Our team manager on game viewing in QENP
Safari 2 Gorilla Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2012)
- Member Of:
- AUTO & UTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $400 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
AT
Email Ronny | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Not recommendable
We booked a combined trip to Rwanda and DRC. The services in Rwanda were close to what was offered. In DRC, however, Aaron tried to rip us off. Instead of the 3-star lodge we had booked and paid for, they wanted to put us up in a room without any standard (no water, used towels). We had to spend a night there and really struggle to get to the lodge we had booked. The Congolese guide kept telling us that he had not received any money from Safari 2 Gorilla Tours and therefore could not pay for the services we had booked. Aaron only gave us completely idiotic excuses like Covid, no cook in the lodge (all lies, there were good staff in the lodge). Safari 2 Gorilla Tours is not recommended because they are dishonest and that is dangerous when paying in advance. 2 hours before departure we were suddenly informed of the change in accommodation, where there was no way of defending ourselves. Should tours deny this, photos of paid and received services as well as price and itinerary follow.
FR
Email M&M | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Accommodating and efficient
We organised the trip via whatsapp then email, and regularly kept fluid and responsive communication with Aron, which was much appreciated.
Aron via phone and Barnice, who accompanied us during the nine day trip were accommodating to our demands, as we had to sometimes leave earlier or later than would be the norm, due to our own working arrangements. Also, Aron provided an internet router free of charge for the trip, I had asked for it and this proved very useful and necessary.
All the trip went smoothly, and we felt supported and listened at when discussing possibilities, alternatives and flexible arrangements, as most of the days we decided the daily plan the night before.
Barnice was a very good guide & travel companion, we (travelling as a couple) especially appreciated that he always gave very realistic transfer time estimates, and drove safely, in addition to this he was engaging and communicative while perfectly respecting privacy and resting times. We usually travel independently, but this time we chose (a first) to have our travel arranged via a tour operator, so with this background the flexibility and adaptability aspect was very important to us.
Our trip started with Lake Mburo, then Queen Elizabeth, Lake Bunyonyi and Mghahinga NP.
NL
Email Danielle | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great private taxi transfer services
Normally we travel independently but because of Covid-19 we try not to use public transport on this trip. Safari 2 Gorilla Tours offered us private taxi transfer service with good value for money multiple times: from lake Mburo to Rushaga, Rushaga to lake Bunyonyi, lake Bunyonyi to Kampala, Kampala to Jinja and Jinja to Entebbe.
Communication via WhatsApp to make arrangements went very smooth with Aron being quick and clear in his responses.
Aron drove us most of the time, but we also had a ride with driver Barnice. Every time they were in time, most of the times even early to make sure we could leave whenever we wanted. The service was more than just a private taxi service: Aron told us many interesting things about Uganda and let us taste some local food. That really made our trip more colourful and interesting.They know a lot of good places all over the country, like restaurants and accomodation. Although we organized our trip by ourselves, that was still an advantage. Above that, Aron uses his business in Uganda to help other Ugandans as well.
We would definitely recommend to travel with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours.
US
Email Zachary Taylor | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great tour around Uganda!
We had an amazing time trekking with gorillas and chimpanzees and climbing mountains. Aron the owner and our guide is a good person and great guide. Thanks!
US
Email Jon | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Rwanda - GO NOW!
In early September I decided to book a trip to Rwanda and by mid-October I was staring at Muhoza the Silverback. I could not have pulled off such a successful trip without Safari 2 Gorilla Tours and Aron. S2G’s planning, communication, and execution of schedule was key to a solo traveler such as me, particularly during these challenging covid times. Because no one is getting back out there yet, I essentially had private tours for a totally reasonable cost. Aron customized two tours for me, and I went on both of them (starting and returning to Kigali, I was in Rwanda the whole time). Tour one was a five-day, two-park primate adventure, with Danny as my trusted driver/tour guide/translator/and all-around great company! Much joy was driving between the parks, seeing all of Rwanda and her busy, productive people and learning about the local culture from Danny. Tour two was a three-day Akagera NP safari, with a full day of game drive and a morning boat tour of Lake Ihema. Danny was again my driver/compadre for the Akagera tour. He drove the 8 hour park loop as our ranger and I spotted all of the safari animals – again, private tours right now! The hotels they selected along the way were very nice (especially the Ingagi Park View Lodge), and the schedule allowed for downtime between the activities. This was a totally unique adventure during a just a weird, strange time. But Rwanda has this covid issue under control better than any other country right now. If you want the feeling of being the “only one there”, right now is the time to go, Rwanda is the place to go, and Safari 2 Gorillas is the outfit to call!
US
Email Monika | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Gorilla Adventure w/ Aron
Travelled through Rwanda and Uganda with Aron as our guide. He was the best. We had an epic trip & he worked hard to make sure we had everything we needed.
DE
Email Henning | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing
We highly recommend travelling with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours. Our tour guide Aron made our trip to Queen Elizabeth Nationalpark unforgettable. He was always pleasant, attentive and reliable. Thanks to him we got to see so many animals, even a leopard (very rare !) and some lions. He organized even a chimpanzee trekking for us. It was a fantastic experience ! Thanks again Aron !
Email Edward | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Incredible, would book again in a heart beat!
WOW! One of the best trips I have ever done! I highly recommend booking with Safari 2 Gorillas and ask for Aron, one of the best guides you will ever find! Everything was impeccable, from the mountain gorilla tour in Uganda, the golden monkeys in Rwanda, and the animal safari in Akagera Park, one of the best 5 days we have ever had! Do not hesitate and book immediately, you will not regret it. Bucket list checked!
NL
Email Swaantje | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing
It’s an amazing tour, I would recommend very much to take this trip. Aron is very nice and helpful and Martin was an excellent driver. I was lucky to have Francois as a guide. It’s been one of the most extraordinary and impressive tours I ever did. You come face to face with a gorilla family which is overwhelming. You need good hear and a good condition to take this trip but it’s worth every penny! Thank you Aron, Martin and Francois!
A complete disappointment and not worth the money.
Accommodations was bad cheap place to stay and no wifi 🛜 in the rooms. You will only see one day of the gorilla and will change your schedule. Keep in mind for 2k there’s better accommodations and trekking but make my mistake if you book with this company. Had to take him to the police station to bring down the amount he wanted. The Chimpanzee is very cheap in Uganda and that’s he’s alternative to make you waste another day and he’s plan to fulfill the other trekkings days he promised. He also stated only Americans complain and I don’t have an education?? Keep in mind trekking in Rwanda cost 1500$ in the park where he will take you it cost 800$ so please do the math. Overall you can find way better tours operators who will provide a much better experience. Safari bookings please look into this matter.
Reply from Safari 2 Gorilla Tours
Posted on Oct 14, 2024Dear Payono Wascar,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We value all feedbacks, as it helps us to continuously improve our services. We are truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, and we regret that you left feeling dissatisfied. However, we believe it’s important to provide clarification on certain aspects of the tour to ensure a fair and accurate representation. We gave u a an itinerary which was our contract with you, which you deliberately refused to follow as expounded below. For instance, we don't know what we would have done better in a situation where u paid for 1X Gorilla ticket but wanted to do 3X Gorilla Treks which you hadn't paid for and which was practically impossible. Let's pass through your contract on a detailed basis
1. Itinerary and Activity Adjustments
- Before your trip, a full itinerary was provided, outlining each day’s activities in details (Day 1; Kigali transfer to Volcanoes NP, with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Museum, Day 2; offered the option of Rwanda Gorilla Trek for an additional $1,500 or to do inclusive Golden Monkey Trek, Day 3, Uganda Gorilla Trek at Bwindi/Mgahinga Gorilla NP & Day 4; For returning to Kigali to end the trip). Due to the short notice booking & availability of permits, we made a slight schedule adjustment to ensure your experience could proceed without any disruptions. We communicated these changes to you in advance.
2. Cancellation and Rebooking:
On the Oct 06th at 23:30, you opted to cancel, and then rebooked at 10:22am on the Oct 7th (Time your tour is supposed to commence). Despite the sudden changes, our team worked swiftly & efficiently to rearrange permits, guides, and accommodations to accommodate your new plans. We take pride in our flexibility and commitment to ensuring that all guests have a smooth and enjoyable experience, even when plans changes unexpectedly.
3. Payment Dispute and Police Involvement
- Regarding the payment dispute, our field team involved local authorities after you declined to pay the agreed amount for the services rendered. The pricing & optional activities were communicated transparently in your contract/invoice, and you agreed to the terms. However, upon conclusion of your gorilla trekking session you deliberately shortened the trip & refused to make payment as agreed in your contract instead demanded for more activities (3X Gorilla Treks, tickets alone costs $4,200) contrary to your agreed package @ $1,980 that included 1X Uganda Gorilla Trek.
- The involvement of the police was necessary to mediate the situation and ensure the terms of our agreement were honored. This was done in a professional and respectful manner to ensure a fair resolution for both parties. We regret that the situation escalated, but it was important to ensure that our team was fairly compensated for the services provided.
4. Price Transparency
- The package price of $1,980 included 1X Uganda Gorilla Trekking permit, 1X Golden Monkey Permit, accommodations, and meals, as specified in the itinerary. The 1X Rwanda Gorilla Trek was offered as an add on activity with a permit fee of $1,500, which was clearly communicated prior to your booking. When you chose to shorten your trip, we made a corresponding adjustment to the cost, ensuring you were only charged for the services provided.
5. Payment Options and Surcharge
- We offered several payment options that included bank wire transfer, cash, WISE and card payments. Card has a 6% surcharge transactions fee, which is standard in our region. We informed you of this surcharge ahead of time, and also provided the option of cash payment to help you avoid this fee.
6. Accommodation and Wi-Fi
- The accommodations selected for your trip are eco-friendly lodges located near national parks. These properties were chosen to enhance your experience of the surrounding natural beauty, though Wi-Fi is often limited to common areas, which is typical in these conservation areas. We strive to balance comfort with ecological responsibility, and we apologize if this was not communicated clearly beforehand.
We are pleased that you enjoyed the gorilla trekking itself, as this is a truly unique & memorable experience. However, we regret that other aspects of the trip did not meet your expectations. we are committed to delivering well-organized, affordable, and exceptional tour experiences, and we take pride in offering our clients the best value across East Africa. Our team is dedicated to providing transparent pricing and superior customer service, even when unforeseen challenges arise.
We remain committed to addressing any concerns and are open to further dialogue if you would like to discuss the matter in more details.
Thank you again for your feedback, and we wish you the best in your future travels.
management.