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 Sarah C | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Safari adventure
A day trip from Kabale in SW Uganda to Queen Elizabeth Park exceeded my expectations! It was my fourth excursion with Gatatu but my very first 4x4 safari experience and it proved just so exciting to see in the Wild animals that all my life I've viewed in captivity. Above all, I was amazed by the number of elephants and captivated.
The planning was tailored to my needs and service excellent. The driver was outstanding - very careful. In the afternoon a two hour boat trip facilitated photography. A day to remember...
NL
Email Ruud | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gatatu - excellent service - wonderful experience
It was the best choice we could make when we decided to choose for Gatatu as our tour operator. We first visited the holiday trade fair in the Netherlands where we could collect all the information we needed, and then searched the internet for the best tour operator. Our interest in Gatatu was formed when we read the reviews on safari bookings.
The contact I had with Richard during the preparational phase was outstanding. I have never met a person like Richard who delivered this excellence service. His devotion to deliver the best possible service was admirable. We were constantly emailing each other (and still are) and all of my questions were nicely answered in no time. I knew that I was doing business with someone who is very trustworthy.
Our time in Uganda was indescribable! The country itself is gorgeous and people amazingly friendly. Our guide during the week was called Stephan. He took us to the most beautiful locations in the country and gave us so much time to have the holiday we wanted to have. He was dedicated to serve us the best possible experiences. We shall never forget the nice conversations we had with him about his country and his upcoming plans. Thanks to Stephan we know much more about starting a business in Uganda as a foreigner, and we might even start something on our own in the future.
Richard and Stephan helped us to explore one of the nicest countries in the world. We will certainly return to Uganda in the near future because the country and Gatatu Safaris has so much more to offer.
Uganda is in our heart and will stay there for the rest of our lives thanks to Gatatu Safaris. The best advice that I can share is that small companies like Gatatu Safaris deliver the the biggest en best experience possible.
Exciting, tailor-made experiences - the real Uganda!
1) the Bunyonyi photography trek
This was a short, morning trip to 5 locations: beauty spots overlooking the stunning Lake Bunyonyi. A perfect contrast to the bustle of downtown Kabale. Stunning panoramas which I will enjoy sharing with my photography club back in London.
The driver, Stephen, proved very careful, knowledgeable and sensitive to my needs eg coffee!
Perfect. Efficient, reliable, punctual and friendly!
I booked a permit to see the mountain gorillas at Mgahinga N.P. with Gatatu Safaris and everything was sorted out for me with real professionalism and the staff demonstrated experience and understanding of clients' requirements. Richard, the tour operator, was patient with my requests for a safe, reliable driver and of course a gorilla tracking permit which was obtained at short notice. Stephen, the driver, was punctual and friendly, getting me to and from the park safely. Most impressive of all was the attention Gatatu paid to the client. I met with both Richard and Stephen several times before the trip to ensure everything was planned to perfection. I'd recommend Gatatu to anyone wanting to see the incredible gorillas in Uganda.
Email Stephen Boyle | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great value tour of Uganda's highlights, perfect gorilla experience and blissful Lake Bunyonyi .
This is a Ugandan led tour and its USP is the connection you get with the country through the planned itinerary and the links to local communities that Gatatu offers as part of your experience. This is a budget option that offers real value for money. The accommodation we had was very decent quality, particularly at QE National Park and the Entusi Lodge at Lake Bunyonyi which is as near to an earthly paradise as I've ever encountered. You rough it a little up in the mountains visiting a local community but the rooms there are clean and comfortable and the climate is cool and sleeping is easy. We were well fed and had no problems at all with stomach upsets! Gatatu's foresight in that department was much appreciated. Our driver Stefan was brilliant. His driving was excellent, safe and thoughtful, he was a great guide and a really enjoyable companion. Always willing to answer questions about the wildlife and all aspects of Ugandan life, especially music which is a big passion of mine ( I now have 8GB of Ugandan and other African sounds which I'm gradually working my through). The pace of the tour and its variety were spot on. Not too much but lots to keep you fascinated and delighted. The highlights for me were the cruise along the Kizenga Channel, with a dazzling variety of animals and birds, and above all an amazing encounter with the gorillas in Bwindi INP. We were exceptionally fortunate in meeting them, just the 2 of us, after only 30 minutes trekking. It was a remarkable and deeply moving experience for which I am truly grateful to Richard and his colleagues. The big surprise of the tour for me was Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and which I intend to revisit soon. Finally its important to remember that Gatatu is a Ugandan business. Your money benefits local workers and businesses and helps Richard and his colleagues to support a school for poor families in in his local town of Kabale. If you want a really Ugandan experience of the wildlife and landscapes of this beautiful country Gatatu is a great choice.
Email Malcolm | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Gorilla Trip
For those that follow and may be looking for an operator to take them to the gorillas.
Toured with Gatatu Safari Tours who are 100 metres down the end of the road from Kabale Backpackers. Low Season permit was $350, $100 for transport and $50 to stay near the park for one night. Left Kabale at 4pm and arrived at the Wild Olives guesthouse at 6.00pm. Basic but clean and comfortable and perfect for the one night. Meals included. Left for the park at 7.20am for 8.30am briefing. Only 2 people on the trek so I think getting a permit at short notice is not an issue right now. I arranged on the Thursday for a Saturday trek. Trek was pretty tough on the legs but well worth it and got very close to the gorillas. An hour with the gorillas and 3.5 hours all up. Very safe driver and happy to stop for photos along the way. These guys were a lot cheaper than another well known operator in town and are a very good choice for your trek. Definitely recommend that you check them out. They even thru in a return trip to the lake for petrol money which was a very nice touch.
DK
Email Jens M | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safari tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
It was a nice tour, even there was some small problems/misunderstanding with the accommodation. There was also problems with the walk in the forrest, or actually problems with the road. So do not go for a walk in the forrest in the rain seaso!! The national park even charge you before you going for the forrest, even you cant go to! But all in all it was a great tour & a nice driver/guide...
Reply from Gatatu Safaris
Posted on Dec 14, 2015Thanks for the review, I think we agreed that you will be staying in bush lodge which i believe you did, I am so sorry that you really missed forest walk because of the poor roads leading to the forest, this is good in dry season to have a walk. Please see you again!
IL
Email Angel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I got a very good service from Gatatu (Richard) that managed my Safari at QENP. I strongly recommend
I got a very good service from Gatatu (Richard) that managed my Safari at QENP. I strongly recommend
Email Emma | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Gorilla trekking - Bwindi
Richard organised my Gorilla permit for me and I had a driver from Gatatu Safaris for the day of my safari. Richard responded to all emails promptly and was very accommodating to budget and dates. My driver Dale was friendly and safe. I would, and have, recommended Gatatu to friends. I paid for my permit via a bank deposit, Richard acknowledged the money was received and arranged my permit with no problems.
CY
Email Marcos | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Value for money
My experience with Gatatu Safaris was a short one as I hired one of their cars and a driver to get from Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali, about a 3 hour drive. There is not much to say about the ride, which was uneventful, but I feel that I must say something about the money I paid for it. Huge difference!! Out of the four quotes I received, the one from Gatatu was four times cheaper than the most expensive one and 3 times cheaper than the second most expensive. I would certainly recommend using their services as it looks like this is a very reasonable company trying to make a living and not trying to rip off ignorant tourists.
Reply from Gatatu Safaris
Posted on Sep 18, 2015Thank you Marcos. It was great inquiring and having you on this ride from Lake bunyonyi to Kigali City, I am very sure that you really enjoyed.