Semu Gorilla Safaris and Tours Specialists
Semu Gorilla Safaris and Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 1-5 employees (Founded in 2023)
- Member Of:
- USAGA, UTB & UWA
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $60 to $1,400 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email B&B | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable
We recently completed two trips in Uganda and Rwanda:
Uganda: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and both the standard Gorilla Trek and Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Rwanda: Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, climbing Mount Bisoke, and safari in Akagera National Park.
From our very first web inquiry, we were impressed. Edison replied promptly and followed up with clear, well-planned itineraries. Communication was smooth from the start, which gave us confidence moving forward.
The wildlife experiences were extraordinary and consistently exceeded expectations. We tracked chimpanzees, saw golden monkeys, and encountered mountain gorillas three separate times — on the standard trek, during the habituation experience, and unexpectedly on our Mount Bisoke descent.
Climbing Mount Bisoke was physically demanding and deeply rewarding. On our way down, a group of 15 wild gorillas — including six silverbacks — crossed directly in front of us. It was unscripted, powerful, and easily one of the most remarkable wildlife moments we’ve ever experienced.
The parks in both countries are exceptionally well managed. The level of organization and dedication to conservation is evident everywhere. Uganda and Rwanda take preservation seriously, and it shows.
The people we met were warm, welcoming, and proud of their countries.
Our accommodations were comfortable and well selected, and the food was consistently good.
Our driver-guide, Mukasa, was outstanding — skilled on challenging roads, punctual, engaging, and steady in every situation. We had a strong, reliable vehicle that handled rough terrain with ease. Both Edison’s and Mukasa’s English are very good, which made communication easy and added to the overall comfort of the experience.
If I had to describe the tour operator in one word: Reliable.
Edison and his team deliver what they promise — professionally, efficiently, and with genuine warmth.
NZ
Email Abbie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional 3-day gorilla trekking experience
From start to finish this was a great tour!
My guides, Edison and Tonny, were outstanding. They were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and went out of their way to accommodate any needs. They were especially helpful with the pickup and drop-off arrangements.
The tour itself was perfectly organized and truly memorable. The gorilla trekking was an unforgettable experience. Even though the accommodation was listed as “budget,” I found it to be really fantastic and the food was great too.
I highly recommend Semu Gorilla Safaris and Tours. They delivered a top-quality experience with warm, professional service. I couldn’t have asked for more!
Thank you Edison and Tonny!
DE
Email Carla | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Perfectly organized Tour
Our trekking was easily organized online. They accomodated all our custom wishes for changes regarding sights and length of the tour. We could always count on a quick response to all our questions. Also out driver was always punctual, easy going and had a Lot of inside Information about the people and the Country.
CA
Email LH | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Reliable Organized Tour Operator
We enjoyed an excellent four day tour of Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks in early May with Semu. The parks and lodges were quieter at that time of year, which made the experience even better, and the weather cooperated throughout. We were fortunate to have Edison join us, along with Jimmy, our driver and guide. From the earliest planning stages right through to the end of the trip, Edison provided clear, helpful information and always responded promptly.
For our budget accommodations, I was pleasantly surprised by Mpogo Lodge — it was outstanding. Our second stay at Engiri Game Lodge offered a different charm: the huts were simple but comfortable, and the atmosphere was wonderful. We were even treated to daily visits from elephants wandering through the property, which was such a memorable highlight. Meals at both lodges were very good.
The itinerary kept us busy, with several activities each day. We saw an impressive variety of wildlife, thanks in large part to Jimmy’s sharp eye — he often spotted animals long before we did. Although the drives from Kampala to the parks were long, they were enjoyable, with plenty to see along the way. Our guides did everything possible to make the trip smooth and enjoyable.
We added an extra day to visit Jinja and the Source of the Nile, and it was absolutely worth it.
Overall, it was a fantastic trip filled with lasting memories. I highly recommend booking with Semu.
