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 Kent | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great Canoe Trekking Experience
Gatatu Safaris took our group an amazing one day excursion on Lake Bunyonyi. Everything they said they would do they delivered with excellence and on time as well. The met with us the day before our safari and told us what to expect and what we needed to bring and wear. Our guide, Fred, grew up around that area and was very knowledgeable of the history and culture of the lake area and of Uganda as well. The views are spectacular and the lunch at the end of the trek was delicious. If you are looking for a great safari experience call the folks at Gatatu Safaris.
Canoe trekking experience
If you are looking for a great, easy to plan, and reasonably priced safari, Gatatu is definitely the a company for you. We only had one day to plan a trip on, so we took the canoe trekking tour on Lake Bunyoni. It was the most beautiful, enjoyable experience of my life. Fred, our tour guide, grew up in the area and was very knowledgeable about the place and its surroundings. It was a great hike, with some cool stops along the way. We traveled the lake in dug out canoes. Lunch was provided, and it was very good. An entire days trip, for a very good price. If I do a trip like this again, I'll definitely go Gatatu!
Email Rick Wiley | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
One of the truly great life experiences
Gatatu Safaris are one of the best tour operators I have ever experienced in Africa. The owner Richard Tusasibwe provided comprehensive information prior to the trip and provided his driver to meet us at the airport on arrival in Entebbe to take us to our accommodation in Kampala prior to the tour commencing. Stephen, our driver and Uganda ambassador was great company over the next 6 days taking us to all the places that make Uganda such a rich experience. The access they have to specific guides in each of the parks added to our understanding and experience of the wildlife parks. The accommodation was very comfortable and the overall cost extremely reasonable. There is no doubt the gorilla trek is the highlight but close behind is meeting the children of a very special school in Kabale supported by Gatatu Safaris. Book a tour. You won't be disappointed.
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Email Marva | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
An amazing 14 days in the Pearl of Africa
I was hesitant at first to sign up with this tour because Gatatu was unknown to me. But, this trip to Uganda was one of our most enjoyable trips. It was pure Africa, with bumpy, pot-holed roads, dust, town markets, seeing how Africans really live, and a touch of "whatever happens, happens" attitude. Before the trip Richard stayed in constant communication with us to allay our concerns. Stephan, our driver guide, was prompt, fun, knowledgeable, and networked perfectly throughout the country, speaking four languages as he did so. He provided every service we could have asked for and some that we never would have asked for, like cleaning my dirty shoes, socks, and pants after the gorilla trek! He even called me "Mama."
Accommodations were fun: each was different, from homey to stylish. Gorillas and chimps were breath-taking. The visit to the Batwa people was excellent, and the performance given by the school Richard operates was heart warming.
We absolutely love the company! We'll be back next year!
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 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.
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