; Gorilla trekking and hiking in Volcanoes National park; traditional game drive safari in Anagera National Park in the east; and finally a day in Kigali before flying home.
Rwanda exceeded my expectations in terms of the beauty of the entire country -- it reminds me of Hawaii but at higher altitude -- and the national parks are super-well-managed, a real treasure. The gorilla and chimp trekking were the highlights, something you can do very few other places, but the safari park was very good too, seeing an enormous number of species of birds and trees and flowers, and getting close to larger animals like gibbons and rhinos and crocodiles and zebras and giraffes and hippos, etc., in a much less crowded setting than I found a dozen years ago in Kenya and Tanzania.
My tour with Golden Rwanda included all the transportation, lodging, guides, admissions & permits, and meals, for a price I thought was fair. I highly recommend working with a travel company that is based in the country you are visiting, rather than one based in the US or Canada or Europe.
