Bella Africa safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2015)
- Member Of:
- Association of Uganda Tour Operators, uganda wildlife association & licensed guide by uganda tourist board
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $40 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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Email JT | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful experiences with a great driver and many opportunities to explore Uganda.
The experience was wonderful! It is a well rounded adventure thru Uganda. Spending time with mountain gorillas was the highlight, although, all the animal sightings as well as the opportunity to experience nature, (including the people) was a fabulous opportunity. All the activities were wonderful, and the accommodations were appreciated. I probably would have preferred a ramp up of the accommodations- some were more spartan than others, and I like to leave on a high note- however, all had wonderful parts to them, especially the wildlife that were all around us and all the employees accommodating. We were not surprised by the BBC ranking of Uganda as the #1 most welcoming country in the world. Air conditioning in the van would have been nice, especially when on the red dirt roads where it had not rained for a while- SO much dust. However, I would do it all again, and most likely will.
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Email Peter | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing 7 Day Chimp/Gorilla Experience!!!
It was a pleasure to work with Bella Africa Safari's from start to finish. We were on the road when we booked and did not have access to our banks back home to wire money for our deposit. Bella went ahead and set up a way for us to pay with a credit card. We also had a complicated itinerary in which members of our group would be arriving in Uganda at different times. Arranging separate pickups at the airport for both groups was not a problem at all. That was great customer service!
A few days before our safari Bella informed us that she had gotten sick and was no longer going to be our guide. We were disappointed at first, but as soon as we met our guide at the airport, we knew we were still going to have an unforgettable experience. In Kibale Forest we had an amazing encounter with the chimps. We got to see a group of about 10 chimps (including babies) descent from the treetops to the forest floor around up. Our experience trekking for the Gorilla's was definitely the highlight. We got within mere inches of the Gorilla’s. One ever charged us for a moment giving our group an awesome thrill!
The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because communication between our guide and our group could have been a little better. We actually trekked for chimps one more time in addition to the experience above. The second time was supposed to be in the gorge but the chimp trackers cancelled the trek because of extreme heat. Instead of telling this up front, it seemed as if our guide was trying to convince us to skip the trek and rest up for the following gorilla trek. He ended up working really hard and found us another area to do some chimp trekking for that afternoon, but he never told us why we did not go to the gorge. We found out the reason (extreme heat) from the other couple who was trekking in our group. If instead of trying to convince us not to trek, he just let us know that the chimp trackers cancelled the trek and that he was having a hard time finding a replacement trek, we would have been very happy.
On our Gorilla trekking day our guide never let us know that he was anxious to get to the gorilla trekking headquarters and eventually drove off without any of us and told a member of our group that we could walk. Luckily, we were staying only about a 15 minute walk away. We concluded later that he ended up leaving so that he could get us a spot trekking for a family not too far into the forest. If he just told us that he needed to leave to go get us a good gorilla family to trek for, we would have been so grateful and happy that he left to secure us a good gorilla family. Instead we were confused about why our guide would take off and make us walk right before we were about to spend hours walking to find the gorillas. In both of these instances, clear communication about that was going on would have made us very happy.
However, I will say those are minor things, we still had an unbelievable, unforgettable experience. We chose the mid-range option and all of our lodging was superb and included fantastic meals. If I were to visit Uganda again, I would not hesitate to contact Bella Africa Safari’s to arrange my tour. They offered a great tour, at a great price, with great customer service from start to finish.
CA
Email Janice | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Trip
We had an excellent trip with Bella Africa Safaris, our Ugandan guide Lillian was knowledgeable about each location we visited whether it was Gorilla trekking, golden Monkey watching or the city of Kigali. She took great care of us and anticipated our needs every step of the tour. Lillian spent time explaining Rwandan history and culture to us. She was friendly and interested and funny, we'd book with her anytime!
NL
Email Ilse | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great views, sighting, location, everything is taking care off by Bella and her team!
Bella organized a 3 day trip to queen Elizabeth for me and another volunteer. We could tell what we wanted to do in those 3 days (schedule is flexible). You pay a bit more then some other Tour operators but thats definately worth it. Everything is included, food, water, soda's, even snacks were bought. The accomodation was fully booked so another location was arranged, other issues were solved immediately.
We had a nice driver, stopped where ever we wanted a picture of the amazing view, saw several lions, 2 shoebills (gamba stamp is a must see!) and stunning sunsets. It was a great relaxing weekend away from Kampala!
Email janine | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best travel experience ever - exceeded all expectations
This was a once in a life time trip celebrating my 60th birthday by trekking with the gorillas in Bwindi so my expectations were high as this had been on my bucket list for some time. From the initial contact with Bella all the way through to the last of numerous emails, her responses were prompt and provided all the information I required. This, along with the price, was the reason I chose Bella Africa Safaris over the many other companies I contacted for quotes.
Bella customized a 15 day tour incorporating my expressed preferences whilst still allowing enough flexibility to take advantage of opportunities as they presented. The most enjoyable of these unplanned gems were visits to a village at Kibale (including an interesting house call to the local medicine man and a meeting with some of the delightful children from the village), as well as a visit to a newly established school in Rushaga and a performance from the children of a recently established orphanage. All these visits were truly joyful and memorable experiences with lots of smiles and laughs exchanged (thanks to our interpreters) with the opportunity to take some gifts a bonus.
Although Bella was not our guide on this occasion, we were fortunate to have Moses (an extremely experienced guide and expert driver) and Bella's sister in law, Justine, as our travel companions. After sharing meals, life stories and histories, some long days in our 4WD, games of a night and lots of laughs, they soon became our family away from home. We are grateful also that our tour overlapped with Bella's on 2 occasions which gave us the opportunity to spend time with her and realize we want to do another safari in the not too distant future.
Of course, we were lucky to see all the animals we had hoped (thanks to Moses's patience and persistence) except for the elusive leopard, but the animal sightings surprisingly became less the focus than the cultural education and exchange. I could never have imagined that we would laugh so much.
So, if you are looking for a unique, customized tour with personalized care from start to finish, Bella must be your choice. The standard of accommodation was excellent (budget to mid) with all meals included making it extremely good value for money compared to other quotes received.
Thank you so much Bella, Moses and Justine for making this experience the best 15 days of travel ever and one I will remember with a great deal of fondness for the rest of my life.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing adventure in uganda
Bella organized a great 12-days safari to Murchinson Falls, Kidepo Valley, Pian Upe and Sipi Falls for me. During the booking process she was very responsive and made sure I had everything that is needed.
After the tour started she adapted the itinerary perfectly to fit my preferences, so that I got more unforgettable nature walks and views.
I liked her chosen accomodations and enjoyed every activity.
Although there were some long travel days(with often terrible roads) and I did not get to see every animal I hoped for, Bella made sure that this trip was a wonderful experience!
BE
Email Christopher | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable adventure with Bella Africa safaris
We truly had an amazing time in Uganda. Our guide Bella showed us only the best of what the country has to offer, in true 'Hakuna Matata' style. From the thriving wildlife we got to see giraffe, elephants, lions, rhino's, zebra's, hippo's, crocodiles,.., to the impressive nature sights and intriguing village culture. The best way to discover the beauty of Africa, away from the mass touristic beaten path and traps. Uganda is called 'the Pearl of Africa' for it really IS a hidden gem!
My personal highlight was our encounter with the mountain gorilla's. Our hiking trip in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was breathtaking. Stumbling upon a gorilla nest an getting the chance to witness 2 blackbacks courting a female gorilla with her baby up in a tree bush was nothing less than magical. We were even lucky enough to stand just merely 2 meters away from the head honcho of the pack, the infamous silverback gorilla, who gloriously presented himself. Goosebumps all the way! The permit may be quite expensive, but take my word, it's worth every penny!
Everything was taken care of by Bella. She was always punctual, very friendly and concerned about our needs. Above all that she treated us like friends every step of the way, be it during travelling by jeep, boat or on foot. I would highly recommend Bella Africa's services. The rates are more than reasonable and you get to explore the country with somebody's who's skilled and truly passionate about the country, its nature and culture.
Highly recommended!
BE
Email Didier & Sarah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful experience!
We had a very good time in Uganda, most of all because of our excellent guide Bella!
We did a round trip in Uganda with a wide variety of activities: visiting locals, Natural Parks, nature, ....
Everything we asked was no problem for Bella, all problems/questions were solved with a smile!
A smile we will never forget!!
If we go back to Africa, it will certainly be with Bella!
Thank you for everything!!
Would love to go back!
We did a six day safari trip in December 2015. I loved the trip Bella organized for us. I would love to go back and explore more parts of Uganda. Like other reviews say: Bella is the best!
NL
Email Danitza | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Travel with Bella Africa Safaris!
Bella is an enthusiastic, friendly guide who is very knowledgeable about Uganda. She helps out whenever she can and is very cheerful. She shows interest in her clients and the countries where they come from. She goes to great lengths to make sure everyone has an unforgetable holiday and good time.