Typical Ugandan operator by Richard Tusasibwe
Gatatu Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2011)
- Tour Types:
- Budget & mid-range tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $65 to $710 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Hiroko | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Trip of My Life!
My friend and I signed up for the 8-day African Safari Tour (budget version) with Gatatu Safaris. Steven was our driver and he took care of us from beginning to end. Steven was The Best! He always looked out for our best interest and made sure that everything we needed was taken care of throughout the entire trip even to the smallest details. Our trip was during the last 2 weeks of October so there were short rainstorms every day which only lasted for 30min to 1 hour. We seemed to get lucky with no rain on the days we went chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, which I'm so grateful because the main reason for taking this trip was to photograph the wildlife. This was my first time in Africa and to see all of the wildlife with my own eyes roaming freely was absolutely amazing! We paid extra to do the chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale National Park which was worth every penny. We hiked for almost 1.5hrs to get to the chimpanzees and because we signed up for the habituation experience, we were able to be amongst the chimpanzees for a good solid 2hrs. The gorilla tracking was even more outstanding! Due to the water damaged roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from the overnight rain, Steven took us to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Although the drive on the unpaved roads were rocky, Steven was a pro with the 4x4 and got us to the trail that leads to the entrance of the Park. It was a moderate to strenuous 30min hike to get to the park entrance. Fortunately the park's rangers and trackers start at 7:30am to locate the family of gorillas prior to our hike so we only had to hike for a little over an hour to reach the gorilla family. We were able to get about 5-7ft away from the gorillas (3 silverbacks, 1 female, 1 juvenile and 1 20week toddler). These gorillas were the most gentle giants and so entertaining to watch! Our other activities include a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel where we were able to see an elephant, several species of birds, so many hippos and a crocodile. Took a canoe ride around a few of the 29 islands in the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. The accommodations were excellent and the meals were delicious every where we stayed. The customer service everywhere we stayed were top notch as well. I enjoyed every bit of this trip and I consider it the best trip of my life so far. I highly recommend Gatatu Safaris as they are trustworthy and provide great customer service!
US
Email Tai | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing trip of a lifetime with Gorillas!
I had a fantastic trip with Gatatu Safaris. I'm a budget traveller, usually backpacking. Gatatu's prices were reasonably cheap compared to other companies so I enquired and was contacted by Richard the owner. Richard answered every question I had (around 50 emails). So I decided to book a gorilla trip with them, they do have mid-range and luxury tours if want to upgrade but I went with the budget. They require a money wire transfer (I was a little nervous at first) which is what most Africa companies do. After a brutal flight from the US we were greeted at the airport by Steven our guide and taken to our accommodation. Steven answered every question we had constantly checking on us to see if everything was okay. First day we went to Bigodi Wetlands to see birds and primates and the local village the second day we went to see the chimpanzees and opted to do the habituation which was worth the upgrade to spend more time with them, amazing experience. From there we went to Queen Elizabeth National Park for the game drives. Saw elephants, hippos, water buffaloes etc (didn't see any big cats). The Kazinga Channel cruise is awesome! Then we went to Kabale visiting a local school and Lake Buyonyi and where we also met up with Richard. This trip was taken in October so is was rainy season, the road to Bwindi Imprenatrable was impassable due to mudslides so Richard arrange permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and wow!! What an amazing experience, we had the Gorilla family all to ourselves. To spend an hour with these gentle giants is a once in a lifetime experience. Saw 3 Silverbacks, 2 females, a juvenile and a infant We didn't get any rain while on the trek but it down poured after we got back to the vehicle. Then spent the last couple of days on beautiful Lake Buyonyi(so many birds). Also of all the things I forgot to bring from home....I forgot my rain jacket. Steven went to the market on day one to pick up a jacket for me when I told him I forgotten it. A trip of a lifetime. Here a few things I wanna mention. While on this trip I notice that there were other companies running similar itineraries. We would run into the same people except they paid a lot more. The first (Kibale) and last (Lake Buyonyi, you take a motorboat and stay on an island) accommodations were really nice way beyond what I expected for a budget safari. The other were budget ones like hostels which is fine in my book, as I've said before you can book a mid-range to higher end. All your meals are included and Steven would give us snacks and cokes on the long drives. The gorilla trek is physically challenging but it will be worth all the effort (bring water). Do the habituation with the chimps rather than just the regular trek, you'll be happy you did. Roads are good but on the way to Gorilla trekking the roads can be a little rough, Steven was a master at handling it. Don't be afraid to ask your guide if you need something. Book a trip with Gatatu, support a local company. You will get the same service, visit the same places, do the same activities for a fraction of the price. If you are particular about where you sleep, ask them about their higher end tours.
SI
Email GRegor | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Experience
The owner was very flexible, the driver Fred was a cool guy. We saw almost all game exept the ceetah.
Only misfortune was the weather and the mud. We laost a few hour when we got stuck in the mud with AWD. But this is just a part of experience
Email steven | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
amazing!
A great life experience with gatatu safaris!
treated very well but richard and stephen! very good hospitatilty .i would thoroughly recommened there tour to everybody
NZ
Email Alison and Chris Spurdle | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Travelling through Uganda with our guide from Gatatu Safaris was the highlight of our trip.
The company kept in very good contact with us throughout the planning stages of our trip and delivered on every level throughout our travels through Uganda. Our guide was extremely good and he could not do enough to make sure that all our expectations (and then some) were met. He was extreme;y knowledgeable and navigated us expertly through the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. He was very personable, communicated really well and we felt comfortable being in his hands throughout our trip. We would thoroughly recommend using this company if you are thinking of travelling through Uganda. It was hassle free and really rewarding in terms of great value for money and professionalism.
Email Matt | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic safari from start to finish
Gatatu safaris were an excellent choice to arrange our safari . From our initial inquiry Richard was incredibly helpful with any questions we had , and the excellent service continued when we arrived in Uganda. Our guide stephen was fantastic and went out of his way to make our trip memorable. I would highly recommend using this company
DK
Email Nina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The perfect Uganda holiday
We highly recommend Gatatu Safaris as they fulfilled our holidays dreams in Uganda! We travelled in Western Uganda with Gatatu Safaris for 4 full days, but had we known how much Uganda has to offer, we would have stayed even longer. Everything Gatatu organised worked out very well, and our guide and driver Steven went out of his way to show the best of his his country.
When we landed in Entebbe (Kampala), Steven picked us up and drove us to a nearby hostel where we spent our first night in Uganda. Next day, we went to Kibale National Park to do a trek to experience the chimpanzees which was an incredible way to start our trip. Steven also recommended us to go on a guided tour in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary which was not in our original plans but which we enjoyed as we got to see a lot of birds and different monkeys and the guide was very knowledgable.
On our second day, we went on a private boat safari in the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elisabeth National Park and were overwhelmed by all the wildlife we could spot from the boat: War hogs, water bucks, elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes and soooooo many hippos! In the afternoon, we went to Lake Bunyonyi which was also a place that Steven recommended which we had initially not considered - we are so glad he took us there! We spend the night in the Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort which is situated on one of the 29 islands in the lake and it was truly magical. We arrived in a canoe from the mainland and were greeted by zebras and antelopes that live on the small island. We were the only guests in the resort so we got an excellent service from the team and enjoyed the sunset first from the shore and then from the terrasse that has a beautiful view of the lake.
We spend our third day in the Mgahinga National Park in the company of Golden Monkeys which are listed as endangered and can only be seen in three countries. We were the only tourists on our trek and our guides did a great job of guiding us to where we could get the best views and pictures of the monkeys that were really active and moved around a lot.
The highlight of our trip was the Gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on our last day where we got to spend a full hour with a gorilla family, including two silver-backs and various baby gorillas. It was an incredible experience to see the gorillas climb, sleep, eat, cuddle and play in the wild!
Overall, our trip in Uganda was fantastic – we got so many memorable experiences short time and we always felt in safe hands with our guide Steven and the owner of Gatatu Safaris, Richard. If you are planning on going to Uganda, choose Gatatu Safaris!
CH
Email Frederic L | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible experience in Uganda
Gatatu Safaris organized a 7-day safari in Western and Southern Uganda, with visits of the Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the lake Bunyonyi. The tour was super well organized with a crescendo of experiences and wonders. First, a close contact with chimpanzees, then sightings of great mammals (elephants, lions, buffalos, hippos, water kobs, gazelles) and birds, and finally an encounter with mountain gorillas, the highlight of our tour. To relax a bit, we spent a day at lake Bunyonyi, visiting a local school and a pygmee village. Our guide Jasper was exceptional, knowing many people and always finding the right place to be. During the trip, he always had interesting insights into the places we were driving through and also gave us insights into Uganda life, politic and economy. The organization of all permits, hotels and other logistic was done masterfully and we, as tourists, never felt that things were improvised. Bravo to Richard of Gatatu and Jasper, our guide. We can only recommend Gatatu for anyone who wishes to visit Uganda and experience the wonders of this welcoming and safe country.
DE
Email Isabell | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great experience with friendly driver, always feeling safe&comfortable
We had a really great time in Uganda - definitely worth visiting! Our 6 day tour was great: we visited Queen Elizabeth NP, saw chimps and gorillas and went on a boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi. Another highlight was visiting a local school financed by Gatatu - the kids were really great!
Gatatu Safari is a very good company - reliable, flexible and with very friendly people!
Email Rob | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic tour by a really passionate team!
My friend and I went on a fantastic 6 day tour to Queen Elizabeth park on safari, trekking with the chimps and gorillas, and then to Lake Bunyonyi Richard was great with communication and planning, and our guide/driver Deo was a legend! Safari was great fun, but it was the trekking with the chimps and gorillas that was the most impressive part. Lake Bunyonyi was then an excellent relax at the end of the tour. Accommodation was a great mix, with more budget places right near the safari at the beginning and then fancier places at the end - but I believe they are happy to tailor to people's preferences.
Most impressive though was the real passion these guys have for conservation, education and Uganda as a whole! Hearing them talk about the protection of animals in the parks or describing the work the company does supporting local schools - it was very moving. Keep up the great work you guys, and I would 100% recommend them!