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
Email Simon Roth | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brilliant and diverse safari in Uganda with Gatatu
Five members of a photography club went on a safari with Gatatu. We had very diverse experiences on that trip. We were driven by Stephen who was an excellent driver, very knowledgeable of the area and of the animals. His assistant Leonard was great company who also knew the area well.
To give you an idea; we were met at the airport and driven to a lodge by Lake Bunyoni, tranquil and beautiful. From there we drove to Queen Elisabeth Park to see the animals, elephants, lions, bock and more. Stephen and Leonard had a sharp eye and an encyclopaedic knowledge. We stayed in Irungo Forest Safari Lodge whilst exploring the park. A great place.
Other notable trips included the trek to the gorillas. That was sensational and well worth doing, brilliantly guided by expert trackers. Also we made a boat around the shore of lake Edward where the animals had come down to get water. That was an absolutely fabulous sight and also expertly guided by very knowledgeable people on the boat.
On the 5th day we were delivered back to the airport. There was great continuity in having the same driver. Accommodation was fantastic and very varied. The food was always excellent and no one experienced any problems with food related infections.
I would say Gatatu delivered a fabulous package facilitating all those experiences. It was excellent value for money and definitely lived up to, and exceeded expectations.
I have no hesitation in recommending Gatatu very highly indeed and would definitely return for more!
CA
Email Nayha Mody | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Worry-free gorilla viewing safari!
Organized tour operator; they arranged safe transportation from where we were staying (an island in Uganda) to the mountains to see the gorillas. We were accompanied with Fred, our friendly soft-spoken guide, on the drive and through the village at the mountain base up to gorilla "headquarters" and driven back afterwards to another town for lunch and to meet the rest of our party. Smooth and worry-free. Would highly recommend. (Also, the mountain gorillas are obviously AMAZING and an experience we will remember for the rest of our lives!)
Email Mike | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great & friendly service
Richard and Steven were great, and provided everything we needed for a fantastic one day gorilla trek. They allowed flexible pick up and drop off,which made it very easy to fit into our trip. Highly trustworthy and friendly, would definitely use again and recommended to anyone.
Email Kate Ruscoe | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent safari! 100% Ugandan owned and operated!
My self, partner and mother had an amazing experience with Gatatu safaris. We did a 9 day safari to see the gorillas, chimps, Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison Falls and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
All of the preplanning with Richard was professionally organised. He would always reply to emails as soon as possible and I was very impressed with the level of his service.
The safari itself was budget but there were touches of luxury thrown in there. It was super flexible and we were most impressed with our guide Steven. He was a great guide, a fantastic driver where we were made to feel safe and he took all feedback onboard quickly and professionally. He made sure the vehicle was tidied and washed every day which was a nice touch.
All of the accomodations and meal choices were great and Steven went above and beyond to make our trip special and to ensure we were happy at all times.
The only thing I could make improvements on if there could be a pair of binoculars in the vehicle for guests to use. But we will make sure we bring our own next time.
We were happy to put our payments into a company that is 100% Ugandan owed and operated. No part of our money was going to an overseas travel operator. I feel happy that we have supported a local operator and all of our funds have gone to suppliers owned and run in Uganda.
We hope to be back one day and we will tell our friends what an amazing company Gatatu is to see the Big 5 and much more with!
Thank you for helping us make wonderful lasting memories,
Kate, Mike and Rebecca
TR
Email Onur Cagan Aygun | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing professional tour agency with really good guides
It was so good to have trip with Gatatu Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda...
Their guides are really professional, we had group tour with them and they took care of everything.
I highly recommended this amazing company to see most beautiful mountain gorillas in their wild lifes.
US
Email Ken | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An Experience to
My time with Steven traveling around Uganda and experiencing the chimpanzees and Mountain Gorillas was an exceptional experience. I began the planning six months before arrival and Richard was always informative and prompt in his correspondence. I knew exactly what to expect and that was how it happened. The lodging, meals, and travel were all at the level I expected and met my needs. Both the chimp and gorilla tracking went off without any problem and were lifetime experiences. The interaction with the gorillas was fantastic. Steven had good relations with all the tracking rangers and Gatatu seemed to have a very good reputation. Steven's commentary as we drove across the country was informative and interesting. I have a much better understanding of the country and it's people as a result. The visit to the school was inspiring and fun. This was the fifth time I traveled around the world and I've visited and toured in133 countries to date. I found Gatatu Safaris right at the top of quality people and offerings from all my travels.
CZ
Email Klara | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
very friendly stuff, focused on customer happiness
We have been in contact with Richard - gave us great recommendation and tips. Richard helped us to organize safari. We really appreciate his advices he gave us. He was focused on our interest and us to be satisfied. And we really were happy that we got in contact with Richard (very quickly responded on emails and got in touch by phone). Thanks! We enjoyed it and without your advice we would have experienced it!
JP
Email shiro | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I have a nice experience with Gatatu
I have been arranged 1 day gorilla tour by Gatatu.
Because his company is very small I am amazed that it took several days until I received his reply and I cannot find him in his office in the previous day.
But the arrangement was perfect and tour driver was very gentle.
I was able to spend a nice experience thanks to that.
Email Shivon | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I had a great experience with Gatatu.
Thanks gatatu safaris for an amazing 8 day safari. We really enjoyed the variety of activities. Jasper was always helpful and the accommodation was always great.
Thanks once again
NZ
Email Rowan Johanson | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gatatu were trustworthy, communicated well and delivered a professional safari
Gatatu were trustworthy, communicated well and delivered a professional safari. They communicated very well and were always on time. We had a great time trekking through Bwindi impenetrable to see the Gorillas. We made our payments for the permits online before hand and Gatatu handled it very well and followed through on all their commitments and promises.