Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Makario Safaris
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2019)
- Member Of:
- RTTA, RDB & TRIPADVISER
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $2,000 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Jeff | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
We were picked up by Eric at our VRBO in Kigali and were driven 2 ½ hours to Volcanoes National Park. Eric was very knowledgeable, not only about the Gorilla Trek. We asked Eric all about Rwandan culture and the amazing scenery that we traversed, and we learned alot about Kigali and Rwanda during our trip.
When we arrived at Volcanoes National Park, Eric took care of all the details. All we had to do was drink our coffee and wait to be assigned to a group for orientation. We were assigned one of the easier hikes due to me being 70 years old and perhaps not in as good of physical shape as I once was! Eric then took us to the starting point of the hike where we met porters and our guide, Jolie, took us into the jungle.
I am glad that we had the easier hike! We started with a 30 minute hike through farming fields, but the hike changed as soon as we entered the Park. Our guide was joined by trackers with machetes who carved a path to our gorilla family that they had previously tracked. It was rainy season and during the next 45 minutes we quickly found ourselves in ankle-deep mud. We had taken the advice of using a porter for both my wife and I, and trust me if your guide recommends having a porter, do it!
Once we encountered the gorillas, it was magical. The gorillas are so close to you, even at one point a blackback gorilla reached out and put his hand on my wife! And we caught in on video which will be a highlight for ever. We saw a silverback, three blackbacks, many females and babies, and even twins which are very rare. 60 minutes flies by as you are captivated by what you are experiencing. The guides are with you, positioning you for your best viewing and even taking your picture "with" the gorillas.
After our hike back, our shoes were covered with mud. During our stop for lunch, Eric worked with the restaurant to clean our shoes and socks! Amazing service. Lunch was great and the service was even better.
If you are considering a Gorilla Trek, you cannot go wrong with Makario Safarios.
DE
Email Martin Fatima Adertbetino | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A Journey Beyond Expectations with Makario Safaris
I recently had the privilege of embarking on a safari adventure with Makario Safaris, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I made the initial inquiry to the final farewell, every aspect of the journey was meticulously planned and executed with unparalleled precision. I recommend Makario Safaris as one of the top 5 tour operators in Rwanda.
US
Email Roberto Zanone | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Makario Safaris – Unforgettable Adventure!
Exceptional Itinerary: Makario Safaris curated an unforgettable journey, seamlessly blending adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion.
Passionate Guides: Moses was my guide but not only expert but passionate storytellers, adding depth and context to every moment.
Personalized Touches: From surprise sundowners to thoughtfully curated picnics, Makario Safaris went above and beyond to make every moment special.
Conservation Commitment: The company's dedication to conservation and respect for local communities added a meaningful dimension to the entire experience.
In summary, Makario Safaris doesn't just offer safaris; they craft transformative adventures that linger in your heart. I highly recommend Makario Safaris and encourage to use them and you will testify by yourself. Thank you to the entire team for creating memories that will last a lifetime!
CH
Email Caroline | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime experience!
We did a 6-day tour with Makario Safaris, with Jean-Marie as our guide. Makario Safaris was extremely flexible with the planning to create the best experience based on our travel requirements (we had a late flight on our last day, so they suggested changing our itinerary to do things in the reverse order than planned) and what we wanted to see. Jean-Marie was an amazing guide - friendly, knowledgeable, and very passionate about biodiversity and Rwanda. He knew all of the wildlife and how to spot them. We didn't have to worry about anything on our trip because everything was planned so well, yet still flexible in case plans changed or the weather was bad. We paid a very fair price for our whole trip, very good food and hotels. Our trip to Rwanda was an unforgettable experience for our first time in Africa. We highly recommend Makario Safaris and also Jean-Marie as a guide!
Email Atkinson Helena | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent service
I appreciated the quick responses and good value for money snd good communication. My guide Godfrey (911) was also really good
Email Sarah Bekessy | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
unforgettable day
Such a professional and thoughtful business - even though my booking was so last minute. John was the most fantastic driver and had an incredible knack finding rare and unique animals. And he is a fun and engaging conversationalist! I really recommend a trip to Akagera... it was breathtaking and incredible
thank you!
US
Email Chris Wild | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jean-Claude is the best!
My 16-year old daughter and I had the pleasure of experiencing a 4-day 3 night Rwanda adventure with Makario Safaris and it was wonderful. We did 1.5 days in Akagera National Park, visited Lake Kivu, and did the rainforest canopy walk and primate trek in Nyungwe National Park. To hit all of these places in this short amount of time requires a considerable amount of driving, but our guide Jean-Claude was top notch and an excellent driver. The fact that the landscape is simply amazing makes the experience of getting from place to place all the better. The Makario team was super communicative/responsive and provided options and pricing based on the preferences I provided. The trip was seamless, from when Jean-Claude picked us up until he dropped us off. Can't say enough good things about him. We only wish the trip cold have been longer!
CH
Email Debby | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great gorilla tour
Attention to detail. It was a seamless, well organized experience.
Godfrey was an excellent driver and made sure that I was well looked after.
The experience was one of the best in my life.
HU
Email Andras Baldi | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We had three great days in Akagera NP with Makario.
The organisation, emailing, burocracy went well from the Makario side, quick replies, adapting the program to our requests, ideas. We were transfered from Kigali airport to Akagera, then in the NP to various sites. Drivers drove as we requested, not at a usual speed, stopping at all small creatures. What I may note is the age of the cars - one even went wrong - weak engine and some problem with the roof of it to keep open.
US
Email KCT | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Reliable, professional and responsive.
Mwaka Utanje promptly responded to my initial query, and quickly provided very a clear and detailed plan for my Gorilla Trek. Everything was very well organized and worked out exactly as planned. I also appreciated Mwaka's input and answers to my many questions through the planning stages of my trip, including accommodating special requests. The drivers/guides were also really excellent. Both Moses and Hamadi were punctual, very professional, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Altogether, good value, utterly dependable, professional and well organized to the last detail. I will call on Makario Safaris and Mwaka Utanje in particular again.