Dav Safaris

A memorable safari with some disappointing experiences

I booked a 9-day safari with this company, visiting Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park.

The national parks were absolutely beautiful, and the trip offered unforgettable experiences. My guide was friendly, helpful and always willing to assist me, which I really appreciated.

Unfortunately, there were several disappointing aspects of the tour. None of the charging ports in the safari vehicle worked. I believe functioning charging ports should be a basic requirement in a safari vehicle, especially when travelling for several days and relying on phones and cameras to capture the experience.

Another issue was tipping. At several activities, staff explicitly mentioned that tips were expected. Considering that I had already paid hundreds of dollars for some of these activities, I found it disappointing to feel additional pressure to tip.

I enjoyed staying at most of the accommodations, with one major exception: Rwakobo Rock Lodge, near Lake Mburo National Park.

On the evening of my arrival, I was asked what I wanted for breakfast the following morning, and I ordered seven boiled eggs. However, after breakfast, I was informed that only two eggs were included and that I had to pay an additional $10 for the other five. The explanation was that most guests only eat two eggs. The problem is that nobody informed me of this restriction or the extra charge when my order was taken the previous evening.

It is ridiculous that a property advertised as a four-star hotel cannot provide a proper buffet breakfast and charges $10 for five additional eggs. Furthermore, my room had neither air conditioning nor a fan, while several geckos were crawling around inside.

Unfortunately, the experience at Rwakobo Rock Lodge completely ruined my day and left a bitter impression of the entire safari. It was particularly disappointing to end an otherwise wonderful trip on such a negative note.

Overall, the national parks and my guide made this a memorable journey, and I enjoyed staying at most of the accommodations. However, the problems with the vehicle, the pressure to tip and, most importantly, the final accommodation significantly affected my experience.

I am giving this safari 3 out of 5 társ, primarily because of the experience at Rwakobo Rock Lodge, which substantially diminished what should have been an excellent final day of the trip.