Encounter Africa Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Member Of:
- Association of Uganda Tour Operators
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $50 to $300 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Really wanted to like them, left some things lacking
I went on a 3 day Rwanda gorilla trek with Encounter Africa. While I really want to like them, there are a few things that were lacking.
Pros:
1. The driver was nice and friendly. He also spoke good English and very helpful.
2. The car was good and comfortable for the two of us.
3. Accommodations were but clean, safe and hotel staff was friendly.
4. Price: The price was fair.
Cons:
1. Communication troubles: Not sure what it was but the office was extremely responsive at first via email which I why I wanted to go with them initially. But then fell radio silent. So I followed up on skype and had some challenges getting a hold of them. They said that there were issues with their email, so may that is fixed?
2. Quoted a price, and then told us that they didn't have any more availability at the lodging and then wanted put us in a lower quality hotel. Ended up paying the original price for a lower quality hotel. The hotel was fine, but the experience of that change was frustrating.
3. Finally, the biggest issue was that the driver was 2 hours late for the initial airport pickup! This was extremely inconvenient because we did not have Rwanda phones and had no way of contacting the driver. For a minute, I thought we had been completely scammed. He came in the end, but this resulted in us driving back in the hills in dark, getting to the hotel extremely late, and missing a proper dinner (that we had paid for in our room/board).
However, what frustrated me most was they claimed that it was the Uganda / Rwanda time difference that caused the delay. However, Uganda time is 1 hour ahead, so of anything, they would have arrived an hour later rather than 2 hours late. When I mentioned this to them, they then said that it was because they had to pick up the permits. If that were the real reason, then tell the truth the first time. Do not lie or try to pull one on me.
So all in all, I'm mixed on this group. While the rest of the experience itself was incredible (highly recommend the gorilla trek to anyone), there were logistical things that were a lacking and the lying about being 2 hours late was a huge detractor.
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Email Nature Enthusiast | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best experience with a travel agency ever.....
As a woman travelling alone to two new countries – Uganda and Rwanda – on the continent also quite new to me, I spent a lot of time looking for the right travel agency to organize my trip. More, I had two weeks to spend there flying from faraway (the U.S.) and I wanted to see “absolutely everything”, setting my expectations very high.
Encounter Africa Safaris in Uganda was an excellent choice! The Agency answered my numerous questions, advised me on the destinations, and at the end even reversed the order of the trip I wanted to take to accommodate my schedule. I took my trip in October’14 during the time when some tourist were cancelling their bookings in fear of Ebola, but I discussed that issue with the Agency and educated myself to be assured that there was no reason to postpone my trip. There was none.
It was the best trip of my life! I don’t expect to ever be able to top my meeting with the mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda with any other experience in the future! It was very thrilling and humbling at the same time! I spent most of the two weeks in Uganda, which is a beautiful country full of wildlife and gorgeous scenery.
Tolbert Guma, my guide from Encounter Africa Safaris who also drove me the entire 1760 kilometers did all possible so I could indeed see “absolutely everything” I wanted and even more than that. I got to know him as a very knowledgeable guide, an excellent driver (on both sides of the road!), and as a wonderful person with a great sense of humor.
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Email Professor Kelly Phelan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Tourism Professor in Uganda- I couldn't have asked for better!
I am a professor of Tourism. I have traveled to over 50 countries and taken 100s of tours over the last 30+ years. I was so impressed with Encounter Africa Safaris. I have recommended them to countless friends and hope I will have the chance to go back and take another tour with them. Tolbert (our driver-guide) was excellent. He stopped every time we asked and was very patient with our many requests and questions. Tolbert made sure we went with the best guide when we were doing our gorilla tracking tour. Also, everyone in the office was so helpful when we were planning our trip. Honestly, we could not have asked for a better experience. I wrote several posts on my blog about my experience with Encounter Africa Safaris. Here are is a link if you would like to see a few pictures and read a little bit about it: http://drphelanipresume.blogspot.com/2013/11/gorilla-tracking-part-2.html
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Email Tonje & Ole | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing trip!
We are so happy that we chose Encounter Africa Safaris! This trip was so well organized, and we had no issues at all, which - to be honest - really surprised me. But what a nice surprise :)
Day 1: Arrival
We got picked up from our hotel in Entebbe early in the morning, and started the long drive to Bwindi forest. Our driver, Hassan, was super nice and knowledgeable. We had lots of questions on our way to Bwindi and he answered them all very well. He told us about plants, animals, culture and the life in Uganda. The trip took about 10 hours, but it really didn't feel that way. We arrived in Bwindi late in the evening, and was welcomed by the staff at Nkuringo Gorilla Camp. They served us a delicious 4-course dinner and some nice wine.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking
We got up early and had a really nice breakfast. Then the ladies from Nkuringo Gorilla Camp gave us our packed lunch, then we were off. We drove for about an hour to attend the introduction meeting we had to have before the trekking. We then drove back towards Nkuringo, and started our trip up the mountain. We walked for about 2 hours before we found the gorillas. I am still amazed by the moment when I first saw the gorilla. And it wasn't just a gorilla - it was a beautiful silverback! My heart pounded so hard for the next 3 hours - I was that excited. In the end, we saw 2 silverbacks and 12 other gorillas, even a little baby :)
After the trekking, we went back to Nkuringo to have dinner which was even more amazing than the day before. We were sitting around the fire talking about our gorilla experience for hours and hours.
Day 3: Departure
After breakfast we started on the long way back to Entebbe. We stopped on the way to take photos of the zebras that Hassan pointed out for us, and even got a sightseeing trip in Kampala before going to the airport, because Hassan felt sorry for us (our flight was not until 5 AM) and wanted to let us stay in the car for as long as possible (the EBB airport is really not great... :/). When we got the airport we sat down in the waiting area, and after one hour we suddenly saw Hassan coming in. We didn't understand why - his job was done so why wasn't he at home? Turned out we had left our GoPro in the car (he found out when he got home), so Hassan drove all the way back to the airport to give it back to us. What a great man :)
So thank you Encounter Africa Safaris for making our trip amazing, especially Jerry who has helped us from day 1. Our only regret is that we didn't stay longer.
But, we will come back, and we will definitely use Encounter Africa Safaris then as well!:)
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Email Michelle H. | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An adventure of a lifetime
The service, provided by Encounter Africa and specifically Tolbert, the guide was phenomenal. He knew what he was talking about and helped easily navigate all of the local areas we visited, Bwindi, Kabale and Jinga. Patient with endless questions great with special requests a trooper of a guide. Expert at showing what a beautiful country Uganda is. The places I stayed worked with Tolbert and were friendly and helpful. Home a day and I already want to visit again. Next time I want to introduce my grown children as well. I would absolutely book the trek through Encounter Africa. There is so much raw beauty in Uganda. The land, animals and people provide a mesmerizing adventure. Their country is a gem and Encounter Africa helps make sure the navigation is easy and that you truly get the most possible from your time there!
KW
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Adventure
From the outset, communication with Encounter Africa was superb. They were extremely accommodating with our requirements and created a perfect package for our needs.
Once we arrived at the airport, our driver was there to meet us and we didn't have to worry about a thing. Communication was excellent at all times and when it came to safaris he was fantastically knowledgeable about all forms of wildlife.
The accommodation chosen for us was lovely, the vehicle was comfortable and the adventures we had were awesome. Thank you once again!
Email Peet Venter | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An unforgetable Experience with Encounter Africa Safaris
The arrangement of the Gorilla trekking and the booking of the accommodation was done in time and well situated. Although the distance travelled from Entebbe Airport was tiring the stops along the way was well planned and refreshing. The drive through the Entebbe/Kampala area was also alive and unforgettable adrenaline rushing experience with the rush day(hour) peak traffic (rush day traffic - because I think the traffic in this are never slows down) The cultures was explained to us. The history about Entebbe(meaning Chair) was shown and enlightening. The other thing I must mention here is that Uganda/Bwindi is absolutely a beautiful country and park to visit. Now regarding the gorilla trekking:- The following needs mentioning .
1. They guides was experienced
2. The trackers helped a lot in finding the Gorillas
3. Without the help of the porters can I only say this.. Pay the porter fees it is worthit . they are strong , helpful, and you will thank me later if you did hire a ported to carry your lunch/water/pack
4. We were lucky to find the Gorillas within the first hour of tracking and enjoy the hour interaction and photo shoot of the gorillas with a couple of scary interactions with the 2 x silverbacks, mothers, youngsters and 2 x baby's( needles to say me camera was running in overdrive -- shoot +/- 4250 photos with 3 x cameras (head mounted go-pro camera , Canon SLR and 1 x small digital camera) What an experience --
This was a life long dream of mine that realized. Thanks to Encounter Africa Safari, Jones the gorilla guide, Tolbert our dedicated tour guide and driver and Chris the man behind the scene at the office.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Encounter Africa Safaris made our dream come true even better than we possible imagined!!
Encounter Africa Safari are an absolute amazing, professional, friendly organisation!! My daughter and my self went through this company last November 2013, to do the Gorilla trek, 2 nights 3 days, it was the BEST time of our lives!! They went far beyond expectations made it the most memorable experience. I am SO glad I chose this company. I have raved about them ever since and would HIGHLY recommend them. I just want to say a big hello and thank you to Encounter. I would use them again with NO hesitation. Thank you for creating such wonderful memories and keeping us totally enthralled.
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Email Laina Mercer | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Gorilla Trek in Bwindi
We had a wonderful experience with Encounter Africa Safaris. They were very prompt in their communications before the trip and then on the trip everything was as described. Our guide/driver Abdul was very informative and friendly and the whole trip from pick up, border crossings, lodgings, gorilla trek, and transportation back to the airport went smoothly. It was a fantastic trip and I would absolutely recommend EAS to others in the future!
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Email Jennifer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Service and Personal Connection!
I was apprehensive about booking such an expensive trip with a company halfway across the world, but let me say that this company provided the most amazing customer service ever! I am so happy I booked with Encounter Africa Safaris!!!
My driver, Emma (short for Emmanuel), made sure that I was content, happy and that I was enjoying my stay. Emma went about and beyond to even help me purchase a Rwandan cell phone and do a currency exchange at a good rate. Emma drove very cautiously and I never felt unsafe on this journey. As a single woman traveling alone, that was very important to me. Emma made sure when I got back to the city that I was settled in and even dropped me off at the Genocide Center after my trip. He waited until he was sure I was set with my admission and audio tour rental at his discounted rate. Emma was very eager to learn about Florida where I live and was equally as enthusiastic in sharing with me all about Rwanda and Uganda. We had a lot of great conversation. When my safari trip ended, I felt that I had made a friend in the process.
The lodge Encounter Africa Safari selected was the best of the best! I highly, highly recommended the Le Bambou Lodge at the base of the National Park. I reviewed this lodge on TripAdvisor with more detail.
Chris, the travel consultant for EAS, was very helpful through the process and even made a few personal phone calls before I left the US and while on my safari tour to ensure that I was satisfied with my trip and that everything was going well.
This team was very professional. I would most certainly use them again.