John while on a game drive/ safari
Safaris By Jon
- Located In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2018)
- Member Of:
- USAGA & UTB
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $320 to $895 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
US
Email Nichole | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Memorable Great Migration and Gorilla Trek!
I contacted safaris by Jon for a customized great migration and gorilla trekking tour.
The experience start to finish was amazing. Jon is very communicative and offers many options. We ended up going with a 10 day tour through Kenya and Uganda. We explored Amboseli national park and Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya for the start of our trip. The lodges Jon booked were outstanding. The food, staff and rooms were some of the best we have ever stayed in.
The second portion of our trip we headed to Uganda to see the gorillas. We added a second day to the trek which I am so glad we did. Both treks were totally different and you got to see two different families. The experience was one that I will always remember. The lodge in Uganda was equally amazing and offered massages and laundry when you returned from a day of trekking.
This trip was once in a lifetime and if you want to have a smooth experience book with Jon. He is very easy to get ahold of, answers all questions quickly, easily customized a tour based on requests and even provides a trip guide before you leave to help with packing and other things you need to know.
My trip was absolutely amazing and it will be hard to top this experience. I highly recommend booking with safaris by Jon
Email Alex | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most epic experience of a lifetime!
Jon was amazing, and planned a seamless tour through Uganda where we got chance to see lions, chimpanzees and gorillas - truly an experience I will never forget. Jon was more than accommodating, ensuring we were picked up on time and dropped off safely. If we ever had any issues with hotels, or needed anything additional; Jon was able to organise. For any foreigners visiting Uganda, it's truly the pearl of Africa and very safe. However, definitely be aware that you may get the odd stare from locals (curiousity more than anything!) - and so Jon could benefit from installing tinted windows or curtains in the van but this is more personal than anything. I would truly recommend Jon for a holiday of a lifetime.
CO
Email Santiago | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The best Guide in Uganda
My safari in Uganda was trully unforgettable. From the thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, to the magical chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, and the deeply moving gorilla encounter in Bwindi, every moment felt Special. Jhon were exceptional, knowledgeable, kind, and always made us feel safe, inspired and in the best hands every step of the way
CO
Email Maria | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very good service
I went to a two days gorilla trekking from Rwanda to Uganda. The car was comfortable and the guide was very friendly. The picking up was on time and the trip to Uganda was pleasant. The hotel was amazing, with great views and the guide was always with us, answering questions and guiding us. The gorilla trekking was challenging but worthwhile. It is an amazing experience and the agency was very attentive during the booking process and after.
ES
Email Carla Bacete | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Absolutely amazing!
Absolutely amazing – I couldn’t recommend it more!
I chose to book my trip with Safaris By Jon after a friend who had traveled with them spoke very highly of the experience — but honestly, even their glowing review didn’t do it justice! From the moment we arrived, Jon went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. He’s not only incredibly professional, but also warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what he does. Thanks to him, our trip became a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with unforgettable moments.
Without a doubt, I would choose to travel with Jon again — and I’ll be recommending him to everyone I know. It was simply flawless from start to finish!
US
Email Nellie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly Recommend!
10/10, don't even know where to begin.
I tend to plan things well in advance, but due to a last-minute change in our travel plans, I booked this trip about a week out. I was a bit overwhelmed by the number of safari options available, but I am beyond ecstatic that we ended up booking this one.
The way they take care of every logistical detail is incredible. I usually like to do all these things myself, but it was so nice to have everything planned better than I could have done so myself, especially on such limited time. We communicated via WhatsApp.
Ziwa was our driver guide and we loved him so much. He had a calm energy about him while being so informative. I was a little worried about such long drives, but it was a wonderful way to see the country with an expert driver like Ziwa.
We did the chimpanzee trek, gorilla trek, a scenic drive through Queen Elizabeth Park, the equator, Lake Bunyonyi and so much more in just 3 days. It was an incredible trip. The treks were so amazing with such knowledgeable trackers. We couldn't believe how intimate the treks were and how much you got to see.
We decided to do the trek in Uganda because it was less expensive even though it added more driving time than going to Rwanda, but we actually preferred the extra driving. They are so good about accommodating extra or specific requests as well. The vehicle we were in was spacious and comfortable. Everything went according to plan. All the lodges they booked for us were great. Ugandan food is delicious!
We won't shut up about this trip to our friends and family. If you have the opportunity, book it!
EC
Email Andrea Yanez | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Jon was an amazing guide who always tried to create the best adventure.
I went with my mom and we had the best experience ever. We were able to see all kinds of animals, including the gorillas, chimpanzees, leopards and lions.
Uganda is definitely the Pearl of Africa due to its magnificent array of various animals and plants. Also, we found it very safe and travel friendly even though we were only two girls.
I will definitely recommend travelling with Jon because he always makes sure that his clients are happy with his service.
LK
Email Jeewaka Perera | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Pronominal
We did a 10 day tour starting from Entebbe covering the Rhino park in the North, Mutchison falls, delta cruise, the Nile cruise, night safari at mutchison, then Kibale to see the chimpanzee on foot, from there to queen Elizabeth national park, covering the kasinga channel ,and of course the Gorilla trekking at the Bwindi impenetrable forest. We Finished it all off by doing the last trip at Entebbe to see the Shoe bill. It's been a fantastic tour! We did game drives, trekking on foot as well as boat rides.
This makes it very interesting as you see animals and their behavior from different angles.
Our driver and guide Zhiwa was superb. He was informative and tended to all our requests.. he was a very safe driver and was responsible at all times. A massive thank you to Jon for the detailed plan and being so flexible and responsive at all times. The stops and locations had been selected with care and had been hand picked according to our personal needs. We will definitely be coming back and we promise to spread the word about the abundance of wild life, the fabulous parks, the efforts for conservation and more over how safe we felt in Uganda. The people of Uganda are absolutely wonderful, friendly and sincere..We will be back.
IT
Email Massimo and Arianna | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An Unforgettable Honeymoon Safari with Safaris by Jon
We just returned from an extraordinary 9-day honeymoon safari with Safaris by Jon, and it was truly the trip of a lifetime. We spent 5 days in Uganda and 4 days in the Masai Mara, and every moment exceeded our expectations.
Jon, our guide, was exceptional. His knowledge and enthusiasm made even the long car journeys enjoyable, as he provided insightful explanations throughout. We opted for a van instead of a Land Cruiser, which turned out to be the perfect choice, especially in Uganda. The van was incredibly comfortable and allowed us to stretch out on the longer rides, which was a huge plus given the sometimes bumpy roads.
Uganda was a delightful surprise. The lush forests and stunning scenery left us in awe. We did both the gorilla trek and chimpanzee trek; experiences we will treasure for a lifetime. While the car rides can be a bit rough, that’s all part of the African adventure, and it’s more than made up for by the incredible landscapes and our comfortable vehicle. We highly recommend adding Uganda to your itinerary.
Jon is not only a wonderful guide but also a genuinely kind and thoughtful person. He made us feel safe at every step, and it was clear that the entire journey was meticulously planned. We chose mid-range lodges for our time in Uganda and luxury accommodations in Kenya, and we believe this was the best way to go. Every mid-range lodge in Uganda was exceptional, with warm welcomes and excellent service everywhere we stayed.
The camps Jon selected for us were Turaco Treetops, Elephant Hab Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Ilkeliani Camp. In terms of luxury, we would rank them as follows:
1. Ilkeliani Camp (Masai Mara): Truly luxurious and the highlight of our accommodations.
2. Turaco Treetops: Very comfortable with beautiful surroundings deep in the forest.
3. Elephant Hab Lodge: A great stay with excellent service and breathtaking view.
4. Rushaga Gorilla Camp: A bit more basic, but considering it’s deep in the forest, it was still very comfortable and perfect for our gorilla trek.
For longer journeys, we opted for air travel, and we’re so glad we did! It’s worth the extra expense to feel more relaxed and maximize your time enjoying the experience.
Jon left us after our Uganda leg, and we were picked up by Duncan, our guide in Kenya, who was also fantastic. Kenya, especially the Masai Mara, can be a bit busier during the high season, but a skilled guide like Duncan knows exactly where to go for more peaceful, less crowded wildlife experiences.
If you're looking for a luxurious safari experience, Ilkeliani Camp in the Masai Mara is an absolute must. It was simply amazing in every way.
We initially chose Safaris by Jon based on a few positive reviews and took a chance on his company. We’re so glad we did because Jon exceeded our expectations in every way. He made this trip one of the most memorable experiences of our lives, and we will cherish it for years to come.
Thank you, Jon, for your incredible work, and for making our honeymoon an adventure we will never forget. You’re an amazing guide and an even better person.
Thank you!
Massimo & Arianna
Jon is amazing!
This trip was amazing! Jon was an amazing guide-- an excellent driver, very knowledgeable, and funny. He thought of every last detail, and his commitment, enthusiasm and curiosity about everything made the whole trip fascinating. Would highly recommend!