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
US
Email Betty | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Richard is a thief, do not trust this company.
This is NOT a safari company, it is a huckster with a website. Richard insists on money wires in advance but then doesn’t deliver on any of his contracts. He offers nothing but lies, abuse, and third-rate accommodations. After scamming my group for thousands of dollars, I am infuriated to see that people are continuing to try to book tours through him! DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER CALLING THIS COMPANY unless you want to lose money and have your trip ruined. We had to pay for almost our entire trip twice since he took our money but didn’t pay any of the parks or hotels we were supposed to visit. He belongs in jail, I’d love to know how he got out, but hopefully he will end up back there soon enough.
US
Email KAT | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Buyer Beware - Gatatu lied about purchasing our Gorilla and Chimp permits in advance
After researching a few safari companies, we (group of 4) chose to work with Gatatu as they had great reviews and were a small operation located right in Uganda. Clearly something has changed with their business since these last reviews were posted, as our trip was anything but easy. We came to find out Richard and Steven never purchased our gorilla and chimp permits in advance (we found out about the gorilla permits the morning of our trek when we couldn't get in) in spite of telling us they were purchased back in August 2018, when my sister and I made a $2000 deposit (my friends made a similar deposit but I don't know the date). Richard went as far as providing FAKE copies of the gorilla permits. Please keep in mind gorilla permits and chimp habituation permits HAVE to be booked well in advance as only a limited number of ppl can get in per day. After repeated lies from both Richard (and threats via text) and Steven, we decided to part ways and hired ourselves a new driver 4 nights in. If you choose to use them, make sure to get copies of all of your permits in advance and confirm their validity with the national parks.
On a positive note, all of our accommodations were what was promised and we did have a nice $30 add on of a boat ride up the Kazinga Channel with one of Steven's friends. Also, with our evidence of being duped by Gatatu, we were able to get ourselves in for a gorilla trek at Bwindi by the game warden who took pity on us and with the assistance of two locals in Kibale, in for the chimp trek (we couldnt get in for habituation as that was full). All I can say is thank goodness we did not pay them in full and were able to walk away with a few saved dollars. If you have any questions, I have saved all of my communication and texts with Richard. Feel free to reach out.
p.s. Steven picked us up in a green safari vehicle full of roaches on the first day. We should have known what was to come...
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g673829-d10791582-r644516635-Gatatu_Safaris-Kabale_Western_Region.html#
Reply from Gatatu Safaris
Posted on Feb 22, 2019After entering into Agreement with Kara, your sister and sent the first installment of the money,You requested to add 2 more people, You were 3 ladies and one Male unfortunately, You breached the contracted when you reached in our office in Uganda and refused to pay all the balance based on the agreement.
With the gorilla tracking, I admit there was issue but having 2 nights in Bwindi, we knew you would do gorilla tracking and by the way, there is high demand for gorilla permits in Uganda, For people who do not book their safari 6 month in advance, it will be hard to get gorilla permits, why?? Rwanda increased its gorilla permits from $750USD to $1500USD , the demand for gorilla permits in Uganda is very high.
You arrived differently in Kigali, Steven met you with the land cruiser which was white, its not mentioned, on the second, he went to meet Elizabeth and boyfriend, its not mentioned, You not mentioning that you refused to pay on arrival in Uganda, changing the white car to a green which would accommodate 4 of you was a good deal and the vehicle is very new unfortunately i am not aware and was not aware of the Cockroaches because its been used to transport very many people.
There very many people from around the world who pay money to companies and on reached at the airport, no body is there to meet them, I am not sure what you really mean being duped however we are very committed to serve all people from around the world, we have served more and more people after you and before you, we don't bribe people to write good things about us, more good reviews are coming unfortunately it was hard for Steven to go on with you when you threatened to strangle the head was your bear hands and feared for his life.
ES
Email elena grimalt | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had an amazing time in Uganda, it was incredible!
Thanks to Gatatu and Reward our guide we lived an authentic African experience. They were very flexible and thoughtful. The places we went and the animals we saw were incredible. We felt like home the days we were there. We love Uganda, a country where you can find amazing experiences.
Email Michael | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent local company to do your East Africa Safari
Richard put together a great 9 day trip around Uganda which has the most stunning scenery and wildlife. Steven our driver & guide made sure we were safe and well looked after. We wanted to choose a local company to ensure all our money paid was going to Uganda, rather than a large foreign company & travel agent commission. We weren’t disappointed and can highly recommend Gatatu Safaris.
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.
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.
NL
Email Evert | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Communication difficult, great tour
It took me a while to decide on which gorilla tour from which tour operator to choose. I was looking around for one day tours starting from Kabale or Kisoro. I booked a tour with Gatatu, which had both a good price and good reviews (on safaribookings.com).
Contact with Gatatu was by e-mail with the owner. In his first e-mail to me he said that I would pay at the start of the safari either in Gatatu’s office or to my guide. But because Gatatu had to buy my gorilla permit for the trekking date I asked if I shouldn’t pay for at least the permit before. Then I received a reply that money did have to be transferred to Gatatu’s account.
I had to transfer the full amount which I did, but Gatatu did not buy the permit before the money was received. One week later they had received the money, but it took 3 more days until I received a message from the owner saying he bought the permit the day before. The waiting for Gatatu buying the permit (in total 9 days after payment) and telling me about it made me pretty nervous as I had read that permits could be sold out. Also the payment information I first received turned out to be incorrect and after finding out they had received the money it still took 2 days for Gatatu to buy the permit.
The gorilla tour itself was great. First I could enjoy the landscape during the early morning drive from Kabale to Bwindi Park. Mist was hanging over the valleys, a beautiful sight. Then during the gorilla tour we had found the gorillas very quickly and they came very close, especially 2 babies.
US
Email Hiroko | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Trip of My Life!
My friend and I signed up for the 8-day African Safari Tour (budget version) with Gatatu Safaris. Steven was our driver and he took care of us from beginning to end. Steven was The Best! He always looked out for our best interest and made sure that everything we needed was taken care of throughout the entire trip even to the smallest details. Our trip was during the last 2 weeks of October so there were short rainstorms every day which only lasted for 30min to 1 hour. We seemed to get lucky with no rain on the days we went chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, which I'm so grateful because the main reason for taking this trip was to photograph the wildlife. This was my first time in Africa and to see all of the wildlife with my own eyes roaming freely was absolutely amazing! We paid extra to do the chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale National Park which was worth every penny. We hiked for almost 1.5hrs to get to the chimpanzees and because we signed up for the habituation experience, we were able to be amongst the chimpanzees for a good solid 2hrs. The gorilla tracking was even more outstanding! Due to the water damaged roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from the overnight rain, Steven took us to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Although the drive on the unpaved roads were rocky, Steven was a pro with the 4x4 and got us to the trail that leads to the entrance of the Park. It was a moderate to strenuous 30min hike to get to the park entrance. Fortunately the park's rangers and trackers start at 7:30am to locate the family of gorillas prior to our hike so we only had to hike for a little over an hour to reach the gorilla family. We were able to get about 5-7ft away from the gorillas (3 silverbacks, 1 female, 1 juvenile and 1 20week toddler). These gorillas were the most gentle giants and so entertaining to watch! Our other activities include a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel where we were able to see an elephant, several species of birds, so many hippos and a crocodile. Took a canoe ride around a few of the 29 islands in the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. The accommodations were excellent and the meals were delicious every where we stayed. The customer service everywhere we stayed were top notch as well. I enjoyed every bit of this trip and I consider it the best trip of my life so far. I highly recommend Gatatu Safaris as they are trustworthy and provide great customer service!
US
Email Tai | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing trip of a lifetime with Gorillas!
I had a fantastic trip with Gatatu Safaris. I'm a budget traveller, usually backpacking. Gatatu's prices were reasonably cheap compared to other companies so I enquired and was contacted by Richard the owner. Richard answered every question I had (around 50 emails). So I decided to book a gorilla trip with them, they do have mid-range and luxury tours if want to upgrade but I went with the budget. They require a money wire transfer (I was a little nervous at first) which is what most Africa companies do. After a brutal flight from the US we were greeted at the airport by Steven our guide and taken to our accommodation. Steven answered every question we had constantly checking on us to see if everything was okay. First day we went to Bigodi Wetlands to see birds and primates and the local village the second day we went to see the chimpanzees and opted to do the habituation which was worth the upgrade to spend more time with them, amazing experience. From there we went to Queen Elizabeth National Park for the game drives. Saw elephants, hippos, water buffaloes etc (didn't see any big cats). The Kazinga Channel cruise is awesome! Then we went to Kabale visiting a local school and Lake Buyonyi and where we also met up with Richard. This trip was taken in October so is was rainy season, the road to Bwindi Imprenatrable was impassable due to mudslides so Richard arrange permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and wow!! What an amazing experience, we had the Gorilla family all to ourselves. To spend an hour with these gentle giants is a once in a lifetime experience. Saw 3 Silverbacks, 2 females, a juvenile and a infant We didn't get any rain while on the trek but it down poured after we got back to the vehicle. Then spent the last couple of days on beautiful Lake Buyonyi(so many birds). Also of all the things I forgot to bring from home....I forgot my rain jacket. Steven went to the market on day one to pick up a jacket for me when I told him I forgotten it. A trip of a lifetime. Here a few things I wanna mention. While on this trip I notice that there were other companies running similar itineraries. We would run into the same people except they paid a lot more. The first (Kibale) and last (Lake Buyonyi, you take a motorboat and stay on an island) accommodations were really nice way beyond what I expected for a budget safari. The other were budget ones like hostels which is fine in my book, as I've said before you can book a mid-range to higher end. All your meals are included and Steven would give us snacks and cokes on the long drives. The gorilla trek is physically challenging but it will be worth all the effort (bring water). Do the habituation with the chimps rather than just the regular trek, you'll be happy you did. Roads are good but on the way to Gorilla trekking the roads can be a little rough, Steven was a master at handling it. Don't be afraid to ask your guide if you need something. Book a trip with Gatatu, support a local company. You will get the same service, visit the same places, do the same activities for a fraction of the price. If you are particular about where you sleep, ask them about their higher end tours.