Reviews
Email Cath | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best customer service and amazing tour
I have done 2 trips with Deo and both have been exceptional. He is reliable, trustworthy and professional. When I took my elderly mother he looked after her so well and made sure she was comfortable. I went back with my 2 sons and we enjoyed a great safari with Deo who was knowledgeable and helpful and great fun to be with.
Next time I return to Uganda I will definitely be contacting Deo.
Email Tina Watts | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A very well, most enjoyable stay with Deo
Deo is a lovely, kind and genuine man who is passionate about his country and making your time there well spent.
Nothing is too much trouble. Absolutely loved my time in this totally awesome country
IT
Email Simone Bartolini | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I lived a great experience in to the forest, was a great emotion to meet Gorilla
I did a great tour with Hidden gems, I advice to everybody want to do a safari in Uganda to book in this agency. They are very professional and very friendly. Uganda is a very beautiful destination, and Ugandan people are really nice. I love Uganda.
Thanks Hidden Gems
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Email Peter and Natalia | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Thanks to Deo for a Rare and Great Experience
My wife and I signed up with Deo at Hidden Gems of Uganda for a 1 day Gorilla tracking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park while we were traveling across Africa. It's a bit scary doing business with someone you haven't met and transferring money for permits from the US to Uganda, but in the end, Deo did everything he said he would and provided excellent communication every step of the way. He personally met us at the bus station in Kabale and took us to our lodge on Lake Bunyani and made sure all our details were sorted.
The tracking tour, in a small group, was excellent and after trekking for an hour, we spent an hour with a Gorilla troop. A wonderful experience overall.
After a rest day at the lodge, Deo picked us up and drove us to our bus station for travel to Rwanda. Thanks Deo for a world class adventure!
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Email Dave | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Could not have been happier
I booked on short notice during the slow season (about 6-8 weeks out) for a short 7 day visit. I had sought out quotes from 3 companies. Hidden Gems came back at 30% less in cost with the same type accommodations and itinerary as compared to the larger (in the tour book) companies. I chose them based on the reviews I found on TripAdvisor in the forum section as well as the cost. Note there is no hidden fees as all quotes I had included all costs (rooms, meals, permits).
I then had to shorten the visit to 5 days and they adjusted the itinerary so that we did not miss anything.
I was met at the airport and then started the itinerary. Everything including the weather ran well for the entire trip. Lodgings were as promised along with the meals. Transport went without a hitch with a nice and roomie 4WD van.
Our focus was primates, but also included time in QENP which was awesome (see the pictures).
We did a Chimp Trek first, followed by an afternoon QENP drive. We lucked upon not only seeing a couple of lions up close, but also were just in time to watch a leopard stalk and then catch an antelope - this was a great first day.
2nd day we went to see the Lions in the Tree and got to see two "cubs" and two older males, in the tree. We also got to see them climb down and back up. Afternoon was on the lake where we saw many hippos and other animals. Excellent second day.
Third day was more driving with some good scenery. We saw the lake setting on the 20,000 note as well as another lake area noted for being in films. This was a good breather between busy days.
Fourth day was all day Gorilla Trek. Uphill both ways somehow.
Last day was Golden Monkeys. This ended up being my favorite. Our guide went with us which made it even more fun. It was a good day with the monkeys as they were very close to us and active for our hour, without wandering off too much.
Last day was a long drive back to the airport - almost 8 hrs. It was not all that bad.
In all this was a very enjoyable trip. Not just for all that we got to see, but how stress free it was. Hidden Gems took care of all the scheduling (a good itenerary that allowed us to make all the items), selected good lodging, made sure our rooms were correct, and that meals were all taken care of.
Our guide Paul was excellent. He hit everything on the numbers and got us everything on the list - Leopard kill check, Lions in and out of trees check, Elephants playing in the mud check, Elephant walking around a large crocodile check, as well as the Chimps, Gorillas, and Golden Monkeys. Van was cleaned up every day and we always had water and snacks (we never ran out of bananas).
Deo (owner) kept in touch while arranging the tour, kicking off the tour, during the tour, and after the tour. He also met up with us a two times and rode shotgun on the last day as well.
This is exactly the tour I always hope for when booking local, getting that personal hands-on experience.
I usually do not repeat trips, but this is one I may make an exception for.
